Sunday, March 10, 2013
Gallinippers! Monster mosquitoes poised to strike Florida
Gallinippers! Monster mosquitoes poised to strike Florida
Toney Atkins writes: This NBC News report makes me a little happier that I moved to Georgia from Florida nearly eight years ago. Even then, the skeeters were biguns', depending on what part of the state you lived or visited.
Asteroid 2013 ET Buzzes By Earth During Weekend Replete With Flybys
Asteroid 2013 ET Buzzes By Earth During Weekend Replete With Flybys
Toney Atkins writes: What's with all the asteroid "fly-bys" so far in 2013? Is Chicken Little running around screaming, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" as these chunks of space rocks whiz toward and (so far, except for the fireball/exploding meteor over Siberia) missing us by only a short distance in the whole scheme of things? Being a sci-fi buff who grew up with an imagination and a maze of science-fiction books, comics and movies, I wonder if I am not becoming one of those conspiracy theorists who wonders whether the scientific community, the military and the government in general aren't hiding some horrible truth from us while they build substantial underground bunkers and possibly even getaway spaceships if we indeed encounter a "When Worlds Collide" scenario? A neighbor who rarely smiles walked by me today with an even more intense frown and whispered loudly and gruffly, "It's the end of the world." If the end is nearing, I'll bet God's special effects will be far more spectacular than any movie. Unfortunately, I doubt that the event will be available on DVD the following Tuesday.
The link at the top was posted from the Huffington Post.
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Friday, March 08, 2013
Marco Rubio: I’ll Vote To Shut Down The Government Unless Obamacare Is Completely Defunded
Marco Rubio: I’ll Vote To Shut Down The Government Unless Obamacare Is Completely Defunded: pDuring an interview on conservative host Hugh Hewitt’s talk radio program Thursday night, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined fellow Tea Party favorites Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mike Lee (R-UT) in demanding that a continuing resolution to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year include provisions to defund Obamacare in its entirety. [...]/p
Posted from ThinkProgress.org
Economy Created 236,000 Jobs In February, Unemployment Falls To 7.7 Percent
Economy Created 236,000 Jobs In February, Unemployment Falls To 7.7 Percent: pAccording to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 236,000 jobs were created last month, bringing the unemployment rate down to 7.7 percent. Analysts had expected 160,000 jobs. The private sector created 246,000 jobs, while the public sector again contracted, losing 10,000 jobs. The wider U-6 measure of underemployment fell a tick to [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Top Republicans Demand Obama Provide Coverage To People With Pre-Existing Conditions
Top Republicans Demand Obama Provide Coverage To People With Pre-Existing Conditions: pRepublicans voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than three dozen times, ran on a pledge to eliminate the law on “day one,” and sought to underfund the measure at every opportunity. But since the Supreme Court upheld the ACA and President Obama won re-election the political dynamics of reform have changed: Republican governors [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Chattanooga area National Guard troops return after yearlong deployment to Middle East (with video) | timesfreepress.com
Chattanooga area National Guard troops return after yearlong deployment to Middle East (with video) | timesfreepress.com
Welcome home!!! == Toney Atkins (Story, video and photos from the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
IGNORING GROWTH OF HATE GROUPS IS DANGEROUS
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds: pThe Souther Poverty Law Center released a new report on Tuesday finding that “the number of conspiracy-minded antigovernment ‘Patriot’ groups reached an all-time high of 1,360 in 2012″ and that the number of hate groups has remained at “near record levels” of more than 1,000. The group is calling on the Departments of Justice and [...]/p
Above link from ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins writes: Thanks to those of you who have noticed that this and my other blog, in addition to my web site, www.toneyatkins.com/ , brought this and other Southern Povery Law Center reports about right-wing extremists/hate groups to readers' attention even before some TV cable news channels started paying attention to them. No, I am not presumptuous enough to believe any of the cable reporters or talk show hosts saw my blog postings. Like any other newsman, however, I sometimes feel good to think that I may have "scooped" someone with my coverage -- even the reports I did not write myself -- getting information out to the public. This hate group/militia groups issue is one which all citizens should take very seriously, because their actions are not truly patriotic in the true sense of the word and possibly can lead to terrible consequences for everyone.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
New SPLC Report: ‘Patriot’ Movement Swells for Fourth Year | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center
New SPLC Report: ‘Patriot’ Movement Swells for Fourth Year | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center
TONEY ATKINS COMMENTS: Hate groups have increased in the U.S. since President Obama was nominated and then elected in 2008. While many members say that their religion and the Bible support their actions, a reading of the book, particularly the statements of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, confirms that hatred, prejudice and violence against fellow men and women are definitely anti-Scriptural, anti-Christian in their beliefs, actions and attitude. I often wonder if these close-minded people even hate themselves. Ignorance is still growing in the United States. Let's not beat around the bush. A major reason that the cause of the current unpatriotism is the fact that a black president has been elected twice. Many folks, especially in the racist South and in right-wing religious organizations do not actually believe in the creed that all men are created equal and they ignore the intelligent reasoning that skin color has nothing to do with a man's worth and his leadership abilities. Will Heaven be such a divided kingdom as the U.S. is today? Only God knows, and I pray that the answer to my question will be "no." Mankind has created enough hell on earth as it is.
TONEY ATKINS COMMENTS: Hate groups have increased in the U.S. since President Obama was nominated and then elected in 2008. While many members say that their religion and the Bible support their actions, a reading of the book, particularly the statements of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, confirms that hatred, prejudice and violence against fellow men and women are definitely anti-Scriptural, anti-Christian in their beliefs, actions and attitude. I often wonder if these close-minded people even hate themselves. Ignorance is still growing in the United States. Let's not beat around the bush. A major reason that the cause of the current unpatriotism is the fact that a black president has been elected twice. Many folks, especially in the racist South and in right-wing religious organizations do not actually believe in the creed that all men are created equal and they ignore the intelligent reasoning that skin color has nothing to do with a man's worth and his leadership abilities. Will Heaven be such a divided kingdom as the U.S. is today? Only God knows, and I pray that the answer to my question will be "no." Mankind has created enough hell on earth as it is.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Corporate Profits Have Risen Almost 20 Times Faster Than Workers’ Incomes Since 2008
Corporate Profits Have Risen Almost 20 Times Faster Than Workers’ Incomes Since 2008: pCorporate profits hit record highs in the second half of 2012, but that prosperity hasn’t led to the creation of jobs, since America’s biggest firms are sitting on stocks of cash instead of investing them back into the economy. At the same time, wages hit record lows, and corporate earnings are rising nearly 20 times [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Sunday, March 03, 2013
The 32 Dumbest And Most Devastating Sequester Cuts
The 32 Dumbest And Most Devastating Sequester Cuts: pWith Congress unable to reach a deal to avert the indiscriminate spending cuts put in place in the Budget Control Act of 2011, President Obama on Friday signed an order authorizing the government to begin canceling $85 billion from federal accounts for this fiscal year. As Obama said during a press conference yesterday, “This is [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
California GOP Leader: Pregnancies Resulting From Rape Are Rare Because ‘The Body Is Traumatized’
California GOP Leader: Pregnancies Resulting From Rape Are Rare Because ‘The Body Is Traumatized’: pCeleste Greig, president of California Republican Assembly, the state’s oldest and largest GOP volunteer organization told The Bay Area News Group this week that pregnancies resulting from rape are rare “because it’s an act of violence, because the body is traumatized.” Bizarrely, Greig made the comments while criticizing similar remarks from Todd Akin, who falsely [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: And I thought my mother filled my brain with corrupting, terrible misinformation about sex! I don't believe she was a Republican, and I think that even she would guffaw at this ridiculous claim and call the GOP "nuts."
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: And I thought my mother filled my brain with corrupting, terrible misinformation about sex! I don't believe she was a Republican, and I think that even she would guffaw at this ridiculous claim and call the GOP "nuts."
NRA To African Americans: You’ll Need Guns To Protect Yourselves From The Government
NRA To African Americans: You’ll Need Guns To Protect Yourselves From The Government: pThe National Rifle Association (NRA) is increasing its outreach to African Americans with a new campaign that links the Civil Rights struggle and nonviolent resistance to gun ownership, arguing that blacks need firearms to protect themselves from the government. The video is part of an effort by the gun lobby to grow the organization’s appeal [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins says: Huh???? Unbelievable. Is the NRA now promoting a race war? As a neighbor said the other day, "The country is going to hell. God had better bless America, because we're in bad trouble if He doesn't."
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins says: Huh???? Unbelievable. Is the NRA now promoting a race war? As a neighbor said the other day, "The country is going to hell. God had better bless America, because we're in bad trouble if He doesn't."
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Associated Press: SINKHOLE THAT SWALLOWED MAN DEEPENS
Associated Press
Florida sinkhole sucks man from bedroom of house has not stopped growing. Associated Press story and photos as of 4:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013.
Florida sinkhole sucks man from bedroom of house has not stopped growing. Associated Press story and photos as of 4:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013.
SERIOUS WINTER STORM MAY HIT SOON…Posted 3.2.2013
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/storm-next-week-could-look-lik/7172141
Toney Atkins comments: Spring has not yet sprung, and weather prognosticators are keeping a close eye on a winter storm which could have serious impacts on the U.S. during the first full week of March 2013, according to AccuWeather.com. Click the above link for details.
Spa Company Refuses To Serve LGBT People Because Of Their ‘Abnormal Sexual Behaviors’
Spa Company Refuses To Serve LGBT People Because Of Their ‘Abnormal Sexual Behaviors’: pA Virginia-based Korean spa facility is in hot water after a letter was made public in which it said that LGBT people are not permitted in its establishment because they have “abnormal sexual behaviors and orientation” and are a threat to children. The Better Business Bureau opened up an investigation into the company, Spa World, [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Friday, March 01, 2013
Victory!
Victory!: pViolence Against Women Act Finally Passes A year and a half after the landmark law expired, House Republicans finally relented and allowed the updated and expanded reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to pass. The bill had already passed the Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan majorities not once, but twice. We say House Republicans [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong: pBarring a last minute Congressional compromise, $85 billion in automatic across-the-board cuts will go into effect in the next 72 hours as a result of the sequester mechanism included in the 2011 Budget Control Act. Republicans — many of whom voted for the BCA and have for years championed deep spending reductions — are hoping [...]/p
THERE WAS NO LAST MINUTE COMPROMISE, MEANING THE SEQUESTER SPENDING CUTS WILL LIKELY GO INTO EFFECT FRIDAY, MARCH 1. ... Toney Atkins
The above link is from ThinkProgress.org
THERE WAS NO LAST MINUTE COMPROMISE, MEANING THE SEQUESTER SPENDING CUTS WILL LIKELY GO INTO EFFECT FRIDAY, MARCH 1. ... Toney Atkins
The above link is from ThinkProgress.org
Subway Founder Fred Deluca: Minimum Wage Increase 'Will Cause Franchisees To Raise Prices'
Subway Founder Fred Deluca: Minimum Wage Increase 'Will Cause Franchisees To Raise Prices'
No more $5 11-inch Subway sandwiches if the minimum wage is raised to $9? Horror of horrors, especially because the restuarant produces my favorite subs. The above Huffington Post link makes me fear that my Social Security dollar will not be worth as much, but I would prefer that the sub makers receive a higher minimum wage than they currently do. -- Toney Atkins
No more $5 11-inch Subway sandwiches if the minimum wage is raised to $9? Horror of horrors, especially because the restuarant produces my favorite subs. The above Huffington Post link makes me fear that my Social Security dollar will not be worth as much, but I would prefer that the sub makers receive a higher minimum wage than they currently do. -- Toney Atkins
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Pimps hit social networks to recruit underage sex workers- Feb. 27, 2013
Pimps hit social networks to recruit underage sex workers- Feb. 27, 2013
Toney Atkins says: Frightening. Prostitution going high-tech on Facebook is disrupting and destroying the lives of kids who, at this time in history, are learning way too much way too early about sex and other adult issues. The Internet is wonderful, but it does have its dark side, as does everything man creates. It's sad that children and young teenagers cannot really enjoy their formative years as they did before the electronic media consumed nearly aspect of their lives.
The above link will take you to a disturbing story. It is from CNN.
Toney Atkins says: Frightening. Prostitution going high-tech on Facebook is disrupting and destroying the lives of kids who, at this time in history, are learning way too much way too early about sex and other adult issues. The Internet is wonderful, but it does have its dark side, as does everything man creates. It's sad that children and young teenagers cannot really enjoy their formative years as they did before the electronic media consumed nearly aspect of their lives.
The above link will take you to a disturbing story. It is from CNN.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
GOP Senator Launches The Most Dishonest Attack Against Obamacare You’ve Ever Heard
GOP Senator Launches The Most Dishonest Attack Against Obamacare You’ve Ever Heard: pDuring a Budget Committee Hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced that the Affordable Care Act — which had been projected to reduce the deficit by billions over 10 years — would actually increase long-term debt by $6.2 trillion, undermining administration claims that the law would expand coverage to millions of Americans and help [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong: pBarring a last minute Congressional compromise, $85 billion in automatic across-the-board cuts will go into effect in the next 72 hours as a result of the sequester mechanism included in the 2011 Budget Control Act. Republicans — many of whom voted for the BCA and have for years championed deep spending reductions — are hoping [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
WHAT I THINK…
By Toney Atkins
I initially began my blogs way back when to “record for posterity” my reports and commentaries for newspapers, along with personal viewpoints and experiences. In a sense, parts of my life story began to emerge as I found this particular blog to be a good outlet for opinions and emotions that most friends and acquaintances would tire of if I injected them into conversations.
Lately, my occasional readers may have noticed that I have begun to include links to authoritative sources, such as ThinkProgress.org and the Huffington Post (among major news outlets) to present stories and opinions that I believe people need to know about. I also link to stories that are weird or just plain odd or funny for a change of pace. When I was a teacher years ago, I found that injecting humor has a way of making more palatable the more serious material that needs to be learned in our ever-changing society.
I hope that you will sometimes visit the blogs and join me on the journey toward the rest of my life. Oh, yes. I will sometimes be writing completely original stuff and, once I get this blood flow thing to my brain, eyes and ears fixed, if I ever can, I will be finally completing that book I’ve talked about for years.
In the meantime, continue to spread love and peace, and stay healthy.
Monday, February 25, 2013
World's Worst Tattoo vs. Porn Star Bra Size: The Weird News Top 10 (VOTE, VIDEO)
World's Worst Tattoo vs. Porn Star Bra Size: The Weird News Top 10 (VOTE, VIDEO)
TONEY ATKINS: Another edition of weekly weird news that make me feel like a normal human being. You can vote for the weirdest at the end of the column. (From The Huffington Post)
TONEY ATKINS: Another edition of weekly weird news that make me feel like a normal human being. You can vote for the weirdest at the end of the column. (From The Huffington Post)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Fans Injured In Daytona Crash On Final Lap Of Nationwide Race (VIDEO/PHOTOS)
Fans Injured In Daytona Crash On Final Lap Of Nationwide Race (VIDEO/PHOTOS)
From The Huffington Post....video, photos, story
From The Huffington Post....video, photos, story
Saturday, February 23, 2013
5 Ways The Sequester Could Make You Sick
5 Ways The Sequester Could Make You Sick: pIn just a week, the United States will hit the deadline for the sequester — the automatic spending cuts that were negotiated during the 2011 debt ceiling deal. The spending cuts will begin going into effect on March 1 unless lawmakers broker a compromise to avert sequestration, as they did at the beginning of this [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Friday, February 22, 2013
A Balanced Plan to Avert the Sequester and Reduce the Deficit | The White House
A Balanced Plan to Avert the Sequester and Reduce the Deficit | The White House
TONEY ATKINS: Republicans claim that they have seen no plan from President Obama to avert the sequester, due to go into effect on Friday, March 1. Can they not Bing? Can they not Google? Can they not go to the White House's web site? Far too many people believe what Republican representatives and senators say in TV interviews and to press reporters. What is it going to take for these people to realize that they are being misled, not only on the potentially economically devastating sequester, but on other issues as well. Please feel free to read for yourself the president's proposal to avert the sequester (as well as what the sequester is) by clicking the link above.
TONEY ATKINS: Republicans claim that they have seen no plan from President Obama to avert the sequester, due to go into effect on Friday, March 1. Can they not Bing? Can they not Google? Can they not go to the White House's web site? Far too many people believe what Republican representatives and senators say in TV interviews and to press reporters. What is it going to take for these people to realize that they are being misled, not only on the potentially economically devastating sequester, but on other issues as well. Please feel free to read for yourself the president's proposal to avert the sequester (as well as what the sequester is) by clicking the link above.
RATED R: WOMAN HAS SEX WITH PIT BULL, POLICE SAY
Kara
Vandereyk, Las Vegas Woman, Had Sex With Pit Bull:
Police
From the Huffington Post
"You beast!" she screamed.
Not really. That part was made up by me, although I do understand that the pit bull had a smile on its face after the encounter. Oops, I did it again. Please pardon me for acting like Fox News and making up stuff just to add my own warped imagination to an already unbelievable, but true, story, according to police.
WARNING: Kind of gross, and some sensitive readers might find the article at the above Huffington Post link offensive. However, I see it as not as offensive as people hurting, shooting and killing people every day, as reported on the 6 o'clock news and much of the day on cable. -- Toney Atkins
From the Huffington Post
"You beast!" she screamed.
Not really. That part was made up by me, although I do understand that the pit bull had a smile on its face after the encounter. Oops, I did it again. Please pardon me for acting like Fox News and making up stuff just to add my own warped imagination to an already unbelievable, but true, story, according to police.
WARNING: Kind of gross, and some sensitive readers might find the article at the above Huffington Post link offensive. However, I see it as not as offensive as people hurting, shooting and killing people every day, as reported on the 6 o'clock news and much of the day on cable. -- Toney Atkins
Thursday, February 21, 2013
THE LATEST FINANCIAL CRISIS: HAVE YOUR SAY
Toney Atkins: You can have your say about the latest economic crisis facing the U.S. Are you as tired of these stress-inducing situations as I am? The following is an email from the Democratic Party that I received (of which I tend to agree) that can help your "representatives" in Congress know how you feel about the issue that can adversely impact many, if not all, Americans starting March 1:
Congressional Republicans have taken their partisan brinkmanship to an entirely new level.
Unless they act by March 1st, billions of dollars in automatic cuts -- the so-called sequester -- will start to take effect. If it does, more than 2 million jobs could be lost, 70,000 children would be kicked off of Head Start, and 10,000 teachers' jobs would be put at risk.
With this fiscal crisis looming, what did John Boehner and Republican leadership do? They went on vacation, calling recess for the House this week even though Democrats voted to stay and work to avert this crisis.
This is no time for recess. It's time for them to do their job.
Demand Republicans in Congress come back to the table and work with the President to avoid this crisis. Sign the petition now.
The unbelievable thing is -- this crisis is completely avoidable.
The President has laid out a specific plan with detailed cuts to avoid the sequester and reduce the deficit in a balanced way, and Democrats in Congress have put forward a balanced approach as well.
But Republicans in Congress would rather see our recovery and middle-class economic security be put at risk than close one tax loophole for big corporations and the wealthiest among us.
John Boehner and House Republican leaders need to hear from thousands of Americans across the country that they must come back to the table and work with us to avoid these automatic cuts. The only way they'll do their job is if our overwhelming response leaves them no choice.
Sign the petition now:
http://my.democrats.org/
Together, we can do this.
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Congressional Republicans have taken their partisan brinkmanship to an entirely new level.
Unless they act by March 1st, billions of dollars in automatic cuts -- the so-called sequester -- will start to take effect. If it does, more than 2 million jobs could be lost, 70,000 children would be kicked off of Head Start, and 10,000 teachers' jobs would be put at risk.
With this fiscal crisis looming, what did John Boehner and Republican leadership do? They went on vacation, calling recess for the House this week even though Democrats voted to stay and work to avert this crisis.
This is no time for recess. It's time for them to do their job.
Demand Republicans in Congress come back to the table and work with the President to avoid this crisis. Sign the petition now.
The unbelievable thing is -- this crisis is completely avoidable.
The President has laid out a specific plan with detailed cuts to avoid the sequester and reduce the deficit in a balanced way, and Democrats in Congress have put forward a balanced approach as well.
But Republicans in Congress would rather see our recovery and middle-class economic security be put at risk than close one tax loophole for big corporations and the wealthiest among us.
John Boehner and House Republican leaders need to hear from thousands of Americans across the country that they must come back to the table and work with us to avoid these automatic cuts. The only way they'll do their job is if our overwhelming response leaves them no choice.
Sign the petition now:
http://my.democrats.org/
Together, we can do this.
Thanks,
Debbie
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE VS. PIZZA PERFUME: WEIRD NEWS
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/17/weird-news-top-10-zombie-apocalypse-pizza-perfume_n_2699813.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news
Yes, indeed. The political news is frequently strange but true, but not quite as weird as this collection of news from the Huffington Post. -- Toney Atkins
Yes, indeed. The political news is frequently strange but true, but not quite as weird as this collection of news from the Huffington Post. -- Toney Atkins
BROTHERS BLOW UP HOUSE CELEBRATING LOTTERY WIN
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/18/brothers-blow-up-house-lottery-kansas_n_2711020.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
These guys had a really big and explosive rush. (Something light for a change.)-- Toney
These guys had a really big and explosive rush. (Something light for a change.)-- Toney
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Russian meteor explosion outshone sun - Science
Russian meteor explosion outshone sun - Science
TONEY SAYS: Extraordinary event, and the asteroid passed us (darn it). The above link from NBC News has spectacular video, photos and story in text. And there are already conspiracy theories ......... Hmm. Who or what dunnit?
TONEY SAYS: Extraordinary event, and the asteroid passed us (darn it). The above link from NBC News has spectacular video, photos and story in text. And there are already conspiracy theories ......... Hmm. Who or what dunnit?
Friday, February 15, 2013
METEOR pieces fall in Russia, officials say - CBS News
Meteor pieces fall in Russia, officials say - CBS News
Note: Destruction, hundreds reported hurt. Is this part of the asteroid we have been reporting on www.toneyatkins.com/ ? -- Toney
Note: Destruction, hundreds reported hurt. Is this part of the asteroid we have been reporting on www.toneyatkins.com/ ? -- Toney
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
A NEW PERVERSION (by Toney Atkins)
|
FROM SOMEWHERE IN THE BRAIN OF TONEY ATKINS:
The following piece of "prose" was written and published on www.toneyatkins.com/ several years ago. Some people who, for some reason, remembered it but said they could not find it on the web site, asked for a repeat. For those readers, one of whom said it was one of her favorites (poor, deranged soul), I re-publish it here.
WARNING: RATED PG-13.
A NEW PERVERSION by Toney Atkins
A new perversion has suddenly entered my life as I
weave my way into my early 60s: I've lost interest in sex.
I tried one of those 36-hour male enhancement drugs. but ended up with nothing but a backache. I'm probably one of the few men in the world who will turn his eyes away from a steamy sex scene in a movie, much as most would close their eyes as a screaming victim is hacked to death by an ax murderer. It even embarrasses me to watch animals copulating on nature shows. I don't deny that age possibly has something to do with this, but this perversion seemed to hit me overnight not too long ago. It's not that I'm falling apart. Some have told me that I look "hot" and that I apprear to be a lot younger. Then I'm brought down to earth when the clerk at Kentucky Fried Chicken automatically gives me a senior discount without a second look. But the mirror still shows a certain distinction and not extinction. I woke this morning, so I'm still alive. The thrill is gone, but I don't miss it. If that's not perversion, what is? Although I rarely analyze it or dwell on what I once believed was one of the most important things in my life, it sometimes occurs to me that I indeed must be an oddball. I even went to an adult chat room on the Internet to see if stimulation lay in some unknown person who could live anywhere in the world. One of the room's inhabitants sent me an instant message, and the profile information displayed what had to be a human being with the most sexually attractive body in the world, if not the Universe. That unseen being that I believed to be a she saw me as being an object of perfection. However, my mental image of the writer was of a 500-pound creature whose major orgasms came from ingesting five Whoppers and four Slurpees at one sitting. My sexual stirrings remained dormant. My eyes still find pleasure in looking at a beautiful person, but I'm finding that many more people have a certain special outer and inner beauty if I look at them long enough, and that is wonderful. I believe in love, but where is the lust? Am I missing something? Am I any different than I was before, when I believed that proving sexual prowess was one of the most essential things in life? Is low-T devastating my future? Now I'm out of the closet with this perversion, I hope you don't think less of me. It's certainly not that you are not sexy. It's simply that I'd rather just love you, and it's sad if that's considered to be perverted in this day and age. |
 |
|
Saturday, February 09, 2013
SCARED POOPLESS (Toney Atkins)
UPDATE: THE DAY AFTER follows the original:
Hi friends and wonderful acquaintances,
I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying life.
Some of you have inquired about the results of the tests on my eyes, one of which recently went totally blind for a couple of days (and still isn't working too great at times). I truly appreciate your prayers and positive energy. It has helped.
The specialist managed to scare me poopless today. A bilateral cartoid ultrasound, performed utilizing 8.0 MHz transducer (bet you didn't know I could talk doctor, did you?), pne of the major results indicated Intimal hyperplasia, the thickening of the tunica intima of a blood vessel as a complication of a reconstruction procedure or endarterectomy. Intimal hyperplasia is the universal response of a vessel to injury and is an important reason of late bypass graft failure, particularly in vein and synthetic vascular grafts.
I must be honest. I stole wording for that paragraph from the doctor's report and Wikipedia, and it's Greek to me. My case has something to do with the flow of blood to (or from?) the brain. The way the doc described it, I gather that it means that I have a blockage somewhere which could result in a stroke. I nearly had one just listening to him, but I managed to keep my panic attack at bay. Introspectively and aside from the eyes, even now I have several symptoms of the aftermath of a stroke, but doctors don't seem to believe that's the case. I should stop watching "House" reruns. Hypochonriac that I tend to be, I sometimes feel I have the same symptoms as every patient in every episode. With the size of my belly, I have been accused of being pregnant, but so far, no baby, no National Enquirer, no millions of dollars, so my hypochondria does have lines it won't cross.
I have to see my primary physician Monday, who will refer me to two more specialists. Getting old is indeed an adventure (and sometimes a bitch, so please continue to remember me in prayer or think something positive.
Obviously, the urgency isn't too great. I'm not in the hospital yet. The tests were conducted more than a month ago, I don't know if my condition is the same or worse. I'm sure the specialist, whom I trust, considered the evaluations that were done today. But that scares the poop out of me, too. It's good to know
Chalk this email up to another moaning and groaning rambling of a reluctantly aging old man who doesn't have the patience to deal with failing body parts. Feel free to get back at me any time by writing to me about any problem YOU might have. It helps to vent, even if only God knows the answers.
Love somebody today.
**********************************************
THE DAY AFTER:
I have always had the terrible habit of writing and publishing things before I have really thought them out, and they ultimately resulted in regret.
After sending the above email to friends and contacts, some who care and many who likely do not, I realized how selfish it sounds. I try not to be whiny, but sometimes I put personal thoughts into writing partly because there are few people that I can actually talk to in order to get fears, frustrations and, on the other hand, positive thoughts and energy out of my system.
The email likely came across as self-centered, and today it appears as such, even to me.
As a neighborhood man in his 30s pointed out today, I am fortunate. "You've lived a long life, and you should be proud and expect problems like this," he said.
Thinking back on my 50th year high school senior class reunion two years ago, I know that he is right. I am 70 years old, and I have outlived some of my classmates and friends who possibly suffered much more than I will ever suffer. I thank God that I am as healthy as I am, and I should thank Him every day for that. I wish those classmates and friends were alive today and that they could have enjoyed our reunion and the days, months and years afterward. I would like to think the rest of us lucky ones will be around to celebrate our 100th year of graduating into society and the real world, in which we would grow and age, mix successes with failures as we grew older.
I apologize for seemingly feeling sorry for myself, because I really don't. I will face this problem as I have done when the situations seemed dire in the past. There are many, many people who are in worse shape than I, but I guess I do selfishly enjoy life, whatever the pains, disappointments and frustrations. I hope to spend my golden years relishing the moments and days.
If I offended anyone by my blowing off steam, which would have been more appropriate, I suppose, in a personal journal, I am sorry. However, I do thank you for reading, listening, praying and caring.
******************************************************
LIFE GOES ON
A followup, this one on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Someday I'll look back on these posts and laugh -- or at least I hope I will.
A nervous visit to my primary doctor Tuesday was rather anticlimactic. His response provided no real solutions to the problem previously discussed and no sense of compassion or even concern could be noted.
He did not refer me to a specialist, as my eye surgeon had indicated probably should be necessary. Instead, my doctor said the tests indicated that the artery was "only" 50 percent blocked and "at this time" did not necessitate surgery. Instead, he suggested continuation of a blood thinner, which I have taken for a couple of years and what he said could keep the blockage from growing and therefore possibly preventing a stroke.
The blood flow to my brain, therefore, will continue to be disrupted. (That's my personal diagnosis based on his.) In other words, the eye problems and issues concerning memory and such will continue and be problems that I with which I will have to learn to contend.
I actually feel pretty good for my age, the above inconveniences not withstanding. If I die, I die. No need to worry about it. It's something we all do eventually, but it's nothing to dwell on. Life is depressing enough without worrying about the end and when it will come.
My late father's philosophy, as he aged, was that doctors in particular didn't care all that much about a person once he or she hits 70 or so. He believed physicians did what little they could to appease an elderly patient, preferring to deal with younger people who have more money than Social Security provides and than Medicare pays. The more attention I pay to the way doctors and others act toward senior citizens, the more I have to believe Dad might have been on to something, although when I was younger, I thought he was over-reacting.
Now that I know that only 50 percent of an artery or veins to my brain are blocked and that nothing apparently needs to be done to correct the situation, I'm going to try to forget it, be fearless and continue enjoying what has often seemed like a roller coaster, but what has been a pretty good life. I can guarantee you: I'm going to make it last as long as possible. There's a lot of living and loving left to do.
Hi friends and wonderful acquaintances,
I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying life.
Some of you have inquired about the results of the tests on my eyes, one of which recently went totally blind for a couple of days (and still isn't working too great at times). I truly appreciate your prayers and positive energy. It has helped.
The specialist managed to scare me poopless today. A bilateral cartoid ultrasound, performed utilizing 8.0 MHz transducer (bet you didn't know I could talk doctor, did you?), pne of the major results indicated Intimal hyperplasia, the thickening of the tunica intima of a blood vessel as a complication of a reconstruction procedure or endarterectomy. Intimal hyperplasia is the universal response of a vessel to injury and is an important reason of late bypass graft failure, particularly in vein and synthetic vascular grafts.
I must be honest. I stole wording for that paragraph from the doctor's report and Wikipedia, and it's Greek to me. My case has something to do with the flow of blood to (or from?) the brain. The way the doc described it, I gather that it means that I have a blockage somewhere which could result in a stroke. I nearly had one just listening to him, but I managed to keep my panic attack at bay. Introspectively and aside from the eyes, even now I have several symptoms of the aftermath of a stroke, but doctors don't seem to believe that's the case. I should stop watching "House" reruns. Hypochonriac that I tend to be, I sometimes feel I have the same symptoms as every patient in every episode. With the size of my belly, I have been accused of being pregnant, but so far, no baby, no National Enquirer, no millions of dollars, so my hypochondria does have lines it won't cross.
I have to see my primary physician Monday, who will refer me to two more specialists. Getting old is indeed an adventure (and sometimes a bitch, so please continue to remember me in prayer or think something positive.
Obviously, the urgency isn't too great. I'm not in the hospital yet. The tests were conducted more than a month ago, I don't know if my condition is the same or worse. I'm sure the specialist, whom I trust, considered the evaluations that were done today. But that scares the poop out of me, too. It's good to know
Chalk this email up to another moaning and groaning rambling of a reluctantly aging old man who doesn't have the patience to deal with failing body parts. Feel free to get back at me any time by writing to me about any problem YOU might have. It helps to vent, even if only God knows the answers.
Love somebody today.
**********************************************
THE DAY AFTER:
I have always had the terrible habit of writing and publishing things before I have really thought them out, and they ultimately resulted in regret.
After sending the above email to friends and contacts, some who care and many who likely do not, I realized how selfish it sounds. I try not to be whiny, but sometimes I put personal thoughts into writing partly because there are few people that I can actually talk to in order to get fears, frustrations and, on the other hand, positive thoughts and energy out of my system.
The email likely came across as self-centered, and today it appears as such, even to me.
As a neighborhood man in his 30s pointed out today, I am fortunate. "You've lived a long life, and you should be proud and expect problems like this," he said.
Thinking back on my 50th year high school senior class reunion two years ago, I know that he is right. I am 70 years old, and I have outlived some of my classmates and friends who possibly suffered much more than I will ever suffer. I thank God that I am as healthy as I am, and I should thank Him every day for that. I wish those classmates and friends were alive today and that they could have enjoyed our reunion and the days, months and years afterward. I would like to think the rest of us lucky ones will be around to celebrate our 100th year of graduating into society and the real world, in which we would grow and age, mix successes with failures as we grew older.
I apologize for seemingly feeling sorry for myself, because I really don't. I will face this problem as I have done when the situations seemed dire in the past. There are many, many people who are in worse shape than I, but I guess I do selfishly enjoy life, whatever the pains, disappointments and frustrations. I hope to spend my golden years relishing the moments and days.
If I offended anyone by my blowing off steam, which would have been more appropriate, I suppose, in a personal journal, I am sorry. However, I do thank you for reading, listening, praying and caring.
******************************************************
LIFE GOES ON
A followup, this one on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Someday I'll look back on these posts and laugh -- or at least I hope I will.
A nervous visit to my primary doctor Tuesday was rather anticlimactic. His response provided no real solutions to the problem previously discussed and no sense of compassion or even concern could be noted.
He did not refer me to a specialist, as my eye surgeon had indicated probably should be necessary. Instead, my doctor said the tests indicated that the artery was "only" 50 percent blocked and "at this time" did not necessitate surgery. Instead, he suggested continuation of a blood thinner, which I have taken for a couple of years and what he said could keep the blockage from growing and therefore possibly preventing a stroke.
The blood flow to my brain, therefore, will continue to be disrupted. (That's my personal diagnosis based on his.) In other words, the eye problems and issues concerning memory and such will continue and be problems that I with which I will have to learn to contend.
I actually feel pretty good for my age, the above inconveniences not withstanding. If I die, I die. No need to worry about it. It's something we all do eventually, but it's nothing to dwell on. Life is depressing enough without worrying about the end and when it will come.
My late father's philosophy, as he aged, was that doctors in particular didn't care all that much about a person once he or she hits 70 or so. He believed physicians did what little they could to appease an elderly patient, preferring to deal with younger people who have more money than Social Security provides and than Medicare pays. The more attention I pay to the way doctors and others act toward senior citizens, the more I have to believe Dad might have been on to something, although when I was younger, I thought he was over-reacting.
Now that I know that only 50 percent of an artery or veins to my brain are blocked and that nothing apparently needs to be done to correct the situation, I'm going to try to forget it, be fearless and continue enjoying what has often seemed like a roller coaster, but what has been a pretty good life. I can guarantee you: I'm going to make it last as long as possible. There's a lot of living and loving left to do.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The Ultimate Guide To The Gun Safety Debate
The Ultimate Guide To The Gun Safety Debate: pSince the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the debate over gun violence in the Untied States has begun in earnest. Some common talking points can and should be easily dismissed — the idea that regulating access to guns is always unconstitutional or makes tyranny more likely, to take two examples. But not every argument against expanded [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
BREAKING: Virginia Senate Committee Overwhelmingly Kills Electoral Vote Rigging Scheme
BREAKING: Virginia Senate Committee Overwhelmingly Kills Electoral Vote Rigging Scheme: pProgressVirginia reported Tuesday afternoon that the Virginia Senate’s Privileges and Elections Committee killed Sen. Charles “Bill” Carrico Sr.’s electoral college-rigging bill, despite an offer by Carrico to amend the bill to award electors in proportion to the state’s popular vote. The vote was 11-4 against the bill, although it will not be official until the [...]/p
Toney comments: Finally, GOP uses good sense in not depriving voters of their rights.
LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: Finally, GOP uses good sense in not depriving voters of their rights.
LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Top Conservative Publication: God Wants You To Have An Assault Rifle
Toney Atkins comments: Where in the Christian Bible does God and Jesus say that man should own a gun, much less an assault rifle? Yes, man has a right to self-defense, and the U.S. Constitution's second amendment gives the right to bear arms to do so. But assault weapons? Right-wing extremist survivalists who, for reasons unknown, fear the government and, in fact, seem to want a civil war within our country would likely want, and most likely already have, weapons designed for war. The average gun-owner may feel the need for a regular gun to defend himself or herself against such unpatriotic Americans who want to take back a country that never was.
Top Conservative Publication: God Wants You To Have An Assault Rifle: pLegislation aimed at reducing gun violence is “a limitation on a God-given right of man that has existed throughout the history of civil society,” according to an article published in the leading conservative opinion journal National Review. The author, David French, interprets the Christian Bible as granting everyone a right to self-defense. He suggests that [...]/p
THE ABOVE LINK IS TO AN INTRIGUING REPORT FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG.
Top Conservative Publication: God Wants You To Have An Assault Rifle: pLegislation aimed at reducing gun violence is “a limitation on a God-given right of man that has existed throughout the history of civil society,” according to an article published in the leading conservative opinion journal National Review. The author, David French, interprets the Christian Bible as granting everyone a right to self-defense. He suggests that [...]/p
THE ABOVE LINK IS TO AN INTRIGUING REPORT FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
VERY SPECIAL THANKS By Toney Atkins
Hello to all of my favorite people:
I don't send this correspondence with the intent of being maudlin or preachy in any way, but I feel very strongly about letting you know the way I feel.
Several of you sent messages of concern and encouragement after I wrote, asking for prayers and positive vibes about the terrifying eye problems that I have been suffering, especially since December. You don't know how much they were appreciated.
I believe in the power of faith, prayer and positive energy on behalf of one's self as well as from others who genuinely care. It is because of you that I humbly say thank you because I give you much of the credit.
While at times that faith is shaken with doubt, fear and frustration, I give the credit to God, as I know Him, and to you for the fact that my eyesight, especially in the eye of special concern, has gotten better and, in some respects, is close to being normal again, or as close to normal as would be expected with progressiving glaucoma in both eyes and a cataract on one. Maybe I'll have a few years of seeing left after all.
This improvement has come without medications or other treatments, so I have to believe that it came from my Higher Power and from friends and correspondents who I may have never met, as well as from those who I know and love from personal and working relationships, past and present.
After all this time, I still have heard nothing from my primary care doctor or the eye surgery specialist about the tests I had after completely losing sight in my right eye, the one on which I had corrective surgery a couple of years ago. I consider that to be positive news since my physicians apparently don't sense a need for urgency, and I suppose I'll finally learn the test results and what, if anything (other than new glasses) has to be done when I go to my appointment with the specialist next Thursday.
My sight is still blurry at times, but hopefully that will only require new eye drops and new glasses. The eye of major concern (the one that went totally blind for several days) has shown major improvement over the past week or so, and I still hope the doctor can give me an explanation as to what might have caused the temporary blindness.
So, I thank you again for your thoughts and prayers, which could have been the medicine I needed. I realize that some of you suffer your own health problems, and I pray that the positive energy you sent my way will return to you a hundred-fold, healing and making you healthy and free of anxiety that can come with such issues. Even if I should go blind tomorrow, I'm grateful for the sight at this moment that allows me to write this to you.
Have and keep the faith. It never ceases to amaze me what it can do.
Wishing you only the best in everything.
Sincerely,
Toney Atkins
************
SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
www.toneyatkins.com/![]()
I don't send this correspondence with the intent of being maudlin or preachy in any way, but I feel very strongly about letting you know the way I feel.
Several of you sent messages of concern and encouragement after I wrote, asking for prayers and positive vibes about the terrifying eye problems that I have been suffering, especially since December. You don't know how much they were appreciated.
I believe in the power of faith, prayer and positive energy on behalf of one's self as well as from others who genuinely care. It is because of you that I humbly say thank you because I give you much of the credit.
While at times that faith is shaken with doubt, fear and frustration, I give the credit to God, as I know Him, and to you for the fact that my eyesight, especially in the eye of special concern, has gotten better and, in some respects, is close to being normal again, or as close to normal as would be expected with progressiving glaucoma in both eyes and a cataract on one. Maybe I'll have a few years of seeing left after all.
This improvement has come without medications or other treatments, so I have to believe that it came from my Higher Power and from friends and correspondents who I may have never met, as well as from those who I know and love from personal and working relationships, past and present.
After all this time, I still have heard nothing from my primary care doctor or the eye surgery specialist about the tests I had after completely losing sight in my right eye, the one on which I had corrective surgery a couple of years ago. I consider that to be positive news since my physicians apparently don't sense a need for urgency, and I suppose I'll finally learn the test results and what, if anything (other than new glasses) has to be done when I go to my appointment with the specialist next Thursday.
My sight is still blurry at times, but hopefully that will only require new eye drops and new glasses. The eye of major concern (the one that went totally blind for several days) has shown major improvement over the past week or so, and I still hope the doctor can give me an explanation as to what might have caused the temporary blindness.
So, I thank you again for your thoughts and prayers, which could have been the medicine I needed. I realize that some of you suffer your own health problems, and I pray that the positive energy you sent my way will return to you a hundred-fold, healing and making you healthy and free of anxiety that can come with such issues. Even if I should go blind tomorrow, I'm grateful for the sight at this moment that allows me to write this to you.
Have and keep the faith. It never ceases to amaze me what it can do.
Wishing you only the best in everything.
Sincerely,
Toney Atkins
************
SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE!
www.toneyatkins.com/
Republicans’ Effort To Rig Electoral College Gets National Backing
Toney comments: This is one more important reason that I have an extreme distrust and dislike of Republican politicians and their conservative believers who want to take away the U.S.'s rights in democracy and your vote in particular. From THINKPROGRESS.ORG:
Republicans’ Effort To Rig Electoral College Gets National Backing: pFormer Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (R), who was the chief elections officer when the state experienced massive voting problems in 2004, is planning to lead a national effort to rig the electoral college in favor of the 2016 Republican presidential candidate. Republicans who hold power in states that have voted Democratic in the [...]/p
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Republicans’ Effort To Rig Electoral College Gets National Backing: pFormer Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (R), who was the chief elections officer when the state experienced massive voting problems in 2004, is planning to lead a national effort to rig the electoral college in favor of the 2016 Republican presidential candidate. Republicans who hold power in states that have voted Democratic in the [...]/p
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How To Convince The NRA That Assault Weapons, Not The Media, Are Responsible For Gun Massacres
How To Convince The NRA That Assault Weapons, Not The Media, Are Responsible For Gun Massacres: pStephen King — best selling author of the very kind of violent books that gun advocates say contribute to gun violence — has penned Guns, a 25-page essay dismissing their criticism, while calling for universal background checks for gun purchases, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. A self-described “blue-state American” who also [...]/p
Click on link for full story from THINKPROGRESS.ORG. NOTE: Please allow up to a minute for full blog to load. Thank you.
Click on link for full story from THINKPROGRESS.ORG. NOTE: Please allow up to a minute for full blog to load. Thank you.
GOP Florida House Speaker Blasts Plan To Rig Electoral College
GOP Florida House Speaker Blasts Plan To Rig Electoral College: pFlorida House Speaker Will Weatherford (R) poured cold water on a Republican plan to rig the Electoral College that is being considered in a number of states to all but ensure that the next president will be a Republican. A number of states that have voted consistently for Democrats at a national level but are [...]/p
THINKPROGRESS.ORG
THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Five Reasons Bobby Jindal Is Responsible For Transforming The GOP Into ‘The Stupid Party’
Five Reasons Bobby Jindal Is Responsible For Transforming The GOP Into ‘The Stupid Party’: pDays after Mitt Romney lost his bid for the presidency, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) kicked off a publicity campaign for his 2016 run, casting himself as a different kind of Republican. In a series of interviews, statements and op-eds, Jindal called for reform within the GOP, embracing a more moderate message that could appeal [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FLASHBACK: Republicans Opposed Electoral Vote Rigging In 2004, Calling It ‘A Really Stupid Idea’
FLASHBACK: Republicans Opposed Electoral Vote Rigging In 2004, Calling It ‘A Really Stupid Idea’: pNearly a decade before the GOP responded to President Obama’s re-election by proposing to rig the Electoral College in states like Pennsylvania and Virginia, Republicans vehemently opposed the plan and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting its implementation. In 2004, when Colorado was still a red state and then-President Bush was locked in a [...]/p
THINKPROGRESS.ORG ARTICLE
THINKPROGRESS.ORG ARTICLE
Top Republican Distances Himself From GOP’s Election-Rigging Plan
Top Republican Distances Himself From GOP’s Election-Rigging Plan: pFormer Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) distanced himself from his party’s effort to rig the election by appropriating electoral votes based on gerrymandered Congressional districts, telling MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Friday that he opposes the effort. Republican party leaders in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan have proposed legislation that would change how most electoral votes [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Armed School Guard Leaves Gun In Student Bathroom
Armed School Guard Leaves Gun In Student Bathroom: pA gun was left in the bathroom of a Michigan public school by an armed guard paid to protect it, according to the school’s director. The Chatfield School, a charter school that teaches K-8 students, hired a retired police weapons instructor to provide armed protection after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary. The result wasn’t [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
How Republicans Plan To Rig The Next Presidential Election, In Six Pictures
How Republicans Plan To Rig The Next Presidential Election, In Six Pictures: pYesterday, Virginia Republicans took the first step to move a GOP plan to rig the Electoral College forward in that state. Similar plans are under consideration in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The Republican election rigging plan targets blue states that President Obama won in 2008 and 2012, and changes the way they allocate electoral votes [...]/p
Above link to story everyone should read at THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I will be writing more later about gun-worshipping "Christian" Republican and even Democrat politicians who are not patriotic in their efforts to control the country and literally deprive U.S. citizens of their rights and liberties. Let's face it. All this would not be happening if President Obama was white. I cannot recall a time in my life when a political party such as the Republicans would go out of their way to fight every issue, good or questionable, for the country. That's happening now because racism is out of the closet and ultimately could result in the total destruction of the United States as we have known it.
Above link to story everyone should read at THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I will be writing more later about gun-worshipping "Christian" Republican and even Democrat politicians who are not patriotic in their efforts to control the country and literally deprive U.S. citizens of their rights and liberties. Let's face it. All this would not be happening if President Obama was white. I cannot recall a time in my life when a political party such as the Republicans would go out of their way to fight every issue, good or questionable, for the country. That's happening now because racism is out of the closet and ultimately could result in the total destruction of the United States as we have known it.
Wall Street Journal: Women Shouldn’t Be In Combat Because Men Poop
Wall Street Journal: Women Shouldn’t Be In Combat Because Men Poop: pAn opinion piece published in one of America’s most prestigious newspapers made a curious assertion this morning: women shouldn’t serve in combat because “social norms” would make it “humiliating” for men. After Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s surprise announcement on Wednesday that women would be free to serve in most or all combat roles by [...]/p
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
From THINKPROGRESS.ORG
NRA: Obama Is Ruining Christmas By Tracking Stolen Guns
NRA: Obama Is Ruining Christmas By Tracking Stolen Guns: pOn Tuesday night, National Rifle Association Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre offered the organization’s response to President Obama’s inaugural address and the gun safety proposals he offered earlier this month. Speaking at the Weatherby Foundation International Hunting and Conservation Award dinner in Reno, Nevada, LaPierre claimed that President Obama seeks to place “every [...]/p
THE ABOVE LINK IS TO A REPORT FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I believe that current interpretaions of the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution are often misleading about the amendment's intent, and I find it disturbing that more Americans seem to worship guns more than they worship God. Again I ask: Will there be guns in Heaven? I agree that sane people have the American Constitutional right to have a gun, particularly in this terrible day and age when citizens have to protect themselves, their families and their properties. Also, guns are fine for hunting. However, I cannot agree that military style weapons should be available to the general public, including hunters, who I doubt intend to shoot many, many birds, deer or other animals at one time. A postscript: Despite what his critics say, President Obama has never indicated that he would have the government take away the guns of law-abiding citizens. In fact, he practically ignored the issue of gun control until the wake of massacres at a movie theatre and a school in 2012.
THE ABOVE LINK IS TO A REPORT FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I believe that current interpretaions of the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution are often misleading about the amendment's intent, and I find it disturbing that more Americans seem to worship guns more than they worship God. Again I ask: Will there be guns in Heaven? I agree that sane people have the American Constitutional right to have a gun, particularly in this terrible day and age when citizens have to protect themselves, their families and their properties. Also, guns are fine for hunting. However, I cannot agree that military style weapons should be available to the general public, including hunters, who I doubt intend to shoot many, many birds, deer or other animals at one time. A postscript: Despite what his critics say, President Obama has never indicated that he would have the government take away the guns of law-abiding citizens. In fact, he practically ignored the issue of gun control until the wake of massacres at a movie theatre and a school in 2012.
House GOP To Supreme Court: Gay People Are Too Powerful To Get Equal Rights
House GOP To Supreme Court: Gay People Are Too Powerful To Get Equal Rights: pFor nearly two years, House Republicans paid conservative superlawyer Paul Clement $520 an hour to defend the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act in federal court — and then sent the bill to the American taxpayer. In total Clement has now cost the American people up to $3 million for his efforts on behalf of this [...]/p
ABOVE LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: Republicans mislead us when they believe in the words of documents written by our founding fathers in establishing the United States of America. They seem to pooh-pooh the concept that "all men are created equal." (A progressive gay acquainance told me with a smile, "That's definitely not true.") But I digress, returning instead to the reality of what our forefathers said and to what many Americans give lip service but don't put into practice:
From Wikipedia: The opening of the United States Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows:
ABOVE LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: Republicans mislead us when they believe in the words of documents written by our founding fathers in establishing the United States of America. They seem to pooh-pooh the concept that "all men are created equal." (A progressive gay acquainance told me with a smile, "That's definitely not true.") But I digress, returning instead to the reality of what our forefathers said and to what many Americans give lip service but don't put into practice:
From Wikipedia: The opening of the United States Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Clinton Scolds GOP Senator For Focusing On Whether Protest Sparked Benghazi Attack
Clinton Scolds GOP Senator For Focusing On Whether Protest Sparked Benghazi Attack: pSecretary of State Hillary Clinton shot back at a Republican senator during today’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Benghazi terror attacks, arguing that the Republicans’ focus on whether there was a protest against an anti-Muslim video at the time of the attack is irrelevant. Much of the politicization surrounding the Benghazi affair centered [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I love you, Secretary of State Clinton. You keep going, girl!
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Toney comments: I love you, Secretary of State Clinton. You keep going, girl!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Why Obama’s Second Inaugural Was Not A ‘Far Left’ Speech, In One Graphic
Why Obama’s Second Inaugural Was Not A ‘Far Left’ Speech, In One Graphic: pAfter President Obama finished his second inaugural speech, Republicans jumped to claim that it was a “full-throated defense of government activism,” and that “he seeks to move the country even further left.” Overall, the conservatives concluded, the speech was partisan. The only problem? It wasn’t. On every major issue addressed during the inaugural on Monday, [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Jennifer Granholm Destroys Santorum’s Opposition To Gun Safety: ‘Why Do You Need An Armor Piercing Bullet?’
Jennifer Granholm Destroys Santorum’s Opposition To Gun Safety: ‘Why Do You Need An Armor Piercing Bullet?’: pFormer Republican presidential candidate and likely 2016 contender Rick Santorum dismissed the need for gun safety regulations during an appearance on ABC’s This Week Sunday, arguing that Americans should have access to military-style weapons and magazines, including the armor piercing bullets used by criminals to kill cops. During a heated exchange with former Michigan Gov. [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG.
Toney comments: Will there be military style weapons and magazines, or even guns, in Heaven? Did Jesus carry a gun? How did He feel about violence? Check out the red quotes in the first four books of the New Testament.
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG.
Toney comments: Will there be military style weapons and magazines, or even guns, in Heaven? Did Jesus carry a gun? How did He feel about violence? Check out the red quotes in the first four books of the New Testament.
Martin Luther King’s Progressive Legacy
Martin Luther King’s Progressive Legacy: pToday is the official ceremony for President Obama’s second inauguration and the national celebration of Martin Luther King Day. The holiday, which was not officially observed in all 50 states until 2000, honors the civil rights leader and nonviolent activist who led the struggle for African American equality, and against militarism, materialism, and poverty. And [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Obama Pushes Back On ‘The 47 Percent’: Entitlements ‘Do Not Make Us A Nation Of Takers’
Obama Pushes Back On ‘The 47 Percent’: Entitlements ‘Do Not Make Us A Nation Of Takers’: pIn the months of campaigning that unfolded after Mitt Romney was skewered for saying that “47 percent” of the country “believe that they are victims… believe the government has a responsibility to care for them,” President Obama was relatively silent about the remarks. But today, during his second inaugural speech, Obama got the last word [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
How Obama Made His Second Inaugural Address A Landmark Moment For LGBT Equality
How Obama Made His Second Inaugural Address A Landmark Moment For LGBT Equality: pPresident Obama just concluded what was arguably the most inclusive inaugural address ever delivered by any president. Of particular note was his inclusion of a direct call for marriage equality for gays and lesbians, reflecting the milestone from last May when he became the first president of the United States to ever make such an [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Monday, January 21, 2013
Limbaugh Tarnishes Civil Rights Movement To Advance Pro-Gun Agenda
Limbaugh Tarnishes Civil Rights Movement To Advance Pro-Gun Agenda: pConservative radio host Rush Limbaugh sought to equate the fight for African American civil rights with opposition to gun safety on Friday, suggesting that the movement could have better protected itself from segregationists had it been armed. Limbaugh specifically signaled out Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a nonviolent civil rights activist who was beaten during the [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Jennifer Granholm Destroys Santorum’s Opposition To Gun Safety: ‘Why Do You Need An Armor Piercing Bullet?’
Jennifer Granholm Destroys Santorum’s Opposition To Gun Safety: ‘Why Do You Need An Armor Piercing Bullet?’: pFormer Republican presidential candidate and likely 2016 contender Rick Santorum dismissed the need for gun safety regulations during an appearance on ABC’s This Week Sunday, arguing that Americans should have access to military-style weapons and magazines, including the armor piercing bullets used by criminals to kill cops. During a heated exchange with former Michigan Gov. [...]/p
GOOD QUESTION. FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
GOOD QUESTION. FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
UPDATED: 5 People Shot At 3 Different Gun Shows On Gun Appreciation Day
UPDATED: 5 People Shot At 3 Different Gun Shows On Gun Appreciation Day: pIf the gun advocates behind this year’s inaugural Gun Appreciation Day had hoped to use the day’s festivities to build support for their anti-regulation platform, they are going to have to wait another year. Emergency personnel had to be called to the scene of the Dixie Gun and Knife Show in Raleigh, North Carolina after [...]/p
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Everything You Need To Know About Obama’s Gun Violence Prevention Proposals
Everything You Need To Know About Obama’s Gun Violence Prevention Proposals: pIn a press conference on Wednesday, President Obama outlined a sweeping effort to prevent gun violence in the United States. Surrounded by children who had written him letters voicing their desire to see gun laws passed, Obama announced that he will sign 23 executive orders and bring a set of proposals to Congress. The President [...]/p
THIS IS A LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG TO ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HISTORIC NEWS IMPACTING OUR NATION TODAY.
THIS IS A LINK FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG TO ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HISTORIC NEWS IMPACTING OUR NATION TODAY.
Wealthy CEOs Want To Force Americans To Retire Later
Wealthy CEOs Want To Force Americans To Retire Later: pThe Business Roundtable, a group representing the CEOs of the largest corporations in the nation — including the biggest banks, retailers, and insurance companies — is calling to raise the retirement age to 70. The group argues that Social Security is no longer affordable and plans to lobby Congressional lawmakers and the administration for its [...]/p
THIS LINK AND MANY OTHER NEWS LINKS IN THIS BLOG ARE FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG TO KEEP YOU INFORMED ABOUT NEWS FOX AND RIGHT-WING SOURCES WILL EITHER NOT REPORT OR WILL DISTORT.
THIS LINK AND MANY OTHER NEWS LINKS IN THIS BLOG ARE FROM THINKPROGRESS.ORG TO KEEP YOU INFORMED ABOUT NEWS FOX AND RIGHT-WING SOURCES WILL EITHER NOT REPORT OR WILL DISTORT.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
What Everyone Should Know About New York’s New Gun Law
What Everyone Should Know About New York’s New Gun Law: pThe New York State legislature has passed a piece of gun legislation called the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, or NYSAFE. The comprehensive measure makes sweeping changes to how the state approaches firearms and mental health. Here’s everything you need to know about the measure: 1. New York is the first state [...]/p
Common Sense
Common Sense: pWhat We Can Do to Help Prevent Gun Violence It’s been a month and a day since the tragic gun massacre in Newtown. What has been less remarked upon is the slow-motion tragedy that unfolds on the streets of America each and every day. On average, 33 people are murdered with guns every day. In [...]/p
DEFINITELY GOOD INFO FROM THINK PROGRESS.
DEFINITELY GOOD INFO FROM THINK PROGRESS.
10 States Take Action To Prevent Gun Violence
10 States Take Action To Prevent Gun Violence: pOne month after Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre prompted a national debate about preventing gun violence, state lawmakers have indicated they will push gun violence prevention measures, such as universal background checks, limiting high-capacity ammunition, and banning assault weapons. Right now, the vast majority of states have no laws on many of these issues. While [...]/p
RNC Chair: Rig The Next Presidential Election For Republicans
RNC Chair: Rig The Next Presidential Election For Republicans: pA little over a year ago, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) proposed rigging the presidential election for Mitt Romney by allocating electoral votes based upon which candidate carried each individual congressional district, rather than upon who wins the state as a whole. Thanks in large part to Republican gerrymandering, if Corbett’s election-rigging plan had been [...]/p
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
GQ And Beyoncé Knowles’—Quite Literal—Control Over Her Own Image
GQ And Beyoncé Knowles’—Quite Literal—Control Over Her Own Image: pGQ has named Beyoncé Knowles the sexiest woman of the millenium, an assessment with which I have no quibble. But what’s most interesting about the resulting profile of her, written by Amy Wallace, and the interview for which took place on the condition that Wallace consent that it be recorded by Knowles in an inversion [...]/p
Pro-Gun Advocate: Arming Black People Would Have Prevented Slavery
Pro-Gun Advocate: Arming Black People Would Have Prevented Slavery: pThe pro-gun lobby has kicked into overdrive to stifle anti-gun violence efforts in the wake of the Newtown school massacre. Gun advocates are cooking up a national Gun Appreciation Day for the weekend of President Obama’s second inauguration. Larry Ward, chairman of Gun Appreciation Day, appeared on CNN on Friday to defend his event. When [...]/p
Three Things The NRA Wants You To Believe About Biden’s Gun Safety Task Force That Aren’t True
Three Things The NRA Wants You To Believe About Biden’s Gun Safety Task Force That Aren’t True: pOn Thursday, the National Rifle Association (NRA) blasted the Obama administration for undermining Americans’ Second Amendment rights just moments after its representatives met with Vice President Joe Biden and the White House task force to reduce gun violence. Two years ago, the NRA wouldn’t even meet with President Obama and the group’s CEO and executive [...]/p
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
By The Numbers...Fiscal Cliff Avoided
By The Numbers: pWhat’s in the Tax Deal After weeks of tense negotiations and drama (a detailed blow-by-blow can be found here), Congress finally managed to solve at least part of its latest manufactured crisis. After the country had technically already gone over the so-called “fiscal cliff,” the Senate overwhelmingly passed a compromise tax plan early Tuesday morning [...]/p
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM
TODAY:
Toney Atkins
www.toneyatkins.com/
TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE HIM OR HER!
THEY'LL FEEL GOOD, AND YOU WILL, TOO!
THIS ONE SIMPLE ACT COULD BRING A MIRACLE INTO YOUR LIFE!
Toney Atkins
www.toneyatkins.com/
Monday, December 17, 2012
Five Sensible Steps -- Think Progress
Five Sensible Steps: pA Sensible Path Forward on Gun Safety Last night, President Obama once again committed himself and the nation to meaningful action to reduce gun violence in our society: This is our first task — caring for our children. It’s our first job. If we don’t get that right, we don’t get anything right. That’s how, [...]/p
VISION GONE IN RIGHT EYE: A ::PRAYER REQUEST
BY TONEY ATKINS
I expected the approach of my landmark 70th birthday would be somewhat depressing, but I wasn't anticipaing everything to start falling apart at the same time. I sometimes get the feeling that if they had given away free tickets on the Titantic for front row seats for a better vew of the glaciers, I would have won one.
I have until Jan. 2, 2013, to get back to my nearly 70-year-old, better than expected state of health.
For that to happen, I need your positive vibes and prayers.
When I went to the doctor last Monday to be checked for possible bronchitis and examination of my eyes, which friends had tol me to staying red all the time. He prescribed an antibiotic and a pill that was supposed to each my increasing cough. In fact, I felt terrible Wenesday, Thursday and Friday; the cough was awful and painful; I alternated between chills and fever; then the scariest thing happened.'
My right eye seemed to short circuit. I don't know if it was a minor stroke. All I know is, as I type this, it's taking much longer because I simply cannot see anything out of my right eye, and my left eye is not the best in the world.
I no longer have a car, and I don't know if it warrants a call to 9-1-1.
This is the worst case of flulike, bronchial like illness I've had in years and particularlythe vision thing. Some might say it would be no great loss, but it disturbs me that my writing career may be over; that I might not get to see two of my favorite neighbors' baby girl, due to be born in May.
I am grateful for all that the Lord has let me see and hear in my lifetime, and I hope your prayers and positive vibes will make it possible to see and hear even more.
REGARDING THIS ILLNESS: I took both the flu vaccine and the pneumonia show and still feel like crap a week after this first started. I URGE YOU TO GET A FLU SHOT AND EVEN A PNEUMONIA SHOT. If this illness was this bad after taking the injections, I can only imagine how horrible it could have been if I hadn't had the shots.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF MY EYE, AND I KNOW YOU WILL BE BLESSED.
Toney Atkins
I expected the approach of my landmark 70th birthday would be somewhat depressing, but I wasn't anticipaing everything to start falling apart at the same time. I sometimes get the feeling that if they had given away free tickets on the Titantic for front row seats for a better vew of the glaciers, I would have won one.
I have until Jan. 2, 2013, to get back to my nearly 70-year-old, better than expected state of health.
For that to happen, I need your positive vibes and prayers.
When I went to the doctor last Monday to be checked for possible bronchitis and examination of my eyes, which friends had tol me to staying red all the time. He prescribed an antibiotic and a pill that was supposed to each my increasing cough. In fact, I felt terrible Wenesday, Thursday and Friday; the cough was awful and painful; I alternated between chills and fever; then the scariest thing happened.'
My right eye seemed to short circuit. I don't know if it was a minor stroke. All I know is, as I type this, it's taking much longer because I simply cannot see anything out of my right eye, and my left eye is not the best in the world.
I no longer have a car, and I don't know if it warrants a call to 9-1-1.
This is the worst case of flulike, bronchial like illness I've had in years and particularlythe vision thing. Some might say it would be no great loss, but it disturbs me that my writing career may be over; that I might not get to see two of my favorite neighbors' baby girl, due to be born in May.
I am grateful for all that the Lord has let me see and hear in my lifetime, and I hope your prayers and positive vibes will make it possible to see and hear even more.
REGARDING THIS ILLNESS: I took both the flu vaccine and the pneumonia show and still feel like crap a week after this first started. I URGE YOU TO GET A FLU SHOT AND EVEN A PNEUMONIA SHOT. If this illness was this bad after taking the injections, I can only imagine how horrible it could have been if I hadn't had the shots.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF MY EYE, AND I KNOW YOU WILL BE BLESSED.
Toney Atkins
Sunday, December 16, 2012
MAYA DESCENDANTS CALM ABOUT DEC. 21 --AP
UH-MAY, Mexico (AP) — Amid a worldwide frenzy of advertisers and new-agers preparing for a Maya apocalypse, one group is approaching Dec. 21 with calm and equanimity — the people whose ancestors supposedly made the prediction in the first place.
Mexico's 800,000 Mayas are not the sinister, secretive, apocalypse-obsessed race they've been made out to be....
Five Lies The Gun Lobby Tells You
Five Lies The Gun Lobby Tells You: pAmerica’s seems to be in for another debate over gun regulation after the slaughter at Sandy Hook Elementary School left 27 (mostly children) dead. So it’s worth reviewing five made against regulating gun ownership in the United States: MYTH #1: More guns don’t lead to more murders. A survey by researchers at the Harvard University [...]/p
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