rats in a cage's July 2005 Archives

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July 28, 2005

Candlelight Vigil

719,000 Tennesseans are losing their healthcare!

Concerned Chattanoogans are meeting at Miller Park
for a vigil on Sunday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Please bring a candle and signs.

Please come and show you care about healthcare!

Posted by Stella Blue at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 27, 2005

Things get worse for boy scouts

More than 300 Boy Scouts were sickened by the heat Wednesday while waiting for President Bush to arrive at a memorial service for four Scout leaders who were killed while pitching a tent beneath a power line

Posted by Stella Blue at 11:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 26, 2005

A New American Civil War

When trying to decide what to title this entry I thought of several things:
"Tennessee is NOT far enough from South Carolina" or "Yes, please do move together and monitor each other's lives and stay out of mine" or even "Start packing Christian Plumberman!" Or even "Bibleman for President!".
It was a hard call. Again, I can't believe what I am reading!

ChristianExodus.org is moving thousands of Christians to South Carolina to reestablish constitutionally limited government founded upon Christian principles. This includes the return to South Carolina of all "powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States." 1 It is evident that the U.S. Constitution has been abandoned under our current federal system, and the efforts of Christian activism to restore our Godly republic have proven futile over the past three decades. The time has come for Christian Constitutionalists to protect our American principles in a State like South Carolina by interposing the State's sovereign authority retained under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

THE PROBLEM

Christians have actively tried to return the United States to their moral foundations for more than 30 years. We now have a professing Christian president, a Republican Congress and a Republican Supreme Court. Yet consider this:

Abortion continues against the wishes of many States
Sodomite and lesbian "marriage" is now legal in Massachusetts (and coming soon to a neighborhood near you)
Children who pray in public schools are subject to prosecution 1
Our schools continue to teach the discredited theory of Darwinian evolution 1 2
The Bible is still not welcome in schools except under unconstitutional FEDERAL guidelines
The 10 Commandments remain banned from public display
Sodomy is now legal AND celebrated as "diversity" rather than condemned as perversion
Preaching Christianity will soon be outlawed as "hate speech" 1 2 3
Fathers are denied equal rights under law in cases of child custody
Our right to keep and bear arms continues to be INFRINGED
Private homes are now subject to arbitrary government seizure
Attempts at reform have proven futile. Future elections will not stop the above atrocities, but rather will lead us down an even more deadly path because both national parties routinely disobey the U.S. Constitution.

THE SOLUTION

So what can be done? ChristianExodus.org offers the opportunity to try a strategy not yet employed by Bible-believing Christians. Rather than spend resources in continued efforts to redirect the entire nation, we will redeem States one at a time. Millions of Christian conservatives are geographically spread out and diluted at the national level. Therefore, we must concentrate our numbers in a geographical region with a sovereign government we can influence through the electoral process.

ChristianExodus.org is orchestrating the move of thousands of Christians to reacquire our Constitutional rights by electing State and local officials who will interpose on behalf of the people and refuse to enforce illegal federal acts. Click on our Plan of Action page to find out how we can experience God-honoring governance once again.

If you are tired of government-endorsed sin, then stand up and be counted! Join us.
* AND GOOD RIDDENCE!

Posted by Stella Blue at 03:33 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

July 25, 2005

bridges

Have you noticed the banners and sandwich boards around North Chattanooga for the "backdoor" church? HOW COULD YOU NOT??? Those crazy people put them everywhere. I have seen some across the Veteran's bridge at the corner of 4th and Georgia Avenue. They span as far as Barton Avenue. They block the view (especially the one they used to put up on Barton Avenue, it was really dangerous because people FLY over that hill and you can't see them because of this church sign). They also BLOCK the sidewalk. I watched a woman in a motorized assistance-scooter try to get around one on Tremont Street. I had to turn around, go back and help her around this huge sign. The sign was so heavy she would not have been able to move it by herself. They just completely blocked the sidewalk with this big sign without any thought to those who might not be able to walk around it through the grass. If this was a business, the city would have fined them, but because it is a church, they have been allowed to get away with it.
Two months ago, I found someone stuffing my mailbox with their literature. When I asked who he was he told me that he was paid by the church to pass them out. It is a federal crime to put anything in my mail box. And with the increased activity of identity theft, I DON"T WANT ANYONE in my mailbox, especially some random street guy who was paid 2 bucks an hour to do it! When I called they said they didn't realize it was a federal crime to enter someone's mailbox and they would not do it anymore. However, last week, I received another flyer in the mailbox without postage.
Last night, there were suspicious signs ALL over north chattanooga again that said "Block party 5-7" with an arrow. I recognized the sandwich boards and on my way to the store drove by. As soon as I slowed down, the over-anxious church goers waved me in, begging me with their smiles to come join them. It looked to be a big bust, the crowd was small. I did notice several people driving by, realizing it was a church sponsored activity and driving off. On my way home, the crowd was still small.
This church is my most annoying neighbor.

Posted by Stella Blue at 12:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

July 24, 2005

Encore! Encore!

Saturday night, I went to see a friend in Chicago at Encore Theater. I was a little scared about going because we hated the Backstage playhouse. The food was always awful at Backstage and the acting/singing was worse.
HOWEVER, I am glad to announce that ENCORE has it right! They have a revolving menu that goes with each performance. For instance, last night we had cheese sticks, salad, pasta and meatballs with dessert for "Chicago". During their next show "Grease" they are going to have rollerskating carhops deliver diner food. The spaghetti and meatballs were homemade and it was really good. The desserts were WONDERFUL, although I would like to suggest more chocolate choices!
The cast was great. All of the props and costumes were variations of red, white and black. The combinations of colors and props were fun to watch. Preston Barrow was GREAT as Billy Flynn. Also, the woman who played mama was very entertaining! Her rendition of "When you're good to Mama" alone was worth the price of admission. Other standout performances were from a VERY cute Amos/Fred, Miss Mary Sunshine, and Kitty.
They have an exciting season coming up and I encourage you to go! Rocky Horror Picture Show will be showing in a late night caberet in October. Grease is next, followed by Nunsense Amen.
There are TWO weekends left of Chicago, you should consider catching it!

Posted by Stella Blue at 08:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 22, 2005

Wish I was here

How I wish, how I wish I was here. We were just two lost souls swimming in a margarita glass.
It's not that this is such a great picture, but I really wish I was back there in Mazatlan

Posted by Stella Blue at 11:25 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

July 21, 2005

Ugh.

I stumbled upon this by accident. A case of apparent religious madness and delusion leading to unbelievable physical abuse.

Deputies unearthed bone fragments Wednesday while searching for the grave of a boy born to a Wonder Valley couple, charged with torturing two other sons in their High Desert home.
(...)

During an interview Monday before their arrests, the Davises denied they abused or chained their children.

The charges include two counts each of torture, felony child abuse involving great bodily harm and false imprisonment.
(...)

The charges resulted from the alleged abuse of the couple's sons Yahweh, 17, and Angel, 12. The elder boy, who bears the Hebrew name of God, called 911 Saturday to say that the boys were chained in the bedroom of their Wonder Valley home.

''It appears that from birth, the children had been isolated from the outside world,'' Root said.

Investigators said the boys were fed only bread and rice and had been allowed to speak only by reading from the Bible or when spoken to. Healed wounds indicated repeated beatings, authorities said. The boys were severely underdeveloped mentally and physically, with wasted muscles that make it difficult for them to walk, Root said.

The children apparently were not permitted to use a bathroom but went outside ''in an animal way,'' she said. Their hygiene allegedly consisted of receiving a shower every few months from a cold hose, Root said.
(...)

''The evidence is that both surviving boys were disciplined with rods and beatings, more ritual than corrective,'' Root said. ''I have no reason to believe the 5- to 6-year-old lived in any better conditions than his brothers.''

The search for a gravesite began at daybreak. The Davises had said their son, Rainbow Lord, was about 6 when he died and was buried in the desert, authorities said. The boy apparently was their middle son.

Investigators did not believe Rainbow was murdered, but that he may have died as a result of neglect, Root said. They are investigating the child's death to shed light on the conditions faced by his surviving brothers, she said.

''The child was probably ill, probably dying, and there was no effort to acquire any kind of medical intervention,'' Root said. ''They're saying it was against their religious beliefs to seek medical help.''
(...)

Carrie Davis wiped tears from her cheeks while Judge James C. McGuire read the charges.

When the judge asked Davis if that is his true name, Davis replied it was the name on his birth certificate but not his real name.

Asked what his real name is, he replied softly, ''Lord.''

John Davis had changed his name to Rajohn Lord, according to Social Security Administration records.

::::shutter:::::

Posted by Stella Blue at 12:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 20, 2005

Bibleman

This is why it's so hard to make fun of the evangelical right: you can't make up anything funnier than the real thing. They are their own caricatures.

Bibleman is coming, and he's ready to smite you. More specifically, in his newest episode, he's ready to smite his arch nemesis Wacky Protester, who aims to to create a world where there will be no Christians, no churches, no Bibles, and no God! Wacky Protester (pictured in blue to the right) is armed with his latest Anti-Christian weapon - the NeuroIconoclasticSkeptisiser, which he uses to lure unwitting Vacation Bible School students into his Animated Reconstructive Transport (A.R.T.), where they will be trapped in a world where there are no rules, no faith, no hope and no future! But Wacky Protester is no match for Bibleman, who grunts scripture and seethes dialog like "The full armor of God. Never leave home without it."

If it's possible to track a culture by monitoring it's cartoon characters and puppets, then Bibleman warrants some special attention. His enemies are protesters, skeptics, homosexuals, art and Jews. And Ricky Martin.

Perhaps Sally Robinson should be added to this list.

OH- and here is the real kicker: Guess who Bibleman is? Willie Aimes. That's right.... his career can get worse than eight is enough, charles in charge and zapped.

Posted by Stella Blue at 12:05 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

July 19, 2005

sepreme court nominee

Hello- quick post today again in Haiku style! (sorry, really busy)

Tonight is the night
Bush will make nomination
Ready to Rumble!

Posted by Stella Blue at 06:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

July 18, 2005

Haiku monday

Keyes, Knight, and Schlafly.
have disowned their gay children.
not pro-family.

I wonder how many parents look down at their precious bundles in pink and blue and think "I will love you forever...........unless......and then I'll kick your ass to the curb and never speak to you again."

That was a deep thoughts with Jack Handy moment, eh?

Posted by Stella Blue at 02:00 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

July 16, 2005

We're here, we're asexual, get used to it.

In the heat of the asexual rights movement (who knew?) last year came this article.

from the article:
"Jay has been working hard at raising awareness: giving talks, networking with other organisations and getting the issue of asexuality aired in the media. He thinks asexual activism is indeed beginning to coalesce into a real political movement. “It’s interesting because we’re in the shadow of the gay rights movement, so it’s a very different process now because we have things to draw on."

In the shadow of the gay rights movement? Beginning to caolesce into a real political movement??? Again, who knew?

President, Do you believe asexuals should have the right to not marry? Don't you believe that God made man and woman to get married and procreate? Do you think that asexuals ruin the sanctity of marriage?

Generals, do you think asexuals should be allowed in the army as long as they agree not to admit it and ensure no one knows about it? We won't ask them, they won't tell us.

Parents, Do you think you could love your children in they told you they were asexual? And then there is the whole pandora's box of should asexuals be allowed to adopt children? Isn't that like a free ride for them?

furthermore newscientist describes the asexual revolution:
"If asexuality is indeed a form of sexual orientation, perhaps it will not be long before the issue of “A” pride starts attracting more attention. AVEN’s online store sells items aimed at promoting awareness and acceptance: one T-shirt proclaims, “Asexuality: It’s not just for amoebas anymore,” and there’s a thong that reads, “It’s only underwear. Get over it.” "

Anyone wanna take a vote on who will be the first asexual celebrity to come out of the closet??? or did you think it will strike politics first? I can see it now: out of fear that his wife was going to go to the press the governor called a press conference earlier today and admitted he identified as an asexual.

Posted by Stella Blue at 12:49 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

July 14, 2005

God Hates America?

Fred Phelps is now protesting American soldier's funerals saying that the whole Iraq thing is God's punishment for America for not listening to his preachings about homosexuals.

Man, I have soooooo much POWER! I am feared by millions and apparently responsible for 9/11, tornados in florida, earthquakes in California. and the casualties from the Iraq war.
BOO! Did I scare ya?

This is an excellent analysis of Phelps and his current activity. Please read it!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3870670

Posted by Stella Blue at 02:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Understatement of the year...

Last week Texas governor Rick Perry signed a resolution putting the anti-gay marriage ammendment on the statewide ballet despite the fact that his signature wasn't needed. WHen asked how this proposed amendment might affect gay veterans in Texas his reply was:

"Texans made a decision about marriage, and if there's a state that has more lenient views than Texas, then maybe that’s a better place for them to live."
Gee, you think?
A better politicians might have said,"I support our troops but I feel strong that marriage is blah blah" or something other than "Welp, if yous don't like it, get the hell out."

And will someone please explain to me the correlation between tolerance and cold climates? I'm a southern girl and I'd like to stay south.....but it's not looking so good.

Posted by Stella Blue at 01:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 13, 2005

Update on Love in Action Ex-Gay Camp

New allegations are being investigated in Memphis...
This is from www.365gay.com

Now, the state Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Department has opened its own investigation because Love in Action is also offering counseling in drug and alcohol addiction. State officials say they can't do that without a license.

In an effort to head off the new examination of the camp, Love in Action executive director John Smid said the organization will change its Web site wording and direct clients to established, off-site drug and alcohol counseling services.

Love In Action is one of several so-called ex-gay organizations throughout the country.

The American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association both have said such therapy can be emotionally harmful, leading to depression and self-destructive behavior.

Posted by Stella Blue at 02:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

California Dreamin!

Here we go.......
The Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday voted in favor legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

The committee voted 5 - 2 to advance the measure.

If the gay marriage legislation makes it through both houses it would go to the governor's desk before lawmakers wrap up their 2005 session in September.

Posted by Stella Blue at 12:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 11, 2005

Picture deja vu

Alice taught me how to make my images fit!
so here is one more try at Kristi.
This is the only published picture I have, it was featured in a book about dreams.

Posted by Stella Blue at 10:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 07, 2005

Stop the insanity!

"Pediatricians Denounce Abstinence-Only Education"
Associated Press (07.05.05):: Lindsey Tanner

The American Academy of Pediatricians has revised its 1998 teen pregnancy policy to omit the statement that "abstinence counseling is an important role for all pediatricians." The new AAP policy states that although doctors should counsel adolescents to postpone sexual activity, they should also ensure that all teens - not just those who are sexually active - have access to birth control, including emergency contraception.

"Even though there is great enthusiasm in some circles for abstinence-only interventions, the evidence does not support abstinence-only interventions as the best way to keep young people from unintended pregnancy," said Dr. Jonathan Klein, chairperson of the AAP committee that wrote the new policy.

Teaching abstinence but not birth control makes it more likely that youths, once sexually active, will engage in risky behaviors and contract STDs, said Dr. S. Paige Hertweck, a pediatric obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of Louisville who provided advice for the report.

Citing 2003 government data, AAP's report said that over 45 percent of high school girls and 48 percent of boys have had sexual intercourse. About 900,000 US teens get pregnant each year, and teen birth rates are higher in the United States than in other comparable industrialized countries. That could reflect greater contraceptive access in other countries, said the report.

President Bush favors abstinence-only sex education. Counseling abstinence-only, preferably until marriage, is the best message because it is clear and consistent, said Wade Horn, assistant secretary for children and families at the US Department of Health and Human Services. While sexually active youths should have contraceptive access, making it available to teens who are not sends a contradictory message, said Horn.

Posted by Stella Blue at 09:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 05, 2005

Island of the Iguana.

I am going to borrow or steal a tradition from my friend Alice's blog. Every friday she adds a photograph. Mine might come on a friday, monday or tuesday...but I will post them.

These guys were hanging out around the pool in mexico. There were about 10 more that were camera shy just hanging out waiting for someone to drop a french fry and generally harrassing the sun worshippers. They would hop on the beach chairs if you were eating and try to get a bite!

Posted by Stella Blue at 09:53 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

rats in a cage

despite all my rage....