Monday, January 13, 2014
20 Things I Learned While I Was in North Korea
20 Things I Learned While I Was in North Korea | Wait But Why
I’d find myself in these perplexing situations trying to figure out if a lie-spouting North Korean was in on it or not.
2) Everyone lies about everything all the time.
The government lies to the outside world. The government lies to the people. The press lies to the people. The people lie to each other. The tour guides lie to tourists. It’s intense.
The lies range from big things—the government hammers away at the message that the US is preparing to attack North Korea, the press depicts South Korea as a suffering and American-occupied country, the leaders’ speeches talk about North Korea being the envy of the world with the highest quality of life—to tiny things—we met a soldier at one point we were told was a colonel, and after he left, a retired army major on my tour told me that he had studied North Korean army uniforms and that the soldier was in fact a captain.
Facts are not a key part of the equation in North Korea.
And it can really mess with your mind as a visitor. I’d find myself in these perplexing situations trying to figure out if a lie-spouting North Korean was in on it or not.
Was she thinking, “I know this is false, you know this is false, but I live here so I gotta play the game”?
Or was she fully brainwashed and thought she was telling me the truth?
It was impossible to tell. During interactions, I’d find myself thinking, “Are you an actor in The Truman Show and you think I’m Truman?
Or are you Truman and I’m one of the actors?”
Are those kids on the street just pretending to be playing for my benefit?
Is any of this real?
Am I real?
Too dangerous to mix with other prisoners. Writes he is going to eat people. They let him out early. 4 murdered------In prison, Nikko Jenkins was deemed too dangerous to mix with other inmates
In prison, Nikko Jenkins was deemed too dangerous to mix with other inmates - Omaha.com
In the two years before his release into the general population of Omaha, Nikko Jenkins wasn't even released into the general population of his prison.
The main reason: He was too dangerous to mix with other inmates.
Yet prison administrators launched him from their most extreme confinement — a segregated cell where he spent 23 hours a day — into the Omaha community.
They did so despite warnings from Jenkins' family, friends, judges, psychiatrists, prosecutors, Parole Board staff, even Jenkins himself.
In an email two months before Jenkins' release, Trudy Clark, an administrative assistant to the Nebraska Parole Board, wrote the director of the state corrections' mental health unit.
“This email is written from a personal level only,” Clark wrote.
“Why isn't Nikko Jenkins in the mental health unit?
The board is getting letters from him that he is going to eat people, specifically Christians and Catholics.
This is only one of many bizarre letters the board has gotten from him.
Is he being evaluated for a mental health commitment?
As a taxpayer, this guy scares me to death!”
.........Within three weeks of his July 30 release, authorities allege, Jenkins killed Jorge Cajiga-Ruiz and Juan Uribe-Pena in Spring Lake Park; Curtis Bradford near 18th and Clark Streets; and Andrea Kruger near 168th and Fort Streets.
In the two years before his release into the general population of Omaha, Nikko Jenkins wasn't even released into the general population of his prison.
The main reason: He was too dangerous to mix with other inmates.
Yet prison administrators launched him from their most extreme confinement — a segregated cell where he spent 23 hours a day — into the Omaha community.
They did so despite warnings from Jenkins' family, friends, judges, psychiatrists, prosecutors, Parole Board staff, even Jenkins himself.
In an email two months before Jenkins' release, Trudy Clark, an administrative assistant to the Nebraska Parole Board, wrote the director of the state corrections' mental health unit.
“This email is written from a personal level only,” Clark wrote.
“Why isn't Nikko Jenkins in the mental health unit?
The board is getting letters from him that he is going to eat people, specifically Christians and Catholics.
This is only one of many bizarre letters the board has gotten from him.
Is he being evaluated for a mental health commitment?
As a taxpayer, this guy scares me to death!”
.........Within three weeks of his July 30 release, authorities allege, Jenkins killed Jorge Cajiga-Ruiz and Juan Uribe-Pena in Spring Lake Park; Curtis Bradford near 18th and Clark Streets; and Andrea Kruger near 168th and Fort Streets.
40 Maps That Will Help You Make Sense of the World
40 Maps That Will Help You Make Sense of the World - A Sheep No More:
"Hopefully some of these maps will surprise you and you’ll learn something new.
A few are important to know, some interpret and display data in a beautiful or creative way, and a few may even make you chuckle or shake your head."
"Hopefully some of these maps will surprise you and you’ll learn something new.A few are important to know, some interpret and display data in a beautiful or creative way, and a few may even make you chuckle or shake your head."
If You Ever Had Any Doubt the Media is Biased on Climate, This Should End Your Doubt
If You Ever Had Any Doubt the Media is Biased on Climate, This Should End Your Doubt | NewsBusters
What's more, after blogger Newberry noticed, in Rose's words, "a passing reference" to the project "in an official report," the BBC spent at least 20,000 pounds (about $33,000) to keep the public from finding out.
He reveals that, in a move orchestrated by the BBC itself and a left-wing lobby group, the British government under the Labor Party paid for BBC personnel to be taught the left-wing, pro-alarmist spin on climate issues for the specific purpose of using the "news" as propaganda.
The seminar project was run by a BBC "journalist." A single seminar, paid for by British taxpayers, cost 67,000 pounds (about $110,00).
What's more, after blogger Newberry noticed, in Rose's words, "a passing reference" to the project "in an official report," the BBC spent at least 20,000 pounds (about $33,000) to keep the public from finding out.
This was done even as internal BBC documents bragged about the massive influence the program had on the BBC's coverage of climate issues.
Go here to read David Rose's story, which includes generous quotations of BBC personnel bragging about how influential its corruption is.
Go here to read Tony Newberry's Harmless Sky blog, where he has links to PDFs of damning primary documents proving the case against the BBC and the British government.
Some here in the U.S. may say, that's Britain, not the USA; in the United States the government does not spend money to influence people's opinions. They'd be wrong about that, but this corruption influenced us here regardless. The media use each other as sources, and the BBC, very obviously, is a big player and is one of those getting used.
Next time you hear or read a journalist talking about climate change, be sure to double and triple check his information, preferably with primary sources. Otherwise, you risk being told what to think by the British government.
Been there; done that.
Getting around the law-----U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: “Redskins” is derogatory and offensive
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: “Redskins” is derogatory and offensive « Hot Air
You can imagine the toll that would take on their bottom line. Once the mark’s revoked, all of America will be free to make and sell its own Redskins merchandise without fear of being sued by the club. Great news for ‘Skins fans who are looking for cheap jerseys and sweatshirts, not so great for Dan Snyder. Does the name, or simple pride in not bowing to P.C. forces, mean so much to him that he’d forfeit the team’s merchandising revenue to keep it? (Spoiler: No.)
Denying a guy a trademark for his pork rinds doesn’t mean that the football team’s trademark is automatically invalid, but it does lend momentum to the claim filed with the PTO last year seeking to have the team’s mark revoked on grounds that it’s offensive.
You can imagine the toll that would take on their bottom line. Once the mark’s revoked, all of America will be free to make and sell its own Redskins merchandise without fear of being sued by the club. Great news for ‘Skins fans who are looking for cheap jerseys and sweatshirts, not so great for Dan Snyder. Does the name, or simple pride in not bowing to P.C. forces, mean so much to him that he’d forfeit the team’s merchandising revenue to keep it? (Spoiler: No.)Pimp sues Nike for $100m for not warning that sneakers can be a weapon
Pimp sues Nike for $100m for not warning that sneakers can be a weapon | Mail Online:
"A pimp is suing Nike for $100 million -- and says that its Air Jordan shoes failed to include a warning on them that they could be used as dangerous weapons after he used his own pair to beat a man.
Sirgiorgiro Clardy, 26, alleges Nike is partially responsible for Clardy's 100-year prison sentence for beating a man in 2012, The Oregonian reports.
Clardy, a Portland-based pimp, was wearing a pair of Jordans when he stomped on the face of a man who was attempting to leave a hotel without paying Clardy's prostitute, the paper adds. "
"A pimp is suing Nike for $100 million -- and says that its Air Jordan shoes failed to include a warning on them that they could be used as dangerous weapons after he used his own pair to beat a man. Sirgiorgiro Clardy, 26, alleges Nike is partially responsible for Clardy's 100-year prison sentence for beating a man in 2012, The Oregonian reports.
Clardy, a Portland-based pimp, was wearing a pair of Jordans when he stomped on the face of a man who was attempting to leave a hotel without paying Clardy's prostitute, the paper adds. "
The few honest, fighting the many crooks---- Senator: Ethics loophole allows free vacations for lawmakers
Senator: Ethics loophole allows free vacations for lawmakers « Watchdog.org
RICHMOND, Va. —
The author of four ethics-reform bills says a House proposal opens the way to free vacations for lawmakers.
“Travel is at the heart of what we receive, and this is like Swiss cheese,” state Sen. Chap Petersen said of the House ethics package.
The House of Delegates plan imposes a $250 limit on gifts legislators can receive from lobbyists and individuals with business before the state.
The gift cap does not include travel.
The wording of the bill leaves open the prospect of lawmakers taking paid-for vacations.
“It doesn’t go far enough in changing the culture,” he said, noting that the delegates’ plan keeps the General Assembly exempt from Freedom of Information Act provisions.
“We operate in an ethics-free environment,” said the Fairfax Democrat, who wants to end the FOIA waiver.
There’s even disagreement over who classifies as a “friend.”
RICHMOND, Va. — The author of four ethics-reform bills says a House proposal opens the way to free vacations for lawmakers.
“Travel is at the heart of what we receive, and this is like Swiss cheese,” state Sen. Chap Petersen said of the House ethics package.
The House of Delegates plan imposes a $250 limit on gifts legislators can receive from lobbyists and individuals with business before the state.
The gift cap does not include travel.
The wording of the bill leaves open the prospect of lawmakers taking paid-for vacations.
“It doesn’t go far enough in changing the culture,” he said, noting that the delegates’ plan keeps the General Assembly exempt from Freedom of Information Act provisions.
“We operate in an ethics-free environment,” said the Fairfax Democrat, who wants to end the FOIA waiver.
There’s even disagreement over who classifies as a “friend.”
Man Builds Amazing Igloo Using Frozen Milk Cartons
Man Builds Amazing Igloo Using Frozen Milk Cartons:"Daniel Gray, a New Zealander visiting Canada with his Canadian girlfriend to meet her family found a very unique way to spend some of his time during their cold December visit.
With the help of his girlfriend (Kathleen Starrie) and her family, he build the most amazing thing in their Edmonton backyard."
History for January 13 -Prison city, Real prison, Hope, Pope, American bagpipes, Flying, not Flying, Hero
History for January 13 - On-This-Day.com
North American International Auto Show begins (Jan 13-26), Cobo Center, Detroit, MI.
In 1968, Johnny Cash performed before 2,000 inmates at Folsom Prison at Folsom, CA.
Birth anniversary of Horatio Alger, Jr (1834-99).
1128 - Pope Honorius II granted a papal sanction to the military order known as the Knights Templar. He declared it to be an army of God.
1854 - Anthony Faas of Philadelphia, PA, patented the accordion.
1957 - Wham-O began producing "Pluto Platters." This marked the true beginning of production of the flying disc.
1982 - An Air Florida 737 crashed into the capital's 14th Street Bridge after takeoff and fell into the Potomac River. 78 people were killed.
1989 - Bernhard H. Goetz was sentenced to one year in prison for possession of an unlicensed gun that he used to shoot four youths he claimed were about to rob him. He was freed the following September.
1854 - Anthony Faas of Philadelphia, PA, patented the accordion.
1957 - Wham-O began producing "Pluto Platters." This marked the true beginning of production of the flying disc.
1982 - An Air Florida 737 crashed into the capital's 14th Street Bridge after takeoff and fell into the Potomac River. 78 people were killed.
1989 - Bernhard H. Goetz was sentenced to one year in prison for possession of an unlicensed gun that he used to shoot four youths he claimed were about to rob him. He was freed the following September.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Welfare Payouts Top $20 Per Hour In Eight States
Welfare Payouts Top $20 Per Hour In Eight States - Downtrend.com: "With all the talk about unemployment benefits and welfare, it’s important to understand just how much money we’re talking about.
In 35 states, welfare, housing assistance and other benefits pays more than a minimum wage job, according to a new study by the Cato Institute. The study also found that in 13 states, the payout is more than $15 per hour.
Of course, this study doesn’t take into account that not everyone on public assistance receives all of the programs. But if they did, their payout would be significantly higher than even a starting teacher’s salary in 11 states or a computer programmer in 3 states.
The states with the highest welfare payouts – more than $20 per hour – are Hawaii, with payments equaling $29.13 per hour, DC at $24.43 per hour, Massachusetts at $24.30 , Connecticut at $21.33, New York at $21.01 per hour, New Jersey at $20.89 per hour, Rhode Island at $20.83 per hour and Vermont at $20.36 per hour."
In 35 states, welfare, housing assistance and other benefits pays more than a minimum wage job, according to a new study by the Cato Institute. The study also found that in 13 states, the payout is more than $15 per hour.
Of course, this study doesn’t take into account that not everyone on public assistance receives all of the programs. But if they did, their payout would be significantly higher than even a starting teacher’s salary in 11 states or a computer programmer in 3 states.
The states with the highest welfare payouts – more than $20 per hour – are Hawaii, with payments equaling $29.13 per hour, DC at $24.43 per hour, Massachusetts at $24.30 , Connecticut at $21.33, New York at $21.01 per hour, New Jersey at $20.89 per hour, Rhode Island at $20.83 per hour and Vermont at $20.36 per hour."
My "friends" at DSCC want me to party... but I gotta pay..... not a surprise I guess.....
Michelle Obama is a passionate advocate for change who is never afraid to speak her mind. She’s an incredible role model -- and I can’t think of anyone who deserves a better birthday. If you support Michelle Obama, we hope you’ll take a moment to wish her happy birthday. You can even leave a personal message! Let’s get 100,000 grassroots supporters to sign her card. She’s gonna love this. Thank you, Matt Kehres DSCC Digital Director |
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Interesting that her "concern" excludes women impoverished by her president's economy-----House Democrats: Climate Change Turns Women Into Prostitutes
House Democrats: Climate Change Turns Women Into Prostitutes | Independent Journal Review:
"The Democratic party has found a new consequence of climate change: prostitution.
Rep. Barbara Lee and twelve other House Democrats issued a resolution stating that climate change can cause food and water shortages, which could lead impoverished women to turn to prostitution as a means of income:
“[I]nsecure women with limited socioeconomic resources may be vulnerable to situations such as sex work, transactional sex, and early marriage that put them at risk for HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy, and poor reproductive health,” it says.
"The Democratic party has found a new consequence of climate change: prostitution.Rep. Barbara Lee and twelve other House Democrats issued a resolution stating that climate change can cause food and water shortages, which could lead impoverished women to turn to prostitution as a means of income:
“[I]nsecure women with limited socioeconomic resources may be vulnerable to situations such as sex work, transactional sex, and early marriage that put them at risk for HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy, and poor reproductive health,” it says.
Remember. almost ALL democrats support amnesty. It just takes a few RINOs to end any sovereignty over citizenship or legal voters in our country---Website of Top House Republican Drops Opposition to Amnesty
Website of Top House Republican Drops Opposition to Amnesty | National Review Online:
"A key Republican player on immigration may be changing his tune on amnesty.
In January 2012, the “Immigration Reform” page on the official House website of Representative Bob Goodlatte, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said: “In no event should we grant amnesty to those who have broken our laws and entered the country illegally. Doing so would simply invite more illegal immigration in the future.”
Throughout 2012 and much of 2013, the Virginia Republican’s House “Immigration Reform” page denounced “amnesty.” As late as April 2013, it said “we must not grant amnesty to individuals who have broken our laws.”
Now, though, this prohibition has been scrubbed from his “Immigration Reform” page. Instead, this page now talks about how “we can all agree that our nation’s immigration system is broken” "
"A key Republican player on immigration may be changing his tune on amnesty.
Throughout 2012 and much of 2013, the Virginia Republican’s House “Immigration Reform” page denounced “amnesty.” As late as April 2013, it said “we must not grant amnesty to individuals who have broken our laws.”
Now, though, this prohibition has been scrubbed from his “Immigration Reform” page. Instead, this page now talks about how “we can all agree that our nation’s immigration system is broken” "
The democrats are clear in their message-Unemployment is good for you!---------------The Progressive Solution to Joblessness: “Stop Looking!”
The Progressive Solution to Joblessness: “Stop Looking!”:
To celebrate the great news, Democrats introduced legislation to extend unemployment handouts for an additional 26 weeks.
This seems to confirm the curious notion that unemployment is one of government’s most potent weapons against a poor economy, a notion proffered by the Dean of Demented Democrats, Dr. Nancy Pelosi who said the following in 2010:
This seems to confirm the curious notion that unemployment is one of government’s most potent weapons against a poor economy, a notion proffered by the Dean of Demented Democrats, Dr. Nancy Pelosi who said the following in 2010:
Unemployment benefits are creating jobs faster than practically any other program, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said back in 2010.
Talking to reporters, Pelosi, at the time the House speaker, said about unemployment benefits:
“It injects demand into the economy,” Pelosi said, arguing that when families have money to spend it keeps the economy churning. “It creates jobs faster than almost any other initiative you can name.”
Pelosi said the aid has the “double benefit” of helping those who lost their jobs and acting as a “job creator” on the side.
“It’s impossible to think of a situation where we would have a country that would say we’re not going to have unemployment benefits,” Pelosi said.”
According to Pelosi and other scholars with thinking disabilities, extending unemployment benefits causes the jobless to ‘Stop Looking!’ which invariably drives the rate down!
Barry's "laser focus on jobs" ain't working. Never did.-----------The Broader Measure Of Unemployment: 13.1 Percent
The Broader Measure Of Unemployment: 13.1 Percent | National Review Online:
"Taking these factors under consideration, a better measurement of the health of our labor market is the U6 unemployment rate, which provides the broadest picture of the current labor situation.
According to the new BLS data, the U-6 number now stands at 13.1 percent.
It is nearly twice the official unemployment rate.
As you can see here, it has slightly declined since the onset of the recession (and it stood at 13.2 percent in November) but is still significantly higher than pre-recession range of 8 percent to 9.3 percent from 2005 to 2007."
"Taking these factors under consideration, a better measurement of the health of our labor market is the U6 unemployment rate, which provides the broadest picture of the current labor situation.According to the new BLS data, the U-6 number now stands at 13.1 percent.
It is nearly twice the official unemployment rate.
As you can see here, it has slightly declined since the onset of the recession (and it stood at 13.2 percent in November) but is still significantly higher than pre-recession range of 8 percent to 9.3 percent from 2005 to 2007."
Excellent insight into what they think. And it ain't good for us-----The Establishment Won’t Go Quietly
The Establishment Won’t Go Quietly | AgainstCronyCapitalism.org:
"The world is moving quickly.
Europe is crumbling, Ron Paul is leading in Iowa.
The SOPA fight for the future of the internet is being fought on Capitol Hill.
The National Defense Authorization Act (which authorizes the indefinite detention of US citizens without due process or a lawyer) has been passed by Congress and signed by the President.
There is a whole lot of change going on."
"Last night I was thinking about these developments and other ones I haven’t listed and it struck me that that all of the developments have a key thing in common.
"The world is moving quickly.
Europe is crumbling, Ron Paul is leading in Iowa.
The SOPA fight for the future of the internet is being fought on Capitol Hill.
The National Defense Authorization Act (which authorizes the indefinite detention of US citizens without due process or a lawyer) has been passed by Congress and signed by the President.There is a whole lot of change going on."
"Last night I was thinking about these developments and other ones I haven’t listed and it struck me that that all of the developments have a key thing in common.
They all in one way or another represent an effort at consolidation in a world in which consolidation and increased centralization makes less and less sense.
This is why the federal government has grown taking ever more power from the states and localities, and why many companies have grown and grown into huge corporate conglomerates.
Why not have a central node from which policies can be handed down to the citizenry (in the case of government) or to consumers (in the case of corporations.)
....How are governments to keep everyone in line if individual citizens can communicate with each other at almost no cost? What to do. What to do.
I know! Lets use the government to compel the market (both the market for goods and ideas) back. Let’s restrict file sharing, and institute draconian copyright laws written so broadly they apply to practically anyone on Facebook. That’ll teach the market to change on us."
Leftist and GOPers unite to keep stranglehold on power-----Randy Richardville offers up logical proposal to alter legislative term limits | MLive.com
Who cares that the people voted for and love term limits?
The liberal media and otherwise unemployable state reps want MORE!
And the "contributions" (just doubled) from unions/connected businesses will get them the needed signatures.
Screw us little people.
Right?
Tim Skubick: Randy Richardville offers up logical proposal to alter legislative term limits | MLive.com:
"Mr. Richardville’s approach amounts to an end run around the law, but with voter participation.
It’s based on the long-held belief that citizens don’t want politicians to stay in office for life, but they like their local lawmaker.
Hence the Richardville plan would allow local lawmakers to gather petition signatures just when their careers are about to end, and if they get enough names, they can run for office again, and again and again, if voters decide to send them back to this town.
“I think it’s a reasonable request,” the GOP honcho tells the MIRS news guys.
Just like the word “logical,” the term “reasonable” is another reason why this probably won’t float."
The liberal media and otherwise unemployable state reps want MORE!
And the "contributions" (just doubled) from unions/connected businesses will get them the needed signatures.
Screw us little people.
Right?
Tim Skubick: Randy Richardville offers up logical proposal to alter legislative term limits | MLive.com:"Mr. Richardville’s approach amounts to an end run around the law, but with voter participation.
It’s based on the long-held belief that citizens don’t want politicians to stay in office for life, but they like their local lawmaker.
Hence the Richardville plan would allow local lawmakers to gather petition signatures just when their careers are about to end, and if they get enough names, they can run for office again, and again and again, if voters decide to send them back to this town.
“I think it’s a reasonable request,” the GOP honcho tells the MIRS news guys.
Just like the word “logical,” the term “reasonable” is another reason why this probably won’t float."
Hey! Aren't our national nannys warning us about distracted driving?-----Infotainment: New 'battleground' for automakers escalates with 4G LTE, apps in 2014
Infotainment: New 'battleground' for automakers escalates with 4G LTE, apps in 2014 | MLive.com:
"“The level of technology is just getting crazy in these vehicles,” said Karl Brauer, Kelley Blue Book senior analyst, Tuesday from the 2013 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.
Infotainment systems and other in-vehicle technologies are an instrumental part of the global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow.
But unlike the vehicles themselves, which are arguably now the best in history, automakers haven’t found the right parts to make cars seamlessly connect with smart phones and the Internet.
They’re struggles are weighing down overall quality in the auto industry, according to experts."
(yes, I did notice the "they're")
"“The level of technology is just getting crazy in these vehicles,” said Karl Brauer, Kelley Blue Book senior analyst, Tuesday from the 2013 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.Infotainment systems and other in-vehicle technologies are an instrumental part of the global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow.
But unlike the vehicles themselves, which are arguably now the best in history, automakers haven’t found the right parts to make cars seamlessly connect with smart phones and the Internet.
They’re struggles are weighing down overall quality in the auto industry, according to experts."
(yes, I did notice the "they're")
Your government won't let your kid work until they're 16. No wonder they don't want to work when they're 30-----How Young Is Too Young to Start Working?
How Young Is Too Young to Start Working? | Fox News Insider
Maine’s governor is making headlines for saying child labor laws are hurting the economy.
He believes kids as young as 12 years old should be able to work.
So how young is too young to start working?
Today on The Five, Eric Bolling was in full support of allowing kids to legally work before age 16.
“In a big part of the country, kids are helping out on the farms and what not. […]
It’s about time some of the liberal East Coasters catch wind of this.”
Maine’s governor is making headlines for saying child labor laws are hurting the economy.He believes kids as young as 12 years old should be able to work.
So how young is too young to start working?
Today on The Five, Eric Bolling was in full support of allowing kids to legally work before age 16.
“In a big part of the country, kids are helping out on the farms and what not. […]
It’s about time some of the liberal East Coasters catch wind of this.”
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