Lately every time I read the morning paper there is another story that sounds like a script from "The Shield"
a series about a corrupt drug task force.
Early April there was the story of a 19 year old Fong Lee who was gunned down while being chased by police.
No drugs were found on him and the gun found near by looks like a possible plant, his family is suing the city and the police department.
Today a another law suit was filed by a man who is trying to recover 4,500.00 taken from him illegally.
Dagoberto Rodriguez Cardonos has spent the last nine months trying to recover his money,
he has not been charged with any crime connected to the money.
The law suit filed today alleges that a gang strike force took money from Cardonos and did not provide any receipt, inventory
or any paperwork.
He was at a impound lot picking up his girlfriends car when 5 plainclothes police officers arrived and ordered him and a group of other immigrants that were there to put their hands up.
Cardona said an officer searched him, found the money, held it up and said "Oh money" and then just put it in his pocket over the protests of Cardonos.
Even though he has produced proof that the money was legal, it has not been returned.
The suit also alleges that some city employee's' including lot workers and officers violated a Minneapolis ordinance that prohibits them from asking about their immigration status unless the law requires it.
Cardona, a native of Honduras didn't have a permit and was turned over to federal immigration agents.
Whether he was legal or not, his money should be returned.
The insurance premiums for the city of Mpls must be getting pretty high.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
One more for the Good Guys.
If there was anything that was going to bring the National Media back to politics in this country, Pennsylvania Sen.Arlen Specters announcement today that he is rejoining the Democratic party has done it.
Was I surprised?
Not really, I think it was only a matter of time, and if the Republicans continue their witch hunt directed by the right wing of their party. there may be others that follow,
Susan Collins, Olympia Snow maybe?
The Republicans have treated the moderates in their party shabbily because of their support of some Democratic issues, and Sen. Specter's chances of winning re-election as a Republican were getting smaller and smaller, especially in a Demcratic leaning state.
He was expecting a strong challenge in the Republican primary from former Rep. Pat Toomey.
His decision will give the Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority, if Al Franken is ever allowed to take his rightful seat in the Senate.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning June 1st and hopefully by July 4th we can begin to rebuild our Constitution.
When President Obama was informed of Specter's decision, he reached out to the senator minutes later to tell him "you have my full support," and we are "thrilled to have you."
The talk jocks should be rumbling tonight, I'm just smiling.
Was I surprised?
Not really, I think it was only a matter of time, and if the Republicans continue their witch hunt directed by the right wing of their party. there may be others that follow,
Susan Collins, Olympia Snow maybe?
The Republicans have treated the moderates in their party shabbily because of their support of some Democratic issues, and Sen. Specter's chances of winning re-election as a Republican were getting smaller and smaller, especially in a Demcratic leaning state.
He was expecting a strong challenge in the Republican primary from former Rep. Pat Toomey.
His decision will give the Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority, if Al Franken is ever allowed to take his rightful seat in the Senate.
The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments beginning June 1st and hopefully by July 4th we can begin to rebuild our Constitution.
When President Obama was informed of Specter's decision, he reached out to the senator minutes later to tell him "you have my full support," and we are "thrilled to have you."
The talk jocks should be rumbling tonight, I'm just smiling.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Princess Amalia
Amalia turned 7 years old on April 22nd and I meant to post about it earlier
But I am a little depressed at how fast she is growing up.
She is the youngest member of the family, the sweetest little redhead you could ever meet.
But it won't be long before she will be in that crappy stage of life where teens hate every one around them.
It takes till their mid twenties before they start to come out of their rooms and smile again, especially girls.
Here she is with her Uncle Bitsy
But I am a little depressed at how fast she is growing up.
She is the youngest member of the family, the sweetest little redhead you could ever meet.
But it won't be long before she will be in that crappy stage of life where teens hate every one around them.
It takes till their mid twenties before they start to come out of their rooms and smile again, especially girls.
Here she is with her Uncle Bitsy
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Lost in Austen
If you have followed my blog for a while, you may remember that I am a big Jane Austen fan.
It started back in 7th and 8th grade when I discovered Gothic fiction and started reading books by the Bronte sisters.
One day when I was checking out books from the library , the librarian suggested I try Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
It led to a very busy summer of reading .
I am also a fan of Masterpiece Classic and have been watching Charles Dickens "Little Dorrit" which concludes tonight on PBS.
Following it has been a series called Lost in Austen, kind of a
"Through the Looking Glass story" .
Elizabeth Bennett main character from Pride and Prejudice changes places with a reluctant Amanda Price who has been using Jane Austen's books as a
form of tranquilizer to juice up her boring love life.
What has really grabbed my attention in this series, is the actor who plays Mr. Darcy and the incredible resemblance he has to Heath Ledger.
I don't know how long this series is going to be on but I am definitely enjoying a new look at the story.
The scene below doesn't really show the humor of this series just a good look at
Eliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy..what do you think?
It started back in 7th and 8th grade when I discovered Gothic fiction and started reading books by the Bronte sisters.
One day when I was checking out books from the library , the librarian suggested I try Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
It led to a very busy summer of reading .
I am also a fan of Masterpiece Classic and have been watching Charles Dickens "Little Dorrit" which concludes tonight on PBS.
Following it has been a series called Lost in Austen, kind of a
"Through the Looking Glass story" .
Elizabeth Bennett main character from Pride and Prejudice changes places with a reluctant Amanda Price who has been using Jane Austen's books as a
form of tranquilizer to juice up her boring love life.
What has really grabbed my attention in this series, is the actor who plays Mr. Darcy and the incredible resemblance he has to Heath Ledger.
I don't know how long this series is going to be on but I am definitely enjoying a new look at the story.
The scene below doesn't really show the humor of this series just a good look at
Eliot Cowan as Mr. Darcy..what do you think?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Good Pay TV !
I wish I had known Charles Grodin was going to be on Sean Hannity's show.
I love that guy and use to watch his late night talk show.
Good for Keith Olberman for jumping on this challenge.
I hope more decide to add to the bounty.
I would pay to watch Sean Hannity and any of the other defenders of torture being water boarded.
I would pay double if one of them was Ann Coulter.
I love that guy and use to watch his late night talk show.
Good for Keith Olberman for jumping on this challenge.
I hope more decide to add to the bounty.
I would pay to watch Sean Hannity and any of the other defenders of torture being water boarded.
I would pay double if one of them was Ann Coulter.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Will Susan get to sing for the Queen?
Last week on Britain's got Talent, a frumpy 47 year old lady from Scotland walked out on to the stage and caused eyes to roll
because of her appearance and and obvious confidence in her talent.
Within seconds when she began to sing "I dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserable, those eyes got wide and giant smiles were on their faces.
The audience's snickers also turned to cheers.
It was the perfect song choice for Simon Cowell, and the smile on his face and the rest of the judges was exhilarating.
Techy Flash was the first one to bring Susan Boyle's performance to my attention,
but it wasn't long before everyone was sending me the you tube video.
I love this woman I can't get enough of her and she is one of the reasons I love these type of shows.
Susan lives alone with her cat Mitzi, says she has never had a boyfriend or never been kissed.
Friday night she was on Larry King and Oprah has invited her to be on her show
Her whole life is about to change,
I just hope it doesn't change her.
Just in case you have been in a bubble and haven't seen this performance, go to youtube and check it out before it is removed.
Most of the video's have have had their embedding disabled but here is an interview from Scottish TV.
because of her appearance and and obvious confidence in her talent.
Within seconds when she began to sing "I dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserable, those eyes got wide and giant smiles were on their faces.
The audience's snickers also turned to cheers.
It was the perfect song choice for Simon Cowell, and the smile on his face and the rest of the judges was exhilarating.
Techy Flash was the first one to bring Susan Boyle's performance to my attention,
but it wasn't long before everyone was sending me the you tube video.
I love this woman I can't get enough of her and she is one of the reasons I love these type of shows.
Susan lives alone with her cat Mitzi, says she has never had a boyfriend or never been kissed.
Friday night she was on Larry King and Oprah has invited her to be on her show
Her whole life is about to change,
I just hope it doesn't change her.
Just in case you have been in a bubble and haven't seen this performance, go to youtube and check it out before it is removed.
Most of the video's have have had their embedding disabled but here is an interview from Scottish TV.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Play for Change
Playing for Change Community is a group of artists and people who have come together to
connect the world through music.
When I first saw this all I wanted to do was hop a plane and head for New Orleans.
I love this music it makes me feel good,
enjoy!
connect the world through music.
When I first saw this all I wanted to do was hop a plane and head for New Orleans.
I love this music it makes me feel good,
enjoy!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Top Political Blogs according to Chris
You may have seen Chris Cillizza, who writes "The Fix" for the Washington Post, on Keith Olberman's Countdown MSNBC.
Recently he released his list of top Political Blogs in each state. Techy Flash who writes Centrisity made it this year. Dusty Trice is also a friend of mine and his blog is kind of an answer to Minnesota Democrats exposed.
If you like politics check out your state by going to The Fix
Minnesota
MNPublius
Minnesota Democrats Exposed
Minnesota Progressive Project
Centrisity
Dusty Trice
True North
Politics in Minnesota
The Uptake
Recently he released his list of top Political Blogs in each state. Techy Flash who writes Centrisity made it this year. Dusty Trice is also a friend of mine and his blog is kind of an answer to Minnesota Democrats exposed.
If you like politics check out your state by going to The Fix
Minnesota
MNPublius
Minnesota Democrats Exposed
Minnesota Progressive Project
Centrisity
Dusty Trice
True North
Politics in Minnesota
The Uptake
Sunday, April 12, 2009
No Shock just Awe !
While everyone has been criticizing Obama for not doing anything to rescue
Captain Richard Philips.
Quietly behind the scenes things were in process.
Chris Cillzza "The Fix" from the Washington Post
says it best,
"On the surface, Obama and his senior aides were only monitoring the situation but, according to a White House official, the administration was far more engaged behind closed doors.
Obama received his first briefing on the incident just hours after returning from his eight day trip abroad on Wednesday, and over the next 48 hours received further briefings to keep him apprised of the situation. By late Friday the president had authorized "potential emergency actions" to free the ship's captain and he did so again on Saturday. By Sunday at 4 p.m., Obama was on the phone with the rescued captain congratulating him on his new-won freedom."
I think the message sent here is, don't mess with
"The Man"!
Yesterday at our family Easter celebration one family member suggested they just blow up the raft with the Captain on it.
I suggested that all they needed to do was put our Navy Seals in the water and he would be free.
I had faith in our Navy.
Maybe they will think twice before they go after another American ship, and maybe now other countries will join us in
making these waters safe.
I don't expect Obama to take any credit, I expect him to give it all to the rescuers.
But remember Leadership is necessary here and I think right now this proves we have the right Person in charge.
May I add, I think John Bolton is a Giant A hole.
Captain Richard Philips.
Quietly behind the scenes things were in process.
Chris Cillzza "The Fix" from the Washington Post
says it best,
"On the surface, Obama and his senior aides were only monitoring the situation but, according to a White House official, the administration was far more engaged behind closed doors.
Obama received his first briefing on the incident just hours after returning from his eight day trip abroad on Wednesday, and over the next 48 hours received further briefings to keep him apprised of the situation. By late Friday the president had authorized "potential emergency actions" to free the ship's captain and he did so again on Saturday. By Sunday at 4 p.m., Obama was on the phone with the rescued captain congratulating him on his new-won freedom."
I think the message sent here is, don't mess with
"The Man"!
Yesterday at our family Easter celebration one family member suggested they just blow up the raft with the Captain on it.
I suggested that all they needed to do was put our Navy Seals in the water and he would be free.
I had faith in our Navy.
Maybe they will think twice before they go after another American ship, and maybe now other countries will join us in
making these waters safe.
I don't expect Obama to take any credit, I expect him to give it all to the rescuers.
But remember Leadership is necessary here and I think right now this proves we have the right Person in charge.
May I add, I think John Bolton is a Giant A hole.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
That crazy Lady strikes again....
You need to read the latest drama going on in Alaskan politics.
Instead of writing it all here I suggest you get the whole story from Mudflats!
Instead of writing it all here I suggest you get the whole story from Mudflats!
Friday, April 03, 2009
This has an unpleasant odor !
The paper this morning was full of some sad stories but this one grabbed me.
On July 22, 2006 a Minneapolis Police officer shot 19 year old Fong Lee eight times killing him,
after seeing what he thought was an exchange of drugs outside of Cityview elementary school on the north side of Minneapolis, .
Two days later at a news conference the police displayed a pistol they say was found next to Fong Lee's body.
This week the debate over Fong Lee's death resumed when a law suit was filed by the family alleging that the gun was planted.
It turns out the gun had been stolen in a 2004 burglary and recovered shortly afterwards and was held in a police property room until it was found by Fong Lees body.
Was it planted?
The police say no, they say the gun was mistakenly identified when it was recovered the first time.
I want to give the police the benefit of the doubt but I find it hard to understand why a 19 year old running from a police officer would need to be shot in the back eight times,twice while he was already on the ground.
On July 22, 2006 a Minneapolis Police officer shot 19 year old Fong Lee eight times killing him,
after seeing what he thought was an exchange of drugs outside of Cityview elementary school on the north side of Minneapolis, .
Two days later at a news conference the police displayed a pistol they say was found next to Fong Lee's body.
This week the debate over Fong Lee's death resumed when a law suit was filed by the family alleging that the gun was planted.
It turns out the gun had been stolen in a 2004 burglary and recovered shortly afterwards and was held in a police property room until it was found by Fong Lees body.
Was it planted?
The police say no, they say the gun was mistakenly identified when it was recovered the first time.
I want to give the police the benefit of the doubt but I find it hard to understand why a 19 year old running from a police officer would need to be shot in the back eight times,twice while he was already on the ground.
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