Rightwing Heritage Foundation Now Spends $1 Million Year to 'Train' Mainstream Journalists
They call it "Database 101" and claim it's merely a way to train mainstream journalists in the art of "fact-finding". Seems like a ploy designed to indoctrinate journalists into the "right" way of thinking.

Sure, they claim it's strictly nonpartisan. But take a look at the guy who's running it ... a former top Reagan spin doctor.

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NY Gov. Pataki Looking for Independence Party Nomination
"It is my hope, my honor and my intention to have the support of the Independence Party this fall. It is an honor I will fight for," Pataki wrote in a letter to Independence Party leaders."

He understands that the democratic nominees are going to give him a tough run (they will indeed). He also realizes that unless he wins with more than 55%, his victory will not do much to enhance his national reputation.

What about my expectations and aspirations as a New Yorker? Am I satisfied with his record? Absolutely not.

This Man is thinking along the same lines.
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R.I.P.
The woman once known as Linda Lovelace, star of a 1972 X-rated movie ["Deep Throat"] that became a phenomenon in the world of smut, died in a Denver hospital yesterday from injuries received in a car crash almost three weeks ago. Linda Boreman, 53, of Aurora, Colo., died at 2:53 p.m. at the Denver Health Medical Center after being brought in April 3 with massive injuries, a hospital spokesman said.

Brothers to Another Planet

by Erik Baard Via Village Voice.com

(illustration: Patrick Arrasmith)

"Of the roughly 6400 astronomers in America, two dozen are black. Facing that and similar voids in its astronaut pool and engineering base, NASA is sponsoring the fledgling City University of New York space science program to draw bright college students into its ranks, but more surprisingly, it's reaching down into junior high and grade school to spark black kids into thinking about getting fitted for a space suit. NASA began after-school programs last week in Brooklyn for junior high school kids to study the science they'll need to be part of the space program decades down the line." [LINK]

Lisa Bonet will skip the "Cosby Show Reunion".

"I was not feeling the love. It was a take-it-or-leave it, with-or-without-you offer, and I felt devalued and disrespected," Bonet told People magazine, adding that the idea of the reunion and "the energy behind it felt disingenuous and motivated by corporate profit."

Right Wing Stupidity
Karen Taylor, a criminal justice professor at Alabama State University, was pulled over and given a ticket for going 51mph in a 35mph zone. Fair enough. But then, in a fit of conservative small-mindedness, the cop proceeded to give Taylor a ticket for covering the word "Dixie" on her license plate. Alabama's criminal code requires that all license plates have a representation of a heart and the words "Heart of Dixie" on them. Taylor, an African-American, covered the word "Dixie" ten years ago to protest the song's racist heritage - she has paid the $118 speeding ticket, but is fighting the tag violation.

Earth Day 2002 is Monday, April 22, the 32nd annual observance.

"All individuals and institutions have a mutual responsibility to act as Trustees of Earth, seeking the choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, foster peaceful progress, awaken the wonder of life, and realize the best potential for the future of the human adventure."

Do your part, be an active participant and help make a difference.
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Speaking of Earth Day, this next story fits along quite nicely:


Victory for the Arctic

"The United States Senate voted 54-46 against opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas drilling. In a year dominated by President George W. Bush's energy-centric plan, the victory couldn't have been a more timely present for Democrats and an environmental community that has lobbied extensively against pro-oil Republicans and developers."

"The Senate's overwhelming rejection of oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge sends a strong message to President Bush that Americans want clean energy and a clean environment," said League of Conservation Voters president Deb Callahan in a written statement. "When faced with a choice between protecting our natural resources for the public good and giving in to the White House's call to exploit them for private gain, the Senate chose the public good."


Way to go!

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Also, I totally forgot about National Workplace Napping Day I would have certainly celebrated it fully, I assure you. Perhaps if I do a little bit of This I might incerase my salary too.



UPDATE: I've just been informed by a special someone that Thursday 4/25 is National take your daughter to work day ok, enough already.

The road to clean elections: The route to taking America back

Bryan Zepp Jamieson writes:

A buddy of mine put it perfectly: "I haven't been this excited—excited in a good way—about politics since December 2000."

Rays Of Inspiration [ No.2 of a series by Ray Garraud]

Managing Your Greatest Resource
The old concept that “The more you sweat, the more you get” may have made sense back in the days when people grew what they ate. These days, however, it is meaningless. In fact, the super-successful almost never work harder, they work smarter.

Whatever you do professionally or in life will always involve managing resources. The most important of these resources is you. Managing yourself is an active exercise, something to be done objectively. You have a certain amount of intelligence, skills and energy. Now, your mandate is to figure out how you can get the most out of what you have.

Self-management will help you gain a good understanding of your limitations and potential, and also help you increase your daily productivity. You’ll achieve balance in your life, operate at peak performance and gain a greater sense of control over your activities.

The 2002 NY Gubernatorial race
Current Govenor George Pataki will be challenged by either Andrew Cuomo, left, or Carl McCall. Here are the candidates websites:

Cuomo McCall and Pataki

From Andrew's announcement speech in Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 16: "It's time for new ideas. It's time for fresh energy. It's time for action. It's time to end politics as usual. We must raise our sights and think outside the box. It is a new world, and we need a new way."
I'll be watching this one closely.