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<channel>
	<title>human &amp;laquo; WordPress.com Tag Feed</title>
	<link>http://wordpress.com/tag/human/</link>
	<description>Feed of posts on WordPress.com tagged "human"</description>
	<pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:48:34 +0000</pubDate>

	<generator>http://wordpress.com/tags/</generator>
	<language>en</language>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[A Tale For Adults]]></title>
<link>http://littledeerrunning.wordpress.com/?p=8</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:12:25 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>littledeerrunning</dc:creator>
<guid>http://littledeerrunning.wordpress.com/?p=8</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Once we were mates but
as the time past
competition grew over
a patch of grass
I was much stronger
I]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Once we were mates but<br />
as the time past<br />
competition grew over<br />
a patch of grass</p>
<p>I was much stronger<br />
I couldn't hide -<br />
I walked my friend to the other side<br />
filling my own stomach</p>
<p>Loving my own pedigree<br />
I went on killing spree<br />
Mother excused me thoughtfully</p>
<p>Speaking of natural selection<br />
she stroke my hair<br />
as the smell of blood filled the air</p>
<p>I did have objections<br />
I didn't feel fair<br />
I felt like I wasn't a deer<br />
anymore<br />
but I'm turning some kind of..<br />
human</p>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[What Is The Greatest Weakness of Man?]]></title>
<link>http://godlikesyou.wordpress.com/?p=320</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:38:16 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>tjbrassell</dc:creator>
<guid>http://godlikesyou.wordpress.com/?p=320</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 
That was a question posed to the character, James Farmer, Jr. (Denzel Whitaker), in the movie ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p>That was a question posed to the character, James Farmer, Jr. (Denzel Whitaker), in the movie "<a href="http://www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com/site.html">The Great Debaters</a>", by his father, James Farmer, Sr. (Forest Whitaker). Junior's father was a pastor and was preparing a sermon when Junior walks in the door and has this question thrown at him.</p>
<p><strong>So, how would you answer the question, "What is the greatest weakness of man?"</strong></p>
<p>In life I have heard and experienced many answers to this question. We have all heard or thought answers such as, "Greed!", "Laziness!", "Just not thinking!", "Lust!", "The Devil!", "Simply a limited physical being!", "Death!", "Sex!", "The opposite sex!", "Money!", "The love of money!", and there are poentially a million more reasons.</p>
<p>Junior looked a his father in a thoughtful way, and in just a few short seconds came up with the CORRECT, Christ-centered answer, in an ironically doubtful way:</p>
<p><strong>"Not believing? Doubt?"</strong></p>
<p>"That's it! Thank You Jr.!", said his father, "<a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?new=1&#38;word=Matthew+14%3A31&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;language=en">Matt 14:31</a>!"</p>
<p> <strong>This is a Christ-centered answer because it is the point Jesus Christ kept making about humanity's fall, time and time again!</strong> <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Matthew+8%3A26&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=mt&#38;NavGo=18&#38;NavCurrentChapter=18">Matthew 8:26</a>, <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Mark+4%3A40&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=mt&#38;NavGo=8&#38;NavCurrentChapter=8">Mark 4:40</a>, <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Luke+9%3A41&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=mr&#38;NavGo=4&#38;NavCurrentChapter=4">Luke 9:41</a>, <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=John+16%3A9&#38;section=0&#38;version=nlt&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=joh&#38;NavGo=16&#38;NavCurrentChapter=16">John 16:9</a> .</p>
<p>Now, don't be too discouraged if you know that you lack faith in Jesus! You could ONLY lack faith in one area of life because you have STRONG faith in another! You definitely have faith in something, even if it is in the false belief that you have no faith! :-) You also need not be discouraged because EVERY human being, except Jesus, lacks sufficient faith apart from Jesus sharing his with us! <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Luke+18%3A8&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=lu&#38;NavGo=18&#38;NavCurrentChapter=18">Luke 18:8</a>!</p>
<p>The Encouragingly Good News is that you do not have to worry about trying to work up the faith that satisfies God! It has been given to you graciously in Jesus, Who is having faith for you, and sharing that measure of faith with you even now! <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Romans+12%3A3&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=eph&#38;NavGo=1&#38;NavCurrentChapter=1">Romans 12:3</a>, <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Galatians+2%3A20&#38;section=0&#38;version=kjv&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=ro&#38;NavGo=12&#38;NavCurrentChapter=12">Gal 2:20</a>, <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Hebrews+12%3A2&#38;section=0&#38;version=kjv&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=heb&#38;NavGo=12&#38;NavCurrentChapter=12">Hebrews 12:2</a>!</p>
<p><strong>Can you believe and embrace that?! Yes, you can! Because, in Jesus Christ, you have been given nothing less than every spiritual blessing!</strong> <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Ephesians+1%3A3-6&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=eph&#38;NavGo=2&#38;NavCurrentChapter=2">Ephesians 1:3-6!</a> "Every spiritual blessing" certainly INCLUDES Jesus' exact faith! <a href="http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=Ephesians+2%3A4-10&#38;section=0&#38;version=nrs&#38;new=1&#38;oq=&#38;NavBook=eph&#38;NavGo=2&#38;NavCurrentChapter=2">Ephesians 2:4-10</a>!</p>
<p>Here is a link to the <a href="http://godlikesyou.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/stop-worrying-jesus-is-having-faith-for-you/">most popular post</a> on this site, which further emphasizes this MAJOR point! Be encouraged!</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Beijing 2008.]]></title>
<link>http://garymurning.wordpress.com/?p=392</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:10:25 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Gary Murning</dc:creator>
<guid>http://garymurning.wordpress.com/?p=392</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Well, in spite of a few bloggers out there insisting that I should switch off in protest, I this aft]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, in spite of a few bloggers out there insisting that I should switch off in protest, I this afternoon watched the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics (in high-definition!)</p>
<p>It was my intention to write a longer piece on this regarding the various political/human rights issues but I'm afraid I'm rather short on time.</p>
<p>So, briefly -- leaving the more serious issues aside for today -- one word: WOW!</p>
<p>That plasma screen right the way around the top of the stadium? I want one!</p>
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</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Getting Started; Human Tetris]]></title>
<link>http://harukazora.wordpress.com/?p=6</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:15:39 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>harukazora</dc:creator>
<guid>http://harukazora.wordpress.com/?p=6</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Well, I figured I&#8217;d give you guys a favorite video of mine to kick things off, enjoy!

]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, I figured I'd give you guys a favorite video of mine to kick things off, enjoy!</p>
<p><span style='text-align:center; display: block;'><object width='425' height='350'><param name='movie' value='http://www.youtube.com/v/4bekQU9l8hk'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.youtube.com/v/4bekQU9l8hk&rel=0' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' width='425' height='350'></embed></object></span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Your imp could beat my imp up]]></title>
<link>http://damnnewb.wordpress.com/?p=35</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:52:01 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Mid</dc:creator>
<guid>http://damnnewb.wordpress.com/?p=35</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Seimai observing the contruction in Stormwind
So, having respecced my blood elf paladin last night a]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>[caption id="attachment_31" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Seimai observing the contruction in Stormwind"]<img src="http://damnnewb.wordpress.com/files/2008/08/screenshot_072208_002943.jpg" alt="Seimai observing the contruction in Stormwind" width="500" height="313" class="size-full wp-image-31" />[/caption]<br />
So, having respecced my blood elf paladin last night and actually stayed alive long enough to pick up a few levels and complete a few quests, I decided to give my little human warlock a little try.  She's yet another class I'm having trouble with, only this time she's not even level 10 yet.<br><br>Warlock was one of the two classes recommended to me when I originally started playing World of Warcraft.  Being use to games where I had a party to keep my main character alive, it was suggested I would take better to a warlock with their summoned minion, or a hunter with a pet to tank. I rolled a hunter first, cause while having a minion sounded cooler, I couldn't say no to a ranged weapon.</p>
<p>Being a bored individual, I created a little human warlock (pictured above) a bit ago, and started leveling.</p>
<p><!--more-->One thing I can say for sure is that Goldshire possibly has the largest amount of crazies gathered in one place other then the Barrens.  I don't know why people gather there, but they do, and they are always (a) sprouting off things that make no sense, (b) dueling and (c) dancing naked.</p>
<p>Though, I suppose the last one isn't dependent on Goldshire.</p>
<p>Getting my little warlock started was easy.  The very starting point for the human races poses no real challenge, and I actually grouped up one or twice to finish other quests.  I actually joined a guild before I was level five.  Of course, I'm no longer in this guild, cause my playing my alts is spotty at best, and between the time that I created my warlock and signed onto her again, I'd been booted.</p>
<p>Go fig.</p>
<p>I spend a ton of time with her running like a bat out of hell away from fights.  Mobs generally tend to overwhelm my minion and turn on me in all my wears-only-clothe glory.  I don't have any "OH SHIT" buttons with this fresh faced character, so often she dies running.  I suppose I should get use to using fear as my "Goodbye to you, I have to run" tactic.</p>
<p>Is there anything weaker then a imp?  Honestly.</p>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Willpower]]></title>
<link>http://th3g1vr.wordpress.com/?p=243</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:42:29 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>th3g1vr</dc:creator>
<guid>http://th3g1vr.wordpress.com/?p=243</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I have spent a great deal of time obsessing over the meaning of life. Sure, I concluded that we all ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have spent a great deal of time obsessing over the meaning of life. Sure, I concluded that we all find our own meaning in life, and that it's probable that our purpose is to find meaning. But this is not a answer- it's just a different way of looking at the same thing. What then, is that "same thing"?</p>
<p>"If the dream does not end" - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clow_Reed" target="_blank">Clow Reed</a>.</p>
<p>"Grab life by the horns" - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_B._Hinckley" target="_blank">Gordon B. Hinckley</a>.</p>
<p>"Knowledge is Power" - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Durant" target="_blank">Will Durant</a>. (and <a href="http://th3g1vr.com/about/" target="_blank">Me</a>)</p>
<p>...But that power one must use, and not be used by it (or, to further quote Will Durant, "<strong>Knowledge is power, but only wisdom is liberty.</strong>"</p>
<p>In studies involving identical twins raised in essentially identical environments, I have heard that sometimes the results can be as radically different as good versus evil. I think that perhaps my sources mixed up fraternal twins and identical twins (of which the genetic difference is potentially huge), but I think that, in the event of such a rare occurrence, it would fall under <a href="http://th3g1vr.com/2008/07/05/karma/" target="_blank">Miracles</a>.</p>
<p>But nevertheless, there are clearly key factors that separate animals from humans, and those driven to commit crimes or support justice- differences that cannot be explained by genetics, the environment, or even miracles- at least not these things in and of themselves. What then are these differences?</p>
<p>Extremes play a key role in determining this: Some people, perhaps most, allow their will to be determined by their thoughts. I have know many such individuals, and recently, I have inadvertently become one of them to some extent. If one is to take charge of their life, one should let their thoughts be determined by their will, not the other way around. This is one of the key factors- willpower.</p>
<p>I have very little willpower, although I did not realize this until quite recently. I was blinded by appearances- after all, from the surface I am extremely stubborn, full of pride, an obstinate rebel. Some of these qualities I even believed myself to possess, appearances aside. But now that I have realized the truth, I can make sense of much of the dream that has become my life, the distortion and delusion that has become my reality. Those of little willpower are easily effected by their environment, akin to a child that is comparably impressionable. How they are affected is determined by one of two extremes- which I have identified with the Id and SuperEgo.</p>
<p>If identified with the Id- which is pure freedom, and lacking any ability to focus that desire towards an object, person, or goal, It takes the form of civil criminals and the mentally ill, who know not what they want, but seek after it with such unyielding desire that they are compelled to commit acts which they themselves <span style="text-decoration:underline;">must</span> commit, so driven by trivial things that they are utterly helpless, even thinking of themselves as victims, with no future, no hope. With Id comes a natural desire to create, but no amount of desire can be realized without control. (which is the role of the Ego).</p>
<p>If identified with the SuperEgo, one will seek after unreachable ideals, doing anything necessary to reach them, which inevitably includes every type of crime. These idealists take the form of terrorists, serial killers, religious and political radicals, and other extremists. The SuperEgo has a direction, and does everything to attain it, but again has no control.</p>
<p>With both of these extremes, those of little willpower take information they are exposed to, and exaggerate it. The cause of this exaggeration is similar to the principle of inertia- if there is no friction/resistance to stop it, it will keep going infinitely. With both extremes, the Ego is responsible for creating this friction, to maintain control.</p>
<p>Those motivated by Id will seek out creation, as Id is a life instinct. This is likely why there is a proven relationship between creative genius and mental illness. (<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/10/031001061055.htm" target="_blank">see here</a>)</p>
<p>Those motivated by SuperEgo, in contrast, seek out destruction. This destruction brings about chaos, and from this chaos springs forth change. Change is necessary for survival, which is why we have both death and life instincts. Although I attribute "mental illness" to Id, both extremes are mental illness, but just different kinds. One is born from creativity, and the other from "destructivity". (yeah I know it's not a word!)</p>
<p>So if we are motivated by our Id, Ego, and SuperEgo, that motivation takes the form of three factors, which ultimately determine our fate: desire, direction, and control.</p>
<p>Essentially, those with little willpower are more vulnerable to the "spiritual world", and "demonic forces". "Different ways of looking at the same thing"- the spiritual world is manifested in Christianity, Buddhism, and mysticism- but really our dogmatic understanding of mental illness, psychics, and criminals- all of these reflect the effects of the spiritual world. Having little willpower, I have let myself be swallowed, obsessed, and thus consumed by spiritual forces.</p>
<p>Relation to Nature: "God" 's love drove him to seek after the <a href="http://th3g1vr.com/2008/07/15/agony/" target="_blank">impossible</a>- he became consumed by his nature- allowed his thoughts to control his will.</p>
<p>I am a perfectionist, in that I feel compelled to finish whatever I start. I gave myself a goal that I knew could not be realized, and have torn my psyche apart in this impossible pursuit. I first began realizing this when finishing the first chapter of <a href="http://th3g1vr.com/2008/07/04/essence-of-the-soul" target="_blank">Essence of the Soul</a> when I wrote "As he relentlessly struggled towards finding the reason and underlying meaning of all this, a third wave pulled Jason away from it, and the ensuing exchange of willpower threatened to consume his body, if it were not ravaged to dust first. Then a miracle occurred…"</p>
<p>I did the very things I swore I would not. I let myself be controlled by fate. I prioritized knowledge over willpower. I allowed myself to be controlled by my own logic. I began taking the path <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanne_Greenberg" target="_blank">Joanne</a> did, without even realizing it. I created a scenario of madness to justify the nonsensical, because I don't want to admit that there are some things that, no only do we not know yet, but that we cannot know. I have mixed fiction with fact, and without realizing it was influenced by the unreal, conjuring up elaborate fallacies by which to reconcile what is real with what is not. I have dug too deep into the potential of the human mind, I have searched out forbidden knowledge. I have "sold my soul to the devil" to acquire the knowledge of good and evil, and gambled my life to pay a debt I cannot.</p>
<p>The dream must end, just as I knew it should have a long while back. I am living out this dream on borrowed time, and if I do no "wake up" now..."If the dream doesn't end..."</p>
<p>Bottom line: I don't want to "wake up".</p>
<p>There is another factor that is much more important than willpower (believe it or not), which I became aware of (and my personal lack of it) thanks to my older brother. This will be covered in my Self Esteem post.</p>
<p>"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference" -excerpt from the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serenity_Prayer" target="_blank">Serenity Prayer</a>"</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Freeman discharged from hospital ]]></title>
<link>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=312</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>expressyoureself</dc:creator>
<guid>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=312</guid>
<description><![CDATA[
Freeman discharged from hospital

 





Morgan Freeman received an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby i]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mxb">
<h1>Freeman discharged from hospital</h1>
</div>
<p><!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="226" align="right">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44891000/jpg/_44891677_freeman_ap226b.jpg" border="0" alt="Morgan Freeman (file photo)" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="226" height="282" /></p>
<div class="cap">Morgan Freeman received an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby in 2005</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><!-- E IIMA --> <!-- S SF --></p>
<p class="first"><strong>Hollywood star Morgan Freeman has been discharged from a  hospital where he was recovering after a car crash.</strong></p>
<p>In a short statement issued after his release, Freeman said that he was well.</p>
<p>He suffered a broken arm and had to undergo surgery after his car overturned and landed in a ditch near his home in Mississippi on Sunday.</p>
<p>A female passenger was also injured. On Wednesday Freeman's lawyer said the 71-year-old actor and his wife of 24 years, were getting divorced. <!-- E SF --></p>
<p>Bill Luckett said: "And for legal and practical purposes the pair have been separated since December 2007."</p>
<p>Freeman married costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee in June 1984.</p>
<p>The cause of the accident is unclear. Police said it was possible that the actor had fallen asleep at the wheel.</p>
<p>There is no word on the condition of his passenger, Demaris Meter of Memphis.</p>
<p>Freeman won a best-supporting actor Oscar for boxing drama Million Dollar Baby in 2005.</p>
<p>Last year it was announced the actor would play former South African president Nelson Mandela in forthcoming film The Human Factor.</p>
<p>His first credited film appearance was in the 1971 movie Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow!</p>
<p>Prior to that, he had worked as a mechanic in the US Air Force.</p>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[rust]]></title>
<link>http://drizitche.wordpress.com/?p=128</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:26:00 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>drizitche</dc:creator>
<guid>http://drizitche.wordpress.com/?p=128</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A sword will always be a sword.  It will be hard, sharp, and demanding upon purchase.  Bury it und]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A sword will always be a sword.  It will be hard, sharp, and demanding upon purchase.  Bury it underground, toss it into the sea, or simply leave in it's scabbard, it will remain an unyielding merchant of death, razor and reckless from tip to tail.  It is static and, appropriately, dead.</p>
<p>But unarmed, if you would strike another, you must first <strong>create</strong> the fist.  The hardening of the muscles of the hands and arm, the tension applied to the knuckles, skin pulled tight and bones aligned, the taught pull on the chest as the punch is thrown - these are the once-and-again deaths of the soul, the sacrifice of patience and self.</p>
<p>This is why my hands remain soft, open and relaxed.</p>
<p>Try to remember that the beauty of the weapon lies in it's disuse, it's potent restraint.  Like fine art, it should be loaded, sharpened, revealed plainly... and promptly fastened upon a wall to serve it's best purpose: to delicately remind us of our one natural predator.</p>
<p>Some weapons are so powerful that no target honorably justifies their bringing to bear.  This is the spiritual beauty of man - much as you do not use a missile to kill a mosquito, you must not use a man to kill a man.</p>
<p>Our finest quality is not always so plainly seen, us creatures of chaos, at once both ultimate and ultimately inconsequential / our hands of art and artifice and phenomenal destruction.  Lifegivers and couriers of violence all.  I thought it worth a mention tonight.</p>
<p>~ Driz</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Real Men of Genius - Mr. Internet Crusader for Human Rights]]></title>
<link>http://roflmaozedong.wordpress.com/?p=6</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:54:06 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>roflmaozedong</dc:creator>
<guid>http://roflmaozedong.wordpress.com/?p=6</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Real Men of Genius - Internet Crusader for Human Rights
Script:
____ presents: Real Men of Genius
Re]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://audio.xanga.com/Genghis_Quan/1f70a2562511/audio.html">Real Men of Genius - Internet Crusader for Human Rights</a></p>
<p>Script:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">____ presents: Real Men of Genius</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>Real Men of Genius!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p class="MsoNormal">Today we salute you, Mr. Internet Crusader for Human Rights</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>Mr. Internet Crusader for Human Rights!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p class="MsoNormal">Some people do research before committing to an action. Others make cost-benefit analyses. But not you. The moment you hear a slogan with celebrity endorsement and the word “freedom” in it, you’re up and ready to fight the good fight from the safety of your keyboard.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>If nothing else, you’re raising awareness!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s wartime, there’s civil unrest in the border regions, and the economy is shaky, but that’s no reason to install cameras at traffic lights or to imprison looters and arsonists.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>We’re jumping off a slippery slope here!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p class="MsoNormal">Sure, you have no idea how to build a functional government and economy from scratch. And you’re really fighting for a small disgruntled minority that no one cares about. But thanks to your efforts, at least the people are free…to complain about their lack of food.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>MLK would be proud!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p class="MsoNormal">So here’s to you, oh helper of the helpless, oh champion of the oppressed. Just remember: only YOUR beliefs and standards of ethics and morality are correct, and anyone who says otherwise is a goddamn Nazi.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>Mr. Internet Crusader for Human Rights!</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-------------</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Olympics start in less than a day. All the Internets arguing (some of which I've engaged in) will soon be meaningless.  This is a little something I wrote and recorded, inspired by all the insipid things I've had used on me, mostly the following.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Complaints against HR people:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t do research.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t acknowledge alternate viewpoints caused by cultural differences.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t account for factors such as war and civil unrest that necessitate some restrictions of rights.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t consider that the cure might be worse than the disease.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Overly idealistic, leading to proposed “solutions” that are unrealistic at best and mess up the situation even more at worst.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Arrogant as fuck.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Often support vocal minority against the interests of the majority</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Day to Day]]></title>
<link>http://sosdignity.wordpress.com/?p=16</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:20:18 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>sosdignity</dc:creator>
<guid>http://sosdignity.wordpress.com/?p=16</guid>
<description><![CDATA[What we know today as a TRAVESTI or TRANSVESTITE is something that changes in  meaning depending on ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What we know today as a TRAVESTI or TRANSVESTITE is something that changes in  meaning depending on the context. These contexts can be historical as well  as cultural. All to commonly they the context in which these individuals are  discussed is nevernever far from the discussion of prejudice, intolerance,  substance abuse and violence. These is even more exaggerated when you deal with  cultures as complex as that of Brazil. Here the negatives are worsened and there  is no one for these individuals to turn to for legitimate and reliable help,</p>
<div>The day to day of these human beings is best described with words like -  PREJUDICE , DISCRIMINATION,  ABUSE , VIOLENCE. Words that define the daily lives  of thousands of Travestis that live in the big cities of Brazil.</div>
<div>From schools ,top homes , to families, to the general media  there are an  infinite number of situations that cause great suffering to these human beings  . Aggressions , discrimination, estrangement , moral insult , and all sorts of  individual traumas that we can not even imagine to be able to describe without  having lived through these tragedies ourselves.  There is so much work that need  s to be done to turn this around. To change the homophobia , the prejudice ,  to  simple tolreance and respect of teinherent rights of individuals to be  individuals and treated with dignity.</div>
<div>There is not a social refuge for the travesti in Brazil - that is to say  not outside of the sex industry , and maybe with a lot of luck and money , maybe  a beauty salon.  These confines these individuals to dive deeper  into the underworld of prostitution and human trafficking,  , and whether we  agree or disagree with these activities we must respect that they are  not themselves breaking any laws and are only trying to survive.</div>
<div>There are countless rights as citizens that these individuals are denied  here, in most cases they and their loved one are unaware of all that they are  being denied by way of basic human rights,  Their rights to property and  professional opportunity are compromised consistently.  There are  no laws established for their protection and leaves these human individuals to a  world with out law and order for them to seek recourse from./</div>
<div>SOS DIGNITY wants to change this. We want to change the daily suffering to  daily success so that they may enjoy the basic rights and freedoms that all  human beings are entitled to. And we need YOUR helphelo to do this , we  need your help now. Tomorrow is a hell away when we could be building steps to a  earthly home that would give hope that even a heaven could be found in the here  and now.</div>
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<title><![CDATA[Medvedetskaya Gryada...]]></title>
<link>http://jonwilliams.wordpress.com/?p=202</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:55:09 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>nineowls</dc:creator>
<guid>http://jonwilliams.wordpress.com/?p=202</guid>
<description><![CDATA[&#8230;is a fine place to charge. Apparently  Boriska knows, and uses it himself. This fascinating ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>...is a fine place to charge. Apparently  Boriska knows, and uses it himself. This fascinating piece of information and more is available from one of the indigo children. Read all about it at: <a class="alignright" title="fascinating children via pravda.ru" href="http://www.arsgeek.com/2008/03/06/boriska-boy-genius-says-hes-from-mars-knows-of-a-switch-behind-the-sphinxs-ear/" target="_blank">arsgeek</a>.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Bible Believing Animals Rights Christians]]></title>
<link>http://conversationinfaith.wordpress.com/?p=117</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:25:48 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Nancy</dc:creator>
<guid>http://conversationinfaith.wordpress.com/?p=117</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A while ago I went to a talk about animal rights at a Christian college. It was an interesting eveni]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A while ago I went to a talk about animal rights at a Christian college. It was an interesting evening with a Biblically conservative crowd. Most of the people in the audience appeared to be folks who sincerely and wholeheartedly believe Adam and Eve were two real people.</p>
<p>They were also people who are, for the most part, vegetarians or vegans. They believe to treat the earth and animals carefully and respectfully is an important part of being faithful Christians.</p>
<p>Before this night, I would have thought it difficult to fill an auditorium with what one might call Bible believing animal rights activists. Just goes to show how unhelpful labels and stereotypes can be.</p>
<p>This group of people had a difficult time and honestly struggled with the text in Genesis where, after expelling Adam and Eve from the garden, God makes them clothes out of hides. (<a title="oremus" href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=85127881" target="_blank">Genesis 3:21</a>) If you are a vegan, this passage, where God apparently kills an animal for its hide, is a problem. The action of God recorded here, is not consistent with their understanding of who God is and how God acts. How could they resolve this?</p>
<p>As the group talked about this passage someone suggested, perhaps God used the hide of an already dead animal. Someone else proposed that "garments of skin" meant that previously Adam and Eve didn't have skin as we know it and this is when humans received skin. Yes, someone really said that, and quite seriously too.</p>
<p>My point isn't to be critical of Biblical literalists or this group of Bible believing animal rights people. My point is just the opposite. Liberal or conservative, Biblical literalist or not, we are all in the same boat. We all have a concept of who God is and how God acts. When Scripture or experiences in real life don't easily fit into our concept, we have to attempt to reconcile them. We use our culture, our history and our experience to help us do this.  The discussion that took place at the talk that night was a perfect example of this. It's alright, we can't help it and it's a necessary activity. But we do need to be aware of what we are doing.</p>
<p> When we disagree about the meaning of a passage of the Bible, it's a difference of opinion. Certainly some opinions are more worthy of listening to than others. Some are more scholarly, some more educated in the school of life. But no matter who we are, no one, no human can interpret perfectly from God's point of view.</p>
<p>So good for you Bible believing animal rights people. Continue to think and to talk and to wrestle with what it means to be a faithful Christian. We may arrive at different conclusions but we can respect and encourage each other's journey.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[¡Recordatorio y Agradecimiento del 30 de Noviembre!]]></title>
<link>http://rafaelmartel.wordpress.com/?p=3404</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:05:35 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Rafael Martel</dc:creator>
<guid>http://rafaelmartel.wordpress.com/?p=3404</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Quiero agradecer a todos los presentes en la reunión celebrada anoche en el salón de los EXPRESOS ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font size="3" color="ffff66" face="times">Quiero agradecer a todos los presentes en la reunión celebrada anoche en el salón de los EXPRESOS POLITICOS miembros del MOV. 30 DE NOV. por el tremendo apoyo a la exposicion CUBA,REVOLUCION O TERRORISMO?, LA VERDAD, (una idea original de un buen cubano,  el senor, INO MARTEL) , en verdad esta es una oportunidad para hacer saber al mundo la verdad de la participación del castro-comunismo en el terrorismo nacional e internacional.</p>
<p>Como saben la próxima presentacion se llevará a cabo el día 1 de Septiembre de 2008 desde las 10.00 de la mañana en los salones del CLUB FOMENTO de Union City cito en la calle 38 casi esquina a Bergenline ave. local donado de forma gratuita por la dirección del mismo. Este día es feriado , LABOR DAY, por lo que se hará más fácil la asistencia de una mayor cantidad de personas.</p>
<p>ESTAMOS INVITANDO A TODOS ,CUBANOS O NO, AMANTES DE LA LIBERTAD Y LA DEMOCRACIA A QUE ASISTAN A ESTE IMPORTANTE EVENTO, POR FAVOR CORRA LA VOZ , ENVIE ESTA INVITACION A TODOS SUS CONTACTOS EN EL INTERNET, A SUS AMIGOS ,FAMILIARES,COMPANEROS DE TRABAJO,EL ACTO Y TODOS LOS ESCRITOS Y DOCUMENTOS ESTA EN INGLES Y ESPANOL , O SEA QUE NO HAY BARRERAS LINGUISTICAS:LA CITA ES SEPTIEMBRE 1,2008 A LAS 10.00AM EN EL CLUB FOMENTO DE UNION CITY,NJ.(LUNES).GRACIAS POR SU AYUDA EN NOMBRE DE CUBA.</p>
<p><em>Fernando Fernández</em> 30-30</font></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Actor Freeman 'in divorce action' ]]></title>
<link>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=310</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:15:40 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>expressyoureself</dc:creator>
<guid>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=310</guid>
<description><![CDATA[
Actor Freeman &#8216;in divorce action&#8217;

 





Divorce rumours about Colley-Lee and Freeman ]]></description>
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<h1>Actor Freeman 'in divorce action'</h1>
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<div><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44900000/jpg/_44900230_freeman_getty_226b.jpg" border="0" alt="Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="226" height="160" /></p>
<div class="cap">Divorce rumours about Colley-Lee and Freeman surfaced in June</div>
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<p class="first"><strong>Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman and his wife of 24 years  are to divorce, according to his lawyer.</strong></p>
<p>Bill Luckett told US cable TV show Access Hollywood that Freeman and costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee "are involved in a divorce action".</p>
<p>He added: "And for legal and practical purposes the pair have been separated since December 2007."</p>
<p>The 71-year-old Dark Knight star is recovering after being involved in a serious car accident on Sunday. <!-- E SF --></p>
<p>Freeman was driving a car belonging to his friend, Demaris Meyer, when he lost control and veered off a highway close to his home in Charleston, Mississippi.</p>
<p>The car flipped over several times before landing in a ditch.</p>
<p><strong>Arm injuries</strong></p>
<p>Bill Rogers, who saw the accident happen, recalled a conversation he had with Freeman at the scene: "He said that she had offered him a ride home; that they were friends, and she didn't really know the way and so he was going to drive the vehicle."</p>
<p>The pair were airlifted to Memphis's Regional Medical Centre, about 90 miles (145km) north of where the accident occurred.</p>
<p>The actor suffered a broken arm, broken elbow and minor shoulder injuries.</p>
<p>Mr Luckett, who also co-owns a blues club with Freeman, visited the actor in hospital on Wednesday. He said: "It's going to take a few months because he got banged up pretty badly actually."</p>
<p>"He's in good spirits today and he hopes his golf swing is going to be better than ever now with his fixed arm," the lawyer added.</p>
<p>Freeman married Myrna in June 1984. He also has two children with his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, whom he was married to for 12 years from 1967.</p>
<p><strong>Mechanic </strong></p>
<p>Freeman won a best supporting actor Oscar for boxing drama Million Dollar Baby in 2005.</p>
<p>He has twice been nominated in the leading actor category - for The Shawshank Redemption in 1995 and Driving Miss Daisy in 1990.</p>
<p>Last year it was announced the actor would play former South African president Nelson Mandela in forthcoming film The Human Factor.</p>
<p>His first credited film appearance was in the 1971 movie Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow!</p>
<p>Prior to that, he had worked as a mechanic in the US Air Force.</p>
<p>His film appearances include Se7en, Unforgiven and the rebooted Batman franchise.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[My World of Warcraft Character]]></title>
<link>http://itsonlymejosh.wordpress.com/?p=923</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:54:56 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Josh</dc:creator>
<guid>http://itsonlymejosh.wordpress.com/?p=923</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I mentioned that I&#8217;m addicted to WoW now. Well, here you can view my World of Warcraft charact]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I mentioned that I'm addicted to WoW now. Well, here you can view my World of Warcraft character and see everything about him. AWESOME! Check it out here: <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><a title="Trelteth!" href="http://wow.magelo.com/profile/47523" target="_blank">http://wow.magelo.com/profile/47523</a></strong></span></p>
<p>And if you're a WoW nerd (or even if you're not) then check back often to watch him evolve as he gains levels and new equipment!</p>
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<title><![CDATA[love and marriage]]></title>
<link>http://girlbundy.wordpress.com/?p=12</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:11:18 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>girlbundy</dc:creator>
<guid>http://girlbundy.wordpress.com/?p=12</guid>
<description><![CDATA[i recently received an sms from my ex. In his sms, he said that he just bought engagement rings for ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>i recently received an sms from my ex. In his sms, he said that he just bought engagement rings for his gf of 3 years and he still not sure whether what he was doin is right or not.</p>
<p>well for some, they would surely be telling me, tell him to sod off and do not tell you any of these things coz he is your ex.. well anyway i am still in good terms with my ex and hold no hard feelings at him for what has happened in the past.</p>
<p>anyway back to this sms of his, i smsed him back telling him that "what do you mean you do not know whether what you are doin is right or not?? It is whether you think she is the one or not?" Minutes later he reply saying that he is worried that she is not commited to the relationship and that he wants her commitment by getting engaged. OMG!!! he still hasnt changed or even learnt from his past mistakes and are still doin the same thing again.</p>
<p>for some history lesson on what happened between my ex and me, we go back way way way back. He was my ex for 4 years and becoz of racial and religious difference, we decided not to pursue the relationship any longer. he used to be very controlling, not wanting me to hang out with my guy friends (which was abundance coz i work in the technical field). Ok so back to his problem, he is currently with his gf for 3 years and his gf is only 24 and he is 29 goin to 30. He mentioned that his gf always wants to go clubbing and travelling (mind you that she is working with him as he is running a law firm of his own). he has been providing all these to her and has always complain to me about lack of money and stuff like that. i am really trying very hard to be supportive of his decision but then it is quite hard coz i know he would be making a huge mistake if he doesnt resolve the problem within himself first.</p>
<p>He has security issues. always has been even with me. and then he got into another relationship without examining what was his problems and mistakes from the previous relationship. for you info, he got involved with his current gf 3 months after we broke up. well i have taken almost 2 years before venturing to another new relationship with my current love.</p>
<p>being that his gf is young and all of course she would want to go adventuring and also enjoy life out there. if he is to control her, she would eventually fight back. i guess he was expecting more from her but she just could not give him that. after relating this to my baby** he told me that marriage is declaration of commitment of two person being together rather than a declaration of expectation of one person to the other or vice-versa.</p>
<p>by getting engaged is not gonna make the girl any more comitted that she has already have if you do not set the expectation right from the beginning. my ex has this habit of telling what he wants and expect that you read his mind. he never once told his gf that he needs this or want that. he has always fulfilling her needs and wants.. i cant see any good ending to these kindof one way relationship.</p>
<p>that is why i am treading my current relationship as slowly as possible to get to know each other well and also to resolve a conflict or problem together as a couple. for me, a relationship is really like a partnership, if one fails to understand what the other needs/wants, the partnership will fail and it would not go anywhere and eventually just break down.</p>
<p>nevertheless, i told my ex that he needs to relate his concerns to gf and also lay out his expectations to her and whether she is considerate to make changes or have changes  made in her life by him in the long run. i also bade good luck to my ex and hopes that he makes the right decisions for the right reasons.</p>
<p>good luck matey....</p>
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<title><![CDATA[Thirsty Thursdays - Runs, Events, &amp; More]]></title>
<link>http://thisislifeinaustin.wordpress.com/?p=218</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:14:03 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Lyssa</dc:creator>
<guid>http://thisislifeinaustin.wordpress.com/?p=218</guid>
<description><![CDATA[As the first Thursday of the month often goes, this one is jam-packed with things to do. Behold:
The]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the first Thursday of the month often goes, this one is jam-packed with things to do. Behold:</p>
<p>The <a title="Moonlight Margarita Run" href="http://www.townlaketrail.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&#38;subarticlenbr=47" target="_blank">Moonlight Margarita Run</a> has only been around 4 years and has already turned into one of Austin's most infamous running events. The Town Lake Trail Foundation hosts the 5K, with an 8pm start time, as a fundraiser. The post-race party features Tex-Mex food, mariachi music, and margaritas on the grounds of the American Legion Hall. The prices are steep: $85 for the run + party; $35 for the run only, or $55 for the party only.</p>
<p>For runners who want to run for free, check out the Nike Human Race training run at SIX lounge, 7pm.</p>
<p>If you prefer to give your credit card a workout, head to South Congress, where <a title="Prototype" href="http://www.prototypevintagedesign.com/" target="_blank">Prototype Vintage</a> (which you'll remember partnered with La Luz for a new space) is hosting a Grand Opening in conjunction with First Thursday. Officially called the Launch Pad Party, there will be an op-art photo booth, snacks, and something called a "sputnik space bar."</p>
<p>For your beauty fix, Austin Monthly is hosting a party at <a title="Sana" href="http://www.sana-austin.com/" target="_blank">Sana Boutique</a> from 6-8pm to introduce <a title="Rae Cosmetics" href="http://www.raecosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Rae Cosmetics</a> and its creator, Rochelle Rae. Wine and apps will be served. At that issue release party last week, I tried on some lip gloss and it was pretty spectacular--silky smooth, not sticky, and my friends raved about how good it made my lips look.</p>
<p>And for a stellar close to the evening, I have a friend, <a title="Greg Vendetti" href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&#38;friendID=66433374" target="_blank">Greg Vendetti</a>, playing a big show at Apple Bar at 10pm. He's a pretty stinkin' good singer-songwriter (who bills himself as pop-rock ... can singer-songwriters do that?!). He has only been in Austin for about a year and has already made some waves on the music scene--his Stubbs gig landed him in the Statesman.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[The White Red Chiaroscuro]]></title>
<link>http://zxvasdf.wordpress.com/?p=219</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:04:12 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>zxvasdf</dc:creator>
<guid>http://zxvasdf.wordpress.com/?p=219</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A stranger approaches you one night. Perhaps you are alone under the only lighted lamp in a shadowy ]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A stranger approaches you one night. Perhaps you are alone under the only lighted lamp in a shadowy streetcorner, or it is an empty bus you ride, sullen in your seat and feeling the late hour. The stranger approaches you with bead black eyes and a voice like yellowed parchment paper rasping against dead skin, and submits a choice in the flickering light of street or bus, of knowing the exact circumstances and instant of your death, or an eternity approaching others with the exact same proposal.</p>
<p>You chuckle at the strange turn of events and choose eternity. His bone white face crinkles into a rictus that is, you realize with growing horror, a smile. It is a slash that expels a hot carcass wind and sprouts a jagged range of yellowred fangs filling your vision like some poison portrait of Transylvania. Suddenly that corpse breath is digging at your neck, and you can't but marvel at the utter corniness of the beast's next words: <em>You shall live forever in the hearts and minds of your loved ones!</em> You manage to squeeze off a <em>b-b-but I have nothing, nobody!</em> just before your cartoid spurts arterially. A spark of irritation, in your dying mind, conflagrates into a full-out bloom of fury as you behold your very last impression of life, a grinning white red chiaroscuro.</p>
<p>In the white hot incandescence of anger, your thing we call soul like moth to streetlight, away from death  hanging on to that lashing frail thread of vengeance's lust, back, back, back, your life unspooling to a connate snap where a white cold glare brutally greets you with a hand slap to the backside, <em>heckuva set of lungs this one's got!</em> You progress through the various stages of human development in a tense anger, the cloud of premonition hanging over your head. You wonder where all this repressed rage comes from, and your high school psychologist keeps on saying you keep it bottled up until you're forced to find something to bottle him up. One day you slide into a vacant bus, or stride into the littered halo of a lone streetlight. You choose to know the exact instant and circumstances of your death, and he tears out your throat on the spot.</p>
<p>Round round round the merry-go-round you go, the wet warm splashing to a halt with a connate slap in cold fluorescent glare and laughter at baby you boiling with pure pissed off and you grow up kicking at dogs and breaking windows, become took with carrying a pair of pliers about without really knowing why and one night you step into a bus, or you find yourself loitering an empty streetcorner. You fly at the pale thing with the rat eyes and bad teeth, you know this how, without even looking at these poison lips, on pure instinct and sheer reflex, and there is screaming. This time around, it is not you that screams.</p>
<p>Well, mostly not you.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[US claims informant is fraud boss]]></title>
<link>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=267</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:37:03 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>expressyoureself</dc:creator>
<guid>http://expressyoureself.wordpress.com/?p=267</guid>
<description><![CDATA[
US claims informant is fraud boss


 





TJX, which owns TJ Maxx, was one the firms whose records]]></description>
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<h1>US claims informant is fraud boss</h1>
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<p><!-- S BO --> <!-- S IIMA --></p>
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<div><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44897000/jpg/_44897353_tjmaxx_getty226b.jpg" border="0" alt="TJMaxx strore in California" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="226" height="170" /></p>
<div class="cap">TJX, which owns TJ Maxx, was one the firms whose records were hacked</div>
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<p class="first"><strong>A former informant of the US secret service has been accused  of being the ringleader in the country's biggest and most complex identity theft case.</strong></p>
<p>The US Department of Justice claims that Albert "Segvev" Gonzalez and 10 others stole, and then sold more than 40 million bank card numbers.</p>
<p>They allegedly got the data by driving around, finding vulnerable internet networks, and accessing shop records.</p>
<p>Prosecutors said the alleged fraud was an "international conspiracy". <!-- E SF --></p>
<p>"During the course of the sophisticated conspiracy Mr Gonzalez and his co-conspirators....hacked into wireless computer networks of major retailers," said the US Department of Justice.</p>
<p>The method, known as "wardriving", involves tracking down vulnerable internet wireless signals and using systems to decipher credit and debit card information from a retailer's system.</p>
<p><!-- S IBOX --></p>
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<div class="mva"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif" border="0" alt="" width="24" height="13" /> <strong>While technology has made our lives much easier it has also created new vulnerabilities</strong> <img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif" border="0" alt="" vspace="0" width="23" height="13" align="right" /></div>
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<div>Michael Sullivan,<br />
US secret service director</div>
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<div class="o"><img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/inline_dashed_line.gif" border="0" alt="" hspace="0" vspace="2" width="226" height="1" /></div>
<div class="miiib"><!-- S ILIN --></p>
<div class="arr"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7544313.stm">How secure is your card info?</a></div>
<p><!-- E ILIN --></div>
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<p><!-- E IBOX -->The Department of Justice said that companies affected included TJX Companies, BJ's Wholesale Club, Boston Market and Barnes &#38; Noble among others.</p>
<p>MasterCard spokesman Chris Monteiro told the BBC: "If a cardholder is concerned at all about the security of their account they should immediately contact their issuing financial institution."</p>
<p><strong>'New vulnerabilities'</strong></p>
<p>While the Department of Justice has not put a price on the scale on the scam it says it is the largest and most complex identity fraud to date.</p>
<p>"While technology has made our lives much easier it has also created new vulnerabilities," said US secret service director Michael Sullivan.</p>
<p>"This case clearly shows how strokes on a keyboard with a criminal purpose can have costly results," he added</p>
<p>He urged consumers, firms and governments worldwide to develop further ways to protect sensitive personal and business information and detect those that "conspire to exploit technology for criminal gain".</p>
<p>Perry Tancredi, senior product manager for fraud detection at payment security company VeriSign said that: "Regardless of how strong the security measures, and how vigilant, the weak part of the chain is there is always a human who is responsible and who has overall control over the information."</p>
<p><strong>Charges</strong></p>
<p>Mr Gonzalez of Miami has been charged with computer fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identify theft and conspiracy.</p>
<p>Mr Gonzalez, who is in New York in pre-trial confinement, now faces a maximum penalty of life is prison.</p>
<p>Charges were also listed against Christopher Scott and Damon Patrick, both of Miami.</p>
<p>The other named individuals in the case were Maksym "Maksik" Yastremskiy of Kharkov, Ukraine, Aleksandr "Jonny Hell" Suvorov of Sillamae, Estonia.</p>
<p>Charges were also levelled against Hung-Ming Chiu and Zhi Zhi Wang, both from China, and someone known only by the nickname "Delpiero".</p>
<p>Sergey Pavolvich, of Belarus, and Dzmitry Burak and Sergey Storchak, both of Ukraine, were also charged.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[A tale of horror and cowards.]]></title>
<link>http://mrspinnah.wordpress.com/?p=25</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 01:56:47 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>mrspinnah</dc:creator>
<guid>http://mrspinnah.wordpress.com/?p=25</guid>
<description><![CDATA[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hx-mB9K812hwZqPx4HhsRsgjT7YwD92CEL700
In case you have not been f]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hx-mB9K812hwZqPx4HhsRsgjT7YwD92CEL700</p>
<p>In case you have not been following the news, some crazy guy by the name of Vince Weiguang Li brutally stabbed, beheaded, and ate another man on a Greyhound bus in Canada. The victim was Tim McLean, a 22 year old carnival worker. Now I don't know about you guys, but I don't really enjoy the carnival or the circus. That said, I don't walk around killing the people who work there. This man is clearly insane. He was supposedly completely calm as he stabbed the 22 year old man numerous times, enough to cut the mans head off while he was sleeping. He then walked around the bus, holding the head.</p>
<p>Now, what I just learned, that makes this story even worse for me, is that he <em>ate</em> the man as well. He ripped chunks of the guys flesh off, and ate them. That is REALLY disgusting. Like, beyond disgusting. And now this man is asking for death. While riding my bike to the gym today, I was actually thinking about this story, and thinking, "Damn, they better kill this man." However, now that I know that he <em>wants</em> death, I hope they make him rot in prison for the rest of his life. Never give a criminal what he wants.</p>
<p>What makes this story even worse though, is the fact that absolutely nobody on the bus helped this man as he was being stabbed over and over and over and over again. I mean, sure, most people will try to preserve themselves before others. I realize this. Humans are greedy and don't normally care about others before themselves. But the fact is, not all humans are like this. And out of all the people on that bus, not one person decided to help? No. They all ran from the bus, closed the door, and then stood back to stay away from the crazy guy. Now, I cannot say that I would have helped. But I cannot say that I would have ran either. I would have to actually be in that situation to see what I would do. But I would like to think that I would help the poor dude being shanked.</p>
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<title><![CDATA[IOCL Recruits Fresher Junior Assistant Trainee]]></title>
<link>http://govjobs.wordpress.com/?p=317</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:27:46 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>govjobs</dc:creator>
<guid>http://govjobs.wordpress.com/?p=317</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Indian Oil Corporation of India Ltd
(A Govt. of India Undertaking)
Applications are invited from Ind]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://govjobs.wordpress.com/files/2008/06/iocl.png"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-204" src="http://govjobs.wordpress.com/files/2008/06/iocl.png?w=100" alt="" width="100" height="100" /></a><strong>Indian Oil Corporation of India Ltd<br />
(A Govt. of India Undertaking)</strong></p>
<p>Applications are invited from Indian Nationals for the following posts<br />
<strong>Code No :</strong> R-01 : Jr. Engg Assistant-IV/ Trainee (Production) - 1 Post (SC-1)<br />
Qualification : B.Sc (PCM) with minimum 60% marks in aggregate in PCM or Diploma in Chemical Engg with 60% marks</p>
<p><strong>Code No :</strong> R-02 : Jr. Engg Assistant-IV/ Trainee (Instrumentation) - 5 Post (OBC - 2, UR-3)<br />
Qualification : Diploma in Instrumentation or Industrial Electronics or Electronics &#38; Communication with minimum 60% marks</p>
<p><strong>Code No : </strong>R-03 : Jr. Quality Control Analyst/ Trainee - 5 Post (SC-1, OBC-1, UR-3)<br />
Qualification : M.Sc (Chem/ B.Sc. Hons.) in chemistry with Physics &#38; Maths. Minimum 60% marks in the Hons/ Principal Subject</p>
<p><strong>Code No :</strong> R-04 : Jr. Assistant-IV/ Trainee (Electrical) - 2 Post (SC-1, OBC-1)<br />
Qualification : Diploma in Electrical Engg with minimum 60% marks</p>
<p>Pay scale of Rs. 5400-10850/- under revision (Other benefits like Medical/ LTC/ Superanuation Benefit Fund etc as per rules):</p>
<p><strong>Age Limit </strong>(As on 30.06.08) : Minimum 18 years and Maximum 32 years.</p>
<p><strong>General Instructions</strong><br />
1. Experience must be post qualification In case experienced candidates are not available, <strong>Freshers without experience shall be taken as Trainees for a period of minimum 1 year which may extended or reduced</strong>. Trainees shall be entitled to a monthly consolidated stipend  <strong>Rs. 11000/</strong>- other facilities shall be provided as per rules in this regard<br />
2. candidates having requisite qualification and fullfilling eligibility criteria should send neatly typed applications duly signed in the prescribed proforma on plain paper(A-4 size) with latest passport size photo along with photocopies of certificate pertaining to age &#38; caste, mark sheets/ certificates (of all the years/ semesters Graduation/ Diploma) duly attested by gazetted officer and proof of relevant experience. Name of the post should be superscribed on the envelope<br />
3. A crossed DD of Rs.100/- (one hundred only) as application fee (non-refundable) in favour of Accounts Officer, Indian Oil Corporation., Barauni Refinery payable at Begusarai. The crossed DD may be issued by any Branch other than SBI, BR Campus Branch. Applications should be addressed to : <strong>Sr. Human Resource Manager, Barauni Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, PO: Barauni Oil Refinery, Distt. Begusarai. Pin Code 851114</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.freshershome.com/jobs/index.php?post_id=10314" target="_blank">Further Details are found here</a></p>
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<title><![CDATA[Nike Plus ; Join The Race]]></title>
<link>http://gitm.wordpress.com/?p=672</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:08:31 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>gitm</dc:creator>
<guid>http://gitm.wordpress.com/?p=672</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Nike is once more, setting a good example, to try and get people more aware of their physique, makin]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#888888;">Nike is once more, setting a good example, to try and get people more aware of their physique, making them to join up for the nike run, which will be held at 31th of August, In many cities over the world, Nike will have athletes or celebs participating. Here's Serena Williams' Video.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#888888;">Want to participate? Look <a href="http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/humanrace/index.jsp" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style='text-align:center; display: block;'><object width='425' height='350'><param name='movie' value='http://www.youtube.com/v/2t06QL_0XiE'></param><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><embed src='http://www.youtube.com/v/2t06QL_0XiE&rel=0' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' width='425' height='350'></embed></object></span></p>
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<title><![CDATA[FACT SHEET: PCBs in Fish]]></title>
<link>http://impod.wordpress.com/?p=32</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:48:07 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>podjaa</dc:creator>
<guid>http://impod.wordpress.com/?p=32</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Source: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/pcbs.shtml
What are PCBs?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Source: <a href="http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/pcbs.shtml">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/pcbs.shtml</a></p>
<p><strong>What are PCBs?</strong></p>
<p>Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are colorless and odorless chemicals that were widely used in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors before their production was banned in 1976. During their manufacture, there are over 200 individual PCB compounds that can be produced when chlorine is added to a biphenyl ring structure. The same properties that made PCBs so useful in industrial applications such as their stability and non-flammability, enable PCBs to persist in the environment for long periods of time.</p>
<p><strong>Are PCBs still entering the environment?</strong></p>
<p>Yes. Of the 1.2 billion pounds of PCBs produced in the U.S. before 1976, about half has entered the environment through discharges to the air, land, and water. In addition, products that contain PCBs are still often being disposed of improperly. Most PCBs that have entered the environment end up in rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean.</p>
<p>PCBs enter the food chain and become progressively concentrated from small organisms to larger fish and mammals. Many large, fatty fish like lake trout, carp, and chinook salmon have been found to contain very high concentrations of PCBs. As a result, some fish may contain high enough levels that they are considered unsafe for human consumption, or with concentration levels where consumption should be restricted.</p>
<p><strong>How long will PCBs remain a problem?</strong></p>
<p>Most PCBs tend to build up primarily in fatty tissue in fish and to a less extent in edible muscle tissue. Larger, fattier fish tend to accumulate PCBs to a greater extent than younger, leaner fish. With an environmental half-life as high as five years, PCBs may remain a problem for quite some time.</p>
<p>Because PCBs become attached to particles in the water, they eventually settle out and are buried in bottom sediments. As bottom-dwelling organisms feed, they ingest these PCB-contaminated sediments and pass them up into the food chain. The smallest aquatic organisms are eaten by successively larger, predator fish which are then consumed by fish-eating mammals. PCBs have been detected in both fresh and saltwater fish in varying amounts depending on size, feeding grounds, position in the food chain, exposure and fat content.<br />
<br><br />
<img src="http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/images/cleanfish.jpg" width="65%" height="65%" alt="Fish Cleaning" /><br />
<br><br />
<strong>How do PCBs enter the human body?</strong></p>
<p>PCBs can be absorbed through the skin, lungs or GI tract. For most of us, food is by far the most significant source of exposure. Foods most likely to contain PCBs include milk, eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. PCBs are stored in the body's fatty tissue where they can accumulate. Since 1977 when manufacturing of PCBs was banned, levels in most foods have declined.</p>
<p><strong>Are humans affected by PCBs?</strong></p>
<p>Yes, medical studies indicate health risks are highest in the fetus or nursing infant, especially if the mother is or has been exposed to PCBs. Women of childbearing age, especially those pregnant or nursing, are advised to minimize risk of exposure by avoiding eating fish from waters known to contain PCB contaminants.</p>
<p>Most knowledge about the adverse human health effects of acute (high level, short duration) exposure to PCBs has come from occupational studies. Workers exposed in the late 1960s to high levels of PCBs after industrial accidents experienced eye irritation, headache, fatigue, skin eruptions, nausea, vomiting, digestive disturbances and liver dysfunction.</p>
<p>With respect to the effects of chronic or low-level exposure to PCBs over time, less is known about potential adverse health effects. However, medical authorities suspect prolonged exposure to small doses of PCBs can contribute to a variety of human health problems, including developmental problems in children, liver damage and various forms of cancer.</p>
<p><strong>How is the public protected from consuming contaminated fish?</strong></p>
<p>Two federal agencies have responsibility in protecting humans from exposure to harmful levels of PCBs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for setting the standards for tolerable levels of PCBs in fish sold via interstate commerce. In 1984, the FDA lowered the allowable level of PCBs from 5.0 ppm (5 parts PCB per million parts edible fish) for fish and shellfish to 2.0 ppm. The FDA periodically tests fish typically sold in markets to determine the levels of PCBs and other contaminants and when necessary, confiscates contaminated products.</p>
<p>Another agency that regulates PCBs is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets standards based exclusively on protection of public health, whereas the FDA has to consider many factors including economics. Currently, the EPA's Office of Water health screening level for all PCBs in fish tissue is 0.01 ppm. At this level in fish tissue, we would expect one additional cancer due to PCBs in a population of 100,000, assuming an adult (70 kg) eats 1 meal/month (6.5 g/day) over a lifetime.</p>
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