Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Links, Links, Links...and some discount books, too

Posted by Mickey Z on 02/15 at 06:01 AM

  1. I picked the 911, it is a link to the film Loose Change, which I recommend higher than any other documentaries on 911, it is ohso concise.

    p.s. odd that the site of the disaster was named for a place you launch things from eh?

    Jeremy, from yesterday, I saw a bunch of guys blow up a dead beached whale but they used too much dynamite and nearly killed themselves with the lumps of blubber thumping to ground all around them.

    Posted by Owen from Barcelona  on  02/15  at  06:44 AM

  2. “Mary had a little mammalian cell bioreactor”

    sheer genius. one of your best for a long time. i was laughing the whole way through.

    I take it you have read this?http://tinyurl.com/mzo0

    Posted by michael from scotland  on  02/15  at  08:08 AM

  3. That Orwell is one of my favourite essays.
    Which link did the Mary thing come from?

    Posted by owen from Barcelona  on  02/15  at  08:15 AM

  4. mickeys article. click on ‘read more’ at the bottom of the post

    Posted by michael from scotland  on  02/15  at  08:24 AM

  5. That Steve Biko quote reminded me Winston Churchill said in an address to Yale in 1953 that the new empire was the empire of the mind.

    And this Carlos Casteneda:

    “In order to keep us obedient and meek and weak, the predators engaged themselves in a stupendous maneuver - stupendous, of course, from the point of view of a fighting strategist. A horrendous maneuver from the point of view of those who suffer it. They gave us their mind! Do you hear me? The predators give us their mind, which becomes our mind. The predators’ mind is baroque, contradictory, morose, filled with the fear of being discovered any minute now.”

    Posted by Owen from Barcelona  on  02/15  at  08:33 AM

  6. Owen,

    “Jeremy, from yesterday, I saw a bunch of guys blow up a dead beached whale but they used too much dynamite and nearly killed themselves with the lumps of blubber thumping to ground all around them.”

    Yep, that sounds like the one! Then again, I suppose it’s possible there’s been more than one such incident…

    Gives new meaning to the famous phrase from Moby Dick: “Thar she blows!”

    So I just did a Google search for “whale” and--whaddyaknow?--the story I was talking about was on the first page.

    Here’ the Snopes.com take:

    http://www.snopes.com/critters/disposal/whale.htm

    You can watch a video of a news report on the incident here:

    http://www.perp.com/whale/video.html

    Posted by Jeremy from Taiwan  on  02/15  at  09:50 AM

  7. A Whale for the Exploding?

    Posted by Jeremy from Taiwan  on  02/15  at  09:51 AM

  8. G’morning, everyone. Thanks for the kind words, Michael. Yes indeed, I’ve read the Orwell essay. He said it all and said it first.

    You guys scooped me on the exploding whale. In light of our Mowat reading, I was planning to post some “various” whale items and that was scheduled for tomorrow. Ah, I’ll post the link anyway. Not everyone is here every day and not everyone reads the comment section.

    It’s spring again in NYC. Snow is melting nicely.

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  10:17 AM

  9. IRRELEVANCE WARNING!!

    Sorry, i just liked this photo so much i had to show you all…

    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

    as i said earlier, mickey, you are in good ‘form’

    Posted by michael from scotland  on  02/15  at  10:23 AM

  10. and since you are mentioning weather, a huge thunderstorm and hailstorm has just broken out here and the winds are setting off all the car alarms!

    we have an old phrase for days like this here, we call them “chimney dodgers” because a lot of the buildings are 150 years old
    Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
    and until they fixed them all up about 40 years ago on stormy days occasionally a chimney pot would get blown off, hence “chimney dodging”

    Incidentally, for NYers, occasionally we get hollywood people here making films when they want somewhere that looks like new york in the 1800’s

    there was one a while ago with that woman from the x-files.

    Posted by michael from scotland  on  02/15  at  10:35 AM

  11. Greetings,

    No sun, up to 80F, falling barometer = grumpy, depressed Mudge, so I won’t hang around.

    One of my roomies got dumped by his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.  Nasty.

    I have a bad pain day working.  Rather than whine more, I’ll be off.

    Posted by Mudge from Austin  on  02/15  at  11:14 AM

  12. Greetings All....I like that editorial Mickey. I have been calling it “THE DEPARTMENT OF OFFENSE”. If “they” control the language, “they” control the thought process. Your point is well taken about how changing the language changes everything.
    Also about killing. I say “Wearing a uniform might make a fashion statement, but it never gives anyone the right to kill civilians”.

    Posted by RMJ from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts  on  02/15  at  12:47 PM

  13. It’s great that Metro prints stuff like that, Mickey. (Didn’t I say that the last time you posted one of your Metro articles?) I think that’s one of your best pieces, too. The use of language you write about is nothing short of intellectual violence. A favorite quote in a similar vein, from Rev. Al Sharpton: “If you piss on my face I’m not gonna call it rain!”

    Michael your muppet gangsters are Dutch. I’ll keep a lookout.

    Hey, question to all: I’m about halfway through the 9/11 video Mickey linked to. Fascinating stuff, but Chomsky and others caution their readers to avoid this route. They say that we should focus on the absolutely provable evidence that Bush and company are criminals, and that research into the “mystery” of 9/11 is a diversion from the real work at hand. I tend to agree with them, yet--like I said--the film is fascinating. Whaddya all think?

    Posted by Keir from The Hague  on  02/15  at  02:41 PM

  14. What an enlightening post, Mickey!  I clicked on the ‘scientific censorship’ item and, lo and behold, it was related to Australia.  What a surprise! 
    And that special offer regarding your books sounds great - have to give it some serious thought.  Unfortunately February is quite a horror month when it comes to bills, taxes, etc. in the Fremlin household, so this matter has to wait a little ..

    And a warm ‘welcome’ to Owen, Michael, Jeremy, MUDGE, Rosemarie and Keir. 

    Mickey is in fine form every day, Michael!  And so are you - I simply LOVE the ‘Sesame Street’ picture, and the other picture is not half bad either.
    Bye ..

    Posted by Helga Fremlin from Daylesford, Australia  on  02/15  at  02:53 PM

  15. Great statement there, Rosemarie:
    “Wearing a uniform might make a fashion statement, but it never gives anyone the right to kill civilians”.

    I find it amazing that so many women find uniforms ‘sexy’.  I’m sure you don’t!

    Posted by Helga Fremlin from Daylesford, Australia  on  02/15  at  03:13 PM

  16. “The most potent weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”

    The US has perfected the above...they’ve convinced a majority of the population that hardly ever do anything wrong and that when they do, that is was just a rare mistake.  Why oppress people domestically with force when it is so much easier to have them believe in the American Dream?

    Force is reserved for the rest of the world.

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  03:27 PM

  17. Hello everyone. Sorry to hear you’re in pain, Mudge. Thanks for the kind words (as always), Helga and RMJ. Two days in a row, JOS. We could get used to this.

    Keir: Someone sent me that 9/11 link and my reaction was the same as yours. I found it fascinating...thus I’m sharing it. However, I see Chomsky’s point. If, for example, all the energy that has gone into the JFK assassination was spent on understanding that JFK was no different from Ike, Nixon, LBJ, etc. and spreading that word, it would have been energy much better spent. This is not to say I think such conspiracies are impossible. When it comes to the U.S. gov’t and the corporations that own it, nothing would surprise me...except altruism.

    Captcha sez: DARK

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  03:42 PM

  18. I haven’t been able to watch the 9/11 video...no sound here at the library.  Here’s some more concrete evidence on US crimes:

    http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/15/abughraib.photos/index.html

    sorry, tinyurl is not coming up for me.

    Good to be here, Mick…

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  03:47 PM

  19. I assume from all the whale activity here that Mowat’s novel was chosen for the Expendable Book Club?

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  03:51 PM

  20. catch y’all later…

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  03:55 PM

  21. Sorry, JOS...yeah, Mowat it is. Discussion to occur on Friday, March 3. Hope you can join us.

    RMJ: I just got a letter today from Gaye Symington of the Vermont House of Representatives saying she (?) will look into your case. anyone else hear back?

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  04:06 PM

  22. Hi Every Expendable!

    Haven’t had much time to peruse the comments recently.  Hope everyone is well and happy. 

    I loved that Doc “Loose Change”! I want to show it to the doubters here at work.

    I hope people are still interested in starting an email list for sharing documentaries, lectures, interviews or really anything that is worthwhile checking out and absorbing.  So to get the ball rolling… Would interested parties please email me at I’ll compile a list and kick out an email group in the next few days.  Mickey mentioned that it’s been a little slow around here recently so I’ll repeat this over the next few days and hopefully net everyone. 

    Peace and Love,
    Luna

    Posted by Luna_C from Work  on  02/15  at  04:10 PM

  23. Keir re 13 - Theirry Muyssen (sic) wrote a book called “9/11: The Big Lie” which I would recommend in terms of detailing plenty of evidence, details & the like.  I should get hold of a copy if I were you.  I knew what I thought before I read this particular volume but it contains what is, to my mind, the best case.

    Posted by Chris Wood from Manchester, England  on  02/15  at  04:17 PM

  24. Mickey, you hit the jackpot. She is Speaker of the State House. Thanks.
    Mudge, I am sad, if you are having a high pain day. I wish I could send you some good vibes that would help.

    Posted by RMJ from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts  on  02/15  at  04:53 PM

  25. RMJ, the letter reads:

    Thank you for your email voicing concern over the Rosermarie Jackowski story. I have asked my office to look into this matter and make recommendations on what I can do.

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  04:58 PM

  26. Since I can’t contribute anything intelligent I’ve not been on here. Been checking the site regularly though..

    Nothing’s changed so I’ll just post this:

    From:
    Cyborg Name Decoder (http://tinyurl.com/8qs2v)

    M.I.C.K.E.Y.Z.: Mechanical Intelligent Construct Keen on Efficient Yelling and Zoology

    Quite apt given Mickey’s love of animals (in a non-sexual way of course readers!) and blogging IS a kind of efficient yelling, no?

    Posted by Paul M from Scotland  on  02/15  at  05:21 PM

  27. I’ll see your Cyborg, Paul...and raise you this: http://tinyurl.com/dbagd

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  05:58 PM

  28. Well, only one left:

    http://tinyurl.com/c3mk6

    He even looks like you (sorry!)

    Posted by Paul M from Scotland  on  02/15  at  06:17 PM

  29. sweet...I like what I got for my last name:

    O.S.H.E.A.: One Supplying Hot Erotic Affection

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  06:20 PM

  30. O.S.H.E.A.: Orphan-Snatching, Hitchhiker-Eating Abomination

    Posted by JOS from Chicago  on  02/15  at  06:21 PM

  31. Look what you’ve started, Paul.

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  06:31 PM

  32. Probably best that I don’t comment much, eh?

    Posted by Paul M from Scotland  on  02/15  at  06:41 PM

  33. “Force is reserved for the rest of the world.” JOS

    I think more sophisticated and intelligent imperial powers understood that in order to get what you want you have to persuade others to adopt your goals. No surprise then that the US government has no coherent plan for molding public opinion worldwide.

    Posted by Fiona from   on  02/15  at  06:48 PM

  34. and Mickey your book sale sounds great but I already own them

    Posted by Fiona from   on  02/15  at  07:05 PM

  35. JOS, enjoy those tasty hitchhikers.

    Fiona, that’s a key point re US mind washing overseas.  I’m sure it’s far harder to indoctrinate in many countries, especially as so much of the hard sell right wing bullshit comes in neatly wrapped patriot colours.  It won’t be so easy to spin the same line in the Isle of Wight ("American lives, grrr” etc).

    Unfortunately, I don’t doubt some plans & aspirations are being hatched in that direction.  The corporate media’s appeasement of foreign dictatorships is perhaps the way to look.  The recent story of Google removing, say, footage from Tiannamen (sic?) Square from it’s Chinese site is an example. 

    Also, fuckers like Murdoch will take their best shot.  When he won a contract for Chinese broadcasting he agreed to abandon the BBC’s World Service ... here is an example of how the rest of the world may be conquered - selective removals so that the 90% or so who aren’t remotely curious will never know. 

    MZ’s examples of propaganda in “Saving Private Power” are key here - no doubt they occur on a global scale.  Probably, with corporate expansion, it will be the norm to receive information from fewer & fewer sources.  When the US tightens its grip on oil & military control, I’m sure we’ll see far more co-operation. 

    What’s going on today in terms of news censorship would have horrified me five years ago.  Now, can anyone honestly say they’re surprised by fresh examples?  I know it’s an age old practice, but it seems to have become so much more blatant.

    Glad to see the Expendables have become cyborgs - I feel you all should be resilient people.  A friend of mine maintained the Queen Mum was a cyborg, but I guess we’ll never know now.

    Posted by Chris Wood from Manchester, England  on  02/15  at  07:10 PM

  36. Hello again, Expendables. Fiona...what a pleasant surprise. Hope all is well with you. Will you join us in reading A Whale for the Killing?

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  07:38 PM

  37. Hey JOS if you’re still around (re #16), the book that I mentioned in my last blog post (Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death) has as one of its main arguments the idea that, at least in the US, the direction is more “Brave New World” than “1984”. But Postman was writing in 1985. Still, it’s an interesting point he makes.

    There are two ways by which the spirit of a culture may be shriveled. In the first--the Orwellian--culture becomes a prison. In the second--the Huxleyan--culture becomes a burlesque.
    I think that “longing after the American dream” certainly falls within the burlesque. Further on
    In the Huxleyan prophecy, Big Brother does not watch us, by his choice. We watch him, by ours.
    Damn! And that was before “Big Brother” was an international hit TV show.

    Posted by Keir from The Hague  on  02/15  at  07:39 PM

  38. “Popularity is ephemeral and should not guide foreign policy.”
    D. Rumsfeld

    I will read the book about the whale.

    Posted by Fiona from San Diego  on  02/15  at  10:12 PM

  39. Excellent news, Fiona. On that cheery note: good night, all.

    Posted by Mickey Z. from Astoria  on  02/15  at  10:15 PM

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