DadCentric

Man-Blogs: Dad's Wanted
I’m not a dad, and I’m not a mom either - so I guess that makes me a spectator... Nevertheless, I certainly enjoyed the heartwarming insights and hilarious writing at these sites by Dads.

Moms have many more resources in the parenting arena, but with the now open image of men as progressive parents, its more than a notion and I am glad to see more expression by dads, and exposure for single dads too. Today's Renaissance man might more closely be described as Dads who actually do what was heretofore considered Mom stuff, and they delight in it as well. You go guys!

So in a show of both support and amusement here are just a few Blog sites that offer great reads with valuable points of view and some precious pearls of wisdom.

Parent on:
- DadCentric: "Yep, Elmo has become a drug mule. "
- MetroDad
- Mr. Big W
Ironically (but unrelated) followed by:
- Laid Off Dad
- Rice Daddies

CU...

Telegraph, Telephone, Tele-FiLM

Wanna direct? Get out your cell phone - Yahoo! News
Wanna direct? Get out your cell phone - Yahoo! News

Army game recruits 'Real Heroes' - Yahoo!

Okay, I think I need a patriotism transplant... I am having a conflict of my own here. As an avid gamer I have very mixed feelings about both versions of the Army game. I realize that oft-times positive things do come from such game play, yet the Army gets a fresh batch of recruits as well!
This is the rub = Now you REALLY CAN be an "Army of one".
Is it alright that a pasttime so seemingly innocent as gaming can lead to our young ones joining the Army??
Who knows - so read more about it and you decide.
The debate does go on however about how potentially dangerous and distracting gaming can be – so this totally takes the cake in so many ways.
*Share your thoughts...

See the article here:
Army game recruits 'Real Heroes' - Yahoo! News
Excerpt:
"America's Army: Special Forces Overmatch, a new version of the PC game launched four years ago, is available free at americasarmy.com. About 7.5 million registered online to play the older game.

In addition to being able to use new weapons and vehicles in the game's simulated counterterrorism missions, players will meet several "Real Heroes" who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq,including Wolford.

The "Real Heroes" appear in the game's virtual recruiting station and in training sessions that prepare players for the missions."

An Inconvenient Truth - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times

An Inconvenient Truth - Trailer - Showtimes - Cast - Movies - New York Times

ABC News: ABC News Political Unit's 2008 Presidential Invisible Primary Ratings, Vol. 1

Look at the Chances Various Republicans and Democrats Have at Winning Their Party's Nomination 2008 Presidential Invisible Primary Ratings, Vol. 1
By MARK HALPERIN, DAVID CHALIAN and TEDDY DAVIS. from March 23, 2006 —

This news item is chock full of important info - do see it!

Excerpts:
Partial Table of Contents
Invisible Primary Ratings, How It Works, Categories, Money, Potential, Rationale/Issues/Record, Biography and Spouse, Iowa, New Hampshire, Other States, Perceived Electability, The 'Hang' Test, TV Campaign Skills, Wartime Leadership/Anti-terrorism Credentials, Media Coverage, Buzz/Momentum, Netroots.

Opening teaser:
1) No Senator has been elected President of these United States since John F. Kennedy in 1960.

2) 2008 will mark the first presidential election since 1928 in which neither the sitting president nor vice president is running for the job — creating a wide open contest...

The Invisible Primary refers to the jockeying for supremacy in the contests to be positioned to be the major party presidential nominees between now and start of the actual caucus and primary voting.

Please do not forget to Vote!! It's our future (or not).

Giant Girl Doll - Google Video

Giant Girl Doll - Google Video

Completely enchanting.
This huge, marionette doll is true art, sculpture, and wonderful story telling. Graceful and life-like, though for a moment she strangely resembles Michael Jackson to me.
(Now don't hate the playa)... Just click and watch the video please.

When a "Rose" is Not a Rose: Missing In New York?!

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
Okay, so I am trying very hard to wrap my small brain around how 11 exchange students = adults sized, go "missing" in New York - for 10 days thus far, from JFK Airport?
Such is the story with the 11 exchange students "gone missing" in NYC.

How does this happen that their parents,local and now federal authorities, their Montana hosts, and even the odd new Yorker have not heard anyone cry out, "help, we are lost in NY!”? Anyone with even a few watts still burning would ask for directions or help-in any language. (So sorry,its hot: brownout humor alert)

10 Days, Ten Reasons and Counting...
So when is "missing" not missing? Moreover, in the post-911 era what are we to think or assume? Frankly, I am so shocked that 11 students (possibly in group), can give the slip like this, I found myself running to the computer... I had to let it out. So below is what's running thru my mind tonight (scary), and some items are not for the feint of heart.

1. They left the airport intentionally - There seems to be no reports of incidents at JFK Airport to alert authorities that they missed the connecting flight.
2. If they snuck away, as kids do, for fun in NY - that plan went terribly wrong so they should notify someone.
3. Are they too frightened to let someone know?
4. We could assume that they have enough smarts to go to college - so how did they get so very... misplaced?
5. One of their colleagues, who did make it to Montana has stated: He can see how they can get lost - "New York is a big city... "
6. Excuse us but it is certainly not bigger than Montana! However will they fair there, wandering about the range?
7. Montana beware. New Yorkers heads up!
8. They never intended to go to the exchange English classes in Montana to begin with. They may now be taking secret flying lessons or buying backpacks at Staples.
9. Have they been kidnapped by... terrorists?
10. We could even stretch and ask if the CIA or some other Patriot Act-type agency has picked them up, and is maybe, secretly holding them for some security reason? So after 10 days wouldn't this agency let someone know that these people are not "missing" through what ever means (strategically) possible?

All very strange indeed. It’s so easy to get lost, missing, WHATEVER in NY especially after 10 days have passed...

- Speaking just moments ago to a friend about this issue - he could not believe the students are still nowhere to be found. He's also cancelling his appointment downtown at the end of the week. Perhaps we'll both stay uptown and have a few cocktails.
Welcome to our new world.
Comments welcome, and pardon any cross-blog posts - some info needs repeating.

Architects of sand | csmonitor.com

Architects of sand csmonitor.com

Well if we were not at war in a very sandy part of the world, I could rejoice in this post with much more gusto.

But never mind me - do see these fascinating and beautiful sand sculptures. Perhaps we should copy the troops on this post... just in caase they get bored from time to time - this is an idea that suits their surroundings for sure. I just can't get over the irony here, so forgive the sad parts (protest war instead!), and do enjoy the art - see more detail at CSmonitor - link above.

Ta

Bush Pilot (with English subtitles) - Google Video

This is RICH.
Well worth the watch! Pretty hilarious - Caution US citizens - it's in German with subtitles.
We know you can do it... See the vid: 2.5 minutes

Bush Pilot (with English subtitles) - Google Video
Pass it on.

Gearlog : Glowing Blue Faucet? Why Not?

Gosh, I have nothing really to add except... I think I will get one!
Oh and another thing... (Could not leave it alone) why couldn't this device be water powered??

Points up a chronic problem in America - when something more efficiently powered is within our grasp we default to something more onerous.
** BUT it is still a great idea with minimal LED power supply = a watch battery. Carry on...

See the full story with order info here: Gearlog : Glowing Blue Faucet?

Dell laptop explodes at Japanese conference

Dell laptop explodes at Japanese conference

Dell has been much off its game lately for sure... Check these statistics:
- Dell recalls 22,000 batteries
- Dell recalls a million faulty AC adaptors
- Dell notebook adaptor fault: Not many killed
FYI: Get more information these links are active in the article - do give a read...sounds like class action - action to me but you decide.

Here's Proof That New Yorkers Like to Complain - New York Times

NY Times Quote of the Day:
"The point of complaining is not necessarily that it's going to change things. It's more kind of an existential act that is essential to democracy."
MATTHEW BAKKOM, a conceptual artist, on the history of complaints to New York mayors.

Here's Proof That New Yorkers Like to Complain - New York Times

Wicked Ramblings and Bold-faced Lies: Crack is Whack

This is from Faith Whitfield's Blog - she's the sister of a very close friend. Her writing is really great fun and quite on the pulse of some of the issues that may be running through your mind. I enjoyed this post on Whitney Houston in particular - 'cause I too am so put out by Whitney's tired activities. Faith writes about other hugely entertaining topics... some of my FAVs include: - Don't Tease Hitler - The Pool party and - Scrampled Eggs.

Here's a excerpt from her post on "LaWhitney's" latest escapades:
"Sometimes I read the newspaper and I can’t help but say, “There is just so much senseless suffering in the world I don’t know why I even bother handing out Pixie Stix to the homeless. It’s like my efforts are in vain.” And I usually can’t help but to say that when I am reading over a stranger’s shoulder in public. I think it’s a great conversation starter. Then I see a story like this, with a picture of LaWhitney’s house, and I really get mad. This woman burns me up because she is too stupid too realize her good fortune, and she is taking it for granted, just like so many celebrities."
.... There's much more - click to get your read on.
Wicked Ramblings and Bold-faced Lies: Crack is Whack

Payphone Project: Telephone Booths & Payphones from around the world

Payphone Project: Telephone Booths & Payphones from around the world

How fascinating!
I found this piece here: http://www.pruned.blogspot.com - on the way to something else of course. Pruned is a lovely blog with lots of cultural, design and esoteric features... Actually they are into landscape architecture and related topics - which is one of my passions so I know them for a while, but this find is certainly different - see it = quite enjoyable, you will not want to leave there... and its OK - but do come back to Ex-LCD soon.

Ta.

Sonic Intervention: Sarah McLachlan - World on fire = Very moving - see this now!

Sarah McLachlan: WORLD ON FIRE
It seems we are becoming increasingly concerned and distressed about conditions around the world.

* We should be... Something not so good is going around.*

When so much here buys so little relative to the rest of the world, I am humbled and often ashamed at our embarrassment of riches. Now don’t get me wrong - I do understand how things work, but what baffles me is that we often fail to remember how giving works, and to do charitable acts in response to our great fortune. We sometimes forget there's a big world out there... to be human and to be kind.

This feature: A short music video from Sarah Mclachlan - she is to be commended. It also has info on how much *sound* donations (don't let Katrina-gate etc. kill your kindness) can do - Remember, every effort helps no matter how large or small, how famous or anonymous = it all make an impact.

So, do something - make your own impact.
See Sarah McLachlan's video here --> WORLD ON FIRE ...and please be sure to click the link showing how small dollars can do huge helps for others.

From theonion.com - Preventing Illegal Immigration

Preventing Illegal Immigration... This is rich!
Yes = sarcasm. Look closely.

Thanks to theOnion.com for this.
For more ROFLOL go there: Chart: Congressional Proposal Strategy for Preventing Illegal Immigration

Couldn't resist...

BBC NEWS Technology: Amnesty International to target net repression.

Internet users are being urged to stand up for online freedoms by backing a new campaign launched by human rights group Amnesty International.
* Get more in this topic here -> BBC NEWS Technology - Amnesty International to target net repression.

The campaign will highlight abuses of rights the net is used for, and push for the release of those jailed for speaking out online. It will also name hi-tech firms aiding governments that limit online protests.
................................................................
*My comment: Hmmm- Hi-Tech corps aiding gov't censorship?
Criminy! I shudder to think of the motivations behind all this...
Learn for yourself and act.

ABC News: Soldiers Turn SNL Rap Skit Into 'Lazy Ramadi'

See this video now!
CLICK HERE --> ABC News: Soldiers Turn SNL Rap Skit Into 'Lazy Ramadi'

Flip the Script
Two U.S. soldiers make a Rap music video about their time in Iraq.
Inspired by a SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit, SSG Matt Wright created this video with US National Guard-mates all the way in Iraq.
It's gone viral of course.

Here's a clue for America about how they are feeling. Thought provoking, and also quite entertaining... seems a waste of some spontaneous talent.

*** 2 thumbs up here for the "Vid” and wishing all our troops well.

Gas Prices by ZIP CODE - Loaded Issue Alert!

Well we may feel helpless... but only because we are too (American) idle to get up, go out and protest!
Which, if I recall - is the (latest) reason we also spend billions of dollars in Iraq - so THEY can get up, go out and protest - one of the key privileges of democracy. Even if the war really was a run at the oil over there - that strategy apparently did not work out either - yikes!

Now it seems we just outsource democracy... as wars in other countries. The French riot in the streets when job benefits change, yet here we enjoy struggling things and just... ahh, complaining - sounds pathetic and kind of puny coming from a "super power" like America. We may have lost our Mojo but be reminded it is our hard earned money that’s being spent abroad with little left over to cure or soothe America's issues. Sadder still, we spread democracy so selectively - there are other nations that have far worse conditions such as Africa - the need there is endless as we well know, or should know - what have you done for Africa lately?

I guess it is what it is. I am saddened because it seems we have lost our power and sense of outrage as human beings and Americans - now days we just sit down. It feels we can't or won't stand up for issues that are in our faces every day and affect our futures and those of our children and families, and the earth as a whole. (I'm folding my soapbox up now).

So Happy Trails...
{Roy Rodgers said that - but he rode a horse.}
For your next road trip or commute ($$ out of your paycheck), here's what it looks like for car travel in the land of opportunity: Clicking for gas... how unfortunate for US.

CLICK HERE ---> Gas Prices - MSN Autos

Tax resisters : When the Tax Man cometh, they don't answer the bell | csmonitor.com

! Tax resisters - hmmm a sticky wickett - but a great idea ... in theory. Read more here:
When the Tax Man cometh, they don't answer the bell | csmonitor.com
Compelling quote: "three years into the Iraq war,and the tax-resister clearinghouse has more than doubled its online readership, from 200 hits a day to about 500."

Can You Hear Me Now? (dammit!) - Naomi Campbell : An Analysis

Supermodel Infected w/ Chat Rage??  Serial Handset Attacks Continue

OMG!
When successful adults behave as badly as Naomi Campbell they deserve to be called out. So I am amused to provide commentary as a Public Service Offering -PSO.

My advice:
She needs to either stay off the drugs - or stay off the phone!
Phones seem to be her weapon of choice = how interesting. Can't she reach for something else when the rage hits?   Other stars have this proclivity as well - perhaps this is a sign of a new social disorder... Chat Rage?

At left it appears she is suffering from a mild form of cellular sclerosis - too much telephony I suspect.
...what color pill do they give out for that?

Jack's House - NY Times

preview:
These are the men
That fleeced the tribes
That paid the money
That made the bribes
That purchased the Congress that
Jack built.

(Well... what more can we say? read the whole piece - click below)
Jack's House - New York Times
By HART SEELY, editor of "Pieces of Intelligence: The Existential Poetry of Donald H. Rumsfeld."
[how totally a propos].

Scandal Gear - These can be yours

     click-Scandal Gear
     by DesignPolice:MOS

Security - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Security Design: ASLA seeks images of poor security solutions at public buildings to aid in bringing national attention to the persistent problems of security design.
Get the submit details here.

pictured: No Security - Too often security solutions that were meant to be temporary, become permanent fixtures on the landscape. Photo from Washington,DC's monument corridor shows how poor security design can mar our national memorials, and impede pedestrian access... Not to mention some security measures seem to create more problems than they relieve.
n.b.: ASLA = American Society of Landscape Architects.

Ashes and Snow

A beautifully designed exhibition with a smart, ecumenical travel concept. Includes these eye popping digital and bound presentations.
You must see it, so just click and explore.
click here -> ashes and snow

about: Canadian photographer, Gregory Colbert’s Ashes and Snow is an ongoing project that weaves together photographic works, three 35mm films, art installations and a novel in letters. Colbert collaborated with architect Shigeru Ban to create the *Nomadic Museum*, the permanent home of the exhibition as it travels around the world.

From - essays & effluvia: Death and Taxes

Oh my!
Chart: Death and Taxes - see and download this mind boggling visual aid... frightening when not helpful.

The Democrats are saying - IT'S ON! - So America get busy!

Democratic Map - DSCC: 2006 Races - they sent out this interactive map of national Senate districts and info = useful.
The Republicans evidently feel they have things all under control... they did not mail me.
DSCC : 2006 Races

Sad but True: Bush video - Fuzzy Math = Scary

Fuzzy Math... Starring our President with cameo by Colin Powell. Produced by thebots www.thebots.net

See it here -
click here to play video: Fuzzy Math

- Free from Scandal - Postage Stamp

Declare some innocence.
Or inspire someone else.
Buy this stamp.
It's bit more $ than regular postage but it goes to a great cause... truth.
Yes, this is REAL postage.
Just stick 'em to your letters!

Fun with Amazon - Amazing Search

1. go here: Amazing Amazon

2. Type in a search word, anything will do to start.
3. Observe -- and don't be too quick to close the window!
4. Now click on something within the browser window.
5. Repeat.

** If you would like to share your searches send email and i will post them, or post it yourself below. **

Shared by newly dubbed: "Crazy Eyes" (thanks!).

Bad Portsmanship! or… Who’s Minding the Shore?

I was in an Olympic state of mind till this bubbled up.
--> How is it that major deals - selling off whole swatches of the US shoreline - can go through without the knowledge of the US President or his staff? They seem oddly surprised (when not beset), by a lot of things these days.
It appears the deal was structured by one foreign government (England - in this case an ally) on behalf of another foreign concern - the UAE – a body related to those proven to be less than friendly.

All baffling to say the least. This deal was announced with only 2 weeks to go before it is to be signed, sealed and done. It involves 6 major shipping ports along US shores and Bush & friends are trying to bum rush it through the approval process. See article link below for the gory details.

I just need to ask a few basic, and pardon me, possibly dumb questions:
- Who will secure us if we can’t make a commitment to secure ourselves?
- How does all of this evolve without a hint or clue, or at least a heads-up call to Washington?
- If the UAE applied for an oversight position at your company - would you hire them to run the show?

- What do we get? It appears the American public is getting reassuring words from some of the same people who turned New Orleans and the war on terror into models of expensive disorder for reasons too complex to explain here... or anywhere else for that matter.
- Does this sound ludicrous to you?

Ultimately, we must ALL ask: Did we hire the president or his wards to provide such grossly inadequate performance?

** Here’s one answer: They should be fired… or we could just give them a Heidi Klum send off … you’re out!

Stuck in the Mud! - F.E.M.A. leaves a hot mess in Arkansas

Attention readers: Check this...

Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross says thousands of mobile homes ordered for Hurricane Katrina now sit empty in Arkansas. Ross says the empty homes represent a waste of taxpayer money. The Congressman added the homes will become worse as the trailers become mired in mud.
Ross sent a letter to acting Federal Emergency Management Agency director David Paulison. The letter said it's unacceptable for people to still be sleeping in tents and living in hotel rooms nearly four months after the tragedy, when more than 10,000 new and empty manufactured homes are waiting.

Thousands of empty mobile homes that FEMA ordered to house refugees in the wake of the August 29th Gulf Coast storm now sit empty at sites near Texarkana and Hope.
.... ("Hope" - How Ironic is that? - this is Mint's comment)...

Ross, whose district includes Hope, wrote that staging areas are overflowing with trailers. According to Ross, these pastures and fields were not effectively prepared by FEMA, and when winter rains hit the 'gumbo', soil will cause the trailers carrying the manufactured homes to sink.
credits: EXCERPT Copyright 2005. The Associated Press. Aryana Crowson, Assignment Editor. Created: 12/13/2005.

FOR MORE ON THIS TOPIC SEE this link from www.newshounds.us:

Quote clip from newshounds: "these taxpayer-owned facilities - $300,000,000 worth - sit unused, and we demand nightly running of the aerial video, until those 11.000 trailers are occupied by traumatized, disillusioned, hurting southern American families...
Excerpt Credit: Reported by chrish at February 16, 2006 - gmail to newshounds@gmail.com

www.newshounds.us/2006/02/16/
- that is all - TTFN.

Playa Appreciate - Get your Pimp Name NOW.

Okay, now for a foray into the Under-world so to speak.
I have an alias. According to the PNG = Pimp Name Generator, I am now dubbed: "Professor Truth Rock"... Kinda nice - new juice!

GET YOUR OWN PIMP NAME NOW at this link... Or you could re-name all your friends and enemies.
For example the President's pimp name is: "Sticky Fingers bush Jr. Sweetness"!
How's that for accidentally appropriate?
Go on give it a try for yourself. Remember you can share this and any links on this page freely.
Get your Pimp Name!
If by chance your looking for your next vocation - study hard and get geared-up while your there by browsing "How to be a true PIMP"!
- That's all for now - Take it easy.....

Doom - the Movie

Movie review:
Play the game!!
That is all.

(You could wait for it on cable or better, get the bootleg (we did not say that), not worth leaving the house for... shame.)

,.-:*'`*`'*:-. ,.-:*'``'*:-. ,.-:*'``'*:-.

Snowflakes et.al.

Snowflakes: There are lots of flakes in the world but this will bring joy...

Sure we know it's a bit past the season - but this cutie is certainly worth saving.
A colleague describes it as one of the best time-killers on the web. From people who truly understand scissor-craft...
* even if you are not the crafty type - with all of life's stresses
it feels so good!
Try it - no special skill needed.

Make snow flakes - click here/

The end of the world - short video

See this take on the end of the world...
http://www.nata2.info/humor/flash/endofworld.swf
DesignPolice

,.-:*'`*`'*:-. ,.-:*'``'*:-. ,.-:*'``'*:-.

Twisted - Snickers

OK I don't know if you all have been up on the twisted SNICKERS campaign - but this is one of the best so far. You can get each quick DAILY release at this address - See twisted SNICKERS campaign. Go there at will - it changes daily so if you don't get this today - tomorrow will be different - but it's all good... More later - enjoy!
... Yes, this is the Snickers brand we grew up with... giggle.

Scotts Boxshot Maker Download

Hi - this just in... check this site now and this product for designers and marketers - Scotts Boxshot Maker Download. its pretty easy to use and can be procured for FREE at http://www.freewr.com/ - another good freeware/shareware site site. go there and go wild!
mint

Welcome to the Existentialist LCD

...Welcome to the Existentialist LCD...

I am just getting started, but go on:

- let it roll....