Day 19 Japan Disaster

As week 3 of the Japan Disaster unfolds, there are over 500,000 still in shelters, this includes the radiation evacuees.
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Japanese have much to cope with still...extensive losses of homes and life due to the Tusnami and the quake especially along the coast, and the growing nuclear disaster...
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ENIGMA NOTE::: For the most part I have been posting information, research on FB and on Twitter during the past 18 days. I will be honest, the situation has been very fluid, and for the first time blogging or tracking any Disaster, I have been overwhelmed, just trying to keep up on reading and sharing resources.In many years of tracking and blogging disasters, it is one thing to try to document and share information on a Humanitarian disaster, but this is my first time covering a Nuclear disaster, so please know I am trying to locate timely accurate information. So most of the detailed data has been consistently posted on Twitter. I am grateful that I have studied radioactive waste and fallout for 10 years, but saddened to now blog on it... My Handle there on Twitter is @watergatesummer, so I encourage you follow me there. For now I will try to post Once/Day updates here.
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Photo above is back view of Smoking Steaming Fukushima Reactors. As this crisis has deepened, it is apparent that 4 of the 6 Reactors are in Continuing Critical Condition, with rising concerns about the Core Safety as well as Spent Fuel Rods exposure. Timely accurate data has been difficult to obtain due to transparency issues , especially with TEPCO. It is day 19 and 17 US States have reported some fallout data from this disaster, and many are concerned for our country and Japan. America has sent teams to Japan and our Navy has been trying to help them as well. As of today Japan's government is seeking outside expertise and help as this situation has reached dire proportions. Even in Japan people there have been worried their own government was not telling them enough. ( The government has been coping with 500,000 in shelters and much damage due to the 9,0 Quake and the Tsunami as well as rescue and recovery missions,but the nuclear disaster has unfolded with transparency issues for those there as well as here). At this point there are questions as to the true conditions at the plant, especially regarding the Mistreatment of the Workers that has come to light in past 24 hours and concerning soil and sea water samples. As well as continuing questions regarding the actual damage, including Core Damage, and condition of all the Fuel Rods especially in Reactors 1 through 4.
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From abc,net -down under media source, please do read the latest as of 3.30.11.
See Snippet Below:
"As Japan works to contain the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, the level of radioactive iodine in the sea off the stricken nuclear plant has reached its highest reading yet - more than 3,300 times the legal limit.The Japan government is now considering plans to drape shattered nuclear reactor buildings with special covers to limit radiation and pump contaminated water into a tanker.

The embattled nation is also inviting foreign experts to help stabilise the overheating Fukushima station.The United States has lent Japan robots that can crawl through, film and clear rubble in the blast-hit reactor buildings which humans cannot enter because of high radiation.And France, which relies on nuclear power for three-quarters of its domestic energy needs, was sending an expert team from Areva, its state-run reactor maker, to assist TEPCO.An official with Japan's nuclear safety agency said it was time to think outside the box.

"We are in an unprecedented situation, so we need to think about different strategies beyond what we normally think about," the official said."
( And yes article explains that a Dome or Tarp is being looked at to cover dispersing reactors, this idea is being looked at as air samplings and soil samplings from outside evac zone raise concern).
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As this Crisis unfolds the word "Meltdown" needs to better explained in nuclear terms, ABCnews of Australia has article explaining the concerns and visuals of a meltdown, that helps explain it in clear terms.
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More questions and concerns about what is leaking from Plant. (Sydney Morning Herald)
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More explaining the Reactor Damage
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WSJ.com - Inside the Reactors
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Improve living conditions for the brave Fukushima nuclear workers CNN reports that the workers at the plant are lacking food, water, Showers, and medical care and are sleeping in stairwells and being poorly treated. There is no reason that TEPCO should not be providing them with better care and safety gear. It is deplorable. Many stayed even knowing that they had lost homes and family. Many of the part time workers were threatened with being fired if they did not stay. 3 were contaminated by Radioactive water with burns to their legs due to lack of proper boots. And in last 24 hours 3 more were contaminatd again with the contaminated water. ( For some reason the decision was made to NOT hospitalize them to provide them care)
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3 Types Plutonium have shown up in Soils near Fukushima Plant
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#CRITICAL #NISA (nukesafety) Update on ALL reactors Fukushima ||NOTE #1-#4 ESP.re.SpentFuelPonds temps??
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Concerns raised in the Hawaii Daily.....
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(Via Japantimes )
Greenpeace finds high levels of radiation outside no-go zone around Fukushima nuclear plant
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NY Times: heat from fuel rods in crippled #Fukushima reactors evaporate 200 tons of water/day
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Kyoto News:: Woes deepen over radioactive water at nuke plant, sea contamination http://goo.gl/QZMM2
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Seawater Radiation Level Soars Near Plant (Wall Street Journal)
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Berkeley providing water and air sampling data: EPA will need more sampling stations, and maybe universities can aid with this...17 states have tested for fallout already.
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Japan Raises Possibility of Breach in Reactor Vessel citing #3 reactor vessel may be damaged? And that evacuation zone needs to be expanded.
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Updates on Japanese Disasters Coming Later Tonight.....

Massive 9.0 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan (Followed by Nuclear Blast)

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1st person Tsunami video....stunning
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Amazing footage of buildings in Shinjuku swaying in Tokyo. This technology saved many lives.
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8.9 Quake at 2:46PM Friday Afternoon Japan time. ( as of this afternoon now some Cal tech scientists are saying quake is 9.1 ?) Huge quake, 81 miles from coastline, 15 miles deep.Many aftershocks, many over 5.5 to 7.4. ( Now Nagano near NW Coast-on seperate faultline has 6.6 quake). Will update this later.....Do give to International Red Cross, there will be much need. ( Japanese Leaders already recognize and have asked for International Aid).There has been much that has happened in the first
36 hours, Japan is struggling to cope with the Quake Damage, hundreds of aftershocks ( 5.4-7.4 shocks,which are really large in size). In light of all of Japan's well designed improved infrastructure and prepared population, this disaster could have been much worse than it already is.There are whole towns and small islands that are still unaccounted for at this moment. Japan had sea walls and tide walls set up along the Coast to help mitigate the Tsunami effects, it shows that taking precautions may not prevent disaster,but might in the long run save some structures and some lives.

When a Nuclear Disaster compounds a Natural Disaster : Fukushima

Sadly Japan is a country that does rely heavily on nuclear power, 55 plants in the entire country. six in the hardest hit NE regions. Fukushima is the main nuke plant that was hardest hit by Quake and Tsunami, 5 reactors are of concern because they are overheating. Steam was vented. ( For many years scientists and energy experts have debated whether Nuclear Power Plants should be built on or near Faultlines and Coastlines due to risks of Quakes and Tsunami's. We are now watching a disaster unfold that is teaching us lessons regarding this situation ). 26 hours after the Quake/tsunami the first reactor exploded after it had overheated for hours, and even after steam had been vented. The issue is that if the coolant pipes were damaged and the coolant generators were damaged, then there was no circulating coolant. (Hillary Clinton had stated that America was sending coolant, but actually we were sending generators-whether any of that had reached the site is not known. Also whether the Plant still has functioning teams is another.)

The evacuation zone for Fukushima has been increased from 2 miles, to 6 miles, and now as of 35 hours, 12 miles ( Technically they should increase the evac zone to 20 miles, especially if the other 4 reactors are still out of control /and or overheating). Sadly with such tsunami devastation and quake damage, shelter may be limited. ( Evacuation has begun for 83,000 people, but the entire 20 mile radius for Fukushima is 290,000. Also most likely complicated due to lack of means to communicate and inform and the extensive power outages for millions). Iodine distribution has begun, it will be very important that these people are well hydrated and medically followed. Sadly since this large disaster is effecting power and water distribution, this situation is more than worrisome.....

( The bigger question is did the Plant have mechanisms in place to Emergency Shutdown the reactors if the backup generators failed ? I have more questions than answers regarding this nuclear nightmare....Anyone who has studied Chernobyl and 3 Mile know that this part of the disaster is more than critical to monitor at this time.)

More info on TEPCO's poor safety record ( this raises even more concerns regarding their transparency in this disaster.

(( More Nuclear articles below, but bear in mind, Analysts say Japan may have hours to prevent nuclear meltdown ))


Explosion of Reactor1 at Fukushima at 0630 GMT ( or approximately 3:30am EST, TEPCO did say that the ceilin collapsed first-the bigger question is did the floor also collapse, is the core in meltdown ? it was built 40 years ago-was it a double walled containment ?? )

From @BBCWorld: Video of an explosion at #Japan nuclear plant: http://bbc.in/gG6e84

Best analysis: article found by Joe Circirone worth reading to better understand coolant issues and meltdown issues.
NUKE UPDATES 3.12.11::
Video from Fukushima, Explosion - March 12, 2011.flv at same time on Twitter: via @REUTERSFLASH: Explosion heard at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi plant around 0630 GMT - media
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WSJ "Japan Scrambles to Avoid Meltdown."
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NYT "Fears Rise Over Nuclear Reactors."
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WAPO: "5 Nuclear Reactors in Peril."

(( CNN has been interviewing Janie Eudy on her husband's status in the Plant-her husband is one of the workers-not clear if he was injured or is suffering radiation poisoning. 3 are being treated for poisoning according to Japan Media-not confirmed by TEPCO....))

Aljezeera Blog has live udpates this is the video of the explosion at Reactor#1
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** LINK :: Livestreams Radio/TV/news media that are covering Japan
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AL Jezeera Live Blog incredible coverage,video, interviews etc
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Americans who need info on American family/friends in Japan call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747
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Excellent Resources and Information ( Updated)
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27 Things to Help Survive #quake in #Japanese via @RedCross Safe Download
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CNN Live BLOG -Japan
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Stunning photos from Japan being collected by The Atlantic
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Japan's Earthquake Off the (Seismic Risk) Map via @EnnNews
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Kate Shepperd at Mother Jones is doing excellent job covering Fukushima
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GOOGLE People finder ( set up to track and help people find loved ones in Japan)
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Via @japantimes
U.S. citizens looking for info on family, friends in Japan, go to http://ow.ly/4cY5c or call toll-free 1-888-407-4747, or 1-202-501-4444.
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Google has set up site locate family and friends in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean
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From Japan Times : Japanese Red Cross has site for locating family, friends||English only but Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese coming...

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NYT: Confirms nuke plant exploded, radiation leak of unspecified proportions 150 miles fri Tokyo
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NHK is the Japan media source that is worth following closely for updates....
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japantimes
Updates on radiation leak at quake-hit Fukushima plant
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from @AJELive Nuclear meltdown in Fukushima plant #japan looking more & more likely, [...] our live AJ blog .
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(1PM Sat) Kyodo says core at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant "may be partially melting," quoting nuclear safety agency. NYT
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Risk of Nuclear Catastrophe Escalates in Japan - \'Worse than Chernobyl?\ via @forbes
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Earthquake in #japan "strongest in 1,200 years," expert says
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Tokyo emergency numbers and websites page updated here
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BBC Live Feed for Japan
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Energy map from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the intensity of #quake-generated tsunami.
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(2AM 3.12.11 this was about 1 hr before Explosion at Nuke Plant) \\)Watching 3 network Japan mashup here, w/ Japanese social stream. Just heard EAS tones on 2 of the networks
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3:30PM Updates 3.12.11
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Via @tokyoreporter Map showing Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Plant evacuation area: NHKニュース　原発 避難所未決地区は屋内に http://nhk.jp/N3uf68Go
From @HirokoTabuchi
Back in Tokyo, heading to Fukushima this afternoon. Latest on the stricken nuclear power plant there http://nyti.ms/fZHoxX
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"Containment" Structure for #1 ( after explosion) Please note that there is No visible cladding, no steel or cement seen at the top, only air, how can MSM not report that this is now open to air ?
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5:30PM EST 3.12.11 ( 5AM Sunday Morning breaking in Japan)
From Reuters 5:40 PM EST 3.12.11
FLASH: Japan's TEPCO says it has started preparations for releasing pressure from Fukushima Daiichi No. 3 reactor after cooling failed.
(1) Via @Reuters: Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant faces new reactor problem http://t.co/dYKloNO
(2) Japan's nuclear safety agency reports an emergency at a second reactor -
(CNN showed NHK video-but the video only showed 3 of the 5 reactors at the Plant site ? did tweet CNN asking what is status of ALL reactors at the site as of 3PM we learned that they were flushing site with boron and seawater)

CNN NOW READING UPDATE NOW AT 5:52 PM EST DON LEMON READING THAT MELTDOWN MAY BE UNDERWAY......
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Tuesday 3.15.11 Update to be added tonight regarding Fires, Explosions and Radiation issues......sadly the situation remains dire, day 5.

Radiation Information :: ( Cesium Exposure issues )

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Child and family being checked for exposure while being evacuated from Fukushima area.
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Enigma note: I ended up via Twitter sharing some basic simple Radiation Research- mostly advice for some Teachers, NGO's and Media in Japan or on route to Japan. I am not a Doctor or an expert on nuclear materials. Due to past research and work I do have a fair amount of information regarding Cesium and Accidental Exposure, as well as Disaster research. I will add to this post as I find more helpful data. I am sharing it as cesium is not a normal substance that Our News media or journalists cover. 3.12.11 2PM.
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Advice for Media and NGO's going to Japan

** If possible do have Geiger Pens with you to monitor exposure as well as Medical people that can help you notice any radiation symptoms or effects***
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(1)1 Do get baseline History if possible ( Hct, Hgb, and Thyroid studies) Really important for those on thyroid therapy to be in good control. Anyone with open wounds or suffering any immune compromised illness should not go to site. Also if one has liver or kidney issues, or heart issues or is on medications for clotting issues or disorders, they too may not go to site.Heart History is also very important ( baseline) and Potassium history ( as cesium interacts with people on potassium ).

(2) Do not take vitamins that have metals ( boron, copper,iron ) while on site as these absorb cesium. ( If upon return physician want one to on meds or preparations that chelate or absorb cesium that is a different situation ). This includes altering diet as well, no iron rich vitamins. Physicians might want to treat prophylactically with Iodine Tablets, if they do treat, make sure medical history is taken as those with Iodine or Shellfish Allergy can not take Iodine prep. Again critical that Thyroid Function be assessed before trip.

(3) DO hydrate, drink much water before during and after work at site to flush system of any exposure. ( This is a critical issue, and difficult especially as the Disaster zone water will not be available and may be contaminated, so do bring water with you.)

(4) Clothing: Do wear protective clothing and gear. Do not wear absorbant clothing, do wear clothing that will protect you, sturdy boots, Teflon jackets and do wear hat and do wear sunscreen on exposed skin, as that can be protective. Do not wear fiber clothing that absorbs heat or water ( ie cotton or wool will also absorb radiation ). Do also wear solid boots, steel toed or soled if you have them, the thicker the sole the better. Do know that after leaving assignment you might have to have clothes disposed of. ( Do not wear items you are emotionally attached to).

(5) If one suffers wound at the site CRITICAL that medical attention is sought immediately. If possible make sure to flush injury thoroughly with uncontaminated water/fluids. When reaching medical facility do ask if they can or do treat Radiation Contamination Injuries. ( It is important to understand that in an Earthquake zone there is so much debris that injuries are likely). (( For Cesium Absorption injuries may be treated with application of boron, ferrocyanide or chelation with Prussian Blue may be needed). Many medical facilities that treat Oncology patients are also equipped to also treat radiation exposure or illnesses.

(6) Be aware getting accurate timely information regarding exposure may be difficult, as corporate interests do not always guarantee transparency on this issue. ( The existing Power company has spotty safety record regarding being honest with the public.) So be sure to be calm and insistent regarding asking for your symptoms to be treated. Fluids and Hydration are critical, and should be supplied immediately. ( IV Fluids if any nausea ).

(7) Radiation Symptoms include some of the following : Headaches, Weakness, Lightheartedness, Dizziness, Feeling Hot and Flushed ( yet skin maybe warm,sticky,even clammy and pale).Also palpitations, and chest pain. Nausea and vomiting. If there is any Bruising or skin tears. Also if there is any bleeding from nose, gums or mouth , there must be immediate medical attention sought. Actually if any of these symptoms occur or happen together or alone Medical Attention must be sought.
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More on Cesium Poisoning.

Beagle Freedom Project ....Please Help These Dogs....

From The Video:::
On December 23, 2010, ARME rescued two Beagles from a medical testing laboratory. These dogs had never seen the outdoors, walked on grass or felt a gentle touch. We captured their first steps into a kind world. They had also been de-barked and fed only "laboratory chow." ARME will continue with these rescues when it can. If you are interested in adopting or fostering our next rescues, please contact us at: armeteam@gmail.com

Carnage in Cairo

Brutal Violence At Tahrir Square, Mubarack Thugs Attack the ProDemocracy Demonstrators
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{Actual photo from the Square: Wounded being treated by Doctors in the Tahrir Square. Makeshift hospitals being set up by the Museum and the Mosque.Can not give credit for safety reasons.}
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When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS."~~Gandhi, Just yesterday Gandhi groups were sharing and reading on this very Square.
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At approximately 1 PM Cairo Time all Hell broke loose in the Tahrir Square. Thousands of peaceful Protesters were still there including many families.At at about 12:30 PM their time, suddenly Cellphones were working, and some were saying that Internet was working. Some even tweeted to each other that maybe "normalcy" was returning, others that it was an ominous sign. The Mubarack Thugs started arriving very suddenly they arrived via trucks and also on Camel and Horses, some had Machetes and knives and and whips... others started throwing rocks. ( I will post the Whip photos and video when I get it to embed, It was barbaric and the Army stood by and silently did nothing.).
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El Baradei has been on BBC bravely speaking out about what happened today at the Tahrir Square.Citizens watching this await Someone to speak out about The Violence that we are witnessing. Only ElBaradei has spoken out, that these are the actions of a Criminal.
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At first the Protesters tried to be peaceful and even prayed and tried to back away. But as the Attacks increased with intensity, the protesters started to break up rocks and throw them back in defense, and create make shift shields/walls to protect themselves. Journalists were targeted and some were harassed, and some were beat up. Anderson Cooper was beat up with his team, and was kicked in the head 10 times. He and his team were kicked and thrown to the ground. ( And yet he got to the hotel and continued to report and even went back on the street). Many journalists were beaten up today, and their equipment damaged or confiscated ( I am still trying to gather which ones. one of my favorite teams the Norwegians were beaten up and held for hours.).
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11PM in Cairo and the Battle is raging.
And the Bloody Battle Rages on, Thousands are stuck in the Square and having to defend themselves against Mubarcack's Thugs, His Thugs are known Bullies and known for behaving in this manner, according to Twitter they were recruited and paid to do this. They are now on Roofs throwing Cement Blocks and Fire bombs and Molotov Cocktails down on the Democracy Protesters down below. ( Someone allowed them up on those roofs.) That the Military that promised 24 hours ago to protect them and now is enabling these thugs to crush these peaceful people. According to HRW atleast 6-8 dead and more than 600 Wounded.

(( It is now 4 PM here and 11PM in Cairo and the Battle is raging. In my lifetime I have never seen anything like this, I will try to update, I am still gathering off Twitter both real time accounts,photos and video)) And I will post photos off the TV as not alot of the video is available yet. Many of you remember I did Blog Iran, but in some ways this is worse. In June 1989 we all witnessed Tinemann Square where the Army unleashed horrendous violence, but this is worse because the Army that had promised Protection is sitting by allowing such brutality. Only an Angry Unwanted Dictator would do this to his own People and order such Violence. And anyone with eyes watching this knows this is not a peaceful path to Democracy. This will continue to be a Bloody Night in Cairo. Prayers to Egypt.))
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Army has done little all day. Protesters have been detaining Trapped Thugs and they found weapons on them and Police ID. Anderson Cooper is reporting at MN that the battle rages on and the ProDemocracy Protesters have created a Metal Barricade to block off the Cairo Museum and they have set Tanks on fire to protect the Museum. ( 5PM Anderson's film footage running on CNN from the beating earlier today, explaining that anyone with a camera is very vulnerable.)
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1AM update::: (via MSNBC,CNN and Twitter)
Medical Update, atleast 6-8 dead. 1500-2000 Wounded. Doctors went to great extent to get doctors medics into the Square.
Most of the Patients have Head Wounds, and also burns. Some are being allowed to be transferred to hospitals now. But it is still difficult to get wounded out of the Square, so there are many walking wounded. Doctors and medical people are going to the Square and stocking their own cars with medical supplies and tending to wounded and trying to move the critical ones to the hospital.
The Square:::The Protesters have managed to get the turf in front of and next to the Museum., this started because too many Molokov cocktails were being thrown near the museum, so people moved there to protect it and put out fires, now they have fought tooth and nail to protect and claim this turf, making sheilds out of signs benches, they even moved cars and debris to create the barricade. ( It is important to note that when these Protesters went to bed last night they sang, drank tea and had NO weapons with them,,.,,NONE).

Million Egyptian March Feb1

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It is 10 AM now in Egypt, and we all have been watching CNN all night and monitoring Twitter, and CNN keeps replaying Anderson Cooper from Monday and MSNBC is replaying their evening lineup. CNBC which for the past 4 nights has had market updates has PAID Informercials. PBS has Antiguies Road Show and the Main Cable have paid informercials. Nothing but a whole lot of New Sucky Vacumn Cleaners, and Hair Products and Juicers. NOTHING about Egypt right now. But Some are able to access Al Jezeera (Arab) and this photo below shows that Tahrir Square is filling up despite the Road Blocks and the lack of Trains and Transportation. People are walking from far away, even from The Nile. On Twitter do follow @NicRobertson and @bencnn ( Ben Wiedeman). Supposedly Mobiles will be shut off, but they are still able to use blackberry for now. Many cameras and phones have been confiscated.There were reports in the afternoon of a Journalist even being stabbed-but I could not find more information or tweets about that. Bottemline The Reporters are very much at risk, but this story is one of the most important in our History.They must get it right and must get the story out to the rest of the World. The Whole World is Watching. NBC reported from Cairo and has full team there, Brian Williams is the only Anchor there.

I am worried about CNN , in the days of Katrina and even back to China in 1989 they were braver than this,...I also worry Something is Wrong....but time will tell. ( I do know watching Piers Morgan interviewing people is not "journalism"),

Al Jezeera jouranlists were arrested and detained for 3 hours this morn,then released but all of their equipment was confiscated. They are now using other means to get the story out. Thousands did camp in the Square and we will see how many get there today without Internet,cell phones or trains.

CNN has confusion as to how they want to portray this story, in mid afternoon they said that it was "Egypt Uprsing and even called it a Revolt".But by 10 PM tonight, they were calling it a "Crisis" again , usually when Wolf Blitzer is on, that wretched fear mongering term is used.

Egypt Uprising Continued ( Images and Video)

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Walk Like An Egyptian.....This Poster has been being passed all over Twitter and Facebook....The Million Egyptian March This Tuesday 1st of February from Tahrir Square in Cairo to Republic Palace! 4:00 PM
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The Army ....Looking at the Future of Egypt....
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The Troops and Tanks being greeted after they had been beaten by Mubaraks Thugs and Police the Night before....
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Families have come to the Streets, with their wives and children...
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Throughout the Weekend More and More have gone to the Streets, and have started writing the Signs in English so that more Media will get their message out, "Game Over Mubarak" Is a very popular sign in the crowds.
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Friday the People were being beaten and shot by the Police, the Army came in to Protect the People, whether they will continue to Protect the People or Protect Mubarak time will tell. But the Soldiers were greeted with warm welcome, people bringing their families and children. Friday the Police Thugs were Beating people with clubs and shooting them , so their gratitude is very meaningful, the people are seeking safety, from Mubarak's Police Thugs. ( Later Today I will post the Mubarak bloody Damage Photos from Friday, they are disturbing and graphic).
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MSNBC Update by NBC Richard Engle Really Welldone Synopsis of Late Saturday Night MUST SEE::::

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Egyptian Protester Speaking about the Uprising in Egypt, His Country, His home...so Touching....Must See....Huge volume sharing this via Facebook and Twitter....

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A Little 8 year girl has a Message for Mubarak

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Editorial Thoughts:::
Below is Fuller Post with many Details and information:::
Politically the Situation in Egypt is changing hourly, and the Whole World is Watching as it unfolds, the Courage of the People there can not be underestimated. And in many ways it is an Uprising, a Revolution....it has all the mindspinning polarity,
Brave people speaking out, taking care of each other, arm and arm ,even neighbors protecting themselves with Kitchen Knives and baseball bats. And then it has more tender moments of Families greeting the Army the soldiers. Who the Thugs are and who is doing the looting and the arson, that is a big question right now. Did Mubarak order the Destruction and arson and violence on his people ? Did he order the the Prisons to be emptied so the people would have to cope with gangs in their neighborhoods....Is some of the Thuggery actually Ex Police ? ( that is being asked on Twitter) One of the Questions is it Ordered Mayhem and Violence and Created Manuvered Chaos, so that Mubarak manuvers, creates his own order, security damanding he stay in power.


Sadly the Struggle is on....Today it is Sunday and it is Now MN in Egypt and the Tahrir Square is where the center of this History making battle is going to take place. Do Watch CNN and do try to watch Al Jezeera on the Internet or on TV , on Sunday they lost their Broadcasting license in Egypt ( so their Reporting is now dangerously bravely being pursued in other ways) BBC,The Guardian, and many other journalists are there covering this History. On CNN do watch for Reports from Ivan , Ben and Nic, they are the eyes and ears of this event. ( Rumor on Twitter this am was that Anderson Cooper is trying to get there.)

On Twitter I follow Egyptians and Journalists and Writer and Citizens and I really am hearing their concerns and the worries and
am trying to blog and twitter objectively, but it is getting more difficult. For 3 days I have been tracking people on Twitter as they tell about the Internet Shutdown, the Violence and what they see in their neighborhoods and in their homes and on the streets....80 Million People is alot to worry about.

Jan25 is what they labeled their Uprising, it was a Planned Protest of Mubaracks Police, held with purpose on The Annual Police Honor Day.
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Added A brave Egyptian young girl tells off Mubarak's Security Police....

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How Brave are the People of Egypt ? Do watch this whole 9 Minute video of What Really Happened on the Bridge Last Friday, it is the Most Astonishing Video I have ever seen...

The Egypt Uprising......(Post updated every few hours)

Men Praying in front of Police , Note the Postures of all....The Somber moment caught on film on Friday 1.28.11....Most of the Police have vanished now.1.29.11 Eve The Army is the only Security force, but the People are having to protect themselves.( I can not credit this photo)
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The Human Wall Protecting the Museum in Cairo, there have been thugs Looting shops and museums, who they are the People of Egypt are not sure, but they think the Looting is to create Fear and chaos and may be Government Driven. (1.29.11 3PM)
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And this is the video of what happened next ( shot from a hotel room by a tourist sent to CNN) .....
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After Prayers thousands of People went to the Streets....And even while Praying today or trying to pray they met with the Armies, they brought flags, they sang and brought flowers. They spoke to the Armies, and in an odd way the Army needs to evaluate who they are Loyal to at this moment before the New Day Dawns. Some of the protests have been violent with the Undercover Plain clothed Thugs roughing up people and journalists. There are journalists are missing or arrested and detained,many have been wounded. There are atleast 20 dead and over 800 wounded. Meanwhile there has been very little
looting or real damage.Many of the Police Stations were burned out, and even some centers where prisoners were detained. Hundreds lined up hand in hand to protect the Museum in Cairo. There are people there trying to create order and hold calm, it is evidenced in some of the rare Video that got out. Hearing that Egyptian Christians had organized to stand outside the Mosques on Friday Morning so that the Muslims could pray in peace was just part of this story that is so gripping....

Mubarak came out and finally issued a speech and he looked like an Old Dyed hair man who was out of touch and used to having his way. He clearly looked and sounded like a Dictator saying that he would not tolerate such behavior and that he would merely Fire his Staff and hire a "New" Government. He read his speech at the podium coldly with little emotion.He did not in any way acknowledge that people had been killed or that the Internet and Communication have been shut down. He took no responsibility for all that has been ongoing or even really acknowledging his People's Dissatisfaction with his job performance. He basically asked for more time ? Yet he has been in power for over 35 years and the people have suffered, they have made their decision.

The Protests are all over Egypt, not just Cairo, it is also in towns, Suez,Alexandria, up and down the Nile. Cairo and the Urban surroundings involves 20 Million.....This is not a little "unrest" that will go away.It is a hurricane fueled by massive Economic plight of Millions under 40 years old who want Regime Change and an Unemployment rate of almost 30%. They are hungry for food, jobs, economic equality but also Change. It has been inspiring seeing women with the men at these rallies as well. Mubarak wants the World to think that this is just a little unrest caused by Troubled Youth , but the photos and video tell a different story.

President Obama's speech followed Mubarak's Speech. He was strong, determined but quiet. America supports Egypt, with 1.5 Billion Dollars, so one can only hope that Our Aid is NOT used against these Citizens who want an Improved Government and New Leadership. It did not help today for Reporters to show the Tear gas Canisters in the Street that were Labeled from the United States. One has to wonder about the Steel Tipped Rubber Bullets.

{{ You can read President Obama's Speech here, it was stern, measured and deadly serious in tone....}}

There are lessons with watching this unfold. This is what it looks like when a Nation demands Regime Change and takes hold of the Destiny. It is a Roller Coaster, it is Dangerous, it is Chaotic in some ways , especially if there is a Leadership Vaccumn. Yet if people are desperate enough for change, they Risk it all.....
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Most Media by Noon was covering the situation, but what will happen now is questionable. MSNBC might run Lock Up all weekend, but CNN is covering the events, although they do better when CNN International is covering.
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By far the best coverage has been Al Jeezera who has been showing it all.
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The Guardian has amazing Live Stream of the Events there.....
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On CNN do follow Nic Robertson and also Ben Wiedemann ( @bencnn) Ben Widemann has been in the Middle East for many years.
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Here in The Guardian El Baradei speaks out about the Situation and what he sees.
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The Guardian also has mapped out all of the Unrest today ....
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Mashable has information about the Internet Shutdown that Egypt carried out.....It clearly shows that Communication was severely hampered by dawn today, but all through last night people found ways to set up ways to communicate including using Droids, Ham Radios and land Lines and proxy service and literally calling people in other countries with info to transmit via landline to put on Twitter.
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Washington Post has an interesting Editorial about how the U.S. Needs to pull away from Mubarak, that is enlightening and a Must Read.
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BBC Has more updates on the situation and also has the Mubarak video.....
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Beautifully Written and Explained Events of Friday ( The Guardian )
Events accelerated after Friday prayers, with disciplined crowds moving from mosques shouting and raising their hands in an outburst of anger and energy in response to leaflets advising on tactics, slogans and targets.

"No one has the right to control you but God," was the message of one sermon relayed by loudspeaker. "You have the right to speak out, only do it peacefully." There was little sign of an organised involvement by the Muslim Brotherhood, the biggest opposition force in Egypt, perhaps because it is biding its time to see how things develop.

Mass protests were also staged in Suez, where tanks were reportedly deployed, and Alexandria. Al-Jazeera said 80,000 people were demonstrating in Port Said.

The unrest has widened to include Egyptians from all walks of life, old and young, the middle classes and the urban poor. Those who did not take to the streets waved from their balconies or threw water bottles and onions to people in the crowd below to be used against teargas. Others handed out paper facemasks.
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As of Friday Night....( The Guardian ) Cairo

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History is Unfolding and the Weekend will tell what happens next....
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SATURDAY MORNING.....( 3-5 PM EGYPT TIME)
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Saturday arrived and the People seem to be newly fueled after Mubarak's speech yesterday. More have gone to the Streets,Men, families and women, people of all ages and socio economic status. (40% of population lives in poverty, many complain the poverty is caused by the Government Corruption.) Many people have even gone to see the Tanks and the Troops , even taking them food. Yet there are still pockets of the "Police" ( which is different than the Army and they are viewed with great disrespect as they are considered to be Government Thugs-explained by ex Cairo resident). At this point it will be the Army that determines the Fate of the People. And the Army will have to decide their Loyalty as the Curfew goes into the night.

*** (Note from Enigma. Our Country gives the Egypt Government 1.5 Billion Military Aid, this includes the empty American Made Tear Gas containers found in the street and possibly the bullets being fired and wounding and killing protesters.....as an American that really is sobering to realize****

Thousands started to march chant and move to the streets and this increased in the afternoon as the 4PM Curfew approached. People there are saying that there are more on the streets than yesterday or the day before. The Tahrir Square has been filling throughout the day. People there singing National Anthem and also chanting for Mubarak to Resign. Off the Square by the Interior Ministry Police did shoot some Protesters, three of them were killed, and 2 of their bodies were carried through the Crowds ( This is Martyr tradition in the Middle East , a way of honoring those who die for the Cause of the People.) Per BBCWorld Cairo Doctors have said that Real Bullets, not rubber bullets have been fired on people, and that they have been ordered to NOT disclose or record Bullet Deaths and injuries.

Mubarak did fire his Cabinet and promptly named and swore his new VP ,he is formerly the "Security" Chief. It is important to understand that he has had NO VP or change to his cabinet in over 28 years. Mubarak's main trusted allies he had to fire today and his family has already fled to London. Also many of his wealthy friends have fled to the Duabi. He is alone. ( I will post the Links for the Wiki Cables on this New VP- he has a long Background,having jailed,tortured and beaten thousands). Some of his Ruling Party has now fled the country and others are missing. Some of this Shifting and manuvering looks desperate. While he was selecting new people, the other issue is that the Citizens don't know where he is,and there are mounting rumors that his sons and wife have fled to London ( BBC and AlJeezera have posted during the day, Government denies).

It is important to also recognize that Citizens there are trying to protect neighborhoods from Looting and unrest. They are worried that Government Thugs are trying to arson and loot to make the Protesters look unruly destructive and violent. ( Many were tweeting regarding this issue). Most of the Protesters are chanting about issues of Human Condition:: poverty, Food and Jobs.

***** Most of the Information above gathered via Web, Twitter feeds from those on the ground in Alexandria and Cairo, Tahrir Square. Even some translated from french, Norweigon and Arabic. AlJeezera and The Guardian and BBC . CNN reporters on ground are excellent, but American CNN is lacking,especially as they try to sway the focus to Isreal, as a News Reporting Station they should not be pushing an agenda re. Isreal, it muddies the reality of what is going on in the ground. Egypt is a country of 80 million people, and their lives should be considered first and foremost.
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PHOTOS......Courage in Egypt....

To see Women speaking out and joining these Marches and Protests shows a true Changing of the Times.
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This photo shows the relationship with the Army is more trusting, the Question is Will the Army protect The People or Mubarak.
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MSNBC Update by Richard Engle Really Welldone Synopsis of Late Saturday Night MUST SEE::::

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Just a Warm Thought for a Cold Dreary Day....

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." ~~Rumi.
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I am home....it's in the 20s starting to snow....Cold and Dreary....but I have hot tea and curry soup on and am home writing, and looking at school brochures....Stay warm. I will be back later tonight with a Blog Round Up and Two Posts on Health Care.... Enjoy the Music and the little story below....

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If you haven't heard Oxygene before....enjoy...it's very soothing, great for High Blood Pressure, meditating, and wonderful writing music. Here's the thing I have known about this CD for many years, and when I was pregnant with my son I was put on Bedrest due to Preterm Labor and told to rest, and be quiet. It was the First Gulf War and I was not happy about the war, I would fret and write letters to DC and make phone calls. So my lovely neighbor went and bought this CD and ordered me to listen to it every afternoon and "Calm Down"......sigh...So I did...and I would listen to this CD to find my "Calm"....So a few weeks ago I find Son Rooting through the CD's in the Kitchen. ( Which is where we listen to music and talk when I burn dinner every night) And 6-6 says....."Oh I love this CD...really helps me think...clears my head"....And that made me smile.....for the rest of the Day.
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And Now for Something Completely Different.....Violin like you have Never heard, "Owner of the Lonely Heart " morphs into "Smooth Criminal"...Alex De Pue...really amazing young talent.....

Dear Keith Olbermann.....Thank You (1.21.11)

"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful. "~~ Edward R. Murrow ( Letter below sent over weekend...)
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Dear Keith,
I mention this Murrow quote because you were someone we believed in and also we knew that you did your best to bring us Truth.

I can't believe I have to find a way to say Good Bye....Eight years we were more than Lucky, Blessed...We had a Time of the Night where it was OK to be Liberal. It was OK to be pissed, OK to be worried. Where we had some kind of Sanity Glue that held us together....For me and my son we would sit and watch the Evening News and then Jeopardy and then Countdown. Countdown let us talk about what we most cared about....it gave me a way to talk to my son about things that I did not even Understand. From the Missing WMD to the Illegal War to Gitmo to Bush Crimes to Katrina to the Gulf Oil Spill to Health Care Crisis.....It taught Courage and Truth Telling in a way that I can not even begin to measure. Your show was more than just Commentary on our times, it was some of the Finest Journalism of the last 10 years. It was interviews that were impressive and probing and thought provoking.

When MSNBC fired Phil Donahue I almost gave up on them, but then you arrived with your History knowledge and appreciation, and your sports insights. You also appreciated Bloggers and Blogs and Activists who are not of DC, and that was invaluable in these Times. When Obama was declared the Winner in November 2008, it was your Voice that we will remember announcing that......


And through it all you reminded us of Who and What matters...and you were an Anchor in some very Dark times....and while you were facing huge losses on your own front....To say we are grateful is not saying Enough. My Son and I wish you the best....and hope that you know you are a Voice that is still needed, and that you find a way to move forward....to your next adventure and that you know all of us are watching...we will follow.

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Confession ::: the Photo is from Keith's baseball Blog, which is wonderful....and I am glad that now this spring he will be able to watch lots of baseball...so I am picturing him at the Ballpark....

The State of the Union Speech Tonight...

Knowing What We Want and Need To Hear Vs. Praying the "Know Nothings" would even Bother to Listen....
In many ways this whole year has not started off New and Afresh. In many ways it feels much like a reoccurring Bad Dream. I turn on the TV and the Same Simpleminded Broken Record Republicans are rambling on incoherently about The Belaboring Costs of Entitlement Programs and some dimwitted Twinkie Pundit Talking Head is nodding Knowingly.....My problem is that I collect speeches and read too much History and constantly am looking for the Lessons in Both... I am not Looking for Soaring Rhetoric or even Comfort, I am looking for Our Leader to lay down some Rules, Some Order. I am tired of the Republicans and The Tea Party acting Childish and Petulant....I want an Adult in the Room to Strongly Put Things Right. So No I am not wanting a Polite Fluffy Feel Good Kumbaya Conciliatory Bipartisan Speech....


What I would Want to Hear to is a Speech that has Muscle that is Exacting and Iron Knuckled....In January of 1941 FDR had to give a speech that was not what was expected and not appreciated by many.... The Four Freedoms Speech was given knowing of the suffering of millions and a country and globe that was still struggling in Economic Crisis....It was about the Human Condition. For FDR recognized that if people were to examine Economic Plight and look for Working Solutions that there had to be acknowledgement of Human Suffering and What Their Needs were and are......This President also faced Grave Unjust foolish Criticism. The Four Freedoms Speech was given during a time of much tension and even division. Roosevelt was trying to help Heal a Country , but also prepare them for Realities as he knew that War was encroaching and was not something morally that could be sidestepped for the long term. Roosevelt understood that the Only Tone that mattered was His and How the American People Heard him, when he gave speeches he remembered Who was Listening.

I mention FDR because he too was called names and even called a Socialist for trying to heal the Country with Jobs Programs. He too was smeared with ill will and lies. The Times may be the same, but the tactics are similar. I think many of us know that there is an uglier slant to the Current Republicans and TeaBaggers that are embracing Racist Undertones, and I wish the Media and Journalists would start reporting it with honesty....But I don't see that happening....I worry for how many years are we going to face a DC run by Small minded White Elderly Men in Suits falsely extolling their " Virtues" and Moral Agenda even blessing it by saying that they have The Bible on "their " side. ( This week alone we heard that One New Repub in DC saying that the Democrats needed a "Come To Jesus Moment" and not a single Reporter of Journalist confronted this kind of reprehensible language and behavior.

I am hoping to hear President Obama speak to us about what We Need, and send a Message to Congress about Us. Because if you read the Four Freedoms....that is is what it was, a Message to the Lawmakers in DC about Americans and their Needs and Lives..... I want him to acknowledge and remember People That helped get him into the White House, people of color, College Students, Working Poor Families, and Middle Class People hanging on the Edge, and People that have Lost their Homes, and yes, Progressive Bloggers and Activists that he has barely acknowledged since he got to DC. I want him to remember single moms and new grads that have no job prospects and unemployed and homeless and Vets that got home to Nothing. I don't want to see him compromising or bending to a bunch of ungrateful two Faced Republicans like McCain and Grassley. I don't want to see his Harvard Smarts I want to see his Chitown Kick Ass Poker Playing side....

I want to see the Obama we saw in Winter of 2008..... I hope he knows that we didn't just work for him to "Lead", we worked for him and Voted for him to Fight For Us....Us Progressive Dems can no longer be maligned to called Socialists.....and the Hate Mongering and Fearmongering by Repubs needs to Stop...It has created a Climate when Democrats can be killed in broad day light and yet we see no Tears from the Repubs....We are at a Tipping Point.
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(( If you want to hear the FDR Speech in it's entirety the American Rhetoric site has it all.))

End of Countdown Tonight: Keith Olbermann's Sudden On Air Good Bye.....

This just happened with NO Warning...No Explanation.....

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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This is the Link to the November Post when Keith Was suspended and we started an online Petition that gathered over 500,000 signatures in less than 48 hours, on a weekend..... At that point we all realized how much we valued Keith and Countdown. And I thought that we showed MSNBC how much we valued him....But now that Comcast has bought NBC I am sure we are in for some Big Changes....

I have watched this Clip over and over....I don't know what we do now. Last time when he was suspended we did write and call. I know I will write and call and send Keith a Letter....because for 8 years he was Our Glue...He was our Ed Murrow, Our Kronkite...our Voice of calm when things weren't calm...when Gabby was shot just 12 days ago we all kind of knew that his voice is we would hear that night. And when Obama won in November 2008...it was his Voice who announced the Winner....
I am stunned...but I also know if MSNBC curbed him ....then No One is safe...No One.....He was the main anchor in their Night Time Line Up....Do Watch the Video, it is clear that this was NOT his choice....

Call: 212 664-4444 Phil Griffin's email: phil.griffin@nbcuni.com
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(1) Do read the Post by Josh of TPM ( who was his last guest- and it is clear that he did not know about this), and did not see it coming....
(2) The Guardian has more that is concerning regarding NBC/Comcast please do read and think on the implications of the Comcast take over this week.
(3) LA Times has More and leaves us with more questions....
(4) NYT has more and also leaves us with even more questions.....and concerns...
(5) Richard has more on the Guardian Blog that is worth reading and pondering and raises many questions as to how this is being seen from all over....Keith has fans in other countries too...especially the UK
(6) NY Daily has more insights and information.....
(7) TMZ speculates he was fired which I wouldn't normally post....but..
(8) Bold Progressives have a Petition going DO Sign it....
(9) And of course there is the We Want KEITH OLBERMANN BACK - Facebook page....
(10) David Neiwert at Crooks and Liars has posted more on the MSNBC statement and also Keith's Final Transcript....which if you read it really is very telling folks... ( I will put in the comments too.)
(11) TPM has updated post as of 3AM which raises some concerns about his future, and did NBC/MSNBC put stipulations on his future options ?
(12) Raw Story has more and also has some interesting snippets from Rachel Maddow and her appearence on Bill Maher, and definitely shows that even Maddow did not fully know what was going on....
(13) Washington Post of course weighs in with a rather snitty post calling him "Combative and left Leaning" which is obnoxious, makes me wonder how they describe Beck....but it does have some information on Contracts that has not been mentioned elswhere....not a great read, and The Guardian has better coverage.
(14) More from PING and Wired, which has speculation about the Comcast Take over of NBC starting Monday....
(15) More from Truthout that is worth the read, has more details ( that I trust more than TMZ or other rumoring news....
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From David Niewert at Crooks and Liars......The Transcript :
UPDATE: We've now posted Olbermann's thoughtful and well-done farewell. Transcript below:

I think the same fantasy popped into the head of everybody in my business who has ever been told what I have been told -- "this will be the last edition of your show." You go to the scene from the movie Network, complete with the pajamas and the raincoat, and go off on a verbal journey of unutterable vision, and you insist upon Peter Finch's guttural resonance, and you will the viewer to go to the window, open it, stick out his head and yell. You know the rest. In the mundane world of television goodbyes, reality is laughably uncooperative. When I resigned from ESPN 13 1/2 years ago, I was given 30 seconds to say goodbye at the end of my last edition of SportsCenter. With God as my witness, in the commercial break before the moment, the producer got into my earpiece and said, 'Can you cut it down to 15 seconds so we can get in the tennis result?' I'm grateful that I have more time to sign off here.

Regardless, this is the last edition of Countdown. It is just under 8 years since I returned to MSNBC. I was supposed to fill in for exactly three days. 49 days later, there was a year's contract for me to return to this 8:00 time slot that I fled years earlier. The show established its position as anti-establishment with the stage craft of mission accomplished to the exaggerated rescue of Jessica Lynch in Iraq to the death of Pat Tillman to Hurricane Katrina to the nexus of politics and terror to the first Special Comment. The program grew entirely due to your support and great commentary. I hope for you too. There were many occasions where all that surrounded the show, and never the show itself, was too much for me. With your support and loyalty -- if I may use the word insistence -- required that I keep going. My gratitude to you is boundless and you think I have done good here, imagine how it looked as you donated $2 million to the National Association of Free Clinics and my dying father watched from his hospital bed and comforted that his struggles were inspiring such good for people, he and I and you would never meet, but would always know. This may be the only television program where in the host the much more in awe of the audience than vice-versa. We will also be in my heart for that and the donations to the family in Tennessee and these victims of governmental heartlessness in Arizona to say nothing of every letter and tweet and wave and handshake and online petition. Time ebbs here and top the close with more story. It is still Friday. Let me thank my gifted staff and a few of the many people who fought with me and for me: Eric Sorenson, Neal Shapiro, Michael Weiss, David Bloom, John Palmer, Alana Russo. Rachel Maddow and Bob Costas and my greatest protector, the late Tim Russert.
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Keith's Last Thurber Reading was very telling....and it was changed around 7:45PM according to Tweets...Please watch it....I think in many ways there is a Message in it, and that Keith is the "Scotty that Knew Too Much "

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keith Olbermann's Special Comment On the Shooting of Gabby Giffords

(This is by far one of his best...that Saturday Night he came in and worked the story for hours, and we were grateful to hear his voice on that tragic night. I remember thinking, we are lucky to have him, and saying to my son, when Comcast comes things might change....)

Salon Has put Together some of Keith Olbermann's Greatest Hits....

(added 1.22.11 9am.....)