Salem for Samhain!

I've spent the last two weeks in Mass working in our center, but took advantage of the opportunity to drive over to Salem on Halloween, which is the witch's New Year, Samhain. It's a time to respect and honor our ancestors, get rid of excess baggage, and set goals for ourselves. As you should very well know, Salem, MA was the site of the Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692. Nineteen people were murdered either by hanging or being pressed to death, all on the conviction of witchcraft. Most of which were found guilty based off of spectral evidence, nothing tangible. Now, I'm not going to go into a history lesson here, but these men and women were innocent people murdered by fear and bigotry. I've always had a fascination with Salem, as I've been visited by Thomas Newton, the King's Attorney during the trials... so anyway, my hubby came up to MA and we headed over to Salem for the day.

One hundred thousand people were in attendance. It was totally INSANE, but it was enthralling! I had a reading, which was amazing. The reader and myself both ended up in tears. She even pulled out the fact that I was vegan. It was definitely the best reading I've ever had in my life.

We went up to Gallows Hill, the area where the hangings were, in a procession. The Temple of Nine Wells had a Samhain ritual, and then had a candle light vigil walk back into the town which ended at the Salem Witch Memorial. Of course along the way there were people preaching that we were going to hell, and God hates sinners.. can't go one day without the hate!

Here's a video with some snippets of video we took throughout the day.

Troy Anthony Davis update UPDATE!!!

New news for Troy Anthony Davis. Today the U.S. Supreme Court indefinitely postponed his execution and has remanded the case back to the state of GA, ordering that the case be reexamined.

I'm really excited... finally!! Now GA just needs to pull their heads out of their asses and sett his innocent man free!!

Oy vey, ok small update I suppose as I haven't been writing a lot. I was handfasted June 13th. It is a legal marriage, and it went wonderfully! Pics are on my facebook!

My dad's surgery on his cancer has gone well... the chemo pills didn't affect him too horribly. Since he's started taking his hormones, his energy is coming back wonderfully.

Jim and I purchased a new for us used car. It's fucking fabulous!! 2003 Element in damn good condition. Gas mileage no worse than the Cavalier we had. Woo hoo~~ I can finally drive in the winter and feel SAFE!

Work is crazy as always, but I love it... and that's a wrap for now!

Update on Troy Davis

Here is an email I received from Amnesty International today for those of you following the story of Troy Davis.

It's not the end of the road for Troy Davis, but the news is not good.

Yesterday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Troy Davis' bid for a new trial. In a 2-1 vote, the court cited technical reasons to reject Davis' petition for a hearing.

But all hope is not lost. Troy has 30 days to file another petition with the US Supreme Court.

Troy and his lawyers are doing everything they can to fight this decision from the inside. It is up to us to turn up the pressure on the outside. Even if you've taken action before, keep flooding Governor Perdue's office with emails demanding justice for Troy. And pass the action on to everyone you know. There is power in numbers and when you stand behind Troy Davis, you make the fight for justice even stronger!

We can't thank you enough.

In solidarity,
Sue, Brian, Jessie, and the rest of the Death Penalty Campaign team

P.S. Save the date — National Day of Solidarity for Troy Davis coming in May. We'll be in touch soon to let you know how you can support Troy in your own community!

Wake The Fuck Up!

I'm watching CNN, and they announced the verdicts of the people involved in the melamine case going on that has taken the lives of 6 children, and made hundreds if not thousands sicks.

Two men have been sentenced to death. These were named the 'middle men' in the case. One that sold the melamine, and the other whom mixed the melamine into milk to fraudulently increase the 'protein" in milk.

Something that really pissed me off... a man with his 23 cattle who stated that he was afraid that during the scare that he would either have to "sell the cattle or KILL them"... Are you fucking kidding me??? Kill them, because your industry is fucking tainted. BASTARD! Humans are tainted, when are we going to thin our population? When we decide to do so, I want to be the judge, jury, and executioner!

Cattle act strictly out of natural instinct, not out of greed, something humans cannot even come close to claiming.

So when the fuck are people going to wake up? When are they going to realize that the dead animals, animal excretions, or puss filled mammary fluids are NOT MEANT FOR HUMANS? I'm going to guess never, but I will say this... don't cry over the fruits of your greed, my dad has a saying, "you made your bed now lay in it"... I suggest you fuckers do the same!

Bye Bye Bushy... Fuck Yeah!!!

While I'm not naive to say that things are going to suddenly "change", because we all know, IT WILL NOT... I'm at least at the point where I am willing to say, I'm fuckin done with the last 8 years of American government, and welcome anything different at this point. Politics are politics, and as long as there are politicians, we the people are ultimately fucked, our voices muddled in corporate agenda's... All I can hope for is plateau to the downward spiral this country has taken... of course, I would love to see a renewed sense of honesty and morality, and I guess time will tell... until then so long George Bush... your legacy has been made!

Free Troy Davis!!!

As of my recent post in regards to Troy Davis, he was given a 25 day stay of execution. Troy has released this letter:

This is a message from Troy Anthony Davis
November 2008

I want to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Human Rights and Human Kindness, in the past year I have experienced such emotion, joy, sadness and never ending faith. It is because of all of you that I am alive today, as I look at my sister Martina I am marveled by the love she has for me and of course I worry about her and her health, but as she tells me she is the eldest and she will not back down from this fight to save my life and prove to the world that I am innocent of this terrible crime.

As I look at my mail from across the globe, from places I have never ever dreamed I would know about and people speaking languages and expressing cultures and religions I could only hope to one day see first hand. I am humbled by the emotion that fills my heart with overwhelming, overflowing Joy. I can't even explain the insurgence of emotion I feel when I try to express the strength I draw from you all, it compounds my faith and it shows me yet again that this is not a case about the death penalty, this is not a case about Troy Davis, this is a case about Justice and the Human Spirit to see Justice prevail.

I cannot answer all of your letters but I do read them all, I cannot see you all but I can imagine your faces, I cannot hear you speak but your letters take me to the far reaches of the world, I cannot touch you physically but I feel your warmth everyday I exist.

So Thank you and remember I am in a place where execution can only destroy your physical form but because of my faith in God, my family and all of you I have been spiritually free for some time and no matter what happens in the days, weeks to come, this Movement to end the death penalty, to seek true justice, to expose a system that fails to protect the innocent must be accelerated. There are so many more Troy Davis'. This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe.

I want you to know that the trauma placed on me and my family as I have now faced execution and the death chamber 3 times is more punishment than most can bare; yet as I face this state santioned terror, I realize one constant, my faith is unwavering, the love of my family and friends is massive and the fight for justice and against injustice by activists world-wide has ignited a fire that is raging for Human Rights and Human Dignity. You inspire me, you honor me and as I pray for strength and guidance for my family and loved ones, for the victims family and loved ones, I share with you this struggle, I share with you our triumps, knowing that you add to my strength, my courage and because of that, I share with you my life.

We must Dismantle this Unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country.

I can't wait to Stand with you, no matter if that is in physical or spiritual form, I will one day be announcing,
" I AM TROY DAVIS, and I AM FREE!

Never Stop Fighting for Justice and We will Win!

This is the 3rd time that Troy has faced execution! Please speak up! Let's not let him go back for a 4th time! Tell everyone you know about Troy Davis and ask them to speak up! We can not stand by idly while an innocent man is put to death! A decision is expected no later than November 24, 2008.

Dear Mark A. Gregg,

Dear Mark A.Gregg,

My name is Jodi. I have read your letter with earnest thought and as a white single female I feel that it is very necessary for me to respond to your letter.

"Dear Mr.Obama,

It is August 30, 2008. My name is Mark Gregg. I am a 50 something conservative white male. I have followed your campaign closely, including the speeches you and others made at the democratic national convention. I am respectfully providing you with seven simple (probably shallow) reasons why I could never vote for you. I believe my opinion is shared by many people. While there may not be quite enough to prevent you from becoming president of this nation, I do think there is an awakening to the fact that you are not a (the) messiah that the media and liberal Hollywood entertainers are trying to portray you."


Mr Gregg, in the very first paragraph of your letter you have already pointed out that you are of a different race, party, and religion. None of which are suppose to determine the qualifications of a president.

I don't care if a person qualified for the presidency were black, white, latino, asian, or any other race. I do not care if you are white Mr Gregg, why do you set yourself apart as a white man? Sounds racist to me. Why do you proclaim your political party other than to note that it is of difference? Don't we all want the same things at the very core of ourselves; which is the pursuit of life, love, and happiness? And to reference Mr. Obama as a(the) "messiah" is ridiculous. You're a Christian, you should know that there is no other Messiah as your religion proclaims.


"1. I hear your mantra of change, change, change. Yet, you picked a long term, liberal, Washington insider (Joe Biden) to be your running mate. This is NOT change. It is a move that hypocritically refutes the very thing you supposedly stand for. Your campaign then slammed McCain for picking Sarah Palin, apparently, because she is NOT a Washington insider. She is a maverick who cleaned-up Alaska's quagmire of political scandals.

Which way is it, Barack? Is it okay for you to pick a Washington insider under the mantra of change, but not okay for John McCain to pick a smart, aggressive, reformer?"

The definition of Maverick... for those of you who don't know what it is:

"A lone dissenter, as an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates"

It has been PROVEN that Sarah Palin had the boss of her sister's ex-husband fired because he refused to fire the ex husband. After the investigation a reporter asked her about the allegations of said abuse of power and her response? "I was glad to be cleared of any wrong doing." Are you kidding me Mr. Gregg? Do some research outside of what your neo-con friends are spewing at you.
It's not hard and only takes some time!

It has been proven that Palin has exploited her power as Governor as Alaska so that her children would travel for free (and unexpectedly) to different events on the tax payers dollar.

Yes, Sarah Palin sounds like a MAVERICK to me!!

While I may seem a bit of a "Maverick" myself when it comes to animal rights, offering $147 for the severed leg of a wolf is sickening. Trying to legally refute the listing of Beluga whales on the endangered species list is just as bad. Mrs.
Palin, there are only 400 Beluga whales alive, how endangered does a species have to be before they are considered endanger?

Sarah's Palin's experience in foreign policy is "You betcha! I can see Russia from this island in Alaska". She proclaims that she has worked with Russia in trade agreements, but ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION states are not able to enter trade agreements with foreign countries. Has Ms. Palin not taken an introductory political science class? And if you believe her.... have not you???


"2. You have the single most liberal voting record in the senate. This indicates to me and others like me that you may very well be an angry black man seeking to punish our country for sins of a different generation. I am not racist. I have some biases just like you and every other human alive. Unlike the democratic party who claims to be for the minority (but their record heavily refutes this), I will give any person who truly needs help, help. I married a minority girl 35 years ago (she is Hispanic) and have seen the evils of prejudice first hand. However, I have also seen my wife and my children and others in her family throw off the veil of self imposed prejudicial bondage and move ahead. They love our country and do not view themselves any different than I view myself as a citizen of this country. Your lovely wife so disappointed people like me during this campaign when she stated it was the first time she had ever been proud of this country. She apparently never noticed the massive aid we give dozens of other countries. She apparently never noticed the sacrifice of literally millions of veterans who helped make this country a free nation and helped liberate other nations from brutal dictators such as Adolf Hitler. She apparently does not remember that she attended ivy league universities with scholarship money that ultimately (at least some of it) was paid for by our taxes. This troubles me more than you know. She is an angry black woman who appears to not like her country very much. I don't want her representing me to the rest of the world."

Mr. Gregg, your gratuitous reference to race is sickening, and trying to use the fact that your wife is Hispanic shows an even deeper underlying prospect that you still view humanity according to race and creed than by merit.
Shame on you!

"3. You claim Christianity but apparently do not realize that the Bible teaches that he who does not work, does not eat. The Bible does not say or even suggest that he who CANNOT work, should not eat. Yet, your liberal policies reward people who are capable of working, but choose to not do so. This bothers me. I know that if you are elected our taxes will spiral upwards. You should heed the words of Winston Churchill: We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. If I like anything about you, it is your campaign promise to balance the federal budget.
"

Your above statement is convoluted and is a mere play on words you obviously cannot decipher for yourself.... let me show you why... you say....

"the Bible teaches that he who does not work, does not eat. The Bible does not say or even suggest that he who CANNOT work, should not eat."

Since when or where did you get the impression that Obama's policies would forbid those that CANNOT work to eat?

"Yet, your liberal policies reward people who are capable of working, but choose to not do so. This bothers me."

Mr Gregg, since when did the Constitution require someone to follow your laws and indoctrination of Christianity? And since you are one to claim Christianity, who are you to judge who is and is not capable of working? Since when have you become a medical doctor?

"Unfortunately, we have heard this a huge number of times from a number of different politicians and we realize that when you energize the very liberal Nancy Pelosi, Robert Byrd, Ted Kennedy, etc, etc, and the many other democrats like them, a balanced budget will never, ever happen on your watch."

Speaking of liberal Democrats, under the Clinton administration, The US was privy to a balanced budget, something we have not seen in the previous 8 years.

Now, don't go pulling the Oval office blow job story on me, NO ONE DIED WHEN CLINTON LIED. 4,189 men and women have died in search of your neo-con lies about weapons of mass destruction theory. Let me know when they come across those. Until then don't make my best friend say "so long" to her husband when he leaves for his 5th tour overseas.

"4. During your question and answer session with Rick Warren of Saddleback Church your answer concerning the question of where does life begin, stunned me ....Above your pay grade? Does this mean when something bad happens as President of this nation that you are going to look at your salary to determine if you can respond? I am sorry, but this was the most serious gaffe I have seen you make. Frankly, it shows me that you are pandering in the most obvious manner. You will choose your words not from your heart, but from an agenda that I believe is still hidden from the American people."

How many times must I stress that religion is not an issue when it comes to the qualifications of a president? MOST of the founding fathers WERE NOT CHRISTIAN! Wake up people! There is a reason why there is an Article calling for the separation of church and state!

"5. If anything stands out about you it is probably your appeasement mentality. In this era of rampant, radical Islamic extremism and with the latest stunt pulled by the re-energized Russian government, I am not sure appeasement is healthy. I again revert to the words of Winston Churchill ;An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."

OH MY GODS!!!! Are you for real? The vast majority of politicians are appeasers, as was the beloved Winston Churchill. Those words may seem profound, but they still appease people. Barack Obama is a Christian. He would be sworn in on the Christian Bible. But again, Separation of Church and State. He should be sworn in on the Constitution.


"6. You and your party tacitly believe that a 13 or 14 year old girl must have the parents approval to have the school nurse provide them with a Tylenol when they have a headache at school. Yet, this same girl can become pregnant and the school can skirt her off to a clinic and abort the child in her body without the parents knowing or being notified. This scares the hell out of me. You have two little girls. Would you be upset if this happened to them and you were not informed? Then why do you stand for this? It makes no sense to me."

If the religious right had not blocked the proper sexual education, the children of this country might not seek sexual gratification as means to rebel against their society. You quote your God, but didn't your God also say that it was IMMORAL to have sex before MARRIAGE? Mrs. Palin, I do believe your daughter is going to hell.


"7. My seventh and final point (for now) is your supporters. I have watched the Hollywood entertainers that support you, systematically embrace Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and others like him. I see the continuous smut and garbage produced by Hollywood , the very people who promote you the most vigorously. It is not a positive point to me and others like me to see these over-paid, bizarre, poor examples of human existence fawn over you and push you and your liberal agenda as hard as they do. The way I see it; When the devil is for you, we should question whether or not we should be against you.

In closing, I just want you to know that you scare me. I cannot vote for you. It is not because of your skin color. It is because these items I've listed and many, many others like them. Do not claim that my dislike for you is race based. It is because I do not feel you have the best interests of this nation at heart.


Respectfully,

Mark A.
Gregg "

Mr Gregg, I'm glad that you have finally stopped your constant whining of race and religion. You have gone as far as to battle against those who stand on your own religious ground. Imagine me, a Pagan standing up for a Christian man?!? when you yourself as a Christian have not the balls to do so. Truth is Mr. Gregg, you yourself are smut and you propagate hate, deception, and lies. What is even sadder is that there are those who will read this ridiculous letter and find merit in it because they are too lazy to look up the facts for themselves. They in turn will repost this nonsense as if it were the gospel itself.

I think I might even go as far as to say that Mr. Gregg doesn't exist, he is just another piece of conservative propaganda. It's easy to pass this kind of crap along when you are hiding behind the screens of the internet, but folks, do me a favor....

Before you cast your ballot on Tuesday, look up FACTS. Look at the actual texts of the tax plans, look at voting records, and DO NOT trust the main stream media... it's been proven that they are just as evil as your so called Devil. Look at actual legislation and visit the Congress' website to get voting records. Vote for your candidate because you believe in what they stand for. Remember what our Constitution stands for.

Remember that at the very core of every being, we all desire the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness REGARDLESS of sex, color, creed, or religion, and the Constitution guarantee's us that!

Sincerely,

Jodi Criser

P.S. Mr. Gregg, during the first paragraph you said that your reasons may be shallow.... well, you were right about that one!

I'm a bad, BAD girl *queue evil grin*

Ok, well I just thought I'd post something on a little more personal level. I hadn't posted anything on here for a month, and so I'm trying to get caught up with a few very important things that I have posted in the last 24 hours. Stories such as the possible execution of Troy Davis and trying to find some help for Citizens Animal Rescue.

I know that I use to have at least one or two people who would check in on my blog, so I hope you haven't given up on me in the last month. I promise, I'm still around!! I just have found myself in a bit of a rut. What?!?!? The Jod-I... in a RUT?!?! What has this world come to?

Hell if I know to tell the truth. Maybe it's the oncoming winter. Life has been going rather well.

My promotion is going good... I'm still learning. I guess I always will be. I try my best to do what I think is in the best interests for the operators, leads, and supervisors. I've faced a lot of criticism recently, based mostly on my religion... this really surprised me. It's never been an issue that I was pagan, but recently some of the operators on the floor decided to have a discourse on religion and mine has been in the line of fire. It makes me extremely sad to see this going on. I am the last person to ever judge someone based on their personal beliefs. I mean, I am the freak according to standard guidelines, I know what it's like to be judged before someone gets to know you. I am the first person who would stand beside someone to help them fight for equality! It truly fucking sucks and all I can do at this moment is hope that people get the fuck over it.

Grama Betty just got home from having her cancer surgery. We did find out that she will not die due to Carcinoid. This is an extreme relief for me! Grama Betty is my sunshine.. my only sunshine *queue song* She makes me happy, when skies are grey...

I guess the last topic of new information is that Jim and I will be tying the knot. Uh huh that's right! I'm going to be changing my last name! Even crazier to consider is that I'm the one that proposed! What is this world coming too!!! lol.. what can I say? I love him! As of now, we are hoping to have the Handfasting on June 13th. We just need the deposit for the area that we want to have the ritual at.

Ok, well it's getting a bit late. I've just finished listening to The Angry Hippie's Podcast so it's time for me to go to bed. Work comes earlier and earlier each day.

So for those of you who read this, thank you for not giving up on me. Yes, I haven't posted in over a month, but life has a way of happening. I hope your life is finding you well! Blessed Be!

Do you do any holiday shopping online??

We're all going to be doing our holiday shopping, and some of us will even be doing it online.... i know that's where mine gets done because I can't stand standing in lines after Black Friday!!! lol... well now we can buy the stuff that we were always going to buy, but help a good cause as well!! Let me just say that this is something that I don't normally do...

If you sign up for CARI (Citizens Animal Rescue) you can help an organization that has save the lives of hundreds of animals! Those of you that know me even a smidgen will be familiar with the rescue that occurred at the beginning of spring, and CARI is the organization that let us borrow the Have a Heart traps and showed us how to use them when the county wanted to kill a colony of feral cats. CARI helped us save LIVES!!!!

Recently, I attended a job fair with my company looking for potential applicants, and the woman that helped us with the animal rescue was there. She told me that this was the first month that she wasn't able to pay her personal bills because of all the vet bills and the other costs of having the Rescue. This honestly breaks every portion of my heart. This woman has put every ounce of herself into the lives of numerous animals to ensure that they would live peacefully and free from the death grips of Animal Control. So please, when you go to do your online shopping this year, take a few extra seconds to sign up to help CARI too!




If you sign up for an account at iGive they will donate a portion of your sales, plus an extra $5 to a great cause.

The mall of stores at iGive is ENORMOUS!!



Check it out at http://www.igive.com/cari

Some of the stores you can buy from include:

00inkjets
1 Stop Florists
1-800-FLOWERS.COM
1-800-GET-LENS
1-800-Pet Meds
101Phones.com
123Inkjets
3balls Golf
4Inkjets.com
6pm.com
A Letter From Santa
A Pea in the Pod
A&E Online Store
AAA Fruit Baskets
Abbey Press
Abe's of Maine
Abebooks.co.uk
Abebooks.com
Abt Electronics
Activa Sports
Adagio Teas
Adidas
Adobe
Aeropostale
Aerosoles
Africa Direct
Air France Canada
Air France USA
Alibris
All Wine Baskets
AllAboutDance.com
AllHeart
AllJudaica.com
Alloy.com
Alpha Omega Publications
Amazon.com
American Blind & Wallpaper Factory
American Blooms
American Diabetes Wholesale
American Eagle Outfitters
AmeriMark.com
Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor LOFT
Anna's Linens
Apple iTunes
Apple Store
Apple Store Canada
Appleseed's
Aramark
Arden B.
AreYouGame.com
Armani Exchange
Artful Home (The Guild)
ArtSelect
Ashford.com
AT&T
audible.com
Auto Parts Warehouse
Avenue
Avon
Avon Canada
B&T Factory Direct
B.A. Mason
Babies "R" Us
Baby Universe
BabyCenter Store
BabyGap.com
Back in the Saddle
Back To Basics Toys
Bagsbuy.com
Ballard Designs
Balsam Hill
Banana Republic
Bare Necessities
Bargain Catalog Outlet
Barnes & Noble
Bass Pro Shops
Bath-and-Body
BBC America Shop
Beaches Resorts
Beauty.com
Bed Bath Store
Bellacor
Benefit Cosmetics
Best Deal Magazines
BestBuy.com
BigDogs.com
Bionaire
Biotherm
Bird.com
Birkenstock Central
Blair.com
Blinds.com
Bliss
Blockbuster Online
Bloomingdale's
Blooms Today
Blue Nile
Blue Nile CA
Bluefly.com
Boca Java
Boden USA
Book Closeouts
Booksamillion.com
Borders.com
Boscov's
Bose Canada
Bose.com
Boston Proper
Botanic Choice Vitamins
Brigade Quartermasters
Britannica Online
Britannica Store
Broderbund
Brooks Brothers
Brookstone
Brylane Home
Business Gold Rewards Card
Buy.com
C&C California
Cabela's
Calendars.com
Calumet Photographic
Cambridge SoundWorks (Hifi.com)
Camping World
CanadianTire.ca
Candlewood Suites
CardScan
Care.com
Carol Wright Gifts
Carrot Ink
Casual Male XL
Catherines
CCS
Chadwick's
Champion Catalog
Chapters.Indigo.ca
Charles Tyrwhitt
Cheap Tickets
Checks In The Mail
CHEFS
Cheryl&Co.
Chico's
Children's Book-of-the-Month Club
Chinaberry
Chocolate Source
Choice Hotels
Christopher & Banks
Circuit City
CJ Banks
Classic Closeouts
Clinique Online
Closeout Catalog Outlet
CoffeeForLess.com
Coldwater Creek
Collections Etc.
Colorful Images
Comcast
CompleteTax
CompUSA
Computers4SURE
Constructive Playthings
Contacts America
Converse
Cooking.com
Core Secrets
Costume City
Costume Hub
Costume SuperCenter
Country Door
Country Home Products
Crabtree & Evelyn
Crafter's Choice
Crock-Pot
Cross.com
Crossings.com
Crowne Plaza
Crucial Technology
Current Catalog
Current Labels
Cutter & Buck
Cyberguys
Dale & Thomas Popcorn
Dan's Chocolates
Danskin
David's Cookies
Day-Timer
Dean & DeLuca
Dean Martin Roasts
dELiA*s
Dell Business
Dell Canada
Dell Home & Home Office
Dell Outlet (Home & Home Office)
Delta Air Lines
Toscano
Design Within Reach
Designer Linens Outlet
Destination Maternity
Diamond.com
Dick Blick Art Materials
Discovery Channel Store
Discover® Card
Disney Movie Club
Disney Movie Club CA
Disney Shopping
Dog.com
DogBreedStore.com
DogToys.com
Doubleday Book Club
Doubleday Book Club CA
Dr. Leonard's Healthcare
Draper's & Damon's
Drs. Foster & Smith
drugstore.com
Duncraft.com
Dunham's Sports
e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face)
Eastbay
Easy Comforts
eBags.com
eBay
eBay Canada
eBay UK
EBGames.com
EconomyTravel.com
eCOST
Edamame - The Maternity Spa
Eddie Bauer
Edmund Scientific
Edwin Watts Golf
eFaucets
eFax.com
eHarlequin
eLUXURY
eMagazine.com
Endless.com
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Entertainment Books
Epson Store
Equifax
ESPN Shop
ESPRIT
EssayEdge
eToys
Expedia.ca
Expedia.com
Exposures Online
Extended Stay Hotels
Fabric.com
Fabulous Furs
Factory Card & Party Outlet
FactoryOutletStore
Famous Footwear
Fandango
Fannie May Candies
FAO Schwarz
Fashion Bug
Femail Creations
Ferret.com
Figleaves
FineStationery.com
Fingerhut
Finish Line
firstSTREET
Fit Fuel
Fleurop.com
Florist.com
Flowers Fast
FlowerStore.com
Flying Noodle
Fogdog
FoodSaver
Footlocker.com
FootSmart
Fortunoff
Forzieri.com
FOSSIL
FragranceNet.com
Franklin Covey
Franklin Mint
Frederick's of Hollywood
French Toast
Freshpair.com
From You Flowers
Frontgate.com
FTD.com
G by GUESS
GameFly
GameStop.com
Gap.com
gapkids.com
Gardener's Supply Company
Gardens Alive
GarnetHill.com
Gemplers.com
Gevalia.com
GiftBaskets.com
GiftCertificates.com
GiftTree.com
Ginny's Catalog
GNC Store
Go Daddy
Godiva Chocolatier
Golfsmith
GoToMeeting
GoToMyPC
GoToWebinar
Gourmet Monthly Clubs
Grand Pointe
Grandin Road
GreatSkin.com
GreekGear
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
Griffin Technology, Inc.
GroundedSoles.com
GUESS.com
Guiding Light Video
H2O Plus
Haband
Half.com
Hallmark.com
Hammacher Schlemmer
Harry & David
HerRoom
Hickory Farms
Highlights.com
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Troy Davis- Are Innocent Men Still Being Executed By The State?

I just heard about the case of Troy Davis this past Friday while staying at my Grama Betty's. I had went to her house because she had to have her cancer surgery this morning so I was house and doggy sitting this weekend. I finally got home and have been trying to find more information on Troy.



I do not know whether he is alive or has been executed. I'm pretty sure that I'm seeing there was a stay of execution placed by 11th Circuit Court on Friday, but the latest I heard on Friday was that the Supreme Court was not going to intervene. The time of execution was slated for 3 hours ago so I can only hope that the info on Amnesty International's page is correct and his case will be re-examined.

Troy has been on death row in GA for the past 17 years, his conviction was for the murder of a police officer Mark Allen MacPhail. During the trial no physical evidence was provided, no weapon has ever been found, and since the trial, 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted their testimony, and many have provided sworn affidavits stating that they were pressured or coerced into providing their testimony. These affidavits are horrifying.

Witness Dorothy Farrell stated.... "I also felt like I had to cooperate with the officer because of my being on parole…I told the detective that Troy Davis was the shooter, even though the truth was that I didn’t see who shot the officer.” Ok,why was this witness even worried about the fact that she was on parole... that is unless the cops planned on or threatened to use that against her if she didn't do what they wanted??? Click the link above to read more from other "witnesses".

One of the two witnesses who has not recanted their testimony is Sylvester "Red" Coles – whom, according to the defense, is an alternative suspect and in which there is new evidence implicating him as the gunman. Nine individuals have signed affidavits implicating Sylvester Coles in the murder of MacPhail.

This story absolutely sickens me. Growing up, I had always been a supporter of the death penalty; however, over the last few years I've begun to reexamine my idea's, and after watching "The Life of David Gale", I've found myself more in opposition to the death penalty. The story of Troy Davis saddens me beyond this all. What happened to "BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT"? Troy was never afforded this bullshit slogan; Which is truly sad. For we ourselves, in the United States, are no less barbaric than those we condemn in Saudi Arabia-- The only difference is Saudi Arabia murders their citizens in a public forum, and the United States does not.

The word HYPOCRITE comes to mind.

Check out Troy Davis' website by clicking here.

Please check out the Amnesty International website about Troy Davis and then click here to sign the petition to demand clemency for Troy.

Please, Please, PLEASE.... Take time to learn and to see what our government is doing to our people... to our brothers and sisters. This may seem like an inconsequential story to you, but if we let them get away with this... I guarantee you, someone you know and love will be next!

Michael Moore- Slacker Uprising

I got this message today that I thought I would pass along. Michael Moore has made another film, and will be offering free downloads of it starting tonight at midnight! I've signed up for my copy. Make sure you download your copy too!!! Here's the email that was received:

Friends,

This is it. The time has arrived! At midnight tonight, you can be one of the first people ever to legally download, for FREE, a brand new, feature-length film. It's my new movie, "Slacker Uprising," and I'm giving it to you as a gift of thanks for coming to my films over the 20 years I've been a filmmaker.


It's also one of my contributions to help get out the vote November 4th. That's why I'm giving you my blanket permission to not only download it, but also to email it, burn it, and share it with anyone and everyone (in the U.S. and Canada only). I want you to use "Slacker Uprising" in any way you see fit to help with the election or to do the work that you do in your community. You can show my film in your local theater, your high school classroom, your college auditorium, your church, union hall or community center. You can have your friends and neighbors over to the house for a viewing. You can broadcast it on TV, on cable access, on regular channels or on the web. It's completely free -- I don't want to see a dime from this. And if you want, you can charge admission or ask for a donation if it's to raise money for a candidate, a voter drive, or for any non-profit or educational purpose.
In other words -- it's yours!

"Slacker Uprising" chronicles the 62-city tour I did leading up to the 2004 election. It is electrifying to see the tens of thousands of young people who were ready then for the uprising -- and who, this year, are actually making it happen. This is my concert film tribute to the young voters who are going to save this country from four more years of Republican rule.


There are a number of ways, beginning at midnight tonight, that you can download or stream "Slacker Uprising" thanks to our distributor, Brave New Films:

1) Blip. tv will provide standard resolution streaming, free of commercials and advertising.

2) Amazon Video on Demand will provide a high quality version of the above stream.

3) iTunes will make it easy for you to download "Slacker Uprising" on your iTunes, iPod, or Apple TV, and view it there or transmit it to your television. This way, the film can be portable as well as for home viewing.

4) Hypernia is providing bandwidth, servers and management to host "Slacker Uprising" online, so you can download the film and view it at any time or burn it onto a DVD.


I am fortunate to have all these great people bringing you my movie for free. There will be no ads and they have all agreed to supply their services free of charge. All of them wanted to be part of this historic moment when the first major feature-length movie is being released for free on the internet.


(For those of you who don't download, there will be a low-cost DVD available.
)

This past Thursday we held the world premiere of "Slacker Uprising" in Ann Arbor (you can read about it here). The response was incredible and I want to encourage you to screen this movie with large groups. I believe it will inspire our get-out-the-vote efforts at a time when we need to get millions registered in the next two weeks.


Thanks again for all your support over the years. I hope you'll like my new film. It's all yours, anytime after midnight tonight.
Enjoy!

Yours,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
SlackerUprising. com
MichaelMoore. com

P.S. I'll be doing a live chat, tonight at 11:00 PM ET, on Daily Kos, in the hour countdown leading up to the internet release of my film.
Hope to see you online!



http://slackeruprising. com/



Go Sign Up Now!! Cause Jod-I said so!

Not much else going on here. Been busy with work and the weekends have been filled with some workshops and my friends, Jennifer Taylor and David Tarr got married yesterday. So yes, I've been amiss from here for a few weeks.

I honestly don't know what to write about as of now. The month of September is very unsettling for me. I usually hit bottom and become depressed. This year my son would've turned 7 years old this month. I know that I shouldn't, but I can't help but wonder what might have been.

But I am drawing on the positive aspects of life. Tomorrow is my Grama's Birthday and it's also my 1st Vegan anniversary! WOOO HOOO~ And for my fellow Pagans, may you have a Blessed Mabon today!

Oh yeah, just thought I'd share this pic with you. I found a tree yesterday at the wedding I absolutely fell in love with.... dangit, you can only see half the pic again so click on it and you can see the whole thing :-)

Information Clearning House publisher Tom Feeley Threatened!

I'm not going to discuss this at great lengths tonight because I just received this information while listening to The Angry Hippie's Podcast. I don't know how many of you are familiar with Information Clearing House, but Tom Feeley, who maintains the website has once again been threatened. These threats are common as he has received many death threats and other intimidation tactics. All of this due to his need to speak out about the truths that are occurring. That's right, his only bias is to let the public know what is really going on behind the scenes, providing the information that you won't find in media sources ran by governmental mother fuckers who want to sensor everything we see! Below is is a copy of an email that was sent out, and can be found published online at: http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=9111 I encourage you to look at the page yourself, before it is taken from the net forever.. however, here is what the email states:

Information Clearing House Publisher Threatened
Mike Whitney – Fly by News August 6, 2008

My friend Tom Feeley is in Big trouble. He runs the web site informationclearinghouse.info which updates "news you won't find in the corporate media" every day. The site is strongly anti-war.

Tom has gotten his share of death threats over the years, but what happened this week is a lot more serious.

Two days ago, Tom's wife found three well dressed men in their kitchen. The man who did all the talking, told Tom's wife (I won't give her name) that Tom must "Stop what he is doing on the Internet, NOW!" As crazy as it sounds, he pulled back his lapel and showed her a gun of some kind which she could not identify. Like I said, Tom has been threatened before, but nothing like this. 4 years ago, he was in a parking lot at Long's Drug store in Southern California and when he tried to open his door to get out, a man in a car next to him opened his door at precisely the same time which prevented Tom from getting out. Then, a 40-ish year old man got out of the passenger side of the vehicle and approached Tom saying, "You need to stop what you are doing on the web".

Tom said the man was overweight and had his shirt untucked. Tom was taken aback, but (after collecting himself said) "What the fuck? Who do you think you are telling me what I can do?"

The man answered, "Tom, I'm just giving you some good advice. You should take my advice, Tom."

This is all I know about the incident. Since, then, there have been occassional death threats, but nothing like what happened on Sunday. Tom's wife is hysterical and has not returned to the house since the incident. She contacted the FBI but the FBI said their was nothing they could do. Tom and his wife separated recently after a 30 year marraige, so he is publishing from a different location.

The well-dressed man told Tom's wife that he knew where her son lived, what line of work he was in, and how many children he had.

Last night, Tom's son and a friend cruised the neighborhood where his mother lives to see if anything strange was going on. They came across two men in a car a half-block from their mother's home using their laptops at roughly 12:30 AM. When Tom's son and friend approached them, the car sped off. Tom, does not know whether this is connected to his situation, but it is definitely suspicious.

I talked to Tom this morning and he is getting by, but he's clearly upset. I do not know his plans, but I know he is ditching his cell phone and (I assume) will have to go underground as much as possible. He plans to keep publishing.

I'll tell you this about Tom Feeley; he is no bullshitter. He is the "real deal" and completely committed to exposing the mob that is presently running our country. He does not understand why, (as he says) "They are reaching down SO far to get someone who just runs web site". But, the truth is, they are. Someone wants him to "shut up" and they apparently have the muscle to do it. He knows he is in danger.

I will probably only hear from Tom infrequently from this point on. But I will update information as I get it. Tom, knows some of the best writers on the Internet---many of them speak out regularly and forcefully on issues of civil liberties and war. Anything they can do to draw attention to Tom's situation will greatly improve his chances of getting through this ordeal safely. Beyond that, I have no idea of what can be done to help.

Mike Whitney

OK folks, I encourage you to please pass this information along, speak out against the fascist bastards who are taking our freedom right from under our noses.

The information in the email above really does not surprise me. In fact, I know first hand that the government fears dissension! In the previous blog post I posted an excerpt of a blog I wrote back in 2004 after Dubya stole his 2nd term. After I had posted that blog, the government decided to enter my apartment and go through my personal belongings. I was over a friends home and came home to a scattered home. My college books, DVD's, everything thrown here and there. I had a program set up on my laptop to capture every keystroke made on my laptop, and indeed a copy of my hard drive had been made.

Right now I'm furious! Previously, I've asked "when will enough be enough?" Now I'm screaming it at the top of my lungs! God dammit people... Wake the fuck up! DO SOMETHING! ANYTHING! QUIT LAYING ON YOUR LAZY ASSES AND TAKE BACK WHAT IS YOURS!

Tom, the fight is right. Your work is amazing! Thank you for the truth!