Tag Archives: democrats

~ Culture & History

World’s Oldest Shoe Discovered, Dates Back 5,500 Years


world's oldest shoe brown sheep dung lace-up stuffedYou won’t find this style on Zappos! The world’s oldest shoe dates back 5,500 years. Photo: AP Photo/Department of Archaeology University College Cork
Looks like our ancestors had a little trouble watching their step.

Researchers excavating an Armenian cave have discovered the world’s oldest shoe — a cowhide lace-up encased in a pile of sheep dung, The New York Times reports.

(Ew. We suspect even Imelda Marcos might give this one a pass.)

Tanned in oils from a plant or vegetable and bearing leather eyelets for its laces, the right shoe reportedly pre-dates Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids and Joan Rivers.

“These were probably quite expensive shoes, made of leather, very high quality,” Gregory Areshian of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, a lead scientist on the project, told the paper.

The shoe is estimated to date back to the Copper Age, around 3653 to 3627 B.C., and would fit a woman (or petite man) with a size 7 foot, according to The New York Times.

Scientists told the source that the shoe appears to have been deliberately preserved, with grass stuffing and yellow clay lining keeping its shape intact. (Nice to know ancient gals were as shoe-obsessed as we are.)

“You can see the imprints of the big toe,” another team leader, Ron Pinhasi of Ireland’s University College Cork, told the paper.

“As the person was wearing and lacing it, some of the eyelets had been torn and repaired.”

The discovery was reportedly made after the National Geographic Society-funded researchers found other artifacts, including horns, pottery, and something doctoral student Diana Zardaryan thought felt like “an ear of a cow.”

“But when I took it out, I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s a shoe,'” she told the paper. “To find a shoe has always been my dream.”

Ah — a woman after our own hearts!

So who was this Copper Age Carrie Bradshaw? We may never know… but it makes for one heck of a good, old-school Cinderella story.

In other shoe news, read about this government-funded “Sexy Heels in the City” college course.

by Erin Donnelly

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Endorsements for your Primary ballot


 SeattleWAthumbpix

The Primary Election is on August 6th, and you should receive your ballot by early next week.

Click here for endorsements for your Primary ballot.

Our endorsements include positions on Initiative 522 and important races for positions in city and county government. While there is no race as high profile as the race for President, the outcome of this election will have a direct impact on your daily life.

Primary Elections typically have low turnout, which is why it is so important that informed Democrats like you vote. We ask that you make your voice heard. Because of the low turnout, your vote will make a critical difference in these races!

Find Democratic Party endorsements, and mail your ballot by August 6th.

If you don’t receive your ballot or have any other voting questions, contact your County Auditor.

Thank you for voting!

Jaxon Ravens
Executive Director
Washington State Democrat

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A better tomorrow means less Tea in Congress


In March of 2010, a Gallup Poll report stated that if a vote from We the People for Congress were taken right now it would result in 47% voting for Democrats and 44% Republicans. My response, if this is true, organizers definitely need to get prepared for November 2010.  That the numbers were this close because the Democrats have not gone big bold and progressive as most of us want. Well, we all know what happened and granted the process of changing policy and or making better laws are not easy or pleasant but it should not be the reason for changing your attitude or your vote solely for hating the process.  The bills that are being considered or waiting in the Senate, could improve the lives of the many rather than a select few and we need to get beyond the status quo Republicans seem to have claimed as the best way to gain back Congress. I don’t know about you but what I hear and see just makes it clear that Republicans like Speaker Boehner and Senator Mitch McConnell do not represent America… period.  We need Senator Reid to find the will not only be tough but remember this is not just a historic moment for everyone it is the opportunity to move America into the 21st Century. The people spoke in 2008 and again in 2012 with 53% voting for Barack Obama for a 2nd term. Now,  it’s time for Congress to stop acting out earn their pay and do the right thing.

The fact is while Congress ignores passing legislation the Sequester is moving into the living rooms of families all over the country … invisible to those on tv from commentary reporters or journos offering entertainment judgments advice as well as conservative politicians who we call public servants seemingly acting extreme … are bad actors

The Media continues to speculate or re-enforce the negative and mocking President Obama’s so-called improbable agenda of climate change, immigration overhaul as well as stating that Democrats are wavering on a vote that could quite possibly bring all that is Democratic down.   It is at this moment that the Democratic Party should be willing to create change that has been needed for quite some time and like the President has stated…

My question for you voters is … if not now when, because we may never get this chance for a long time if ever.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Pelosi House Dems and the Headlines ~~ July 2013 ~~


English: Nancy Pelosi photo portrait as Speake...
English: Nancy Pelosi photo portrait as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pelosi Statement on the June Jobs Report

“Today’s jobs report is a step in the right direction for our workers, our businesses, and our middle class.  Now, we must act to put more people to work, expand our economy, and spur prosperity for all Americans.”
Friday, July 5, 2013
“A peaceful, democratic transition of power and the legitimate election of a new president are essential to ensuring Egypt’s prosperity and enduring stability.”
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
“The vast majority of businesses subject to the law’s responsibility requirement already provide health insurance to their employees.  Indeed, 98 percent of businesses with 200 or more employees and 94 percent of businesses with between 50 and 200 employees already offer coverage.  The Administration is providing these firms simplification in what they have to report.  This change will not affect upcoming enrollment in health insurance marketplaces nor a family’s ability to obtain insurance coverage that fits its needs.”
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
“To serve alongside Bill Gray was to be inspired by his passion and commitment, by his focus on the future and his belief in the common good.  It was an honor and a privilege to know him as a colleague and a friend.  We only hope it is a comfort to his wife, Andrea, his three sons, and his family and loved ones that so many share in their grief at this sad time.”
Monday, July 1, 2013

Pelosi: Americans Can’t Wait Another 100 Days for Republicans to Deliver a Final Budget

“Hard-working Americans cannot wait another 100 days for House Republicans to do their job.  House Democrats have named budget conferees and are ready to work together to reach an agreement.  It is time for Speaker Boehner to trade in Republican obstruction for an open negotiating process so we can deliver a budget that promotes economic growth, invests in innovation and infrastructure, and reflects the values of the American people.”
Monday, July 1, 2013
“Securing a higher education is no longer a luxury for America’s youth; it is a necessity for economic opportunity and prosperity.  Democrats are ready to work across the aisle to ensure students are not left to foot the bill of Republican obstruction and delay.  We must restore the lower interest rate and secure the success of America by securing the success of America’s students.”
Monday, July 1, 2013
“As the Yarnell fire continues to spread, as wildfires across the Southwest threaten Americans’ homes and communities, we will stand ready to do what we can to assist state and local leaders to battle the blazes, to save lives, to ultimately recover and rebuild.  Our united response and actions will be a fitting memorial to the 19 firefighters who perished in this terrible tragedy.”
Monday, July 1, 2013