Four years after his death, the mug of a World War II "GI Joe in the foxhole" is still being used to sell crude stickers and products in an online marketplace. The late Thomas J. Murray of Clifton Park became a symbol of home-front rationing from 1943-1945 when the U.S. Office of War Information selected him to pose as a cheery-faced soldier sipping coffee for a now-historic poster that read, "Do With Less So They'll Have Enough." But that simple message has now been altered to read, "How About a Cup of Shut the (expletive) Up" on a Web site called Cafepress.com, a sort of 21st-century gift shop. Shoppers can order it on cups, posters, clothes and more. A 5-by-3 inch sticker sells for $3.49.
The new use of Murray's face has upset his daughter, Stephanie Phillips of McNutt Avenue in Albany. "Needless to say, I was horrified," said Phillips, who said she was told of the change by a friend who saw the Web site's image of her father advertised on another site, MySpace.com.
Marc Cowlin, public relations manager for CafePress, did not respond to a second inquiry about the product. In an e-mail response to an initial inquiry, he wrote, "All of the merchandise sold on CafePress is designed by our users, and our current catalog consists of over 35 million products."
Phillips feels the modern poster is derogatory, and she has contacted the U.S. Army, and local and state representatives about it. Murray died Oct. 16, 2002, at age 87 in St. Mary's Hospital in Troy after a battle with Parkinson's disease.
The Army veteran posed for two illustrations that were part of a campaign to gain support for sacrifice on the home front so the war abroad could succeed. During World War II, Americans needed special stamps to purchase products such as meat, cheese, canned goods, sugar, butter, shoes and more.
The 22-by-28-inch poster featuring Murray drinking coffee hangs in the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans and in a military museum in Greensboro, N.C.Phillips is frustrated by the responses to her complaints. "The Army advised me that images taken by the Army become public domain, so there is not much that can be done," she said. "However, if other families can be forewarned, they may be able to express their outrage and concern about these particular Web sites. The Web sites are making large amounts of money based on unknown anger, humiliation and pain caused to unsuspecting families."
#3
For a long time Sgt Stryker used the same logo. I wonder if someone's complaints were why they stopped.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
10/17/2006 23:24 Comments ||
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#4
not much they can do if the Army allowed it into the public domain. However, if it is offensive to the family that's enough for me, though I thought it funny. Good for Sgt. Stryker for taking it down. I can understand that she didn't want her father's cheery face to become attached to the morph with the expletive attached to it. Just common courtesy to respect someone who once helped the war effort.
A case has been lodged with the Gournadi Upazila Magistrate Court in Barisal on Monday against BNP lawmaker Jahiruddin Swapan and his 17 associates from Gournadi and Agoiljhara. Belayet Hossain Bablu, staff reporter of The Daily Jugantor's Barisal bureau, lodged the case.
According to the allegation statement, a number of BNP loyalist goons hijacked a microbus carrying the Bangla daily newspaper Jugantor from Dhaka-Barisal highway early morning on October 12. They drove away with the vehicle after beating up the diver and helper. Later, they burnt hundreds of copies of the newspaper. The incident occurred after the newspaper ran a report the previous day, October 11, on BNP lawmaker Jahiruddin Swapan.
The case was lodged before the magistrate court as Gournadi Police Station refused to register the case earlier that day. Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun received the case and ordered the officer-in-charge of Gournadi Police Station to investigate into the case immediately and take necessary actions.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/17/2006 00:00 ||
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AIDS in China has spread beyond high risk groups such as injecting drug users, prostitutes and homosexuals and the country is becoming "like Africa" in how the virus is transmitted, a senior health official says.
"There are 190 new HIV infections every day ... and one percent of all pregnant women in China are infected," said Hao Yang, deputy director general of the bureau of diseases prevention and control at the Ministry of Health.
"That is a very high percentage. It is a generalized epidemic," he told Reuters in an interview.
"We're now like Africa. Last year, we found that 48 percent of those who were newly infected contracted the disease from sex, so it's not a disease that afflicts only high-risk groups."
Africa has the world's highest number of HIV/AIDS sufferers and the virus is spread mostly through heterosexual sex.
To combat the problem, it is now mandatory for all entertainment spots in China to make condoms available and methadone clinics have mushroomed all over the country to help drug addicts kick the habit.
Hao said for China's 650,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, first-line drugs had managed to prolong lives but some sufferers were beginning to develop resistance -- partly because they are unaware of the importance of keeping to strict drug regimens.
The HIV virus mutates rapidly and patients who fail to take antiretroviral drugs in the right amounts or at the right time will soon develop resistance -- something that is happening all- too-frequently in China, activists say.
"So many patients are just taking the drugs haphazardly. Doctors have to spend time to explain to patients how crucial it is to keep to the regimens if they want to preserve their lives," said Meng Lin, an AIDS activist in Beijing.
#2
I doubt China's AIDS growth rate will ever match Africa's for one reason. In Africa, other venereal diseases are so commonplace that it is ordinary for males to have open sores on their penis. This makes for very easy transmittal of HIV *to* males as well as females.
Without such sores, most sexual transmission is one way, from males to females, which acts as a strong limiting factor.
Even rural Chinese are very conscious about open sores and will at least make some effort to get them treated.
#5
These are the chickens of Henan province coming home to roost. In the mid to late 1990s "bloodheads" were allowed to buy plasma. The leftover red blood cells (after centrifuging) were divided and reinjected back into the donors (many of whom could barely sustain any sort of donation). HIV/AIDS spread like wildfire while government collusion saw stalling and inaction that permitted many of the infected to migrate into the large urban centers.
Combine this with the conspicuous lack of females resulting from China's longstanding "one family - one child" policy and rising rates of homosexuality are sure to spread this epidemic even wider. This is all part of a series of human, environmental and financial catastrophes that are hovering over China's emergence upon the global stage. Nearly all of these problems can be laid specifically at the feet of communism and the politburo's cronieism.
Wan, 38, disappeared on August 24, 2002, after leaving a Beijing café that was showing a gay and lesbian film screening. Wan’s colleague at the Aizhi Action Project, Liang Yan, was informed on September 4 by an official from the Ministry of State Security, that Wan was under investigation for leaking “state secrets.” Wan had posted on the Aizhi Web site an internal (neibu) document issued by the Henan Province Department of Health that showed that the local government had known since 1995 that HIV was spreading through the widespread practice of blood selling. Despite the efforts of the local government to suppress the information, Wan’s group had been instrumental in exposing the plight of poor farmers in Henan infected with HIV and AIDS through selling their blood to collection stations that were often run by government agencies.
He was one of the first to expose (and be jailed for that act) THE WORLD'S LARGEST MEDICALLY CAUSED AIDS CRISIS IN ALL HISTORY.
#7
China must denied a single penny of foreign aid in the battle against this epidemic. Their piratical economy must be penalized for its unfair practices and be made to bear the entire burden of this self-inflicted wound.
AUSTRALIA'S record drought may slice $3 billion from export earnings and cut economic growth by as much as 1 per cent this year.
The bleak forecast, which will affect the election-year federal budget, comes as the Howard Government prepares to soften drought assistance guidelines to help stricken farmers.
Senior Coalition figures yesterday hit back at claims the Government was wasting money by helping out marginal farmers.
But Canberra also came under pressure from state governments - and its own backbench - to extend emergency relief to other states and to agricultural contractors, such as harvesters.
The farm sector represented just 2.7 per cent of Australia's economy last year, but the drought could cut its total output by 40 per cent this year.
Private sector economists are re-assessing their forecasts for economic growth following widespread failure of spring crops.
Commonwealth Bank chief economist Michael Blythe said previous droughts had reduced Australia's economic growth by between 0.5 and 0.75 percentage points. "If you're only growing at 2per cent or so at the moment, then that is quite a sizeable reduction," Mr Blythe said.
Private economists are forecasting similar growth reductions, although some, including ABN Amro and ANZ, say there is a risk of a larger fall of about 1per cent.
The Productivity Commission recently calculated that the last three droughts had each reduced economic growth by 1 percentage point.
Peter Costello last week said Australia was suffering a "rural recession", but he was unwilling to quantify the impact on the overall economy. Yesterday, he told Coalition MPs the drought was a serious economic issue.
The Government has come under attack for propping up unviable farms, with a leading water scientist, Peter Cullen, and the Australia Institute, arguing it would be better to steer these farmers off the land.
But Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile yesterday attacked these suggestions as "outrageous", while Nationals' MP Bruce Scott called them "un-Australian".
The Nationals leader told Parliament Australia had very low levels of agricultural subsidies compared to Europe, Japan and the US. "We do not prop up unviable farmers in Australia. Australia's farmers are very competitive and they are facing dire circumstances," Mr Vaile said.
The Government will further ease drought relief guidelines with an announcement expected within a week. The new measures, costing $350 million, are expected to be extended to South Australia and Western Australia.
#3
The headline is misleading to say the least. Certain areas may have been the driest recorded, but overall the last 12 months have been averagely wet, even wetter than normal across Australia. However, large areas of the southeast have been particularly dry with the excess rain falling in the north (typical of an el nino year).
What has happened is the media has picked up on the issue and the government has taken the opportunity to give money to its supporters.
Refugees in Australia could find it harder to bring family members from their troubled homelands if the government goes ahead with proposed changes to the humanitarian migration program.
A discussion paper on the program was released on Tuesday, suggesting refugees fleeing war, violence and discrimination be made to take English lessons before they travel to Australia. But it also proposed tightening rules for people living in Australia who nominate others for resettlement visas. They could have to meet certain requirements, including a minimum one year period of employment, two years of residence, and prove they are financially literate.
In its discussion paper, the government suggests prioritising those with a proven track record of helping migrants settle under the humanitarian program, and those who are based in areas with worker shortages. It also says a limit may be placed on the number of people an individual or group can nominate.
But refugee advocate Pamela Curr said the plans would make it more difficult for refugees to be reunited with their families. "If they implement this discussion paper, they will effectively be blocking human beings from reuniting with their husbands, their wives. "Every human being has a right to their family," she said.
"And a pony."
"They've raised the bar for refugees to prove themselves before they can achieve family reunion."
But she applauded a government proposal to teach incoming refugees English. "That's a great idea," Ms Curr said. "Anything that assists people to settle in the community is something that we want."
In the paper, the government proposes expanding its Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program, which was first piloted in Kenya in 2003. The program, run by the International Organisation for Migration, currently provides people preparing to settle in Australia with a 15 hour information session covering the ins and outs of Australian life, laws, and settlement services.
But the government wants to include a basic introduction to English in the course and increase its length. "The scope exists to enhance and expand the AUSCO program to further improve the settlement prospects of humanitarian entrants through targeted curriculum development, increasing the length of the courses and incorporating an introduction English language training as a course module," the discussion paper says.
Parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb said English language skills were essential. "The ability to speak and understand English is fundamental to effective integration into the community and is crucial if people are to benefit from the education and employment opportunities offered by Australia," he said.
The Australian Democrats have slammed the plan. "I have a real concern that the government is creating a situation where refugees and migrants are again being targeted and division in the community is being fuelled," Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett said. "It is simply outrageous to impose English requirements on refugees fleeing war torn countries who may have lived for decades in refugee camps."
Last month, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley sparked a nationwide debate when he proposed forcing all new migrants to sign up to Australian values. The government then released a discussion paper proposing tougher citizenship laws designed to make immigrants wait longer for an Australian passport.
Under the plan, immigrants would have to sit a test to prove they understand Australian history, national symbols, culture and the democratic system, as well as English, before being granted citizenship. The government is inviting community feedback on the discussion paper.
Australia accepts around 13,000 people through its refugee and humanitarian program each year.
#3
If they are indeed sitting around in refugee camps waiting the chance to trade sex for food, I'd think that studying English would be a welcome distraction.... as well as better preparing them for employment wherever they end up.
#5
Why import into your country any people you know are your enemies? If Australia needs immigrants, why look for Somalis in Kenya when there are many friendly non-muslims who would love to immigrate to Oz.
Posted by: ed ||
10/17/2006 16:47 Comments ||
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This brought a tear to mine eye... The president of the Vancouver chapter of the Hells Angels says people have been rude to him and his feelings have been hurt since the group was ruled a criminal organization by an Ontario judge last year.
In an affidavit filed in B.C. Supreme Court, Rick Ciarnello lists a number of public snubs including a couple in a restaurant who asked to be moved because they didn't want to sit next to him after he walked in wearing Hells Angels colours.
He also claims he has been treated rudely by his local supermarket staff, and he says many people are no longer friendly toward him, and instead fear him or avoid him altogether.
His lawyers says these snubs violate Ciarnello's rights under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and they want key sections of the federal anti-gang legislation struck down.
Anti-gang laws needed, says government lawyer
Government lawyers say Ciarnello may have been inconvenienced, but deny it's any kind of attack on his constitutional rights.
Lawyer Mark Levitz, who is arguing against the Hells Angel petition on behalf of the B.C. government, argues the anti-gang legislation is needed to fight organized crime.
"There's several cases out there dealing with these issues. There's one before the B.C. Court of Appeal, one in Saskatchewan, and Ontario will be dealing with it. It's very important. Obviously the constitutionality of any part of the Criminal Code is important, particularly the criminal organization [section], it's very important."
He also says Ciarnello should be making his arguments to a judge in Ontario. That's where convicted Hells Angels are appealing the judgment that the motorcycle club is a criminal organization.
The 61-year-old Ciarnello's only criminal conviction dates back to 1971, and he's not currently facing any charges. Okay, Canada - everyone on the bus - it's mandatory sensitivity training for the lot of you!
#2
BTW .. that comes from knowing a few angles as friends in my youth...
The bike knowledge gained from observing a ex-Oakland then "Flying Angel" and having him explain how rough it was finding a good bike mechanic as most wouldn't refused to work on his bike as his habit was to stand by with a bike chain incase they did something "wrong".
#5
If you go through life enjoying the intimidation your look/reputation causes it's really pathetic to complain when that look/reputation can't be turned off at a moments notice.
Deal with it, or don't wear the colors when you want to be treated nicely.
Posted by: Dar ||
10/17/2006 17:07 Comments ||
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#7
refused to work on his bike as his habit was to stand by with a bike chain incase they did something "wrong".
Also, I'd really that to be included in an Orange county Choppers episode. That would make for purdy good reality tv, especially if there's a brawl with Senior.
SAVANNAH, Ga. U-S Representative John Barrow closes his new television ad with a pronouncement that few of his fellow Democrats would dare utter in a campaign spot -- "I agree with George Bush on this one."
Barrow has been a top target of the Republican Party ever since he narrowly defeated G-O-P Representative Max Burns in 2004. Now facing a November 7th rematch with Burns, Barrow is trying hard to convince voters he's an independent, conservative Democrat willing to buck his own party. However, the issue Barrow uses to align himself with Bush in his ad doesn't distance him much from other Democrats. He's talking about his opposition to replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax.
The advertisement accuses Burns of seeking to "raise taxes on 75 percent of Americans" by co-sponsoring a 2003 House bill to scrap income taxes in favor of a 23-percent sales tax. Barrow's ad cites a 2005 report by a tax reform panel appointed by President Bush that concluded a national sales tax would increase the share of taxes paid by middle-income Americans. The 30-second ad concludes with the words -- "I'm John Barrow and I approve this message because I agree with George Bush on this one."
Posted by: Fred ||
10/17/2006 00:00 ||
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LAHORE: The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) will quit parliament if the Protection of Women Bill is passed in the form approved by a select committee of the National Assembly, MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmad said on Monday. Qazi Hussain, asked by journalists at an iftar dinner if the MMA would resign from the Balochistan Assembly, said this was for the JUI-F to decide.
He warned that any election held under Gen Pervez Musharraf would be mere selection, in which the polls would be rigged in favour of the MQM, which he described as a party of hooligans. He said the JI Shoora would meet after Eid to chalk out a strategy for launching an anti-Musharraf movement. The MMA chief said if the PPP were in contact with the government, it would be a violation of the Charter of Democracy it signed with the PML-N.
Posted by: Fred ||
10/17/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
The MMA is a only a one-trick pony in Parliament. They want legislative shariah.
If Pakis wannabe Arabs, then they should move to the Arabian Peninsula.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
10/17/2006 14:38 Comments ||
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#4
This whole thing was carefully orchestrated by Perv to nuke these turdlings in the polls. Even if they didn't boycott the elections, it has been made abundantly clear that they support laws that are utterly repulsive to most Pakistanis.
And since these swinettes have been one of the most effective blocks to crack down on the Madrassas, after the election...
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
A case has been lodged with the Gournadi Upazila Magistrate Court in Barisal on Monday against BNP lawmaker Jahiruddin Swapan and his 17 associates from Gournadi and Agoiljhara. Belayet Hossain Bablu, staff reporter of The Daily Jugantor's Barisal bureau, lodged the case. 
Refugees in Australia could find it harder to bring family members from their troubled homelands if the government goes ahead with proposed changes to the humanitarian migration program.
The president of the Vancouver chapter of the Hells Angels says people have been rude to him and his feelings have been hurt since the group was ruled a criminal organization by an Ontario judge last year.
