Constant Controversy and Today's Headlines

"Call off the Global Drug War." (NYT)

2011-06-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

New York Times Article Below Titled:

"Call off the Global Drug War."

IN an extraordinary new initiative announced earlier this month, the Global Commission on Drug Policy has made some courageous and profoundly important recommendations in a report on how to bring more effective control over the illicit drug trade. The commission includes the former presidents or prime ministers of five countries, a former secretary general of the United Nations, human rights leaders, and business and government leaders, including Richard Branson, George P. Shultz and Paul A. Volcker.

The report describes the total failure of the present global antidrug effort, and in particular America’s “war on drugs,” which was declared 40 years ago today. It notes that the global consumption of opiates has increased 34.5 percent, cocaine 27 percent and cannabis 8.5 percent from 1998 to 2008. Its primary recommendations are to substitute treatment for imprisonment for people who use drugs but do no harm to others, and to concentrate more coordinated international effort on combating violent criminal organizations rather than nonviolent, low-level offenders.

These recommendations are compatible with United States drug policy from three decades ago. In a message to Congress in 1977, I said the country should decriminalize the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, with a full program of treatment for addicts. I also cautioned against filling our prisons with young people who were no threat to society, and summarized by saying: “Penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself.”

These ideas were widely accepted at the time. But in the 1980s President Ronald Reagan and Congress began to shift from balanced drug policies, including the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts, toward futile efforts to control drug imports from foreign countries.

This approach entailed an enormous expenditure of resources and the dependence on police and military forces to reduce the foreign cultivation of marijuana, coca and opium poppy and the production of cocaine and heroin. One result has been a terrible escalation in drug-related violence, corruption and gross violations of human rights in a growing number of Latin American countries.

The commission’s facts and arguments are persuasive. It recommends that governments be encouraged to experiment “with models of legal regulation of drugs ... that are designed to undermine the power of organized crime and safeguard the health and security of their citizens.” For effective examples, they can look to policies that have shown promising results in Europe, Australia and other places.

But they probably won’t turn to the United States for advice. Drug policies here are more punitive and counterproductive than in other democracies, and have brought about anexplosion in prison populations. At the end of 1980, just before I left office, 500,000 people were incarcerated in America; at the end of 2009 the number was nearly 2.3 million. There are 743 people in prison for every 100,000 Americans, a higher portion than in any other country and seven times as great as in Europe. Some 7.2 million people are either in prison or on probation or parole — more than 3 percent of all American adults!

Some of this increase has been caused by mandatory minimum sentencing and “three strikes you’re out” laws. But about three-quarters of new admissions to state prisons are for nonviolent crimes. And the single greatest cause of prison population growth has been the war on drugs, with the number of people incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses increasing more than twelvefold since 1980.

Not only has this excessive punishment destroyed the lives of millions of young people and their families (disproportionately minorities), but it is wreaking havoc on state and local budgets. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pointed out that, in 1980, 10 percent of his state’s budget went to higher education and 3 percent to prisons; in 2010, almost 11 percent went to prisons and only 7.5 percent to higher education.

Maybe the increased tax burden on wealthy citizens necessary to pay for the war on drugs will help to bring about a reform of America’s drug policies. At least the recommendations of the Global Commission will give some cover to political leaders who wish to do what is right.

A few years ago I worked side by side for four months with a group of prison inmates, who were learning the building trade, to renovate some public buildings in my hometown of Plains, Ga. They were intelligent and dedicated young men, each preparing for a productive life after the completion of his sentence. More than half of them were in prison for drug-related crimes, and would have been better off in college or trade school.

To help such men remain valuable members of society, and to make drug policies more humane and more effective, the American government should support and enact the reforms laid out by the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

Student Teaching Adventures: The Necessity of Globally Competent Teachers

2011-02-24T19:19:00.001-08:00

Student Teaching Adventures: The Necessity of Globally Competent Teachers: "Why is it important for you to become a 'Global Educator'? What is your personal definition of 'Global Competence'? After reading Teacher Pr..."

Student Teaching Adventures: Exploring the Cultural Differences between Brazil ...

2011-02-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

Student Teaching Adventures: Exploring the Cultural Differences between Brazil ...: "Geert Hofstede states that, “culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy.” He is talking about the cultural variations ..."

You Won't See Me Tonight Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:38:00.002-08:00

You Won't See Me Tonight Lyrics: "Nas You Won't See Me Tonight lyrics in the I Am Album. These You Won't See Me Tonight lyrics are performed by Nas Get the music video and song lyrics here. Ever been in love? Yeah, are you ready for somethin' real? 'Cause it can't be fake, this ain't no"

Stickin' Chickens Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:38:00.001-08:00

Stickin' Chickens Lyrics: "Missy Elliott Stickin' Chickens lyrics in the Da Real World Album. These Stickin' Chickens lyrics are performed by Missy Elliott Get the music video and song lyrics here. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah What you got, boo? I was in love wit' you, yeah And you cou"

Here We Come Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here We Come Lyrics: "Timbaland Here We Come lyrics in the Tim's Bio: Life From Da Bassment Album. These Here We Come lyrics are performed by Timbaland Get the music video and song lyrics here. Another one Here we go so wave your hands For Missy, Maganoo, and Timbaland We go"

Best Friends Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Best Friends Lyrics: "Missy Elliott Best Friends lyrics in the Supa Dupa Fly Album. These Best Friends lyrics are performed by Missy Elliott Get the music video and song lyrics here. My best friend say She sick of me Cryin' on the phone Tellin' how the men are doggin' me My"

Young Nation Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:36:00.001-08:00

Young Nation Lyrics: "Aaliyah Young Nation lyrics . These Young Nation lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Young nation under a groove Keepin' it smooth with a jazz attitude Young nation under a groove Keepin' it smooth (Ooo, yea) Young"

Journey To The Past Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Journey To The Past Lyrics: "Aaliyah Journey To The Past lyrics . These Journey To The Past lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Heart, don't fail me now Courage, don't desert me Don't turn back now that we're here People always say,"

One In A Million Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:35:00.001-08:00

One In A Million Lyrics: "Aaliyah One In A Million lyrics in the One In A Million Album. These One In A Million lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Love it babe, love it babe, love it babe Love it babe, love it babe, love it babe Love it babe"

John Blaze Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

John Blaze Lyrics: "Aaliyah John Blaze lyrics . These John Blaze lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Uhh, yo, uhh, uhh, uhh, yo, yo John Blaze, John Blaze Uhh, uh, huh, uhh, uhh Mmm, hmm, mmm, hmm, yo John Blaze, ehe, he, he Why can't"

I'm So Into You Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:34:00.003-08:00

I'm So Into You Lyrics: "Aaliyah I'm So Into You lyrics . These I'm So Into You lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. I'm so in you, I'm so into you I'm so into you, I'm so into you, into Baby, can't you see I got a thing for you I really lik"

High School Hop Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:34:00.002-08:00

High School Hop Lyrics: "Aaliyah High School Hop lyrics . These High School Hop lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Well, honky-tonk baby get on the floor All the cats are yellin they're shoutin for more My baby likes to rock, my baby lik"

I Miss You Remix f/ Jay-Z Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:34:00.001-08:00

I Miss You Remix f/ Jay-Z Lyrics: "Aaliyah I Miss You Remix f/ Jay-Z lyrics . These I Miss You Remix f/ Jay-Z lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. [Intro: Jay-Z (Aaliyah)] sup baby girl! (Ho!) Felt I had to talk to you again, missing you (Hey, ey,"

I Miss You Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

I Miss You Lyrics: "Aaliyah I Miss You lyrics . These I Miss You lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Ooh, hey Yeah-e-yeah, yeah N-n-no, no, no It's been too long and I'm lost without you What am I gonna do, said I've been needin' you W"

Came to Give Love Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:33:00.002-08:00

Came to Give Love Lyrics: "Aaliyah Came to Give Love lyrics . These Came to Give Love lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Baby girl you got the whole world screaming Giving it up for you You got the party people fiending Bump it to the roof f"

Back & Forth Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:33:00.001-08:00

Back & Forth Lyrics: "Aaliyah Back & Forth lyrics . These Back & Forth lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Let me see you go back (Who is the L I Y A H?) Let me see you come forth Now let me see you go back (Who is the L I Y A H?)"

Are You Ready Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready Lyrics: "Aaliyah Are You Ready lyrics . These Are You Ready lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Are You Ready (Sunset Park Motion Picture) Chorus: Representin' for the ladies Hangin' outside Takin' in light (You k"

All I Need Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:32:00.003-08:00

All I Need Lyrics: "Aaliyah All I Need lyrics . These All I Need lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. I, I wanna love ya I, I wanna love ya Baby, every since I found you Seems like everyday I been happy Said the way that you love me, tu"

Ain't Never Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:32:00.002-08:00

Ain't Never Lyrics: "Aaliyah Ain't Never lyrics . These Ain't Never lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Chorus: Ain't never had a girl run game like you Ain't never felt the way I felt about you Ain't never had to beg, nor do I wann"

Age Ain't Nothin' Butta Number Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:32:00.001-08:00

Age Ain't Nothin' Butta Number Lyrics: "Aaliyah Age Ain't Nothin' Butta Number lyrics . These Age Ain't Nothin' Butta Number lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. (chorus) Age ain't nothing but a number, throwing down ain't nothing but a thang, This someth"

Aaliyah Story Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Aaliyah Story Lyrics: "Aaliyah Aaliyah Story lyrics . These Aaliyah Story lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. As we watch this vision of an angel that touhed our hearts we will remember her spirit flyin free along with the stars she`ll"

A Girl Like You Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:31:00.002-08:00

A Girl Like You Lyrics: "Aaliyah A Girl Like You lyrics in the One In A Million Album. These A Girl Like You lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. I'm lookin' for a girl like you (Well, here I go) Now, now, now, who's the baby bomb? It dip an"

4 Page Letter Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:31:00.001-08:00

4 Page Letter Lyrics: "Aaliyah 4 Page Letter lyrics in the One In A Million Album. These 4 Page Letter lyrics are performed by Aaliyah Get the music video and song lyrics here. Yo turn my music up Up some more Up some more Up a little bit more Mama always told me to be carefu"

Nice And Slow Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

Nice And Slow Lyrics: "Usher Nice And Slow lyrics in the My Way Album. These Nice And Slow lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Ah What cha doing? Really You know I'm coming over right (Now baby tell what you wanna do with me?) Now you got it"

Daddy's Home Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:30:00.002-08:00

Daddy's Home Lyrics: "Usher Daddy's Home lyrics in the Raymond v. Raymond Album. These Daddy's Home lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. verse1: i just wonna get your attention i really wonna be all up in your head cause wat i got you gon"

Let It Burn Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:30:00.001-08:00

Let It Burn Lyrics: "Usher Let It Burn lyrics . These Let It Burn lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. [Intro] Girl, understand why See it's burning me to hold onto this I know this is something I gotta do But that don't mean I want to"

Before I Met You Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Before I Met You Lyrics: "Usher Before I Met You lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Before I Met You lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. It's only you for you, girl Remember, remember, remember, remember (You changed my life in so many"

Something Special Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:29:00.003-08:00

Something Special Lyrics: "Usher Something Special lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Something Special lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah This one's for the lovers, follow me Clearly this is ne"

Here I Stand Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:29:00.002-08:00

Here I Stand Lyrics: "Usher Here I Stand lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Here I Stand lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. I'm hoping that this ain't too hard to believe 'Cause baby, you're the only one for me I know it gets hard whe"

My Boo Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:29:00.001-08:00

My Boo Lyrics: "Usher My Boo lyrics . These My Boo lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. There's always that one person that will always have your heart You'll never see it comin', 'cause you're blinded from the start Know that you're t"

His Mistakes Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

His Mistakes Lyrics: "Usher His Mistakes lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These His Mistakes lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Do I remind you of the pain That he put you through, girl? Is that the reason I'm to blame Before I do it? Is"

His Mistakes Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:28:00.002-08:00

Love In This Club (part II) Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:28:00.001-08:00

Love In This Club (part II) Lyrics: "Usher Love In This Club (part II) lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Love In This Club (part II) lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Gotta do it for the ladies And I gotta keep it hood Where we at Polo? Aye I see"

Movin Mountains Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Movin Mountains Lyrics: "Usher Movin Mountains lyrics . These Movin Mountains lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. It's like whatever I do Ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, oh [Verse 1:] Now, now she loved me, shawty I loved her. Used to jump up i"

Hot Tottie Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hot Tottie Lyrics: "Usher Hot Tottie lyrics . These Hot Tottie lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. They call me King Hov, copy? They call me King Hov, copy? They call me King Hov, copy? They call me King Hov, copy? I'm like ooh Kimo"

Hot Tottie Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:26:00.004-08:00

More Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:26:00.003-08:00

More Lyrics: "Usher More lyrics in the Raymond v. Raymond Album. These More lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Watch me as I dance under the spotlight- Listen to the people screaming out more and more, 'Coz I create the feeling"

More Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:26:00.002-08:00

Trading Places Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:26:00.001-08:00

Trading Places Lyrics: "Usher Trading Places lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Trading Places lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. I know what you're used to We're gonna do something different tonight Now we're gonna do this thing a lil"

Oh My Gosh Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Oh My Gosh Lyrics: "Usher Oh My Gosh lyrics . These Oh My Gosh lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Oh my gosh Baby, let me I did it again, so I'mma let the beat drop Oh my Baby, let me love you down There's so many ways to love you Baby,"

Papers Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:25:00.003-08:00

Papers Lyrics: "Usher Papers lyrics in the Raymond v. Raymond Album. These Papers lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Oh, oh, oh, papers Oh, oh, oh, papers I can't get to work on time Can't believe the words to her I just said But wh"

Hey Daddy Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:25:00.002-08:00

Hey Daddy Lyrics: "Usher Hey Daddy lyrics . These Hey Daddy lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Usher, baby I just wanna get your attention I really wanna be all up in your head Yeah, 'cause what I got, you goin' to get some Yeah, but gi"

Dj Got Us Falling In Love Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:25:00.001-08:00

Dj Got Us Falling In Love Lyrics: "Usher Dj Got Us Falling In Love lyrics . These Dj Got Us Falling In Love lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. [USHER] (yeah man) So we back in the club Get that bodies rockin from side to side (side to side) Thank G"

Burn Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Burn Lyrics: "Usher Burn lyrics in the Confessions Album. These Burn lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. I don't understand why See it's burning me to hold onto this I know this is something I gotta do But that don't mean I want to"

There Goes My Baby Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:24:00.002-08:00

There Goes My Baby Lyrics: "Usher There Goes My Baby lyrics in the Versus Album. These There Goes My Baby lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. there goes my baby (oo girl look at you) you don't know how good it feels to call you my girl there g"

Moving Mountains Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:24:00.001-08:00

Moving Mountains Lyrics: "Usher Moving Mountains lyrics in the Here I Stand Album. These Moving Mountains lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. It's like whatever I do Just can't get through to you I'm never gonna tell you nothing wrong Listen N"

Little Freak Lyrics

2011-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Little Freak Lyrics: "Usher Little Freak lyrics . These Little Freak lyrics are performed by Usher Get the music video and song lyrics here. Lyrics: Ay girl yeah you da business, so what da business Don't be shy, I'm just talkin to you girl Aye ma yo where your man at, I kn"

Shock Therapy: Video of controversial 'Swinging Baby Yoga' classes in Egypt

2011-02-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

Real Estate Noah: Donald Trump On President George W. Bush

2011-02-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Real Estate Noah: Donald Trump On President George W. Bush

Gadhafi Goes on Libyan TV Amid Wave of Protests

2011-02-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Student Teaching Adventures: Exploring the Cultural Differences between Brazil ...

2011-02-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

Citi Screws Loyal Customers

2009-10-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

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Citi Bank has recently decided to screw over long term loyal customers by closing down their credit lines or drastically reducing them due to so called "blemishes" on their credit reports. Even better is that they are giving little or no warning.

Does it matter if you pay your Citi bills in a timely manner? No. Does it matter if you have financed thousands and thousands of dollars through Citi in the past and paid them thousands in interest? No.

Basically you will get a recorded voicemail saying that you should call Citi with a specific pin number to avoid charges when using your Master Card. Then when you call the number provided, another machine (not human being of course because they don't actually care about human beings) will tell you that due to something they found in you credit history, your limit has been dropped to your current balance therefore leaving you with a "maxed out" Citi card which further hurts your credit score.

Is there a specific demographic being targeted? It doesn't appear that way. From wealthy lawyers and doctors to working class families, all are getting smacked in the face for being loyal to Citi over the years.

One disturbing reason they are cutting credit lines is that "customers don't have enough debt with them". AKA they are not making enough money in the form of interest from your account. This is not only unfair but immoral. People have been on cruises and been denied their vacations for this. People have been turned down at grocery stores and publicly embarrassed from Citi's actions. Some people have even had to ask strangers for gas money when arriving at the gas station on an empty tank only to find out that their credit card has been denied.

Hey Citi thanks a lot for nothing! We hope you tank!

Patrick Swayze Loses Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

2009-09-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

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Three time Golden-Globe nominee and Hollywood hero Patrick Swayze passed away Monday after losing his hard fought and courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Even after being diagnosed with one of the most violent forms of cancer, Swayze, an actor, singer, and dancer, continued to live his life to the fullest and even star in the vibrant hit A&E show, "The Beast" where he played the character of an amazing undercover FBI agent. His major Hollywood performances include works such as Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Point Break, and Roadhouse, but Swayze also made his appearance as a Chip 'n' Dale Dancer along side the late Chris Farley on their hilarious Saturday Night Live skit. Swayze will undoubtedly be missed by the world but will live on through his timeless performances. Patrick Swayze is an inspiration to all demonstrating the power of the human spirit. Against all odds he refused to accept defeat.

You're a true hero in my book, Sir! RIP

Amazing Example of Political Deception

2009-09-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

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Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in southern California , was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Congressman Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.

The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows in Montana territory: On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'

So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle. Harry Reid: Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research: "Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honour when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

NOW THAT's how it's done, Folks! That' s real POLITICAL SPIN. Thanks for the email, Mom!

New Methamphetamine Recipe Hits the Streets

2009-08-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

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The trafficking of Methamphetamine has become an epidemic in the United States. It became the perfect drug when cartels and gangs realized that all ingredients necessary to create the drug were over-the-counter sinus and cold medication and household chemicals. Unfortunately for the rest of society it is also the most addictive substance on the market and ruins the lives and bodies of its victims and their families.

Pseudophedrine, the common cold and sinus medication used to make Meth has been regulated along with Ephedrine due to excessive abuse limiting each person approximately 30 pills per month. Production of Meth requires the extraction of the ephedrine from the pseudophedrine . Each major Meth Lab production requires hundred of pills to produce a batch so the regulations put a damper on production......Until now.

There is a new recipe for Meth popping up around the nation called the "shake and bake" method. Rather than requiring an entire lab with fuel igniters and constant explosions, small time addicts and dealers have figured out how to make Methamphetamine with nothing more than a two liter coke bottle, just a few Pseudophedrine pills (completely legal in quantity to buy) and some ammonium nitrate found in instant cough and cold packets at the local grocery store. Shake up the concoction and you have one of the most potent and addictive illegal drugs on the market.

Authorities believe the new Meth recipe to be in its early stages of evolution and expect an influx of new labs and Meth addicts producing their own supply. Meth addicts ARE crazy and get violent and paranoid at the snap of a finger. The best thing authorities can do is crush labs and put Meth freaks under real surveillance. They live for that rush and the second they get out of jail they almost always get back to business. Good luck America! The Tweekers are back and now they all have a copy of the recipe!

Breast Implants Identify Murder Victim

2009-08-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

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When a mutilated female body was found in Los Angeles, California stuffed into a suitcase, authorities used a different strategy than normal to identify the victim. It wasn't DNA or dental records.....It was fake boobs!!!!

After realizing that both the teeth and finger prints of the victim had been removed, the coroner had the good sense to realize that the female body had breast implants. All the confirmation they needed was right there on the serial numbers still present on the implants.

The victim, Jasmine Fiore was only 28 years old. She was a beautiful model and actress. As of right now, authorities believe her murderer to be a wealthy man she married in Los Vegas in March who she was trying to divorce. This man, Ryan Alexander Jenkins, has apparently fled to Canada where he has citizenship. According to BBC News, "He was taking part in the show Megan Wants a Millionaire. Described as an investment banker, Mr Jenkins was one of several wealthy young men trying to win the affections of a young woman in the show. The TV channel VH1 cancelled the series after he was identified as a suspect."

So where is Mr. Jenkins now? There is a reward of $25,000 for information on his whereabouts. Find him fast before he kills more supermodels!!!!

Swiss Bank to Expose American Customers

2009-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

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Swiss bank accounts are not only enticing for their high interest rates, but even more so for their anonymity. Until now, Swiss bank UBS AG has allowed foreign customers to open accounts with the promise of customer confidentiality. For this reason alone Swiss bank accounts have been the perfect place for money laundering and tax evasion.

The IRS has now reached an agreement with UBS AG to give up the names of approximately 4,500 American accounts open at the Swiss banking institution. In total the accounts have withheld as much as $18 billion dollars from the U.S. government. There still remain another 45,000 accounts held by American clientele that will remain untouched and private because the IRS believes them to be legitimate tax paying citizens with offshore accounts.

So who will make the headlines for tomorrows biggest money laundering and tax evasion scheme? Another crooked politician? A wallstreet mastermind? Drug cartel? I guess we just sit back and watch the headlines now!

Michael Jackson's Moonwalk Glove for Auction

2009-08-13T09:41:00.003-07:00

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The first time Michael Jackson did the "Moonwalk" across the screen in 1983 it was magical. He floated across the floor effortlessly wearing a left handed glove enmeshed in sparkling rhinestones. This particular glove has been labeled the "Holy Grail" for collectors of Michael Jackson memorabilia.

Since Michael Jackson's untimely death at only age 50, the famous glove will be put on the auction block in New York City's Time Square at the world famous Hard Rock Cafe. The Rhinestone Glove has been in the hands Walter Orange, leader of the group The Commodores since Michael Jackson's original release of the "Moonwalk" was aired on television for the 25th Motown Anniversary Special. Michael Jackson, who was still a member of the famous Jackson 5 took his first major solo moment when he "Moonwalked" across the stage alone and performed his legendary Billy Jean. After that moment, Michael Jackson was a true star and his career exploded.

I wonder who ends up with the famous glove of Michael Jackson? Walter Orange say's, "There's a hundred other gloves out there, but this is the one you want. He blew up after that (performance) with 'Billie Jean. The world should see this. This is the first. That's the song that made him shoot through the roof as a superstar."

Fat Man Smuggles Gun into Houston Jail

2009-08-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

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After being arrested in Houston, Texas on charges of DVD piracy, fat man George Vera was brought to the Harris County Jail. Vera, who ways an astronomical 600 pounds smuggled a 9mm handgun past the guards at central booking by hiding the gun in the rolls of his fat!!!

Even crazier is that after approximately 14 hours of incarceration it was George Vera himself who admitted to having the gun and two fully loaded clips stored in his own body fat. He decided to tell jail guards of his secret just before entering the showers.

Vera has been released on bond and it is unclear wether or not he will face additional charges for posession of controband in jail. It's no wonder drugs and weopons are so prominent in jails and prisons. Shouldn't jail guards know by now that you have to search the entire person, even if that is a greasy 600 pounds? Imagine what else this guy could sneak into the joint!!! Talk about using your resources!!!

Sonia Sotomayor First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

2009-08-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

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Sonia Sotomayor makes a historical gain for the Hispanic community and for US history becoming the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. After a controversial run with politicians who tried to prove that "she could not separate her race from the law", Sotomayor is victorious in her long pursuit of the Supreme bench.

A 17 year veteran federal judge, Sonia Sotomayor will not only be the first Hispanic ruling on the Supreme Court, but also only the 3rd female to ever be honored with the position. Her nomination was confirmed by a 68-31 vote!

We truly are living in an era of "change" as Barack Obama would put it. We have an African American running the Oval Office and a female Hispanic Supreme Court Justice. I'd have to say the good ol' US of A has come a long way in settling its racial differences.....at least in politics. That being said, the American people can hopefully get past the surface judgements as well and let the past be a lesson and not a hindrance. I know too many people who hold themselves back in the world because they continue to believe they are oppressed. Welcome to the 21st century people! Get up and make something of yourself......you CAN!

Hard Times Call For Counterfeit Money

2009-08-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

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Everyone dreams of being able to just print their own money. After all, that's what the government does when it runs out, right? Sometimes even to the tune of $700 billion dollars to bail out businesses that make poor choices and screw the US economy. Unfortunately for the common citizen, counterfeiting money is not only illegal, its is a federal offense that sends you directly to the Federal Pennitentiary. That doesn't stop people from doing it though especially in the worst economic times since the Great Depression.

Recently, a rise in printing and circulation of counterfeit money has cost business owners countless thousands of dollars and put both teenagers and adults behind bars. The most effective technique used to make counterfeit money that can pass the iodine pen test and sometimes even bank run tests is to use real US note paper, and that's just what today's counterfeiting rings are doing. They are taking a $5 bill which already has the presidential watermarks on them, bleaching the ink off of the bill and then reprinting a higher currency on real note paper! That's just awesome in my opinion!!! Wrong but awesome!

Officials say that right now counterfeit money is up to about 3 tenths of 1 percent of all currency in circulation. North Carolina has recently been hit hardest with business owners reporting the acceptance of around $60,000 of counterfeit money in the past year. That's a full time professional salary right there. Whoever is at the top of the ladder in the counterfeiting ring is getting filthy rich. The same style of counterfeit money has also shown up in Southwest Florida, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

What I would like to know is if it is really a counterfeiting ring behind it all or just a lot of normal people in need of quick cash who found a good recipe on the Internet for counterfeiting money. After all, just by reporting this article, I just learned how to do it and so did you......................

Hackers Attack Twitter and Facebook

2009-08-06T21:11:00.001-07:00

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What if global Internet hackers launched a coordinated attack to disrupt our latest channels of communication? Even worse, what if their success was just a small scale test run? Well, Internet hackers have just disrupted top social networking sights Twitter and Facebook exposing the vulnerability of our favorite ways to send personal messages and use the Internet to market our goods and services.

Experts expect that a single group of hackers is most likely to blame. The hackers used a method known as a "denial-of service" attack where they basically flood the server with requests for communication and therefor block out everyone else. The results left Twitter immobile to users for a span of several hours and kept Facebook users from accessing their accounts and updating their personal profiles.

Aleskei Oreskovic reports that "The incidents follow a wave of similar cyber attacks in July that disrupted access to several high-profile U.S. and South Korean Web sites, including the White House site. South Korea's spy agency said at the time that North Korea might have been behind the attacks. "

It remains unclear whether or not we are dealing with a global hacking force intent on disrupting our daily communication. The best thing security specialists can do is squash the bug before it grows.

President Barack Obama's Health Care Plan to Cover Abortions

2009-08-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

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With the topic of abortion still being one of the greatest controversies of our time, President Barack Obama is planning to cover abortions through his newest health care reforms and government insurance policies. Those receiving the President's health care policy would not have to worry about the current stipulations now surrounding abortions from most insurance agencies stating that the woman in need of the abortion must be a victim of rape, incest, or that the pregnancy may kill the mother if she does not have an abortion.

Of course the fanatics are going crazy on both sides of the fence! Pro-Life advocates, or those that oppose abortion, argue that current stipulations should remain and therefore be transferred over to any new type of insurance policy. Those from the Pro-Choice side say this mentality is ridiculous and it should be the choice of the women to have the child or not. After all it is her body and nobody else's!

The issue of abortions will no doubt be a great hurdle for President Barack Obama in selling his new health care plan as it will once again divide the masses on this controversial issue. Obama's health care plan has it's sights set on insuring the 50 million Americans who cannot afford health insurance or are being denied insurance altogether. The new plan also states that there will be no people who are denied insurance due to "pre-existing conditions". The President's plan will also put a cap on the amount of money insurance agencies are allowed to charge people per year in an effort to bring fairness back to health care. As he has stated several times "America should not be a country where people go broke because they get sick".

All I have to say is, "Amen to that Obama!" Unfortunately the abortion debate will no doubt divide the public in regards to who supports Barack Obama's new health care plan and who does not. Here's an idea for everyone.........If you want to have the abortion, your covered and if you are against abortion than you don't have to get one! In case we haven't all noticed lately, some people are not fit to be parents. To me that means that they shouldn't be especially if they already know it before the child is born. Bring on the arguments people!

Bill Clinton Brings Home US Prisoners from North Korea

2009-08-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

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After months of negotiating over the custody of two US prisoners sentenced for illegally crossing the North Korean border, it was Bill Clinton who met with leader Kim Jong Il and finally walked away with the two female journalists, returning them safely to US soil. It seems that although Bill Clinton is no longer President of the United States of America, he is still a driving force in international relations. It doesn't hurt his credibility either that Hillary Rodham Clinton is now the Secretary of State. We may be seeing old Bill Clinton involved in more than his share of public politics again after this one.

The two American female journalists were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor at a North Korean labor camp for charges of illegally entering North Korea from the Chinese border with "intent to commit hostile acts". The negotiations for their release have spanned over 4 months.

Kim Jong Il used North Korean mass media outlets to portray himself as "humanitarian" and "peace loving" after he released the journalists. Yeah Right! This guy is hell-bent on starting the next World War. My guess is that he really just wants the US off his back so he can return to shady nuclear projects aimed at stirring the world into its next frenzy. Anyone who can't see that one needs a seeing eye dog! Either way.......Thanks Bill Clinton! You've still got it!

Is Email Killing the Post Office?

2009-08-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

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Imagine a world with no paper back books, no birthday or Christmas cards arriving in the mail, no newspapers and no magazines at your door. That's what we see now in the age of the Internet and "smart phone". Due to the ever growing use of email to send personal messages, the U.S. Post office is becoming yet another victim of tough economic times and is showing a $7 billion dollar loss this year even after the recent rise in stamp prices by 2 cents in May.

As the population becomes more technology savvy using email and text messaging, communicating with family members around the world no longer requires the service of the friendly mail man or courier who has been serving our communities since we settled this continent. Sending and receiving information from around the globe is done at the touch of a button or the click of a mouse and is almost instantaneous with high-speed Internet.

As technology advances, more people are carrying "smart phones" such as the Blackberry and I-Phone. Email is sent and received directly from the phone and people are browsing the Internet while they ride the subway train. So what does this mean for the U.S. Post Office and its thousands of employees? Will the Post Office become obsolete? We can only hope not. Without the Post Office it won't just be greetings cards not being delivered right to your doorstep........what about the gift packages?

New Strain of HIV Discovered in Africa

2009-08-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

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As HIV and AIDS continue to spread at epidemic proportions across Africa and the rest of world, a new strain of HIV has now been discovered in Cameroon, Africa. The 62 year old African female tested positive in 2004 for the new human immunodeficiency virus recently discovered as a simian virus in Gorillas.

Until recently, the three major strains of HIV are derivatives of the simian virus found in wild Chimpanzees mainly in Africa. It is still under question as to how the virus was transmitted first go Gorillas and then to human beings. Treatment for the new strain of the HIV virus has yet to be produced and it is uncertain how widespread the strain actually is in Western Africa. HIV continues to be a death sentence to those infected as patients typically develop full blown AIDS within 10 years.

Although there is no known cure, with the proper treatment an HIV patient can live on indefinitely without developing the AIDS virus. Basketball superstar Magic Johnson contracted the HIV virus decades ago and through extensive treatment and monitoring he has actually driven the virus to a weakened state. He remains an exception to the common case however due to his financial ability to fund ongoing recovery and his athletic background which has given him the gift of a powerful immune system.

Israeli Police Evict 53 Palestinians in Jerusalem

2009-08-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

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In East Jerusalem, police dressed in riot gear have evicted 9 Palestinian families after an Israeli Supreme Court ruling that this land originally belonged to Jewish families. According to BBC news, "The operation to evict the 53 Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah district of the city was carried out before dawn on Sunday by police clad in black riot gear." Each dwelling was immediately occupied by new Jewish families.

Israel's decision to eradicate Palestinians from one of the most fought over city in history will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the globe.

Israeli and Palestinian officials have unsuccessfully attempted peace agreements for decades and this instance will no doubt spark the next chapter in what I would personally call a "holy turf war".

"Cash for Clunkers" Out of Cash?

2009-07-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

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The government's amazing "Cash for Clunkers" program is a steal for both the auto industry and consumers alike but is now under review in Washington. The program promises vehicle owners up to $45oo to trade in less fuel efficient automobiles for a new and more fuel efficient ride. The original budget for the program was $1 billion dollars and that money may have dried up much quicker than expected. "Cash for Clunkers" may be suspended as of Friday while government officials decide on our options.

As crazy as it sounds I think we need more funding for the program ASAP!! The reason for this is that the original $1 billion dollars was set aside to promote the sale of 250,000 new vehicles. If we have already blown through that many auto sales in the past week or so, this may be exactly what we need to really "stimulate" the economy. It's basically a stimulus package with direction. For once I think the government should spend more money!!!! Keep the cars moving people. Oh, and of course this reduces our carbon footprints!

Older Men and Women See Highest Jobless Rate Since Great Depression

2009-07-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

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The new faces of the unemployed seem more and more to be middle aged men and women. According to USA Today, "Jobless rates for men and women older than 55 are at their highest level since the Great Depression, government data show. White men over 55 had a record 6.5% unemployment rate in the second quarter, far above the previous post-Depression high of 5.4% in 1983. The jobless rate for older black men was higher — 10.5% — but more than a percentage point below its 1983 peak. The most remarkable change is in the unemployment rate for black women: 12.2%, far below the historic peak of 20% in 1983. Hispanic unemployment is about 6 percentage points below historic highs, too."

In a society where we are raised to believe that hard work and sacrifice will lead to rewards, we are forced to rethink and reprogram ourselves. Older white men especially have been known to lead the workforce and are showing their highest jobless rates in decades. This has led the racial divide in unemployment to shrink drastically.

The question remains where will we go from here. We can only hope the answer is "up".

Car bomb Explodes Outside Police Station in Madrid

2009-07-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

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At 5am this morning the plague that is world terror strikes yet again, this time in Madrid, Spain outside of a Civil Guard Police barracks. Basque separatist group ETA is at this time held accountable for the attack that has injured over 46 people including 38 children. According to Spanish authorities ETA has killed over 800 people in Spain and France over the past 40 years. This is their most significant attack since a major decrease in the group due to imprisonment of several high profile members.

ETA surfaced in 1968 and has since been fighting an urban battle against local governments for an independent state in Southern France and Northern Spain. The decimation they leave behind is their sick idea of a normal politician's campaign trail.

Spanish officials noted the blast leaving a crater in the ground over 20 feet deep and blowing the entire side off of the 14 story police barracks. The explosives were so powerful that the car harboring the weapon stock was found approximately 230 feet away. It's a miracle that nobody was killed by the flying automobile!

Even more miraculous is that there were no casualties in the blast and Spanish authorities will no doubt be imprisoning more members of ETA for the attack. To me it appears that ETA has dealt itself the worst blow of all. What's your take?

The Taliban Hits Nigeria and Gets Hit Back!!!

2009-07-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

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The Taliban is known for savage attacks across the globe and continues to solidify its presence in Northern Nigeria by killing hundreds of civilians. Running under the alias of Boko Haram which literally translates to "Western Education is a Sin", the Taliban arm in Nigeria threatens to overthrow the local government and public security forces with aims at instilling strict and unforgiving Islamic law in an already unstable country.

It seems the Taliban is attempting its own version of the crusades trying to convert people to its faith rapidly and relentlessly. But just like any conquest they have been met with strong opposition.

In recent days in the city of Maiduguri, Nigeria Islamic extremists have killed over 140 people. Now its their turn to take a beating. With the city in shambles, Nigerian troops finally stormed a major Boko Haram headquarters and opened fire with hopes to sever the Taliban arm at the source. Confirmation of the dead still awaits.

The Nigerian Taliban, although showing no definite connection to the Afghan Taliban, holds the same twisted Anti-Western values and is waging war against the Nigerian government with claims that they have been corrupted by "Western" ways.

The war on Terror is no longer just a term created by the Bush Administration. It is a reality around the world from Madrid to New York City to Maiduguri, Nigeria. These people are predators. The real leaders of the world need to come together again and squash them once and for all. Until then we are at the mercy of random acts of violence.

Boxing Champ Vernon Forrest Gunned Down in Atlanta

2009-07-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

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Vernon Forrest, known for being the first boxer to ever defeat Shane Mosley was gunned down late Saturday night in Atlanta after pursuing a man who apparently attempted to steal his wallet. According to police and eye-witnesses Forrest pulled into a gas station just to put some air in his tires when he was approached by a man asking for money. Before he knew it the man snatched his walled from Forrest's hands and took off running with Vernon Forrest in hot pursuit.

Forrest's boxing manager Charles Watson tells the story, ""Somehow, Vernon had his wallet out and the guy snatched his wallet and started running," Watson said. "Vernon pursued after him. The guy turned the corner and Vernon didn't see him. He turned around to go back to the car. That's when he started firing." That being said the coward appears to have opened fire on Vernon Forrest while his back was turned.

This is an absolute tragedy. Not only did Forrest hold both Welterweight and Junior Middleweight titles with an overall record of 41 wins and only three losses, he was an avid humanitarian and philanthropist donating money to various charities and funding an organization that provides housing for the mentally disabled in Atlanta called Destiny's Child. He also boxed alongside Oscar De La Hoya in the 1992 Olympic games.

What's worse is that Vernon Forrest was riding Saturday night with his grandson who is just 11 years old. Thankfully he had ventured into the gas station convenient store and was inside when this horrible incident occurred.

Vernon Forrest will be missed by millions. Hopefully the gunman gets what coming to him.

Twitter connects people to God now???

2009-07-25T09:13:00.001-07:00

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For centuries the Western Wall or "Wailing" Wall in Jerusalem has been a place where Jewish people from around the globe come to pray. Written messages directly to the All Mighty are written and then placed in the cracks of the wall and all who have visited this sacred place can feel the energy it resonates. But with the coming times and technology, social networking's reigning champ "Twitter" has not only found a way to connect people around the world, but also now it is connecting people's deepest prayers and wishes to one of the holiest places on earth, the Wailing Wall.

In the Old City section of Jerusalem a man by the name of Alon Nil has taken it upon himself to print out peoples prayers from Twitter in the form of "Tweets" and place them in the cracks of the wall by his own hands therefor connecting Jewish people around the world and other believers as well to the Lord.

So is this sacrilegious? I'm sure many conservatives would argue so. But this is indeed the 21st century and dubbed the age of the internet. After all, aren't all creations God's creations and therefore part of the "Grand Design? I see this being quite the controversial topic between religious conservatives and technology advocates. But hey, who doesn't love controversy???

U.S. Border Patrol Agent Murdered on Duty

2009-07-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

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Today in California's San Diego County an on duty Border Patrol Agent was murdered in cold blood. After correctly identifying a group of drug smugglers or illegal border crossers, Agent Robert Rosas routinely called for backup and proceeded with his job of rounding up as many international law breakers as possible. This time however, after pursuing one of the many thugs scattering in all directions, the Border Patrol Agent was shot in the head just doing his job!! This is an outrage for not only Americans but also for the good Mexican people who make up some of our hardest working law abiding citizens here in the states.

Did this group consist of members of one of the infamous Mexican drug cartels or independent drug traffickers? That would be my first guess due to the violent nature of the incident. Or maybe it was a human trafficking ring. We may unfortunately never find out as there were no suspects apprehended in the crime. Being shot to death on the Mexican border to me is a horrible place to say goodbye to it all.

Personally I only see bad things coming of this. Border Patrol agents will definitely be ready to shoot and kill anyone that even appears to pose a threat and the slightest miscommunication in the coming months may cause the lives of innocent people crossing the border in search of a better life away from the corruption and violence that has spread across Mexico.

Illegal border crossing, however, is a crime nonetheless. I agree that if people are caught and do not surrender and especially if they put themselves in a violent altercation with armed law enforcement than they are getting exactly what they asked for.

So when it comes to the Mexican cartels smuggling in Kilos of Methamphetamine and Cocaine into our neighborhoods here at home, we need to be ready to open fire. These people are killers at best and don't hesitate to kill their own neighbors at home let alone a U.S. civilian or Border Patrol Agent. And lets not forget the thousands of lives lost and damaged by the drugs and drug addicts right here on our soil. Somebody has to put out the fire.

Stem Cells and the Holy Land

2009-07-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

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Now leading the world in the advancement of Human Stem Cell Research is Israel!!! What's even better is that they are receiving most of their financial backing from religious institutions across the nation. Once a major controversial topic among religious groups and science advocates, it seems as if Stem Cell Research is finally gaining the attention and backing it deserves. It also goes shows that this really is the wave of the future and those who refuse to jump on board will be left behind.

Israel has made enormous leaps in the study of Pluripotent Stem Cells which have the potential to literally be changed into any other cell in the human body. That means if you have a failing heart, in the future you will be able to have a new heart grown for you in a jar created out of real human heart tissue!!! Better yet, it could be grown from your own healthy heat tissue that still remains. Now that's awesome!!!

Israeli scientist are conducting their experiments with real human tissue rather than the usual test runs on animals such as small rodents. And no, they are not strapping people down to chairs and stealing their bodily tissues. What this does mean though is that medicines and treatments may now be available for human use withing a small three year window of time.

Problems still continue to exist as the Stem Cells can spiral out of control, over produce, or be flat our rejected from the body just like a normal organ transplant can be. Either way I see this being what saves our loved ones from painful cancer related deaths, mental deterioration, lost limbs, and early aging to say the least. I'm all for this one! Are You?

New Jersey Crime Ring includes Rabbis and Mayors

2009-07-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

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It's no secret that New Jersey has always been famous for crime and corruption. Today Federal Agents arrested a diverse group of individuals in Newark, N.J. involved in political corruption, bribery, trafficking of human organs, counterfeiting consumer goods, and international money laundering. High ranking government officials were found to be accepting bribes from criminals for extra funding of their campaign ventures and Assemblymen accepted bribes to forward their building ventures but not before being caught on a grand scale.

A few big names arrested on political corruption charges include Assemblymen Daniel Van Pelt and L. Harvey Smith, newly appointed Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey Pete Cammarano, Mayors Anthony Suarez and Dennis Elwell of Ridgefield and Secaucus, N.J., and Leona Beldini, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City, NJ. Can we say "Dirty Jersey"? Their charges range from taking bribes and accepting dirty money for campaign trails among others.

But lets not forget that there were 44 arrested! What about the Rabbis like Saul Kassin of the Syrian Sephardic Jewish Community!!!!! Oy Vey! One confidential informant claimed to have laundered over $3 million U.S. dollars through one of the New Jersey Rabbis in the past two years alone!

To me the wildest arrest so far goes to Levy Izhak Rosenbaum charged with Trafficking of Human Organs to Israel. You take the cake man!!!!!

The federal corruption ring was infiltrated by a pack of confidential informants caught in the mix of the scandals who were in hopes of "ratting" their way out the mess they put themselves in.

I can't wait to see how many more people are arrested in the coming months. I would go ahead and guess that there will be some customs agents involved in the mess and a slew of accountants to say the least. There are bound to be dozens more caught in this tangled web!

A Dead Bin Laden

2009-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

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In Afghanistan today officials reported that the son of Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks was pronounced dead. He was "collateral damage" of a hellfire missile attack from a from a U.S. Predator Drone. Apparently, regardless of his last name, Saad Bin Laden was not a key player in Al-Qaeda. He was however is the family business of international terrorism and possibly set to one day take over the family business. This is definitely a massive blow to the confidence of Al Qaeda and their ability to hide from facing their crimes. The U.S. Predator Drone is just one of the deadly accurate pieces of military technology that we posess in our pursuit of terrorists that has the capability to isolate the enemies and leave innocent civilians safe from the war looming around them.

So will this bring Osama Bin Laden out of hiding? Will he plot revenge for his son, or is he still such a coward that he will continue living in caves until he's captured?

Maybe this will give him a taste of what the American people went through on September 11th when we lost thousands of husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, ants, uncles, and grandparents. Sooner or later Karma comes back to bite you ten fold Osama!!! Eat it!

More Money More Bloodshed

2009-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

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With the continuing war in Iraq and present motions to station thousands of troops in Afghanistan, its no secret that the United States Armed Forces will lose not only thousands more lives but also billions and billions of dollars. Today in Washington the Senate decided to allocate another 128 billion dollars to fund wartime ventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of course in my opinion I believe this money would be better spent here at home improving our public education system and fixing the housing mess, but hey, who am I?

What I do agree with is the pay increase for U.S. soldiers included in the spending at the tune of a 3.4% jump in salary. Their service and dedication is priceless. President Barack Obama is also planning to eliminate certain military programs that have basically rendered themselves obsolete over the recent decades, such as funding for mid-air combat. We are fighting more and more for the most recent military technology as much as anything else. Whoever has the most sophisticated weapons gets to kill the most enemies and save the most "friendlies". The formula is really that simple.

Taco Bell Chihuahua Dead???

2009-07-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

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Wasn't it enought that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop just passed away from a drug related tragedy? Or what about Farrah Fawcett's losing battle with Cancer? It's as if the stars of today's generations are dropping like flies.....But not the beloved Taco Bell Dog!!!!!! No more crazy Chihuahua with a Mexican accent saying "Quiero Taco Bell"?! And to add to that, I never knew that the dog was a female! In fact, even though the human voice that she projected was masculine, the dog was a girl named Gidget. I will say this though. She achieved more success in her 15 years than most humans will in their coveted 100. Gidget died from a stroke. Hopefully Taco Bell's profits won't fall with her loss. She will be missed.

Bill Gates on Public Education

2009-07-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

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Billionaire Bill Gates once again is bashing the U.S. public education system explaining that the system is failing to measure its successes and failures accurately and thus lacking the insight to make the improvements necessary to educate the American people. He states that we need to push forward by implementing the proper technologies into the classroom to carry on web based lectures and bring our future generations up to speed with the hyper competitive global economy that now exists after school's out. It's no secret that our public education institutions are seriously lagging behind countries such as Germany and Japan. We not only lack the discipline instilled in their institutions but are so busy trying to "leave no children behind" that we just push each generation through the grades and hope that the rebellious ones drop out. Well it's come back to bite us people!!!!

In a time like today there is nothing more important than educating the masses efficiently and effectively. Our nation as a whole suffers for the ignorance of its citizens both socially and economically. Maybe that's why we are where we are today. Our most qualified executives can't do their jobs and that to me says enough. Then we as a people are forced to sit back while they receive million dollar bonuses that were supposed to be used as bailout money to fix our broken economy. Can we say AIG!!!! Some people need to be slapped!!! Maybe that would teach them something.

And The Ants Go Marching

2009-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

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The United States Military is upsizing yet again by adding an additional 22,000 Army soldiers to the armed forces. With our troops slowly executing the exit strategy from Iraq it's no surprise that we are preparing for another battle away from home once again in Afghanistan. What's mind blowing to me is the fact that this is where we should have been all along! Now after bloody years in Iraq its as if we are finally going after our September 11, 2001 attackers. The U.S. Army is now approximately 547,000 soldiers strong and ready. Defense Secretary Robert Gates expects 68,000 U.S. Soldiers to be stationed in Afghanistan by the end of this year alone

As for the Iraqi brigades trained to secure the country's streets after our departure, we can only hope that their training has been sufficient to control the historical bloodshed. We've been in the middle of a holy war that has raged for centuries. Can it really be stopped or will we soon be back yet again for another round in this region of the Middle East and others?

Personally I think we are once again at the mercy of the man in the Oval Office. George W. Bush and his father had their agendas of the Iron Fist, pride and glory. As excellent a diplomat as our new Commander in Chief may be, he is about to launch his wartime legacy anew in Afghanistan. The outcome is yet to unravel. It's only a matter of time before the the body counts come home and Mr. Obama is forced to show his bravado. I see the hourglass running out of sand. What do you see?

Finally a bailout on a bailout!

2009-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

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Major news today surrounds New York based CIT group, a major lender in the retail, garment, and fashion sector, and the federal governments refusal to give them yet another billion dollar rescue package. The federal government has drawn the line concluding that another bailout would be too risky. Last year CIT group received over 2 billion dollars from the Troubled Asset Relief Program aka TARP Funds and is now begging for more and getting the cold shoulder. Private lenders are coming to the rescue with plans to buy up CIT's roughly projected 7.5 billion dollar debt for the coming year. Lenders are planning to buy the debt for a share of the company as a whole and for now CIT's major bondholders are lending it enough money to stabilize the company while it gets its act together but not without a double digit interest rate.

So what does this mean for the people? It means another crap shoot. Finally the government is refusing to bail someone out for billions of dollars and forcing them to take responsibility and find a solution to the hole they've dug themselves. However, the unemployment rate in 15 states here in the U.S. is officially over 10% and climbing!! If CIT goes under, major retailers and fashion companies will be unable to handle paying their employees and will be forced yet again to slash thousands of jobs. We already have enough college graduates and qualified trained Americans flooding the labor pool and unemployment lines. Unfortunately yet again someone has to bail out Wall Street to save Main Street.