In a previous post, I alluded to the fact that I was being sued for what amounted to exercising my constitutionally protected free speech in a matter of public interest. CalCoastNews.com covered this in a recent story entitled ” Blogger Wins Free Speech battle, Cal Poly Dean Loses.” Here is pictured the ‘tentative ruling’ … which became the final ruling.
Read CalCoastNews analysis for their insightful look at the defense of free speech in the public interest!
I can't resist "expressing myself" on any "free speech" wall and support my favorite on-campus organization! CLICK (on the picture) to see who it is!
Unless you have had your work or your existence censored or found yourself defending your free speech in a court of law, you probably take it for granted that you can have ‘an opinion.’ You might even think that having a popular opinion might protect you; however, this hasn’t worked in Syria, Iran or other places where the exercise of an opinion, no matter how innocent, is immune from persecution or death. I may seem a bit corny to remind others that many of those who signed the Declaration of Independence paid a great price for their exercise of free will. Free Speech is what democracies do…. it is what we are and without it we are like every other despotic system.
In the competitive market place of ideas, speaking freely allows us all to test our values and beliefs and redefine or reshape them, but this is heresy in many parts of the world. ‘Speech’ via ‘speech codes’ is also a central concept under attack in our academic environments. For those who would like to turn the direction of a new generation of our youth, they must manipulate our language to restrict the use of words, meanings and general expression. If you forbid some topics from being studied or discussed ( in some circles , these are referred to as ‘the undiscussables’) then the censors win and we lose and human progress is halted and frozen in time. Let me just add, that this is not a good thing.
Not every university is backward, the University of Virginia has earned the coveted ‘GREEN’ light designation from FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education). Only a few universities have been so honored. I recommend that you take the time to see what FIRE does to support free expression on college campuses…. and do what you can to support them. They deserve all our support no matter your political orientation.
I have been named in a suit back in December for blogs related to an issue of great ‘public interest.’ CHECK CalCoastNews.Com and their archive for more.
I can’t help but wonder why anyone listens to some of the advice on line on how to raise your children. Everyone seems to have a purpose that doesn’t have anything to do with making your children into better, smarter people or supporting the family. Here are some of the issues that I think everyone has to wrestle with on one level or another.
"nothin' finer than a fine lady with a gun" -- Frankie Figgs
Okay, this is a story about — well — self defense, heroism, saving the life of another and courage. These are things you will probably will not find on CBS, NBC, MSNBC or ABC. Try searching “Meghan Brown” ( or other relevant terms) on any of these sites and see what you find? Here are a few screen captures of what I found today!
Where is Meghan Brown? I am sure they would have covered her story IF she was the victim.
Meghan Brown’s story is inspiring. CLICK here to read it … The story is also covered by countless bloggers over the world… and the British Press!
"....... resistance is futile!" CLICK on the picture for the recipe
I’ve resisted for as long as I could… actually months! The problem is that real bread pudding is one of my all time favorite desserts! When I first started the evolution of my own recipe, I studied all of the recipes from hundred plus year old cookbooks, restaurants and internet chefs and home chefs. The problem is that in virtually every case… there were unacceptable short cuts.
From the use of butter, eggs, heavy cream, brandy, rum and rye whiskey to the various breads and cakes all topped with an exquisite sauce and various nuts… it is a wonderful holiday treat! Fortunately, I believe everyday is a holiday! 😉 If you really want to make something nice… it takes time, care, quality ingredients and a variety that makes it interesting. BREAD PUDDING
So I have my fruit ( dried blueberries, sultanas and 3 scraped vanilla beans) all soaking in their favorite alcoholic mixture… until I need them…. in a week or so.
One bite is way too much… and a million is not enough!
