And so it begins, or continues, as it were...

It begins. After the revelation of their nuclear reactor and potential for nuclear weaponry can we really be surprised? If the past decade in the Middle East hasn't been enough of a signal then here it is in spades. This world is about to explode. Literally. WWIII here we come.

Selling Electric License plates to a Distracted Public

Really? Do we need more Distractions?

In California, license plates might go electronic

ROBIN HINDERY Associated Press Writer

Posted: 06/20/2010 10:00:39 AM PDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—As electronic highway billboards flashing neon advertisements become more prevalent, the next frontier in distracted driving is already approaching—ad-blaring license plates.

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would allow the state to begin researching the use of electronic license plates for vehicles. The move is intended as a moneymaker for a state facing a $19 billion deficit.

The device would mimic a standard license plate when the vehicle is in motion but would switch to digital ads or other messages when it is stopped for more than four seconds, whether in traffic or at a red light. The license plate number would remain visible at all times in some section of the screen.

In emergencies, the plates could be used to broadcast Amber Alerts or traffic information.

Pharmaceuticals, as proven as Quackery

Pharmaceutical companies make millions of dollars a year off the public yet fail to provide substantial evidence of actual benefit from use of their products while reducing non pharmaceutical medicine to quackery.

Big drug companies constantly introduce unproven medicine with several serious side-effects to the market. Just watching TV for one commercial break is evidence enough.

Almost every break there is at least one ad for some new "medicine" that helps depression, but could make you aggressive, more depressed or even suicidal. Asthma "medicine" that can give you head aches, sinus problems and even fungal infections. Insomnia "medication" that can cause addiction, depression and possibly death, if used ALONE.

There is one thread in common between all these medications, profit.

Huge multi-national corporations make millions a year off all these drugs they introduce to the public. How is medicine beneficial if the laundry list of side-effects include DEATH? Is that not counter productive to the entire purpose of having medicine?

Granted, there are several medications that have been proven to be beneficial, such as anti-biotics, but they too have side-effects and are often ineffective from overuse and resistance. Cough medicines and asprin-type medications do often help with aches and pains but destroy liver tissue after prolonged use.

So why, with all these negative aspects of "modern medicine," do we reduce homeopathic and natural medicine to quackery? Many of the techniques have been around for thousands of years in cultural practice while "modern medicine" has only been around a few hundred.

Using "science" to cloak risky medicines has been the selling point for big pharmaceuticals. They try to discredit natural medications and time honored traditions through ad campaigns and lack of "scientific research" but fail to fairly disclose that their own medications are rarely proven to actually be beneficial. Almost HALF are still unknown to be beneficial or harmful.

Peppermint tea could be just as good as Pepto Bismol, vitamin-c as good as cough syrup, exercise, nutrition and rest as good as Zoloft. You'll never know if you simply believe the ads though.

So before you go to fill your next prescription hastily written out by an overloaded doctor, click through the links here, ask a an expert, just decide for yourself whether those side-effects are worth it.

A Call to Arms for Students

It is time to wake up. Time to get up and do something. To shut your mouth and open your eyes. To put down your books and raise your fists in protest!

There has been much to be indignant about lately. Fee hikes. Course offering cuts. Reductions in services. Overcrowded classes and campuses. In short, the stripping of our public education system. It is time for students to voice their opinions and do their best to reverse these injustices. If those who are most affected are not also the most vocal, then impact is lost when others who are farther removed from the situation voice their discontent. This is the period when we either stand up for our right to education, or let private interest overrun our public education system and destroy accessibility, affordability and opportunity for the vast majority of our society.

We are already importing scientific talent in several different fields, including engineering, chemistry and medicine, from other countries. If we cannot educate our own citizens for the jobs in highest demand, then how are we supposed to rebuild our economy? Factory jobs in manufacturing and customer service have already been shipped overseas to increase profit margins of American companies. Farming communities forced into ghost towns in favor of factory farming run by corporate interests.

There are no jobs left for the average worker. Honest, hardworking people who only wish to support themselves and their families through the strength and skill of their hands. They have all been pushed into substandard salaried positions at fast food restaurants or retail stores. Those will college degrees clogging the endless seas of middle management positions above them. But soon, those too will fade to automation and computer programs.

If people, students in particular, don't shake off their apathy soon, they will only realize their are no opportunities for further education or careers with livable wages when it is too late.

Many talk of the injustices occurring in our society, in their school, in their hometown, but how many actually do anything about it? The apathy does not end with the turning off of the TV, with the overdue trip to the library, with the signed form letter to a congressman or senator, the apathy only ends when ACTION is taken. True action. Not the pointless semantics encouraged by our current administration. The masturbation of bureaucracy. Apathy ends in the streets. In the squares and in the schools. In the presence felt by both leaders and fellow citizens when someone makes the effort to be seen and heard. When a statement is made, not through words, but through that apathy ending action. Through art, through music, through protest. Through action.

We must use whatever means we have at our disposal to make the boldest statements possible. Gone are the times when mere conversation sufficed. The powers that be have not listened. The UC board of Regents has not listened. The California State Legislature has not listened. Our government has not listened. And if the will not listen, we must make them see. Make them see and feel our discontent, our outrage, our determination in resisting the detrimental changes they are trying to enforce on us. We will have our education. We will rebuild our nation. We will prosper as our forefathers have.

And it will begin as grass roots movements. Help end the apathy. Join clubs at your university, college or high school. Join community organizations. Participate in local politics and civic discussions. Protest what you feel is unjust. Just participate. There are organizations all around our wonderful nation dedicated to preserving education and the well-being our our youth's intellect. Seek them out and offer whatever services you have to offer. It is only then that the Apathy will end. It is time to put up or shut up. Period.