Art of the Steal...Friends of Barnes rebuttal! Vision for Museum's future...

A few weeks ago, I published a post on my review of the well-crafted documentary - The Art of the Steal - which focuses a searing lens on the ongoing controversy over the relocation of the priceless Barnes Art Collection in Philadelphia.

Post: 01/20/10

http://fraudphishing-financialmisdees.blogspot.com/2010/01/art-of-stealbarnes-collection-scandal.html

Shortly after the article was published, I was contacted by a PEW representative, who promptly directed my attention to their rebuttal to allegations that were made in the documentary (which has garnered prizes at festivals around the country) which they have asserted are not true.

Although PEW representatives were contacted by the documentarians and invited to appear on camera to argue the merits of their position, they chose to present their own account of the facts at their web site, to safeguard against potential bias in favor of "The Friends of Barnes Foundation" who they allege have distorted tthe facts to discredit their ambitious plans to "rescue" the priceless art collection.

For good reason, and to be fair to both parties, I penned a second post with the ultimate aim of updating the issues still swirling amidst a cloud of controversy.

In that article, I included Pew's rebuttal, to ensure both sides of the arguments were presented fair and square in the glare of the spotlight.

Post: 01/26/10

http://fraudphishing-financialmisdees.blogspot.com/2010/01/pewrebuttal-on-allegations-theft.html

End of story?  Not quite.

Curiously, this Easter weekend, I received an e-mail from a friend of the "Barnes Foundation" who proceeded to suggest that - in view of the rebuttal I published on behalf of PEW - perhaps I had become blinded.

The individual urged me to click on a link to the "Foundation" site to familiarize myself with a rebuttal they posted in response to PEW's stance on the issues which I previously published as aforementioned herein above.

http://www.barnesfriends.org/files/pew_FAQ.html

In response, I zipped off an e-mail to the individual and noted for the record that I had not become blinded at all.

I enlightened the individual about  the fact that I published PEW's rebuttal - not because I was behind their cause necessarily - but to be fair in my reports (only that).

In addition, I pointed out that - personally - I preferred the collection remain where it has been housed for decades pursuant to the wishes of Mr. Barnes on his deathbed and by virtue of a binding codicil.

In a follow-up communication - captioned "resolution" - the "friend" shared their vision of a possible outcome.

"Vision" for a "resolution" proposed by the " Barnes Foundation":

"As to a resolution, may I share my personal vision?"


"It is the Barnes in Merion, intact forever, but as a satellite of the PMA, much as the Cloisters to the Met in New York"


"A great little electric shuttle bus runs between the two places via the glorious ride along the Schuylkill and through glorious Fairmount Park. In all of 12 minutes, people can get from the Parkway to the Barnes gates."


"The City of Philadelphia can feel it has captured the treasured collection, but without wrecking the place and spending hundreds of millions for a replica."


"The rest of the vision is that the Merion site becomes a National Historical Landmark and someone applies for World Heritage status on its behalf."


"Some people will scream blue murder at an affiliation with PMA, but scores of others will rejoice."

"Fully embracing the real thing and making sure it is there for the benefit of future generations is a much better course than the current one, which places the Barnes in peril."

WHAT A GREAT VISION, EH?

I pray - along with the "Friends of Barnes" - that, God willing, it may become reality!

________________________________________________________

PEW REBUTTAL

________________________________________________________

FAQS

The Pew Charitable Trusts Role in the Barnes Foundation Move

Organization: The Pew Charitable Trust

The Pew Charitable Trusts has provided support to the Barnes Foundation as part of our longstanding commitment to protecting and preserving cultural treasures held in the public trust.

Most recently, we have taken great pride in serving as an advocate and fundraiser for the Barnes as it plans to relocate its world-class art collection from suburban Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, to a new location on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Pew’s role with the Barnes Foundation.

Q: Why is the Barnes Foundation moving?

A: The Barnes Foundation is moving its gallery from Lower Merion to Center City Philadelphia as the only feasible solution to severe and chronic financial problems. If these problems had remained unaddressed, the Foundation would have been unable to pay its bills.

The physical security of the individual artworks and the integrity of the collection as a whole would have been at risk.

Q: What is Pew’s role with regard to the Barnes Foundation?

A: Pew’s role has been as an advocate and fundraiser. We, along with other donors, helped to raise $150 million (which includes our own funds) to build a new facility in Philadelphia, relocate the collection and establish an endowment to ensure the Foundation’s future security.

In addition, Pew provided interim operating support, enabling the Foundation to stay open in its Merion location.

We acted not only to sustain the Barnes in the short term, but also to help put it on sound financial footing for generations to come, and as an independent institution accessible to all audiences, as Dr. Barnes wished.

Q: How much has Pew contributed to the Barnes Foundation.

A: Pew has made grants totaling $24,350,000 to support the Barnes Foundation, which includes $20 million to support the costs related to the new facility.

Q: Was Pew motivated to meet a test required for public charity status?

A: Pew’s role with the Barnes was neither motivated by nor necessary for our application to become a public charity.

Our work with the Barnes Foundation was one of four examples we included in our Form 1023 petition of Pew’s ability to attract public support.

The examples were chosen from a long list of qualifying projects. Pew qualified as a public charity irrespective of our work for the Barnes.

Q: Does Pew have any control or a governing role with the Barnes?
Q: Did Pew set out to take over the Barnes?

A: No. The Barnes Foundation is led by an independent board of trustees.

The Barnes came to us after determining that its very existence was threatened and that it could not accomplish its mission or survive in its Merion location.

We agreed, and provided much-needed support for its operations and long-term plan.

Pew is not involved in operating the Barnes Foundation and we are not represented on the Barnes board.

Q: Does Pew have any control or ownership of the Barnes artwork?

A: Absolutely not.

Pew does not have any ownership of or control over the Barnes Foundation or its collection of artwork.

Control over the assets and programs of the Barnes remains vested exclusively in its board.

Q: Aren’t Pew & others unfaithful to Barnes' intentions by moving the collection?

A: Rarely reported, the governing document establishing the Barnes Foundation states that if the Foundation were no longer financially stable and needed to move, it would have the option to do so.

The Montgomery County Orphan’s Court granted the Barnes Foundation request to relocate the art collection after years of litigation and weeks of hearings.

The judge carefully reviewed the alternatives and agreed that the move to downtown Philadelphia was the best solution to the severe problems facing the Barnes Foundation.

Q: Why didn’t Pew participate in Art of the Steal (documentary).

A: We learned that the film was going be severely biased. Given our institutional commitment to the facts and quality information, we decided it would be inappropriate to participate.

______________________________________________________________

FRIENDS OF BARNES FOUNDATION REBUTTAL

Friends of the Barnes Foundation

F.A.Q.

Friends of the Barnes Answers Pew’s Frequently Asked Questions

Recently, The Pew Charitable Trusts posted on its website Frequently Asked Questions about its role in the Barnes Foundation controversy. Friends of the Barnes Foundation responds below.

Friends of the Barnes is dedicated to permanent preservation of the Barnes Foundation in its historic setting in Merion, Pennsylvania. We question Pew’s policy promoting the use of over $200,000,000 to erect a replica Barnes art gallery less than five miles away from the functioning, restored original.

We believe that people of good will, who respect donor intent and understand the unique historical and cultural significance of the Barnes, can work together to keep the Foundation intact in Merion, as intended by its donor, Dr. Albert Barnes.

The Barnes can be sustained financially in Merion by instituting sound management practices, expanding its attendance (supported by the local community) and undertaking a serious fundraising campaign.

This would result in a secure institution without wasting hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money and private philanthropy, which could be put to better use elsewhere.

Pew would be celebrated by the arts, culture, and historic preservation communities around the world if it supported preservation, rather than replication, of the Barnes and honored the donor’s intent, just as it does with the legacy of the Pew family.

1) Q: Why is the Barnes Foundation moving?

Pew response: The Barnes Foundation is moving its gallery from Lower Merion to Center City Philadelphia as the only feasible solution to severe and chronic financial problems.

If these problems had remained unaddressed, the Foundation would have been unable to pay its bills. The physical security of the individual artworks and the integrity of the collection as a whole would have been at risk.

FBF response: The plan to move the Barnes art collection was developed by Pew and other powerful interests in Philadelphia, who want a replica Barnes to be part of Philadelphia’s “museum row,” even though it already exists as a nearby, easily accessible cultural destination. (*1) Pew’s plan to use hundreds of millions of dollars to exploit the Barnes art collection as a “product” for Philadelphia tourism (*2) would destroy a cultural and historical resource revered throughout the world.

Funding a shuttle bus to the Barnes would exhibit good stewardship and save over $150,000,000 in public and private funding.

No attempt was made to explore alternatives to the move. In his Opinion, Presiding Orphan’s Court Judge Stanley Ott stated: “The move to Philadelphia has been floated as the only lifeboat in the entire sea….” (*3)

A $50,000,000 bond offer was made by Montgomery County to ensure the Barnes endowment and stabilize the Barnes finances, but it was rejected out of hand by the Barnes Board before architects had even been selected for the Philadelphia project. (*4)

2) Q: What is Pew’s role with regard to the Barnes Foundation?

Pew response: Pew’s role has been as an advocate and fundraiser.

We, along with other donors, helped to raise $150 million (which includes our own funds) to build a new facility in Philadelphia, relocate the collection and establish an endowment to ensure the Foundation’s future security.

In addition, Pew provided interim operating support, enabling the Foundation to stay open in its Merion location.

We acted not only to sustain the Barnes in the short term, but also to help put it on sound financial footing for generations to come, and as an independent institution accessible to all audiences, as Dr. Barnes wished.

FBF response: Through its Agreement with the Barnes and Lenfest Foundations, Pew has underwritten the dismantling of the Barnes Foundation from the inside out. Pew has championed the move in the absence of any evidence that it would put the Barnes on sound financial footing.

Oddly, although Pew conducts hundreds of studies every year, neither Pew nor any other entity has conducted a feasibility study to determine the financial viability or sustainability of a Parkway Barnes.

3) Q: How much has Pew contributed to the Barnes Foundation?

Pew response: Pew has made grants totaling $24,350,000 to support the Barnes Foundation, which includes $20 million to support the costs related to the new facility.

FBF response: Pew contributed over $1,000,000 for legal fees to break the Barnes Foundation Indenture of Trust. (*5)

In addition, Pew has contributed to a disinformation campaign about the Barnes, misleading the public about its role in the move, misconstruing the intent of Albert Barnes, and obfuscating what the Barnes Foundation actually is.

It is worth noting that an appropriation passed the Pennsylvania Senate in 2002 for Pennsylvania taxpayers to make a contribution of $107,000,000 to the project. (*6) All of the major parties involved, including Pew, deny having known about the appropriation.

4) Q: Was Pew’s involvement in the relocation of the Barnes Foundation gallery motivated by its desire to meet the public support test required to attain public charity status?

Pew response: Pew’s role with the Barnes was neither motivated by nor necessary for our application to become a public charity. Our work with the Barnes Foundation was one of four examples we included in our Form 1023 petition of Pew’s ability to attract public support.

The examples were chosen from a long list of qualifying projects. Pew qualified as a public charity irrespective of our work for the Barnes.

FBF response: The record speaks for itself. Pew’s 2002 application to the IRS for changing from a private foundation to a public charity emphasizes its self-proclaimed role for “planning and coordinating” the Barnes project. (*7)

Yet, in her testimony in Orphans’ Court in 2003, Pew CEO Rebecca Rimel said that the Pew’s proposed work on the Barnes project was “irrelevant” to its application to the IRS. (*8)

5) Q: Does Pew have any control of or governing role with the Barnes Foundation? Did Pew set out to take over the Barnes?

Pew response: No. The Barnes Foundation is led by an independent board of trustees.

The Barnes came to us after determining that its very existence was threatened and that it could not accomplish its mission or survive in its Merion location.

We agreed, and provided much-needed support for its operations and long-term plan. Pew is not involved in operating the Barnes Foundation and we are not represented on the Barnes board.

FBF response: Pew exerts its control and influence through money.

In the Barnes case, Pew went further, actually requiring the right of final approval over Board members to “ensure the success of their charitable investment.”(*9)

The formerly independent Barnes Trustees were nominated by Lincoln University, which was bought off with a pledge of $80,000,000 in taxpayer funds by Governor Rendell and the expanded Barnes Board left the Lincoln nominees in a minority role.(*10)

The result is a stacked Board lacking fidelity to the Barnes Trust but instead fully committed to the goal of Pew, Rendell, and Philadelphia’s commercial interests to move the Barnes art collection to Philadelphia.

The takeover is described by former Pennsylvania Attorney General D. Michael Fisher (currently Federal Judge for the Third Circuit) in the documentary, The Art of the Steal:

It was pretty clear to me that they (the philanthropic institutions championing the move) weren't going to give 50, 70, 100 million dollars without getting control of the Barnes board.

I had to explain to them (Lincoln University’s Board of Trustees) that maybe the Attorney General's office would have to take some action involving them that might have to change the complexion of the board.

Whether I said that directly or I implied it, I think that they finally got the message. (*11)

6) Q: Does Pew have any control or ownership of the Barnes Foundation’s artwork?

Pew response: Absolutely not.

Pew does not have any ownership of or control over the Barnes Foundation or its collection of artwork. Control over the assets and programs of the Barnes remains vested exclusively in its board.

FBF response: Who controls the Barnes Board and the Barnes finances controls the Barnes artwork. (See number [5] above re: the Barnes Board.) A threat to the Barnes art collection was revealed in Pew’s 2002 Agreement with the Barnes, which requires a policy for lending artwork.

This contradicts the stated intentions of Albert Barnes and is inconsistent with the educational mission of the Barnes Foundation.

Note: Two major players in the plan to move the Barnes art collection are H.F. Gerry Lenfest, current President of Board of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Raymond Perelman, who formerly held that post.

7) Q: Aren’t Pew and others being unfaithful to Dr. Barnes’s intentions by moving the collection?

Pew response: Rarely reported, the governing document establishing the Barnes Foundation states that if the Foundation were no longer financially stable and needed to move, it would have the option to do so.

The Montgomery County Orphan’s Court granted the Barnes Foundation request to relocate the art collection after years of litigation and weeks of hearings.

The judge carefully reviewed the alternatives and agreed that the move to downtown Philadelphia was the best solution to the severe problems facing the Barnes Foundation.

FBF response: There is no clause in the Barnes Indenture about moving the art collection (*12) and the legal proceedings were a charade.(*13)

The only party with standing to challenge the move was the PA Attorney General, who was repeatedly chastised by Judge Ott for not doing his job.(*14)

The donor’s intent is perfectly clear: Albert Barnes wanted his foundation to remain intact in Merion, as evidenced in the Indenture of Trust, his writings and testimony.(*15)

This intention is reiterated in a recent letter to the Barnes Foundation from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission: “The property was designed to function as an integrated education system reflecting Dr. Barnes’ ideas of education in art and aesthetics using the building, collection and landscape.” (*16)

The Barnes Foundation is eligible to be a National Historic Landmark, the highest level of cultural and historical significance bestowed by the United States government, but only if it remains intact in Merion.

8) Q: Why didn’t Pew participate in The Art of the Steal, the documentary about the Barnes Foundation?

Pew response: We learned that the film was going be severely biased. Given our institutional commitment to the facts and quality information, we decided it would be inappropriate to participate

FBF Response: The Art of the Steal is based on interviews with dozens of people and extensive research.

It shows that a consortium of political, commercial, and philanthropic interests, including The Pew Charitable Trusts, worked together to violate the Indenture of Albert Barnes in order to move the Barnes art collection to Philadelphia.

According to the filmmakers, their numerous invitations to Pew to participate were declined.(*17).

Pew’s refusal indicates that they will not participate in a project over which they cannot exert control.

NOTES

1- “Even before I got to the big wrought-iron gate, two myths had been shattered. The Barnes Foundation… is often portrayed as both hard to get to and the bane of its neighbors in Merion, a wealthy old suburb of Philadelphia. In fact, from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, the train to Merion took precisely 11 minutes. From there, it was a short walk to the Barnes — and nearly every house I passed had the same sign on its lawn: ‘The Barnes Belongs in Merion’." Fred A. Bernstein, “Timeless Art Frozen in Time (for now),” The New York Times, June 23, 2006.

2- Moving the Barnes art collection is an essential part of Pew’s vision for Philadelphia. In a Wall Street Journal interview, Pew CEO Rebecca Rimel explained, “Philadelphia will keep its nose up if it has more product to offer."

Rimel envisions a day when art-lovers will plan visits to Philadelphia and make side trips to New York, instead of vice versa.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are rich, she concedes, ‘but there is no collection like the Barnes Collection.’" Judith H. Dobrzynski, Cultural Conversation with Rebecca W. Rimel : A Foundation Head Central to the Philadelphia Story, Wall Street Journal Online, February 8, 2007.

3- Memorandum Opinion and Order Sur Second Amended Petition to Amend Charter and Bylaws, January 29, 2004, p. 20.

4- "By letter dated June 18, 2007, Dr. Watson dismissed Montgomery County’s offer out of hand reaffirming the Barnes commitment, not to its indenture or fiduciary responsibilities, but to its “mission,” namely, the move to Philadelphia.

Then, claiming that the Barnes has previously considered all “reasonable proposals presented to us,” Dr. Watson failed to set forth what was unreasonable about the proposal.

Fiduciary responsibility requires the Barnes Board to explore proposals such as the financing plan presented by Montgomery County.

In fact, the Barnes Board should have initiated that proposal.... Dr. Watson mischaracterized what has occurred to date as “binding commitments” which make the move of the gallery collection to Philadelphia “irreversible.”

To the contrary, nothing that the Barnes Foundation has done is binding, nor is it irreversible. No architect has been selected. No city site is available.

There are no architectural plans.

There is no feasibility study. The fundraising is not complete.

Costs continue to escalate. The Board is not in place.

The Barnes cannot claim that it has relied on prior Court rulings to its detriment.

An elementary understanding of fiduciary responsibility would have compelled Dr. Watson and his Board to explore Montgomery County’s offer as it was clear that this Court simply permitted the move as one alternative. It did not mandate the move."

Petition to Reopen Proceedings, August 27, 2007, pp. 66-68, available here.

5- Rebecca Rimel testified in Court, “I am not familiar with the actual Indenture.” Testimony of Rebecca Rimel in Orphan’s Court, In Re: The Barnes Foundation, A Corporation, December 11, 2003, pp. 56-57.

This is convenient, because anyone familiar with Dr. Albert Barnes’ intent for his foundation knows that the move is everything he would not want.

6- S.B. 1213 The Pennsylvania capital budget for the fiscal year 2001-2002, includes $100,000,000 for “Design and Construction of a Museum Facility to House the Barnes Art Collection” and $7,000,000 for “Restoration, Stabilization and Site Enhancements for the Barnes Foundation.

7- Internal Revenue Service Application of The Pew Charitable Trust for Public Charity Status, filed December 30, 2002.

8- Testimony of Rebecca Rimel in Orphan’s Court, In Re: The Barnes Foundation, A Corporation, December 11, 2003, pp. 29-30.

9- Agreement between and among the Barnes Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Lenfest Foundation, September 13, 2002. p. 8.

10- See Patricia Horn, “The Deal of the Art,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 22, 2005.

11- “The Art of the Steal” a documentary film, produced by 9.14 Pictures: Sheena M. Joyce, Producer, Lenny Feinberg, Executive Producer, Don Argott, Director, 2009.

12- The only such reference in the Indenture of Trust: “11.

Should the said collection ever be destroyed, or should it for any other reason become impossible to administer the trust hereby created concerning said collection of pictures, then the property and funds contributed by Donor to Donee shall be applied to an object as nearly within the scope herein indicated and laid down as shall be possible, such application to be in connection with an existing and organized institution then in being and functioning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or its suburbs.”

Indenture of Trust of the Barnes Foundation (Article IX of the By-laws of the Barnes Foundation), December 6, 1922, as amended.

13 - There was no adversarial process, so the judge heard no testimony about the Barnes Board’s breach of fiduciary responsibility, its multiple conflicts of interest, or efforts to misappropriate the valuable Barnes art collection.

14- In his opinion, Judge Ott wrote: “The Attorney General, as parens patriae for charities, had an absolute duty to probe, challenge and question every aspect of the monumental changes now under consideration…

The Attorney General was the only party with the authority to demand, via discovery or otherwise, information about other options.

However, the Attorney General did not proceed on its authority and even indicated its full support for the petition before the hearings took place…. The Attorney General's Office merely sat as second chair to counsel for The Foundation, cheering on its witnesses. . . . [This] course of action . . . prevented the court from seeing a balanced, objective presentation of the situation, and constituted an abdication of that office's responsibility….” Memorandum Opinion and Order Sur Second Amended Petition to Amend Charter and Bylaws, pp. 20-21, January 29, 2004.

15- The Barnes Foundation, with its interrelated parts – remarkable art collection (housed in a purpose-built gallery) and historic arboretum – was created, as Albert Barnes explained, for “one and the same purpose (that) cannot be separated: they are one and indivisible and both are educational in their essence…. …”

He compared the Foundation to a symphony, “that is, every unit was studied in relation to what was the ultimate composite entity which prompted us to establish the Foundation and devote our money and the rest of our individual lives to make the Foundation the servant of educational authorities in advancing the knowledge and happiness of mankind.”

Testimony of Albert C. Barnes, p. 1.From the case, Barnes Foundation v. Keely et al., Appellants No. 268 Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, January 30, 1934. Testimony in Arboretum Archives File in the Barnes Foundation Archives.

16- Letter from Jean H. Cutler, Director, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Bureau for Historic Preservation, to Bernard C. Watson, Chairman of the Board, Barnes Foundation, January 19, 2010.

17- Scott Macaulay, “Art After Death,” Filmmaker, Winter, 2010.

Help stop the move of the Barnes Foundation art collection.

Join Friends of the Barnes Foundation at www.barnesfriends.org.

Make a tax deductible contribution and make a difference.

Email: barnesfriends@comcast.net

Write:

Post Office Box 35
Merion Station, PA 19066

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Pope Benedict XVI...crucified on Good Friday! Hollow figurehead for Catholic Church...

In recent weeks a scandal has been raging over myriad allegations of sexual abuse that have threatened to topple the Roman Catholic Church.

To some, it is ironic that Pope Benedict XVI is currently being crucified by a lynch mob (for hiding behind the pomp and circumstance of the Church) during the sacred Holy Easter weekend.

The sticky webs of intrigue are comparable to the tragic missteps of former U.S. President, Richard Milhous Nixon, in fact.

The attempted cover-up, after-the-fact, is a more heinous crime in many respects.

For the head of the Roman Catholic Church it is definitely a public relations disaster.

In a deceitful effort to effect some damage control - Father Raniero Cantalamessadog (the Pope's personal priest) - foolishly jumped into the fray which caused an even bigger uproar on good Friday (of all days) by making inflammatory remarks during a service.

During a sermon Cantalamessa read a letter aloud wherein a Jewish friend referred to accusations against Benedict and the Catholic church over the handling of sexual abuse of minors by priests as inappropriate.

Cantalamessa's friend, who was not cited by name, wrote that he was "following with disgust the violent and concentric attacks against the Church and the Pope," which reminded him of "the most shameful aspects of anti-Semitism".

The reaction from spiritual quarters the world-over was swift and severe.

Many Jewish leaders were outraged - for instance - and lamented in no uncertain terms that the comparison was "obscene" and "offensive".

Representatives for the victims of the sexual abuse condemned the analogy.

Rome's Chief Rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, said the remarks were particularly insensitive because they were made on the day that Christians prayed for the conversion of the Jews, who were once held collectively responsible for Jesus' death.

Ouch!

Cantalamessa said he had included the excerpt from the letter in his sermon in a show of "solidarity for the Pope."

What a boo-boo!

A scant few hours later, the preacher apologized for comparing recent attacks against the Pontiff and the Catholic church to the persecution of Jews.

"If I hurt the sensibility of Jews and of the victims of pedophilia, then I am sincerely sorry and I apologize," father Raniero Cantalamessa told the Milan Daily (Corriere della Sera).

Cantalamessa also said Benedict, who was present at the ceremony, did not have prior knowledge of the contents of his sermon.

In fact, as the storm raged around him, Benedict continued on business as usual.

Benedict celebrated a Mass dedicated to the union between the Pope and the world's priests at St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Thursday.

Later that day, the Pontiff washed the feet of 12 priests in a symbolic ceremony to commemorate Christ's last supper with his 12 apostles on the evening before his crucifiction on good friday.

Meanwile, Venice Cardinal Angelo Scola, launched a full frontal-attack on the media.

In a homily on Thurday he categorized the Pope as a victim of "deceitful accusations."

What a load of hogwash.

Benedict has earned a revolting reputation for constantly ducking his responsiblities - and concealing his questionable past - from day one.

Shortly after he was installed at the Vatican, for instance, he proceeded to stall and delay in respect to  questions put to him about his youth, and engaged in decietful bold-faced attempts to hide his associations with the Nazi's during World War II.

Finally, he bowed under pressure, and coughed up flimsy excuses.

"We were young. We did what we had to do during the occupation," he asserted in so many words.

Did the jews do that?

No, they stood strong in their beliefs, and fought back.

From that episode in his past, it is evident that Benedict was a selfish individual, who was prone to protect his own a** (at any cost) and at the expense of others.

Then, during the selection process at the Vatican, Benedict and his supporters engaged in a lot of backstairs politicking geared to wrest the seat of power at the Holy See from more suitable candidates.

The hush-hush way the clandestine proceedings were carried out behind-the-scenes raised more than an eyebrow or two.

There is also the question of his suitability for the role.

I don't think that Benedict - unlike Pope John Paul II - has ever been touched by the hand of God.

And, it is doubtful - in my opinion - that his mortal soul will ever be imbued with the holy spirit, either.

Pope Benedict XVI is an imposter, in fact.

In addition to being a hollow figurehead, the disreputable scoundrel is a disgrace to the Catholic Church.

The sooner he's ousted, the better!

Amen!

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Tiger Text...application designed to self-destruct! Mission: possible...

 

Tonight, a software developer announced in the wake of sex scandals rocking the Nation, that his company has developed an application to "delete" text messages once the recipient has scanned the contents.

The creator conjured up the novel idea after it dawned on him one day that - for the most part - celebrities would not have been drawn into the glare of the nasty spotlight (and raked over the coals) if their text messages had not been "saved" or intercepted by unscrupulous gossip mongers out to make a fast buck.

Users will be able to set a timer to erase the incriminating text message within a specific time frame or on the heels of being perused.

Once the text has been "zapped" only the image of the tracks will remain.

When one woman was interviewed on-camera impromptu, she was asked how she would react if she spied the tell-tale text traces on her husband's cell.

"There would definitely be some issues to discuss, for sure," she snapped.

What would prompt her to take a peek into his private "lair"  in the first place?

Uh-huh!

Although the application is being called - "Tiger Text"  - the software manufacturer claims that golfer Tiger Woods did not inspire the product.

Do they think we were born yesterday?

No, just as green as the gold course, he'll be (triumphantly) returning to.

Fore!

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Robert Duvall...honored with Peter J. Owens award! San Francisco Film Festival...

Seasoned pro - Robert Duvall - has been  honored with the prestigious Peter J. Owens award by officals at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

The actor - known for playing crusty well-fleshed out characters - will receive the coveted award on April 29th at the annual award ceremony.

The following evening there will be a tribute to Mr. Duvall at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.

The Festival organizers announced that in addition to clips featuring highlights of the actor's long-and-distinguished career, Duvall will appear in person on stage for an intimate interview.

Duvall's latest feature - "Get Low" - will also screen that evening.

With Brando in "The Godfather"

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The Last Song...soppy tear-jerker! Star turn for Greg Kinnear...

With all the negative ink spilling out in dailies around the Nation, I wasn't inclined to take the risk of plunking down top dollar for a ticket to a screening of  "The Last Song".

So, I took in a matinee at AMC for a paltry six bucks.

When I strolled into the theatre with my kiddie's pack in hand, I wasn't surprised to find myself surrounded by a gaggle of giggling girls who were obviously die-hard Miley Cyrus fans.

As soon as the flick sprang to life on the silver screen, it was evident from the get-go that I was going to be thrust into an over-the-top production, where the emphasis was more on sensual song than solid story line.

For example, in the opening scene a posse of firemen carry an injured man out of harm's way, as a church burns furiously in the background.

Unfortunately, the music laid in under the dramatic images, was just short of pop puff.

Talk about jarring subliminal messages!

In a nutshell, "The Last Song" is a high-strung emotional tale, about a teen who is shipped off for the summer to bond with her Dad (who is separated from her doting mother) with young brother in tow.

Shortly after the specifics of  the conflicts within the family circle have been served up on a tinny platter, "Ronnie" (played by Cyrus) gets swept up in a summer romance that appears to be more trouble than its worth.

To critics, the scenario was particularly difficult to swallow, for starters.

One film reviewer noted that the malelead's fascination with Ronnie didn't hold much water.

"The object of his affection is supposed to be so special that he pursues her ardently non-stop.  But, because Cyrus's character is not that enticing to begin with , the idea totally suspends belief," he noted in so many words.

While I agree with the critic in respect to the character's overall lack of appeal, on the other hand, there was a justifiable reason for the young stud to pursue her.

For example, it was established in the plotline, that he was intrigued by "Ronnie" because he had grown tired (and disappointed) with the local girls who were shallow and stuck up.

Ms. Cyrus's performance is a little ragged at times - so much so - that after the screening even she was inclined to admit to one media hound that acting lessons would be a good idea.

Her screen image flip-flopped so much (pretty and glowing in one scene, down 'n out and slutty the next)  that I started to ponder whether it was the lighting that was the culprit.

Just maybe, a handful of the shots were "picked up" later, when there was a bold-faced effort to salvage the project after test results were initially negative?

But, don't write Miley off,  because there is a lot of raw talent and potential just waiting to bubble up, given the right material and a director at the helm who knows how to draw it out.

As to the scripted material?

Once I was clued in to the fact the screenplay was conjured up by Notebook writer - Nicholas Sparks - I pretty much fathomed that "The Last Song" was bound to be a tear-jerker of epic proportions.

Sparks did not disappoint in that regard.

There were so many cliches and stale old ideas to wade through, too.

In sum, "The Last Song" is a Hollywood-style Disney pic, with a predictable boy gets girl ending.

Greg Kinnear turned in a stand-out performance that may rustle up award nominations later in the year.

As to the lead actor, Liam Helmsworth, I'd say he's got a shot at Hollywood stardom if he relaxes into his roles and picks more meaty material better suited to flex his "acting" muscles.

After all, pretty-boy hunks are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, with a dubious future.

Even if they are sleeping with a star with some clout in the industry.

Big Bucks Beefcake!

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John Stamos...sexual addiction? TMZ getting warm...

Folks who tune in to TMZ are familiar with their sly modus operandi when it comes to celebrity scoops.

Harvey's young cubs usually stake out territory at one of the trendy bistros in West Hollywood, or the airport, then hunker down and wait for the golden opportunity to catch a celebrity on the fly in an embarrassing moment.

Usually, the ambush technique works.

If not, a full-frontal attack may net results, too.

More often-than-not, the snoops on the look-out for a scoop, will hurl a piece of bait - then pray - that it will land a morsel of juicy gossip.

In the case of a John Stamos, an opportunity slipped through their fingers, though.

For example, when one of the reporters from TMZ spied John heading in his direction on the street, he nonchalantly uttered up an observation.

"John, you're a handsome guy. How come you don't have a sexual addiction?"

An odd expression spread over his face before he shrugged and move on down the gauntlet.

That reaction should have been the tip off!

The truth of the matter?

Years ago, a male acquaintance confided in me - that one evening when he was out for a stroll in Hollywood - Stamos drove by and cruised him!

Before you could say - "easy pick up" - he was romping hot 'n heavy between the sheets with the sexy sitcom star.

Apparently, Stamos has an insatiable appetite for sex with studly males.

Unlike losers like Jesse James, the pretty boy actor is intelligent (and discreet) enough to keep his di** from getting caught in the wringer, fortunately.

And now for the big question.

Is Stamos a top or a bottom?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

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Anna Paquin...bisexual confession crashes PSA web site! True colors...

A web site that posted a clip of Anna Paquin "outing" herself on the Internet has reported that the announcement triggered such a widespread response that the server became overwelmed and subsequently crashed.

I spied a news alert on Yahoo on Thursday afternoon which reported that the "True Blood" star was actively participating in a Public Service Announcement for Cyndi Lauper's - "Give a Damn Campaign" - in which she was taking the opportunity to disclose her own  "bisexuality".

Because there has never been a hint of her sexual persuasion in the media 'til now, the surprising unexpected announcement piqued the curiosity of the Nation.

That evening, Anna Paquin soared into the top ten search lists at Alexa and Yahoo, and the trend continued throughout the next day.

Alongside celebs such as - Elton John (who knew?), American Idol contestant Clay Aiken (natch), and  comic Wanda Sykes (who cares?) - Paquin declared her sexual orientation to promote equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Two videos were shot in Los Angeles on January 30 and were released online April 1st.

It was not an April Fool's Day joke, folks!

http://www.thetattler.biz

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Trading Markets with Einstein Soros and Heisenberg: misinterpretation and more on the economy


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Tales of the City...San Francisco's ACT premieres Maupin musical adaptation!

Barbary Lane!

The American Conversatory Theatre, based in San Francisco, will premiere a musical adaptation of Armistead Maupin's hit cable series "Tales of the City" in the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

"It's a wonderful Valentine to the community in which we live," beamed current Artistic Director Carey Perloff.

Local residents may recall that Armistead Maupin's highly-entertaining musings sprang from a series of engrossing columns in the San Francisco Chronicle that kept fans of the gay-themed potboiler chattering at the water cooler at the crack of dawn each day.

The first book was made into a television miniseries, Tales of the City, which was produced by Channel 4 in the UK (screened by PBS in the U.S. in 1994).

My two favorite characters? 

Mouse & Mary Ann.

In the series opener, naive Mary Ann Singleton arrives from Cleveland, Ohio.

She finds an apartment at 28 Barbary Lane, owned and operated by a mysterious character by the name of Anna Madrigal, who is keen on growing marijuana in the garden (and sharing the bumper crop with her mostly-gay bohemian tenants).

Mary Ann throws caution to the wind and becomes fast friends with her neighbours: bisexual hippy Mona Ramsey, straight ladies man Brian Hawkins, odd-ball roof tenant Norman Neal Williams, and cute Michael Tolliver who is an outgoing "out" gay man known to his friends as Mouse (as in Mickey Mouse).

At press time, it was hinted that the production may make it to Broadway eventually, with a dynamite score by Scissors Sisters songwriters Jake Shears and John Garden, and director Jason Moore at the helm.

News at 11!

Bill Campbell a sizzling hot affair!

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Sonoma Film Festival...Demi Moore feature "The Joneses" premieres!

Fans of Demi Moore - wife of punked heart-throb Ashton Kutcher - will be thrilled to hear that her new release premieres closing night of the Sonoma Film Festival (April 18th).

David Duchovny stars opposite Moore in "The Joneses".

In a nutshell, the plot focuses on a seemingly normal American couple who move to the suburbs.

When the film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, first-time writer-director Derrick Borte's feature was described as an insightful foray into the wobbly undercurrents of a frenetic consumer culture with a dash of humour, warmth, and clever zesty fun.

Catch it if you can!

Info: http://www.sonomafilmfest.org/

Red Carpet dazzlers!

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Jennifer Lopez...shows off bu** crack @ the Grove!

Cougar scouts the terrain!

TMZ ambushed Jennifer Lopez yesterday when she was out on a shopping spree at the Grove (with a posse of handlers in tow).

Like many celebrities, cautious J. Lo was inclined to keep her distance, which hindered the photo op a tad for the aggressive media pups.

When the fleshy star catches sight of their revealing segment which broadcast this evening, she may be inclined to be more kissy-face next time Harvey's kids cross her path.

You know the old saying.

"You get a lot more with honey than vinegar."

As Jennifer was alighting into the backseat of the limo, a sharp paparazzi dude - quick on the uptake - managed to zoom in and get a bulls-eye view of her butt-crack!

The gossip hounds compared the ghastly sight to the grand canyon!

"The continental divide," another gossip monger guffawed.

Ouch!

It reminded me of the old joke.

"If you had a million dollars, what would you buy?"

"A new ass. Mine's cracked."

Rump roast anyone?

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Twitter...Charlie Sheen jokes! Exiting sitcom...

There's always DVD!

Just recently Twitter redesigned their web site which has turned out to be a big plus for fans keen on being on top of all the celebrity gossip (and titillating scuttlebutt) streaking like lightning around the blogosphere.

Without logging in, visitors are now able to gleen a number of top tweets that crawl across the screen in a manner not disimilar to a ticker tape updating stock results.

Lazy celebrity gossips are ecstatic!

Shortly after the rumor started to spread that Charlie Sheen was quitting the his highly-rated TV Sitcom - Two And A Half Men - tweeters began to post hilarious jokes about the troubled star and utter up their snide take on the surprising turn-of-events.

"Charlie Sheen is leaving "Two And A Half Men" so he has more time to beat his family at home," one quipped.

One of my favorites?

"Now that Charlie Sheen is leaving his sitcom, the show is being retitled Two Men."

Ouch!

Pregnant with possibilities!

http://www.thetattler,biz

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Justin Bieber...butches up act on Jay Leno!

Was Justin Bieber intentionally transforming his squeaky-clean image, right before our very eyes on the Jay Leno show last night?

From this perch, it appeared that the teen sensation was trying to butch up his act.

When he strode up to take a seat next to Jay shortly after dancing up a storm to the beat of his new hit single, he revealed a cocky side, when he plunked down on the couch and tossed one foot up on the coffee table.

I sensed that the lack of manners, though a show of sudden butchness, may have ticked Leno off.

But, not one to turn his back on  a meal ticket, the congenial host proceeded to ignore the rude conduct.

Then, the young Canadian upstart surprised us all when he noted - with a straight face - that if he wasn't a performer he'd like to be mechanic.

Now, baby-faced Bieber was swaggering into sure-fire studly territory

Perhaps it was Justin's knee-jerk reaction to  a hilarious segment on TMZ last night which turned the spotlight on a web site that pays tribute to young lesbian women who are the spitting image of the pop idol.
The novel social hub features candid shots of lesbian women outfitted in tight t-shirts, straight-legged designer jeans, and requisite page boy "do". 

The web page is known for loving beaver - um - Bieber.

Chaz Bono eat your heart out!

The tom-boy look is all the rage among nubile lesbos, after all.

I wonder, do they strap their breasts down tight, or were the gals just flat-chested (like Justin) to begin with?

Bieber is basking in the glow of the phenomenal success of his new release My World 2.0.

It roared to the top of the charts after rustling up 230,000 sales.

The popular musical whiz is the youngest male solo artist to chart since Stevie Wonder in 1963.

The night before, Bieber put in an appearance on American Idol with image-maker USHER in tow.

"If you were a contestant on the show, could you handle Simon Cowell," Jay quizzed.

He laughed out loud and shook his head (in disgust?).

Piece of cake, obviously.

Bieber took everyone by surprise this week, when he bought out an established show-biz web site, lock stock and barrel.

The site - Bieber or Die - features a multitude of publicity stills of the pop singer.

And, some hilarious comedy sketches.

For instance, in one video he spouts off into the camera that a trendy nightclub turfed him out for being underage.

 "So, I bought the place. Turned it into a Chuck E. Cheese," he laughed hysterically into camera.

"I swim after I eat, too. I don't care," he mugged to the camera with an adorable pouty grin on his mug.

At this juncture, he jumped on his bicycle, and quipped to a pal.

"Let's go get a lollipop!"

Actually, he probably roared off in his new Range Rover.

Will success spoil Justin Bieber?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

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Roman Polanski...extradition on hold 'til California Courts show hand!

The Roman Polanski fiasco continues along at a snail's pace.

According to a spokesman, the Swiss courts will not rule on the issue of Polanski's extradition to the U.S. to face the music in Los Angeles, until California Appellate Justices rule on the question of the legality of a sentencing in abstentia.

In the event the U.S. Court rules in favor of a hearing in abstentia - and Polanski ends up facing less than six months behind bars, Swiss officials have noted for the record that they will not turn the aging Lothario over to authorities on these shores.

On the other hand, if the ruling does not pan out favorably for the respected film director, his lawyers will undoubtedly exhaust all legal options available ad nauseam (which is his right, of course).

In the final analysis, Polanski is wasting precious judicial resource, and stalling and delaying the inevitable either way.

Shame!

Mia Farrow in Polanski's Rosemary's Baby!

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Twitter...Gary Busey quote! Poetry in motion...

With this poetic flourish at the keyboard, actor Gary Busey established he still has a great sense of humor, in spite of the storms constantly raging all around him.

Roses are red. Violets are blue
I want you right next to me, but a court ordered 200 yards will do.

Stalker Thoughts

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Book of Revelations...4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse!

This evening I thought my thoughts - as I listened to my favorite piece of classical music - Handel's Messiah.

At one point, I recalled that just before I embarked on my journey to San Francisco, I did something I rarely ever do.

I took the paper money out of my wallet (a fine mess of presidential faces turned this way 'n that) and counted  it.

I froze on the spot.

The total?

$666.00

"Oh, gosh," there must be some meaning in that, I thought to myself.

Barely a day passes without some sign or omen descending from the heavens.

Of course, my immediate focus turned to the beast, the anti-christ.

But, what did it  mean?

Unfortunately, the answer - not even a hint of one - remained elusive that day.

Tonight, as I sat in the dark listening to the uplifting strains of Handel's composition, it suddenly hit me like a bolt of lightning.

The message of the 666 omen (by virtue of the cash in my billfold) was crystal clear.

Money is the root of all evil.

A remarkable notion swept over me.

If only we could pool the resources of the world - spread the wealth - feed, clothe and house the needy!

The hour is upon us.

The prophecies of the Book of Revelations are unfolding.

And, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, are riding in the distance just off the  horizon.

The signs are all around us.

But, it's so obvious, we are blinded by the light of reality.

Consider the following translation @  Daniel 9:27 in the Holy Bible.

"The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and sign a covenant (with Israel, some say) for seven years."

This seven-year period of time is known as the “tribulation.”

"During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters."

God will  pour out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness.

The tribulation includes the appearance of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and 7 trumpets sounding as 7 seals are cracked open.

The first horseman of the Apocalypse is mentioned in Revelation 6:2:

“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

This first horseman refers to the Antichrist who will be given authority and will conquer all who oppose him.

The antichrist is the false imitator of the true Christ who will also return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16).

The second horseman of the Apocalypse appears in Revelation 6:4:

“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.”

The second horseman refers to terrible warfare that will break out in the end times.

The third horseman is described in Revelation 6:5-6:

“And there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand."

 Then he heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures saying:

"A quart of wheat for a day's wages  and three quarts of barley for a day's wages and do not damage the oil and the wine!’”

The third horseman of the Apocalypse refers to a great famine that will take place.

The fourth horseman is mentioned in Revelation 6:8:

“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation.

The four horsemen are “precursors” of worse judgments that come later in the tribulation. (Revelation chapters 8–9 & 16).

I pray for peace, perfect peace!

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San Francisco...parking fees hiked! Slew of new meters for Bay area...

Smart meter!

Yesterday morning, I tossed on my jeans and a t-shirt, laced up my sneakers, and sprinted down the street for my morning cup of java.

An article about parking fees - on the front page of the Examiner - caught my eye.

OMG!

The feature jogged my memory.

I forgot to move my car out of a "no parking" zone.

In a scant few minutes, a street-cleaner would be cursing me out loud, and a snarling meter maid would be careening up to the curb to slap a parking violation on the windshield of my beloved SUV.

Ouch!

So, I passed on the brew, and streaked down the street to alter destiny.

Whew! 

Mission accomplished.

As to the report in the Examiner, well, it wasn't good news for locals (or tourists either).

A proposed hike in meter fees - estimated to rustle up a million or so bucks a year - may be given the green light.

But, there are other changes on the horizon that may turn the bay area into a battle zone.

When it comes to parking, at least!

For instance, parking hours may be extended to Sunday in five highly-trafficked neighborhoods.

And, approximately 5400 snazzy new meters will be installed, with state-of-the-art features designed to reduce congestion, step up occupancy, and facilitate easy pay.

A pilot program (90 days in length) may test the waters to determine the impact (negative or positive) on a proposed plan to extend hours at Fisherman's Wharf.

Slated changes:  9 p.m. on week-days; 12 midnight on week-ends.

Pretty soon, folks will be paying toll fees through the nose to travel along city streets!

Google will be right there to map out the routes.

http://www.thetattler.biz

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Ellen DeGeneres...Miley Cyrus niave! Fibber at it again...

 

Shortly after I published a post yesterday afternoon which focused on Miley Cyrus's growing lack of credibility (she's a teller of tall tales, after all) I found myself yelling at the old boob a few minutes later when Miley trotted out on the stage of the "Ellen Show" and proceeded to chat up a storm.

"There you go again."

In a post last week, I reported that Miley shut-down her twitter account, because she alleged threats were received from users who were angry with comments she made in support of Gay Marriage.

Post: 03/22/10

http://fraudphishing-financialmisdees.blogspot.com/2010/03/miley-cyrustweet-or-twit-gay-marriage.html

Since that time, Miley has been reluctant to confirm those shocking events on-camera, unless cornered to do so.

For example, when Jay Leno quizzed her about the twitter incident, she tried to change her story.

"Oh, I quit because twitter-users tweet about stupid things, like going to the bathroom," she chided in so many words.

Leno appeared to be taken aback.

"I thought it had to do with the fact you supported Gay Marriage?"

Perhaps it slipped Miley's mind?

After all, the excuse about the "Gay Marriage" comment, is the one she offered up to Parade magazine a few weeks ago.

Miley got a little flustered for a sec, then fessed up that Jay's take on it was correct.

Did she wise up to the fact that - once a comment is made on the record about a particular subject - it's probably best to stick to the original story for credibilty's sake?

No!

On Ellen's show yesterday she claimed there was another reason why she quit twitter.

Arghhh!

The perky talk show host (herself gay) probed further.

"I heard it was because you supported Gay Marriage!"

Good one!

Go in for the kill, Ellen.

In the aftermath, Miley scrambled to sort-out the dilemma she found herself in.

"I was asked a question. So, I gave my opinion."


But her naivete really charged to the fore when she quipped:

"They were saying that love was wrong. How could love between two people be wrong?"

Huh?

Ms. Cyrus has obviously not mingled much with folks in the mainstream around the country - or for that matter, given the issue much thought - otherwise she wouldn't open her yap and make such a silly remark.

The argument for gay marriage does not hinge on the question of "Love" per se.

Contrary to what Ms. Cyrus thinks, the people she was complaining about, don't believe that love is ever "wrong".

Christians in the heartland, for instance, tend to take a cue from scriptures that teach that homosexuality - "a man lying down with another man" - is not only sinful but goes against the laws of nature.

There is a better argument to pursue that has a lot more bite in respect to the issue of "gay marriage".

For instance, there isn't any proof that the passages in the Bible Christians refer to in support of their position, are - in fact - the word of God!

Over the centuries the scriptures have been revised - and quite possibly rewritten - to  meet a specific agenda of the day (or the powers-that-be).

Elsewhere in the scriptures, another passage underscores that when God calls on an individual, it is not necessary for that person to change.

The Lord accepts the individual as they are.

Miley's on the right track in many respects, but needs to step out of her protected shell - get real - and spout off accordingly.

To quote myself:

"If your actions are pure of heart, there is no harm."

Amen!

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Journalists...under attack by hackers! Malicious e-mails & a Soldier Virus!

Today, it was a bit of a relief to stumble across an article in the morning  paper - the San Francisco Chronicle - in which was reported that journalists have been under attack by unscrupulous hackers.

For good reason!

It is heartening to know that I have not been the only writer under attack!

Ever since I reported on malicious viruses I uncovered at google a few weeks ago - and the subsequent battle the owners of the leading search engine has been engaged in with the Chinese Government - my own e-mail has been targeted.

However, contrary to the allegations set forth in the Chronicle's informative article, the hackers have not only forwarded e-mail on occasionn (or deleted it) but also used malicious worms  designed to infect and disable the victim's computer.

In fact, I just reported on a malicious intruder - the Soldier Virus - which popped up on my own computer after checking e-mail at Yahoo yesterday afternoon.

Post:  3/31/10

http://fraudphishing-financialmisdees.blogspot.com/2010/03/soldier-virusscam-extorting-money.html

When I was checking the "registry" of my computer, I also located a user key which stated in the caption "blog this".

I determined that the "virus" was designed to disrupt attempts to access blog sites - post articles - and so forth and so on.

In the article in the Chronicle, a reporter noted that one journalist - Kathleen McLaughlin - was a victim last week when her account was disabled (she's a former Chronicle Foreign Service contributor).

"Someone is clearly targeting journalists," she lamented to a New York Times Beijing correspondence.

"It makes me feel very uncomfortable."

The Chronicle noted that for some inexplicable reason, Yahoo has remained silent over the matter, except for a vague statement issued to the press yesterday.

"We are committed to protecting user security and privacy and we take appropriate action in the event of any kind of breach."

If the FBI is involved - and there is an investigation underway - then that reponse would be understandable.

I intend to report the Soldier Virus incident to that Law Enforcement agency by way of their Cyber Crime unit online since the individuals are not only trying to disable computers but also extort money from the victims.

These allegations were reported in my article yesterday (link above).

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