Silenced Majority Portal

Canadian Comic Gets Palin to Say Canadian Healthcare System Should be Dismantled

Geoffrey Dunn: More Palin Lies: The Trooper in 'Troopergate' Breaks His Silence

What the US Health Care Bill Looks Like

Books: Stones Into Schools - Peace Through Education

This is a recommendation from Alan Castle, in Seattle, who had recommended this author's prior book, and met the author locally.  It's so timely, as we're just starting to hear more about sending troops and military equipment into Afghanistan.  War is not the answer.

********  From the author of the #1 bestseller Three Cups of Tea, the continuing story of this determined humanitarian's efforts to promote peace through education

In this dramatic first-person narrative, Greg Mortenson picks up where Three Cups of Tea left off in 2003, recounting his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders even as he was dodging shootouts with feuding Afghan warlords and surviving an eight-day armed abduction by the Taliban. He shares for the first time his broader vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women-all woven together with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort.

Since the 2006 publication of Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson has traveled across the U.S. and the world to share his vision with hundreds of thousands of people. He has met with heads of state, top military officials, and leading politicians who all seek his advice and insight. The continued phenomenal success of Three Cups of Tea proves that there is an eager and committed audience for Mortenson's work and message.

About the Author

Greg Mortenson is the recipient of Pakistan's highest civil award (The Star of Pakistan) for his sixteen years work to promote education and peace. The cofounder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies For Peace, he lives in Montana with his family.

 

More on Cannabis Cafe, Portland

cannabis .. the largest cash crop in America .. the only business booming in California and Oregon watch the testimonial

Alcohol Good For Men's Hearts .. but for Women? Not So Much

Another study saying it's ok for men to drink - maybe GOOD for men to drink. What about women?

It was a Spanish study that said drinking alcohol every day cuts the risk of heart disease in men by a third.

The research involving more than 15,500 men and 26,000 women found large quantities of alcohol could be even more beneficial for men.  Female drinkers did not benefit to the same extent, the study in Heart found.

Sex Can Trigger Global Amnesia

Lots of strange sexually-tinged stories lately such as this one about how sex can trigger amnesia. In the story, a woman and her husband have sex.  Afterward, she seems disoriented.    She no longer knew the Olympics was going on, even though it was the year of Michael Phelps mania.  She then did not seem to know the day or who was President. Her husband called 911 and the paramedics.

The rare neurological condition usually happens to those over 50 and they know their identity but lose recent memory.  Transient Global Amnesia usually occurs after strenuous exercise - or sex - or sudden immersion in very hot or cold water - or straining such as when pushing a car - or when bumping the head.  According to Johns Hopkins, it may be related to "bearing down," so also when moving the bowels.  Pressure is created in the brain's blood vessels and creates a temporary lack of blood flow.

Oh great - one more thing to worry about ..

Hurricane Katrina & Environmental Consciousness

It was pleasing to find that quite a number of New Orleans merchants were avoiding the use of plastic bags after having seen what happened after Hurricane Katrina.  There had been documentary footage of countless plastic bags up in the trees in Louisiana and Mississippi, with plenty of the Walmart type with the Happy Face on them.  

 

We're in Louisiana and Landrieu is Helping Stall Health Care Debate UPDATED

WASHINGTON — Suitably opaque, Section 2006 takes up only a few dozen lines in a sweeping health care bill that runs to 2,074 pages and mentions neither Sen. Mary Landrieu nor her state of Louisiana. But the section's purpose is indisputable: to deliver $100 million or more in federal funds to the state. And in the process clear the way for one of three moderate Democratic fence-sitters — Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas are the others — to help propel the legislation past its initial hurdle in a crucial Saturday vote. (Associated Press)

UPDATED - Six minutes ago it was reported that she (& the other holdouts) voted YES - to go ahead with the debate!

Virtual Biden & Free Alumni Food at the Marriott, New Orleans

Joe Biden didn't make it to the Awards Ceremony at the American Speech and Hearing Association but former astronaut and Senator John Glenn and his wife Annie Glenn did.  They had met at the White House with Joe Biden, as both her and Annie Glenn overcame stuttering problems.

Then on to the various University parties at the Marriott, with free food - University of TX had gumbo with crawfish and shrimp, and bread pudding.  Some of the others had crab cakes and lots of other goodies.

Our convention was apparently not the only show in town. 

Virtual Biden to Receive Award at ASHA in New Orleans Following Recent Daily Show Appearance & Car Crash Story

What is ASHA? Our convention! The American Speech & Hearing Association in New Orleans this week! Annie Glenn, wife of astronaut John Glenn, will give an award to Joe Biden, for overcoming his stuttering. So I uploaded this photo with my Joe Biden cup before I left home - a toast to Joe Biden.

   

& when I got to New Orleans, the first news story I noticed was that Joe Biden's advance man had a car crash but Joe made it to "The Daily Show" for his appearance.  He was T-boned by a cab driver who had been stopped several times for not having appropriate auto insurance.

Police car ahead of Joe Biden's motorcade crashes on way to film 'Daily Show with Jon Stewart'

This is a pretty slow WIFI connection and laptops are doubly slow, but I'll try to add the car crash.  Would be cool to find the Daily Show video later too.  Then .. if all goes well, I'll go to the event and see Joe get the award and take some photos.  Life is full of synchronicities.

VP Joe Biden Bows To Jon Stewart On Daily Show, Riffs on Senate Democrats | TPMDC

He bowed to Jon Stewart .. wow.  I am sitting in the very Convention Center where he will make his appearance.  (to be continued)

Friday - Kayakbiker is involved in the Awards Ceremonies and will be on the stage.  He give me advance notice that there will be a Biden large video rather than the actual Joe Biden, as he has a schedule conflict.  This is also the night to get free hors d'oevres at all the University alumni open houses!!