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Well, here I am back for another chapter in the Bush Administration’s saga of controversy. Spaced nearly exactly two weeks apart, both, the man known as Bush’s brain, Bush top adviser, Karl Rove and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have announced their resignations following Rove’s and Gonzales’ recently questioned actions.
Rove had allegedly leaked the identity of the wife of a CIA agent, (he claims to have said her name off the record); and Gonzales, of course, has become the posterboy of “duh” with his “I don’t recall remembering” responses to Congressional probes regarding his involvement in both the firing of eight U.S, attorneys and a seemingly scant alibi concerning the abuse of power when attempting to get a then bedridden John Ashcroft to authorize a counterintelligence and surveillance program. While those on both sides of the fence speculate as to the reasons for the uncanny timing of both men’s resignations, Rove and President Bush have weighed in on the issue with some assessments:
Bush on Gonzales (CNN): — President Bush on Monday said he reluctantly accepted the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, whose “good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons.
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Written by mikeymystik - Visit My Website
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Michael LaPenna is a 20-something freelance writer from the Hudson Valley area of New York with a B.A. in Media Management via the State University of New York at New Paltz. Mike's hobbies include poetry, film/screenwriting travel, culture, (watching) pro wrestling, emceeing, philosophy, political banter, art shows, exercise and dancing like a madman!
Mike is the head of La Penna Prolifica Writing and Editing Services. My words are my bond! Email him for more info on contracting and subcontracting at mike.lapenna@gmail.com |
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Loch Sheldrake, NY, 8-31-07- An informational lecture will be held at Sullivan County Community College on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the College Theater as Sullivan County Community College Presents: September 11, 2007—Six Years Later.
This multimedia program will include a distinguished panel of speakers and a question and answer session on topics related to the health effects of the toxic exposures sustained by both rescue workers and those living or working near Lower Manhattan during or after September 11, 2001.
Speakers scheduled to appear include:
Jim LaPenna, volunteer first responder who was one of the five rescue workers who found the two Port Authority Police officers McLoughlin and Jimeno.
Donna Flayhan, Director of the Lower Manhattan Public Health Project and expert on the health effects of toxic dust.
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Written by mikeymystik - Visit My Website
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Michael LaPenna is a 20-something freelance writer from the Hudson Valley area of New York with a B.A. in Media Management via the State University of New York at New Paltz. Mike's hobbies include poetry, film/screenwriting travel, culture, (watching) pro wrestling, emceeing, philosophy, political banter, art shows, exercise and dancing like a madman!
Mike is the head of La Penna Prolifica Writing and Editing Services. My words are my bond! Email him for more info on contracting and subcontracting at mike.lapenna@gmail.com |
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The Lookout is a story about a man who once had everything who quickly becomes the man with nothing. Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Chris Pratt. In the beginning, Pratt has everything. He has a nice car, he’s a hockey star, and he has a hot girlfriend. Everyone knows who he is and there is no doubt this teenager is a rising, rich little star. Then, the accident happened. Chris Pratt winds up crashing his car. One of his friends die, his girlfriend loses her legs, and Chris he gets off lucky with brain damage.
This is where the bulk of the movie takes place. Watching Chris Pratt deal with day to day life. He lives with a blind man and they have plans of opening a business together. However, Chris has to make lists and has trouble remembering things, like taking the keys out of the car before he locks the door. However, while making new friends Chris Pratt has a chance to turn his life around. He has a chance to gain the power to become the man he once was. The one who holds the money has the power and Chris wouldn’t mind being taken seriously for a change. All he has to do is be The Lookout.
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Written by Ashtyn - Visit My Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises.
Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess.
She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. (She really is friendlier than we make her look). |
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Season Three of the popular sci-fi hit, Stargate Atlantis will be available on DVD right before the premiere of season four, on September 18. This will be the first time that MGM has released the complete previous season prior to the premiere of the next season. However, this will give fans a chance to catch up and watch their favorite episodes over again.
Stargate Atlantis is set in the lost city of Atlantis. Located in the Pegasus Galaxy built millions of years ago by the most advanced race in the Stargate Universe, you will watch as an adventurous expedition ensues. The battles that will occur will be intense. You will see out-of-this-world visuals, amazing special effects, and have a chance to connect with endearing characters. Stargate: Atlantis includes an amazing ensemble cast such as Joe Flanigan (The Other Sister), Torri Higginson (The English Patient), Rachel Luttrel (Imposter) David Hewlett (“The Triangle”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”).
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Written by Ryan the Admin - Visit My Website
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Ryan is from California. He graduated from USC with a degree in English. In his free time, when he isn't working as a Literary Illusions gopher (er...editor) he enjoys writing short stories. |
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The bell tolls and the pentagram burns in the “Stodola” Club, in Warsaw, Poland on February 12th 2007, two days before Valentine’s Day in a work of love presented by Metal Mind Productions. I knew this was going to be a great year, and this video lends credo to that.
It opens with the Polish crowd shifting feet in anticipation, wails of the air siren, and the Poles decked in black begin to chant, “Onslaught! Onslaught!” They are welcomed by Onlaught’s crushing guitars with Slayer’s in air.
“Let there be Death!” reminiscent of Metallica’s ‘Four Horsemen,’ thunders with double bass excellently produced in this Live effort by a band of metal war veterans, and we’re just getting started. The thumping bass bridge from Angels of Death is not to be missed, and the camera and lighting throughout pulls you straight into “Stodola”, just in time for what must be the longest title in Onslaught’s deep repertoire, ‘Thermonuclear Devastation of the Planet Earth’. Feel that Bass!
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Written by sixjam - Visit My Website
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Showtime’s hit series Dexter will be entering season two in September. Like most Showtime viewers, I have seen the promos and the commercials, but I had not had a chance to see the show. In fact, until last night I had no idea what it was about. Now that I know, I love the concept! Dexter is a serial killer, but there is so much more to him than that. Working as the blood splatter expert for the Miami police department, Dexter is a vigilante who murders killers. In an off handed sort of way he’s a sick good guy.
Dexter shuns sex and loves blood. He’s a sociopath. He has no emotions. Some of this might be due to his abusive parents that landed him in a foster home. Of course, Dexter was lucky. He ended up with a good family and a sister, who he would love, if he had any feelings at all. He also has a girlfriend, but as a victim of domestic violence she is as disturbed as he is, just in a different sort of way.
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Written by Ashtyn - Visit My Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises.
Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess.
She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. (She really is friendlier than we make her look). |
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A few weeks ago, Nancy Grace did a show on how those with disabilities are facing excessive amounts of abuse by their caregivers. As someone who is in a wheelchair, and who has been abused by caregivers, I can attest to this. Abuse can be physical, mental, and emotional. It can often encompass neglect. However, for whatever reason, a person will stay in the abusive situation because they cannot get out of it or they have no other choice.
I faced abuse during my first year of college. I had a bad home life, and ended up going away to school where I had two caregivers. The caregivers were very negative, especially when it came to helping me transfer to go to the bathroom. At some point, they would make snarky comments about such a natural act. They would complain they had to help me go to the bathroom.
It eventually became so bad I started holding it, only going 1 to 2 times per day if that, and avoiding having bowel movements as not to be denigrated for it. This was most certainly NOT healthy. It was harming my body and hurting my soul. However, I endured the abuse, unable to get out of the situation. My fear was that I would have to return home, to a worse situation. So, I put up with it, unable to get new caregivers at the time.
When I finally got rid of these caregivers, my new caregiver decided to quit without telling me. She showed up in the morning to drop my keys off in my dorm mailbox, and wouldn’t answer any phone calls. I ended up being stuck in bed until 3 PM when someone could finally come and help me. Needless to say, I ended up transferring to a better college with a more efficient caregiving system.
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Written by Dominick - Visit My Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities. |
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I’m officially getting old, because I just don’t get shows geared towards Teens and Tweens. While I understand that most of them attempt to be humorous, I do not get the kind of snarky or stupid humor that most shows seem to play off. I do know that these are the shows that are most popular with those in the 9-12 and 13-15 age groups and I guess that should be the thing that matters. Now I know what my parents meant when they said they didn’t “get” what I was watching on television as a teenager.
That being said, I had the chance to review the first episode of a new series on Nickelodeon. The show, iCarly, is geared towards teens and tweens, with humor that has carried shows on the network such as Drake and Josh and Zoey 101. This is probably because the same creator of these shows is behind iCarly. The show is unique in that it is the first show of its kind to have a show within a show, where real kids can send in videos to be aired on the iCarly on-air webcast.
Let me tell you, the audience the show is geared for are going to love the show. Meanwhile, parents may laugh at the occasional funny moments, but the overall “hyper action” that makes the show what it is won’t make this show popular with an adult crowd. While I watched this show with my 12 year old son, who loved it and laughed hysterically the entire show, I spent most of the episode acting like a cantankerous adult who wanted to show these wayward kids what it is like to have a little parental supervision in their lives.
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Written by Dominick - Visit My Website
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Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities. |
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World of Warcraft is an online game which explores in great detail the landscape and story involved in the Warcraft pc game series. With nine million subscribers and growing daily, this MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-playing Game) is one near and dear to this reviewer’s heart.
For fans of Blizzard Entertainment’s many strategy games, playing World of Warcraft is more than just a pastime; it’s homage to a long-standing legacy. Earlier in the year, millions of players braved the midnight rush to purchase World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, the very first WoW expansion. Mere weeks ago, a German rating group leaked information regarding new content called “Wrath of the Lich King.”
Having had the beans spilled and with nearly every player I’ve run into in the time since the leak came buzzing to find out more, Blizzard Entertainment soon came public with just enough information to sink the hook in their subscriber’s wallets.
The official word is out, Wrath of the Lich King is coming. In the second expansion for the popular game, Wrath takes players to the continent of Northrend to explore never before seen content and brave even more challenging quests and adventures.
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Written by Kizzie - Visit My Website
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A 25 year old living in North Carolina, Kizzie is an avid reader of science fiction and romantic fantasy novels, a critical gamer, and an 18-year veteran of tabletop gaming. New to the reviewing world, comments and constructive criticism are welcome.
Kizzie is also a real cutie who makes friends and a following wherever she goes, so watch out! |
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As many of you know, last week’s Deustche Bank building fire reopened many of the lingering public health concerns left from the 9/11 Trade Center collapse. Worries about toxic dust clouds, particulate matter, and health issues ranging from simple headaches to respiratory disease, chemical sensitivity and cancers continue to present problems for those who worked or lived in or in close proximity to Ground Zero.
Unfortunately, many of the people seen on the nightly news whistle blowing and stating their respective cases are not claiming in any way to be affiliated with the NYPD, FDNY or local EMT units. Rather, they are the un-uniformed men and women who were just there when it all went down. I know this because my father was one of many who just did whatever they could to help.
So, in the aftermath of the tragedy, I (as did many New Yorkers) assumed that the city would be cleaned up and restored to what should be its optimum functionality. We were told by our own Environmental Protection Agency that that the air was safe and we could all go back to our lives as normal. Everyone did, and now the people who worked and lived in and around the area are falling ill in alarming numbers.
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Written by mikeymystik - Visit My Website
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Michael LaPenna is a 20-something freelance writer from the Hudson Valley area of New York with a B.A. in Media Management via the State University of New York at New Paltz. Mike's hobbies include poetry, film/screenwriting travel, culture, (watching) pro wrestling, emceeing, philosophy, political banter, art shows, exercise and dancing like a madman!
Mike is the head of La Penna Prolifica Writing and Editing Services. My words are my bond! Email him for more info on contracting and subcontracting at mike.lapenna@gmail.com |
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The Nick Jr. website lists Yo Gabba Gabba as a show designed for young children over the age of one. The purpose of the show is to teach young children basic life skills and life lessons. From the description, the show seems to be comparable to a type of Sesame Street, with a different theme and show structure. Upon receiving a copy of the first show of the 2007 Yo Gabba Gabba season, I had the chance to see this new show for myself.
The first thing I noticed about Yo Gabba Gabba is how visually pleasing the show really is. While this is what is going to attract the youngest of viewers, the messages may be something they might not understand right away. The 2-4 year old crowd will be the ones to enjoy the visual themes, the infectious songs and to fully retain the messages. While a younger child will love this show, this is going to be something they can grow with, as they age and learn more about childhood responsibility and independence.
Yo Gabba Gabba is one of those shows that parents may find to be annoying. Quite often, it is these shows that actually keep the child’s interest and allow them to retain the most information. The most annoying part of the show is the overdramatic nature of the host (which kids will absolutely love) and the infectiously repetitious songs. This is the kind of music reminiscent of shows like Barney, which are actually good for children, but drive parents crazy in the process!
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Written by Ashtyn - Visit My Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises.
Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess.
She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. (She really is friendlier than we make her look). |
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There are only a few choice things to do when you have an hour-long flight delay in the runway in Chicago. There is, of course, the oh so prolific in-flight magazine where I can find 200 more uses for spinach dip, the run through the repetitive satellite radio playlist or in my case, a chance peel the dead sunburned skin from my right arm, but, alas, I thought an even more novel idea… I decided to call my girlfriend.
At first, we chatted each other up a bit with idle chatter about life and then she mentioned that our alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, had been named “Hottest Small State School” in a list of 25 colleges in the nation, in the August 20 issue of Newsweek.
The text is as follows:
“Alicia Mejias chose SUNY New Paltz because it was just 90 minutes from her family in Brooklyn, didn’t cost too much and had a step team. Her only concern was she’d be one of the few Hispanics on the rural campus of 6,400 undergrads. That worry was allayed by a rush of festivities that included Jam Asia, Carribash and Latino Week. “Since I was the first in my family to attend college,” she says, “I didn’t know what to expect.” She concluded New Paltz was a place “where anyone should be able to grow.” More first-generation college students are enrolling. The school recently opened a 57,000-square-foot Athletic and Wellness Center with an indoor track.”
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Written by mikeymystik - Visit My Website
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Michael LaPenna is a 20-something freelance writer from the Hudson Valley area of New York with a B.A. in Media Management via the State University of New York at New Paltz. Mike's hobbies include poetry, film/screenwriting travel, culture, (watching) pro wrestling, emceeing, philosophy, political banter, art shows, exercise and dancing like a madman!
Mike is the head of La Penna Prolifica Writing and Editing Services. My words are my bond! Email him for more info on contracting and subcontracting at mike.lapenna@gmail.com |
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