Yank in London
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again"
Tom Paine - Common Sense
"A republic, sir, if you can keep it."
Benjamin Franklin
"War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
Norman Whitfield / Barrett Strong
occasional musings on politics, culture and life in general from an american in exile
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again"
"A republic, sir, if you can keep it."
"War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!"
30 September 2007
A hiatus
After nearly fifteen years some of my family have finally decided to visit me. They arrive on Saturday, 22/9, for a week's visit and bit with their shiny new passports. So posting shall be light to non-existent through 30/9. Any new posts will appear below this in the interim.
Enjoy the silence!
Update: I've survived three days and, as I sent them off to the theatre tonight, had a few hours for a few posts (found below). Don't know if I'll be back before Sunday.
¶ 17:45:00 3 comments
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Enjoy the silence!
Update: I've survived three days and, as I sent them off to the theatre tonight, had a few hours for a few posts (found below). Don't know if I'll be back before Sunday.
The Freedom Agenda
Pakistanis demonstrating against the enlightened rule of President Pervez "The General" Musharraf strayed outside of the designated, if tiny, free speech zone and were quite rightly beaten by the police. Captain Codpiece is believed to have rung The General and offered his congratulations.
Labels: freedom agenda, south asia
¶ 14:33:00 0 comments links to this post
This isn't sporting!
But then we have a Vice President who likes hunting tame birds so I reckon that baiting Iraqis to their death probably isn't banned in the rules of engagement.
Labels: iraq, us military
¶ 14:22:00 0 comments links to this post
Shareholder value! Shareholder value!
So where does the Burmese junta get the money to keep on going despite sanctions and global disapproval. Pick an oil company. Go on. Pick one!
Labels: energy, southeast asia
¶ 13:39:00 0 comments links to this post
Connecticut Bishops to go to Hell!
Agree to allow baby killing in their hospitals. Il Papa wants to know where the hell Connecticut is.
Labels: religion, women's rights
¶ 13:09:00 0 comments links to this post
No Newts!
The Newtster will not run for the Presidential nomination of the Repugnican Party.
Labels: republican candidates
¶ 12:46:00 0 comments links to this post
Let's bomb Iran
Before you disregard this story about Captain Codpiece's plans to bomb Iran before he leaves office remember that the Telegraph is a committed right wing newspaper.
Labels: captain codpiece, iran
¶ 12:46:00 0 comments links to this post
Just plain wrong
John McCain, playing to the Republican base, grossly misinterprets the thinking of the framers of the US Constitution.
"I would probably have to say yes, that the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation."
Labels: republican candidates
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments links to this post
Oh dear
Another sign that the American economy is clearly cruising along effortless is to be found in the fact that one Canadian dollar is now worth more than one US dollar for the first time in over three decades.
Labels: us economy
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments links to this post
"Hey Mahmoud we're right here!"
It turns out that there are gays in Iran after all. Ahmadinejad must not be hanging out in the right places.
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments
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A good question
In today's Observer Joanna Bourke asks "Can terrorism destroy democracy?" Personally I don't think that it can unaided but it can, and there is significant demonstrable evidence of this already, allow democracy to destroy itself.
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments
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Tory double bluff
Fresh faced young Tory leader David Cameron has used the occasion of the opening of the party conference to call for a snap election. The problem with this of course is that, as the opposition leader, he actually cannot call for a snap election. Details, details.
The other problem is that his party is looking extremely vulnerable in the polls and, barring extraordinary events which cannot be ruled out, is likely to be defeated and lose ground as well should the Prime Minister decide that this is a propitious time to go to the people.
The other problem is that his party is looking extremely vulnerable in the polls and, barring extraordinary events which cannot be ruled out, is likely to be defeated and lose ground as well should the Prime Minister decide that this is a propitious time to go to the people.
Labels: british politics
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments links to this post
Phighting Phils update
Well, it's not exactly 1964 but they still have immense potential to disappoint.
This isn't any easier from 3,000 miles away.
¶ 12:00:00 0 comments
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This isn't any easier from 3,000 miles away.
29 September 2007
Today in interior design
The Senator Larry (Still Not Gay - ID) Craig memorial gents toilets at Minneapolis airport are set to get a make over with new dividers to protect those not at all gay individuals with wide stances who use them from unwanted approaches by the local police.
Labels: hypocrites, oddness
¶ 11:21:00 0 comments links to this post
The market has spoken
And Blackwater USA should be rewarded for its shooting of Iraqi civilians with a new 92 million USD contract by the Pentagon. Bubbly all around then!
Labels: blackwater, us military
¶ 10:57:00 0 comments links to this post
Japan wants to eliminate ALL nuclear weapons
I assume that Captain Codpiece is not amused.
Labels: nuclear weapons
¶ 10:56:00 0 comments links to this post
It works! We are saved!
The US finally managed to shoot something down in a "successful" text of the son-of-the-son-of-the-son-of-Star Wars missile defence system.
I assume this means that we don't have to invade Iran now!
I assume this means that we don't have to invade Iran now!
Labels: star wars
¶ 10:45:00 0 comments links to this post
Today in infamy
One year ago today US Representative Mark (Ex-Gay - FL) resigned from the House after news of his less than pure pursuit of underage, male Congressional pages came to light.
Where is he now?
Where is he now?
Labels: hypocrites, today in infamy
¶ 10:41:00 0 comments links to this post
Impeachment is too good for him
If this story is true, that there was a possibility before the illegal invasion of Iraq in 2003 that Saddam Hussein could have been allowed to go into exile with some of his money, then I don't know what punishment Captain Codpiece should receive but he should not be allowed to go quietly into his retirement and "make some money".
Labels: captain codpiece, iraq
¶ 10:26:00 0 comments links to this post
Attack of the killer amoeba
You may wish to think twice about swimming in an American lake. The Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which enters the human body and eats the brain, is becoming more common in American waters as water temperatures rise. So think before you swim.
¶ 10:21:00 0 comments
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Well as long as the bloody fish aren't gay
It appears that the fall from grace of Senator Larry (Not Now and Never Has Been Gay - ID) might mean good news for salmon in the Pacific Northwest. This assumes that the not at all gay Senator ever becomes a not at all ex-gay ex-Senator.
Labels: hypocrites
¶ 10:12:00 0 comments links to this post
Captain Codpiece's bad parenting
Clearly President Bush and the missus have failed as good, Christian parents. How else can one explain that his daughter Jenna has written a book in which she says, and I quote, "the best way to protect yourself from HIV is to be faithful to your partner and use a condom". Whatever happened to the abstinence thing?
Labels: captain codpiece, family values, hiv/aids
¶ 10:09:00 0 comments links to this post
Phighting Phils update
Well what do you know? The Phillies are in first as of 29/9! What's the magic number?
¶ 10:03:00 0 comments
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Tory desperation?
David Cameron is obviously worried about the prospect of an early election. And what does a true Conservative do when he or she is behind in the polls? Get their middle class tax cuts out.
Labels: british politics
¶ 09:52:00 0 comments links to this post
It's lonely at the top
Pity poor George W. Bush. The Chinese and the Indians want no part of his bizarre efforts to lead us boldly into a CO2-less future and Europeans have told him to fuck off. This is what happens when one comes late to the party.
And what exactly is the Decider's big idea on climate change? No limits, no targets. I think of it as the Woodstock solution. Maybe if we try real hard we can stop the CO2. He truly is a man of his generation, isn't he?
And what exactly is the Decider's big idea on climate change? No limits, no targets. I think of it as the Woodstock solution. Maybe if we try real hard we can stop the CO2. He truly is a man of his generation, isn't he?
Labels: captain codpiece, climate
¶ 09:49:00 0 comments links to this post
28 September 2007
Get your conspiracy theories right here!
Archbishop Francisco Chimoio is the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Mozambique. He also appears to be a bit, well, confused. He seems to think that condoms smothered in the HIV virus are being used to eliminate Africans.
Labels: africa, hiv/aids, religion
¶ 12:39:00 0 comments links to this post
Topsy turvy world
The US is officially a sectarian state, if you don't believe this to be true you should stop reading now and go brush up on the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, and yet the teaching of the Christian creation myth as science is making inroads across the country.
The UK is officially a Christian state and yet the teaching of creationism as science in banned in the country's schools.
WTF, over?
¶ 12:33:00 0 comments
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The UK is officially a Christian state and yet the teaching of creationism as science in banned in the country's schools.
WTF, over?
Mercenaries are a very bad idea
If you don't believe me, and I won't be hurt if you don't, read this.
Labels: blackwater, iraq, us military
¶ 12:28:00 0 comments links to this post
The Curt Weldonmobile comes to Baghdad
The badly designed, poorly made, used V-22 Osprey is set to make its combat debut in Iraq. If Hollywood ever makes an Osprey Down feature film and it's a success there should be no shortage of sequels.
Labels: iraq, us military
¶ 12:08:00 0 comments links to this post
We report - you decide
Huntsville AL is planning nuclear fallout shelters for 300,000 people. The shelter space is required either because al Qaeda has Huntsville high on it list of target cities in America, probably due to faulty intelligence, or because of concerns over plans to build two new nuclear power plants nearby.
My vote is for the second option.
¶ 12:01:00 0 comments
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My vote is for the second option.
Is our childrens healing?
Not if Captain Codpiece gets his way.
Labels: captain codpiece, health care
¶ 11:43:00 0 comments links to this post
No meaningless loyalty oath left behind
Around fifty students at Boulder (CO) High School are continuing their protests and boycott of the mechanical recitation of the pledge of allegiance during class time when they should be busy with rote learning in order to pass the tests that the Decider(TM) has imposed on schools thereby preventing any real teaching.
Oh, and they also don't like the (blatantly unconstitutional) "under God" bit. Before all of the traditionalists get pissed off at me for wanting to change our country's founders desires they should remember that "under God" bit in the pledge was slipped in during 1954 whilst the country was busy looking for commies under their beds.
I should also note that I, along with several others, was suspended from my alma mater, Unionville (PA) High School, for refusing to stand during the pledge; a punishment that was later lifted after a complicated comprimise agreement.
Oh, and they also don't like the (blatantly unconstitutional) "under God" bit. Before all of the traditionalists get pissed off at me for wanting to change our country's founders desires they should remember that "under God" bit in the pledge was slipped in during 1954 whilst the country was busy looking for commies under their beds.
I should also note that I, along with several others, was suspended from my alma mater, Unionville (PA) High School, for refusing to stand during the pledge; a punishment that was later lifted after a complicated comprimise agreement.
My congratulations and support to the Boulder protestors!
Labels: amerika, free speech, religion
¶ 11:17:00 0 comments links to this post
Progress report
Afghanistan this time. It looks as if hard won territory, taken by British troops this summer, is likely to be lost over the winter and will have to be fought over once again next year.
This is a damn shame as things seem to be going swimmingly elsewhere in the country!
This is a damn shame as things seem to be going swimmingly elsewhere in the country!
Labels: afghanistan, egwot
¶ 11:03:00 0 comments links to this post
Canadian currency crisis
The falling US dollar and rising Canadian dollar is having a severe and negative impact on exports of Cannabis sativa to the United States. Will the Bank of Canada intervene?
¶ 10:57:00 0 comments
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In memorium
Wolfgang Panofsky; physicist, Manhattan Project team member and peace activist; dead at 88.
Labels: in memorium
¶ 10:54:00 0 comments links to this post
Jesus saves Jena!
He must be fond of the letter "J".
No word on why Jesus hung the nooses in the tree in the first place.
I assume that the calls for District Attorney Walters resignation in light of his clear disdain for the separation of church and state, as demonstrated by his allowing Jesus to do his job for him, are already deafening. Or, given that this is Louisiana, he will be running for Governor soon.
No word on why Jesus hung the nooses in the tree in the first place.
I assume that the calls for District Attorney Walters resignation in light of his clear disdain for the separation of church and state, as demonstrated by his allowing Jesus to do his job for him, are already deafening. Or, given that this is Louisiana, he will be running for Governor soon.
Labels: amerika
¶ 10:49:00 0 comments links to this post
Lights out in Britain
High energy light bulbs to be phased out in the UK by 2012. Already phased out in my flat!
Labels: climate
¶ 10:46:00 0 comments links to this post
A case for intervention
What do you suppose would happen in Myanmar, which our President believes to called Burma, if the United States and the west told the junta "stop killing your people" or our military will be there in about six weeks time, they will kick your arse and deliver you to the ICC for trial? After all these are people, unlike the Iraqis before the illegal invasion and occupation, who are clearly demonstrating their desire for the removal of their undemocratic, illegal and repressive regime. I also hear that there are many lovely flowers in Myanmar.
Oh, wait a second. They haven't any oil. I'm just being silly.
Oh, wait a second. They haven't any oil. I'm just being silly.
Labels: amerika, southeast asia
¶ 10:33:00 0 comments links to this post
Headline of the day
"Bush under the microscope at Washington climate talks".
Apparently they are looking for either his conscience or his brain. No word if they had any success in this regard.
Apparently they are looking for either his conscience or his brain. No word if they had any success in this regard.
Labels: captain codpiece, headlines
¶ 10:30:00 0 comments links to this post
Communism infiltrates British business
The Cardiff Chamber of Commerce is calling for user fees on the roadways which would force motorists to pay their own way and surrender their God given right to drive anywhere they want, any time they want and be subsidised by the taxpayer.
Why does the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce hate freedom? (I've always been suspicious of those Welsh. I mean can you really trust rugby playing miners who can sing?)
Why does the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce hate freedom? (I've always been suspicious of those Welsh. I mean can you really trust rugby playing miners who can sing?)
Labels: british politics
¶ 10:23:00 0 comments links to this post
The future's bright, the future's Brown
Sometime this weekend we should expect British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to wake up and say to the missus: "I love the smell of ballots in the morning, they smell like victory". Then the fun is on.
Labels: british politics, gordo
¶ 10:16:00 0 comments links to this post
Captain Codpiece's new green suit
The Decider(TM) has convened his owned private party in which the rich nations would decide how to resolve the problem of global climate change without impacting the profits of multinational oil companies.
Is it just me or does he look like shit in green?
Is it just me or does he look like shit in green?
Labels: captain codpiece, climate
¶ 10:11:00 6 comments links to this post
The phighting Phils...
...are now tied for first place in the NL East with the Mets.
Labels: sports
¶ 10:01:00 0 comments links to this post
He's back
Senator Larry Craig (No Gay - ID) remains a US Senator and has used the occasion of his vote in the Senate to prove he continues in his non-gayness but voting against a bill that would have protected gays, amongst others, from hate crimes.
Nice one Larry.
Nice one Larry.
Labels: amerika, hypocrites
¶ 09:55:00 0 comments links to this post
What do you mean other families are allowed to be President?
Is it time to break the family deadlock on the White House? 40% of Americans have never lived when there was anyone other than a Bush or Clinton as President.
Labels: amerika, captain codpiece
¶ 09:50:00 0 comments links to this post
27 September 2007
What does that look like to you?
The US Navy is to spend 600K USD to remodel a barracks in San Diego that looks exactly like a swastika when viewed on Google Earth.
¶ 10:38:00 0 comments
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The US Navy is to spend 600K USD to remodel a barracks in San Diego that looks exactly like a swastika when viewed on Google Earth.
We're number one!
Blackwater USA shoots more Iraqis than any other mercenary organisation in Iraq.
May I be the first to offer my heartfelt congratulations?
May I be the first to offer my heartfelt congratulations?
Labels: blackwater, iraq
¶ 10:34:00 0 comments links to this post
"Is our children learning?"
Yes - our "childrens" is!
What a fucking prat!
What a fucking prat!
Labels: captain codpiece
¶ 10:31:00 0 comments links to this post
Whadaya know?
We still got a pennant race. Quite an accomplishment without a functioning pitching staff.
Nonetheless as a third generation and long suffering Phillies fan I have no doubt that they will disappoint once again!
¶ 10:12:00 0 comments
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Nonetheless as a third generation and long suffering Phillies fan I have no doubt that they will disappoint once again!
Bill-o doomed!
The fate of Faux News bigot talk show host Bill O'Reilly has been sealed. The story of his amazement over the fact that black folk have table manners has been picked up by the Guardian.
So long Bill-o; it ain't been good to know you.
So long Bill-o; it ain't been good to know you.
Labels: bill-o
¶ 10:04:00 0 comments links to this post
Democrats to try to pass hate crime bill
Hope to confuse Republicans into thinking it is an opportunity to state clearly that they "hate crime".
Labels: congress
¶ 10:01:00 0 comments links to this post
"I fart in your general direction"
Watch Bill Donohue, the strident and irrational face of the American Catholic League, tell us that an argument is flatulent on Crooks and Liars.
Labels: christian right wing
¶ 09:56:00 0 comments links to this post
You have been warned!
John Sawers, the British ambassador to the United Nations, said yesterday that "the age of impunity is dead and people will be held accountable for their actions they take". So I reckon this means that Captain Codpiece can expect prosecution for his war crimes.
Uh oh. Wait a minute. He was talking about Myanmar. Nevermind.
Uh oh. Wait a minute. He was talking about Myanmar. Nevermind.
Labels: captain codpiece, myanmar
¶ 09:45:00 0 comments links to this post
Show us the money
What's another 42 billion USD amongst friends? After all the future of western civilisation as we know it is at risk.
Labels: egwot, iraq, us military
¶ 09:41:00 0 comments links to this post
26 September 2007
My pet goat
The city of Seattle looks set to allow residents to keep goats as pets. Personally I believe this is a last minute attempt to lure the Captain Codpiece Presidential Library away from Texas.
Labels: captain codpiece, oddness
¶ 12:51:00 0 comments links to this post
I'm sure they were just harmless pranks
Two separate incidents in which nooses were left on the belongings of black cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy are finally under investigation after complaints from Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D - MD). Rumours that the cadets in question are from Jena LA cannot be confirmed at this time.
¶ 12:46:00 6 comments
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An "I" country is looking to flout international rules on nuclear weapons
Labels: israel, nuclear weapons
¶ 12:38:00 0 comments links to this post
Just what do they think they are protecting?
The US's Environmental "Protection" Agency is set to approve the use of methyl iodide, a toxic fumigant, for use on crops despite opposition from the state of California, prominent scientists, environmental groups and farmworkers.
¶ 12:33:00 0 comments
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This week in infamy
It is fifty years since the federal government had to use the Army to force the city of Little Rock AR to allow black students to attend their public schools.
We've come a long way, haven't we?
We've come a long way, haven't we?
Labels: today in infamy
¶ 12:24:00 0 comments links to this post
Whilst we are on the subject...
...of things that Captain Codpiece isn't listening to 93%, that's 93%, of Americans say that they want a president who will address environmental issues. Why aren't you listening Georgie?
Labels: captain codpiece, climate
¶ 11:33:00 0 comments links to this post
Do as we say not as we do
Amnesty International has taken the Decider(TM) to task for deciding to decide to call for a renewal of human rights across the globe in his speech at the United Nations whilst cleverly ignoring the fact that violations of human rights by the United States, in the name of the Eternal Global War on Terra, are ever increasing. Not that he or his minions will take any notice of either the criticism or the hypocrisy.
Labels: captain codpiece, hypocrites
¶ 11:23:00 0 comments links to this post
Why can't Captain Codpiece read?
Really. He's a middle aged man with a master's degree from a Ivy League university. So why oh why do the folks who run the teleprompter when he's speaking have to spell things phonetically?
Labels: captain codpiece
¶ 10:59:00 0 comments links to this post
25 September 2007
For your listening pleasure
A Philly (area) girl performing live in London. Pink with "Dear Mr. President".
Labels: music
¶ 19:54:00 0 comments links to this post
Let's face it - the rich are all bastards!
So this geezer should be honoured to be the Decider's Pater's pool boy and stop whinging.
Labels: amerika
¶ 19:46:00 0 comments links to this post
Sometimes the good guys win
Gordon Brown's government has been forced into a climbdown, although I'm sure that they will spin it so it is not a climbdown, and it would appear that the Remploy factories slated for closure will remain open, saving the jobs of thousands of disabled people.