Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
North Korea says it is entering ’state of war’ with South
North Korea says it is entering ’state of war’ with South
Above from NBCNews.com
Toney's advice: Keep an eye on this developing story. A war with North Korea, if it should launch missiles and kill Americans or South Koreans, could shoot the world's security level into the red zone. If there should be a war, it would have a major impact, and we certainly don't want our populations or our troops in danger of devastation in such an unnecessary war that might be started by an upstart North Korean leader.
ALSO CHECK OUT http://toneyatkins.blogspot.com/ for other news that really may be news to you, accompanied occasionally by often controversial comments by Toney Atkins. You can share specific posts or the entire blog with friends by clicking the "share" button and use either Facebook, emails or other social media favorites.
Drones over America: How unmanned fliers are already helping cops - Technology on NBCNews.com
Drones over America: How unmanned fliers are already helping cops - Technology on NBCNews.com
Toney Atkins comments: Big Brother is watching us. Let's just hope they don't have missiles aimed at anybody.
Without Medicaid Expansion, Poor Americans In The South Are Less Likely To Get Medical Care
Without Medicaid Expansion, Poor Americans In The South Are Less Likely To Get Medical Care: pLow-income Americans in the South, where states impose some of the nation’s most restrictive Medicaid eligibility requirements, are being forced to put off the medical care they need because they can’t afford it. According to a new study from the New England Journal of Medicine, the American adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid assistance in [...]/p
Why You Should Be More Concerned About War With North Korea This Time
Why You Should Be More Concerned About War With North Korea This Time: pTensions on the Korean peninsula are nothing new — historically, North Korea frequently rattles its saber for one reason for another. But the recent escalation in tensions between the North and South have experts worried that this time might be different, that the threat of the United States being drawn into a devastating war with [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Friday, March 29, 2013
Ignore The Spin: Why Food Stamp Enrollment Isn’t Shrinking (Yet)
Ignore The Spin: Why Food Stamp Enrollment Isn’t Shrinking (Yet): pThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, expanded rapidly during the Great Recession, when millions of workers lost jobs and entered poverty, forcing them to turn to the government’s social safety net for help. But even as the economy has begun to recover, SNAP “isn’t shrinking back alongside the recovery,” the [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: Many people who are fortunate enough to have good jobs and good paydays often frown upon those who require food stamps to eat. Sometimes, the food purchased with the stamps will only last a few weeks, and recipients and their children have to fight hunger until the next month's allocations. It's sad but true that the carpet can be pulled out from under people who have good jobs and all the conveniences that come with having money in the bank. Lawmakers aren' doing much to create new jobs, so when someone unexpectedly loses a job, money can suddenly be so scarce you cannot afford to pay rent, much less pay for food for yourself or your family. The SNAP program is a lifesaver for many. We can also be grateful for the many churches that have started food giveaways, with help from local merchants and individuals and help many to stock what otherwise might be empty food pantries and kitchen shelves. These programs offer an opportunity for the haves in our society to help the have-nots in their time of crisis. There are a lot of hungry folks out there, and I have been one of them at times in my life. As a retiree, for some reason I only qualify for $16 per month, and you can imagine how long that lasts. Don't frown upon the needy. They may be the ones who help you when you are down and out.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
North Korea Rockets On Standby To Hit U.S. Bases On Kim Jong Un's Orders, KCNA Reports
North Korea Rockets On Standby To Hit U.S. Bases On Kim Jong Un's Orders, KCNA Reports
Posted from The Huffington Post
For updates on this breaking news story, I recommend https://www.nbcnews.com/ .
THE FRENCH ARE COMING! THE FRENCH ARE COMING!
Top Republican Warns Of French People Illegally Crossing Mexican Border In South Texas
Top Republican Warns Of French People Illegally Crossing Mexican Border In South Texas: pDuring an appearance on a local radio station Thursday morning, Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) claimed that people from all over the world are now entering the country illegally through Texas and insisted that any Congressional effort to reform the immigration system must invest in border security. “You gotta stop the flow of people coming [...]/p
Above from ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: OMG! OMG! The French are coming! The French are coming! OMG! One memory that strikes me upon reading the above is a column I wrote just after the terrible terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. I simply pointed out that terrorists could easily enter our country by coming through Mexico (and I read recently that caves between Mexico and the U.S. would allow secret access). When I wrote my opinions about border security and terrorism, I saw little to no acknowledgement on the part of political leaders, nor did I hear any governmental proposals to guard our nation, not from Mexican immigrants, but from foreign lands whose people would like to do us harm. Now we have a Republican about French people illegally entering the country. OMG!!!!!
Top Republican Warns Of French People Illegally Crossing Mexican Border In South Texas: pDuring an appearance on a local radio station Thursday morning, Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) claimed that people from all over the world are now entering the country illegally through Texas and insisted that any Congressional effort to reform the immigration system must invest in border security. “You gotta stop the flow of people coming [...]/p
Above from ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: OMG! OMG! The French are coming! The French are coming! OMG! One memory that strikes me upon reading the above is a column I wrote just after the terrible terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. I simply pointed out that terrorists could easily enter our country by coming through Mexico (and I read recently that caves between Mexico and the U.S. would allow secret access). When I wrote my opinions about border security and terrorism, I saw little to no acknowledgement on the part of political leaders, nor did I hear any governmental proposals to guard our nation, not from Mexican immigrants, but from foreign lands whose people would like to do us harm. Now we have a Republican about French people illegally entering the country. OMG!!!!!
INTERNET ATTACK IMPACTS USERS WORLDWIDE
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/spamhaus-cyber-attack_n_2963632.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl8%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D290234
Internet attack impacts users worldwide. Details in above link from Huffington Post.
MARRIAGE EQUALITY? WARNING: Comment will offend some, if not many
WARNING: COMMENT IS LIKELY TO OFFEND SOME IF NOT MANY
Everything You Need To Know About The Marriage Equality Cases At The Supreme Court: pBeginning this morning, the Supreme Court will hear two cases that could recognize the right of everyone, straight or gay, to marry the person they love. The first concerns California’s anti-gay Proposition 8, and could potentially extend the right to marry to same-sex couples in all fifty states. The second challenges the federal Defense of [...]/p
Above post from ThinkProgress.org. The comment below is solely that of Toney Atkins and is not endorsed by ThinkProgress.org.
Toney Atkins comments: Why all the fuss about gay marriage? Back in the day, most heterosexuals fell in love, got married and stayed married, loving, honoring and obeying, till death did they part -- or so it appeared on the surface. Since the time that I was young, naïve and gullible, most of the straight folks I have known and to this day either just live together or actually do get married, stay together for awhile, then go on to what they think are "greener pastures," and divorce is a way of life. I know some people who have been married four or five times, and that is not an exaggeration. The kids often don't know who their real dad is, and some aren't really sure about mom. I don't remember too many single parents when I was a child. Christian preachers don't preach much about adultery, because they know they would lose a large part of their congregations if adultery was designated as great a "sin" as homosexuality, which is more common inside and outside the churches, even the evangelistic ones, as most would like to believe. So why marry, gay folks? Play around like the straight people do and don't worry about having to get a divorce when you get tired of your alleged "other half." At least, you're not being hypocritical.
Everything You Need To Know About The Marriage Equality Cases At The Supreme Court: pBeginning this morning, the Supreme Court will hear two cases that could recognize the right of everyone, straight or gay, to marry the person they love. The first concerns California’s anti-gay Proposition 8, and could potentially extend the right to marry to same-sex couples in all fifty states. The second challenges the federal Defense of [...]/p
Above post from ThinkProgress.org. The comment below is solely that of Toney Atkins and is not endorsed by ThinkProgress.org.
Toney Atkins comments: Why all the fuss about gay marriage? Back in the day, most heterosexuals fell in love, got married and stayed married, loving, honoring and obeying, till death did they part -- or so it appeared on the surface. Since the time that I was young, naïve and gullible, most of the straight folks I have known and to this day either just live together or actually do get married, stay together for awhile, then go on to what they think are "greener pastures," and divorce is a way of life. I know some people who have been married four or five times, and that is not an exaggeration. The kids often don't know who their real dad is, and some aren't really sure about mom. I don't remember too many single parents when I was a child. Christian preachers don't preach much about adultery, because they know they would lose a large part of their congregations if adultery was designated as great a "sin" as homosexuality, which is more common inside and outside the churches, even the evangelistic ones, as most would like to believe. So why marry, gay folks? Play around like the straight people do and don't worry about having to get a divorce when you get tired of your alleged "other half." At least, you're not being hypocritical.
State Legislatures Gone Wild, Cont.
State Legislatures Gone Wild, Cont.: p7 Terrible State Bills Recently, we discussed some of the terrible bills floating around out there in state legislatures. Here’s another look at some of the worst proposals, including a couple that were signed into law this week: NORTH DAKOTA: The state’s Republican governor signed a trifecta of terrible anti-abortion bills, which are likely to [...]/p
Toney Atkins comments: Don't you just love having the government in your bedroom? (Unfortunately, they wouldn't see any action in mine.)
More Great Signs From The Supreme Court Marriage Equality Rallies
More Great Signs From The Supreme Court Marriage Equality Rallies: pThough opponents of marriage equality concluded their rallying on Tuesday, advocates for same-sex marriage are back outside the Supreme Court rallying again this morning as the Justices hear oral arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act. Like on Tuesday, many witty, thoughtful, and heartfelt signs can be found throughout the crowd promoting LGBT equality: Check [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Episcopal Bishops March On Washington To Demand An End To Gun Violence
Episcopal Bishops March On Washington To Demand An End To Gun Violence: pEpiscopal bishops, priests, and lay people from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., yesterday to demand federal legislation that would help end gun violence, urging lawmakers to take action on the issue while celebrating a special version of the Christian devotion known as the Stations of the Cross. Hundreds of participants braved wintry conditions [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Beyond Marriage Equality: What Can We Do To Fix Marriage?
Beyond Marriage Equality: What Can We Do To Fix Marriage?: pWelcome to National Marriage Equality Week. After today’s Supreme Court hearing on the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8, marriage equality has been the topic du jour, and will remain so after tomorrow’s companion hearing on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). I certainly hope the Court sees these discriminatory laws for what they are, but [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Lessons From Jackie Robinson: What It Will Take To Be The NFL’s First Openly Gay Player
Lessons From Jackie Robinson: What It Will Take To Be The NFL’s First Openly Gay Player: pMike Freeman from CBS Sports reported Monday that “a current gay NFL player is strongly considering coming out publicly within the next few months — and after doing so, the player would attempt to continue his career.” That’s a move that would break one of the biggest barriers in American professional sports, which have never [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sugary Drinks Linked To 180,000 Annual Deaths Around The World
Sugary Drinks Linked To 180,000 Annual Deaths Around The World: pNew research finds that the consumption of sugary drinks and sodas contributes to about 180,000 obesity-related deaths around the world — including the deaths of about 25,000 adult Americans — each year. According to a new study presented on Tuesday at a meeting of the American Heart Association, one out of every 100 obesity-related deaths [...]/p
Posted from ThinkProgress.org
Toney Atkins comments: I like things, and things go better with Coke. These days, nothing I really like seems to be good for my health, and soft drinks have been among my top addictions for years. I must acknowledge that since moving from Florida to Georgia, I have gained quite a few pounds, due in large part to too many colas and having a relatively poor diet. What next will I have to give up to regain my handsome, masculine body ... as though I ever had one?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
UCF Potential Mass Murderer: Suicide Stops Planned Massacre
UCF death James Seevakumaran: UCF to hold press conference about shooting death of James Seevakumaran - OrlandoSentinel.com
Coverage of potential mass killer at the University of Central Florida from OrlandoSentinel.com
5 Reasons The U.S. Is Worse Off Because Of The Iraq War
5 Reasons The U.S. Is Worse Off Because Of The Iraq War: pTen years after the first American bombs fell on Baghdad, the United States is still paying the costs for the invasion of Iraq — monetarily, strategically, psychologically and morally. The decision to launch the war is sure to be re-debated ad nauseum over the coming days. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday that [...]/p
Special report from ThinkProgress.org
A Decade Of Mistakes: Timeline Of The Iraq War
A Decade Of Mistakes: Timeline Of The Iraq War: pTen years ago, “Operation: Shock and Awe” launched the war in Iraq. The next ten years would prove to be a calamity of unthinkable proportions, leading to the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians, trillions spent and billions wasted. ThinkProgress has cataloged the entirety in a single timeline, [...]/p
Special report from ThinkProgress.org
How has the Iraq war changed you? - CNN.com
How has the Iraq war changed you? - CNN.com
From CNN.com on the tenth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, March 19, 2003
From CNN.com on the tenth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, March 19, 2003
First Thoughts: A consequential anniversary
First Thoughts: A consequential anniversary
By Chuck Todd from NBC News.com
Important article about tenth anniversary of the Iraq War. I recommend it. ... Toney Atkins
Monday, March 18, 2013
EXPLOSIVE DEVICES FOUND ON ORLANDO COLLEGE CAMPUS
Breaking news: Local breaking news in the Orlando and Central Florida area - OrlandoSentinel.com
On Monday, March 18, explosive devices found on the campus of an Orlando university, breaking news at 6:55 a.m. Coverage of other news impacting Central Florida, including Bike Week in Daytona Beach, from the current updated Orlando Sentinel.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Marxists Infiltrated The Catholic Church, And Four Other Crazy Things We Learned At CPAC
Marxists Infiltrated The Catholic Church, And Four Other Crazy Things We Learned At CPAC: pEvery year at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, dozens of organizations big and small rent tables in an exhibition hall to dole out pens, stickers, and brochures promoting everything from homophobia to global warming denialism. But alongside the National Organization for Marriage and the NRA are a cavalcade of fringe organizations warning of the [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Good heavens! ’Cloud angel’ marking pope’s selection is no miracle
Good heavens! ’Cloud angel’ marking pope’s selection is no miracle
Posted from NBC News.com/Cosmic Log
Superstorm 1993: 20 Years Ago This Week - weather.com
Superstorm 1993: 20 Years Ago This Week - weather.com
Posted from the Weather Channel. Most residents of the South still talk about the Blizzard of March 1993, which paralyzed Dixie with deep snow, downed power lines and stranded motorists. Here's a recollection in text and photos from the Weather Channel.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
THE '47 PERCENT TAPE' THAT REVEALED ROMNEY
The ’47% tape’ and the man who revealed the real Mitt Romney — MSNBC
Toney Atkins writes: Important reading and video viewing from The Ed Show on MSNBC Wednesday night. An Ed Show exclusive.
Toney Atkins writes: Important reading and video viewing from The Ed Show on MSNBC Wednesday night. An Ed Show exclusive.
’Marsageddon’ comet scenario adds to concerns about space threats
’Marsageddon’ comet scenario adds to concerns about space threats
From Cosmic Log/NBCNews.com
Toney Atkins writes: Is it the end of the world? The Mars-world, that is, in 2014. (See the intriguing link above.) With asteroids seeming to be passing earth in greater numbers, a meteor exploding into a fireball over Siberia and unusual earthly phenomena, such as stormier weather patterns, more sinkholes swallowing homes and a man inside, plus a later one nearly swallowing a golfer, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, a melting Antarctica, the Universe seems to be sending us not-so-subtle warnings. Since the clock ticked over from 1999 to 2000, the abnormal has become normal. People seem to sense that all is not as it should be in the world, and in the recesses of our mind is a sense of helplessness that there is nothing we can do but pray, change ourselves and start spreading love and peace instead of ignorance, arrogance and hatefulness and quit blaming Bush, Obama and the terrible leaders and murderous dictators around the globe for our problems. If the world should end tomorrow, I pray that each one of us will be looking for good and doing good things and believing that making the earth a better planet on which to live begins with individuals who can face the end without negativity and guilt.
(This brief commentary is in no way the responsibility of or intended to reflect opinions of the writers of the material in the above link, which merely inspired me to ramble.)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
THE AGONY OF THE STONE (w/comment by Toney Atkins)
Kidney stones: 'Worse than childbirth' - CNN.com
From CNN.com ... WARNING: The following may cause cringing:
Toney Atkins writes: Ouch and ouch again! Men who have never passed a kidney stone need to read the CNN report, because I can testify the truth of it -- although I honestly can't speak on the childbirth pain thing since I have never been and never plan to be pregnant. I have experienced several stones, and none of them were fun. Even as I write, I have inside me a kidney stone that is so large that several doctors, including a specialist, say that I will likely be calling 9-1-1 if it ever tries to pass because it may get stuck in my urinary tract. Heaven only knows how long it has been there, but it has occasionally caused back and side pain for a couple of years. Sorry to be so graphic, but that's the way it is. There are treatments to break apart kidney stones, I am told, but all of them would cause some bleeding, so my specialist refuses to do it because I have been on blood thinner for more than two years and anything that he would do could, and I emphasize "could," cause me to bleed out, or so he says. The article at the above link gives some important information about symptoms, along with some steps individuals can take to prevent these more-than-pesky stones.
From CNN.com ... WARNING: The following may cause cringing:
Toney Atkins writes: Ouch and ouch again! Men who have never passed a kidney stone need to read the CNN report, because I can testify the truth of it -- although I honestly can't speak on the childbirth pain thing since I have never been and never plan to be pregnant. I have experienced several stones, and none of them were fun. Even as I write, I have inside me a kidney stone that is so large that several doctors, including a specialist, say that I will likely be calling 9-1-1 if it ever tries to pass because it may get stuck in my urinary tract. Heaven only knows how long it has been there, but it has occasionally caused back and side pain for a couple of years. Sorry to be so graphic, but that's the way it is. There are treatments to break apart kidney stones, I am told, but all of them would cause some bleeding, so my specialist refuses to do it because I have been on blood thinner for more than two years and anything that he would do could, and I emphasize "could," cause me to bleed out, or so he says. The article at the above link gives some important information about symptoms, along with some steps individuals can take to prevent these more-than-pesky stones.
TONEY'S FAVORITE MIX STATION ON SLACKER
http://slacker.com/r/HLZPX
The above link is to my favorite mix station of a wide variety of music from stations and playlists that I created on Slacker Radio. It includes songs from some of my favorite artists (and yours, too, I'll bet) and the genres I have loved over my many decades of enjoying music. From the old to the new, there's something for everyone.
Slacker Radio is free, but includes a few short occasional ads. If you subscribe, you get commercial free music. This reference is totally unsolicited and I receive no compensation, just the joy of creating my own "radio" stations, something I wanted to do since I was a kid. Enjoy, and you can find other more specific genres on my www.toneyatkins.com/ web site.
Tell someone you love him or her. You will find blessings coming your way.
Toney Atkins (DJ Toney A)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Why The European Plan To Ban Porn Is A Bad Idea
Why The European Plan To Ban Porn Is A Bad Idea: pEarly next week, the European Union Parliament is planning to vote on a resolution calling for a sweeping ban on pornography in the name of gender equality. If it passed, the resolution could be the first step towards a continent-wide ban on pornography on a wide swath of media. But, good intentions aside, that would [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Thursday, March 7, 2013
What Rand Paul Really Thinks About Drones
What Rand Paul Really Thinks About Drones: pWhile Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) undoubtedly won the DC news cycle yesterday with his twelve-hour long filibuster against CIA Director nominee John Brennan, his opposition to drones is not as all-encompassing as you would think. The coverage of the filibuster fixated on what appeared to be Paul’s unwavering opposition to the use of unmanned vehicles, [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds
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
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 them saw my blog postings. Like any other newsman, however, I sometimes feel good to think that I have "scooped" someone with my coverage -- even the reports I did not write myself. This hate group/militia issue is one which all citizens should take very seriously, because their actions possibly can lead to terrible consequences for everyone.
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 them saw my blog postings. Like any other newsman, however, I sometimes feel good to think that I have "scooped" someone with my coverage -- even the reports I did not write myself. This hate group/militia issue is one which all citizens should take very seriously, because their actions possibly can lead to terrible consequences for everyone.
Lindsey Graham: Hurricane Victims Need Assault Weapons To Shoot ‘Roaming Gangs’
Lindsey Graham: Hurricane Victims Need Assault Weapons To Shoot ‘Roaming Gangs’: pSen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) pushed back against efforts to limit the availability of assault weapons during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday by echoing the paranoia of the National Rifle Association and insisting that Americans would need access to AR-15s to protect themselves from “roaming gangs” during natural disasters. Speaking to Attorney General Eric [...]/p
From ThinkProgress.org
From ThinkProgress.org
Monday, March 4, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
My Way News - Consequence to cuts no one thought would happen
My Way News - Consequence to cuts no one thought would happen
From the Associated Press via MyWay.com
From the Associated Press via MyWay.com
Saturday, March 2, 2013
My Way News - How budget cuts could affect you
My Way News - How budget cuts could affect you
Toney Atkins notes: Sequestration is now in effect in the United States, thanks primarily to the Republicans in Congress. Americans need to keep a close watch on what their elected representatives and senators are doing to and for the country and take those observations into consideration when election season comes again.
The above link is to an informative Associated Press story via MyWay.com.
Toney Atkins notes: Sequestration is now in effect in the United States, thanks primarily to the Republicans in Congress. Americans need to keep a close watch on what their elected representatives and senators are doing to and for the country and take those observations into consideration when election season comes again.
The above link is to an informative Associated Press story via MyWay.com.
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