Other Recent Articles
Christian Sponsored Terrorism
The Associated Press has composed a list of recent abortion-related violence. As an aside, we find their headline rather ironic – because it suggests the violence is a result of abortion. But more important than the headline are the facts of fundamentalist Christian violence (we prefer to call this behavior Christian Terrorism). We have written […]
1Jun2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Sotomayor’s Media Week In Review 5-30-09
Sonia Sotomayor has been nominated by President Obama to the Supreme Court of the United States. The pick was guaranteed to raised the hackles of the declining fundamentalist movement. And sure enough – it did. This youtube video highlights the first week in the media after Sotomayor’s nomination: One has to love the pseudo conservatives […]
30May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Sotomayor’s Media Week In Review 5-30-09 | Continued
Jay Leno’s Final Tonight Show Moments (Video)
Jay Leno has finished his run of 17 years as host of the Tonight Show. As he noted in the following video – he took over when the show was number one, and he is leaving the show as number 1. Leno is a class act – his final monologue was a tribute to those […]
30May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Jay Leno’s Final Tonight Show Moments (Video) | Continued
Billy Crystal Sings for Jay Leno
Billy Crystal was Jay Leno’s first guest 17 years ago. This song by Crystal for Leno seems very appropriate. Crystal sings a medley in the fashion he originated as a host for the Oscars. Check him out – he is always entertaining:
29May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Billy Crystal Sings for Jay Leno | Continued
Mormon Scientologists for Jehovah on the 7th Day
Help me out here. In literature we distinguish fantasy from Science Fiction. The distinguishing variable – is it plausible. Do the premises set forth in the story violate basic principles of physics? Like a two ton dragon flying with a ten foot wing span – probably fantasy. A space ship flying across the galaxies in […]
29May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 21 comments | Continued
The Rise And Fall of 20th Century Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism is always reactionary, always combative, always fearful, and often militant. The term originated with American Protestantism and gained momentum in the early 20th Century, but may now be aptly applied to a variety of religions and politics. According to Merriam-Webster fundamentalism is “a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set […]
28May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Baking Bread – An Experience
I began baking bread about fifteen years ago. I have experimented with white bread, egg bread, sweet bread, rolls, loafs, braided loafs, and combinations of these. I now use a single recipe of my own design – it is a sweet egg bread. Recently I tried using some wheat flour. I found that if I used about half white flour and half wheat flour I had the best chance of achieving the texture and flavor I like.
28May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Baking Bread – An Experience | Continued
Memories – Streisand, Paige, and Boyle
‘Memories,’ one of those great songs that demands great artistry. Recognized artists like Barbara Streisand and Elaine Page do justice to this song – but how about Susan Boyle. Page is the artist Susan Boyle claimed as her goal in artistic performance. Which rendition do you prefer. For my money – no one beats Streisand […]
26May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Memories – Streisand, Paige, and Boyle | Continued
George Carlin on Saving The Planet
Check out George Carlin in this youtube video. What is your take? Is Carlin opposed to modern environmentalists – or is Carlin being sarcastic? Check it out – what do you think? Listen closely – what is Carlin’s message? I agree wtih Carlin. The planet will be fine – but we humans will no longer […]
21May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Cheney Is Afraid Of The Rule Of Law
Dick Cheney is speaking this morning, again. But this time he is not being interviewed – he is giving a prepared speech. His words are designed to discredit the President of the United States – something he abhorred when his President was in office. Cheney continues to manipulate information to suit his needs – we […]
21May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Obama on National Security, Text and Video, 5-21-09
We are proud of our President for being mature, honest, moral, and non partisan. President Obama continues to do as he said he would do – he looks for practical solutions while protecting our safety and the integrity of this great nation: Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Remarks […]
21May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Real ID’s: Why Are We Frustrated With Government
Modern government is a real enigma. We all agree that we need government, but we all want “the gov’ment” to leave us alone. In many ways conservative and liberals are alike – no one wants big brother government – but everyone wants equality and protection. Everyone hates bureaucracy – but everyone also has their pet […]
20May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Top Ten Positive Emotions
Dr. Barbara Fredrickson has done some extraordinary work on positive emotions. Having a positive attitude has so may anecdotal arguments that we are frankly sad when we hear another. If I hear one more person tell me to ‘have an attitude of gratitude’ I think I will just spit. Thank God for Dr. Fredrickson – […]
19May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Top Ten Positive Emotions | Continued
Obama’s Notre Dame Speech
Thank you, Father Jenkins for that generous introduction. You are doing an outstanding job as president of this fine institution, and your continued and courageous commitment to honest, thoughtful dialogue is an inspiration to us all. Good afternoon Father Hesburgh, Notre Dame trustees, faculty, family, friends, and the class of 2009. I am honored to […]
17May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Health Care Distortions by Conservatives
The Conservatives For Patients Rights (CPR) proudly defines four ‘pillars of patient’s rights.’ These rights are: Choice, Competition, Accountability, and Personal Responsibility. This group defines the basic application of these rights in the following video. We do not disagree with the four principles, but we take exception to the interpretation. Watch the video and we […]
17May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Radical Right’s One Per Cent Solution
We have recently done a series of posts, with progressive concern, about the danger posed to this country by the Extreme Radical Right Wing. What is the Radical Right Wing? If we are to believe the media ratings companies like Nielsen – and we look at the ratings for Rush Limbaugh and Shawn Hannity – […]
16May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Liberal Blog Proud of President Obama
We are proud of our President. And we are considered by the radical right to be far left liberals. But President Obama has thrown some change-up shots across home plate. We used to say, “Never throw a change-up to a weak hitter.” The weak hitters are swinging like lunatics at some of President Obama’s policy […]
15May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan – an Unusual Duo
We have images of people. We have images of singers. We have images of music genre. Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan are two images that contrast in my mind. The curiosity of a County Star singing with an anti-war legend struck me as worthy of comment. After some reflection – the only approach that seemed […]
15May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan – an Unusual Duo | Continued
Three Dog Night Youtube videos
When I was a young man – long, long, ago – when I was interested in pop culture – long, long, ago – before I realized man had been around for a long time – there was Three Dog Night. Today is a day for music reflection – and we shall begin with these favorites: […]
15May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Three Dog Night Youtube videos | Continued
Rush Limbaugh is Imploding
Before the dawn of the flat screen television everyone used CRT’s (Cathode Ray Tubes). Before the dawn of the 2008 elections people listened to Rush Limbaugh. These two inventions of modern man are very similar. They are both filled with vacuums and when struck they implode. Rush Limbaugh is imploding. Limbaugh’s biggest fan is DICK […]
14May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Boy “Scouts Train to Fight Terrorists…”
The New York Times has a stunning article in their May 13 edition on the Explorer Boy Scout Program. The Explorer Program has twelve specific areas of training – training youth for future careers. Who can argue with that? The Times is reporting on a new Explorer Program to train youth to fight terrorism and […]
14May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
Boy Scouts Fight The ACLU
Last year I went down to St. Joe, Mo., to participate in a Boy Scout Pine Wood Derby. Well, actually I was more of a spectator than a participant. But some of those events are small and even the spectators feel like we are somehow participating. This particular event was at a ‘district’ level. There […]
13May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Shuttle Mission to Repair Hubble
The space shuttle is launching today (weather permitting) an a final mission to repair and upgrade the Hubble telescope. For the first time in the shuttle history NASA has a second shuttle ready for an emergency rescue should the need arise. The danger in the present mission is from space junk around the Hubble. Should […]
11May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Shuttle Mission to Repair Hubble | Continued
Just Keep On Walking
Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal writer and former GOP speech writer, is an occasional guest on Morning Joe. A couple of weeks ago the topic of the day was torture. American torture. American torture of others – America committing war crimes as defined by the Geneva Convention. We wring our hands, questioning – What to […]
8May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Abortion and Common Sense
Abortion is not black or white, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. Abortion is a problem of humanity – and this era of Abortion in American will be studied by future historians. The folks looking back will recognize the futile and selfish partisan bickering that prolonged the agony of a health care disaster. Both fanatical […]
6May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 8 comments | Continued
New Ideas From the GOP?
Here we go. The GOP has showcased three of their finest minds in an attempt to re-brand the old cow. Jon Stewart is probably the best at highlighting nonsense – or perhaps he just has a great staff with good video editing capabilities. Let’s check out the new ideas of the Republican re-branding. Check out […]
6May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
McCain’s Opinion of the GOP Base
What does John McCain think of the radical right wing base of the Republican Party? That is an easy one. When running for President, John McCain felt a need to appeal to the ‘base’ of his party. So where did he go, what were his impressions of the ‘base?’ Answer: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and […]
5May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 8 comments | Continued
American Soldiers as Christian Evangelicals – Hunt for Jesus
No one would deny a soldier the right to faith – even if we wanted to. Is there anything wrong with having military chaplains? Not at all. I have a copy of a Navy Hymnal from 1941 – and it seems to me that each solider is better off, is even a better soldier, if […]
4May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Swine Flu, Pandemics, and Paid Sick Leave
Fast forward to the swine flu – and other possible contageous diseases that might one day strike at the heart of America. The Center for Disease Control is advising people to stay home from work if they are sick. But the financial burden of a sick day has been transferred to the employee – taking a sick leave in today’s work world means loss of potential income – or more accurately – a loss of future income.
3May2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Political Candidates as Supreme Court Justices
Justice David Souter is rumored to be retiring from the Supreme Court. Appointed by President George H. W. Bush, Souter has surprised everyone with his more liberal perspective on the constitution. There will be pressure on President Obama to appoint a woman or a Hispanic – political pressure is always present. President Bush the First […]
30Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Political Candidates as Supreme Court Justices | Continued
The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009
When I was a child growing up in an Ozzie and Harriet neighborhood we had neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations with neighborhood mechanics, and a small bakery. All of these businesses were mom and pop operations. All were a joy to visit. There was always a friendly face and a genuine desire to help the customer. The environment of that time was one of mutual respect and support. As Joe DiMaggio might say, “Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” America has changed – and the mega corporations drive the economy.
30Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009 | Continued
The Conservative Manifesto For American Bloodshed
The deceptive elements of evil are alive and well within the right wing conservative movement. These people worship at the alter of false Reaganism. They quote Reagan as an opponent of government, when the obvious fact is that Ronald Reagan was the head of the government. The right wing of the early 21st Century distorts the words of President Reagan to serve their own evil purpose. Ronald Reagan NEVER advocated an armed revolution against the United States of America.
29Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Conservative Manifesto For American Bloodshed | Continued
Arlen Spector Switches Political Parties
Senator Arlen Spector, a long time Republican from Pennsylvania, is reported to be poised to switch political parties. Senator Spector has always been his own man, not necessarily following party lines. (Don’t we all wish there were more of these types of politicians). The powerful punch of this news rests in the power structure of […]
28Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Radical Fanatics Are A Threat To America’s Safety
There is not a nickel’s worth of difference between the Left Wing Radicals of the 1960’s and contemporary Right Wing Radical fanatics. Both groups talk of revolution. Both groups oppose the government of The United States of America. Both groups have representatives who intentionally terrorize America. Both groups are responsible for the fear and hate and divisiveness that grips our country in troubled times.
27Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 7 comments | Continued
John Denver on Global Warming
John Denver was one of the most popular folk singers of the late 20th Century. He had the capacity to resonate with each of us – even folks in the big cities loved his music. Denver spoke to a harmony with nature, to the love of nature, to respect for nature. What would John Denver […]
27Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on John Denver on Global Warming | Continued
The Two-Edged Sword of Justice
President Obama demonstrates his wisdom. He is reluctant to pursue charges against Bush administration officials for possible war crimes conducted during their ‘war on terror.’ Justice is a funny thing – and the Constitutional Lawyer in Barack Obama speaks to him of justice – but his maturity speaks to him of the bitterness of vengeance.
23Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
When The Bully Runs The School
Abusive bureaucrats ultimately lead to an angry, embittered, skeptical, and frustrated populace. The current issue hitting the Supreme Court is a case where a thirteen year old girl was strip-searched by school authorities. This is exactly the sort of case that gets all of the attention – it is great headline news – and the […]
22Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Finding a Voice With Music
Dad, I am one of those lovers of music that has no musical background. I wasn’t in band in high school; I never sang in a choir, I never even managed a successful stretch of lessons that allowed me to learn an instrument. I toyed with the idea of learning the violin, but I am […]
21Apr2009 | bryan | Comments Off on Finding a Voice With Music | Continued
Obama and Nixon – Greeting Nasty People
President Barack Obama recently attended the Summit of the Americas. While there he met that Venezuela wacko President Chavez. President Obama has been criticized by the conservative media for his graciousness in the face of evil. We do not dispute the atrocious behavior of Chavez – but we would remind all that diplomacy is not always easy – and being gracious in the face of nasty people is difficult. Here are a few examples in recent history.
20Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 5 comments | Continued
Paper Roses – Marie Osmond, Loretta Lynn, Anita Bryant
Here is a wonderful song sung by three very popular singers. You can judge for yourself which is best. I have a favorite and am curious about reader’s (listener’s) choices:
20Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Paper Roses – Marie Osmond, Loretta Lynn, Anita Bryant | Continued
Feral Children – Raised by Republicans
New opportunities for scientific research into nature and nurture continue to present themselves. At issue today, after thirty years of degenerate evolution of the Republican Party, is the social and intellectual skills of feral children raised by Republicans.
There are common traits now understood by anthropologists. The commonality originates in a nurturing environment of isolation, confinement, and strict conformity toharsh rule.
Warning to Readers – this post shifts from humor to very serious and graphic depictions of human behavior.
19Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Feral Children – Raised by Republicans | Continued
The Stormy Marriage of Jesus
Arranged marriages are common in some cultures. And why not? We adults know what is best for our children. We tell ourselves we are only being responsible when arranging their life. The practice is highlighted in books and movies. Perhaps the best known, or perhaps most entertaining, is “Fiddler on the Roof.” After all, traditions […]
18Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Middle School Social Regulation, Part II
As noted in a previous post I have been assigned the job of head chauffeur for my grand daughter in middle school. Her parents moved out of State and she stayed behind to finish the school year. She lives with her grandmother. Enough of that – I pick her up every day from school and […]
17Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Middle School Social Regulation, Part II | Continued
The NRA Supports Mexican Drug Cartels
It is the law of unintended consequences at its most maddening extreme. In their asinine attempt to keep all forms of arms available, with the least regulation or restriction, the Nation Rifle Association has made heavy weapons available to the Mexican Drug Cartels. We don’t have enough James Bonds around to control the bad guys. […]
16Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Indicting George Bush for War Crimes
This writer is convinced that our former President, George W. Bush, committed war crimes. Specifically, the President authorized torture by water boarding and other means of interrogation – in violation of the Geneva Convention. Our country is a country of law. Situational justifying the breaking of law is a common defense in the lower courts. It does not work there – and it should not work for the President. But our life is more complicated in 2009.
16Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 8 comments | Continued
Credit Card Potential Becomes Liability for Banks
Credit Cards – a nasty phrase of doom or the potential for happiness? That depends on whether you are a bank or a consumer. And it also depends on the economic climate. I have held about fifteen credits cards at any one time for many years. I don’t carry any balances – I don’t owe […]
12Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Credit Card Potential Becomes Liability for Banks | Continued
Kevin Spacey Impersonations
Every now and then a real talent comes along. Kevin Spacey is one such talent. Check out this video where Spacey spontaneously impersonates Jimmy Stewart, Johnny Carson, Katherine Hepburn, Clint Eastwood and several others… [wp_youtube]O8JmN_-oudY[/wp_youtube] This guy has phenomenal powers of observation – and is able to translate his observations into superb acting. But Spacey […]
12Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Kevin Spacey Impersonations | Continued
Fact, Fiction, Science, and the Story of God
Understanding science and the way that we interact with our world is valuable information, and speculating on the specifics of the stories if the Bible are valuable to a deeper understanding of their significance. We have to admit, however, that there will always be an element that we cannot explain, and that we have a choice every day whether or not we accept that unexplained part as the mystery and power of the story, or shrug it off as a delusion of the minds of men.
9Apr2009 | bryan | Comments Off on Fact, Fiction, Science, and the Story of God | Continued
The Road to Tyranny – and other ludicrous ideas
The correct place for Shawn Hannity and Michelle Bachman is on Comedy Central. These folks are breaking down with psychotic episodes of paranoia. Fortunately for people like me, Stewart and Colbert help keep this insanity in perspective. We have ranted and blustered at the conservative right wing. Particularly during the election cycle. I am afraid […]
8Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Road to Tyranny – and other ludicrous ideas | Continued
The Phenomenon of Modern Guns
My age is classified in the category of Senior. Does that by itself suggest anything about my understanding of modern guns? No, it does not. Just checking for any preconceived bias. By chance I have owned guns in one form or another for about 35 years. In 1976 I shot Marksman on a police combat course with a four inch stainless steel Ruger Security Six 357 Magnum. That was a mouthful, but it points out that modern guns are very different than the arms defined in the 2nd Amendment. And that was 35 years ago. Modern guns of the 21st Century are just plain scary.
7Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 24 comments | Continued