Tragic Rabbit

5 reply posts and not one of you lot mentions zee var. Frankly, I'm disappointed. TR

British holidaymaker wins compensation because his hotel was full of Germans

Yes, they did and people saw such technical wonders at exhibitions and world's fairs (eg an improved telephone wire in 1915 - and a memorable television broadcast demo at the 1939 world's fair, along with robots that did housework, etc). I believe the first successful televised broadcast was in 1927 but the Great Depression and WWII put a stop to commercial interest and development of television (and a lot of other things). After all, at the time, TV was a poor substitute for Radio and all it offered anyone with access to electricity. Almost immediately after the war, however, televised shows became more and more common - common types were kiddie shows, talk shows, game shows and panel discussions. Not many people owned televisions in the 1930s, they were an expensive novelty and most people got their news and entertainment from radio or gathered at bars, stores and private homes to watch especially popular broadcasts. Radio was still the more popular venue for entertainment, sports broadcasts and popular shows, some of which later made the transition to television, even briefly being broadcast on radio and television with the most popular shows. By the late '40s, however, TV networks (NBC, CBS and ABC) were broadcasting regular schedules in locally served urban areas, and by the fifties, coast-to-coast broadcasting was the hot new thing, closely followed by the introduction of color and satellite bounce-cast which improved reception immensely. Programming choices changed as TV battled with Hollywood for the American entertainment dollar, and radio had begun to phase out by the late 1950s and early '60s. Cable TV and a multiplicity of soporific programming began to gain hold over America during the 1980s. "Snatch back your brain, zombie!" ~ Johnny Mnemonic The song's reference to television is a double-entendre: kiddie shows and adult pasttimes, etc. TR

Wouldn't it be funny if Colin was doing the same here? Teen Co-eds Caught Barenaked in College Locker Room dot com ....or summat? Wonder how many hits that got... TR

My stupid baby brother was like that for years. Not sure about the past tense, actually. TR to Raccoon from Maine Coon Man

?I have suffered from being misunderstood, but I would have suffered a hell of a lot more if I had been understood.? ~Clarence Darrow

I felt like sharing this wonderful 1934 78 recording of Nobody Loves a Fairy When She's Forty, available for a listen on mp3 (skip the 'original', it's hissy): LISTEN TO SONG TR Here are the lyrics - priceless. NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY (written by Arthur Le Clerq - 1934) For years a fairy queen I've been For years I foiled the Demon King But alas I'm getting on the years have flown somehow And I feel that Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now Chorus Nobody loves a fairy when she's [forty] fifty Nobody loves a fairy when she's old She may still have a magic power but that is not enough They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff When once your silver star has lost its glitter And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold Fairy days are ending when your wand has started bending No-one loves a fairy when shes old For years I reigned in Fairy Dell I waved my wand and waved it well If I can't do all I did Im satisfied because I'd sooner be a Has-Been that I would a Never Was Nobody loves.... Nobody loves.. The face of this Immortal One to many has appealed But gone is the illusion once you've had it soled and heeled When you've lost your little fairy dimples And the moth holes in your dress let in the cold The Goblins and the Pixies turn their backs and say Hi Nixey No one loves a fairy when she's old. Nobody loves..... Nobody loves..... As far as I can see they try to push you off the map When once your wand has withered and your wings refuse to flap When you can't cast a spell without it spilling And a fairy tale for years you haven't told You stand there shouting What O.. but they all pass by your Grotto Nobody loves a fairy when shes old. Nobody loves..... Nobody loves..... They don't give you an earthly chance to make a livelihood Theyre building council houses now in my enchanted wood When you are past the age for Television And the air you use is government controlled It seems that they would sooner Listen to a blinkin' crooner Nobody loves a fairy when shes old.

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Texas executions become #1 tourist draw

London's new mayor is smelly, offensive, British

Er, sinew? TR

Just to play Devil's solicitor a bit here, I'll mention that the idea of homosexuality as something that is congenital, non-'defect'ive, or even deserving of 'minority status' (as opposed to simply being less numerous) is not universally accepted. What exactly homosexuality is - a lifestyle, a choice, a sin, a heritage, a DNA codec, a culture or just one of many human sex quirks - is constantly debated. Many persons who are 'black or whatever' argue today against the idea that homosexuals occupy, simply by virtue of sexual preferences or choices, a like social and legal position. Des' contention that homosexuality is 'part of the human experience' cannot be denied, though whether it, like syphillis in these days of antibiotics, can or should be corrected is also a contentious subject - witness 'gay rehab' programs, anti-gay AIDS rhetoric and legal restraints. Since the child's life is not at stake, I am not sure nor am I comfortable with the idea that government or even the general citizenry (read: TV pseudo news and tabs) should make the family's decision a matter of law...or even of public discussion. If Deafness is a disability, isn't homosexuality, to some extent, also socially and financially disabling, at least when homosexuality is assumed (of straight or gay persons) by outsiders? Just saying... TR

The First Amendment is more traditionally invoked to 'shield' children from adult images and ideas. While children should learn the Constitution in school, they are not adult citizens until locally recognized as having reached their majority. Most courts have divided student speech into three categories:I. Vulgar, lewd, obscene, and plainly offensive speech (Fraser standard -the more flexible Fraser standard applies where the speech involved 'intrudes upon the function of the school to inculcate manners and habits of civility', including that deemed 'lewd') II. School-sponsored speech (Hazelwood standard - mascots, clubs or distributed school materials) III. All other student speech (Tinker standard - where speech involved causes 'substantial disruption') 1969 Tinker decisions: This ruling means school officials may not silence student expression just because they dislike it. They must reasonably forecast, based on evidence and not on an "undifferentiated fear or apprehension of disturbance," that the student expression would lead to either (a) a substantial disruption of the school environment, or (b) an invasion of the rights of others. 1986 Fraser: In its opinion, the Supreme court majority stated that "the constitutional rights of students in public school are not automatically coextensive with the rights of adults in other settings."Instead, the high court set up a balancing test: "the freedom to advocate unpopular and controversial views in schools and classrooms must be balanced against society's countervailing interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially appropriate behavior." 1988 Hazelwood: By this ruling, the Court created the Hazelwood standard, which states that "educators do not offend the First Amendment by exercising editorial control over the style and content of student speech in school-sponsored expressive activities so long as their actions are reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns." TR

Bush invokes God, sprinkles holy water on journalists who say 'recession' This story is a satire or parody. It is entirely fictitious. Written by Tragic Rabbit Story written: 30 April 2008 Email this story Print this story "Get thee behind me, Satan." With consumer confidence slipping and gasoline prices soaring, President Bush delivered an unusually dark assessment of the economy at yesterday's Rose Garden press conference, saying the nation was in "very difficult times, very difficult," all while visibly cringing and brandishing a crucifix whenever 'the R word' was used by journalists. "Our American economy is a gift from the Almighty," the president assured listeners, "and those who use 'the R word' are demonic instruments of Satan." "We must stand firm behind the Almighty," he insisted. "If there was a magic wand to wave, I'd be waving it, of course," Mr. Bush said, possibly referring to recent feelers extended across the Atlantic to MoM Auror Harry Potter, reportedly up for sub-rosa consideration as new chairman of the Federal Reserve. "But there is no magic wand to wave yet. Hey, it took me a while to get us in this fix, I defy Congress to get us out of it before 2010 without using magic." Mr. Bush was cool to proposals by Senator John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, a Democratic presidential contender, to give Americans a break through massive public works programs and the declaration of war on Germany as an economic stimulus. The other Democratic contender, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, dismissed the image of a justifiable war alongside anti-fascist British and Russian soldiers as just a gimmick. "America doesn't want justifiable wars anymore," Mr Obama said, "it wants buzzwords and its non-college track kids lined up in coffins." "But if I thought it would affect the economy positively," he said, "I would seriously consider it." Mr. Bush has spent much of his presidency riding high on claims of unparalleled economic growth, but with nine months left in office, he says America has to confront a new reality. "Face it, I'm a big fat liar, " the president told the assembled Rose Garden reporters. "I will tell you that these are very difficult times, very difficult," he said, continuing to flinch from use of the word "recession." "But we'll leave it to Satan's hellish minions to actually use 'the R word'." After all, Mr. Bush added, "Americans already look to their elected leaders in Congress for answers." The Almighty could not be reached for comment. Tragic Rabbit, Washingtonian Revelations Review, Pearly Gates

Anti-gay 'Day of Truth' fails to make its mark in US schools By Adam Lake ? April 29, 2008 - 16:08 Gay rights groups across America have breathed a sigh of relief after the homophobic ?Day of Truth? failed to make an impact on American schools. Gay news group, GoodasYou.org described that events failure: "The so-called "Day of Truth" went by yesterday with less than a whimper. "While last Friday's pro-acceptance, anti-bullying 'Day of Silence' attracted considerable attention, there was barely a mention of Monday's anti-gay endeavour on either mainstream or "pro-family" news sites, and none of the usual social conservative groups issued so much as a press release celebrating the event. "In fact, a Google News search doesn't turn up even one "DOT" mention posted after 4/27." The event came three days after the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) 'Day of Silence', which highlights the persecution that many LGBT students in America, and around the world, still regularly face daily. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) established the 'Day of Truth' to oppose the promotion of same-sex marriage legalization and to express their viewpoint on homosexuality from a conservative Christian perspective. It is held annually following the 'Day of Silence'. According to the ADF, students who have attempted to speak against gay rights have been censored or, in some cases, punished for their actions under campus hate-speech rules. ADF bills the ?Day of Truth? as an opportunity for students to, "Counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda," and publicly exercise their freedom of speech. The event aims to be student-led in the same model as the 'Day of Silence', with students forming small groups at their own school to organize and promote participation, though it is organized by the national ADF. The organisers website advises students on what to do if teacher attempt to halt their homophobic actions: "ADF has more than 1,000 allied attorneys who are available to assist you if you run into complications with school officials or pro-homosexual advocacy groups on your campus." The website continues: "We are merely trying to point those who struggle with homosexual behaviour to Christ?s love and healing. "When Christ loved someone, like the woman caught in adultery, he did not condemn her but expressed compassion for her. He also gave her the loving admonition to "go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11). As followers of Jesus Christ, we cannot sit idly by while someone is trapped in sinful behaviour that separates him or her from God. "We must be able to show people their need for a relationship with Jesus Christ, which often comes through illuminating the sinfulness of their behaviour that separates them from their loving God." The Alliance Defense Fund has many connections with Christian ex-gay organizations that claim that LGBT persons can change to heterosexuality through prayer, intervention and psychological counselling. The Alliance Defense Fund receives funding from Focus on the Family, a group that also funds Exodus Ministries. ADF also lists Exodus as an allied organization on their webpage. Resources for the group?s ?Day of Truth? event were prepared by Exodus Ministries, which claims to be able to help LGBT persons become heterosexual, included in their "Homosexuality FAQ Sheet." The fact sheet reports a 52 percent success rate for treating "unwanted homosexual attraction." On the day of this years ?Day of Silence? American talk show host Larry King made an emotional plea to viewers that Americans must demand tolerance for LGBT students. The event was particularly poignant after the homophobic murder of a gay teenager. Fifteen year old Lawrence King was gunned down by 14-year-old Brandon McInerney earlier this year in Oxnard, California because he was gay, and had allegedly asked McInerney to be his valentine. http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7517.html

Several cases, Drewbie. TR http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/02/13/1426 Anti-Gay T-Shirt Wars Timothy Kincaid February 13th, 2008 The Alliance Defense Fund is a legal arm of the social conservative movement. They are also the founders and promoters of the Day of Truth, an effort on school campuses to "counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda". The DOT grew out of efforts to oppose the Day of Silence, a program by gay students and their friends and allies to bring attention to how heterosexism and homophobia silence the voices of the LGBT minority. The Day of Truth walks a careful line. While they talk about "tolerance for opposing viewpoints" (their anti-gay viewpoints, primarily) and claim that there is "freedom to change", they stop short of outright attacks on gay students. But this is not because they want to avoid such attacks. Indeed, the Alliance Defense Fund would like little more than to teach hostility to homosexuality and silence anyone who disagrees. But school boards have restricted the ability of anti-gay students to publicly condemn their fellow students. ADF is not happy. They sued. The best known of these cases is that of Tyler Chase Harper. Young Mr. Harper wore a T-Shirt to his school in the Poway Unified School District in response to the 2004 Day of Silence. His eloquent message was Homosexuality Is Shameful, Romans 1:27″. That didn't get Harper enough attention, so the next day he ratcheted up his message to "Be Ashamed" and "Our School Embraced What God Has Condemned." On the second day, school administrators told him that he could not wear a message that was overtly hostile to other students and asked him to remove the statement ? which had been added to his plain black T-Shirt with masking tape. Harper refuse and, with the help of ADF, sued his school. (One can't help but wonder what Harper would have worn the next day if this message did not get his desired result). The judge found that Harper did not have a case. ADF appealed. In 2006, a three judge appeals panel found that "the school is permitted to prohibit Harper's conduct?if it can demonstrate that the restriction was necessary to prevent either the violation of the rights of other students or substantial disruption of school activities." But they did not rule on the case itself. In August 2006, the Ninth Circuit appeals court denied en banc review (review by all of the judges). This time the decision was in more direct language. "Hate speech, whether in the form of a burning cross, or in the form of a call for genocide, or in the form of a tee shirt misusing biblical text to hold gay students to scorn, need not under Supreme Court decisions be given the full protection of the First Amendment in the context of the school environment, where administrators have a duty to protect students from physical or psychological harms." In their quest to equate the statement "treat all students with fairness" to "condemn some students based on one's own religious beliefs", ADF continued with their lawsuit to overturn restrictions on hostile messages in an environment in which attendance is compulsory. But by the time that the case made its way to the US Supreme Court, Chase Harper graduated and the decision was moot. However Chase Harper's little sister Kelsie discovered that she too had a burning drive to condemn her fellow students and the lawsuit was transferred to her. ADF asked the judge to reconsider his ruling throwing out the case. U.S. District Judge John Houston issued his ruling today. Not surprisingly, he hadn't changed his mind. He wrote that a school "interest in protecting homosexual students from harassment is a legitimate pedagogical concern that allows a school to restrict speech expressing damaging statements about sexual orientation and limiting students to expressing their views in a positive manner." Interestingly, the ADL is supported by that organization most hated by social conservatives, the American Civil Liberties Union. David Blair-Loy, legal director for the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, said the case is troubling. The ACLU filed a brief in support of Harper's speech rights ? siding with the religious groups that they are often at odds with. "This theory is a novel and extreme expansion of a school's rights to limit speech," Blair-Loy said. Schools potentially could ban any speech they say is "psychologically damaging." "And let's face it: What about high school is not psychologically damaging?" Blair-Loy said. "This student wore a T-shirt that expressed an idea. It's an idea we don't agree with at the ACLU, but that is the essence of free speech. It's not just for ideas you like." In the midst of this battle in the Great American Culture War Against Gay People, I think something is being forgotten by both sides. Any ruling that allows social conservatives to attack gay people? also allows other students to attack religion. If messages are allowed that condemn homosexuality on religious terms, then would not messages that condemn religion on terms of orientation be allowed? Surely they could not disallow "Christianity is a Hateful Religion and those who follow it are Homophobes and Bigots". And is it then a far reach from "Homosexuality Is Shameful" to "Catholicism is Idolatry" or "Speaking in Tongues is Satanic"? Would Jews be accused of "killing our Savior"? Would a school with a small Muslim minority be force to subject those students to T-Shirts attacking their faith? This is not without precedent. In 1984 religious activists pushed the Equal Access Act through Congress so as to allow Bible Clubs on school campuses. It said that if a school allows ANY non-curricular organizations to meet, it has to all ALL non-curricular organizations to meet. This is the piece of legislation that protects Gay-Straight Alliances from being banned by homophobic school administrations - a consequence that Bible Club backers did not intend. I doubt that ADF or those who support them have thought about the eventual results of their efforts. But, then again, this is a great fund raiser for ADF and I doubt they much care. After all, an anti-Christian T-shirt on some campus would give them another lawsuit for which to request funds and issue press releases. For related information, see Anti-Gay Activists, Youth LINK

Federal Court Allows Student To Wear Anti-Gay T-Shirt On Day Of Silence by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff Posted: April 24, 2008 - 1:00 pm ET (Chicago, Illinois) A suburban Chicago school district has been ordered to allow a student to wear a T-shirt denouncing homosexuality on the National Day of Silence, the day LGBT students draw attention to homophobia in schools. The 11th annual National Day of Silence will be held on Friday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit issued a temporary reversal of two lower courts rulings that found the Neuqua Valley High School was justified in barring Alexander Nuxoll from wearing a homemade T-shirt that said "Be Happy, Not Gay" on the Day of Silence in 2006. Nuxoll and another student, Heidi Zamecnik, had tried to wear the shirts to class as a protest. School officials ordered Zamecnik to remove the T-shirt. When she refused she was told to cross out "Not Gay" with a marking pen. Last year, with the help of the Alliance Defense Fund, they went to court seeking an injunction barring the school from taking action against them for wearing the t-shirts. A federal judge ruled that the school had the right to dictate a dress code. The school said it would allow the students to wear t-shirts that said "Be Happy, Be Straight" because it would not degrade another group. The conservative Christian ADF appealed to the 7th Circuit which ruled Wednesday that the lower court ruling were suspended until a civil rights case brought by the students is heard. "We cannot accept the defendants' argument that the rule is valid because all it does is protect the 'rights' of the students against whom derogatory comments are directed," the appeals court said in a written ruling. "Of course a school can ? often it must ? protect students from the invasion of their legal rights by other students. But people do not have a legal right to prevent criticism of their beliefs or for that matter their way of life," the ruling said. The decision means that Nuxoll will be allowed to wear the T-shirt to class on Friday. Zamecnik has since graduated but is still a party in the civil rights case. ?365Gay.com 2008 http://365gay.com/Newscon08/04/042408ts.htm

As I was told to stop not-posting: All the stories on TheSpoof (well, the good ones from the Top Writers) are 'real' but they satirize news, social situations, human folly and such. My version is more a light poke at Oz than the original, though that one sort of leaned that way when read from afar. I liked the kangaroo-bop angle. Sigh. I guess people are right, satire is mainly a Brit thing. I remember mum trying to explain 'English humour' to me when I was small...like learning colours from the blind. We all knew she wouldn't recognize a joke if it fell into her martini, of course. That's the Irish for you, I guess, no sense of humor but they'll laugh their fool heads off at a hanging. Kisses... TR

News & Views - April 6, 2008, The Dood Abides Hi Road Gang, The Dude is still on the Left Coast of the United States, that is, he hasn't fallen off the edge, but in the past three weeks has been under "extreme stress?[with] less than 3 hours sleep a night". Thus this Coney Island update. His cats unanimously elected me to do this N&V, allowing their Daddy to take a much-needed nap. His Doodness is 'apoplectic', no wait, that was 'apologetic' about the recent lateness of postings, no N&V, etc. He reports that his schedule "sucks" and his desktop computer and assorted magical apparatus haven't yet arrived from the outer rings of Saturn, making production of Title Pages and such quite impossible. He communicated to me while hunched over a laptop, tapping out messages in pidgin Morse. He'd have used the actual pigeons but they're always on coffee break and those clever message bottles of his were confiscated by DHS. Finally, he insisted that I swear (on mum's grave - but she's living!) that AD will resume normal programming by next week?and, if I understood him correctly, your Story Editor is to be reupholstered. I think I'm pretty well-upholstered as it is, though. Nevertheless... On to the reading list! Shorts (no, not 'pants', sheesh) Altimexis has a new short story ... Class Election, don't miss it. Other great new short fiction: Clowns and Clovers, another charming tale from Rad Stevens a gritty tale by Graeme called Street Life a sexy, thoughtful coming out tale from our multitalented Camy, entitled Myers and the first two installations in a very small (flash) series by TR called Everlasting Hero (you get a bun if you work out the ending - or the meaning - ahead of posting) Chapter Updates: Not Entirely Alone with Myself by WBMS - Chapter 18 Love in a Chair by Altimexis - Chapters 9-14 Family and Friends Series by - Ron Robbins -Alex Part 2, 3 and 4 One Moonlit Night by Steven Keiths - Chapter 21-23 Outside The Foul Lines by Rick Beck - Chapter 2 See you again next weekend and until then... write to your favorite authors and have a great week of reading. Remember that good stories read even better with good music, so listen to ADR for that perfect combination. Any mistakes or omissions in this N&V are entirely the Rabbit's fault?but I won't take the rap for Miley Cyrus. That's all down to Disney. Kisses? Tragic Rabbit/TR, AD Story Editor

Here's a Chinese perspective on Western media misinformation, particularly CNN. Anti-CNN

Breaking World News... Queasy Oz thief fingered by his own vomit Russia tests stuffed rabbits for Mars trip It's ok to think Doctor Who is gay, says David Tennant's ex-boyfriend John Barrowman not so gay, says buxom backstairs Lolita Legendary Disney hero Bambi dies at 95 Holocaust train draws guilt-ridden German hypocrites in droves Clinton Wields Sharp Objects in Debate Scotland bank to panhandle for cash

CNN report: 7-year old orphan lives in garbage dump

Wales may get "ex-gay" ministry Wales may get "ex-gay" ministry 14th April 2008 12:10 Tony Grew The controversial fundamentalist Christian Stephen Green has hinted that the controversial movement that encourages people to "pray away the gay" and become straight could be established in Wales. Mr Green, who is notorious for his protests at gay Pride events, made his remarks in a BBC Wales current affairs programme, Week In, Week Out. While being interviewed by H from Steps, also known as Ian Watkins, he told the former pop star, who came out in 2007, that he could "walk away" from homosexuality. "The message from the Bible is no matter how you became gay, you don't have to stay gay," the preacher said. "You could walk away from it ... there are healing ministries. "We are actually actively thinking of enabling a sexual healing ministry in Wales." Mr Green also rejected conventional wisdom about sexuality. "I don't believe anyone is born homosexual," he said. "God would not allow people to be born homosexual and then say don't do it. "God doesn't have a laugh like that." Ian 'H' Watkins publicly came out in January 2007 just before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house. He revealed that he came out to his bandmates and family when he was 21, but was fearful of the reaction of fans and local people in his home village of Cwmparc in the Rhondda Valley. Stephen Green is best-known as the head of anti-gay lobby group Christian Voice. In 2006 he was cleared of public order charges after handing out anti-gay leaflets at Cardiff Mardi Gras. Last year he protested at both London and Brighton Pride. The H edition of Week In, Week Out, exploring gay life in Welsh valleys, has proved to be one of the most newsworthy documentaries of this year. Green compared Mr Watkins to mass murderer Jeffrey Dahmer in the documentary, which generated headlines. "They are both against the word of God - sin is sin, sin is sin in the eyes of God," he said when challenge about the comparison. Then, after transmission last month, a local magistrate agreed not to sit during the investigation by the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace in Mid Glamorgan after comments he made in the programme. "I think probably it's a suspicion of the mainstream that they perhaps will interfere with young people and so on and that's historically been the case," Byron Butler said when interviewed in the street by the pop star as part of the documentary. "But they do, don't they. That's the reality." After the programme was broadcast a complaint was made. Mr Watkins told the BBC: "I was dumbfounded by his comments, and I was even more shocked when I found out he is a magistrate sitting in judgment on people. "There is no way I believe he can be fair and impartial with people when he makes comments about gay people being paedophiles. It is just so outrageous."

Then why are phrases like 'that's so gay' and 'faggot' heard non-stop in high school hallways?

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