A recently proposed bill in the Ugandan Parliament provides for the following penalties:
1. Alleged homosexuals face life imprisonment or death.
2. Parents failing to denounce a homosexual child, face $2,650 fine, or three years in prison.
3. Teachers failing to report homosexual students, face $2,650 fine, or three years in prison.
4. Landlords suspected of giving housing to a homosexual face seven years in prison.
Just how close to Nazism do these acts have to be, before the international community stands up and protests in disgust? For more on this story, and how you can help, visit The International Humanist and Ethical Union.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Quote of the Day: Vincent Lombardi
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.
~Vincent Lombardi
~Vincent Lombardi
$weeps Issue #5: New York Trip - $30,000 Cash!
Here are four new listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.
First Up: Project Runway Fashion Week Trip
Project Runway and Lifetime television are giving away a trip for two to attend the Bryant Park fashion week in New York City. Includes round-trip airfare, two nights hotel stay, tickets to the Project Runway finale at Fashion Week, and $5,000 cash. Total value of prize is approximately $11,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 1/4/2010.) Average WOT* Rating: 88.3
Second Up: Taste of Home $30,000 Dream Kitchen
TasteOfHome.com (a subsidiary of Reader's Digest), is giving away a "Dream Kitchen" valued at $30,000. The actual prize will be a check in the amount of $30,000, so you don't have to buy a kitchen if you'd rather have car or something! You are allowed one entry per day, and the promotion ends on 2/16/2010. Average WOT* Rating: 88.8
Third Up: Better Homes & Gardens $2,500 Get Cozy Sweeps
The Find-A-Pro division of Better Homes & Gardens, is having a drawing for your home improvement project. The prize is a check for $2,500. You are allowed one entry per day, per person. Deadline for this drawing is 12/31/2009. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 89.5
And Finally: $600 Shopping Spree at T.J. Maxx
Woman's Day magazine and T.J. Maxx are teaming up for this promotional giveaway. One winner will receive a $600 gift card, good at any T.J. Maxx store. One entry per day, per person is allowed. Deadline for this drawing is 12/20/2009. Average WOT* Rating: 85.0
*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.
First Up: Project Runway Fashion Week TripProject Runway and Lifetime television are giving away a trip for two to attend the Bryant Park fashion week in New York City. Includes round-trip airfare, two nights hotel stay, tickets to the Project Runway finale at Fashion Week, and $5,000 cash. Total value of prize is approximately $11,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 1/4/2010.) Average WOT* Rating: 88.3
Second Up: Taste of Home $30,000 Dream KitchenTasteOfHome.com (a subsidiary of Reader's Digest), is giving away a "Dream Kitchen" valued at $30,000. The actual prize will be a check in the amount of $30,000, so you don't have to buy a kitchen if you'd rather have car or something! You are allowed one entry per day, and the promotion ends on 2/16/2010. Average WOT* Rating: 88.8
Third Up: Better Homes & Gardens $2,500 Get Cozy SweepsThe Find-A-Pro division of Better Homes & Gardens, is having a drawing for your home improvement project. The prize is a check for $2,500. You are allowed one entry per day, per person. Deadline for this drawing is 12/31/2009. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 89.5
And Finally: $600 Shopping Spree at T.J. MaxxWoman's Day magazine and T.J. Maxx are teaming up for this promotional giveaway. One winner will receive a $600 gift card, good at any T.J. Maxx store. One entry per day, per person is allowed. Deadline for this drawing is 12/20/2009. Average WOT* Rating: 85.0
*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.
Clip of the Day: Protect Insurance Companies PSA
This great little clip is from Funny or Die, and has received their "Chosen One" designation with 2.8 million views to date. (2:20)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
And I Thought I Could Write
After reading back over what I wrote this morning, I couldn't believe how poorly constructed my thoughts were. I was still half-asleep when I wrote it. Nevertheless, my point came through.
To leave you with a final thought on Thanksgiving Day:
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true meaning of our thanksgiving." ~W.T. Purkiser
Here's to using my editing abilities better next time...LOL.
To leave you with a final thought on Thanksgiving Day:
"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true meaning of our thanksgiving." ~W.T. Purkiser
Here's to using my editing abilities better next time...LOL.
Giving Thanks: Deliberation & Forethought
On this day, I am most thankful for my dear friends and family. They are the foundation upon which I build my life and experiences. I am thankful for courageous leaders in the struggle for equal rights; for the fallen angels who led the early struggle with AIDS/HIV, and for the heroes among us who continue their fight.
Also, I've noticed much press lately, (really "talking heads'", not real journalists), considers President Obama slipshod, with no clear plan of action. They consider his deliberate and steady hand a "lack of decisiveness" on the war in Afghanistan. Frankly, I don't think he's exhibiting indecisive behavior at all.
Conversly, I believe he has been, and continues to be, decisive about his intent to remain informed, deliberate, and bring serious forethought to the impact of his actions. Past attempts to approach these decisions without the type of scrutiny he is giving them, have cost the U.S. untold blood and treasure...in Afghanistan and elsewhere. "What are your thoughts?"
So my thanks to Obamas; "Don't Listen to the Barbarians at the Gate". Review, deliberate, and push everyone to think out of the box, until you have a plan that will most efficiently invest what remaining blood and treasure we have for this endeavor. God speed to you, your advisors, and the soldiers on the ground who will carry out your orders.
These "talking heads" obviously don't care that the majority of our allies see Obama's caution and deliberation with great pride and admiration. So do I. Even one less dead soldier, will be worth Obama's time investment. It takes courage to drown out the barbarians at the gate, while you devise a way to save their homes and country. Happy Thanksgiving to the First Family. Our prayers are with you.
Also, I've noticed much press lately, (really "talking heads'", not real journalists), considers President Obama slipshod, with no clear plan of action. They consider his deliberate and steady hand a "lack of decisiveness" on the war in Afghanistan. Frankly, I don't think he's exhibiting indecisive behavior at all.
Conversly, I believe he has been, and continues to be, decisive about his intent to remain informed, deliberate, and bring serious forethought to the impact of his actions. Past attempts to approach these decisions without the type of scrutiny he is giving them, have cost the U.S. untold blood and treasure...in Afghanistan and elsewhere. "What are your thoughts?"
So my thanks to Obamas; "Don't Listen to the Barbarians at the Gate". Review, deliberate, and push everyone to think out of the box, until you have a plan that will most efficiently invest what remaining blood and treasure we have for this endeavor. God speed to you, your advisors, and the soldiers on the ground who will carry out your orders.
These "talking heads" obviously don't care that the majority of our allies see Obama's caution and deliberation with great pride and admiration. So do I. Even one less dead soldier, will be worth Obama's time investment. It takes courage to drown out the barbarians at the gate, while you devise a way to save their homes and country. Happy Thanksgiving to the First Family. Our prayers are with you.
Clip of the Day: WKRP's Turkey Drop
Adam Lambert: Double Standard for Gay Men?
If you saw the American Music Awards, you most likely saw the controversial performance by Adam Lambert. While Lambert admits the performance got a bit more sexual than he intended, he points out that it was nearly 11pm by the time he took the stage. He emphasized that "family hour" was over at that time, and suggested that parents should Tivo such programs before allowing their children to view them. Active parenting, a radical concept.
An interview with Lambert slated on ABC's Good Morning America was canceled. CBS's Early Show picked up the ball, and invited Lambert. In the promotional tape prior to the show, CBS showed a photo from the 2003 MTV Music Awards, with Madonna kissing Britney Spears. During the interview, a photo of Lambert's performance was shown, but with the controversial kiss pixelated. Lambert contends a double-standard exists for media tolerance of gay men. That it's somehow acceptable to view two women kissing, but unacceptable to see two men doing the same. CBS's actions seemed to support his contention.
For more, see Ed Kennedy's blog on AfterElton.com
An interview with Lambert slated on ABC's Good Morning America was canceled. CBS's Early Show picked up the ball, and invited Lambert. In the promotional tape prior to the show, CBS showed a photo from the 2003 MTV Music Awards, with Madonna kissing Britney Spears. During the interview, a photo of Lambert's performance was shown, but with the controversial kiss pixelated. Lambert contends a double-standard exists for media tolerance of gay men. That it's somehow acceptable to view two women kissing, but unacceptable to see two men doing the same. CBS's actions seemed to support his contention.
For more, see Ed Kennedy's blog on AfterElton.com
Quote of the Day: Joseph Francis
As long as society is anti-gay, then it will seem like being gay is anti-social."
~Joseph Francis
~Joseph Francis
Monday, November 23, 2009
Say No to Church Mandates
Your spiritual and religious beliefs should inform your political viewpoints, and your vote. But it should not mandate them. For a major religious institution to step up and refuse to support health care rights for everyone, unless it includes restrictions on reproductive rights, is tyrannical. This behavior is the antithesis of the American dream: the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, under a state that is free from church rule.
Top Ten Chillaxin Songs (Part 2)
For your musical enjoyment, part two of my top ten songs for chillaxin. The Urban Dictionary defines chillaxin as: "Way-far laid back. Chillin' and relaxin' at the same time. An extreme state of contentedness. Good vibes."
Number Six: Soul of the Sea - Heart (6:29)
Number Seven: Nights in White Satin - The Moody Blues (7:20)
Number Eight: Libertango - Grace Jones (4:14)
Number Nine: Time - Alan Parsons Project (5:05)
Number Ten: Sweetest Taboo - Sade (4:23)
Hope you enjoyed my selections, and you are now "chillaxed".
Coming up next: My top ten "Get Up and Move" songs.
Number Six: Soul of the Sea - Heart (6:29)
Number Seven: Nights in White Satin - The Moody Blues (7:20)
Number Eight: Libertango - Grace Jones (4:14)
Number Nine: Time - Alan Parsons Project (5:05)
Number Ten: Sweetest Taboo - Sade (4:23)
Hope you enjoyed my selections, and you are now "chillaxed".
Coming up next: My top ten "Get Up and Move" songs.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Quote of the Day: Kahlil Gibran
"And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."
~Kahlil Gibran
~Kahlil Gibran
$weeps Issue #4: Berlin, Electrolux W&D, $20,000
Here are three new listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.
First Up: AllSaints Escape to Berlin Sweepstakes
AllSaints fashion brand is celebrating the opening of their first U.S. store. In partnership with Elle magazine, they are holding a sweepstakes for a trip to Berlin. Prize includes round-trip airfare for two, three nights at a luxury hotel, a $1,000 shopping spree at AllSaints Berlin, and $1,000 for expenses. Valued at $10,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 12/26/2009.) Average WOT* Rating: 85.0
Second Up: Electrolux Front-Load Washer & Dryer Giveaway
Woman's Day magazine and BrandSource.com are joining up to give away an Electrolux front-loading washer and dryer set. Color options include Red Hot Red, Turquoise Sky, Silver Sands, and Island White. Prize is valued at $3,600. Deadline for drawing is 1/9/10. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 84.8
Third Up: CMT's World's Stricktest Parents Poll & Drawing
Country Music Television is conducting weekly polls about strict parenting. Each week, one winner is chosen to receive a $100 SpaFinder gift certificate. The final grand prize drawing is for a $20,000 check. You must register an account on this site to participate in the polls. One poll participation is allowed per person daily. Each poll answer earns one entry in the drawing. Deadline for this drawing is 12/13/09. One entry daily allowed. WOT Rating unavailable for entry web page. Average WOT* Rating for CMT.com: 89.8
*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.
First Up: AllSaints Escape to Berlin Sweepstakes
AllSaints fashion brand is celebrating the opening of their first U.S. store. In partnership with Elle magazine, they are holding a sweepstakes for a trip to Berlin. Prize includes round-trip airfare for two, three nights at a luxury hotel, a $1,000 shopping spree at AllSaints Berlin, and $1,000 for expenses. Valued at $10,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 12/26/2009.) Average WOT* Rating: 85.0Second Up: Electrolux Front-Load Washer & Dryer Giveaway
Woman's Day magazine and BrandSource.com are joining up to give away an Electrolux front-loading washer and dryer set. Color options include Red Hot Red, Turquoise Sky, Silver Sands, and Island White. Prize is valued at $3,600. Deadline for drawing is 1/9/10. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 84.8Third Up: CMT's World's Stricktest Parents Poll & Drawing
Country Music Television is conducting weekly polls about strict parenting. Each week, one winner is chosen to receive a $100 SpaFinder gift certificate. The final grand prize drawing is for a $20,000 check. You must register an account on this site to participate in the polls. One poll participation is allowed per person daily. Each poll answer earns one entry in the drawing. Deadline for this drawing is 12/13/09. One entry daily allowed. WOT Rating unavailable for entry web page. Average WOT* Rating for CMT.com: 89.8*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Stupak Amendment Shifts U.S. Abortion Policy
Anti-choice representatives in the house slipped a late-hour amendment into the health care reform bill passed last weekend. The Stupak amendment makes it virtually impossible for women who access coverage through the newly created insurance exchange, to get coverage for an abortion. Even when they pay the premiums for coverage themselves!
This restriction effectively creates new federal policy on reproductive rights, by expanding limitations on access to abortion under the Hyde Act of 1976. Most notably, the policy disproportionately affects struggling lower income women. What never ceases to amaze me, is that those who would legislate restriction on reproductive rights, are often the same folks who would restrict, or eliminate, assistance to poor families. Where are the values in that? Keep the poor and disadvantaged, poor and disadvantaged, that's where.
If this amendment and it's impact on women concerns you, write a letter. MoveOn.org recommends writing to your local newspaper, as it creates a louder overall response, and has a bigger impact in Washington. They have a great letter-writing tool you can use available here.
If you prefer to write your representatives directly, here are the contacts:
House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory
You should create your own letter, which is in your own words. But for inspiration, here is the letter I sent to the San Francisco Chronicle, my representative Nancy Pelosi, and my senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Brief, and to the point:
"The Stupak Amendment effectively shifts policy on reproductive rights in the United States. It will have a disproportionate impact on poor and disadvantaged women. This hijacking of health care legislation is a travesty, and must be reversed."
This restriction effectively creates new federal policy on reproductive rights, by expanding limitations on access to abortion under the Hyde Act of 1976. Most notably, the policy disproportionately affects struggling lower income women. What never ceases to amaze me, is that those who would legislate restriction on reproductive rights, are often the same folks who would restrict, or eliminate, assistance to poor families. Where are the values in that? Keep the poor and disadvantaged, poor and disadvantaged, that's where.
If this amendment and it's impact on women concerns you, write a letter. MoveOn.org recommends writing to your local newspaper, as it creates a louder overall response, and has a bigger impact in Washington. They have a great letter-writing tool you can use available here.
If you prefer to write your representatives directly, here are the contacts:
House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory
You should create your own letter, which is in your own words. But for inspiration, here is the letter I sent to the San Francisco Chronicle, my representative Nancy Pelosi, and my senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Brief, and to the point:
"The Stupak Amendment effectively shifts policy on reproductive rights in the United States. It will have a disproportionate impact on poor and disadvantaged women. This hijacking of health care legislation is a travesty, and must be reversed."
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