The Flatland Almanack

down here in the lowlands the sun shines even when it rains

Welcome to the Main Page for Damozel's Weblogs!

UPDATED 12.14.07!
This is my big page o' daily updates to all the blogs (listed below) where I post my actual content.  In other words, it's the homepage or "home blog" or mother blog of all my blogs. Or to put it another way:  It's where I blog about my blogs.   How meta! as they say.

The categories shown on the sidebar on the right are the archives for the "home blog" where you'll find material posted here (with links to my other blogs).   

MY FLATLAND ALMANACK "SUBLOGS" (dealing with specific topics) are as follows:

• The Flatland Chronicles:  My online journal (now and then)  and blog of valuable miscellany (valuable t for valuable--to me, anyway.  It's where I post my "link of the day."
• The Flatland Digital Artwork Clipart Gallery.  Abstract digital clipart, free to those who like it.  Thousands of pieces.
• The Marginal Christian's Handbook (formerly The Heretic's Handbook).  A liberal God-botherer vs. the Church of Christ without Christ. After all, Jesus IS the Christian left. 
• Anglo-Saxon Attitudes:  An Anglophile's File.  A yank's eye view of British culture, when I have anything to say about it. .
• Floridiana Gloriana:  Florida photography.  A photoblog celebrating the glorious hidden Florida beyond the attractions, parking lots, and strip malls.  It's there; you just have to know where to look for it.  I don't post there that often, but there are some gorgeous photographs on file there.
  
• Just Eat the Damn Peach.  Books, television, websites and past-times that have seen me through.  Recaps (long ones) of The Office, reviews of my favorite ghost stories, and anything else vaguely A & E that I feel like posting.  J
  
• Love in the Time of the Internets.   My advice is as good as most people's.  At least it's backed up by the experience of making every possible mistake I had the chance to make.  I don't post there often, but maybe that'll change.
  The Disquieting Damozel. The anxiety blog:  death, grief, panic, disability, illness, and other stresses of adult life in the 21st Century.  We're not in Wonderland anymore, Alice.  Though since I've been pretty cheery lately, I haven't posted much there.  We'll see how THAT goes.
• Versus/Reversus.  My thoughts, when I had any, on politics and the media and my issues with politics and the media.  My personal political blog prior to Buck Naked Politics, and where I still might post on this or that from time to time. 

And of course, most important:

• BUCK NAKED POLITICS.  The political blog I share with my friends and colleagues.  You'll like it.

Florida Light & Shadow: Palm Fronds & a Haunted Lighthouse

Two beautiful captures:  the famous St. Augustine light-house and a pattern woven from palm fronds and sunlight. 

Florida Light & Color: Vignettes

Another Miami sunset complete with skyline; more 'subtropical noir' from photographer Caleb; the ambiance of a small-town cafe; the reflection of a pastel sunrise from a somewhat different angle; light shining through the petals of an orchid; raindrops glittering on the petals of a cluster of azaleas; a sunrise in HDR; and the blue and shining glory of Navarre Beach. 

All on this page.

Soundtracks of My Life: Operatic Gender Bender & the Doll Song

Famous mezzo-sopranos in traditionally transgendered roles.....

...and famous sopranoes sing the coloratura trills and rills of  'the doll song from Hoffman (La Chanson d'Olympia) in various sorts and degrees of surreal weirdness, from the silly surreal to the deeply disturbing surreal.  What's more terrifying, after all, than a doll coming to life (of a kind)?   

EXCELLENT. 

Buck Naked Politics Political Round-Up: March 29-April 4

The battle for the Democratic nomination just gets crazier and crazier.  Progressives are turning against progressives; in fact, I find myself occasionally thinking, "No wonder the right winger hate those bastards!"  And that's not good.  But we have met the enemy and they really are us.  Who knew?

Mar. 29
James Carville compared Bill Richardson to Judas on good Friday and the detractors of Hillary Clinton naturally---as I predicted they would---tried to pin this on Hillary.  (Shut up some more, Keith Obamaman).  Carville responded in The New York times by reiterating that he meant every word that he said.  Heh.  The whole 'surrogate' thing is so effing stupid anyway.  Anyway:  yet another excellent illustration of how the 'Clinton rules' are way different from the 'Obama rules.'

Mar. 30
Obama said it was okay with him if Hillary insists on staying in the race.   I was glad he said what he said---he called her a 'fierce and formidable opponent'---but D Cupples suspects him of a lack of sincerity.  Not for the first time.

In other news, D Cupples was impressed that Hillary managed to gain grudging approval from long-time Clinton enemy Richard Mellon Scaife.  Her point, by the way, wasn't that Scaife's endorsement should cheer up Dems, but that it proves Hill's ability, and willingness, to reach out to traditional opponents. 

Apr. 1
The 11th Circuit dismissed a case brought by a Florida Dem against the Democratic National Committee.  The problem was that he filed it before the primary had even taken place so he didn't have standing to sue.  But did they hint that the us-disenfranchising  DNC bastards might well be on the hook now?  Oh, I do hope.

The Liberal Journal---a blog we've always liked--- wanted the pro-Hillary blogs (we're one) to get a grip:  what's with the repeated references to right-wingers who are slightly aghast (if also amused) at the hatchet job our fellow progressives are doing on our fellow Democrat Hillary.  I invited TLJ to consider why this is happening.

D Cupples suggested that all these superdelegates who are debating whether they should just put an end to Hillary's aspirations by just going ahead and throwing their support behind Obama step back and consider the consequences.  After all, Hillary's got quite a lot of supporters out there who are prepared to resent a primary-level replay of the 2000 election.  And while I'll vote for Obama if he's foisted on me without my primary vote counting, we have reason to know that there are a lot of Hillary supporters out there who aren't prepared to be so forgiving. 

Mr. Doesn't-Take-Money-from-Lobbyists has actually accepted quite a bit of money from persons not unconnected to the oil industry.  It's all in the packaging, I guess. 

Apr. 3
Hillary discussed her economic plan on Mad Money.  Damn, she's just so impressive.  Why, why, why, why, why, why----?

Howard Dean:  a man with a (long, long overdue) plan?  Will some, all, or none of my state's delegates be seated at the convention and will it matter by that time whether they are or they aren't?   Who the hell knows anymore?

Obama's Adventures in Blue Collar Land.  I found it rather endearing, actually.  Never mind the bowling balls, give that man a (pricey European) beer! 

Apr. 3
Poet Maya Angelou, one of my heroines of old and Oprah's mentor, writes a beautiful and moving tribute to Hillary. "Rise, Hillary.  Rise."  Indeed.

Though Edwards isn't interested in endorsing either candidate, Elizabeth endorsed Hillary's health care plan.

Air America's Randi Rhodes did a stand-up routine in which she referred to two distinguished female Democrats as....just read the piece, all right?  While it will disgust you, you will be cheered to know that Air America finally drew the line.  Meanwhile, Obama supporters argued for one rule for Imus, another for anyone who attacks Hillary.

Buck Naked Politics News Round-Up: March 29-April 4

Mar. 29

Why don't all the Americans who gripe about paying taxes care about this sort of flagrant waste and abuse of the system? D Cupples reports on yet another arms dealer who has allegedly ripped off taxpayers to the tune of hundreds of millions.   I'm not even talking about the cost of the war in Iraq generally; I'm talking specifically about wasted tax dollars that are spent without getting anything close to equivalent value.  What if we could get all those tax dollars back?  That would be one hell of an 'economic stimulus package.'  PS.  Where's mine?

D Cupples, having had the chance to hear former Secretary of State Madeline Albright alive and in person, reports on MA's wit, charm and insight. 

Mar. 30

I was puzzled by the al-Maliki/al-Sadr dance in Basra.  And I still am.  But give me this:  at least I don't pretend to understand the nuances (unlike certain right-wing bloggers)

In other news, an elephant painted his own self-portrait.  Though I cross-posted at The Moderate Voice, you saw it here first!  It was and is an important story---maybe THE story.

Mar. 31
As D Cupples neatly put it, Bush's disapproval ratings have a voice of their own.  Poor old W---who I remember reading way back last year once said plaintively that he wanted as much as anyone else to be loved---got booed.  At a baseball game.  While throwing the ceremonial pitch.  Come on, that's just mean.

Although....I say that, and then I read how the Bush Administration, and with its trademark callousness toward the poor,  continues to bungle the Katrina relief effort.  (Isn't it tiresome how they insist on continuing to play the victim card after all this time?!)   About the booing?  Never mind.

After regaling D Cupples and other with her humor and insight, Madeline Albright did the same for viewers of The Daily Show.  See her interview with Jon Stewart here.

Apr. 2
D Cupples reports that the  Government Accountability Office slammed the Pentagon for all the billions paid to defense contractors who then proceeded to piss all those tax dollars down the latrine.  Damn, can't somebody make the hemorrhaging stop?

Speaking of pissing away money, gas prices are up again.  I know; you hadn't noticed, right?

Apr. 3
Hillary discussed her economic plan on Mad Money.  Damn, she's just so impressive.  Why, why, why, why, why, why----?

Apr. 3
Gonzo's successor sticks his foot in his mouth, unwittingly impaling the Bush Administration on a two-pronged Fork Of Unfavorable Inferences.  Oopsie.

The Chinese want the Olympics to be a pleasant and harmonious experience for all.  To that end, they're jailing dissidents.

In the UK, the trial of eight terror suspects has begun.  They're the ones who had the idea of using soft drinks as weapons to blow a very large number of jets right out of the sky.

The new National Intelligence Estimate says that security in Iraq has improved.  They have their own definition of 'success,' you know. 

Pineda and Key Biscayne (Floridiana Gloriana)

A fabulous, painterly photograph by one of my favorite Florida photographers; a magnificent sunset on Key Biscayne by another;

Starving Elephant Artisans: Elephants Painting

I've written about these amazing animals in several places, but the full story is here.

Soundtracks of My Life (and Death!): Mendelssohn, Handel, & Mozart

At The Flatland Chronicles, I posted two notes on some lifelong favorites of mine.

First, some classical classics featured on YouTube from Elijah, The Mozart Requiem, and The Messiah. 

Second, the song (by Mendelssohn) I'd like to have played at my theoretical memorial service, even though I won't be present to hear it.

Pictures from the Earth: Nova Scotia by Judy Malley (photo-essay)

Have you been to Nova Scotia?  I haven't either.  But after looking at these photographs by Judy Malley, I'm definitely going to go there someday. 

Buck Naked Politics News Round Up: Mar.21-28

Mar. 21
Even before Iraq exploded out of control (again), Bush was saying that Iran is 'a nuclear threat.'  This is, of course, considered false by everyone in a position to know more than Bush.  Are you scared yet?  Of what Bush might still do, I mean.  Because:  did you know he is still president, and therefore Commander-in-Chief until January 2009?  Tragically, it is true.  You know, I'm sorry for all the Bush supporters who have lived to see the error of their ways---Andrew Sullivan, for instance.  But that doesn't mean I'm prepared to forget.  Thank you all very much.  And when I say "thank" I am thinking of a quite different word.

Speaking of Iraq,  Jon Stewart did a truly exemplary comedic riff commemorating the anniversary of the Iraq War, to which we now seem irrevocably married.  See the video here.

Paul Krugman provided some historical perspective on our current economic woes.  Those who forget the lessons of history, etc.

Mar. 22
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi met with the Dalai Lama to talk about Tibet.  Yes, China still gets away with murder.  Could it be because we owe them a lot of money?  Hmmmm. 

Mar. 23
Newly released government research revealed that America's underprivileged have much lower life expectancies than the privileged and over-privileged.  Is that news unsettling, or does it fit under the category of  "bleeding obvious"?  Somehow this goes on being okay with the same people whose main concern after Katrina was Trent Lott's house.  "Let them eat crack," was ever their motto.

Mar. 24
D Cupples reported on the escalating post-Surge violence in Iraq.  SPOILER:  It got worse.

Oh, those missing White House emails?  Still missing.

Mar. 25
D Cupples wondered if maybe the Surge isn't working anymore.

Want to know about the state of your stake in the Social Security fund?  There's a new report just out.

Mar. 26
Senators Baucus (Democrat) and Grassley (Republican) had some questions about the Bear Stearns bail-out.  It sounds like an idea for a joke.   "Two Senators, a Democrat and a Republican, and a bear are all together in a leaking canoe.  The bear says to the Democrat...."  Right, I'll work on it.

Mar. 27
When is a  Surge a Success?  According to the Pentagon, when it Stops Working!

Mar. 28
Gov. Siegelman, the recipient of some Bush Administration-style 'justice,'  is released from jail.  His attorney calls it a "big win in a very long war."

Soundtracks of My Life: Les Contes d'Hoffman (Offenbach) & Melanie

I admit that they don't exactly go together.   But I performed Hoffman (just in the chorus, of course), including "Helas! Mon coeur s'agare encore"  when I was in my teens; and Melanie was one of my favorite singers (and later, my favorite singer).  So there is a connection, at least as regards the Flatland Chronicles. 

City Lights: Orlando, Miami, and Jax

After dipping into Florida's small towns, time for some city lights and some architectural grandeur!

Buck Naked Politics Political Round-Up: Mar.21-28

Mar. 21
The Flag Officers who endorsed Hillary explained why she would make a better commander-in-chief.   Media coverage?  Little to none.

Bill Richardson decided that all the help he received from Bill Clinton in getting his own political career in motion didn't obligate him to support Hillary.  He endorsed Obama.

Hillary's, Obama's, and McCain's passport files were breached, putting a stop to the speculation that Hillary was behind it all that immediately followed the initial story (that Obama's files were breached).

Mar.22
James Carville compared Bill Richardson to Judas.  He has since completely failed to apologize.  D Cupples enjoyed pointing at Bill Richardson's blatantly staged endorsement speech.

Meanwhile, one of Obama's campaign co-chairs compared Bill Richardson to Sen. Joe McCarthy.

Much as I don't care for Obama's tactics or wish to reward them, this illustrative video should serve as a warning to Americans:  lighten up, or it will be raining McCain (please see the illustrative video).

Mar.23
Andrew Sullivan thinks it's terribly insulting to Obama that Hillary would presume to propose that he be Vice President. Who does she think she is? he snips.  The answer being:  Hillary Clinton.  Who on earth do you think you are?

Are Obama's advisers less progressive than advertised?  So it seems.  (Thanks to No Quarter for reprinting the story!)

D Cupples would like for you to know that just because we don't care for your candidate doesn't mean we don't like you or your mama.

Mar.24
No Quarter's Larry Johnson rebuked Obama for the McCarthy slur. 

Paul Krugman on why the financial crisis isn't at the center of the debates.  He had some depressing answers.

D Cupples would like to explain some facts about the electoral college to Obama's supporters---and you too.

Mar.25
The media were too excited by the news that Hillary's little anecdote about running through sniper fire in Bosnia was, um, embellished to care about Obama's habit of taking credit for legislation on which other senators had done all the work.  He was busy campaigning, you see.

Hillary upset Obama's campaign by actually discussing the mortgage crisis (take that, Paul Krugman!)

Mar.26
D Cupples had a word or two to say about the audacity of hypocrisy.  But that doesn't mean we think you should vote for McCain.  That's just crazy talk. McCain is Bush version 2.0.

Mar.27
John Murtha said nice things about Hillary's problem-solving skills.   

Those who don't believe in the anti-Obama backlash really need to read this.  But both Hillary and Obama want to remind you:  DEMS SHOULDN'T VOTE FOR MCCAIN.

Mar.28
Big Clinton campaign donors would have Nancy Pelosi and interested others to know:  they want the primaries to continue.

D Cupples has some news about current polls for those chomping at the bit to write Hillary off.

HELLO?  Hillary's health care plan really IS better.

A Floridiana Gloriana Nature Walk

Three beautifully detailed and expressive photographs showing how nature manifests itself here in Florida:  a blue heron, a gorgeously striated yellow and black caterpillar, and one doughty sunflower battling the breeze.  All here.

Small Town Life in Central Florida

Winter Haven, Lakeland, and Lake Wales....places that few tourists ever see but which have their own beauties (the Bok Tower Sanctuary, to name just one).  See them here.

The Gulf Coast, Sunset Over the Keys, and Photos from Florida's Psychic Community, Cassadaga

Sunset over the Florida keys----plus:

-a nautical scene from Fort Myers (very colorful)
-photos from Cassadaga, Florida's spiritualist camp
-a baby scrub jay photographed in Tampa  (compelling evidence that birds really ARE the descendants of dinosaurs....

all right here.

Long Overdue Updates: Buck Naked Politics News Round-Up (Mar.13-20)

Mar. 13
More on overbroad data mining by the FBI.  (Why don't Republicans mind?)

There was some dithering---subsequently resolved---about whether the Pentagon would release that Iraq report about which we'd all heard such intriguing things. 

Mar. 14
At the request of Republicans, the House held a secret meeting to debate FISA.  What were they debating?  It was a big old SECRET, but whatever it was,  it was supposed to convince Dems to grant telecom amnesty. 

While the Pentagon didn't distribute its report to all and sundry, journalists could request it, and ABC News promptly did.  The report revealed the shocking news that Saddam was not linked to al Qaeda.  While most of us were saying, "Duh!", a few Bush administration apologists were deconstructing the report to find some kind of link.  Given the whole thing about every two individuals being separated by a maximum of six others, they were naturally able to find some straws---probably in their hair----out of which to manufacture their bricks.

Petraeus wasn't satisfied with the progress toward political reconciliation in Iraq.  And that was before things got really bad.

Mar. 15
The FISA bill passed without telecom immunity, though with some aspects that definitely worry D Cupples.

Mar. 16
Let us consider our Bushed economy.

Mar. 17
Bear Stearns is gonna get by with a little help from its friends.

Mar. 18
For example, the government---i.e., the taxpayers, meaning you and me----is going to lend J.P. Morgan a huge chunk of cash to buy Bear Stearns.  I'm so glad that even with our tanking economy, we can afford to provide welfare for Wall Streeters.  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  In other news, the Fed cut interest rates.

The Bush Administration was subjected to a little pressure by a pesky federal magistrate over those missing emails.

Mar. 19
As I was saying, the Fed cut interest rates.  And stock prices surged (if you'll pardon the expression).

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court was poised to strike down the District Columbia's handgun ban.

Mar. 20
And George W. Bush was still president---a president whose ratings continue to hit new lows.   On a possibly related note, 71% of Americans polled thought the Iraq War was hurting the economy.  .

House GOP members didn't want people who'd had bad experiences with credit card companies to testify about their nasty experiences.  So the Republicans used a particularly unpleasant ploy to prevent this from happening.

Long Overdue Updates: Buck Naked Politics Political Round-Up (Mar.13-20)

As the Iraq War spirals ever more out of control, the war between Democrats gets ever nastier.  Sigh.  Kids:  Whatever you do, don't vote for McCain!

Mar. 13
Though all the nonsense about the Rev. Wright eclipsed it, McCain's most recent pastor (he's been through a number of conversions en route to becoming the candidate for the Right) has argued in his published works that Islam should be destroyed.  Does McCain ascribe to these sentiments or is he merely a big old hypocrite? I asked.  And that was before the agitation over Rev. Wright.   

Keith Olbermann's---Hillary supporters have renamed him Obaman--- Very Special Bashing of Hillary:  the day on which we all gave up watching MSNBC for good.  D Cupples covered it. 

Mar. 14
Hillary Clinton's campaign strategist had the bad judgment to make a statement that could be construed as having racial overtones, causing a ruckus.  D Cupples suggested that he take a time-out from talking to the media for six weeks or so. Sheesh.Meanwhile, the first shock waves from the publication of some of Jeremiah Wright's rantings was brought to the public's attention by ABC News.  My mother, a/k/a "The Southern Lady" said she got "physically sick to her stomach" when he sang his Very Special Version of "God Bless America." 

In a speech that the media TOTALLY IGNORED, Hillary pledged to work to unify the party behind Obama if he won the nomination.  Nothing she does that doesn't fit the 'reality show villainess' story line the media have assigned to her ever gets the slightest bit of attention from the press.

Mar. 15
D Cupples reported on the substantial backlash against Obama by Hillary's supporters----an unfortunate side effect of having our candidate, and those Democrats who support her, treated with relentless disdain by other Democrats.  It's pretty clear to most of us that Obama doesn't really care about our votes. 

Mar. 16
And speaking of backlash, former Kos blogger Alegre led a walk-out or boycott by pro-Hillary Kos bloggers, sick to death of being disrespected by their fellow Kossacks.  I never looked at Kos anyway, but I've enjoyed Alegre's posts at her new home, No Quarter.  Huzzah for the brave boycotters of Kos!

In a speech that the media barely mentioned, Hillary spoke on her plan to end the Iraq War responsibly.  It was an excellent speech.

Mar. 18-19
Obama made his big CYA speech on race, heralded by his besotted span as the greatest speech since the Gettysburg address.  It was a pretty good speech, actually---but, as D Cupples pointed out, it was not without inconsistencies.

McCain proved that he doesn't really have a clue what's going on in Iraq

John Murtha endorsed Hillary Clinton.  27 Flag Rank Officers and the Get Out of Iraq Caucus did as well.   The punditocracy were too busy raving about/dissecting  Obama's speech to pay any attention.

Mar. 20
Two polls showed Hillary gaining on Obama.  It was nice while it lasted.

Hillary released records of her schedule as First Lady---many thousands of pages.  ABC News couldn't wait to tell us that she was present at the White House on the day of the fatal stained-dress tryst.

As fast as Obama's people combed through Hillary's records to 'prove' it didn't show she had the claimed foreign policy experience, the Irish Prime Minister told Obama that she played a significant role in the Irish peace process.  Discussion among the punditocracy?   Little to none. 

The Director of the NY Civil Rights Coalition---an African-America---was unimpressed with Obama's speech.

Scenes from the West Coast (Florida's)

Some beautiful photographs from Florida's Gulf Coast:  a glittery photograph from downtown St. Pete;  mysterious  'subtropical noir' by our featured photographer, Caleb (St. Pete);  a gloriously surreal vision of Tampa's street car terminal; and  one beautiful golden-eyed bird: all right here.

Hillary Supporters Finally Say 'Enough'

Obama seems to have entered a new political lifetime.  Certainly opposition among Hillary supporters is hardening against him.   The Left Coaster articulated the Clinton Rules and the Obama Rules.  At Daily Kos, the Clinton diarists finally had enough and announced a boycott.  Yes, as Lord Kos said, it's a big internet.

You can see them all right here.

Sir Ian McKellen in 'Extras': Acting Secrets of One of the World's Greatest!

If you haven't seen it yet, you'll want to get the DVD after this. 

Hillary Takes the High Road

You've hardly heard a word about it in the media, I know, but on the night before events rather dire to Obama, she most certainly did.

Buck Naked Politics News Round-Up for March 7 through March 12

Mar. 7
D Cupples had something surprising to whisper in your ear about a certain defense contractor.

In Iraq, a suicide bomber killed 68 people.  Sixty-eight people---in one single blast.   Meanwhile, US intelligence officials were apparently debating whether it might be best to keep the next progress assessment to themselves.  We, the public, will be informed on a need-to-know basis, I suppose.

D Cupples explains why housing prices are dropping and really need to drop. 

Mar. 8
There were 63,000 jobs lost  in February.  On the bright side, you'll be glad to know that the subprime mortgage crisis didn't prevent the CEOs of the three hardest-hit companies from taking home massive amounts of compensation.  It's an ill wind that blows nobody good!

Meanwhile, while the Obama and Clinton campaigns were badgering one another and getting us Dems all upset, Bush announced that he would indeed veto the legislation that would have banned use of waterboarding by the CIA.  Say what else you will about him, he's consistent.

Mar. 9
If the economy looks pretty moribund to you, take heart:  it's not a recession til