Obama Reverses Campaign Message. Will Allow Offshore Drilling.

Feel that sharp pain in your back? It's a big knife driven into the collective backs of liberals, Democrats and environmentalists of all political persuasions. And it's not dripping blood but black, toxic oil. That's because despite campaign promises to the contrary, President Obama is now announcing that he will allow for oil drilling offshore from the pristine Florida beaches as well as others along the East coast. And additional drilling off the coast of Alaska--America's last wild frontier.

Et Tu, Barack? If you don't think this is a big deal then travel to the gulf coast off Louisiana and see the eye sores that are the line of oil pipes and rigs doting the coast line. Would you want to go to the beach in Florida to see the ocean only to have it scarred by oil platforms? And that's not even taking into account the oil spills that are likely to come with time that wreck havoc on the fishing industry and the ecology of marine life. Opening up these new regions to drill for oil is like handing a needle to a heroin addict.

We are addicted to oil and it will continue to cause wars, destroy the environment, pollute the atmosphere, which in turns damages our health. We need to go into rehab and get clean. The technology for a green energy plan is there but the political will is another story. The oil and natural gas lobby has oceans of money and have infested t.v. advertising with propaganda that oil and natural gas is essential to our modern way of life. This is a bald face lie, however but with their slick "family friendly" commercials I can see why people buy into this notion that oil companies are our friends.

I am seriously disappointed with the president on this one. It appears that he's doing this to try and get support from Republicans but they aren't slapping him on the back. They are still criticizing him regardless saying it doesn't go far enough. I expected the president to make monumental changes on green energy to get us off oil. I agree that oil will most likely be needed in a small amount for our military but other than that we should be moving toward weening us off oil--not doubling down. But the best defense against what Obama is now doing is from---OBAMA HIMSELF!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

PHOTO CREDIT: Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images

Pope Benedict the Enabler.

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican on Tuesday dismissed any notion that Pope Benedict XVI should take personal responsibility for the child sex abuse scandal rocking the church, defending his management of such cases and vowing the crisis would not interrupt what historians view as his conservative agenda for Catholics around the world. "This is not some multinational company where the chief executive is expected to take responsibility," Lombardi said. "The pope is not personally directing the actions of priests around the world. He is their spiritual leader, and he is one who has acted very clearly to confront this problem."

Green Man: So, the pope (Pope Benedict XXX-Rated) is the final word in everything in the church but somehow he doesn't direct what the actions of priests should be? That kind of explanation might work in a religious organization that demands unquestioning loyalty but not in the real world. And certainly not with the law in most countries. As Dylan Ratigan of MSNBC said today, "How is a religious institution exempted from the basic law that protects children from being raped?" How the pope doesn't have to take responsibility even though he personally presided over transferring some of these molesting monks to other places rather than punish them? Sounds to me like they are protecting their own over those poor deaf kids and others. I think Jesus would be siding with the deaf kids. Just a hunch.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Is "God" Worse than "Satan?"

Who needs "Satan" when you have a "God" like this?

*Robert M. Price*

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Mountain Biking Through Lush Forest

Living in the high country I use to mountain bike but I'm not in as good a shape as I use to be. Still, I can't resist the call to follow a mountain trail as it snakes through the dense forest. Trees towering over like silent sentinels guiding you deeper into nature's heart. You can't see where the trail goes ahead of you, nor behind you.

It forces you to focus on the trail directly under your feet and nature in your immediate proximity. The mystical nature of forest trails is that they keep you cemented in the present moment, so that you can focus on your surroundings and settle into the relaxing rhythm of life in its purest expression. Yet the forest also offers excitement and thrills--take a look:

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Lee/Flickr

Spring Equinox in Colorado.

This past Saturday was the Spring Equinox. Eostre is a Pagan goddess of Spring, and despite her youthful nature it takes her a bit longer to reach our high mountain region of Colorado.

As the sun rose in the East (the direction named after Eostre) on Saturday, it was overshadowed once again by the tenacious bite of Old Man Winter.

The mountains are the last refuge for him as slowly but surely Eostre's warm, sunny smiles force him to retreat higher and higher until his influence is only seen on the tops of the tallest peaks. Yet even there his size and power is much subdued.

So, Saturday when it snowed we took heart in knowing it was the last gasps of a dying tyrant because then Sunday it warmed up nicely as Eostre charged forward. We must endure one last battle it appears tomorrow and on Wednesday but after that I think Eostre will finally reign supreme.

Speaking of Eostre, the name of the "Christian" holiday of Easter comes from her name!! Do the Christians have any holidays that they haven't stolen and from the Pagan peoples?

PHOTO CREDIT: Doscaras

Where Have all the Trees Gone?

Suburbia: Where they tear out the trees and name streets after them.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Pope Apologizes but Doesn't Punish in Latest Molestation Scandal.

"Pope Benedict XVI rebuked Irish bishops Saturday for 'grave errors of judgment' in handling clerical sex abuse cases. But he laid no blame for the problem on the Vatican's policies of keeping such cases secret."

Green Man: In what other organization would such actions to protect molesters without taking responsibility and meting out punishment, be allowed? Imagine if that was how a school dealt with abuse cases? It would be shut down immediately and the administrators put on trial but when it happens in religion we are more lenient? That's what you get with blind faith I guess.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Johnny Weir Disappointed Over Decision but Remains Defiant.

The Stars on Ice skating tour has officially denied that perceived sexual orientation played a role in its decision to not invite two-time Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir to be a part of the show. Previous reports indicated that Weir was excluded from the tour because he is "not family friendly."

While Stars on Ice insists that Weir's perceived sexual orientation was not a part of its decision-making process, the three-time national champion disagrees. He told GLAAD that "it's for real," adding: "I've never been invited to do 'Stars on Ice' before, which is the only figure skating tour in the U.S. It's disappointing that I can't perform for my American fans... all because I'm not 'family friendly' enough."

Green Man: Johnny, you can come skate for me and my family anytime. I'd be proud to take my nieces and nephews to see your amazing talent and I know other families who would too. However, all is not lost for Johnny Wier fans:

Still, Weir is not letting the non-invite get to him. He plans a "crazy, over-the-top fantasy show" that "could be really incredible and something for everyone."

Green Man: Wow, that got my creative mind pouring out all kinds of possibilities for him. Mainly I'm picturing Johnny Weir doing a version of a Cirque du Soleil show but on ice. Perhaps even having his own show in Vegas? As much as I dislike Vegas--I'd go down there again to see Johnny do his thing. Imagine all the possibilities!!! The artistry, the talent, the magic!! Go Johnny, GO GO GO!!!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

What Kind of Environmental Nerd are You?

Here at EDF, (Environmental Defense Fund) we value our scientists and policy experts who work to make our planet a healthy and sustainable place to live.

We thought we'd have some fun with this, so we designed an online quiz to help you find out what kind of environmental nerd you are. We foster an atmosphere of creative thinking and scientific rigor. In short, we take pride in our nerdiness!!

Green Man: The different nerd results are: Climate Nerd, Wildlife Nerd, Health Nerd, Sea Nerd. My result was wildlife nerd and it completely fits. Except that I don't buy any meat but I do buy free-range, organic dairy products whenever possible, from a reputable source because I know a lot of "organic" stuff, isn't. Anyway, on with my results:

You love wildlife, from birds to bears to wolves and maybe some of the more slimy, creepy creatures out there. You’ve probably even rescued your own pets. You try to buy free-range meat and dairy products whenever possible. Meet David Wolfe – EDFs Wildlife Nerd. He’s working with Texas landowners to restore and recover endangered species habitats.

Green Man: I don't see, however, how wildlife experts can study and observe fellow magnificent beings and yet go back to the city and eat a cousin of that animal in the form of a cow or a pig? It's their right of course and I try not to be a "militant vegetarian"--I just find it curious. It seems to me that animal loving experts would be vegetarian. Tell me what kind of environmental nerd you are!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Johnny Weir not "Family Friendly?"

Johnny Weir represented the United States in the Vancouver Olympics last month, but that accomplishment is evidently not enough to earn him a spot on the Stars on Ice Tour. Nobody doubts the American figure skater's skill: in addition to competing at the Torino Olympics in 2006, he finished sixth at the 2010 Winter Olympics and is a three-time national champion.

Rather, it seems Weir may have been left off the team because he is "not family friendly."

As GLAAD notes, such a claim "would be a clear jab at his perceived sexual orientation." The blog post continues, "Weir is extremely involved with his family. He is putting his younger brother through college, and supports the family financially because his father's disability prohibits him from working. Weir's dedication to his family can be clearly documented in the Sundance series, Be Good Johnny Weir, which follows him and his family and friends through his life and career as a championship skater.

Green Man: It's not like Weir is going out on the ice and exposing himself. How is he not family friendly? Because he's different than the cookie cutter image of our immature world dripping with stereotypes? Oh the horror that we show kids that creativity is good and to be encouraged!! How dare we encourage them to make the world a little brighter!! How dare he be so "flamboyant!!" Dear GOD!! He'll show young boys that you can be a man and still have a sensitive, passionate and creative side. We are in a very drab gray world and any bit of flair and passion that we show should be celebrated for what it is--a gift.

He's empowering a lot of young people to explore who they are, express themselves and bring something to add to the kaleidoscope that is humanity. He is inspiring them and all of us to just be who we are inside--screw the labels--just be, and enjoy the show. How is all that not a good example and not family friendly? We need a lot more kids to be as self-confident, passionate about life, (whatever their path in life) open minded and sharing some joy with the world. I would bet that it would be a much nicer and friendly world.

And as much as I want to give into anger about this blatant discrimination and idiocy, I take pride in knowing that those kids who watch him will be much more tolerant than their parents. Each generation gets a little bit better and better about accepting everyone for who they are and not for who we want them to be.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

States Lessening Limits on Marijuana.

By William M. Welchand Donna Leinwand, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — James Gray once saw himself as a drug warrior, a former federal prosecutor and county judge who sent people to prison for dealing pot and other drug offenses. Gradually, though, he became convinced that the ban on marijuana was making it more accessible to young people, not less. "I ask kids all the time, and they'll tell you it is easier to get marijuana than a six-pack of beer because that is controlled by the government," he said, noting that drug dealers don't ask for IDs or honor minimum age requirements.

Green Man: I've been raising the ID point for awhile now so it's exciting to see judges and prosecutors starting to get it. I can certainly attest to this argument as I definitely had a harder time getting alcohol than pot when I was a teen. So, the whole, "What about the kids?!!" argument is exposed for what it is--propaganda to scare people and thus get them to fight against personal freedoms.

Gray is part of a growing national movement to rethink pot laws. From California, where lawmakers may outright legalize marijuana, to New Jersey, which implemented a medical use law Jan. 19, states are taking unprecedented steps to loosen marijuana restrictions. Advocates of legalizing marijuana say generational, political and cultural shifts have taken the USA to a unique moment in its history of drug prohibition that could topple 40 years of tough restrictions on both medicinal and recreational marijuana use. A Gallup Poll last October found 44% favor making marijuana legal, an eight-point jump since the question was asked in 2005. An ABC News-Washington Post poll in January found 81% favor making marijuana legal for medical use.

Green Man: Let's face it, the older generations (by and large) have little to no frame of reference about marijuana since they lived in the golden age of marijuana propaganda with films like "Reefer Madness." That film falsely portrayed marijuana as a drug that made you go insane, rape women and kill people. It is almost laughable now to view this film, especially while smoking pot!! How ironic, instead, that marijuana is known to make you docile, less confrontational and happy. Then throw in a heavy dose of America in the 1950s with its strict and rigid religious fervor and you get an entire generation out of touch with the reality of this wonder drug. Yet they vote based on that misinformation. And it's even more frustrating when you consider that most likely a large majority have never even TRIED the drug!! How can you give a fair assessment of the effects of marijuana if you've never tried it? That's like taking sexual advice from a celibate monk!!

Attorney General Eric Holder last fall announced that raiding medical marijuana facilities would be the lowest priority for U.S. law enforcement agents — a major shift that is spurring many states to re-examine their policies. The American Medical Association recommended in November that Congress reclassify marijuana as a drug with possible medicinal benefit. At least 14 states this year — some deeply conservative and Republican-leaning, such as Kansas — will consider legalizing pot for medical purposes or lessening the penalties for possessing small amounts for personal use. Fourteen other states and the District of Columbia already have liberalized their marijuana laws.

Green Man: It's about time that the politicians and law enforcement catch up to the people who are much more open-minded now when it comes to marijuana. The people always seem to be a step ahead of law makers. It's simply absurd and frustrating that you can go out and buy a gun that can kill people but you can't smoke a plant in the privacy of your own home that hasn't been shown to trigger violence. Nor has it ever directly killed anyone. It's impossible to over-dose on pot. I'm not against gun rights at all--I'm just asking for some consistency.

I think part of the reason that even conservative states are getting on board with lessening penalties for use is that many conservatives resent government interference in their personal lives. Even if they don't use marijuana--a lot of conservatives resent the federal government interfering in affairs on the state level. Especially if voters approved these liberal changes to marijuana. It makes it look like the government doesn't respect democracy and acts more like a police state.

"We have the safest medications in the world and it's not a coincidence. We have an enviable process by which we approve medications, and that's through the (Food and Drug Administration)," he says. "It's a bad idea to approve medication by popular vote."

Green Man: Safest medications? These people are delusional!! Have they not heard the laundry list of negative side effects listed for these legal drugs being advertised on t.v.? I take 7 drugs for a medical condition and they cause all kinds of bad side effects--some very serious. One of the medications I take made me gain a lot of weight and is known to cause diabetes. Another helps with stabilizing my moods but cause an increase in blood pressure. What drug has the least side effects that I take? Marijuana. Yep. Not as many people are buying the lie anymore that every drug approved by the FDA is "safe" and less harmful than natural ones.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Hurt Locker is Riveting.

Saw, "The Hurt Locker" and was riveted. It was so intense that we forgot about dinner until after the movie at like 9:30!! We hardly moved during throughout the entire movie. I was absolutely drawn in from start to finish. My heart was pounding, I was on the edge of my seat and didn't notice time passing at all. Best movie of the year. Best Iraq war movie I've seen.

My palms were sweating, and in a small way you feel like you're right in the shit with them. Apart of the team. It gives you a tiny yet traumatic view of being in the middle of total mayhem and the reality of knowing that you could die any minute. Yet it's nothing compared to what I'm sure the real experience is like, and I thank our warriors that we don't have to go through that because of their heroic efforts.

It's heart-breaking though because they didn't have to be over there fighting this war in the first place. Iraq was a total goose chase. I only wish we took better care of them when they come home. It's scandalous, and personally I think these guys and gals should get free shit for life upon returning home.

My heart goes out to these brave soldiers who defuse bombs. I can't imagine that kind of pressure. You can really see the futility of that war etched in their faces. You really have to kind of disconnect from reality in a way to do that job. Overall one of the best movies I've seen in awhile and it gets my vote for Best Picture of the Year at the Oscar Awards on Sunday. I can't recommend it enough.

Foamy the Squirrel takes on Buddhist Tourists.

Being primarily Buddhist I had to have a laugh at good old "Foamy the Squirrel" ranting about wanna-be-Buddhists who are just toying with Zen because it's "hip" (I guess). Although being a long time Zennist I can tell you it's not all rainbows and bliss. Sitting on your ass for hours on end isn't hip--it's not even fun half the time but that's good because meditating is in part about getting past being uncomfortable. Buddhism isn't about finding a state to just "zone out" in. It's about finding balance between enjoying pleasure moderately and learning how to live with discomfort without suffering too much. Anyway, on with the show!!
I must note, however, that Foamy himself doesn't quite understand Buddhism as the "Fat Buddha" is not "THE Buddha" but rather a Chinese Zen Monk named, "Ho-Tai." Still, Foamy speaks some truth.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Anti-Gay Politician, a DUI, a Gay Bar and a Child Prostitution Ring at the Vatican. Oh my!!

Early Wednesday morning, State Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Calif.) was pulled over and arrested for drunk driving. Sources report that Ashburn -- a fierce opponent of gay rights -- was driving drunk after leaving a gay nightclub; when the officer stopped the state-issued vehicle, there was an unidentified man in the passenger seat of the car.

Green Man: Oh Senator Ashburn, me thinks thou doth protest too much!! Ranting and raving to no end about the "evils of homosexuality" is a classic sign of your own inner, sexual turmoil. I normally don't care about peoples' sex lives unless they themselves make a big deal about the sex lives of everyone else. This isn't very shocking but what would be shocking is if a gay, Republican politician proudly came out of the closet on his/her own rather than being exposed as a self-hating hypocrite. I'm not saying that there aren't hypocrites in the Democratic party because there are but when it comes to sexual hypocrisy? Especially when in-line with homosexuality? The Republicans nearly have a monopoly. Now, in other "news" a child prostitution ring has been exposed in relation to the Vatican:

A papal aide used an intermediary in an elite Vatican choir to solicit young male choristers and seminarians for prostitution. Police wiretaps are expected to result in charges against Angelo Balducci, 63, a Papal Gentleman, as lay attendant are called, and the former chairman of the Holy See's Public Works Department, which is itself caught up in a corruption investigation. According to police, Balducci regularly contacted Chinedu Ehiem Thomas, a Nigerian man who sings in St. Peter's Cappella Giulia, to engage the sexual services of young male members of the choir, along with seminarians and undocumented immigrants seeking residency status. Ehiem, 40, who goes by the nickname Mike, and his assistant Lorenzo Renzi, 33, allegedly arranged for prostitutes for Balducci several times a week. The two men are said to have operated a network of aspiring young priests, choir members and sometimes recruited foreigners seeking to secure their immigration status.

Green Man: I find it ironic that the Catholic church has so many sex scandals and yet has the temerity to get involved in telling other people how they should behave sexually!! What does a celibate person know about sexuality anyway?!! And then the Catholics think they have the credibility to weigh in on the gay marriage debate??? They are up to the eye-balls in priests and officials engaging in sex acts with children, yet they are going to lecture law-abiding homosexuals and heterosexuals on what is "correct sexual conduct???" Bullshit. That's like taking financial advice from Bernie Madoff. I'm so sick of the religious mafia going around and condemning everyone while they leave a trail of pain, abuse and hatred behind them. If these religious organizations are going to insist on involving themselves in political matters then it's about damn time to tax them!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Common Weed Killer Causes Male Frogs to Become Female.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Atrazine, one of the most commonly used and controversial weedkillers, can turn male frogs into females, researchers reported on Monday. The experiment is the first to show such complete effects of atrazine, which had been known to disrupt hormones and which is one of the chief suspects in the decline of amphibians such as frogs around the world.

The European Union banned atrazine in 2004. The finding may add pressure to the United States to more closely regulate the chemical, used widely in agriculture."Approximately 80 million pounds (36,287 tonnes) are applied annually in the United States alone, and atrazine is the most common pesticide contaminant of ground and surface water," the researchers wrote.

Green Man: And we wonder why Autism and other mental illnesses are on the rise? I know some studies have shown that chemicals have no effect on Autism but how can it not have some influence when these chemicals are shown to reverse the sexual traits of other animals??? Atrazine is also implicated as a causal factor in breast cancer. I know people who will say, "Oh it's just a damn frog." Yeah? Well, ever hear of something called, "the food chain?" These frogs are acting as our "canary in the coal mine." For those who don't know, miners use to take canaries into the mines to warn them of toxic gases being released. The birds would always be effected first and more easily so if the canaries were acting weird or died then they knew it was time to get the hell out of the mine. If the frogs are getting messed up then it doesn't take a scientist to tell you that sooner or latter--humans are next. If not already being effected.

Green lawns all over the country are in general bad for the environment in my view. They require ridiculous amounts of water and toxic chemicals to fertilize and kill weeds. We have been in continuous droughts out here in the West and green lawns are partly to blame. They are not native to Colorado, nor many other places around the country. I would love to see a law passed that requires all home-owners to xeriscape their properties, (click here to read more about xeriscaping) with native grasses, plants and flowers. I have seen some really beautiful xeriscaped landscapes around the state and country, so I don't buy the argument that such landscapes aren't as "attractive."

There is this house (unfortunately I don't have a picture) in near by Boulder, Colorado near my former psychologists house that has a xeriscaped yard full of Colorado wildflowers, Aspen trees and a lot of other native species in their landscape. It is a really gorgeous set-up that looks like they have a mountain meadow as a front and back yard. The best part though for me is that they have a front walk way that's just a little wandering dirt path and snakes its way through the wild flowers, wild grasses and Aspen trees all the way up to their front door. It's just like up in the mountains and they hardly use any water at all, and it hides their front door and window a bit for some nice privacy.

~The Green Man has spoken~