Free Republic

Words do have meanings. But the meanings do change. We all know the common usage of the word “brother” in differentiating siblings. Well, at least we used to. Now with all the trans-gender crossovers, I guess we can’t be really sure any more. Heard a good one the other day. “Sex” is what you is. “Gender” is what you thinks you is.” But I digress again. Baptist preachers like to have themselves called “brother.” Like, Brother John, or Brother Dave. A certain ethnic group addresses themselves as brothers, or perhaps more accurately, “bros” or “bruhs.” But I fear the word...

After writing about an MSNBC talking head’s comment about the “niggerization of politics” yesterday, and watching the latest threat by the New Black Panther Party against the Republican National Convention, I thought it time to update my posts on racism and the timeline of action and inaction. In a discussion of Civil Rights in America, how often do you hear the name of Republican Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL)? Not often. How often do you hear the name of Democrat Senator Robert Byrd in connection to civil rights? Not often but for very different reasons. Dirksen was a champion for civil...

The state’s most dedicated activists are getting showered with attention.CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—The Monday after Easter, 73-year-old Joni Scotter found herself at the hospital for the second time in as many days. The two-time cancer survivor, having just been treated for a skin condition, was about to be hospitalized for three days after a series of tests revealed another problem: kidney failure. It didn't take long for the well-wishes to pour in from concerned friends, family—and Republican presidential contenders. Jeb Bush sent flowers and a handwritten note. Ted Cruz passed along flowers as well. Scott Walker mailed a copy of his...

Tesla’s announcement last week about creating a new line of batteries for use by businesses, consumers, and the electrical grid at large is a game-changer for the industry. Currently, when individuals or companies need back-up power, they usually rely on generators. Effective battery storage for large amounts of energy would be a game changer in that it would enable a separation of generation and use of energy produced through clean fuels like solar and wind power. The big problem with solar and wind right now is that the energy is only useful when it is actually produced and, because a...

A new report from the U.S. Geological Survey has warned the risk of 'the big one' hitting California has increased dramatically. Researchers analysed the latest data from the state's complex system of active geological faults, as well as new methods for translating these data into earthquake likelihoods. The estimate for the likelihood that California will experience a magnitude 8 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years has increased from about 4.7% to about 7.0%, they say. ... The Third Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, or UCERF3, improves upon previous models by incorporating the latest data on the state's complex...

As riots broke out, cars were set on fire and buildings turned into charred piles of rubble, many politicians used social media to send messages of hope as the city of Baltimore was looted and destroyed by protesters. But presidential candidate Hillary Clinton appeared to miss a step as she posted a message about her free bumper stickers. The former first lady was criticized for posting the message on Twitter by users who commented on her poor timing to promote her bumper stickers.

I rarely record cover tunes, but this one is worthy of special attention. In 1989, the British band Napalm Death released their magnum opus "You Suffer". While attaining a cult following, this sorely underrated work never achieved the mainstream recognition it so richly deserved. Today, by doing this cover version, I hope to start changing that. No thanks are necessary; my reward is to see justice done. For a free MP3 download of my version of "You Suffer," click here. If you wish to hear the original, you may do so here. "You Suffer" by Justin Broadrick & Nicholas Bullen....

(Newser) – Felony charges have been filed more than two years after the horrific death of a worker at a California tuna plant. Bumble Bee Foods and two of its employees have been charged with willfully violating safety rules in the death of 62-year-old Jose Melena, who was cooked to death inside an industrial oven at the company's Santa Fe Springs plant, the Los Angeles Times reports.

(Newser) – Details about NBC's Brian Williams investigation are leaking out—for example, news broke that he may have told Jon Stewart a tall tale, and yesterday sources told the Washington Post that the investigation found at least 11 examples of Williams' publicly embellishing a story. Those leaks are likely quite intentional, "longtime broadcast executives" tell Politico Playbook. The network is probably trying to force Williams to resign, sending him the message, "You're dead. Now negotiate," the sources say. That's because it would be more trouble—and possibly more money—to have to fire him, though some NBC insiders say Williams could still...

From liberal Democrats and the radical left, the mindset of tax, borrow and spend has been their legacy throughout American history It was 1963, and I was a 16 year old high school junior, sitting attentively in an American History class, when our history teacher informed us that the national debt was 311.6 billion dollars. Being good at math even then, it was not difficult, knowing the population stood at about 180 million in 1963, that the debt amount to approximately 1600.00 for every adult and minor child in America. My reaction, even at age 16, was one of concern...

In the midst the severe criticism being placed on Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and especially Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake due to the hesitated-response to the “thugs” who have brought down the city of Baltimore following the funeral of Freddie Gray, the governor says that President Barack Obama even suggested “due restraint” in response to the actions of the protesters.

Netanyahu has achieved close coordination with the most important Arab leaders that include Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates The Israelis will destroy several Iranian nuclear facilities and my educated guess is that they will do so before the end of this year. Israel has no margin of error when it comes to nuclear reactors in nations that threaten its existence. While President Obama does everything in his power to enable Iran to create its own nuclear weapons, it is a good idea to recall that in June 1981 the Israelis destroyed a reactor in Iraq. It...

Seventy years ago on this day, April 28, 1945, the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was executed after a failed attempt to flee Italy with his mistress.

Meanwhile, the intrusion of Climate Change in community churches will spread like wildfire. Going to church will never be the same again. The New Green Religion of Global Warming/Climate Change is coming out of the closet to begin preaching from the pulpit. In the lib-left world timing is everything. Now that Christianity is being persecuted worldwide with the many slings and arrows sent its way flashing out in neon, it’s time for ‘sustainability’ to squeeze out Salvation at Sunday church services. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is spending $84,000 to study how churches can be used to combat climate change....

What is currently taking place in Baltimore. Hopefully, Rawlings-Blake will be held accountable for her words that could only have been interpreted as giving the thugs the green light Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the 45-year-old mayor of Baltimore, is a Democrat. Not something widely advertised by the leftist media but it actually does not need mentioning. Watching her actions and listening to her speeches since what began as a peaceful protest on Saturday, it is clear she could not be anything other than a Democrat. Being a Democrat means never having to say you’re sorry. Although he is the president of the...

Link only due to copyright issues: http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-04-28/gop-can-stop-being-nice-to-ted-cruz

Morel Mushrooms

That is quite the rap sheet. Here are some things that you should know about Freddy Gray. Heavy – Freddie Gray, who died a week after suffering injuries while in Baltimore police custody, had a lengthy criminal record, mainly for drug-related offenses, according to state court records. Police claim he was “involved in criminal activity,” prior to his arrest. Gray, 25, died after spending seven days in a coma as a result of injuries he suffered while in the custody of city police, the Baltimore Sun reports. […] Gray had a lengthy arrest record with convictions dating back until at...

Saudi Arabia has arrested nearly 100 jihadis, mostly linked to ISIS, and foiled several plots to carry out attacks including on the American embassy, authorities said Tuesday. The arrests have taken place since December and most of those detained were Saudis, the interior ministry said in a statement published by the official news agency SPA. It said two Syrians and a Saudi who had threatened to launch a suicide car attack against the American embassy in Riyadh last month were among those held. The statement did not clarify if this group was linked to ISIS. U.S. consular services in Saudi...

First of all, they shouldn’t ask. “As a basic principle, we can’t tell you to stop recording,” says Delroy Burton, chairman of D.C.’s metropolitan police union and a 21-year veteran on the force. “If you’re standing across the street videotaping, and I’m in a public place, carrying out my public functions, [then] I’m subject to recording, and there’s nothing legally the police officer can do to stop you from recording.”“What you don’t have a right to do is interfere,” he says. “Record from a distance, stay out of the scene, and the officer doesn’t have the right to come over...