LaChaBenn

Patrick Wayne, the newest member of the clan

2011-10-19T08:19:00.000-04:00

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Vanessa Carlton

2011-10-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

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As you may or may not know i am obsessed with Vanessa Carlton. I've noticed that not many people share my love for her.(minus the teen queens of Phili) I feel sorry for the majority. Vanessa Carlton recently toured the east coast, two nights in dc, one in nyc, then to Phili then to Pittsburg. Naturally I did see her, and i have to say that her newest album: Rabits on the Run, is (in short) amazing. You must buy.
Here is a lovely sample:

also

and finally

haters shhhhh

September 11

2011-09-09T22:42:00.001-04:00

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As we near the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States I would like to extended my deep condolences to those who suffered loss due to the attacks. We must never forget the sacrifices made. We also must not dismiss the questions, the "conspiracy theories" surrounding the hijackers and the planes that hit the Pentagon and StoneyCreek Township,Pennsylvania.

1 of 5

2 of 5

3 of 5

4 of 5

5 of 5

STOP the KeyStone Pipeline!

2011-08-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

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Dear Friends
This will be a slightly longer letter than common for the internet age—it’s serious stuff.
The short version is we want you to consider doing something hard: coming to Washington in the hottest and stickiest weeks of the summer and engaging in civil disobedience that will quite possibly get you arrested.
The full version goes like this:
As you know, the planet is steadily warming: 2010 was the warmest year on record, and we’ve seen the resulting chaos in almost every corner of the earth.
And as you also know, our democracy is increasingly controlled by special interests interested only in their short-term profit.
These two trends collide this summer in Washington, where the State Department and the White House have to decide whether to grant a certificate of ‘national interest’ to some of the biggest fossil fuel players on earth. These corporations want to build the so-called ‘Keystone XL Pipeline’ from Canada’s tar sands to Texas refineries.
To call this project a horror is serious understatement. The tar sands have wrecked huge parts of Alberta, disrupting ways of life in indigenous communities—First Nations communities in Canada, and tribes along the pipeline route in the U.S. have demanded the destruction cease. The pipeline crosses crucial areas like the Oglalla Aquifer where a spill would be disastrous—and though the pipeline companies insist they are using ‘state of the art’ technologies that should leak only once every 7 years, the precursor pipeline and its pumping stations have leaked a dozen times in the past year. These local impacts alone would be cause enough to block such a plan. But the Keystone Pipeline would also be a fifteen hundred mile fuse to the biggest carbon bomb on the continent, a way to make it easier and faster to trigger the final overheating of our planet, the one place to which we are all indigenous.
As the climatologist Jim Hansen (one of the signatories to this letter) explained, if we have any chance of getting back to a stable climate “the principal requirement is that coal emissions must be phased out by 2030 and unconventional fossil fuels, such as tar sands, must be left in the ground.” In other words, he added, “if the tar sands are thrown into the mix it is essentially game over.” The Keystone pipeline is an essential part of the game. “Unless we get increased market access, like with Keystone XL, we’re going to be stuck,” said Ralph Glass, an economist and vice-president at AJM Petroleum Consultants in Calgary, told a Canadian newspaper last week.
Given all that, you’d suspect that there’s no way the Obama administration would ever permit this pipeline. But in the last few months the administration has signed pieces of paper opening much of Alaska to oil drilling, and permitting coal-mining on federal land in Wyoming that will produce as much CO2 as 300 powerplants operating at full bore.
And Secretary of State Clinton has already said she’s ‘inclined’ to recommend the pipeline go forward. Partly it’s because of the political commotion over high gas prices, though more tar sands oil would do nothing to change that picture. But it’s also because of intense pressure from industry. The US Chamber of Commerce—a bigger funder of political campaigns than the RNC and DNC combined—has demanded that the administration “move quickly to approve the Keystone XL pipeline,” which is not so surprising—they’ve also told the U.S. EPA that if the planet warms that will be okay because humans can ‘adapt their physiology’ to cope. The Koch Brothers, needless to say, are also backing the plan, and may reap huge profits from it.
So we’re pretty sure that without serious pressure the Keystone Pipeline will get its permit from Washington. A wonderful coalition of environmental groups has built a strong campaign across the continent—from Cree and Dene indigenous leaders to Nebraska farmers, they’ve spoken out strongly against the destruction of their land. We need to join them, and to say even if our own homes won’t be crossed by this pipeline, our joint home—the earth—will be wrecked by the carbon that pours down it.
And we need to say something else, too: it’s time to stop letting corporate power make the most important decisions our planet faces. We don’t have the money to compete with those corporations, but we do have our bodies, and beginning in mid August many of us will use them. We will, each day, march on the White House, risking arrest with our trespass. We will do it in dignified fashion, demonstrating that in this case we are the conservatives, and that our foes—who would change the composition of the atmosphere are dangerous radicals. Come dressed as if for a business meeting—this is, in fact, serious business.
And another sartorial tip—if you wore an Obama button during the 2008 campaign, why not wear it again? We very much still want to believe in the promise of that young Senator who told us that with his election the ‘rise of the oceans would begin to slow and the planet start to heal.’ We don’t understand what combination of bureaucratic obstinacy and insider dealing has derailed those efforts, but we remember his request that his supporters continue on after the election to pressure his government for change. We’ll do what we can.
And one more thing: we don’t just want college kids to be the participants in this fight. They’ve led the way so far on climate change—10,000 came to DC for the Powershift gathering earlier this spring. They’ve marched this month in West Virginia to protest mountaintop removal; a young man named Tim DeChristopher faces sentencing this summer in Utah for his creative protest.
Now it’s time for people who’ve spent their lives pouring carbon into the atmosphere to step up too, just as many of us did in earlier battles for civil rights or for peace. Most of us signing this letter are veterans of this work, and we think it’s past time for elders to behave like elders. One thing we don’t want is a smash up: if you can’t control your passions, this action is not for you.
This won’t be a one-shot day of action. We plan for it to continue for several weeks, till the administration understands we won’t go away. Not all of us can actually get arrested—half the signatories to this letter live in Canada, and might well find our entry into the U.S. barred. But we will be making plans for sympathy demonstrations outside Canadian consulates in the U.S., and U.S. consulates in Canada—the decision-makers need to know they’re being watched.
Twenty years of patiently explaining the climate crisis to our leaders hasn’t worked. Maybe moral witness will help. You have to start somewhere, and we choose here and now.
If you think you might want to be a part of this action, we need you to sign up here.
As plans solidify in the next few weeks we’ll be in touch with you to arrange nonviolence training; our colleagues at a variety of environmental and democracy campaigns will be coordinating the actual arrangements.
We know we’re asking a lot. You should think long and hard on it, and pray if you’re the praying type. But to us, it’s as much privilege as burden to get to join this fight in the most serious possible way. We hope you’ll join us.
Maude Barlow – Chair, Council of Canadians
Wendell Berry – Author and Farmer
Tom Goldtooth – Director, Indigenous Environmental Network
Danny Glover – Actor
James Hansen – Climate Scientist
Wes Jackson – Agronomist, President of the Land Insitute
Naomi Klein – Author and Journalist
Bill McKibben – Writer and Environmentalist
George Poitras – Mikisew Cree Indigenous First Nation
Gus Speth – Environmental Lawyer and Activist
David Suzuki – Scientist, Environmentalist and Broadcaster
Joseph B. Uehlein – Labor organizer and environmentalist
P.S. Please pass this letter on to anyone else you think might be interested. We realize that what we’re asking isn’t easy, and we’re very grateful that you’re willing even to consider it. See you in Washington!
Here are some resources to learn more about the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline project:
DirtyOilSands.org
Canada and Its Tar Sands: What the Country Can Learn From Brazil About Protecting the Environment
Friends of the Earth factsheet
Solve Climate article on recent spills and approval process
Natural Resources Defense Council factsheet on Keystone XL
U.S. Climate Protests Shift to Blocking Keystone XL Pipeline Approval

I love gap

2011-07-09T17:31:00.000-04:00

Four pair of 1969 skinny jeans 25 bucks.

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Video of DC Police Abusing an Elderly Man

2011-05-25T11:05:00.002-04:00

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After watching this I am glad that my encounter with Baltimore City Police ended the way it did...

Earlier this week handicappable and elderly man Dwight Harris was abused by two Washington D.C. Metro Police Officers in front of the U Street- Cardozo Metro Station. (Across the street from Ben's Chili Bowl and the Lincoln Theater.) An official Statement issued by DCMP suggest that Mr.Harris resisted a citation for drinking and public and upon arrest

“The patron resisted arrest which resulted in him falling out of his wheelchair."

You tell me, does this look like someone falling out of a wheelchair?

If you listen careful you'll hear someone say "they are on a power trip right now," Cops are always on a power trip and many forget that their duty, their job is to serve and protect. This is not a police state, no cop has the right to violently push me out of a stadium. No cop has the right to physically abuse a defenseless elderly "drunk" man in this manner. The two cops in question have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. This is simply NOT ENOUGH these two cops should lose their jobs. They abused this man and then lied about it to their supervisor. On top of that they were STUPID enough to ignore the most obvious reality of the 21 century: Video Cameras are Everywhere.

If you see a police officer getting out of line don't just stand their. You have the right to video tape in a public place. (not voice record!)You have the right to stand where you want in a public place, Police officers are not above the law.

Who will Police the Police?

Hidden Racism? abc's the Bachelorette

2011-05-24T10:49:00.003-04:00

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Did you watch the new Bachelorette last night? I won't lie, I watched part of it. (La Duh) Ashley's new hairdoo looks super cute and her dress was BANGING. But as I watched I became ubber curious as to why abc believed it would be 'pc,' cool, realistic or socially acceptable to ONLY put white folks on this show. No other race is represented and to make matters worse alllll of the dudes look exactly the freaking same.
It is 2012, it scares me to believe that people somewhere still think this way is cool.

I read in a LaTimes Article producer Mike Fleiss told Entertainment Weekly that "for whatever reason THEY do not come forward. I wish they would" (honestly mike you can't figure out a better word than "they" or just phrased that differently?)
Others, like producer Shawn Ryan (Creator of The Shield) calls the show racist, and believes "They [Fleiss] just don't think America will watch black bachelor or root for mixed-race marriage." So if abc believes mix marriage is frowned upon by a majority of Americans then how do they justify rushing a marriage by going from 25 guys one day, bonking 10 guys the next day and picking one in a span of 8ight weeks and calling it holy love.
Hands down, it is racism.
Love All

P.S.
-Yo Anthony, if you've been single for 7 years maybe you should rethink YOU.
-Tim you are a DB
-Ashley if your friend warns you about One random guy, a stranger, out of 25, you should trust your friend.
-and this what the dude under the mask looks like Jeff

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Baltimore City Police are a JOKE

2011-05-20T20:25:00.001-04:00

at one point in my life I had zero respect for all law enforcement. I called this point of my life the rebellious years.
As an adult I've learned to respect some of americans finest and bravest. However I've mad one exception: Baltimore City Police Department.
These cops are a joke, it took four of them to escort me out of an hald empty Camden Yards. Murder rate is what in this city? Crack cocaine is?! Everywhere. And yet one had the rasicit thought to pen me out of a crowd of white and ask me what's in my bottle of drink-and then take my bottle of drink and smell it. I am over 21. I paid good money to sit in my seats and these fuckers think they can put their hands on me and try and push me out? Newsflash BCPD you are a joke. You couldn't work a real beat if your life depended on it. Fuck you fuck you fuck you. You and your city suck.
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There is an Elephant in my Head

2011-05-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

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I already hear the jokes forming about the size of my head (BACK OFF)

Are you familiar with the Maryland Dream Act? Google it, but in short the Maryland Dream Act will provide "in-state" tuition to the children of illegal immigrants. In order to receive in-state tuition the student will have to prove that their parents have paid taxes for the three years prior to attending school, the students must attend a community/two year college before entering a four year program. For example: if a student attends University of Maryland and qualifies for statehood they will pay annually $8,416 vs $24,831 for out of state/illegal.

I'm not a racist. I am a child of an immigrant. I have friends, family and a significant ex that are immigrants or children of immigrants, or have earned their citizenship. However, I cannot sit back and ignore the fact that Millions of American's have inordinate felonies. Those individuals CANNOT receive ANY form of government financial aid (Pell grants, Staffords etc.) nor can they receive help from a number of government sponsored programs (Welfare, Section 8, food stamps etc). In some states felons cannot Vote for the rest of their lifetimes. Felons cannot serve in our military or work for the federal government (unless elected). I don't see anyone rushing to condone and pardon their actions or give those individuals another chance to "contribute towards our society." I refuse to ignore the fact that a number of those individuals with felonies are black males. Where is their second chance? Why are we not trying to reform that group of people?

I am not a dream crusher, I am a realist. Our economy sucks are borders are compromised and each year MILLIONS of legal citizens are taking out loans and earning scholarships to further their education. Illegals can follow suit. Maryland Delegates: How does the same group of people who deny gays the right to marry pass the Dream Act? Citizenship is possible, so is not breaking the law. If we are not going to give breaks to American with a BS pot charge or those who hustled to put food on their table, or those who work three jobs to Pay for their education (or pay it back) then why does it make sense to give a break to One group of people. I am for the individual school to decide if they want to cut their revenue by condoning illegal activity. I AM NOT for the Dream Act, a statewide pardon to illegal activity.

That is my opinion. If you disagree, great! Do not insult my while telling me your point of view.

not proofed yet

District 11-20110506-00185.jpg

2011-05-06T09:33:00.002-04:00

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Obama cuts off Celebrity Apprentice to announce the United States has BIN LADEN’S BODY

2011-05-01T23:48:00.000-04:00

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NBC cuts off 15 minutes before Donald Trump "fire[s]" someone (probably Nini, but should be Hope) on his reality t.v. show. Thats good timing on the president's part, classic.

I am glad we have Bin Laden, for many of us that has been a big part of our generation, this "war on terror." And this search only took one decade, two presidents, several violations of individuals fourth amendment rights, Five U.S. Commanders, eight years (to the date) AFTER George W. announces “mission accomplished,” and 4,452 troops lives (3/19/03-5/1/11 http://antiwar.com/casualties/)

And now what? We are going to go hold hands overseas? Not be afraid of every toilet seat or sandwich bag left unattended outside of a court house? Will we still get body scanned while going thru security? YEP, Yep, yep.

i'm over it.

Lisa Jaeggi to play Pete's Candy Store every Sunday In May!

2011-04-28T00:28:00.001-04:00

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From the desk of Lisa Jaeggi

"Sundays in May RESIDENCY at
Pete's Candy Store 8:30pm

Oh hells yeah. Every Sunday in May (starting this upcoming Sunday, May 1st) I'll be playing the awesomely rad venue, Pete's Candy Store. That's right. Every Sunday at 8:30pm. That's five shows in a row. Once a week. At the same place. You have zero excuse. And it's finally getting warmer, which means there is no better way to spend your Sunday evenings than with friends, having a beer, listening to some sweet tunes, chillin' in Pete's backyard.

Also on the Bill for Sunday May 1st:

Justin Keller at 9:30pm

Cahalen and Eli at 10:30pm "

Pete's Candy Store
709 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211-1312
(718) 302-3770

Pie 'n' Thighs: Williamsburg/Brooklyn, NY

2011-04-26T10:08:00.001-04:00

Pies 'n' Thighs

Driggs and S 4^th street Williamsburg/Brooklyn

“Do you know a place we can get dessert this late around here?”

“Uhh no, oh well there is that place really close to here, up on the corner”

And thus I am I directed to an awesome comfort food spot in Williamsburg/Brooklyn

Pies ‘n’ Thighs on 166 S.4th Street (@Driggs) Brooklyn NY 11211is small, almost tiny but the food packs a huge punch. The menu is equally small, featuring (guess) Fried Chicken, Fried CatFish, Burgers, BBQ pork and Brisket and a handful of sides and of course pies. I have a saying “if you fry it, I will come and try it” folks if you like fried chicken you must try this place. If you don’t, then don’t go out of your way. Crispy, traditional thick southern style batter covers the chicken and the fish, both served in a box with a huge homemade biscuit (Recipe here) If you are a vegetarian, like my guest, you are stuck with the “sides” menu (or a grilled cheese). We ordered Mac n Cheese, Spicy Black Eyed Peas Salad, Grits, Iceberg Lettuce salad. I would have tried the fried pickles but they were not available. Everything was served QUICK, like so quick I wasn’t sure that everything was properly cooked. Everything was to point, even the grits and it takes a lot for a “southern” to approve of a “yankee’s grits.” The spicy black eyed peas were served cold. I wasn’t expecting that but they went well with the creamy mac n cheese, and the iceburg lettuce was pretty typical (we asked for the salad without the bacon) Pies ‘n’ Thighs says all of their meats are naturally raised, though I’ve heard from others that their chicken biscuit is equally to a frozen pattie you can buy at a grocery store. I’ve also heard that on a nice day, the line and wait can be out the door.Remember this place is tiny, I recommend carry out.
OH MY I’m forgetting about the Pie! We tried a traditional sour cherry pie. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great and the portion size was tiny (there is a trend) for its larger than life price of $4.50. Still where else are you going to find something sweet, something to drink and something filling that close to the Williamsburg bridge? (poss Checkers) Nowhere. Pies ‘n’ Thighs is more than worth it, check it out.

Open Monday through Friday
Breakfast 8-4
Lunch 11-4
Dinner 5-12
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch 10-4
Dinner 5-12

Pad Thai: Noodle Lounge Chelsea, NY

2011-04-25T10:10:00.001-04:00

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Cute, quaint and delicious.
Exit MTA lines A,C, E at 6th and 15th and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Chelsea. A handful of restaurants sit on this main street and the diner has their choice. We chose to stop in at a cute Thai restaurant: Pad Thai: Noodle Lounge. The atmosphere was relaxing enough that anyone may walk in from off the street and not feel under dressed, but stylish enough for a business lunch or second date.
We were greeted as soon as we stepped into the door and were sat in the middle of the open space. Before I could take my jacket off we were brought water and Thai chips with a thick peanut sauce.

For starters we began with an appetizing order of Samurai Summer rolls, Avocado, carrots, ginger, scallion, cucumbers and green tea noodles wrapped tightly in rice paper. Drizzled in a peanut sauce and drops of shriatch and a glaze on the plate; the dish was served with a plum wine sauce. The rolls were very difficult to eat, each bite pushed out the noodles on to our square share plates. I used my fork to feed myself the second bite. My attempt to cut the second roll failed. They were delicious enough that I was not embarrassed by the mess I was making. My dining partner ordered a green papaya salad. A layed helping of iceberg lettuce, green papaya (right?), carrots, green beans, tomatoes and crushed peanuts. The salad was served in a tall narrow bowl so that the lettuce did not become soggy with the dressing that sat at the bottom. I must confess that I did not try the salad but my guest enjoyed the light fare.

About the entrees.
Entrees are divided Noodles, Fried Rice, Curry, and Sautéed Every dish can be served spicy or not spicy and the diner has a choice of Tufu, Mixed Vegetables, Chicken, ($10) Beef, Shrimp or Scallops($12).

For my entrée I ordered Green Curry, spicy, with chicken. My guest ordered the name sake, Pad Thai, not spicy, with mixed vegetables. My curry was served hot in what resembled a large gravy bowl with a large ice cream scoop of white rice. The sauce, green curry and coconut milk was thick and tasty! There were shoots of bamboo jetting up above the liquid. Accents of colors from red and green peppers, zucchini and yellow squash relieved themselves as I mixed in the rice.

My guest’s Pad Thai was served traditional style, long stingy noodles, with little bigs of tofu, baby corn, snap peas, carrots, zucchini and mix peppers. The portion was large; The flavor was delicious with a hint of sweetness. The dish was actually better the next day, served straight out of the fridge, but in the restaurant it was still great.

Overall I give Pad Thai: Noodle Lounge, Chelsea, NY a high rating. The service was fast and efficient, the food was wonderful and the prices were beyond cheap especially considering the location (together I spent $36 w/o tip for two entrees, two apps and a specialty drink). I would like to see the spot expand their beer menu from the traditional water downed American brews. Check out this place when in NY.

Pad Thai: Noodle Lounge 114 8th Avenue, New York - (212) 691-6226

How to Tie A Tie

2011-04-24T17:42:00.000-04:00

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Just cause
Check out this Full Windsor

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Wednesday Hump Day: Books Banned from Reading Rainbow

2011-04-20T18:46:00.000-04:00

Reading Rainbow Banned Book Review #1 - watch more funny videos

Gas Prices, Obama, and what we learned three years ago

2011-04-20T14:36:00.000-04:00

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By LaChaBenn for LaChaBenn.com (not yet proofed)

In the last 30 days the average gallon of gas has risen to $3.54 a gallon, a 24% increased from last month; last year in February the average price of a gallon of regular was $2.75.

Que Tal?

Many speculate that the unrest in recent weeks in Libya has lead to the increase at the pumps. In response to the price of oil President Obama announced Friday that he favours an increase in domestic drilling to decrease America’s dependency on foreign oil and that he is prepared to release U.S. oil reserves. Obama failed to say when he will open the reserves. In the same conference Obama announced that it is necessary for the U.S. to increase energy efficiency to end its dependency on oil. Republicans lashed out at Obama calling him a hypocrite and suggesting that the presidents’ policy’s are to blame for the recent increase at the pump. "While the Obama administration claims to be committed to American energy production, the facts and its own actions say otherwise," said House Speaker John Boehner in a written statement. Note: U.S. oil production was at a 7even year high last year however since the BP oil spill in 2010 only one permit has been issued.

Anybody getting a case of dejavu. Georgia you remember the summer of no gas?

or

SUVs got parked, Cash for Clunkers, carpooling incentives and programs like none ever seen in history. Environmentalist screamed for ways to find alternative ways to find and promote alternative energy and increase America’s energy efficiency. But when gas prices dropped, with little evidence of why, we, America lost focus of the who, what, where, when, and why.

Who really controls the price of the gallon- on paper “OPEC” but really Oil companies, ExxonMobile (who had a 59% profit increase in their first quarter of 2011, Chevron (29%) etc

What the F are they doing- Making billions of dollars off the backs of hard working Americans

Where are they doing it?- Everywhere to everyone

When- Every chance they get

Why- Because they can get away with it.

It doesn’t matter that Obama may or may not release our supply of oil, it does not matter that Boner…sorry Boehner, favors an increase in drilling. The truth of the matter is an OPEC investigation needs to be done. The cost of oil should reflect the price of drilling. When an oil companies profits increased 25% in a year (that is billions of dollars) and prices continue to increase for the consumer something is clearly wrong. Despite what is said, oil pipes that lay hundreds of feet underground are not affected by what is going above ground. We are being taken advantage of and no one is protecting the consumers’ rights. Not Obama, not the Majority of the House, not OPEC and especially not any oil companies. We do need to find ways to end our dependency on oil . The trend cannot fade as soon a prices drop. We must remember our bad times even when times are good. But our addiction, our “fix” will not end overnight. Like any addiction it will take a full commitment to All 12 steps and the time that goes in to taking the steps.

What can happen overnight? The people with the power can look at BP’s and Chevrons profits and ask the real questions: IF there is a shortage how is it that your profits are raising? I understand this is a capitalistic system at work, but enough is enough.

Uh Rose McGowan, did she get plastic surgery?

2011-03-23T23:03:00.000-04:00

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So i just watched the newest episode of Law & Order: SVU
I didn't realize Rose McGowan was in the "guest" character in the show until J said something......Uhhh plastic surgery abuse?
What do you think?

too much

Anthony Robles Wins NCAA Wresting Championship with one leg

2011-03-20T11:48:00.001-04:00

Your friend has sent you an ESPN video!

Anthony Robles Wins NCAA Wrestling Title

Check out this video!

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6238024

One-legged wrestler wins US college title

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 12:28:00 03/20/2011

PHILADELPHIA – Anthony Robles, born without a right leg, won the US national collegiate wrestling title at 125 pounds on Saturday, completing an unbeaten senior season and an amazing tale.
The 22-year-old Arizona State University standout defeated defending champion Matt McDonough from the University of Iowa 7-1 in the National Collegiate Athletic Association final to close out a 36-0 season.
"I had a lot of butterflies going out there," Robles said. "I have dreamed about stepping on that stage a dozen times and this whole year I've just been preparing for that moment.”
"And I was scared. I was scared out there, but as soon as I hit that first takedown I sort of relaxed. I said, 'OK, back to business. Same drill as usual, like every other match.'"
An early takedown and back points put Robles ahead to stay in the first period. McDonough scored in the final period but it was too little and too late, and after the end a sellout crowd of 17,000 gave Robles a standing ovation.
Robles has built his upper body strength and typically forces foes to stay low on the mat to try and defeat him.
He does not see himself as a wrestler with a disability, just as a wrestler, and now as a champion.
"I didn't get into the sport for the attention. I wrestle because I love wrestling," Robles said.
"But it inspires me when I get kids, even adults, who write me on Facebook or send me letters in the mail just saying that I've inspired them, and they look up to me, and they're motivated to do things that other people wouldn't have thought possible."

Good Times at the pump!

2011-03-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

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The Green Awards: VOTE FOR PICK UP AMERICA!!!!

2011-03-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

HELP Pick Up America win the Green Awards!

Vote Once A Day EVERYDAY

VOTE NOW

Drug Bust Heard Round The World: Baltimore lives up to its Image (as presented in The Wire

2011-03-11T01:35:00.000-05:00

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Drug Bust Heard Round the World
Baltimore lives up to its image (as presented in The Wire)
by LaChaBenn for LaChaBenn.com

During the early hours, on the morning March 10, 2011, close to 450 Baltimore City Police and Swat team members executed 40 search warrants (raids) which resulted in 63 arrest including the arrest of actress Felicia "Snoop" Pearson from the Wire.

( Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun / March 10, 2011 )

The raids are the result of a 5ive month investigation by Baltimore City Police, the Maryland Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maryland's Attorney General Office. Police confiscated four (4) guns, 5ive pounds of marijuana and 5ive grams of raw heroin, this according to Baltimore City Police Commissioner Bealefeld. The city hopes that this well put wrench in the city's drug trade and violence emanating from North East Baltimore. Areas raid include the infamous Latrobe homes and the Redwood apartment building on South Eutaw.

For more on the drug bust watch

My Dinner Last Night. Yours Tonight- Spinach Pasta Pie

2011-03-08T11:22:00.000-05:00

Spinach Pasta Pie

Ingredients:

16 oz bag of fresh or frozen chopped spinach ($1)

1 Bell Pepper chopped (optional) i like the frozen mix pepper medley ($1)

1 Small onion chopped (optional)

3 Large Eggs

1 Cup of Chunky tomato sauce ($1)

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Salt

1 teaspoon of Black Pepper

1 Tablespoon of Rosemary

12 pieces of Cheese Ravioli (found in frozen food section)($1)

½ cup of shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella)

1 Pie crust unrolled ($1 total about $5 bucks)

Prep:

Boil Water ~ Pre Heat Oven at 350 ~ Unroll pie crust into 8 or 9 inch circular baking pan

Directions:

Once Water is boiled begin cooking Cheese Ravioli

Combine Spinach, chopped Bell Pepper and Onion with Garlic Salt, Black Pepper, and Rosemary in skillet and sauté until items are cooked.

Place mixture into bowl and mix three eggs (with or without yolk) into mixture, add splash of tomato sauce into mixture and sprinkle of cheese

Pour mixture in baking pan on top of crust

Place cooked and dried Cheese Ravioli upside down on top of spinach pie. Place extra pieces right side up in the center

Spread a layer of sauce over the entire dish

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of sauce

Place dish in oven for 25 mins

Cool for 5ive mins and serve!

Yields 8 piece feeds five people comfortably

Pick Up America takes off again

2011-03-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

Who: pick up america
What: Going Away Party & Benefit
Where: Vito's Pizzeria 7313 Baltimore Ave College Park, MD
When: Thursday March 10
Other 411: Performances by Davey Rogner & Jeff Chen, the north country, Bad.Loud.Trio. Late night dance party led by dj fleg

Baltimore Quote of the Month

2011-03-07T09:48:00.000-05:00

?

Girl- "Was that a guy that just went into the Ladies' room?"
J- "No, that was my girlfriend."
Girl- "Oh I'm sorry. It is very confusing in Baltimore, sometimes the girls are handsome and the guys are beautiful"

@ Joe Squared