Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Mid-East analysis, urinals, Jerry Garcia, Bono, Queen, Con Edison, free novel, & Joe from Oregon
I hope no-one was planning to fly into the UK any time soon. Just highlights Mr Zepezauer’s points, as if they needed highlighting. Captcha sez “bad”. Clever Captcha.
Queen are one of my favouritest bands ever. That boy could sing.
Posted by Mew on from critically threatened London 08/10 at 06:08 AMHello Expendables.
Thanks for the link, Mew. I sleep better at night knowing Scotland Yard is on the job.
Btw, did you ever see Queen in concert? Amazing.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 06:19 AMMan, we can hate or love Bono, be wild or not about Queen, but only one band has been referred to as the “Mighty...”
Just had to point this out before I get ready for work…
Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 08/10 at 07:02 AMAre a Zep freak, CatLady?
When I was a teen in the 70s, I will say I liked Queen more than Led Zep for a short while...but I always knew Zep was the superior band. Thirty years later, Queen’s music seems, in many cases, like a novelty while Zeppelin endures. Both bands bring back great memories when I hear them.
I will say this, I’ve seen both bands live in their prime and Queen put on a better show. Unforgettable.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 07:07 AMGot this 25 minute live version of Whole Lotta Love on now, and it’s perfect way to know whether I’m running late for work or not. Plus it’s good for timing other stuff, but never mind that now.
Sometimes I do wish I were born just a bit earlier… just a bit.
Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 08/10 at 07:11 AMHeh-- which band had the more inappropriate lyrics? What is it that Queen said makes the world go ‘round? I won’t repeat it here…
Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 08/10 at 07:13 AMQueen was playfully coy. Zep felt far more dangerous.
As I type this, CNN is showing American leaders (sic) talking about new security measures at airports. Lucky me. Michele and I are flying to Texas on Saturday and now we’ll get to enjoy “heightened” security firsthand.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 07:19 AM“HELL”, that’s my captcha word. Think somebody is trying to sent me a message?
Hi Mew, James, and Mickey. Joe, you better get back here. Everybody is missing you, and also Mudge. Things just aren’t the same when anyone is missing.
Here’s a link to one of my solutions to one world problem. I wonder how much trouble this will get me in.
http://tinyurl.com/jo5fuPosted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 08/10 at 07:21 AMMickey, I was 6 when Queen played their last gig, so I only know what a great act they were from videos - not the same. My sister, who’s seen more big bands than me, still rates The Who as the best, but she hasn’t seen Queen either
Rosemarie, you may have scuppered your bid for attorney-general…
Posted by Mew on from Scotland Yard-protected-London 08/10 at 07:37 AMTrouble? Probably even more than if I’m late for work, yikes! But our man in Texas should appreciate that article…
Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 08/10 at 07:43 AMThe Lebanon Q&A was very useful. Thanks for that. It shows perfectly the incapability of the west (including Israel) to apply the same standards to itself as it would have its enemies adhere to.
As to Queen, I loved them too but my clearest memory of them is my excitement when they announced they would be playing shows at Sun City is South Africa (where I was born). Only problem is apartheid was still going strong back then and they decided it didn’t matter. Any thoughts.
Chau for now
Edson
Posted by Edson Castilho on from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 08/10 at 07:58 AMHoly moly it’s a busy morning here today! Hello Mickey, James, Mew and R.Jackowski, AG.
My excerpt of choice:
We can defend ourselves best by working to eliminate the root causes of terrorism: hunger, disease, lack of education, repression.All reasoned people really need to do is realise that if they want peace peacefully, CHOOSE IT. It’s only after that that it gets really complicated.
Queen’s fantastic. Between May’s unique sound and Freaky Freddie’s vocal acrobatics those songs that sound a little more simple are often rather musically complex, some of the studio work they did before the advent of today’s technology was just painstakingly beautiful.
But...I’m a much bigger Zeppelin fan by far. (but starting the day with a marathon session of Whole lotta Love?...I think I’d want to do anything BUT go to work after that. Plus, I need to start my days “slowly")Bono’s got some nice ideals, but only when it suits his fancy does he seem to put his money where his mouth is. (that link was a little strange, MZ. Only the bottom portion of the article was visible)
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canadia 08/10 at 08:03 AMHello again.
Empress, the link works for me. It seems URLs can be very temperamental.
Edson: Queen did seem very apolitical so I’m not surprised they played South Africa. It’s too bad rock stars don’t use their platform to talk about the type of stuff the Empress mentions in the last comment.
I did see Queen at the Beacon Theater in 1975...just as A Night at the Opea came out. I also saw Zep on the Physical Graffiti tour. As I said, I recognize Zep’s superiority but that Queen show was one of my top 5 of all time.
As for the latest terror news, I think Oliver Stone planted it to promote his new movie. How’s that for a conspiracy theory?
Captcha, of course, is asking for “evidence.”
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 08:15 AMAnd RMJ, you state it simply but this says it all:
For the past 50+ years, the U.S. has had a foreign policy which supports the covert invasion of sovereign nations and the exploitation of their resources. The people of the United States have never successfully challenged this policy.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 08:19 AMGood Morning everyone!
Queen and Led Zep! Both Musical Orgasms!!
Sigh I was born to late. Those must of been two fantastic concerts Mickey! The 70’s had some of the best rock music ever.
My very first concert was back in 82-83 and was at the Rose bowl in Pasadena. The lineup was Journey, Triumph, Blue Oyster Cult and Aldo Nova. Good times good times…
Personally I think my favourite show was seeing “The Creatures” in a high school gym in Orange County. Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie from Siouxsie and the Banshees on there “solo” tour. Exstacy for this young wannabe goth. ;)
Anywhobe. True to form Alex Jones aint buying it…
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2006/100806terrorplot.htm
Peace and Love!!
LunaCaptcha says: “whether” it’s true or not remains to be seen…
Posted by Luna_C on from The Delta 08/10 at 09:27 AMHey Joe! Where are you buddy?
Posted by JOS on from Chicago 08/10 at 09:29 AMOy,
Had to come back and share this post from Boing Boing with Ya’ll.http://www.boingboing.net/2006/08/10/british_aviation_ban.html
Following this morning’s police action, security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights. With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport. All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports. Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets: (see the above article for the rest)Canada and the US has followed suit and banned all liquids or gels from being carried onboard.
Hope you don’t get thirsty on long flights Mickey…
P&L
LCCaptcha says: “Maybe” this will stop terror? “Maybe” not…
Posted by Luna_C on from The Delta 08/10 at 09:43 AMYep Luna...hair gel, shampoo, tooth paste, roll- on deodorant are all banned.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 08/10 at 09:47 AMWell, most of that stuff contains toxic ingredients so maybe they’re on to something.
Hello Luna and JOS.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 09:53 AMSome scattered comments to a scattered post:
1. It really would be great if Joe would peak in.
2. I’m a Led Zeppelin man m’self, Queen never moved me. My first rock concert was The Who at Giant’s Stadium, 1989. I saw the Grateful Dead there in ‘91. My band played in the parking lot there before Dead shows in ‘93 and ‘94. That ruled. But I think my best concert is a toss up between Busta Rhymes and Parliament/Funkadelic with Bootsy Collins. Those guys hover above the stage when they perform.
3. On Queen playing in South Africa---see, if I was a big name like that, I wouldn’t go to Israel to perform now. On that level boycotting has some impact. But for someone with the (non)status of little expendable me, there is more sense in going, and I thank you all for yesterday’s encouragement.
4. I don’t believe a word of all this plane hijacking mumbo jumbo. Too convenient for them. Look at all the control they are getting away with. And by the way, terrorism is by definition political in nature. How do they know the (imaginary) perps didn’t have apolitical motives?
5. Rosemarie: slightly overboard because of how horrible the Iranian government is, but your case is argued impeccably.
6. Quote of the day (so far) from Zepezauer:
Subsidizing the occupation of Palestine, the oppression of the Uzbeks, the theocracy of the Saudis, and the infant mortality rate of the Iraqis will never end terrorism.
Posted by Keir on from The Hague (Jackowski election hdqts) 08/10 at 12:30 PMHI JOE!!! Where have you been??
I’m not buying all this plane bullshit either, for the same reasons Keir points out; and because it’s a very convenient distraction from all the attention being paid to Israel’s war crimes...Hey, nevermind that, LOOK OVER HERE, and be afraid, very afraid
There’s NOTHING TO REPORT!‘thwarted a plan’ my ass...details of which they tell us next to nothing because there’s nothing to tell.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canadia 08/10 at 01:15 PMHello everyone!
That 40% stake in Forbes is not the only thing Bono has done. Found what you’re looking for? U2 inspire Irish ire by avoiding tax: http://tinyurl.com/m2s8y when I read about the U2 tower at the end of the article I thought, um… well… I’m speechless.
Helps Me Helps You by Midnight Oil
Look at all the toys I got
Look at all the things I need
Look at all the toys I got
Look at all the mouths I feedHave I got a wonderful deal for you
What belongs to me belongs to you
I understand what you’re going through
I know the point to push you toMy policy helps me helps you
Generosity helps me helps you
Conspiracy helps me helps you
Put you trust in me I’ll help you tooLook at all the things I’ve done
Look at all the rights I wrong
The means will justify the end
For you to save and me to spend
Cos I’ve got a great idea you see
What belongs to you belongs to me
I know just what you wanna do
I know how I can get there tooHypocrisy helps me helps you
Democracy helps me helps you
Ideology helps me helps you
Put your trust in me I’ll help you throughPosted by TM on from 08/10 at 01:20 PMKeir, your post may have been scattered but I enjoyed every word. I agree with you and the Empress about this latest scare.
As longtime vegans, Michele and I have become quite adept at bringing the right amount of our own food and drink on planes to keep us calm and cool. Now I don’t know what Saturday’s flight will bring. Either this is hype or even if it’s true (brought on by endless aggression and repression), we might end up stuck on a plane without water or edible food in the name of “safety”? Pathetic.
Speaking of pathetic, all the Americans stuck at airports who’ve been interviewed on CNN, of course say they welcome the inconvenience if that’s what it takes to be safe. Blah, blah, blah.
We get precisely what we deserve…
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 01:22 PMSorry, TM...simultyping. Equally as annoying as Bono’s hypocrisy is the way that story described his efforts toward debt relief: “browbeating” and “cajoling.”
We are so doomed.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 01:29 PMOn today’s scare:
http://urlsnip.com/846483Captcha sez: “believe”
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 02:42 PMI´m zigzagging about the Pyrenees at moment, was on a bus where the driver was playing Queen, sorry but way too shrill for me. my friend had a walkman so I got to hear Mr Bungle´s Disco Volante and California instead.
Posted by owen on from pig hill 08/10 at 02:45 PMThanks, Keir. Looks like you’re my campaign manager, even though there will be no campaign to manage. Actually, I think that my article is kind of mild. I expected a big negative reaction to the last paragraph so I worded it very carefully calling for reparations for the “people” and stating some of the rest as questions. So far, I have only received 1 threatening e-mail...something about putting me in prison and having a broom handle used in a very obscene and painful way. I felt like replying that that won’t happen because I won’t be going to Gitmo, but I usually don’t reply to the ones that threaten violence.
Hi Owen, TM, Mickey, Luna, JOS, Edson, James, and anyone I missed…
Amelopsis...Bush again made the statement today that they hate us for what we believe. They could care less about what we believe. They hate us because we kill them but Bush and the media continue to get away with the lies.
Mew...You are right about my dim future on the political scene. Damn, maybe I should just learn to behave better...nah, I don’t think so. This morning on C-span, I saw some Iranian women talking about how USA interference in Iran has affected them.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 08/10 at 04:02 PMI hastily tried to lift the veil today when a coworker was blathering about the terrible events this morning (insert sarcastic tear wiping gesture here) as a family member was on a flight to Heathrow which had to bave been diverted or delayed. ‘oh isn’t it good they caught them....’ upon which I ineloquesntly blurted out what nonsense it was, that they just needed a distraction from the focus on Israel and they need everyone to be afraid. Then I added how crappy it is to be stuck in an airport to try to mitigate the possible stroke I seemed to be inducing. But JHKRIST! It’s an inconvenience for the family member but it’s not as though life is in danger!!! Aaarrrg.
It’s frustrating and depressing to see people so mired in ignorance and eager to become even more bound by it rather than grasp at the true real! > Mickey I thought there was some talk of allowing a little carry on but only in clear plastic bags? Maybe it’s only for those who were already at airports when this all was unveiled and implementaion began. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be to uncomfortable for you both on your flight.Posted by Amelopsis on from Canadia 08/10 at 05:48 PMExcellent article RMJ! I especially liked the last paragraph. I don’t doubt that if this happened we might start to see some lasting peace in the Middle East. Mutually assured destruction is what makes deterrence work no matter how insane these leaders are. They don’t give a damn about their people but they want to stay in power. As you say in a perfect world there would be no weapons.
Also, that laughing yoga guy is hilarious. Thanks for posting it again, Mickey.
Posted by Fiona on from San Diego 08/10 at 06:24 PMHey, Owen and Fiona: long time no see. Great to see you both.
Empress: I’m sure we can bring on a bag just not sure if food is allowed.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 08/10 at 06:37 PMThanks, Fiona. I just remembered that in addition to Operation Ajax, the USA also should pay reparations for shooting down Iranian Air Flight 655.
The demonizing of Iran is following the old pattern. It seems that there is always a list of people that the good, patriotic citizens of the US are supposed to hate. Also, it really made me mad today to hear Bush once again use the racist term “Islamofascist”. Does that mean that it is OK for us to refer to him as a “Predatory-capitalistic fascist”? Somehow, it seems to me, that name calling is not very useful and certainly not presidential behavior and I wish that he would just stop being such a hate monger....then again, I guess that that is the least of his character flaws. Thanks for letting me vent.Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 08/10 at 07:13 PMGreat article RMJ! You’ve made many good points throughout the entire piece.
On the Mark Zepezauer excerpt: I haven’t read his book so I’m not sure if he elaborates on the points that are highlighted. Dennis Kucinich’s plan for a Department of Peace? I don’t know if I trust a government that is responsible for many, many (emphasis on many) wars to promote peace. The idea that the U.S. can prevent conflicts between countries, seems like another way for the U.S. to stick their nose where it does not belong. How can the U.S. promote peace when, as the article points out, the military budget “is already bigger than the next 20 largest military budgets combined.”? Kucinich hasn’t said anything about scrapping the War Department (Pentagon). Is this Department of Peace the carrot to the bazooka?
The idea that switching to fuel efficient cars (a good idea on it’s own) would free the U.S. from promoting autocratic regimes in the Middle East is false. Cozying up to autocratic regimes has little to do with keeping those Hummers humming on Route 66 and more to do with controlling the economies of other countries.
On the idea of a new Marshall Plan: But What About the Marshall Plan?
By WILLIAM BLUM: http://tinyurl.com/qzxxnMike Wallace’s interview with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is supposed to be on 60 Minutes this Sunday. http://tinyurl.com/gazcb Wasn’t Saddam Hussein also on 60 Minutes before the U.S. bombed Iraq in 2003? Before the U.S. dropped more bombs, I should say.
How Doth the Little Crocodile by Lewis Carroll
How doth the little crocodile
Improve his shining tail,
And pour the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale!
How cheerfully he seems to grin,
How neatly spreads his claws,
And welcomes little fishes in,
With gently smiling jaws!A clip from Alice in Wonderland!: http://tinyurl.com/lyxnm
Posted by TM on from 08/10 at 09:54 PM
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