House Republicans Quash Internet Free Speeck

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

“The rules prohibit phone and cable companies from favoring or discriminating against Internet content and services, including online calling services like Skype and Web video services like Netflix that could compete with their core operations. The FCCs three Democrats voted to adopt the regulations late last year over the opposition of the agencys two Republicans.”

via House Republicans Move To Block FCC Internet Regulations.

The Big Corporate Oligarchy continues to control Congress.  The ability of the mega-internet companies to manipulate access and speeds to the Internet is equivalent to silencing whomever they don’t want to be heard,and whenever they don’t want the message heard.  In this age where the Internet is becoming the megaphone for free speech, the Republicans show that they are not for individual rights in the famed constitution.

Folks we need government regulation to protect us from the excess of the corporate giants that are controlling everything.

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Gambling On Hunger: Climate Change & Market Factors

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

The Crap Shoot on Wall Street & Chicago Trade

The stock market is up.  The oil prices are up.  The food prices are up.  Consumer income is down.  Workers are unemployed.  Home owners are upside down and under water.  Home values are down and deflating.  Foreclosures are up.

Interesting thing is that the food costs and hunger problems now surfacing from the middle east as a major cause of unrest and revolution are causing the oil prices to rise.  Oil prices rising will exacerbate the rising food costs here in the USA and around the world.  Is there a circle of unrest that will only intensify.

The link below is to an excellent article on the problem:

Gambling On Hunger: Amid A Food Crisis, Why Do Republicans Want To Keep Regulators At Bay?.

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Price of Daily Bread Skyrockets

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

Food Prices Shoot Up – Contribute To Unrest In Middle East (Video)

NBC News devoted a substantial segment of time during this evening’s broadcast to the crisis of rising food prices.   Reports of the unrest breaking out all over the middle east have included the observation that poverty and the high cost of food have contributed to the desparation of those wanting change in the excesses of dictators and kings.  The latter eat well while food comprises huge percentages of the poor’s budget with nothing left for anything else.  The average American family budget devotes just 9% to food.  This may be about to change according to this video report from Brian Williams:

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Revelations - Climate Change - Merchants - High Food Prices

6:5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds[a] of wheat for a day’s wages,[b] and six pounds[c] of barley for a day’s wages,[d] and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

The global positioning of the United States financially and militarily has been focused on the world oil reserves.  The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are all about the importance of  not allowing damage to the flow of oil from the middle east.  We rationalize the need to support dictators and kings for our own purposes.  Those who oppress and control their populations suit our selfish interest in oil just fine.  Why is it so hard to imagine accurately the reason the United States is not liked by the people of that part of the world.  The crowds in Eygpt have not yet focused their attention much on an anti-American theme.  That is fortunate.  Maybe they realized just how much the Egyptian military is tied to the American military, as reports in this country have made clear.

Mubarak kept his emergency military law in place for thirty years while the United States made him a billionaire.  Did the price of passage  through the Suez Canal and peace with Israel include oppression of the Egyptian population for all those years?  Is this the new form of slavery of men and women today?  And where is the interest in the human rights of those the United States allows to be held captive?  Where is that shining light

Egyptian Protestors Demand Freedom

on a hill?  It stayed hidden for thirty years until the people kicked over the table under which it has been hidden.

We keep blowing and going, bombing and fighting,  polluting the earth and scoffing at scientists who try to warn us of the contribution man is making to the looming climate-change disaster.  Reports are beginning to come out that we have waited too late.  The report on NBC Nightly News pointed to the markets and its engine of speculation as adding to the cause of rising food prices.   The merchants of the world are watching and what will they see?

Revelations Chapter 18 (NIV)

11 “The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.

14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’

Huffington Post published an exclusive video interview with Erik Rasmusen on the “Epidemic of Climate Change”.  He is one of a hundred journalist named among those most influential.   Here is the discussion about the way such change impacts the world.  Perhaps many have not considered just how sensitive the societies of the world actually are and how they will react to the disasters to come.

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AOLs Tim Armstrong and HuffPost Arianna Huffington Video Interview on Acquisition Deal | Kara Swisher | BoomTown | AllThingsD

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

AOL Marries Huffington Post

The link below features video interview of Tim Armstrong of AOL and Arianna Huffington.  This is a great development for both organizations in my judgement.  Last week there was a lot of fuss and stir about the introduction of News Corp.’s new App for iPad — The Daily.  This is Rupert Murdoch with more of his genius in trying to corner all market that is news, or rather agenda and opinion pushing maybe.  It is too early to tell what will become of either Murdoch’s new approach to a so-called daily news for iPad or how the new acquisition of Huffington Post will position itself in the internet content mix.

Nevertheless, I am excited with anticipation that the AOL – Huffington Post mix will provide for some excellent content and make fabulous use of the social media market.  I can’t wait for their new iPad application that is sure to be coming soon.

AOL’s Tim Armstrong and Huffington Post’s  Arianna Huffington Video Interview on Acquisition Deal | Kara Swisher | BoomTown | AllThingsD.

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USA Role in Eygpt and Arab Turmoil — Noam Chomsky (Video)

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

People Demand Mubarak Resign - People Have Decided

Why Do We Support Arab Dictators Over Democracy?

It is a question that should bother the American people just a little.  Afterall we are supposed to be the house on the hill, the shining light when it comes to democracy of the world.  Yet, so much of our support in financial aid and military backing goes to the continuation of governments that make no improvement in the rights of their people or in obtaining consent of the governed in the selection

Egyptian Protestors Demand Freedom

of their leaders.  The irruption in Egypt after 30 years of Mubarak’s USA backed government should say something about our involvement in numerous situations in the Arab countries.  We support dictators and say to hell with the people as long as the people are well controlled.

Noam Chomsky has championed bringing the truth to the American people about the ills of United States involvement in world affairs for years.  In a recent talk at the University of Tennessee the professor teaches us a little about the Arab situation using the Egyptian people’s uprising to bring the point home.  Here is part of the lecture in video.

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Egyptian Protests Continue Curfews Ignored – Videos

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

Videos

Protestors Clash with Police

Egyptian Protests — Man shot — (Graphic)

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Final Countdown: Keith Olbermann And MSNBC Announce They Are Parting Ways (VIDEO)

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

Keith Olbermann

A Voice of Progressive America Silenced For Now?

The full story is not yet told but the news that Keith Olbermann’s Count Down is off the air is not pleasing to hundreds of thousands of his viewers.  An intelligent and often sharp tongue carried a voice capable of challenging the competing thoughts of the day and hour facing Americans.

The voices we hear are all too controlled.  The truth and vigor of debate are muted.  The concentration of media ownership and control in the few BIG CORPORATIONS is a threat to our democracy and our national security.  At every turn the corporate world controls and dictates — manages what we hear and see to manage us.  We the people are losing our way without truth to guide us.  Truth repressed will make its way still, but its irruption to light and hearing and reaction may be of harsh consequences in the end.  God help us.

Whether we agree with the message or not the right to have it spoken has always been an idea we all support.   We can rejoice that the internet provides another way to share information but it too is being locked up and controlled.  The massive corporate and government effort to silence Wikileaks is the best first example.  But the recent developments at the FCC on Internet Neutrality is another sign of the effort to control speed and access to the Internet highway.

When we don’t have the ability to communicate and we are fed misinformation bad things are sure to happen.

Final Countdown: Keith Olbermann And MSNBC Announce They Are Parting Ways (VIDEO).

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Skincare Regimen That Makes A Difference For Women & Men Too

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

Karen Drinkard -- Skincare Consultant -- Reverse Regimen For You

Reverse – Regimen for Brown Spots, Dullness and Sun Damage

The buzz is out there big time with Rodan + Fields skincare regimens.  Evidence reveals the multi-med therapy really makes a difference in the health and appearance of your skin.  Our skin is usually not thought of as an organ of the body.  But it is.  Human skin is the largest organ of the body.  It serves many purposes in protecting our health; but when it comes down to it, we like skin because of the way it looks and feels.  As we age, skin begins to show the stresses of life from just plain living and exposure to the sun and environment.

Women seem to place more emphasis on skin beauty than do men.  Think of the time and money they invest in their face.  I am thankful they do.  Every day there is the make-up routine to hide blemishes, give them the color and doctor the eyes.   There is more.   In time, make-up is not enough.  Then comes Botox and plastic surgery considerations.  Those options are more intrusive and may be avoided by use of Rodan + Fields Dermatologists’ products.

What do men do to keep their skin healthy and face looking good?   Pretty much nothing.  We shave and throw on some lotion.  Men don’t have the make-up routine, or at least most of us don’t.  Our face is just out there unmasked to either attract, or maybe not so much anymore.  We can take greater care of our skin.  And our gals probably wish we would make the same effort they do to look better, to look good.  Now we can.

My wife Karen recently discovered the new skincare products developed by Dermatologists Katie Rodan, M.D., and Kathy Fields, M.D.   Their journey began during their dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine.  There they heard a compelling message from their mentor, the Chairman of Dermatology Department:  ”Find your passion and make a difference, or be confined to a practice that’s ordinary.”  They interpreted this message as  an imperative to go forth and change the rules.

Rodan + Fields’ product development was born with the “goal to give everyone access to dermatology-based skincare so they can experience the personal confidence that comes with a healthy, clear, even-toned complexion.”  Their mission is “to help people solve the most common skin concerns without a visit to the dermatologist.”  The product regimens they have developed target the most common issues such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity.

When my wife started examining the clinical findings and the “before and after” photographic evidence of astounding improvements in skin appearance of product users, she was sold.  The products are marketed only through independent skincare consultants, who  tap into the extraordinary system of support and efficient delivery of the products.  I have to admit that the results being documented by product users are so impressive that I became interested in the business opportunity and decided to join Karen in both the use of the products and exploring the unique business opportunity afforded to anyone that shares the passion for beautiful, healthy skin.

I have personally started the Reverse regimen to target those brown spots and sun damage.   At age 60, I have been on this Making 60 Young mission.  The mission includes exercising and making an effort to show improvement physically and mentally in things that make our quality of life enjoyable and better.  Now this skin treatment has become part of the overall program.  I am going to give it a shot to see what it can do for folks in my age group.  Some of the photos I have seen on the “before” and the impressive “after” treatment look make me believe that I will love what I see.  I have taken my “before” pictures this week.  I will document my product usage and produce the photographic evidence of “before and after” to demonstrate from personal experience  and testimony the product value.  Stay tuned.

Karen Drinkard -- Skincare Consultant

You can contact Karen on Facebook or at karenbdrinkard@charter.net for more specific information on your personal skincare needs.  Product orders are handled at Karen’s independent online store at http://karendrinkard.myrandf.com  and http://karendrinkard.myrandf.biz

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Ala. Supreme Court overturns $3.2M Baptist Health decision | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Steve Drinkard

In a 4-3 decision, the Alabama Supreme Court has dealt a harmful blow to the citizens of Alabama who are harmed due to negligent delivery of healthcare services.  Tort reform over the years in Alabama has made winning a medical malpractice case improbable as it is but this ruling is affording “governmental immunity” to a private hospital as an unintended result of an agreement the hospital entered with a school.

Many readers may not realize that the right to trial by jury is a constitutional right under both the United States and Alabama constitutions.  There has been an abridgment of that right for over 30 years with tort reform limiting the power of a jury to award damages.  A jury has been referred to as the “conscience of the community” and when charged with determining the truth and applying a remedy, it must have meaningful power or it is an exercise in futility.  People your power under the constitution is being and has been taken away or diminished.

Republicans of Alabama who are strict constitutionalist need to take serious notice.  Individual irresponsibility and corporate irresponsibility should carry legal consequences in our society.  See the link to the article.

Ala. Supreme Court overturns $3.2M Baptist Health decision | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser.

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Indiana Earthquake ‘Extremely Rare and Unprecedented’ (Video)

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Steve Drinkard

Earthquake Location Rare for Indiana

Midwestern Earthquakes Stir New Madrid Quake History

On December 30, 2010, a rare and unprecedented  3.8 magnitude earthquake struck in an Indiana location without a known seismic history.  The earthquake caught scientist by surprise and left them examining the data as speculation about the cause continues.  The Christian Science Monitor reports on yesterday’s event found here.  Midwestern earthquakes often trigger writers to remind the public of historic seismic events.  In this incident Christian Science Monitor delves into historic New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards.  Some scientists think that the next major destructive earthquake will occur along the New Madrid seismic zone which runs through the middle of the country.   The USGS website contains information about the 1811 – 1812 New Madrid Earthquakes in its summary of historic earthquakes here.

Geologist Jack Reed Connects Gulf of Mexico to New Madrid Seismic System — Calls Gulf Seismically Active

This blog has reported on increased seismic activity in the Gulf of Mexico in a series of three articles.  The third article of the series explains the theory of geologist Jack Reed regarding what he believes to be a seismically active Gulf of Continue reading →

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