Some people ask me what Zeitgeist means. Well, it basically means "The sprit of the age" and that's what I try to capture in this blog.
At times that means the content may piss some people off. Like the whole deal with Laure Manautou and the photos -- which aren't on this site save for one tame one -- or the Debra Le Fevre Teacher / Teenager sex controversy.
But the bottom line is that those issues also tend to dominate Technorati, which is the main source I use to make decisions on what goes here -- except politics of course. In this area I'm a stauch supporter of Senator Obama for President and anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that.
But the bottom line is I'm trying to give you a balance of what's going on in the World but via my eyes. See? Hence, Zennie's Zeitgeist.
I find that people in America, my country, are far too neurotic about generally small issues. It seems that people in other countries have less hangups than we do. Perhaps New Media will cause us to relax a bit over time.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Leave Laure Manaudou Alone" A YouTube Video Plea From chauffeurdebuzz
This YouTubeer issues a plea in French and dressed in drag for the World to leave Laure Manaudou alone:
But not to be outdone, we have Chris Croker getting into the act..Well, someone dubbed his video:
I'm not sure the World's stopped searching for her photos. Wow.
But not to be outdone, we have Chris Croker getting into the act..Well, someone dubbed his video:
I'm not sure the World's stopped searching for her photos. Wow.
Lakota Nation Cedes From US As We Seek Laure Manaudou Nude Photos
Yep. As most of the World, it seems, is looking for Any Laure Manaudou nude photo set it can find, and we're supporitng either Barack Obama or Ron Paul for President, the Lakota Indian Nation , which is based in the United States, has annouced that it's quitting America and establishing its own nation. Before you laugh, remember that long ago Indian tribes established treaties with the U.S. Government when America was but a wee idea of a country.
Not any more.
But America's growth does not invalidate the treaties, I would think. This is a story to watch.
Lakota withdraw from treaties, declare independence from U.S.
The Lakota Sioux Indians, whose ancestors include Sitting Bull, Red Cloud and Crazy Horse, have withdrawn from all treaties their forefathers signed with the U.S. government and have declared their independence. A delegation delivered the news to the State Department earlier this week.
Portions of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming comprise Lakota country, and the tribe says that if the federal government doesn't begin diplomatic discussions promptly, liens will be filed on property in the five-state region. Here's the news release.
"We are no longer citizens of the United States of America and all those who live in the five-state area that encompasses our country are free to join us," said Russell Means, a longtime Indian rights activist. "This is according to the laws of the United States, specifically Article 6 of the Constitution," which states that treaties are the supreme law of the land.
"It is also within the laws on treaties passed at the Vienna Convention and put into effect by the U.S. and the rest of the international community in 1980. We are legally within our rights to be free and independent," he added during a press conference yesterday in Washington.
The new country would issue its own passports and driver licenses, and living there would be tax-free, provided residents renounce their U.S. citizenship, he said, according to a report from Agence France-Presse.
The Lakota say the United States has never honored the pacts, signed with the Great Sioux Nation in 1851 and 1868 at Fort Laramie, Wyo.
"We have 33 treaties with the United States that they have not lived by. They continue to take our land, our water, our children," said Phyllis Young, who helped organize the first international conference on indigenous rights in Geneva in 1977.
Means said the "annexation" of native American land had turned the Lakota into "facsimiles of white people."
In 1974, the Lakota drafted a declaration of continuing independence. Their cause got a boost in September, when the United Nations adopted a non-binding declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. The Bush administration opposed the measure.
NY Times Says Obama Was "Present" In Illinois For Vote - But THREE PERCENT OF THE TIME
The NY TImes and by extension the Huff Post, are trying to make a big deal out of Barack Obama's Illinois record but seem almost silly doing so.
Out of over 3,000 votes he made, he was only present, but didn't cast a vote three percent of the time.
So where's the story?
No story.
Out of over 3,000 votes he made, he was only present, but didn't cast a vote three percent of the time.
So where's the story?
No story.
Laure Manaudou Nude Photos Search Dominates Technorati - Six Of Top 15 Searches
The hunger to read about Laure Manadou and see her in the flesh is arguably a World-wide phenomenon. Today, six of the tope 15 searches on the blog directory Technorati are for Laure Manaudou , using tags that have her name spelled in different ways. The photo I included shows this tag breakdown.
What's interesting is that with all of this, U.S. Presidential Ron Paul is still one of the top searches, and I can't remember a day when his name as a tag has not appeared on Technorati. So he has something in common with the "French Mermaid."
As for Laure, I think her standing will continue at least until the matter of who posted the pictures is resolved.
Olympics Video Update:
Britney Spears 16-Year Old Sister Jamie Lynn Gets Pregnant
Wow. I wonder what happened -- well, I know what happened -- to cause this lapse in judgement where Briney Spears's sister Jamie Lynn got knocked up. The question is will she keep the baby? Also, isn't she to young for all of this at 16?
Laure Manaudou Nude Photos and Video Story - Laure Manaudou Feels "Violated" But Source Of Picts Still Not Known
The unfortunate story of Laure Manaudou and the nude photos, which have been made into several kinds of videos like the one below, continues.
It's captured the attention of Europe as people from hundreds of countries have sought online content on the matter of Laure Manaudou's photos. "The French Mermaid" -- once known to a few in Europe -- is now known to manu around the World.
At first, her now ex-lover Luca Martin claimed that the apperance of the photos was not his doing, and that may be, but Canada.com has an account that would certainly seem to set the scene for that kind of behavior on his part:
Italian swimmer Luca Marin has denied putting explicit pictures of his former lover Laure Manaudou on the Internet following their spat at the European short-course swimming championships in Hungary. France's Manaudou, who took gold in the 100m backstroke and 400 metres freestyle in Debrecen, threw away a ring given to her by Marin before arguing with him in front of other swimmers and the camera in the changing rooms on Sunday.
Nude photos and a video of Manaudou have now appeared on the web.
And dontmiss.fr has this translated account:
More is known today about the big clash, which took place between Laure Manaudou and her ex-boyfriend Luca Marin this weekend in Hungary at the European Championships. This one would not have appreciated how Laure would have returned the engagement ring he had given with much love a few weeks ago ... So, Luca has burst into the call room where Laure Manaudou patientait before disputing his women's 200 meters freestyle, in the morning. "He verbally assaulted. She returned," said Patricia Quint, coach of the French national team women.
In other words, Laure Manaudou embarassed Luca Martin in front of "other swimmers" (read: friends) in the changing rooms last Sunday -- just before the photos surfaced online.
But it appears that Luca Martin may not be the only person with an axe to grind against Laure Manaudou. Look at this bio of Laure I got over at RightFielders Women Sports Celebrities:
Laure Manaudou Biography
As a biography, Laure Manaudou was born on October 9, 1986 in Villeurbanne. She has had a stellar career in swimming, which started in the 400 m freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she won the gold medal. She became a hero in her native France, as it was the first time France had ever won a gold medal in women’s swimming. Manaudou also won the silver medal in the women’s 800 m freestyle and a bronze in the women’s 100 m backstroke while at Athens as well.
During the 2005 World Aquatics Championship in Montreal, Canada, Manaudou won the women’s 400 m freestyle.
While at the 2006 European Swimming Championship in Budapest, she would win the 800 m freestyle, 400 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, and the 200 m medley.
During the 2007 World Championship in Melbourne, she took the gold in the 400 m freestyle, silver in 800 m freestyle and 100 m backstroke, and a bronze in the 200 m medley.
She had been coached by Philippe Lucas from 2001 through 2007, and announced in May 2007 that she was leaving him to train with Lapresse Nuoto, a swim club in Turin, Italy. She did state that she would still swim for France.
In August 2007, she was kicked off Lapresse Nuoto and it was rumored that Manaudou and chief executive of LaPresse Nuoto club, Paola Penso, had a falling out. Evidently he did not like Manaudou’s attitude during training.
So it seems Paola Penso may also have a reason to spready nude photos of Laure around, but if true that opens up a new can of worms, like how did he get them?
At this point, it's hard, ir not impossble to find more information on Penso as connected with Laure, but it's not a stretch to think they had a relationship that could have gone toward the romantic. But first is first and he was a coach who considered her "difficult."
Here's what other news outlets are reporting:
It's captured the attention of Europe as people from hundreds of countries have sought online content on the matter of Laure Manaudou's photos. "The French Mermaid" -- once known to a few in Europe -- is now known to manu around the World.
At first, her now ex-lover Luca Martin claimed that the apperance of the photos was not his doing, and that may be, but Canada.com has an account that would certainly seem to set the scene for that kind of behavior on his part:
Italian swimmer Luca Marin has denied putting explicit pictures of his former lover Laure Manaudou on the Internet following their spat at the European short-course swimming championships in Hungary. France's Manaudou, who took gold in the 100m backstroke and 400 metres freestyle in Debrecen, threw away a ring given to her by Marin before arguing with him in front of other swimmers and the camera in the changing rooms on Sunday.
Nude photos and a video of Manaudou have now appeared on the web.
And dontmiss.fr has this translated account:
More is known today about the big clash, which took place between Laure Manaudou and her ex-boyfriend Luca Marin this weekend in Hungary at the European Championships. This one would not have appreciated how Laure would have returned the engagement ring he had given with much love a few weeks ago ... So, Luca has burst into the call room where Laure Manaudou patientait before disputing his women's 200 meters freestyle, in the morning. "He verbally assaulted. She returned," said Patricia Quint, coach of the French national team women.
In other words, Laure Manaudou embarassed Luca Martin in front of "other swimmers" (read: friends) in the changing rooms last Sunday -- just before the photos surfaced online.
But it appears that Luca Martin may not be the only person with an axe to grind against Laure Manaudou. Look at this bio of Laure I got over at RightFielders Women Sports Celebrities:
Laure Manaudou Biography
As a biography, Laure Manaudou was born on October 9, 1986 in Villeurbanne. She has had a stellar career in swimming, which started in the 400 m freestyle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she won the gold medal. She became a hero in her native France, as it was the first time France had ever won a gold medal in women’s swimming. Manaudou also won the silver medal in the women’s 800 m freestyle and a bronze in the women’s 100 m backstroke while at Athens as well.
During the 2005 World Aquatics Championship in Montreal, Canada, Manaudou won the women’s 400 m freestyle.
While at the 2006 European Swimming Championship in Budapest, she would win the 800 m freestyle, 400 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, and the 200 m medley.
During the 2007 World Championship in Melbourne, she took the gold in the 400 m freestyle, silver in 800 m freestyle and 100 m backstroke, and a bronze in the 200 m medley.
She had been coached by Philippe Lucas from 2001 through 2007, and announced in May 2007 that she was leaving him to train with Lapresse Nuoto, a swim club in Turin, Italy. She did state that she would still swim for France.
In August 2007, she was kicked off Lapresse Nuoto and it was rumored that Manaudou and chief executive of LaPresse Nuoto club, Paola Penso, had a falling out. Evidently he did not like Manaudou’s attitude during training.
So it seems Paola Penso may also have a reason to spready nude photos of Laure around, but if true that opens up a new can of worms, like how did he get them?
At this point, it's hard, ir not impossble to find more information on Penso as connected with Laure, but it's not a stretch to think they had a relationship that could have gone toward the romantic. But first is first and he was a coach who considered her "difficult."
Here's what other news outlets are reporting:
Swimming star Laure Manaudou says she feels ‘violated’ by online ... Times Online, UK - France rushed to defend Laure Manaudou, a swimming star and national heroine, yesterday after Italian rivals were blamed for circulating sexually explicit ... |
 | Rocky romance means stormy waters for French swim siren AFP - PARIS (AFP) — With Beijing on the horizon, she could become one of the greatest Olympic swimmers of all time but French siren Laure Manaudou spent the year ... |
Laure Manaudou's heartbreak at nude photos betrayal NEWS.com.au, Australia - By Amy Dale THE Beijing Olympic preparations of France's gold medallist Laure Manaudou are in disarray with the swimming beauty an emotional wreck after ... |
In roles not always best suited or served Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - NOW we know what Laure Manaudou's buttocks look like. If you're interested you can see her naked in the shower. Mark it up as another victory for the ... |
Manaudou images posted on internet NEWS.com.au, Australia - NUDE photos and a video of Olympic and world championship gold medallist Laure Manaudou of France have been posted on the internet. ... |
Nude photos posted of swimming glamour girl The Australian, Australia - NUDE photos of of international swimming's glamour girl Laure Manaudou and her ex-boyfriend Italian swimmer Luca Marin, is accused of posting them. ... |
 | French swimmer in nude pics NEWS.com.au, Australia - Her Italian swimmer former boyfriend Luca Marin is accused of posting video and pictures of Manaudou, who is the Olympic and world 400m world champion. ... |
Former lover Marin denies trying to discredit Manaudou Guardian Unlimited, UK - MILAN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Italian swimmer Luca Marin has denied putting explicit pictures of his former lover Laure Manaudou on the internet following their ... |
Lillhage stuns Manaudou in 200m freestyle final Malaysia Star, Malaysia - DEBRECEN (Hungary): Sweden’s Josefin Lillhage scored a surprise victory over France’s Laure Manaudou in the 200m freestyle at the European short course ... |
Nude photos shatter swim star Ninemsn, Australia - By WWOS staff The Olympic preparations of French gold medallist Laure Manaudou have been upset by the release of explicit photos of the champion swimmer. ... |
 | Sports Ticker The Province, Canada - MOSCOW -- Russia tennis player Anna Chakvetadze escaped unharmed after several men broke into her house in Moscow Tuesday. "Five to six unknown people ... |
Clinton Power Lust - Presidential Run Not First Time Hillary Clinton's Copied Bill; She Considered Arkansas Governor, Too
If you check Clinton's Wikipedia listing at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Rodham_Clinton
You'll find that she considered running for Governor when Bill Clinton didn't -- but the polling tests were not in her favor. Point? It's not the first time she's tried to basically copy and follow Bill: first as governor and now president, with the Senate as a stepping stone. This is certainly a power-hungry couple. The point is, are they really running to improve the country or satisfy a mutual lust for power? I think it's 3 of the first, and 6 of the last.
That's a blog post to write.
I just did.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_Rodham_Clinton
You'll find that she considered running for Governor when Bill Clinton didn't -- but the polling tests were not in her favor. Point? It's not the first time she's tried to basically copy and follow Bill: first as governor and now president, with the Senate as a stepping stone. This is certainly a power-hungry couple. The point is, are they really running to improve the country or satisfy a mutual lust for power? I think it's 3 of the first, and 6 of the last.
That's a blog post to write.
I just did.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
NH Poll With Clinton Ahead Is Misleading - Only 417 Surveyed and All Older Voters Via Landline Phone
CNN's jumping all over itself to report that Hillary Clinton's ahead of Barack Obama in New Hamshire with this poll. But if you look at the poll, there are two problems: first, it surveys "likely Democratic Voters" which is another way of saying people who have voted before, which is another way of saying older voters.
Second, only 417 people were surveyed, which is not a large sample at all. Over 1,000 people would be better.
Third, it was a phone survey, which means no cell phones were called, just landlines.
I could tell you without looking that Clinton would come out on top here, but even with this, the poll data shows that Obama's ahead of Clinton in undecided voters, and if things go any way like that Fox News focus group were the people were behind Clinton at first, then picked Barack Obama after the last debate, Clinton's in trouble.
Second, only 417 people were surveyed, which is not a large sample at all. Over 1,000 people would be better.
Third, it was a phone survey, which means no cell phones were called, just landlines.
I could tell you without looking that Clinton would come out on top here, but even with this, the poll data shows that Obama's ahead of Clinton in undecided voters, and if things go any way like that Fox News focus group were the people were behind Clinton at first, then picked Barack Obama after the last debate, Clinton's in trouble.
Barack Obama Ahead Of Clinton in Iowa 33 to 29; Edwards at 20 In ABC News Poll
ABC reports that Barack Obama's ahead of Hillary Clinton 33 to 29 in Iowa, with John Edwards at 20 percent. But what's interesting and smelly to me is that the Huffington Post didn't report that, electing to go with a more obscure poll that shows John Edwards out in front, instead of reporting on both polls.
That's not right.
Here's the news the Huff Post doesn't want you to see:
Currently, among likely Democratic caucus-goers in this ABC News/Washington Post poll, 33 percent support Obama, 29 percent Clinton and 20 percent Edwards, with single-digit support for the other Democratic candidates
Yep. He's in front, and in of all places an ABC Poll, which is certainly giving them fits, as they've been trying to bury him in subtle ways for months. Not again.
ABC and CNN and Huff Post should deal with the fact that no one trusts them and their attempts to manipulate public opinion are seen as distrespectful of the voting process and of Americans.
That's not right.
Here's the news the Huff Post doesn't want you to see:
Currently, among likely Democratic caucus-goers in this ABC News/Washington Post poll, 33 percent support Obama, 29 percent Clinton and 20 percent Edwards, with single-digit support for the other Democratic candidates
Yep. He's in front, and in of all places an ABC Poll, which is certainly giving them fits, as they've been trying to bury him in subtle ways for months. Not again.
ABC and CNN and Huff Post should deal with the fact that no one trusts them and their attempts to manipulate public opinion are seen as distrespectful of the voting process and of Americans.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Fomer President Bush Dunks Bill Clinton's Foreign Policy Tour Assertion
Stating that he was never aware of such an idea and will not accept the idea, Former President George Bush issued a fast and stern reply to Bill Clinton's comment that the elder Bush would go with him and fly around the World basically undoing the work his son did.
Wow, what a blow.
And the National Review jumped all over him:
Bill Clinton Outdoes Himself
Ladies and gentlemen, one more piece of evidence that Bill Clinton is no longer the least bit careful about what he says, and is used to getting away with little white lies on a regular basis. We've seen him claim to have opposed the Iraq war from the start. We've seen him suggest that the media isn't interested in covering his wife fairly. We've seen him suggest that Barack Obama as president would be "a crapshoot."
And now, he's suggested that former President George H.W. Bush is eager to help his wife repair America's image in the world and undo the image of America created by his own son.
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina (CNN) – Former President Bill Clinton said Monday that the first thing his wife Hillary will do when she reaches the White House is dispatch him and his predecessor, President George H.W. Bush, on an around-the-world mission to repair the damage done to America's reputation by the current president — Bush's son, George W. Bush.
"Well, the first thing she intends to do, because you can do this without passing a bill, the first thing she intends to do is to send me and former President Bush and a number of other people around the world to tell them that America is open for business and cooperation again," Clinton said in response to a question from a supporter about what his wife's "number one priority" would be as president.
Bill Clinton: He's a 1992 media-loves-me-and-doesn't-check-my-facts kind of guy in a 2007-2008 world.
Wow, what a blow.
And the National Review jumped all over him:
Bill Clinton Outdoes Himself
Ladies and gentlemen, one more piece of evidence that Bill Clinton is no longer the least bit careful about what he says, and is used to getting away with little white lies on a regular basis. We've seen him claim to have opposed the Iraq war from the start. We've seen him suggest that the media isn't interested in covering his wife fairly. We've seen him suggest that Barack Obama as president would be "a crapshoot."
And now, he's suggested that former President George H.W. Bush is eager to help his wife repair America's image in the world and undo the image of America created by his own son.
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina (CNN) – Former President Bill Clinton said Monday that the first thing his wife Hillary will do when she reaches the White House is dispatch him and his predecessor, President George H.W. Bush, on an around-the-world mission to repair the damage done to America's reputation by the current president — Bush's son, George W. Bush.
"Well, the first thing she intends to do, because you can do this without passing a bill, the first thing she intends to do is to send me and former President Bush and a number of other people around the world to tell them that America is open for business and cooperation again," Clinton said in response to a question from a supporter about what his wife's "number one priority" would be as president.
Bill Clinton: He's a 1992 media-loves-me-and-doesn't-check-my-facts kind of guy in a 2007-2008 world.
Ron Paul Raises $6 Million And Hits Back At Huckabee Using Term Facist
Wow. Ron Paul certainly tells it like it is. But before we get to that, Ron Paul raised $6 million from 55,000 donors. Wow. That's a lot to get in one day. Paul talks about this, and about Mike Huckabee's attempt to bring Christianity into the race.
Paul Campaign Statement Following $6 Million Fundraising Day (12/17/07)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - Following its historic fundraising day on December 16th, Ron Paul campaign chairman Kent Snyder issued the following statement:
"There is an unprecedented outpouring of grassroots support for Dr. Paul. The message of freedom is powerful and uniting people across America. And, Dr. Paul is the only candidate offering real solutions to the issues Americans care about, with the record to back it up.
"Americans are sick and tired of our broken borders and they know the other candidates are not serious about illegal immigration. Dr. Paul has proposed serious and substentative legislation to fix our immigration problems once and for all.
The $6 million one-day total means the campaign has raised over $18 million this quarter, far exceeding its goal of $12 million.
"Finally, as Americans see the value of their dollar plummet, they know Dr. Paul has devoted his political career to stopping the inflation that makes it impossible for middle-class families to get ahead. Only Dr. Paul has a plan to cut spending, balance budgets and take care of people who have become dependent on government programs.
"Americans spoke loud and clear on December 16th. They want Dr. Paul's solutions."
Paul Campaign Statement Following $6 Million Fundraising Day (12/17/07)
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - Following its historic fundraising day on December 16th, Ron Paul campaign chairman Kent Snyder issued the following statement:
"There is an unprecedented outpouring of grassroots support for Dr. Paul. The message of freedom is powerful and uniting people across America. And, Dr. Paul is the only candidate offering real solutions to the issues Americans care about, with the record to back it up.
"Americans are sick and tired of our broken borders and they know the other candidates are not serious about illegal immigration. Dr. Paul has proposed serious and substentative legislation to fix our immigration problems once and for all.
The $6 million one-day total means the campaign has raised over $18 million this quarter, far exceeding its goal of $12 million.
"Finally, as Americans see the value of their dollar plummet, they know Dr. Paul has devoted his political career to stopping the inflation that makes it impossible for middle-class families to get ahead. Only Dr. Paul has a plan to cut spending, balance budgets and take care of people who have become dependent on government programs.
"Americans spoke loud and clear on December 16th. They want Dr. Paul's solutions."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)