Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Hamid Karzai's hat

Posted by Mickey Z on 03/02 at 05:29 AM

Hey everyone, sorry still been letting my job get in the way of CO chatting. Excess websurfing a bit frowned upon, and I get into off-moods aferwwards. Like last night, was walkng home crosstown on 47th Street to my place on Tenth Ave., passed the Fox News building. In the middle of the street is the studio where Hannity and Colmes is filmed. It happened to be a little past 9pm, so they were filming and there was just a glass window and several feet empty space btn me and them. Damn weird. Couldn’t hear a thing they were saying, but then, isn’t that for the best?

I don’t even know what to say about either of those two, but just imagine getting to see them like that. I didn’t linger too long. Anyway, check out the latest on progress in the Democatic party:
http://tinyurl.com/mkao4

And Mudge, we’ll be talking soon-- have a happy Thusday; may the thunder god guide you well.

Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 03/02 at 06:39 AM

Nice link James. In all seriousness check this out: Third Parties?.

Strange that in that Rachel Corrie article she is said to have “died” in 2003. I thought it was pretty clear to everyone but the IDF that she was murdered. And about those Iranian policewomen, I just want to say that female newscaster Farsi is like popping a couple of downers and landing gently on a a bed of feathers. I guess.

I saw a newsclip of Bush speaking in Afghanistan yesterday. I thought it was particularly telling when he was asked about bin Laden and said “We will bring the people to justice.” (Italics mine, all mine)

Posted by Keir on from The Hague 03/02 at 07:51 AM

Z-Net link not working…

Posted by James on from Hell's Kitchen 03/02 at 08:10 AM

Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that people know who Rachel Corrie is and remember her courage. This is as it should be.

At the same time, there a tragic irony behind her celebrity as a martyr for peace and justice. What’s tragic about it is that we remember an American, a white girl, who was the victim of Israeli policies while the names of Palestinian victims, the very people Rachel is remembered for standing in solidarity with, are lost to us.

Rachel’s life was not more valuable than the lives of Palestinians who are similarly killed, and yet it only becomes newsworthy when it is a white person. We remember an American killed by an Israeli bulldozer, but countless names of Palestinian victims pass us by and we don’t even know about it. And if we do know, it’s just a figure. No faces, no names, just a number added to the previous number of victims…

Just a thought.

Posted by Jeremy on from Taiwan 03/02 at 08:29 AM

Good morning,

Those Iranian police officers in the clip look like they are auditioning for a hollywood flick. I think it’s great that women can be more involved in society even if that is where they manage to get to. But I just can’t get over the outfit. I mean repelling in a full length gown hardly seems practical - unless it’s some batsuit equivalent. Just my immediate reaction but that could’ve been a seen from ‘Sister Act’ or one of it’s too numerous sequels.

Thanks for your nice wishes yesterday Mudge but now I feel like a kidney stone is lodged in my sinus - I hope to pass it soon, but nevermind - save the mucus stories for Saturdays.

I don’t have my facts all in a row, but there’s a children’s book list, chosen by librarians here (silver something or other) and on it is a book called “Three Wishes” apparently about the lives of 8-11 children living in the occupied territories. So of course the Canadian Jewish Council has begun lobbying to have the book removed from the list and there are a number of otherwise disenterested parents who are jumping on the bandwagon saying our children should not be exposed to such horrors until later in life.
Fortunately I also heard a few more reasoned parents AND children saying they’re already exposed to war and at least they will learn of the lives of children their age in other parts of the world.
Aside from my personal feelings about the Palestine issue, I really hate the way Jewish lobyy groups seem to have enough money to worry about every frickin little thing - and usually manage to ge their way. ITs stifling.

Got to go for now - feeling crabby.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 09:05 AM

Iranian police women, eh? Talk about going undercover. That video looked more like a Monty Python skit than a real training video.

Posted by Cart on from near Warshington DC 03/02 at 09:18 AM

Strange that yesterday and today I can’t link to ZNet. I even double checked it today before posting. Well, tinyurl to the rescue:

ZNet already!. I sure hope that works.

Jeremy I think you have a point about Corrie being easy to memorialize because she was a white and attractive American girl. By murdering her the IDF demonstrated to the world just how determined they are to destroy the Palestinians.

Maybe something else---more substantial---distinguishes her: the fact that she wasn’t a victim because she was Palestinian (er, she wasn’t); she was a victim simply because she stood up for the rights of others. She put herself in harms way by going to the other side of the planet to simply stand in solidarity with people she seemed to have nothing to do with. Looked at from a wider perspective, the Culture (with a big C) discourages solidarity (with a small s).

Posted by Keir on from The Hague 03/02 at 09:37 AM

No doubt, Keir, I agree with you.

I just watched the Iranian policewoman video. I feel terrible for asking this, but it’s a joke, right? Like, as Cart observed, an Iranian “Monty Python” or something, right? Forgive my ignorance if this is not the case.

Posted by Jeremy on from Taiwan 03/02 at 09:46 AM

Znet success Keir (wasn’t working till now for me either)

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 09:57 AM

I’m still absorbing Mew’s link yesterday about the tank for sale on amazon; mind reeling, co-workers think something wrong w/ me for laughing so hard…

Posted by James on from work 03/02 at 09:59 AM

Has no one followed the “feeling crabby” yet?! My favorite title is Crabs: The Human Sacrifice!!

No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<
No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<
No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<
No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<
No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<
No more sinus issues for Amelopsis >whammy<

That should do the trick.

CatLady, as much fun as it was, I feel confident that was that. Asgard is safe from my depredations once more.

Off to do some phone calling! Luck, please, pay constructive attention to me today!!

Posted by Mudge on from Austin 03/02 at 12:49 PM

Can’t resist:

Posted by Mudge on from Austin 03/02 at 12:50 PM

can’t see anything on #12… anyway, mind wasn’t far enoff in the gutter here-- what I meant was that since it’s Thursday, raining in HK, may the Thunder god and his half-brother Balder bless your job search, etc… but good luck with corrupting the youth of the southwest if that’s on the menu as well.

Damn it what’s Austin’s problem, that it can’t present suitable work for someone of your capacity? Even boring proofreading stuff like this? But it’s Thurs-day, the thunder and lightning will show the way…

Posted by James on from work 03/02 at 01:27 PM

wow...I am not sure what to say about the Iranian women police force other than, if I am ever in Iran, I will make sure to NOT unload anything from the back of my car while under the watchful eye of a female police sharpshooter. I think they could teach the NYPD a thing or two about unlawful shootings!

As I will be away all day tomorrow interviewing and have not read MOwat’s book, I will put my vote in for Octavia as our next author now.

Posted by JOS on from Chicago 03/02 at 01:41 PM

Thanks for another enlightening post, Mickey! I am actually feeling a bit ‘crabby’ (dopey?) at this very moment, so I’ll be brief. Just wanted to say ‘hello’ to you and to all the other expendables. I won’t name names because I nearly always forget someone.
Have a good day/afternoon/evening, everyone!

Ciao ..

Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 03/02 at 02:52 PM

Oh, and here is the Robert Fisk transcript I promised yesterday: at least our ABC still interviews him now and again even if they treat with some disdain:
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2006/s1582067.htm

And re Jewish lobby groups, Amelopsis: last night they interviewed Daniel Pipes of the Middle East Forum on ‘Lateline’ - he was accorded a ‘Dr’ before his name whereas Robert Fisk who is also a doctor, I believe, is simply introduced as Mr Fisk if memory serves.

Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 03/02 at 03:17 PM

Hello Expendables...from a snowy/rainy Astoria. Kinda busy today and starting next week, I have a new early morning client: two days a week @ 6:45 am...so that might impact my posting schedule here. We’ll see.

Anyway, I’ll be back later with something more interesting to say.

Where’s Chris these days?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 03:28 PM

Btw, did I miss something or has Karzai’s hat gone un-commented on?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 03:29 PM

Keir #7, I was all set to say that but you beat me to it, “... she was a victim simply because she stood up for the rights of others...”
The altruism of Corrie’s act elevates it beyond the scope of most human actions. She also had the wisdom to realize that most oppressed people cannot overcome the oppressor by themselves. It almost always takes outside intervention.

Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 03/02 at 04:54 PM

Lamb foetus lovers unite! Seriously it’s a pretty revolting thing; however it’s also a much less gentle treatment that most domesticated animals receive in that part of the world. I can’t say it suprises me, although I didn’t know about this particular fashion coup the Afghans have going for themselves. I was truthfully more aghast at the likes of our Western fashionistas statements on what how dashing and stylish they think Karzai is - I guess it stems from the current infatuation with all things eastern and the popularity of Bollywood now that it’s baring more skin & westernised fashions than it used to.

Mudge thanks for the whammies - I think they landed pretty close to the mark, and along with some ibuprofen I’m starting to feel better, I hope you are too.

I’ve missed much of the conversation today but I’m going to try and catch up on it all shortly.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 06:09 PM

Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Empress...and thanks for commenting on the hat. Btw, did anyone watch the “Bushback” video?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 06:34 PM

I can’t comment on karakul-wearing anyone...I had a karakul coat as an overprivileged youngster. I’d be indicted for extreme hypocrisy.

Erp!

Posted by Mudge on from Austin 03/02 at 06:46 PM

Mudge, you are too karakul for school.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 06:49 PM

I hear that Mudge, but youngsters don’t generally understand fully, or make the choice to pull out the dough for such luxuries. I have some ivory jewellery that was given to me as a youngster, and I don’t wear it anymore because a) I have no idea how the ivory was obtained, and b) because I don’t want to condone it’s use; even if most people would likely not know and just think it’s plastic or something, and I do think it’s very beautiful.

Same goes for the hat or any other such thing - It does look nice, but I find it necessary to reconcile the look with the manner of procurement.

I just watched the bushback video (did you add that link later on??) but I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I can’t comment other than to say gwb seems to be doing his usual.
I’m no baseball fan (bores me to tears!) but his mention of the Washington Nationals is yucky. Just reminds me of their horrid move from north of the 49th.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 06:55 PM

Since I was three at the time, I think y’all can get in touch with my mother on the Spell-o-phone and hand her a ration. Be sure to say it came from me.

Too blinkin’ hot. I re-read parts of the Mowat to remind myself there are cool places in the world.

Empress, I’m glad the whammy was effective, or whatever pulled the trick. Long’s your NUtI nose is not obstructed.

Posted by Mudge on from Austin 03/02 at 06:58 PM

Helga it’s interesting (in a bad way) how such details of credentials are afforded and credited when jewish lobby groups are involved. I’ve noticed it in other instances many times - particularly so during the buildup to the Iraqi invasion with Arab scholars not being formally credited as doctors.

I hope your crabbiness is dissipating as mine is.

JOS - good wishes for your interviews tomorrow.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:01 PM

Yeah, Big Country...good luck tomorrow.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 07:05 PM

Mudge - simultyping (I seem to have a knack) if I manage to get your Mom on the spell-o-phone, do you have any pressing messages you’d like me to pass along to the “woman”? (that captcha is a doosey sometimes)

Kidding, of course, from what you’ve already mentioned, I can guess that those would not be for public consumption. ‘Spell-o-phone’ just gave me a laugh.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:06 PM

Keep the candles burnin’ fer ya, JOS.

Empress, yeah it’s true I wasn’t a knowing party to the lamb-slaughter...but it WAS a pretty coat. So I still get some residual guilt.

Good lord, a movie I haven’t seen since forever--Airplane!--is on my old TV. I wonder if I’ll still hurt myself laughing, so gonna go find out.

Posted by Mudge on from Austin 03/02 at 07:16 PM

About a million years ago, I saw Airplane in a late night double feature with Kentucky Fried Movie...back in the days when the lights went down and the joints were lit.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 07:19 PM

Here’s an off topic thingy, but I think of interest to most here. A petition to the govt. of Canada in support of US war resisters being granted amnesty: http://tinyurl.com/eop5c

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:19 PM

Btw, the Empress has attracted someone called “Intolerant One” to her blog. She and Youngfox have been fending him off. If anyone would like to lend a hand, click here: http://amelopsis.blogspot.com (and check the comments).

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 07:23 PM

I used to enjoy going to the movies in England - it was like going to the Theatre...still had a balcony and a full bar (but movie style tacky) where I could get a gin and tonic and take it back to my seat and smoke all at the same time. I think they even paused for a short intermission!

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:24 PM

MZ - I have to say that Intolerant One has not been abusive and nothing as horrid as many I’ve encountered. I welcome anyone to join in, but I must say that I don’t think the guy’s trying to provoke a big flaming argument, in my experience so far (you can see the Paradise Now conversation) he is willing to agree to disagree; I’m not sure if he’s feeling differently about things this time around.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:30 PM

Sorry, Empress. I just thought it’d be nice to have a few more voices there. You and Youngfox are doing fine...it’s just nice to have someone like him encounter a united front every now and then.

Didn’t mean to pry…

Captcha sez: friends.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 03/02 at 07:32 PM

No need for a ‘sorry’, MZ I agree with your sentiment and I can think of no better front to present!
I’d be glad if some did, since I think the Expendables would provide more ready facts and useful thoughts than I could possibly think up.

I’d be glad of the added weight,(esp in light of my still existing sinus issue which I think will be cutting my computer time short rather soon) I just didn’t want anyone to think that he was being as Intolerant as his monicker would suggest. He might just appreciate the added perspective - or so he has claimed.

Friends indeed - virtual it may be, but I’ve found no better bunch than here.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:41 PM

Yeah, on second thought, after going to review the comments that Intolerant left, I would like if if he got a dose of expendable medicine. He’s coming across as more arrogant than I’d initally read into it.
Any assistance via keyboard is welcomed.

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:51 PM

JOS, we will all be thinking of you tomorrow.

Amelopsis, I signed the petition.

Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 03/02 at 07:53 PM

Good stuff, Rosemarie. Any updates for us on your various legal situations?

Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 03/02 at 07:55 PM

Amelopsis, Thanks for asking. Finally after almost 6 years, we (lawyer #2 and I) deposed the key eye witness. She was amazing. The most perfect witness ever in the history of the court system. I had a 2 hour strategy session today with lawyer #2. Lawyer #1 might want a ton of money from me, even though he did not accomplish anything. One of the big issues now is the problem of “Expert Witnesses”. It is just a money game. The side with the most money, hires the most “Liars for Hire”. It is a corrupt system that exists all across this country. Most people don’t know about it. I am not sure yet how I will deal with this. I am open for ideas. Any ideas from anyone are welcome. How do they do things in Canada?

This afternoon I took a break and did some research on the Diego Garcia issue. That is such a gross example of USA and British Crimes against humanity. It needs a lot more coverage in the media. Pilger made a film about it that needs to be shown more. I need to write more about that issue but I am kind of brain dead at the moment.

Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 03/02 at 08:23 PM