Jason Chaffetz tweeted the following on September 23, 2009:

• I am outraged by the President's comments at the U.N. His approach to the Israel-Palestinian situation is wrong on many fronts.
• President wants discussions "without preconditions." I disagree. We should always stand tall for Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
• Also, the President's characterization that Israel should "end the occupation that began in 1967" is offensive and wrong.

I was a little confused by this.

Ya see, Chaffetz said "I disagree. We should always stand tall for Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state."

But President Obama specifically called for "a Jewish State of Israel, with true security for all Israelis."

Where's the disagreement?

Chaffetz then says that the President is wrong to call the Israeli occupation of land it annexed (and is not legally Israeli territory) an occupation.

But the President isn't wrong. The crux of the modern conflict between Israel and Palestine has been the Israeli-occupied territories. It's called an occupation because that's what it is.

Chaffetz is obviously disagreeing with the President for the sake of being disagreeable (and to get his name in the news again) while simultaneously making himself and the state he represents look like an uninformed horse's ass.

I am on the mend.

Good news.  No, great news!  I've been really sick for the past 3 years and have started putting myself through my own style of rehab, which includes hard, physical labor, working for 8 hours a day (even if at home), leaving the house on a regular basis and getting my mind set back to a work mode.

After 2 years of ECT on and off, I can literally say, with accuracy, I lost my mind.  But, it's coming back, mostly through sheer will.  And finding what really does work for my particular Bipolar Depression, which is natural, herbage.

Not being able to leave the house after working for more than 20 years and raising a kid on my own was a shock to the system.  There are still certainly things I am unable to do, and may be forever.  Things like driving on the freeway or being in unfamiliar crowds.  I will probably never be able to get back to base on those, but slowly, with lots of work, I think I am able to return to some sort of life.

I've reached out to key people in my life and even hearing from them makes my day.  I am blessed.  

In case the word hasn't reached City Weekly, Keller Williams and Umphrey's McGee will be playing in Salt Lake this Thursday, 9/17, at The Depot. 

This is one of the few shows Keller will do with Umphrey's McGee this year and it's always a great show with these two acts.  Expect some great improvisation and lots of great jamming.

Doors open at 7 PM, show starts at 8 PM.

Tickets are $20 and the show is 21+.

Mark your calendars!
Please forward to your Friends!

Wasatch Women's Club presents Wasatch Roller Derby (WRD) in a charity bout for South Valley Sanctuary Domestic Violence Shelter on September 12^th, 2009.  The bout features WRD's all female, flat track skaters battling it out at Hollywood Connection, 3217 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.  Starting whistle blows at 7pm.

 Come see talented skaters throw it down on the track!  JENNAssassin, Lady Rage, Venom Strike, Tenacious Dread, and all their teammates will push for the win!  Dr. Pain, Miss Bizness Das, Ardna Eel and Tina Terminator will try to shut down the jammers as they weave through the pack. Each skater brings her unique talents to the floor.  Make yourself part of the action by seeing it live!

South Valley Sanctuary's mission is a humanitarian effort to provide refuge, education and support to all survivors of domestic violence. We provide individualized, survivor-focused services that aim to empower men, women and children as they work towards breaking the cycle of violence. We believe that engaging the community in critical dialogue on the fight against domestic violence is crucial in creating and sustaining safe homes, neighborhoods and communities

Doors open at 6pm and the bout starts at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Children 5 and under free. Tickets are also available at Hoppers (890 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, Utah 84047).  Merchandise will be for sale at the bout.  After the game, come and relax with the teams at The Puck, 3396 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah. For more information about WRD and a link for donations and event tickets, visit us at www.wasatchrollerderby.com.

I just have to quickly blog my praise to my good friend, MaryJane.

She calms me, eases my pain and my brain.

Praise be to you, MaryJane

Interesting.  A month and a half ago I was summarily dismissed from the group I co-founded - SLCNORML - and now I find myself actually glad I didn't get further involved.

I worked my ass of producing and maintaining Facebook, Myspace and Twitter pages for the first chapter of NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) in Utah.  SLCNORML was my baby.  I came up with the name and did all of the ground work.  Apparently, however, it was TOO much work for the group to handle.  I was dismissed by the "co-founder" and other "board members" after three meetings.  That's fine.  Actually, it's great - I don't have to stress out and worry about what other people think.  I was "told" not to discuss the situtation, but FUCK that.  After all, we do have free speech in this country, although some people would rather you tape your mouth shut and follow along like a sheep.

I have decided I will NOT keep my mouth shut and will post whatever the fuck I choose, because I can.  I won't disparage other people by name (God forbid I get sued for slander - yeah, as if I have ANYthing ANYone could want), but I can discuss the situation in general.  Free speech my friends.  Check the constitution.

Sadly, all the work I put into founding the SLCNORML chapter appears to have been in vain.  There does not appear to have been any group activity.  I honestly hope people are brave enough to stand up to people and state their mind.  Being bullied into keeping quiet is bullshit. 

But - life goes on.  No bitterness, just sorrow and pity for the poor fuckers who are still dealing with it.  That's all.  Time to move on to real life.  Real people who respect me and my ideas.  That's all for now.  No more assholes.  At last!

Summer Smackdown

Saturday, August 22^nd, 6 PM
Black and White Open Scrimmage

Trailside Park, 5705 Trailside drive, Park City, Utah 84098

PARK CITY, UT – Roller Derby Action continues in beautiful Park City this summer.  This is a Black and White scrimmage where anything can happen.  This outrageous event will showcase some talented skaters from all around Utah.  It’s a take-no-prisoners battle to the finish.  If you missed the last PC scrimmage this is your opportunity to play in the beautiful outdoors.  USARS is required for both skaters and referees, and day passes will be available for $15 at the event (all payment types accepted). We ask all skaters to arrive at 5pm to check in and be assigned to a team.

For patrons, if you have not had a chance to experience roller derby this is a phenomenal place to do it.  Bring a cooler with your favorite drinks and come cheer on your favorite derby girl.

$10 advanced tickets

$12 at the door

Kids 5 and under FREE

Seating is limited and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.  For the best view, join us trackside and bring a blanket for a seat.  Must be 18+ years of age to sit trackside. 

There will be a picnic during and after the scrimmage.  Plates including a burger, chips and a drink will be available for $5.00.  Meet the derby girls as they relax in the fresh outdoors.

CHECK IN AS MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS EVENT ARE POSTED at www.wasatchrollerderby.com.

DOWN AND DERBY with COACH PAULY

Saturday , August 29th  12:30-3:30pm

Sunday, August 30^th 12:30-2:30pm
$20.00 to participate

Trailside Park, 5705 Trailside drive, Park City, Utah 84098

So, when did local politics become so unimportant?  Sure, coverage of alcohol shenanigans in Utah's most famous national park is interesting and laughable, but lots of people are going to be voting again this November.  Voting is voting, and to be a responsible voter, I need info!

I live in City Council District 3.  There is no encumbent.  Seven people have thrown their name into a hat, hoping to have it drawn on September 15th so they can continue campaigning madly.  I had no idea there were seven until I started some serious surfing.  When lawn signs are your main source of information, there is something seriously awry!

I have learned that the only way to ensure things are done the way you want is to do them yourself.  Since I can't count on SL Trib, D-News, OR City Weekly to provide important democratic information (that would squeeze out their worthless Make Your Tattoo Famous dribble), I have searched tirelessly for all the information I can find about the candidates, including emailing my own interviews.  It's all posted for your convenience on my real blog.  It is just covering District 3, for now.

When the publications get their act in gear, I'll consider saying something nice.

Corinne Rydman

Wasatch Roller Derby (WRD) played their second interleague game Saturday night, August 8^th, 2009 against Colorado Springs’ Pikes Peak Slamazons.  Despite injuries and travel difficulties reducing their roster to 9 girls, WRD brought home a big win with a final score of 158-54. Wasatch had the team work, drive and the endurance to dominate the track.

Wasatch Roller Derby controlled the pace of the entire game.  Dr. Pain and Jennasassin took charge in the pivot position, controlling the pack.  Kinky Killbasa, Gunnin’ Geisha, Drewish Princess, and Lady Rage pulled out all the stops as blockers, forming walls and delivering hits that were too much for the Pikes Peak skaters.  As jammers, Honey Delunatic, Queen Anne’s Revenge and Psychedelic Lilia pulled the majority of the points during the game, filling in as blockers when they weren’t wearing the star.  This action packed league is gaining recognition and respect throughout the West.  

Wasatch skaters were accompanied by two Utah official referees Pork Chop Express and Derby Hancock.  We would like to send a big shout out to them for all of their on going support!  

Check out www.wasatchrollerderby.com for more information, pictures and upcoming events.

Next WRD event: August 22^nd, 2009 WRD will be hosting their 2^nd black and white picnic scrimmage of the year.  This event is open to all skaters and referees.  Come join us for another afternoon of great derby action. 

Las Vegas is a lovely little town. Really it is.

I prefer the seedy part. Down by the Nuggett. You meet more interesting people down there. And Binion's serves a mean breakfast.

But I have never really considered Vegas green. I have never really thought of it as some kind of bastion of environmentally friendly building practices.

Maybe that's just me.

So this headline caught my eye:

Vegas CityCenter Project Bets Big on Bringing Green to the Strip

Well, Boo-Yah and La-Tee-Dah!

Here's the link, freakos:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#1BomT0/www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/08/07/vegas-citycenter/