Rainbow Connection Muppet Craft Projects

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 30, 2016

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While many Muppet fans prefer to buy their own merchandise, there are plenty of others who’d rather make their own. After all, the Muppets does have a lot of cute characters as well as cater to all ages. I mean many of these crafts are made for kids like knitted stuff toys and such. Some of them can even be decorations for parties. Of course, this crafty cover of Miss Piggy with pruning shears is a parody of Martha Stewart Living magazine. And you see how she has a shrub into a dollar sign. Yeah, you don’t see a lot of crafting on Muppets unless it pertains to creating lab concoction disasters, anything the blows up, or just to create a moment of slapstick. Because they usually aim toward comedy. Yet, I have found a lot of craft projects on Pinterest and Etsy as well as Google Images. Like I have for a lot of craft projects from several different franchises. So here I give you a treasure trove of Muppet crafts you might want make for yourself and treasure forever.

Any child would have hours of fun with these Sesame Street blocks.

Includes Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar, Ernie, and the Count. And they’re in all different colors. So cute.

2. No child could resist this Sesame Street chest of drawers.

Each drawer has a different Sesame Street character. And it seems that Oscar the Grouch is on the top.

3. How about a pumpkin carving of our favorite Muppet scientists Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker?

Like how they used a squash for Beaker. That’s just so perfect.

4. Let the light in with this Beaker suncatcher.

Now Beaker is immortalized in stain glass with that trademark expression on his face. Then again, he has a reason to be befuddled like that.

5. Those who love the Great Gonzo will love these earrings.

Well, I’m not sure what exactly Gonzo is supposed to be. But I think these are rather fitting for him. And they’re made from clay.

6. Fans of Cookie Monster would want to keep more with this crocheted hat.

It even has cookies at the tassels, which is very fitting. And it has eyes on the top. Adorable.

7. Cuddle up on the couch draped in a Muppet quilt like this.

This shows many of your favorite Muppet characters in a square pattern. And the squares are all different colors. Like the rainbow tile background.

8. This Muppet Babies wreath will melt your heart.

It’s made from different deco mesh colors. And it features plush Kermit and Miss Piggy. So cute.

9. When visiting Muppet Labs, don’t forget your parking pass.

Yes, Muppet Labs where the future is being made today. And where the healthcare benefits are truly exceptional. Seriously, why do you think Beaker works there?

10. There’s no better Muppet craft than an amigurumi of the late Jim Henson himself.

And here he is with a crocheted Kermit at his side. Because Kermit is his first Muppet and signature character. Love this.

11. Reenact your favorite Sesame Street scenes with these crocheted miniature Bert and Ernie.

To be fair they have miniature crocheted figures of almost all the Muppets. Sesame Street characters included. It’s just that I wanted one with more than one featured.

12. These Muppet rocks are perfect for any garden.

Guess this features characters from Muppets Most Wanted. Because one of them looks like Kermit with a mole. So I guess that’s Constantine.

13. Nothing looks more delightful than a Cookie Monster feather wreath.

Even features the rolling eyes and chocolate chip cookies. And the feathers add to the fuzziness. So adorable.

14. If you liked the “Manah, Manah,” you’ll like these amigurumi.

Now I have that song stuck in my head. Then again, it might be the version about Troy Polamalu I heard when I was in high school.

15. Make a child smile with this Elmo camera lens buddy.

Well, it might make very tiny kids smile since Elmo is very popular in that demographic. As for older kids and adults, it depends.

16. This Swedish Chef amigurumi is a great crocheted kitchen companion.

Unless it’s a Swedish kitchen, then he’ll be a doll of contention. But come on, his kitchen scenes are so entertaining.

17. No little one could ever resist a Sesame Street quilt like this.

Yes, I may be 26 years old with no kids. But even I thinks it’s so adorable. Love the characters on it.

18. Look chic this fall with this Scooter hat.

Skeeter is the resident Muppet nerd. And while he's significant in Muppet Babies, he's not so much in the other Muppet stuff save the first movie.

Scooter is the resident Muppet nerd and backstage manager. And while he’s significant in Muppet Babies, he’s not so much in the other Muppet stuff save the first movie.

19. This Kermit bottle cap portrait is a true work of Muppet art.

Yes, this is Kermit bottle cap portrait. I know it seems a bit strange. But it’s really a good representation of the most famous Muppet.

20. Spend hours of fun with these Muppet peg dolls.

As you can see, these are also from Muppets Most Wanted. Since it includes Walter and Constantine. Still, I like these.

21. For your little one’s Sesame Street birthday party, you can’t go without a personalized street sign.

This one just consists of a lamp post and a street sign. Might be made from wood. But it’s charming.

22. With a metal bucket, newspapers, and a pumpkin, this Oscar the Grouch decoration is a trashy charm.

After all Oscar lives in a trash can. So this is quite clever. Like how they used a trash can lid.

23. These crocheted Fraggles are hard to resist.

May not be familiar with Fraggle Rock from the 1980s. But I know those who grew up with it will love these.

24. Grace your front door with this tulle Cookie Monster wreath.

Like how the eyes are in different directions like Cookie Monster’s. Also like the cookies at the bottom. So cute.

25. Now your kids can color with these Sesame Street crayons.

Is Zoe supposed to be black or purple? Because she’s orange on the show. Also, why is Bert green? Shouldn’t that be Oscar?

26. For a child’s party, this balloon Sesame Street wreath is great for the front door.

And you can use balloons in all different colors. Of course, you won’t use them for their intended purpose.

27. Keep your belongings with you in this Beaker tote.

I have to admit this is a very clever design. Hope that it doesn’t make you prone to accidents though.

28. These earrings are meant for a real Animal fan.

However, the design seems quite delicate. And the earrings are quite heavy. Like the chains though.

29. Have endless fun learning with these Sesame Street felt finger puppets.

Includes, Ernie, Bert, Snuffy, Zoe, Oscar, Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Harry. Yet, each is adorable in its own way. Also, they forgot the Count.

30. These wooden spoon Bunsen and Beaker are always a fine addition to the kitchen.

Though if they were real, your kitchen wouldn’t be much after they were done with it. Knowing what Beaker goes through putting up with Dr. Honeydew.

31. Seems someone wants some cookies.

Yes, it’s Cookie Monster in a jar salivating over the cookies that aren’t. Just consist putting a plush Cookie in it. Easy.

32. Style your hair with these Sesame Street hair clips.

Includes Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Oscar the Grouch. And each one is made from fuzzy feathers.

33. This wreath is always warm and fuzzy like Elmo.

And like Elmo, it’s red, fuzzy, and has big eyes and a nose. A perfect Elmo representation who’s such a cute little red monster.

34. Now you can have your picture taken behind this 123 Sesame Street backdrop.

However, I’d only suggest it as a DIY to any repressed art majors. Because this seems to be painted by one.

35. This Beaker clip holds papers together.

Speaking of paper clips, there’s actually a Muppet Show sketch where Beaker had to east some. Mostly because Bunsen said they were edible and his creation. Talk about irony.

36. This Fozzie Bear amigurumi will make you go “Wocka, Wocka.”

Yes, he may be a bear comedian whose jokes fall flat or are relentlessly corny. But he has a good heart.

37. Why not put Elmo on your rainbow wreath?

I’d rather have one of Kermit since he sings, “The Rainbow Connection.” But this is good enough.

38. Didn’t know you can make a Fozzie with just 2 flower pots.

Well, small ones actually. But at least it has the hat and polka dot tie.

39. This fuzzy crocheted Cookie Monster is impossible to resist.

Like how he’s made with fuzzy yarn which is quite fitting. Then again, Grover may be fuzzier.

40. For baby gifts, you can’t do wrong with Sesame Street crocheted rattles.

Consists of Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. Yet, each is adorable in its own way.

41. There’s nothing better to hang on your front door than this fuzzy Grover wreath.

However, if you see a bald mustached man with a blue head, you might want to reconsider. Seriously, he doesn’t have much praise for Grover, especially when it comes to his serving abilities at Charlie’s.

42. There’s no glamorous amigurumi like this Miss Piggy doll.

Like how they gave this one doll hair instead of yarn. The dress isn’t too shabby either.

43. This Halloween, you can’t go wrong with Bert and Ernie pumpkin carvings.

I’ve actually had this picture with me for years. Nice to use it for a post like this. Like the squash noses.

44. This Sesame Street backdrop seems like a friendly neighborhood block.

They even have plush characters as decoration like Prairie Dawn, Baby Natasha, and one of the Honkers. Also like Oscar in his trash can.

45. These painted Muppet pumpkins are surely a delight.

Well, these aren’t really carved but painted. Which is just as fine. And once again, Beaker is a squash.

46. Speaking of painted pumpkins, there’s some for Sesame Street, too.

Includes Bert, Ernie, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. And they’re done in the same way as the Muppet ones.

47. This Miss Piggy mailbox is simply fabulous.

Just consists of a pig mailbox dressed as Miss Piggy. Wonder how they pulled that off.

48. These fuzzy trees are Sesame Street party delight.

If you take off the character faces, they could be used for a Dr. Seuss themed occasion. Includes Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar, and Big Bird.

49. This fuzzy Oscar comes with his own knitted trash can.

I also like the expression on his face, too. That’s just so Oscar the Grouch. And he’s proud of that. Now scram!

50. Who can resist this fuzzy crocheted Animal?

He’s all ready to drum at his set for the Electric Mayhem. Still, he can be quite unhinged offstage.

51. Keep warm in the cold with one of these crocheted Muppet beanie hats.

Each of these depicts a Muppet character you may know and love. And with close character precision.

52. Grace your living room with this Muppets wood carving.

Well, it’s from a tree trunk slice. But the carving is a rather cool work of art. Love it.

53. If you love the Muppets, then you should love this portrait set.

Each one shows a Muppet with a color background of their complexion. Consists of 20 in all.

54. Jewish Muppet fans will take well to this Kermit Hanukah wreath.

To be fair, I don’t do Hanukah posts on this blog. But I think this is a wreath I couldn’t pass up.

55. This Abby Cadabby amigurumi makes a magical crocheted fan.

Of course, she’s one of quite a few major female characters on Sesame Street who’s introduced to balance the show’s lack of female muppet characters. Seriously, for a long time, the only major female muppet on the show was Betty Lou.

56. This rainbow Muppet picture will surely delight any fan who looks at it.

And there are 2 for each rainbow color. Most of these are from Sesame Street. But some aren’t.

57. Fans of Kermit will adore this Rainbow Connection tapestry.

Has a plush banjo playing Kermit on a log with swamp plants. Not to mention the rainbow embroidered lyrics.

58. A Sesame Street gift bow wreath is great for a party.

Doesn’t hurt that it’s in rainbow colors, too. Well, sort of. But that’s beside the point.

59. If you like Grover, then you’ll adore this lovely mosaic portrait.

Hope it captures the furry blue monster who’s a total screw up. Still, this is quite cute.

60. This Rowlf sampler will help you think of a happy tune.

You know, Rowlf the Dog. Likeable enough but doesn't play as large a role in the Muppets as he used to.

You know, Rowlf the Dog. Likable enough but doesn’t play as large a role in the Muppets as he used to.

61. These Kermit booties are fit for any little tadpole.

Doesn’t hurt that they have webbed feet. But they’re sue to keep any pair of little feet snug regardless.

62. Any child is sure to love this fuzzy little Elmo hat.

After all, Elmo’s so adorable. Even has an opening to keep their chin warm. So cute.

63. This flower pot Cookie Monster jar is great for Chips Ahoy.

And I’m sure Cookie Monster will appreciate this. Then he’ll take the cookies and violently eat them. As always.

64. Of course, there’s nothing more welcoming than a Big Bird wreath on your front door.

Well, this is certainly fitting. After all a Big Bird wreath must have yellow feathers. Since Big Bird is a large, yellow bird. But mind the beak.

65. These Sesame Street flower decorations will be sure hit.

Of course, I don’t think the flowers are real on these. Because if they were, it would have to be disposed after a while.

66. This amigurumi Elmo will surely give you smiles.

This one has cute big eyes like the fuzzy Muppet we love. Like the little arms and legs, too.

67. This Muppet Show quilt is a real show stunner.

Features your favorite Muppet characters in each square. Of course, Statler and Waldorf don’t get one since they’re usually in the audience.

68. Keep your wine contained with this Swedish Chef bottle stopper.

Because you’ll never know when you’ll end up losing the cork, cork, cork. Still, this is ingenious.

69. These minimalist Muppet portraits are great for any nursery.

Consists of 20 in all, as far as I can see. Hope you can guess which Muppet is which.

70. This Muppet quilt is a real colorful patchwork.

Includes characters from both the Muppets and Sesame Street. And even features numbers and letters.

71. This Cookie Monster pumpkin is great for holding his favorite food.

I don’t think the pumpkin is real. But I do like how it has cookies in it. So perfect.

72. No child could resist this fuzzy Cookie Monster rug.

Not sure what to make of this because it seems like someone killed Cookie Monster and made a rug from his skin. But I do like the cookie pillows.

73. This Cookie Monster sampler goes great on any wall.

Here he is eating his cookie and spreading crumbs everywhere. Yeah, Cookie Monster isn’t known for his table manners.

74. A Kermit cameo always carries an air of elegance.

Yes, they actually have these at Etsy. They also have a cameo Miss Piggy hairpin, too. But I like this.

75. Looks like a paintbrush Beaker has just popped up.

He’s probably hiding from Dr. Bunsen Honeydew who wants to use him for another experiment. But I think this is kind of clever.

76. Cuddle up with amigurumi of Bert and Ernie.

One is a fussy and eccentric neat freak while the other is a gregarious slacker. But they’ve lived together for decades and wouldn’t have it any other way.

77. This Sesame Street yarn wreath has color corresponding with characters.

Well, this is for a little kid’s party. Includes Elmo, the Count, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Oscar, Big Bird, and Zoe. So cute.

78. Any kid would want to plant a flower in this Cookie Monster pot.

However, Cookie Monster would rather have them keep cookies instead. Because cookies don’t grow on trees.

79. This Muppets quilt will help any child learn their ABCs.

This one has the alphabet all around the border. And it has your favorite Muppets in the squares.

80. This Animal wreath comes with bright sunflowers.

Well, the Animal in the center of this deco mesh wreath is plush. But he certainly seems happy.

81. Have fun learning with these Sesame Street peg dolls.

This one even includes Snuffy and has Big Bird actually tall. Still, I think these are adorable. Love them.

82. Keep your head warm this fall and winter with these Sesame Street beanie hats.

These are all made from fleece with the faces of all your favorite Sesame Street characters. So cute.

83. This wreath will show you that Miss Piggy is a bonafide star.

And yes, it has to be all shiny and sparkly. Not to mention, it’s gotta have pink as Piggy likes it.

84. Hope these Kermit earrings make it easy being green.

I suppose Piggy has a pair of these. If only to match with any green dress. Or to impress Kermit.

85. Snuggle on your couch with these knitted Muppets.

Includes Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Kermit. Cookie Monster even has his own cookie he’s eating.

86. If you love Kermit and Piggy, you’ll love this sampler.

Has the Kermit the Frog collar and a pearl necklace. Includes words from a song of one of the latest Muppet movies.

87. Cuddle up with something green like this Kermit pillow.

Has the trademark Kermit face with his eyes and big smile. Not to mention, the collar.

88. This rag Big Bird wreath will give kids big smiles.

This one has a plush Big Bird in the center surrounded by rags of green, yellow, orange, an blue. Yet, he seems rather welcoming as always.

89. For Christmas, how about hang this Beaker stocking at your fireplace.

This one shows him freaking out over a lab accident. Of course, it’s probably going to blow up in his face, eventually.

90. Show your love for the Muppets with this bracelet.

Each bead here is made from polymer clay. But at least it has some of your favorite characters.

91. For your wedding, these Muppet bouquets are simply sensational.

These bouquets seem to represent members of the Electric Mayhem. But the flowers are all in vibrant colors. Yes, there are Muppet themed weddings. Don’t ask.

92. For the curmudgeon in your life, you can’t go wrong with Statler and Waldorf earrings.

Because there’s nothing more fashionable by wearing earrings featuring 2 heckling old guys. By the way, they were based on 2 of Jim Henson’s professors who told him he wouldn’t make it in puppetry.

93. If you like Fraggle Rock, then you’ll enjoy these finger puppets.

Well, not familiar with Fraggle Rock. But I love how these Fraggles take up the bleachers.

94. It may not be easy being green, but this crocheted Kermit will melt your heart.

Now I just had to add an amigurumi of him on this post. After all, he’s the best known Muppet. This one really captures his eyes, too.

95. These Electric Mayhem amigurumi come crocheted.

This only has 4 of their members sans their trumpet player who you mostly don’t see and Animal. But these are great.

96. Of course, you can’t have a Muppet craft post without including an amigurumi of Big Bird.

Here he is shown with a birdseed ice cream cone. And he even has feathers. So adorable.

97. This crocheted Cookie Monster blanket is pure delight.

Here he is eating a cookie with his crazed eyes. Sure Cookie may be a glutton but you can’t help but love him.

98. Hope your little girl can keep warm with these Abby Cadabby beanie and mittens.

Like they all have pink and purple pigtails. Still, it’s about time Sesame Street had more female characters. Abby Cadabby was long overdue.

99. When it gets cold, these crocheted Sesame Street beanies sure come in handy.

Includes Grover, Cookie Monster, Oscar, Elmo, and Big Bird. And yes, each one is a gem.

100. This Grover amigurumi is made of super cuteness.

Wish I could find a Super Grover one. But sometimes you have to take what you can get.

Moi Specialty Muppet Merchandise

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 29, 2016

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Like any great franchise, the Muppets have caused such a sensation that they ‘ve earned themselves their own merchandise line. As you see above, you might find the Miss Piggy had her own line of perfume called Moi which is kind of appropriate for her. She even had her own commercial, too. Besides, she’d find it quite complimentary to have her own line of beauty products being the consummate diva she is. But we all love her, anyway. Even though she can be a handful to Kermit and well, anybody. Nevertheless, you might find that a lot of Muppet merchandise consists of toys aimed for children, particularly from Sesame Street such as Tickle Me Elmo. Yet, you’ll find plenty of products for adults, too. Mostly because the Muppets appeal to a periphery demographic, especially since they have an audience who grew up with these memorable characters and loved them enough to introduce to their kids. The fact the Muppets tend to parody a lot of adult stuff helps. Just look at Sesame Street which has parodies of Les Miserables, Dances with Wolves, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The King and I, The Hunger Games, and yes, even Boardwalk Empire. Now I can devote to this post to the great Muppet products but you’d probably wouldn’t want something so boring. So I decided to go with some of the crazier Muppet merch which includes demented looking toys, inappropriate products, and crap that might make you scratch your head.

Sing along to your favorites with this singing Beaker.

Beaker Bot just says one thing and that’s just “Meep.” Though there was an online video of him singing Rick Astley.

2. Sign off on these Muppet checks.

Yes, there are checkbooks from other franchises, too. And it’s kind of ridiculous. But the Muppets have a ton of varieties to choose from.

3. Women who adore Beaker might want to wear this bra.

This is actually from Etsy. But still, I have no idea what it inspired someone to make this. Seriously, it’s kind of disturbing to say the least.

4. Relive the magic with this Labyrinth board game.

You know the movie where a teenage girl must travel a maze in order to rescue her baby brother after being kidnapped by David Bowie in tight pants. Yes, that’s the one. Not sure what I think about this one.

5. Keep in touch with old friends with this Kermit the Frog candlestick phone.

Because there’s nothing so charming like a remnant of obsolete technology. Seriously, you’ll probably never use this. I mean we live in the cell phone age.

6. Use the potty with Elmo with this potty seat.

Okay, I know this is for children. But yeah, toilet products like this are kind awkward in my mind. Now Elmo can watch you go potty.

7. To commemorate the release of Muppets Most Wanted, get your own Hotwheels Fozzie Bear Dairy Delivery Van.

Didn't Fozzie once say that a bear's natural habitat is a studebaker? So why does he have a truck?

Didn’t Fozzie once say that a bear’s natural habitat is a studebaker? So why does he have a van?

8. Now you can grow Kermit a fro with his own Chia Pet.

Sorry, seeing Kermit with a plant fro doesn’t really look right. Seriously, that’s kind of messed up. Why?

9. Take a nip with this cowboy Kermit hip flask.

Man, what a way to show a great example Kermit. Being on something people drink whiskey from and smoking a cigar. Brilliant!

10. Commemorate your favorite muppet with these collectible busts.

Yes, these are Muppet busts. I know it’s crazy but these exists. You’ll probably have to pay through the nose to collect them all.

11. Help fix Beaker with this Operation game.

Now what’s with Beaker missing a large chunk of his torso? Surely how can anyone survive that? His liver must be totally missing!

12. Capture the disco spirit of the 1970s with this Retro Kermit doll.

From Tough Pigs: “We know what Kermit looked like in the 70s, and it certainly wasn’t the love child of Don King and Barry Gibb.” Another comment: “Who’d have thought you could admire Kermit’s outtasite ‘fro AND use him to wash dishes?”

13. These Albino Elmos are a great sight to behold.

Is it just me or does an all white Elmo look very creepy? Guaranteed to haunt your dreams.

14. Have lots of fun with this Sesame Street Barkley bean bag.

Barkley is supposed to be a large shaggy dog. This bean bag toy is what Barkley looks like after getting electrocuted.

15. Make yourself look ravishing with this Muppet makeup set.

I don’t know about you. But there should really be only one Muppet with their own cosmetics line. And that’s Miss Piggy. So this is kind of over the top if you ask me.

16. Scramble your eggs in the morning with your very own Big Bird egg beater.

Because there’s no better toy to teach kids how to beat eggs than a traitor to his own kind. Seriously, this has Big Big committing what he’d see as infanticide. God, this is disturbing.

17. Always know the time with this commemorative Muppet Cuckoo Clock.

Now this decoration makes sense since the Muppet Show revolves around a theater. However, the fact it’s $200 does not.

18. There’s nothing more fun than playing Yahtzee with Kermit.

Nothing says fun like rolling dice in Kermit’s disembodied head. Christ, that’s just really messed up.

19. Carpenter Bert will always get the job done.

Sorry, but there’s no way in hell I can see Bert in the construction business. He’s a fussy, uptight neat freak with boring tastes and eccentric hobbies. I think Accountant Bert would make more sense.

20. Collect these Mexican muppets to form a mariachi band.

Except they all seem to have maracas. And nobody knows how to play guitar. Then again, these toys are from Japan.

21. Cuddle up with your very own Zoe plush.

Zoe is supposed to be a perky orange monster girl. This toy makes her seem like she’s clinically depressed.

22. This Miss Piggy doll is dressed to embody her taste in fashion.

Unfortunately, this doll seems to resemble Miss Piggy if she had a drug habit. I mean look at her snout and eyes for God’s sake. She seems totally high.

23. Nothing’s cuter on Easter than seeing Animal hatch from an egg.

From Tough Pigs: ” Disney, how many times do we have to tell you? Yosemite Sam is a Warner Brothers property.”

24. This Easter Fozzie Bear is only a mere lamb.

From Tough Pigs: “Yes, he still looks like Fozzie’s evil twin, but at least he’s an evil twin in a good mood. He might even be forgiven for the lamb costume. But that tie is not helpful. That is a very bad tie.”

25. How many times could even think of wanting a plush doll of the Count?

This doesn’t look like the Count at all. I mean he has slicked hair and a pointy nose. From Tough Pigs: “”He looks kinda like some creepy guy you keep trying to avoid at a bar… otherwise, not so bad.”

26. Cookie Monster is just here to clown around.

From Tough Pigs: “Finally! Donut-faced Cookie Monster has joined Cirque du Soleil! What the true fans are asking for!”

27. Make your nails shimmer with your favorite Muppet nail polish.

The Miss Piggy nail polish colors make sense. The other ones don’t. Seriously, why?

28. Always know the time with this Kermit clock.

Now that’s a really strange limb configuration. Doesn’t make me feel comfortable.

29. Keep your money secure with this Bert bank.

I have a lot of questions about this. First, why is Bert orange? Second why does he have that subtle look I’ve seen from villains in a slasher movie?

30. Light up with this Fraggle Rock Lighter Raver.

Not sure if this is appropriate for a family friendly franchise. Because we all know what lighters are used for. Right?

31. For a fine bathroom style, this Elmo toilet seat should suit you nicely.

Yes, this is an adult Elmo toilet seat. To be fair, they have these for multiple Muppets on Ebay. Elmo just had the biggest picture.

32. There’s nothing cuter than seeing Elmo in an animal costume.

From Tough Pigs: “Elmo had so much fun at the furry convention, he went back the next year. So, from left to right, Elmo is a bear, a cat, and… another cat?”

33. Wonder who’s going to win this epic banana boat race.

From Tough Pigs: “I would love to see an episode of Sesame Street where Elmo and Cookie Monster race around the Hawaiian islands on giant bananas. It would be very educational.”

34. Not sure if Cookie Monster and Elmo are cheerleading or getting ready for a fight.

From what their hand gestures suggest, it can go either way. I mean Elmo seems like he’s cheering. Cookie Monster seems like he’s training for a boxing match.

35. Though Cookie Monster is not always there, at least Elmo has a doll of his special friend.

Excuse me, but does anyone realize how creepy that seems? Available in blue and caramel color.

36. For Ernie, his rubber duckie is always his bath time friend.

From Tough Pigs: “Ernie’s mouth hangs open in shock as he beholds the sight of his Rubber Duckie grown to gigantic proportions! He stares out at us, as if to say, ‘How did this happen?!'” Guess I must’ve missed the episode about the nuclear meltdown.

37. Grace your Christmas tree with this ornament of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker.

Because nothing says Merry Christmas like making your lab assistant play Christmas tree. Wonder what can go wrong with that.

38. If you love the Muppets then you’ll like these key covers.

Why do we need key covers exactly? They’re not really necessary. Seriously, why?

39. Don’t worry, Fireman Grover will be to the rescue.

Unfortunately this Grover looks more likely to start fires than to stop them. Not that regular Grover is good at stopping them either.

40. If you liked The Dark Crystal, then you’ll want to wear this Skesis dress.

Seems more like a negligee that was inspired by Ron’s dress robe from Goblet of Fire. Said to cost $1500 today.

41. Keep your files stored on this Grover USB drive.

Just don’t mind that you have to pull his face apart before you plug it in. Maybe this isn’t suitable for children.

42. Pay your purchases with this Dark Crystal debit card.

From Master Card, by the way. Yes, they have these from every franchise. Not sure if it’s worth it.

43. If you like Godzilla and Sesame Street, these are the toys for you.

From Tough Pigs: “In case you’re not sure what you’re looking at, that’s supposed to be Cookie Monster, Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and the Count…..Most of them are obvious enough reflections of what the characters would look like if they were involved is some sort of freak accident involving radiation….”

44. Call your friends with this Kermit office phone.

Like I said before, this is an obsolete artifact from a bygone age. You will never use this. It’s just a toy these days.

45. Smell swamp fresh with Kermit’s Amphibia.

Now having a fragrance for Miss Piggy makes sense. For Kermit, not so much. Also, is he sporting abs in the picture?

46. Snuggle up with Magic Light Ernie and his rubber duckie.

From Tough Pigs: “This must be like one of those college-era Ernie photos he keeps buried really deep in his photo album, and God forbid Bert finds it and uploads it to Facebook.”

47. You can always rock on with this Animal plush doll.

I think this toy got made when there was an accident with the dye at the plant while they were making the Grover plush dolls. So they decided to pass them as Animal.

48. You can always keep your money in this Miss Piggy bank.

So this has you dropping coins through Miss Piggy’s breasts? Wonder why anyone thought this would be appropriate for children?

49. There’s nothing more adorable than a plush doll of Rosita.

Poor Rosita. I didn’t know she was left outside too long in a thunderstorm. Shouldn’t have hid under that tree.

50. As we all know a Big Bird plush is a cuddly toy.

Okay, how anyone manage to make Big Bird like he’s Sesame Street’s neighborhood psychokiller? This is a plushie that inspires nightmares not cuddles.

51. No toy is more fun than these Mayhem dolls of Animal and Fozzie Bear.

From Tough Pigs: “Me try Hare Krishna! Now world all make sense. Bah-bye!” Another: “These guys are at every college party I’ve been to, and they’re always leaving with like, 12 girls! Jackasses…”

52. A Sam the Eagle plushie is a must for any American patriot.

From Tough Pigs: “Poor Sam lost all that weight to play the part of Gandhi. Then they gave it to that hack Kingsley.”

53. Grace your Christmas tree with these Sesame Street angel ornaments.

From Tough Pigs: “Here we have our familiar threesome as angels up in heaven, watching over humanity from their post near the famous Heavenly Sprigs of Parsley. Part of me wonders if Chara Hiroba made these toys because they were running short on dye. (“Aw, heck, let’s just put wings on ’em and call them angels!”)” So does that mean Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird are?

54. All these Muppets are is just another brick in the wall.

From Tough Pigs: “And two questions come to mind: 1. What? and 2. Huuuh? Are these bricks? Could you build a house out of Cookie Monsters and Elmos and Big Birds?”

55. Looks like these Sesame Street Muppets are getting froggy.

From Tough Pigs: “This is from the time Cookie, Elmo, and Big Bird tried to crash Kermit’s family reunion, I guess. But where are Cookie’s froggy eyes? And more importantly, would they be googly too?”

56. Of course, everyone would want a plushie of Guy Smiley.

Think of him as a muppetized Adrien Brody who just got struck by lightning. Or as Tough Pigs says: “What a remarkable likeness of the time Guy Smiley stuck a fork in an electrical outlet, had his nose redone, and put on just a touch of lipstick!”

57. Who wouldn’t want to snuggle with this great Gonzo?

From Tough Pigs: “You have to wonder what kind of reference material they used over at Toy Factory, if any. Gonzo has never worn an outfit even remotely like that. Are those supposed to be snow boots? Are they platform snow boots? And if it’s snow-boots weather, then why is his collar open like that? If somebody brought that toy into your house then you’d have to move.”

58. This Gonzo sugar bowl should be a charming figurine on any mantle.

From Tough Pigs: “I’m amused at the idea that Gonzo is portraying both the Mad Hatter and the Dormouse. Oh, and the town drunk.”

59. Behold the power of the Force with these Muppet Star Wars figurines.

Wait until Kermit finds out that Miss Piggy is his sister. That’s bound to get awkward.

60. Hang this commemorative Swedish Chef ornament on your Christmas tree this year.

For nothing says Christmas like being confronted by shrimps packing heat while you’re trying to boil their loved ones to death. Of course, in the Muppets, it’s played for laughs.

61. Those who like Toccata from Fraggle Rock might enjoy this plushie.

If that was a dressed up roadkill possum, I really wouldn’t know the difference. I may not be familiar with Fraggle Rock. But I know ugly when I see it.

62. Sure Oscar might be trashy but this plushie is simply adorable.

I don’t think his eyes are on right. It just seems like they’re in different directions. Not good.

63. You can have oodles of fun with this Gonzo finger puppet.

From Tough Pigs: “If the Muppets ever do PSA’s about not sticking things in electrical outlets… this is your man.” Or getting shot from a cannon.

64. Have endless fun with heckling these Statler and Waldorf dolls.

Apparently, they have no taste in fashion. But since they’re amateur insult comics, they should enjoy these.

65. When it comes to fashion, even Miss Piggy has her moments.

Also called, “Biker Whore Miss Piggy.” From Tough Pigs: “Piggy’s sense of taste has been one of the most unfortunate casualties of the Muppets’ evolution.”

66. Enjoy hours of fun with this Mexican Miss Piggy doll.

I think this might be a knock off. Still, seems more like Miss Piggy if she woke up hungover in a tanning booth. Or her as Snookie from Jersey Shore.

67. These Big Bird and Elmo tops are worth spinning for hours.

Okay, Big Bird seems quite evil in this. Elmo seems like he’s been in a bad accident and has never been the same since.

68. It’s firefighter Big Bird to the rescue.

The kind of doll that gives you second thoughts about calling 911. From Tough Pigs: “The oddest thing about this doll is that Big Bird looks pissed. Has Big Bird EVER been pissed?”

69. Relieve stress with this Cookie Monster squeeze toy.

Seems like combination between Cookie Monster and Jabba the Hutt. That or Cookie might have a problem.

70. Decorate your Muppet mantle with these French porcelain figures.

From Tough Pigs: “The challenge — and thus the educational value — of this toy is to try and guess which Muppets they’re intended to represent.”

71. This NASCAR Bear comes Animal approved.

I don’t understand the concept behind this bear. Sure it has Animal on his shirt. But what else does it have going for?

72. Where else would you want to keep your pills than in this glamorous Miss Piggy pill box?

Sometimes the bejeweled pill box option doesn’t always work so well. Really tacky as hell.

73. Have hours of fun with the Kermit game.

From Tough Frogs: “There’s something about Kermit’s posture and expression that make me uncomfortable.” Another: “As if this weren’t disturbing enough: Does the picture show that thing VIBRATING?” Also looks like a stupid game.

74. Nobody could resist this plush Rizzo the Rat.

Kind of makes Rizzo seem like a skeevy character who’d want to cause biological warfare. But, hey, that’s just my opinion. Also, that doesn’t look like Rizzo.

75. Bendy Piggy seems quite flexible.

Unfortunately, those face lifts didn’t help her age gracefully. Nor did the tanning treatments.

76. Wouldn’t you want to cuddle with this Fozzie Teddy Bear?

From Tough Pigs: “He’s completely evil. Bendy Piggy I think I could slap to her senses, but Direct Connect Fozzie wants to dump strong acids on my tissues, process my brain into canned meat, and make me eat it on Wheatables.”

77. It’s always bubble bathtime fun with this Gonzo toy.

From Tough Pigs: “The Gonzo dolls are pretty much on an equal level of ugliness, but this one is intriguing in that it appears to represent the tragic results of Gonzo’s Chainsaw Juggling act.”

78. Those who like Harry from Sesame Street, this is the figurine for you.

From Tough Pigs: “Looks like Herry was in the Alaskan water when the Exxon Valdez went down.” Also, he seems to be quite pissed.

79. Here we have Fozzie trying his talent in ventriloquism.

Seems like Fozzie is using the dummy to amuse the audience before he sends it on a killing spree. At least according to my interpretation.

80. This plush Kermit and Piggy can always show what love means.

Don’t look now, but I think Piggy is like, “If you touch him, I’m gonna straight up murder your ass. This frog is mine. Understand?”

81. Light up your room with these Sesame Street glow in the dark figures.

From Tough Pigs: “First there were Sesame Babies, and now Sesame Ghosts:
Your favorite Sesame characters are available as angry, vengeance-seeking spirits!”

82. This jester Animal always amuses.

From Tough Pigs: “Scooter needs to stop dragging the Electric Mayhem to the Renaissance Festival.” Yeah, I think Animal doesn’t really take to the outfit that well. Also seems drunk.

83. Keep your pencils in place with this Big Bird case.

No, that doesn’t look like Big Bird. That more or less resembles Tweety Bird. And he makes me want to step on him.

84. Can someone please show this Sweetums some love?

Translation: “I’d love to eat you!” From Tough Pigs: “I’d love to eat you!”
“… But as a common barn owl, my diet consists primarily of moths and small rodents.”

85. To commemorate the Muppets’ 25th Anniversary, here’s a Jimmy Spencer bobblehead doll.

From Tough Pigs: “This isn’t ugly. It’s just from 2002, when Muppet fans were sucked into an alternate universe where we all had to pay attention to stockcar racing.” Seriously, are there Muppet fan who even watch NASCAR?

86. It’s Officer Elmo at your service.

From Tough Pigs: “Can you imagine being arrested by Elmo? Seriously. Just try to picture it.” No, that doesn’t seem right. Also, he might’ve failed his fitness test. Must cut the donuts.

87. Snuggle up with these Sesame Street baby dolls.

On second thought, it be better to avoid them whenever possible. Keep them as far away from you and your children as possible. Because at night they will kill.

88. Back up your files with this Elmo USB drive.

Why did they have to have Elmo crouch like that? And why does the drive have to be between his legs? This is wrong on so many levels.

89. This Fozzie mini-bear plush is too cute not to love.

From Tough Pigs: “I see the problem… Somebody set this thing to Evil.” Don’t be surprise if you see him wielding a large knife from the kitchen.

90. Once again, another plush of Guy Smiley.

Apparently, this guy hasn’t seemed like himself lately. Because that’s definitely not his nose. In fact, doesn’t even look like him.

91. Grace this little Elmo ornament on your Christmas tree.

From Muppet Mindset: “Elmo loves crack! Does baby want to have some crack? Baby wants to ask Dorothy what crack is? Baby can’t, Elmo sold Dorothy for more crack.”

92. If you liked Muppet Babies, check out these figurines.

These little muppet babies are guaranteed to haunt your dreams. Also, why the hell is Fozzie dark? He’s not.

93. So I guess that’s Bert and Ernie’s car.

And I’m sure it’s falling apart and Ernie’s a terrible driver. Yeah, I think it might be time it goes to the junk yard where it was made.

94. Have hours of fun with Muppet Monopoly.

Because we all know that the Muppets are about dominating the real estate market until your friends go broke and have to bow out. Oh, wait, that was Donald Trump’s business model. My mistake.

95. Didn’t know Fozzie played hockey in his spare time.

Then again, I think he might want to do with a goalie mask. On the other hand, he might not have it in him for fights or excessive profanity. Then again, he may be a great mascot for the Boston Bruins.

96. This Gonzo doll is one anyone would want to cuddle with.

It’s said that Gonzo had done 3 years after his time at the funny farm. But he hasn’t been the same since. Chicken farmers might want to beware.

97. Don’t worry, Betty Lou will put the fire out.

For some reason, this firefighter Betty Lou gives me the creeps. Not sure why.

98. With this Gonzo doll, you can pretend to be Gonzo the Great.

From Tough Pigs: “Why does every Gonzo doll look like he’s just been electrocuted? (Then again, it’s Gonzo. Maybe he has.)”

99. What’s a better tribute to friendship than seeing Elmo as Oscar the Grouch?

From Tough Pigs: “If we ever needed proof that Elmo was a horrific alien larva, devouring his victims from the inside before bursting, hideously swollen, out of their shriveled skins… er… why did we want that proof again?”

100. From Muppets Most Wanted, this Kermit cologne is a fragrance for him.

Not sure if I’d want to sniff this. Still, why does Kermit have to have his own cologne? It doesn’t make sense.

Sensational, Celebrational, Puppetational Muppet Costumes

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 28, 2016

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I know my last couple posts were not very happy ones. So in order to light up the mood, I thought it would be great to do some posts on the Muppets. After all, anyone who was a kid in the last 4 decades grew up with these puppets on TV and in the movies. You can see why Disney wanted to get their hands on it. I mean who can forget Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, the Electric Mayhem, Animal, Gonzo, Sweetums, Sam the Eagle, the Swedish Chef, and others? Or the cast of Sesame Street? Or Fraggle Rock? Or Labryinth? Or the Dark Crystal? Well, you might not have heard of some of these. But that’s beside the point. Yet, let’s spend some time in the puppetry world of the late Jim Henson. Yes, I know his sudden death sent a nation in mourning. Because he was such a genius who created these lovable characters in our childhood.

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The term “muppet” was coined by Henson as a marionette puppet as all the muppets were constructed. The beginnings of the Muppets can be traced all the way to the 1950s. In 1955, Henson created his first muppet Kermit the Frog who would become his signature character as well as voiced him until his sudden death in 1990. Contrary to what many people would think, Henson originally conceived the Muppets as characters aimed at an adult audience. Of course, network executives thought differently. Anyway, the same year the first Muppets would be introduced on a Washington D.C. based TV show called Sam and Friends which Henson created with his eventual wife Jane. The series was notable for being the first form of puppet media that didn’t include a physical proscenium arch within the characters were presented. Instead, Henson would utilize a natural 4-sided TV frame as the program’s theater as the viewers would already be watching. During the 1960s, the characters, notably Kermit and Rowlf the Dog appeared on several late night show skits and commercials, including The Ed Sullivan Show. Soon Rowlf would become the first Muppet with a regular network TV spot as Jimmy Dean’s sidekick. Later, Joan Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett began developing an educational TV program for kids and contracted Henson to design several characters. Produced by the Children’s Television Workshop, this show would debut as Sesame Street which received critical acclaim as the muppet characters proved vital to the program’s enduring popularity. In the 1970s, Henson would do The Land on Gorch sketches on SNL and develop a series in 1976 called The Muppet Show which was a more comedic variety show aimed more toward adults. However, the show was actually filmed in London because no American network thought it could work at the time (which was why this show aired in syndication in the US). And Henson couldn’t just go to cable. While Kermit and Rowlf would appear as regulars, it also introduced characters like Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Animal. The rest is history.

Miss Piggy (dress: Zac Posen, shoes: Christian Louboutin, jewelry: Fred Leighton, hair: Kim Kimble) and Kermit the Frog (in Brooks Brothers) at the 84th Annual Academy Awards

Of course, since the Muppets have become a very popular global franchise, it’s only natural that people might want to dress like them for Halloween for a cosplay. Nevertheless, when it comes to fashion icon, there’s no Muppet who wears it like the glamorous diva Miss Piggy. You may see I have pictures of her and Kermit at the Oscars and on the cover of the Vogue magazine wedding edition. Sure she may be a pig but she always tries to dress elegantly for every occasion and takes great pains to appear glamorous. So if you’re Donald Trump, she’s probably the last woman you’d want to call a “fat ugly pig” to her face. Because she doesn’t take criticism like that very well. Not to mention, she’s very skilled in martial arts and won’t hesitate to use them. Then again, seeing her karate chop Trump actually seems very satisfying to me. Really, you don’t want to piss her off. Anyway, in this post, I give you a treasure trove of great muppet costumes for your reading pleasure. And I’m sure Piggy will be flattered. She better be for I don’t want to be on the receiving end of her karate chop.

As we know from the Muppets, every frog must have his pig.

Luckily for Piggy, she’ll see plenty of costumes of moi on this post. So will Kermie who’s in a skin tight green body suit.

2. These pooches come all the way from the street.

By that, I mean Sesame Street. One dog is dressed as Oscar the Grouch. The other as Cookie Monster.

3. While Miss Piggy traditionally wears pink, she can also look chic in black.

Well, if you have a nice dress in your closet, then a Miss Piggy costume won’t be hard to do. I mean costume snouts and ears don’t cost much.

4. Pepe the King Prawn never lets a crabby day get to him.

He’s one of the later Muppets who has a heavy Spanish accent. He tends to play on many Latino stereotypes. Has been around since the 1990s.

5. This Sesame Street family loves life in this part of the neighborhood.

Parents are dressed up as Ernie and Bert. Dog is Cookie Monster. Kids are Elmo and Big Bird. The look on the dad’s face is priceless.

6. Big Bird always knows how to make an entrance.

Big Bird is a male which can’t be disputed. Yet, a lot of the Big Bird costumes I’ve seen are for women. At least the adult ones. Must be the feathers.

7. Seems like we have a visitor from another world.

Oh, those are the aliens from Sesame Street. They’re the ones that go, “Yip, yip, yip, yip, yip.” Seem like they’re quite easy to make.

8. Just give Piggy a few moments for some last touch ups.

Unfortunately, the photographer couldn’t wait. Hope it turns out well. Or else…

9. For fairy muppets on Sesame Street, young girls take to Abby Cadabby.

For the record, I’m not familiar with Abby Cadabby. I guess she’s a magical fairy with purple hair. Still, this is cute.

10. Guess Kermie and Piggy are going a bit formal.

Well, Kermie is a least wearing pants and a jacket. Piggy dons a red dress with a feather boa and tiara.

11. Now that’s what I call a well-dressed Animal.

Okay, his pants are shredded and holed up. But for someone like Animal, this is as good as it’s going to get.

12. Hey, girl, I think you might want to scram from this grouch.

Yes, that’s Oscar the Grouch all right. Basically someone who likes to be moody just for the heck of it. Sometimes it’s best to scram.

13. Miss Piggy is always very protective of her little Kermie.

This is a mother-baby Kermie and Piggy costume. And yes, it’s adorable. Love it.

14. I’m sure you’ll learn your ABC’s from this family.

Like how the parents are Big Bird and Count von Count. And how the kid is Elmo. Wonder why the Count has a big head in this.

15. For the Muppets, their cook is a renowned chef who comes all the way from the fjords.

“Yur puurt thur lobster airn der pot firlled wit boirling watur.” Guess the lobster will get the better of him. Bork, bork, bork.

16. Before she goes out, Miss Piggy just has to take a selfie.

Knowing how self-absorbed she could be, I can totally imagine Piggy doing this. Even dressed to the nines.

17. That’s what I call a real party Animal.

Yes, that’s Animal in his traditional look. Always with the drumsticks and broken chains as drummer for Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

18. Didn’t know the Yip-Yip aliens had families.

Then again, these costumes are probably among the easiest to make. So why not do one for the whole family?

19. And I thought these creatures came to Earth in peace.

Actually this is a zombie version of the Yip-Yip aliens. I know the arms sticking out is stick. But what can I say? It’s unique.

20. Who can remember your favorite fuzzy blue monster Grover? You know the one from Sesame Street that dresses like a superhero and doesn’t violently eat cookies.

Well, sure looks like a fuzzy Grover, all right. Of course, I’ve heard he’s a proven liability as a server in the restaurant business.

21. Seems like Bert and Ernie have returned from a Hawaiian vacation.

Yet, they wear their shirts over their regular sweaters. Doesn’t really look right. Like Elmo and Grover though.

22. This little diva knows where to put pearls before swine.

In Miss Piggy’s case, the pearls go on swine. And so do feather boas. So cute.

23. Don’t be surprised if he’s a little grouchy at the moment.

This baby Oscar is prone to get cranky once in awhile. But like he has a plastic can that says, “Scram.”

24. Don’t mind these old guys, they’re always bashing the show.

As you can see, this is a group costume of Statler and Waldorf in paper mache. They’re the Muppets’ resident hecklers.

25. Today’s special: Swedish chicken.

You may not know this, but the Swedish Chef doesn’t get a great impression in Sweden. Mostly because Swedes think he doesn’t sound Swedish and get sick of being asked about him.

26. Here we come to the costume of the guy who started it all.

I think this is based on a photo of Jim Henson with Kermit in the 1970s. Still, love the little boy’s beard.

27. Sometimes being a large bird has its moments.

I wonder how often how many times people clean up after Big Bird when he visits them. Because he probably sheds a lot of yellow feathers. Still, this one is brilliant.

28. If you want to get to Sesame Street, ask them.

Yes, this is another Sesame Street family. But the costumes look different. Like how the dad is Oscar the Grouch.

29. This baby diva always has to have the best pink dress.

Yes, Miss Piggy brings out the diva in even the smallest among us. This dress is great. So cute.

30. Doing the latest scientific research at Muppet Labs are Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his trusted assistant Beaker.

As you know, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew is well-meaning but often uses Beaker as a guinea pig in his experiments. It’s a wonder Beaker doesn’t end up in the emergency room.

31. You see, a pig can look fabulous in outer space.

This is Miss Piggy dressed in her Space Pigs sketch outfit. Must’ve been a regular feature for the show.

32. “Presenting the further adventures of everybody’s favorite hero. A man who is faster than lightning, stronger than steel, smarter than a speeding bullet. It’s… SUPERGROVER!”

“And I am cute, too!” Still, he’s more of a parody of Superman. And Super Grover doesn’t really do much of anything other than dig himself into a hole.

33. Even big birds had to start out small.

This girl in her Big Bird costume looks like a little chick of yellow fluff. Love her little orange shoes though. So cute.

34. Seems like somebody likes things to be a little trashy.

You have to like the dad’s costume. His baby may be Oscar the Grouch. But he’s the trashcan who holds him in.

35. There’s nobody who embodies the spirit of America like Sam the Eagle.

This more of a minimalist Sam the Eagle costume design. But at any level it works beautifully.

36. For the Cookie Monster, C is for cookies, chocolate chip. M is for milk.

Now this is ingenious. Like how the mom is in white and covered in cookies. Baby Cookie Monster can’t resist.

37. This little grouch always sits in his can.

This is a clever Oscar the Grouch costume. Yes, I know I have a few of these. But I really like this one. Makes him seem like a Christmas tree in a trash can.

38. This little Cookie Monster always thinks is C is for cookie and that’s good enough for him. Or her.

And unlike what Cookie Monster does in the show, he’s eating with restraint. Still, the costume is so fuzzy.

39. Seems this guy is proud of his little frog puppet.

Well, this is a father-child Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog costume. This Jim is wearing a sweater over a collar shirt. So adorable.

40. You haven’t heard great music until you listen to Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

This group basically consists of a homage from 1960s and 1970s rock groups. Of course, everyone knows Animal. Yet, I’m not sure if Rowlf is because I don’t remember seeing him. But he’s a musician so who cares.

41. This baby Big Bird barely fits into the stroller.

Well, at least that looks more like Big Bird than a lot of costumes I’ve seen. Like the yellow feathers and orange leggings.

42. Zoe always tries to be as sweet as can be.

Zoe is a girly orange monster on Sesame Street from the 1990s. She’s known for her pink and purple bows. Sure she doesn’t wear shirt or necklace. But this is cute.

43. Looks like Beaker just took a selfie.

I know he doesn’t look happy in this picture. But he always looks befuddled. Then again, he’s constantly being burned up. Meep, meep.

44. What better place to pose for Bert than Ernie than in the bath tub.

Like those Bert and Ernie heads. Of course, that doesn’t stop people from thinking they’re more than friends like the New Yorker.

45. For this monster, this chocolate chip cookie is good enough to eat.

Hey, I’ve seen couple’s costumes where it’s the other way around. Still, I think this is quite creative and clever.

46. Odd to see that Camille and the Swedish Chef are on good terms.

Because they’re usually not. Mostly because the Swedish Chef wants to cook her, obviously. Like the costumes though.

47. Cookie Monster is about to try out his new cross country skis.

Well, at least a Cookie Monster costume could keep anyone warm. Still, I guess there will be free cookies at the finish line.

48. So I guess this is Nurse Janice?

From how I see it, the the one who’s wearing the costume must work in the medical field. Because Janice is the Electric Mayhem’s guitarist.

49. Zoot must be taking a break from the sax during this gig.

From what Wikipedia says, Zoot is based on a Latin jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri. He’s not known for being particularly chatty and is kind of a burnout.

50. Beaker is all prepped up for the Muppets’ Anti-Zombie Task Force.

For some reason, I don’t normally see Beaker as a badass zombie hunter. But this is costume is clever and funny.

51. Today’s episode of Sesame Street is about the corporate tyranny of the 1%.

The letter of the day is “C” for “class warfare.” The number of the day is 99 for “We are the 99%.”

52. Guess these muppets are just lounging around for the moment.

Not sure if I’d want any of these muppets around. I mean Dr. Honeydew is always experimenting on Beaker with destructive results. The Swedish Chef chases animals to cook. Piggy is an eternal diva. And Animal well, he’s kind of out-of-control.

53. Not sure if I’d want these two around children.

Okay, I know this Bunsen and Beaker are the parents. Nevertheless, I do think the kids dressed as Piggy, Kermit, and Animal are adorable.

54. When you’re Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green.

I wanted to get a Kermit costume picture by himself. This is a kid one I think is simply irresistible.

55. Seems like Cookie Monster had to give into temptation.

Well, at least he’s not ripping the cookie into shreds and making a mess of himself. But Elmo and Big Bird aren’t impressed.

56. Creamy pink is always elegant for a romantic evening in the swamp.

Because Miss Piggy always has to look her finest. Because only the finest will do for moi.

57. Seems like Kermit and Piggy are ready for a night on the town.

Like how they stuck to the suits. Kermit’s even wearing a nice 3 piece. Classy.

58. Looks like some of the Sesame Street gang has come out for Halloween.

Well, I have seen the photographer on Sesame Street. But I wouldn’t be sure who he is. Still, like the costumes though. Clever.

59. Presenting Agent Beaker, Private Eye.

This has Beaker not wearing his lab coat. Not sure if I’d call him a natty dress though.

60. This Yip-Yip aliens are surely fleeced.

Well, they’re made of fleece, anyway. They’re also somewhat shredded at the bottom.

61. Remember the two Muppets that sang the chorus to “Manah Manah?” Well, here they are.

Yeah, those are the ones. They’re kind of weird looking to tell you the truth. But they’ll do.

62. Wonder what this Swedish Chef is cooking.

Well, it probably doesn’t involve animals because he’d be chasing them at this time. Still, seems to be a very popular character.

63. Here we have Dr. Teeth and his Electric Mayhem with the full lineup.

Let me say, these guys may be from the 1970s but they’re still better than bands like One Direction. Seriously.

64. For the Electric Mayhem, we have Janice on lead guitar.

She’s clearly based on Janis Joplin despite the wardrobe. But she loves to play her Les Paul.

65. Hope Zoe doesn’t mind being bright orange.

The pink doesn’t always seem to stand out in this costume. Nevertheless, so adorable.

66. This little Kermit is only a mere tadpole.

Yes, this little kid may be green. But he’s so adorable as Jim Henson’s most famous frog. So cute.

67. Sometimes a green Kermit hoodie is all you need.

On the Muppets, Kermit normally doesn’t really seem to wear anything but a collar around his neck. He doesn’t even wear pants.

68. Sometimes it takes a big dog to be a Big Bird.

Yes, this dog is covered in yellow feathers. Don’t ask. It’s just that it’s playing Big Bird.

69. A swamp frog always likes to see his piggy girlfriend well pampered and dressed.

Of course, you kind of have to wonder about Kermit and Piggy’s sex life like whether it’s even possible for them to have one. I mean he’s an frog. She’s a pig. Neither species engage in sex the same way.

70. Now those really look like strange Stormtroopers to me.

Well, there’s Kermit, Beaker, Animal, and Gonzo. Are probably bad shots, which is perfect for the Galactic Empire.

71. The Count is holding 2 fingers. 1, 2, two fingers. Mahahahaha.

This Count costume is brilliant. Like the purple paper mache face. I mean he counts all the time and he’s still a cooler vampire than Edward Cullen from Twilight.

72. Guess this grouch will have to carry his own trash can.

Well, at least this one can be carried. Like how it says, “Go Away.” So Oscar.

73. Okay, guys, I think it’s time we need to hide the cookie table.

Because Cookie Monster is the last guy you’d want around a cookie table at a party. Seriously, he’ll demolish it.

74. Not sure if you want to eat these sentient veggies.

Yes, these veggies and bag are muppets. And yes, they talk and sing. Kind of creepy if you think about it.

75. Better for Gonzo to come than never.

Finally, I have my Gonzo who’s in a suit. Known for doing crazy stuff and having relations with chicken. Consensually of course.

76. Here we have Gonzo with his one true love Camille.

You understand she’s a chicken. And it seems these two are drinking and smoking at this party.

77. On bass for the Electric Mayhem is Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

Yes, he’s certainly based on the Beatles Sgt. Pepper album cover. Yet, he’s kind of a laid back hipster.

78. The Swedish Chef is surely proud of his country.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that his country is proud of him. Because he’s kind of a controversial figure there.

79. You know him as one of the most monstrous muppets around. I give you, Sweetums.

Yes, that’s Sweetums all right. Bet you didn’t expect him to be a big hulking monster.

80. Here we come to just a nice normal muppet couple.

They’re just a generic muppet couple. They’re not based on any muppet characters. They are their own.

81. Today the Swedish Chef is making a chocolate moose.

Yes, you read that right. He’s making a chocolate moose with Hershey’s. And yes, it’s a big moose.

82. Now this is a real muppet ensemble.

Well, most of them are members of the Electric Mayhem. Yet, these are just great. Love them.

83. Seems like Statler and Waldorf are always grumpy.

Actually, they tend to get a lot of enjoyment insulting everybody. Yet, their remarks are always clever.

84. Who can resist this cuddly Fozzie Bear?

Haven’t had Fozzie Bear on this post. And I thought he was quite popular. Well, wokka, wokka.

85. To be a Big Bird, you have to have big hair.

For some reason, I think this is more of a mashup costume between Big Bird and Effie Trinket. Hell, this girl almost seems like she’s about to choose District 12 tributes for the Hunger Games. Like she’s saying, “Primrose Everdeen.”

86. This Big Bird is almost as tall as the real thing.

Wonder if this is the only guy Big Bird costume. Then again, you don’t know who’s in this thing.

87. Super Grover will protect Elmo from harm.

Then again, Super Grover is a superhero who’s bad at being one. Still, this mommy and baby costume is too much.

88. When Kermit wears a tux, he sweeps Piggy off her feet.

And it seems the tuxedo was the most expensive part of the Kermit costume. Love Piggy’s dress, too.

89. Statler and Waldorf will always have their theater box to take with them.

These two guys don’t have the distinctive Statler and Waldorf face. Also, did you know these two were named after hotels?

90. This little dog is turning into a real Animal.

Yes, it’s a little dog dressed as Animal from the Electric Mayhem. He even has drums to boot.

91. Not sure whether these two guys saw anything from the muppets they liked.

Then again, it kind of seems like Statler and Waldorf liked to troll the muppets. Still, like how these guys went with their real hair.

92. Even a small pig can be a big diva.

Well, this is a sibling pair Kermit and Miss Piggy costumes. And yes, Piggy wants the spotlight. So cute.

93. And here is Beaker stuck with a bag.

Let’s hope there’s not a bomb in it. Because God knows how many times he’s been blown up by Bunsen Honeydew’s experiments.

94. Seems this Sweetums is made from nothing but yarn.

Guess this takes up a lot of brown yarn. Not sure if making a Sweetums outfit is worth that much time.

95. This Cookie Monster costume comes with cookie hands.

Well, this is a homemade costume as you might see. Like how one of the cookies has a bite. So creative.

96. From Sesame Street, what little kid could resist the adorable Elmo?

Because I know people would complain if I didn’t include him. Since he’s such an iconic character from Sesame Street and a hit with little kids.

97. With Elmo and Big Bird, this little Abby Cadabby can’t ask for anything more.

Well, I may not know much about Abby Cadabby. But you have to like the parents’ costumes in this. So adorable.

98. Elmo is even just as fuzzy when he comes in an adult size.

Yes, this is a cute costume. However, while Elmo is one of the cutest Sesame Street muppets, his Times Square counterpart is a real bastard. Or so I hear from Stephen Colbert.

99. Seems like this grouchy father has gone to the trash.

Well, he’s Oscar the Grouch. Yet, he and Cookie Monster sure have fuzzy heads.

100. For even the smallest, Abby Cadabby can be surely magical.

Sure Abby may be a recent addition. But the dress and the little pom pom hair things are so cute. Love it.

The Unforgivable Sins of Fox News

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 27, 2016

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I know what I have to say is controversial but I don’t care. I’m a political liberal and I know that many people won’t agree with me on my political views (well, many people I know anyways). So it goes without saying that I don’t get my information from Fox News or rely on any source that uses it, except if it’s a fake news show on Comedy Central. I don’t hide my disgust for a so-called 24-hour “news” network which I think functions more as a right-wing propaganda machine than a proper news organization. Yet, just because I may criticize Fox News doesn’t mean that I don’t think other media outlets have problems for the state of the American media is a very sorry one indeed. It’s just that Fox News is a very special case in which the very principles of journalistic integrity like objective reporting and commentary are thrown out the window in exchange for using appeals to emotion to get their message across.

This basically sums up what I think about Fox News. “Fox News. Fair and Balanced. Unless you have read a book or anything ever.” Yeah, that’s basically it.

Is the media biased? Well, that’s without question since all news outlets are run by humans but whether many of our TV news networks are liberally biased or not is anyone’s guess but apparently Fox News believes this. Of course, while Fox News’s motto is “Fair and Balanced,” everyone should know that it’s certainly biased toward the right and bases it’s whole existence on being the Republican Party’s mouthpiece (though claiming they’re an unbiased primary source of information) when most news outlets are just out to attract viewers and sponsors as well as make a profit. Sure MSNBC may have some liberally biased programming, but Joe Scarborough has his own show there and Pat Buchanan tends to drop by sometimes. Oh, and when Fox News is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., they’re also owned by a conglomerate called Comcast who doesn’t support net neutrality. In fact, most American media outlets are by corporate conglomerates and many have corporate sponsors who may want to use a news program to push their own agenda. And that the Republican Party has absolutely no problem attracting big corporate donors since they are the party of big business. So to be fair, while MSNBC may be a liberal version of Fox News it is only more or less left-of-center one since there is a limit to how liberal they can be yet they do have a tendency to copy some features from it. You can’t say the same with other networks who may be deemed “liberal” just because they tend to say things that Fox News disagrees with.

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Fox News has often been the butt of late night comedians especially under Jon Stewart’s tenure on The Daily Show. And with Stephen Colbert, Stewart has harshly criticized the network and reduced it to the kind of destructive joke it actually is.

Another thing which irks me about Fox News is not just their politics but how they tend to politicize everything to the point of absurdity. Look, criticizing the President, politicians you don’t agree with, or social policies are one thing. Though I may not be comfortable with Fox News putting down major demographics with hateful slander but I understand they do that to pander to a certain audience since politics and prejudices tend to go hand in hand (and history has a lot of examples of this). Sometimes it’s hard to disagree with a social issue without insulting a whole demographic (with or without intention). However, sometimes they tend to politicize things that really shouldn’t be like the Muppets. Really, the Muppets? Not only that, but they address anything they disagree with in the most juvenile way possible like yelling or screaming until the other person shuts up. While I do think people have a right to disagree with each other, I don’t think adults should attack people through utter childishness as well as inciting unreasonable anger and fear, which has created a hostile political environment where the rational thinking conservative is rarely ever seen and you can’t even disagree with one who doesn’t lash out at you. For instance, I may say rich people and corporate heads need to pay more in taxes and be held more accountable, but that doesn’t mean I hate rich people for simply being rich (I don’t). But someone who may take Fox News seriously may think otherwise.

This graphic from Talking Points Memo shows a rough sketch about Fox News. Most of its viewers are over 65. Yet, strangely 25% of them think that everything they report is true. They’ve also been said to be more misinformed than from other stations.

Look, I know many people might be calling this blog post liberally biased or as inspired by the “liberal media” or my liberal views. But since the 24 hour cable news network’s advent in 1996, Fox News has been among the most popular and one of the most trusted sources among Americans, according to some studies. However, it’s well known that Fox News one of the most prolific conservative news outlets with a staunch loyal following. Yet, if anyone thinks I’m bashing Fox News because of their political slant, you’re sorely mistaken. In fact, it’s not just Fox’s status as a conservative news station that roils me. It’s much more than that. For its duration, Fox News has been harshly criticized not just by liberals and programs like the Daily Show and other late night shows, but also by highly regarded experts. As for me, I see Fox News as way less trustworthy than sites like Wikipedia. Seriously. As far as I am concerned, Fox News is not a legitimate news source as well as been a major disgrace to our country. And here I have a list explaining why.

It’s no secret that Fox News is a conservative propaganda machine. But they’ve been known to mix in their conservative editorial content in their news reporting doesn’t adhere to journalistic principles. They’ve also been openly promoting Republican candidates.

Political Ideologized News Coverage– Despite their slogan being “Fair and Balanced,” everyone knows that Fox News has a strong conservative political bias that it doesn’t even try to hide. We know its reputation as a strongly conservative news outlet is a major reason why their viewers tune in. Network employees noted how executives exert a degree of control over its daily reporting content. As former producer Charles Reina explains, “The roots of Fox News Channel’s day-to-day on-air bias are actual and direct. They come in the form of an executive memo distributed electronically each morning, addressing what stories will be covered and, often, suggesting how they should be covered. To the newsroom personnel responsible for the channel’s daytime programming, The Memo is the Bible. If, on any given day, you notice that the Fox anchors seem to be trying to drive a particular point home, you can bet The Memo is behind it.” However, it’s one thing for a news outlet to have a political ideological slant. Putting conservative editorializing within news stories neither fair and balanced nor ethically responsible journalism. Neither is having network executives coach reporters on how report the news. Look, I may not like how the mainstream media does journalism, but I think striving for objectivity and being open to all viewpoints are worthy media endeavors. Fox News doesn’t even try to hold up to journalistic principles and resorts to ideological based reporting. Otherwise known as propaganda. Even when Fox tries to make seem like it’s “fair and balanced” with having people like Alan Colmes on the network, the so-called “liberals” aren’t really that liberal. This opens the doorway for all other misuses in journalism.

Fox News has relied and popularized a lot of conspiracy theories throughout its run. Here is Glenn Beck using his blackboard conspiracy theory illustrations which depict involving ACORN, Obama, and Woodrow Wilson. Yes, it’s crazy. Also, Jon Stewart would mercilessly parody this.

2. Promoting Unsubstantiated Conspiracy Theories– As a conservative political media network, Fox News has had major role in hosting, promoting, and repeating conspiracy theories. Fox News has endorsed numerous unsubstantiated claims about democratic politicians and other people they don’t like. Featured unsubstantiated claims have revolved around Obama being a Muslim, Obama not being born in the US, Hillary’s role in Benghazi, the “liberal” mainstream media, “liberal” Hollywood, 9/11 Trutherism, Hillary’s declining health, the murder of Antonin Scalia, global warming hoax, Obamacare “death panels,” the “gay agenda,” FEMA detention camps, Spongebob’s homosexuality, anchor babies, Google censoring Clinton body counts, war on Christmas, war on Christianity, anti-capitalist Muppets, gun confiscation, moon landing hoax, Planned Parenthood abortion factories, ACORN voter fraud operations, big government and unions destroying everything, and much more. They’ve even featured a lot of conspiracy theorists like Orly Taitz, Alex Jones, and many of their news hosts like Glenn Beck. Still, trying to pass off conspiracy theories as factual information is irresponsible and not becoming of any credible news organization. Because a lot of them are based on speculation, personal bias, gossip, and urban legend. And most of them have been thoroughly debunked, sometimes through a process known as simple logic as well as research supported by facts. Yet, since Fox News cares more about their conservative agenda, it all depends on whether these theories suit them.

Fox News has reported the news by perpetuating very harmful stereotypes that pertain to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, income, and culture. Here Obama is calling Fox News on saying how it makes an effort to suggest that poor people are sponges, leeches, and lazy. Well, turns out that Obama is right. However, their racial crime coverage is appalling, especially with how they slander Black Lives Matter.

3. Perpetuating Offensive Stereotypes– Whether it pertains to all Muslims as backward and violent religious fanatics who are all suspected terrorists by default even if they’re American, blacks as promiscuous gangbanging deadbeat dads and drug addled welfare moms, illegal border crossers having anchor babies, Hispanics as undocumented criminals, LGBT people as depraved pervs, spoiled millennial brats, poor people being unemployed moochers on welfare, and feminazis, Fox News never misses an opportunity to disparage a person they don’t like, particularly if they’re not white, rich, Christian, or male. It doesn’t help that most of their reporting staff is white. Fox’s coverage of racial crime is particularly appalling which doesn’t hesitate to include racial overtones. Not that general racial crime coverage isn’t racist because it certainly is if you watch the local news. But racial crime coverage on Fox News stands out since the racism doesn’t seem accidental or just consist of daily showings of black mugshots. In fact, Fox seems to perpetuate racial crime stereotypes with stories they choose to cover and their frequent use of racial identifiers. They even actively exploit the race angle by speculating that otherwise non-racial events are examples of racist hate crime. Case in point focuses to the network framing the murder of an Australian teen in Oklahoma as a racist hate crime by three young black men. In reality, the guy was twenty-three, the murderers were teens, one of the killers was white, and the kids admitted to killing him just for kicks. Sure it was cold-blooded murder and these kids were sick but it’s far from a racist hate crime. More like the white victim just having to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Not to mention, the local District Attorney told Greta Van Susteren there was no evidence the crime had anything to do with race. On that same program, Fox featured the murder of a white WWII veteran by two black suspects in Spokane. Though a reporter said the murder looked more like a “random beating” or “possible robbery,” Van Susteren asked whether it was racially motivated. It wasn’t. Later, Pat Buchanan would use this story to say that “racial hate crimes [are] 40 times more prevalent in the black community than the white community, and nobody talks about it” with dubious statistics to boot. Sorry, Pat, but white racial hate crime against blacks is far more prevalent. You can find that out in your American History book. But it’s not the only case Fox has tried to question whether a crime with a black killer and white victim was racially motivated. By contrast, the network would swear that George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin in self-defense when race certainly played a role. Even worse, Sean Hannity tried to connect Martin’s killing to the New Black Panther Party while Geraldo Rivera blamed Martin for his own death because he was wearing a hoodie. Another incidence of Fox News racism revolves Peter Doocy describing Department of Justice findings of racial bias where he emphasized that then Attorney General Eric Holder “floated the possibility” of dissolving Ferguson’s police department as a result. Steve Doocy linked the DOJ’s report and Holder’s response the shooting of two Ferguson police officers and added, “a new wave of violence comes one week after Attorney General Eric Holder vowed to dismantle that city’s police department,” questioning whether it was “what he wanted.” In a way he seems to blame Holder for the police shootings even though nobody at DOJ had any plans to dissolve Ferguson’s Police Department. No wonder Jon Stewart criticized Fox News of ignoring the realities of systematic racism those in Ferguson were protesting. Though we all know that Fox News refers Black Lives Matter as a bunch of lawless and violent thugs they’re clearly not. They even go as far as saying that BLM advocates cop-killing when the group promotes nothing of the sort. They also say that the unarmed black victims were violent thugs and that the cops’ actions were justified. Doesn’t help that the network has Bill O’Reilly commenting how life under the infamous dehumanizing institution of slavery wasn’t really that bad (newsflash: it was). It’s clear Fox News thinks that racism doesn’t exist anymore when it surely does. Let’s just say if you believe that, then you’re a racist. Look, I know that Fox might be playing to an audience that’s probably full of racists to begin with. But Fox News’ propping of offensive stereotypes has misinformed countless white viewers and made race issues much more controversial.

This is James O’Keefe. He made a video depicting a sting on ACORN dressed up as a pimp for interviews. He showed a video that was deceptively edited to show the negative to show negative responses in an effort to conduct character assassination against the community organizing nonprofit. He’s been sued by one of the employees for defamation.

4. Creating Scandals Through Unethical Practices– Fox News has been particularly insidious in trying to demonize liberals and Democrats as well as other people they don’t like, especially Barack Obama and his administration. During the 2008 election as well as Obama’s presidency, the network has tried to smear the president as a scary black man out to get white people. They have done so through taking quotes and videos out of context as well as ramming so-called scandals down viewers’ throats no matter how twisted the story may be. When the NAACP charged the Tea Party of racism, Fox and their friends aired a two minute clip of Shirley Sherrod talking about an incident with a white farmer from decades ago who’d later become a close family friend. What she told was a story about overcoming prejudices and reconciliation. But Fox only aired part of the clip and branded it as racism. She was fired. Another insidious case concerns how Fox News demonized ACORN, an agency that works for poor and minority interests. This involved a young man named James O’Keefe who dressed up as a pimp and went to several ACORN offices asking for advice and recorded the visits. The videos were edited only to show negative responses and make it seem like O’Keefe was actually dressed as a pimp for the interviews. He has since been arrested and convicted of breaking into a government office on false pretenses. As of 2010, he’s also being sued by ACORN employee, Juan Carlos Vera for being falsely portrayed in a heavily edited video to be conspiring with O’Keefe to transport undocumented immigrants as prostitutes. Then there’s Fox News taking small clips of Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s sermons and twisting them into making him an anti-American, anti-white madman. In an impassioned speech, Wright referenced comments from former U.S. Ambassador Edward Peck on Fox News who referred to 9/11 as chickens coming home to roost, which Fox News used to make him look like an Al-Qaida supporter. In other sermons, Wright would criticize the US on several fronts including nuking Japan during WWII, the Vietnam War, support of apartheid, the Tuskegee experiment, Iran-Contra, the Iraq War, and AIDS. Save for Wright’s claim about the government starting AIDS, most of them are thoroughly backed up. Furthermore, unlike most Fox News pundits and GOP politicians, Wright is a former Marine who’s also served as a cardiopulmonary technician in the US Navy. In fact, he worked for the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and was part of the medical team charged with caring for President Lyndon B. Johnson. If you need proof, there’s a photo depicting him tending to LBJ right behind an I.V. pole and standing in front of then White House Press Secretary Bill Moyers. There’s also a thank you letter. So it’s fairly pointless and shameful to attack this man’s patriotism. But you wouldn’t know that from how Fox News depicts him. What Fox News did to Sherrod, Wright, and ACORN was not journalism but deliberate attempts at character assassination through dubious means. What Fox has considerably hurt their reputations and earned them notoriety they didn’t deserve.

With his heavily right-wing militia buddies, Cliven Bundy squared off in an aggressively anti-law enforcement standoff against federal agents. This was over that the Feds were ordered to confiscate his cattle due to his refusal to pay $1 million in grazing fees and fines for public land use. Fox News championed his cause as him standing up to big government. Never mind that Bundy was staging domestic terrorism against law enforcement. Disgraceful.

5. Defending and Glorifying Terrorists and Criminals– Now it’s one thing how Fox News denigrates minorities blacks and Latinos as criminals and Muslims as terrorists. However, if there’s a story that concerns a conservative who’s in trouble with the law, well, they might cover it quite differently. When the story about Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s showdown with the Feds broke, Fox News flaunted its disdain for law enforcement in order to champion him. Never mind that the Feds were there in the first place to legally confiscate his cattle because Bundy refused to pay over $1 million federal grazing fees and fines for using public land. Nor the fact the rancher was supported by heavily armed militia men and women and the stand-off was aggressively anti-law enforcement. Nor how the Southern Poverty Law Center described it as “Militia snipers lined the hilltops and overpasses with scopes trained on federal agents.” In other words, these guys basically threatened the Feds with violence. Or how the SPLC noted that these people taunted the Feds with insults denouncing various officers as a “terrorist,” “loser,” “chickenshit,” and a “fucking pussy.” Would it be rude to call Bundy an insurrectionist? How about domestic terrorist? But there you have Fox News acting as his publicist with Bill O’Reilly, Todd Starnes, and Sean Hannity calling him a hero sticking up to government overreach. For a network to treat a criminal with no respect for authority like Bundy is beyond disgusting. Luckily, Fox News got their comeuppance for their inexcusable stance when Bundy publicly remarked how blacks were better off as slaves. Another good example would be the case with George Zimmerman who fatally shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in a Florida gated community. Martin was clearly a victim of racial profiling since he was on his way to visit his father and minding his own business while Zimmerman followed him. The fact Zimmerman got away with it on Florida’s infamous “Stand Your Ground” law is an utter disgrace. However, when Sean Hannity had a panel on race that included a black minister Pastor Marcus Jarvis and lawyer Eric Guster, Hannity asserted that Zimmerman was absolutely in the right for fatally shooting the black teenager. The black men were rightly pissed off. Hannity would later interview Zimmerman who’s admitted that he doesn’t regret killing Martin and that he felt it was all God’s plan. He’d later give an account that Martin had beaten him and he shot the kid out of fear for his life. Fox had clearly framed the Trayvon Martin’s murder as an act of self-defense when the actual tapes illustrate that it was not the case. Moreover, Zimmerman has had other encounters with the law such as a 2005 arrest for shoving an undercover alcohol agent, an ex-fiancee filing a restraining order against him on domestic violence, a 911 call from his estranged wife citing that he threatened her and her dad with a gun as well as punched the latter in the face, a 2013 arrest for aggravated assault with a weapon, domestic violence, battery, and criminal mischief against his girlfriend, a 2015 arrest for aggravated assault with a weapon against his ex-girlfriend, and being punched during a Gators’ game for bragging about Trayvon Martin’s murder. The fact Fox News stood by this man is appalling.

When it comes to black activists who protest police brutality like Black Lives Matter, Fox News is always quick to portray them as violent, lawless thugs who support cop-killing. However, when it comes to right-wing and anti-government cop killers, Fox News tends to either ignore it or make them seem like isolated incidents that have nothing to do with politics. Because at Fox News, white supremacist and right-wing anti-government terrorism doesn’t exist.

6. Blatant Hypocrisy and Double Standards– Fox News has an astounding record on hypocrisy and double standards when covering the news. And the network would always take the side that best suits their conservative ideology. Over the years, the cable news channel has been quick to label protests against police brutality as lawless thugs promoting cop-killing such as the people of Black Lives Matter. Yet, when it comes to cop killings by right-wing and anti-government gunmen to deliver their warped political messages, they ignore it, say it has nothing to do with politics, or blame political and community leaders who’ve spoken out about the troubled relationship between the blacks and the police. While Fox News is quick to treat a mass shooting or bombing involving Muslims as a terrorist attack to promote radical Islam, when it comes to white supremacist and anti-government attacks, they treat them as isolated incidents having nothing to do with politics with perpetrators being portrayed as wacko lone wolves not representing any cultural or political movement. In one instance, they even treated an anti-government terrorist as a hero despite that he and his supporters staged an armed stand-off against the Feds. In reality, the rise of right-wing and anti-government domestic terrorism has become an increasing concern. And there are incidents in which such the attack had a lot to do with politics. For instance, the guy who killed worshipers at a Wisconsin Sikh Temple was a skinhead. For some reason, Fox News doesn’t believe that right-wing domestic terrorism even exists. Another example has to pertain to music and entertainment when Fox News blasted the rapper Common for setting a terrible example to young people by recording songs about killing cops (which really wasn’t the case). They also criticized Beyonce and other black recording artists for the same thing, using offensive black stereotypes no less. Meanwhile, there’s Ted Nugent who’s said very disparaging remarks about Obama and Hillary at a concert and his song “Cat Scratch Fever” contains very sexually explicit lyrics. On Fox News, he’s seen as an honored guest. Then there’s Fox News commentators criticizing on how certain women dress and liberal politicians doing morally dubious things in their personal lives. However, Fox & Friends once had Hooter Girls on their show and the network mandates their on-air talent to wear short dresses. As for conservative politicians in their private lives, well, note that they undergo damage control like labeling disgraced Republicans with a D to their names. They may even ignore the scandal entirely. Or they may even defend them. After all, you might see Newt Gingrich appear on the network from time to time. You know the former House Speaker who tried to crucify Bill Clinton over his sexual proclivities who also cheated on and later dumped two wives for getting sick. Rudy Giuliani is another familiar face. He was the former thrice-married New York City mayor who used local resources to conduct an affair with his mistress (and later Wife #3) while still married to Wife #2. Not to mention, Bill O’Reilly’s personal conduct toward women. As if these people pride themselves for not being politically correct….

Fox News has been a major contributor to the rise in climate change denial. This despite that there’s a 97% scientific consensus that human caused climate change is real and it’s a serious problem that can’t be ignored. This has very much hindered the US from passing any real climate change policy. Clearly, whenever it comes to global warming, Fox is clearly misrepresenting the facts.

7. Misrepresenting Facts– According to a 2015 report from the Independent Journalism Review, Fox News has an astonishing 61% of claims rated Mostly False or worse compared to MSNBC with 44% and CNN with 20%. Nothing illustrates Fox News so consistently misinforming the public whenever the topic is climate change where it has disproportionally represented climate contrarian views. This despite the fact that there’s a 97% expert consensus on human-based global warming. According to a 2012 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, 93% of Fox News’ global warming coverage was misleading. Statements identified in the report included, “…dismissals of human-caused climate change, disparaging comments about individual scientists, rejections of climate science as a body of knowledge, and cherry picking of data.” Fox News’ influence in climate change denial is extensive and undeniable. And their influence has resulted in very negative consequences for the US as well as the world. It’s well established in the scientific community that climate change is real, is manmade, is happening, and is a very serious global problem. Yet, Fox News’ endorsement of climate change denial has greatly hindered efforts to prevent climate change and adapt to a warming climate as well as undermined the public’s trust in climate science and led to low levels of public concern. Furthermore, it’s also said their distortion is a big reason why Republicans continue denying climate change. Thus, climate change has become a highly partisan and controversial issue in American politics when it shouldn’t be. This is very troubling especially since the Pentagon has ruled climate change denial as a national security. Of course, climate change isn’t the only thing Fox News lies about, but their misleading climate change coverage shows how their misrepresentation of facts has drastically hurt this country. This is inexcusable.

In 2008, Fox News took revenge on two men from the New York Times for a so-called, “hit piece” on the network. Fox proceeded to alter their photos while superimposing their faces to a photo of a man with his poodle. This is just photoshop antics you’d see on the Daily Show. But on Fox News, this is just irresponsible.

8. Photo Manipulation– On July 2, 2008, Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Killmeade aired photos of New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg and TV editor Steven Reddiccliffe that appeared to have been crudely doctored in order to portray them unflatteringly. This during a discussion of a piece in a Times piece on June 28 that pointed out what Steinberg called “ominous trends” in Fox News ratings which Doocy called a “hit piece” Reddiccliffe ordered. On the show Steinberg was depicted with yellowed teeth, “his nose and chin widened, and his ears made to protrude further.” Reddiccliffe was portrayed with yellow teeth as well as “dark circles … under his eyes, and his hairline has been moved back.” The broadcast later showed an image of Steinberg’s face superimposed on a poodle while Reddiccliffe’s was over a man holding the poodle’s leash. Times editor Sam Sifton called the photo aired on Fox “disgusting” and the criticisms on its reporting a “specious and meritless claim.” The manipulation was probably no accident.

9. Video Manipulation– Fox News has a long record of selective editing, withholding content, and using video clips for their own deceptive purposes. On November 10, 2009, Sean Hannity misrepresented video footage purportedly showing crowds at a Rep. Michele Bachmann orchestrated protest. On the Daily Show, Jon Stewart showed inconsistencies in alternating shots according to sky color and tree leaves showing footage from Glenn Beck’s much larger 9/12 rally spliced in. Hannity estimated that 20,000 were in attendance. Luke Russert and the Washington Post guessed somewhere between 4,000-10,000. Stewart has also periodically accused Fox of playing video footage out of context. Another instances was when Sean Hannity played footage of Obama stating the DREAM ACT couldn’t be passed by executive order to make him seem like a hypocrite. Even though the full footage shows Obama going on to clarify the president can stop deportations. Of course, Fox News can make excuses such as when it was found the network used footage from a 2008 McCain/Palin rally for a Sarah Palin book signing at Grand Rapids, Michigan as Greg Jarrett told viewers that there was a massive turnout. Senior vice-president Michael Clemente issued a statement saying, “This was a production error in which the copy editor changed a script and didn’t alert the control room to update the video.” They also like to splice quotes such as when they aired a clip of Michelle Obama saying that she’s proud of her country now that her husband was running for president around the 2008 election. What she actually said that she’s very proud of her country.

Fox News has been extremely sexist both in its on-screen rhetoric which show a strong opposition to women’s rights and to its female employees. For instance, Fox’s female on-air talent have to wear short skirts and can’t wear pants. And this is Andrea Tantaros who likened Fox News’ workplace culture, “like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny.” She was also among many women at the station harassed by then CEO Roger Ailes and claimed that former Senator Scott Brown and Bill O’Reilly harassed her as well.

10. Showing No Respect for Women– Sexist stereotyping, feminazis, and Hillary Clinton comments aside, Fox News has remained a cesspool of sexism both on and off screen. Fox News isn’t necessarily in line with notions of conservative womanhood but they’re nonetheless has a legendary disdain for women. Sure they’re antagonistic to women’s rights, bemoan the rise of female breadwinners, think female brains aren’t great for business executives, shame rape victims, and that feminism is a cause of women high school teachers sexually abusing students. Yet, when it comes to notions of female wholesomeness like modesty, you can bet Fox isn’t going for that. Mostly because it’s owned by an Australian man who’d use tits to sell a newspaper. Just look at Fox’s female on-air talent who mostly have to be highly attractive and mostly blond and white as well as comparatively young or be yanked off the moment they age. They’re also required to abide to a stringent dress code consisting of sleeveless short dresses, some with cleavage revealing peekaboo cutouts (with few exceptions) or tight cleavage revealing shirts with short skirts. These are outfits that could barely pass a high school dress code and it’s definitely not something a conservative Christian would want their daughter to wear. But it’s very much implied female broadcasters are expected to use sex to sell. Then there’s the case with former Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson who played a total ditz who gets the wrong context for terms like “ignoramus” and “czar” even when she googled both terms. This despite that she’s a high school valedictorian, a Stanford graduate with high honors, a former student abroad in Oxford, and able to play Zigeunerweisen on the violin. It’s clear she was deliberately playing dumb so her viewership could see her as more identifiable and less intimidating. She’s even had to put up with a barrage of sexist jokes from her male colleagues which culminated in a 2012 incident where she walked off the set. Her demeanor sets a very terrible example to girls and projects very sexist standards on feminine behavior that many people encourage. Off-screen, it’s just as bad as former newscaster Andrea Tantaros described the workplace culture as “like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency, and misogyny.” According to Tantaros, Fox News had a yearly “trunk show” where female employees are forced to dress and undress in front of staff. Workplace sexual harassment at the network is rampant. Roger Ailes has a well-known record of sexually harassing women even before he became the network’s CEO. It’s a major reason why he wasn’t offered a job in the Nixon administration despite helping Tricky Dick win in 1968. Anyway, Carlson alleged that Ailes told her, “You and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago, and then you’d be good and better and I’d be good and better.” This during sexual harassment meeting! He also may have told a woman “you might have to give a blowjob every once in a while” for him to help with her career. Carlson claims her contract wasn’t renewed as direct retaliation about the pervasive harassment and sexism she faced. Megyn Kelly has said Ailes has sexually harassed her as well. So has Tantaros. Yet, a lot of women at Fox News have non-disparaging clauses in their contracts and may not be able to come forward for fear they’d lose their job. Not only that, but according to Tantaros, Fox has numerous “sock puppet” accounts on its talent which are fake identities to promote or trash someone through seemingly independent blogs or social networking sites. In other words, Fox spends a lot of time looking for dirt on talent employees which they use for leaking baseless and harmful information about them in order to discredit and cause reputational harm. Thankfully, Ailes resigned and is now working for the Trump campaign. However, this doesn’t mean that Fox News’ problems with sexual harassment have necessarily gone away. Bill O’Reilly has been subject to sexual harassment, extortion, and domestic abuse allegations. And this sexual creep still has a show on the network. Let that sink in.

The fact Fox News has a loyal following of fans yet lacks any form of class has contributed greatly to this nation’s increasingly polarized and hostile environment. Here Fox News has a headline calling Michelle Obama as Barack’s “baby mama.” Racist? Yes. Offensive? Of course. But a lot of viewers are racist and will buy it.

11. Contributing to a Hostile Political Environment– Since the advent of Fox News, the American public has become more politically polarized. Sure the rise of social media has something to do with it. But we should remember that a lot of Fox’s audience is over 65 and is less likely to have a computer or internet. Now being a conservative news station is one thing. Yet, Fox has taken it much further with supporting Republican stances and politicians without question. No matter how wrong those stances would be or how hypocritical it makes them seem. They also breaking news stories that embarrass the GOP as well as labeling prominent Republicans who’ve upset the public as Democrats. As for liberals and their causes, they’ve been unrelentingly hostile with heinous insults, slander, character smears, cheer when one of their initiatives fails, and just plain bullying. Even when it pertains to liberals standing up for basic decency and especially if they’re non-white. Case in point the Black Lives Matter movement. Since Fox has such a loyal following, these people accept their commentary as gospel. Many of them have become vociferously hostile like the Tea Party members and Trump supporters. Fox News has had a hand in perpetuating climate change denial, increasing racial tensions, increasing legislative gridlock, and others. Not to mention, recent Republican politicians have increasingly become more partisan and less willing to compromise, especially in Congress. It’s very clear that Fox News has played a role in our political dysfunction in our democratic society.

Here is Bill O’Reilly’s producer Jesse Watters ambushing Vermont US Senator Bernie Sanders. O’Reilly sends employees to do this a lot, mainly for revenge and to humiliate his targets. This is a terrible method of journalism and is clearly an intimidation tactic.

12. Using Intimidation Tactics– Now I may have discussed some intimidation tactics on how Fox News tries to silence female employees who’ve been sexually harassed by their male bosses and colleagues. However, sexual harassment situations aren’t the only times Fox has resorted to intimidation. For a time on The O’Reilly Factor, it wasn’t unusual for Bill O’Reilly to send employees to stalk, harass, and ambush people who didn’t want to appear on his show. Or people O’Reilly doesn’t like. One major case was in 2009 when O’Reilly’s producer and crew to ambush Think Progress blogger Amanda Terkel on vacation in order to asking why she was hurting rape victims and demanding that she apologize. This was in an attempt to humiliate her and depict her as fearful, agitated, and incoherent on national TV. Why did he do this? Because Terkel was one of many people who called out the hypocrisy of O’Reilly being a speaker for It Happened to Alexa Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping rape victims. And Terkel was totally justified to call him on it. Because O’Reilly is a flat out pig who once famously said, “Now Moore, Jennifer Moore, 18, on her way to college. She was 5-foot-2, 105 pounds, wearing a miniskirt and a halter top with a bare midriff. Now, again, there you go. So every predator in the world is gonna pick that up at two in the morning. She’s walking by herself on the West Side Highway, and she gets picked up by a thug. All right. Now she’s out of her mind, drunk.” Definitely not a guy you’d want to speak in front of rape survivors. Not to mention his reputation as an uniformed, creepy, loudmouth who’s been accused of sexual harassment and domestic abuse. But camera crews to follow people in order to ambush and humiliate them is just unethical and possibly illegal. Yet, somehow O’Reilly gets away with it. Another case from 2008 centers around the legendary Bill Moyers, a former press secretary and then PBS broadcaster who refused to appear on O’Reilly’s show. Moyers made him look like a fool. Vermont US Senator Bernie Sanders was another during his presidential candidacy. Sanders blew the producer off. Others include Arianna Huffington, former Bush press secretary Scott McClellan, Tim Robbins, Jane Fonda, Sean Penn, Susan Sarandon, and even Barack Obama during his Senate days (where O’Reilly did it himself). O’Reilly has had a long record of ambushing and threatening journalists, politicians, religious officials, activists, celebrities, and even judges. O’Reilly has suggested that the “ambush journalism” conducted by his producers is limited to targeting “public servants” and stated prior to these “ambush interviews” subjects would either be asked to appear on his show or explain their actions. In reality, they’re just O’Reilly’s way of getting revenge.

During his time on Fox News, Glenn Beck’s ridiculous madman rants gave the network high ratings. Unfortunately, it inspired 3 violent criminals to commit acts of domestic terrorism. One of whom, killed 3 cops in Pittsburgh with an AK-47. He was later fired from the network after 296 sponsors dropped him.

13. Encouraging Extremism and Violence– As I said Fox News has a horrible record of handling cases pertaining to right-wing terrorism and white-on-black crime. But it’s even more disturbing whenever Fox defends men like George Zimmerman and frame Cliven Bundy as a hero. Fox’s Bundy glorification is particularly disgraceful because it makes it seem like staging an armed militia stand-off against the Feds is perfectly okay because these domestic terrorists are standing up to big government. Uh, excuse me, but when is domestic terrorism ever acceptable? Apparently whenever the perp is a right-wing nutjob, according to Fox. It doesn’t help that Fox has had plenty of conspiracy theorists on their network. But they’ve also engaged in some rather violent rhetoric about people they don’t like. There’s Glen Beck’s saying, “To the day I die, I am going to be a progressive hunter.” Bill O’Reilly’s comments on the late Dr. George Tiller are especially awful: “[I]f I could get my hands on Tiller — well, you know. Can’t be vigilantes. Can’t do that. It’s just a figure of speech.” He repeatedly called him, “Tiller, the baby killer” and even said that Tiller was an evil man with blood on his hands who had to be stopped and that anyone who doesn’t stop him has blood on their hands as well. He said all of this shortly before the Kansas abortionist was murdered in his church. Still, publicly calling for someone’s death, abortionist or not, is unconscionable regardless of whether you’re pro-life, pro-choice, or pro-anything. Then there’s Ralph Peters on then Taliban-held Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, “[W]e know this private is a liar; we’re not sure if he’s a deserter.” He later added that if he was a deserter, “the Taliban can save us a lot of legal hassles and legal bills.” An NBC correspondent later reported the Pentagon claimed Peters’ comments “could endanger” the captured soldier. To be fair, I know most Fox News viewers aren’t violent. And I know that Fox News never intends to inspire violence either. But knowing that a lot of Fox’s fanbase supports Donald Trump, such rhetoric could explain a lot since they probably hear it a lot and think it’s entertaining. However, that’s the problem for there may be extremist Fox News fans out there who might take those words out of context and might be inspired to carry out acts of violence. Like the right-wing terrorists that Fox News believes don’t exist. In 2010, Byron Williams traded gunfire with 10 California Highway Patrol Officers after they stopped him for erratic driving. After his arrest, Williams said he intended to start a revolution by traveling to San Francisco and killing important members of the Tides Foundation and the ACLU. He also claimed that he was inspired by Beck’s chalkboard conspiracy theories on liberal groups and described himself as a “progressive hunter.” Another avid Glenn Beck fanboy was Richard Poplawski who fired upon 5 Pittsburgh cops with an AK-47 and killed 3 of them. According to a friend, Poplawski loved Glenn Beck and was reportedly obsessed with Beck’s theories of an imminent food crisis, that paper money would soon be worthless, and that the government planned to intern dissidents in concentration camps. A third is Kenneth B. Kimberly who discussed bombing a bridge and made threatening statements about Obama. Little did he know, he was talking to an undercover federal agent who led investigators to seize 20,000 of ammunition rounds and several firearms from his property. He and other suspected militia members also gathered at his home to make grenades. Kimberly also claims to be a leader of the extreme right-wing militia called the Brotherhood of American Patriots whose mission is to “resist in the event the government started rounding up the patriots” and to stand up in the face of foreign invasions and societal breakdowns. Gives you an idea how Fox’s violent rhetoric could go.

Bill O’Reilly’s time at Fox News has consisted of allegations of sexual harassment, extortion, domestic abuse, calling for an abortionist’s murder, and pathological lying. On that last part, O’Reilly has lied about his past as well as written a series of books based on dubious historical research. Any other reporter with a rap sheet like that would’ve been fired. But Bill O’Reilly still has a show and the network has jumped to his defense. Shame.

14. Failing to Hold Newscasters Accountable– Yes, working at Fox News isn’t really nice since newscasters are coached on what to report and female on-air talent are subject to harassment and confined to a skimpy outfit dress code. But when it comes to some really awful stuff among its talent, Fox News doesn’t seem to do anything about it or at least until there’s a big public scandal or the newscaster has become an increased liability to the network. And a lot of Fox newscasters get away with shit that their mainstream media counterparts wouldn’t. Yes, I know the bit about Roger Ailes being booted out as Fox News CEO for sexual harassment. But if it wasn’t for Gretchen Carlson filing a high profile lawsuit, Ailes would be network head today. Besides, other Fox executives and newscasters have had sexual harassment allegations as well. One of them is Bill O’Reilly whose show is still on the air and has also been accused of extortion and domestic abuse. O’Reilly also repeatedly denounced Kansas abortionist Dr. George Tiller for 4 years before his murder and may have called for his death. But he responded to such allegations saying, “no backpedaling here … every single thing we said about Tiller was true.” Maybe, but that’s absolutely no excuse for inciting violence against him and such comments are very irresponsible, especially for a public figure. Then we have O’Reilly’s long list of lies. He’s lied about winning two Peabodys for hosting Inside Edition in the 1990s which is a tabloid show. He’s claimed to be an average guy who came from nothing when he spent his childhood growing up in an affluent New York suburb, attending private school and college, taking regular vacations in Florida, and lucking out of the draft during Vietnam. Furthermore his father was a currency accountant for an oil company and I’m sure he earned more than $35,000 a year unlike what O’Reilly claims. He’s lied about knocking at the front door at George de Mohrenschildt’s daughter’s home at the moment de Mohrenschildt committed suicide. Audio files made by Gaeton Fonzi indicate he wasn’t there. He even lied about surviving a combat situation covering the 1982 Falklands War, even though there were no American journalists in the islands during the conflict. And that O’Reilly had arrived to Buenos Aires shortly before the war ended. He later said the situation was a riot in Buenos Aires after Argentina surrendered. Former CBS colleague Eric Engberg said the riot they covered wasn’t a combat situation where he heard no shots fired and saw no ambulances or tanks on the street. Furthermore, the sound guy and cameraman with O’Reilly at the time have backed up Engberg’s claims. At any rate, archived video of the incident shows that O’Reilly might’ve been right about the Falklands War riots being combat situations. However, his other claims regarding his reporting in El Salvador and Northern Ireland were questioned. In 2013, he stated: “I’ve seen soldiers gun down unarmed civilians in Latin America, Irish terrorists kill and maim their fellow citizens in Belfast with bombs.” He’s even claimed that he saw nuns gunned down in El Salvador. Later it was clarified that O’Reilly had been shown images of murdered nuns and Irish bombings but wasn’t an eyewitness in either case. Then he’s said to lie about being attacked by protesters while reporting the LA Riots which has also been disputed by former colleagues at Inside Edition. In the mainstream network news, you have NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams who lied about witnessing a helicopter being shot down in Iraq and got canned for it. O’Reilly lied about witnessing events several times and is still working. Not to mention the Daily Dot has a list of 99 of his lies and his history books have been charred by historians for being off-based and weakly researched. His books have even been bashed by conservative news outlets. His Killing Lincoln book was banned at the Ford’s Theatre bookstore for historical inaccuracies by the National Park Service which included a claim that Lincoln’s War Secretary Edwin Stanton was involved in his assassination plot. A claim in which he and co-author Martin Dugard failed to provide evidence. They also claim that Lincoln worked in his Oval Office which was actually constructed in 1909. In fact, his office was actually what we now call the Lincoln bedroom. Meanwhile, when respected CBS News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent Dan Rather couldn’t supply any tangible proof on George W. Bush skipping out on his military service in 2004, the network fired him. O’Reilly still has his job despite that he’s been widely seen as a pathological liar. Yet, the fact he hasn’t been fired for things most journalists got canned for is just very disturbing as far as the media landscape goes.

This is Wayne Simmons who was a Fox News resident “terror expert” claiming to be a former CIA agent. He was later sentenced to 33 months in jail for decades of fraudulent claims about being a CIA agent. He’s also had a rapsheet of swindling and firearms violations. You have to wonder what Fox News’ background check system is like.

15. Failing to Fact Check Sources and Background Check Experts– Like I said, Fox News cares more about their conservative agenda than it does about facts. And it doesn’t really care where they get their information from. So fact-checking sources isn’t really in vogue at the network. A lot of Fox’s sources usually come from the Heritage Foundation think tank but they also rely on conspiracy theorists and websites like Infowars which is owned by radio host Alex Jones who’s listed as an extremist by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Now Jones is notorious for his epic rants about “New World Order” plots for world government enforced eugenics, secret internment camps, militarized police, and behind the scenes control by a global corporate cabal. According to him, the only way to avert this dystopian future is if true patriots resist before it’s too late. His hundreds of thousands of acolytes are taking heed, building bunkers, hoarding food, and investing in precious metals. You might’ve seen Glenn Beck promoting these things whether on Fox News or on Comedy Central. In some cases like with Richard Poplawski and Jared Loughner, they’re resorting to violence like killing 3 cops with an AK-47 or killing 6 people and shooting a US Congresswoman in the head. He also believes that some of the nation’s worst mass shootings and terror attacks were government-led “false-flag” operations and even suggested that 9/11 was an inside job. Another SPLC extremist luminary Fox News has had on their network is self-proclaimed historian David Barton whose book The Jefferson Lies was recalled by the world’s largest Christian publishing company for too many serious errors. You know the kind of gross factual mistakes that would end a real historian’s career. Barton has promoted the false notion that our Founding Fathers never intended a separation between church and state but rather sought to build a Christian nation. His Wallbuilders group sells lots of books and DVDs pushing his fun-house vision of religious patriotism. However, despite being among “one of the 25 most influential Evangelicals” he’s an utter fraud whose version of American history is filled with flagrant omissions and distortions that bend reality to his own fact-free vision. Even among conservative Christian history scholars who’ve refuted his claims think he’s a crackpot. He was a regular guest on Glenn Beck’s “Founders’ Fridays.” Sometimes Fox would feature experts with sketchy credentials or sketchy ties. Many of the climate-denying “scientists” on the network don’t have a scientific background. One time, Bill O’Reilly had a “national security analyst” Ryan Mauro who claimed that Muslims were forming “no-go zones” in the US where they would train and launch domestic attacks. Not only they were never substantiated by credible sources in law enforcement, but he’s actually a national security analyst for the Clarion Project which has been classified as an anti-Muslim hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Fox News has invited him back numerous times to spread his false and inflammatory smears that give Fox News viewers the wrong impression of Islam along with an unwarranted fear of peaceful fellow citizens. There’s also Milwaukee sheriff named David Clarke who delivered a keynote address to a New York chapter Oath Keepers meeting, a right-wing militia terrorist group who believe in a wild set of conspiracy theories. These people were best known for their controversial presence during protests and unrests in Ferguson, Missouri during which members were armed with semi-automatics. The SPLC lists its founder as an extremist while the Anti-Defamation League describes them as “heavily armed extremists with a conspiratorial and anti-government mindset looking for potential showdowns with the government.” There was even a Fox News commentator Wayne Simmons who claimed to be a former CIA agent and had appeared numerous times on the network since 2002. He would later be sentenced to 33 months due to his fraudulent claims about being a CIA agent for decades and actually had neither military nor intelligence background. He also defrauded a woman out of $125,000 in a bogus real estate investment, defrauded the government several times, and illegally possessed two firearms around his arrest (due to being barred from having prior firearms violations at both the state and federal level). In other words, the man was a con artist. So I guess Fox News doesn’t do background checks on their experts either.

Here’s a picture depicting the people whom Fox News sees as the most dangerous people on earth. One is the first black president they’ve talked shit about for years. The other Pope Francis whom Fox News labeled a Marxist who just bashed their brand of journalism. Oh, wait, what Fox News does isn’t really journalism. They just try to pass it on like it is. No wonder The Daily Show and late night comedians make fun of them.

The National Security Threat of Domestic Terrorism (Depicted by the News Media)

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 24, 2016

american-domestic-terrorism

When Americans think about terrorism, they usually imagine 9/11 and other attacks perpetuated by people who aren’t from this country and who aren’t like us. Groups like Al Qaida and ISIS usually come to mind. Yet, while foreign terrorist attacks like 9/11 are enough to make us frightened and willing to send troops to Afghanistan, there’s a national security threat more pressing that most people don’t pay much attention to. It’s called domestic terrorism which refer to terror acts carried out by US citizens or permanent residents on US soil. Domestic terrorists have committed 80% of attacks since 9/11 and killed more Americans on US soil than their foreign counterparts. Under current US law enforcement, the USA PATRIOT ACT defines acts as domestic terrorism those in which:

involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
appear to be intended –
1. to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
2. to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion;
3. to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping;
occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

Accurately referred to as “America’s Favorite Domestic Terrorist,” legendary abolitionist John Brown has become a highly controversial figure both for his anti-slavery ideology as well as his violent tactics. But he perfectly illustrates why Americans may have a hard time recognizing domestic terror even in their American history books.

But when it comes to identifying domestic terrorism in contemporary culture, a lot of Americans struggled since the perpetrators may look like them and may share ideas that they kind of agree with. A good case in point is American abolitionist John Brown who’s known for participating in Bleeding Kansas and trying to overthrow the institution of slavery through staging an unsuccessful raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859 that killed 7 and injured 10. Brown’s raid on a government arsenal in present day West Virginia clearly fit USA PATRIOT ACT’s definition of domestic terrorism. Brown’s raid involved acts dangerous to human life that violated US and state criminal laws, were clearly intended to intimidate civilians and influence government policy, and definitely occurred on US soil. The fact he believed himself an instrument of God’s wrath in punishing men for the sin of slavery certainly proves that his extremist beliefs had a religious dimension. But since Brown’s motivation behind his attack on Harper’s Ferry was to overthrow the institution of slavery, well, he’s rarely seen as such even by modern day academics. Mostly because Americans agree that slavery was a very terrible sin and the fact it divided the country as well as took 4 year civil war to outlaw it. So in hindsight, Brown’s idea of destroying the institution of slavery through violence isn’t really that crazy (though to a point). And it’s mainly because of Brown’s abolitionist views no matter how extreme they were that he’s often seen as a heroic martyr and visionary to many people. Nevertheless, Brown’s actions prior to the American Civil War and the tactics he chose still make him a very controversial figure today. But Brown’s life and our perception of him illustrate why a lot Americans have difficulty identifying acts of terror by our fellow countrymen in the nation. This is a problem as I explain in this post in FAQ and list format.

This is a photoshopped picture that advocates gun control. However, it also illustrates the problem the media has with identifying domestic terrorist attacks.

If law enforcement has a clear definition on what domestic terrorism is, why is the term used so subjectively as a media and political term?

It’s mainly because when it comes to domestic terrorism, law enforcement and the mainstream media live in two different realities and have very different motivations for identifying what constitutes one. And the latter usually has more influence on the American people. Since American law enforcement’s main priority is ensuring public safety, their criteria for identifying terrorists acts is based on criteria defined in the USA PATRIOT ACT. So when it comes to defining domestic terrorism, all law enforcement care about is whether the act was criminal and endangered human lives, whether it was intended to promote a political agenda through coercion or intimidation, and whether it was committed by someone who lived in the US on US soil. That’s it. By contrast, the media defines domestic terrorism quite differently through the following criteria:

One of the most significant factors in how the media determines whether a violent attack is domestic terrorism is the suspect’s identity. If they’re Muslim, chances are that they’ll be labeled as a terrorist is very high.

Perpetrator’s Race and Cultural Identity – If the perpetrator is a Muslim American, their chances of being seen as a domestic terrorist are extremely high regardless of motivation. If it’s a non-Muslim white American with a conventional name, their chances of being seen as a domestic terrorist are usually dependent on other factors. As for the likelihood of non-Muslim blacks and Hispanics perpetrators, it’s very hard to say since both groups are often associated with criminal stereotypes though neither are widely perceived as terrorists.
Perpetrator’s Motivation– Any American Muslim perpetrator who commits an act of terror in the name of Islam will be automatically be labeled a terrorist in the media as well as linked to foreign Islamic terrorist groups like Al-Qaida or the Islamic State. Black and Hispanic perpetrators will only be identified as such if they’re connected to known terrorist groups or embrace an extremist ideology. But when it comes to non-Muslim white terrorists, it can vary considerably depending on their motivation. White violence against women, racial and religious groups, LGBT people, disabled people, and immigrants will usually be seen as hate crimes at best but not always and not without controversy (if the incident is covered at all). Yet, many hate crimes usually qualify under the USA PATRIOT ACT’s definition of domestic terrorism anyway. Anti-abortion and ecological extremists are less likely to be seen as domestic terrorists since a lot of people hold anti-abortion and environmentalist views. So like John Brown, labeling them as such is controversial though they’ll certainly be seen as nuts regardless political ideology. Then you have the anti-government perpetrators whose acts of terror may cause controversy if ever labeled domestic terrorism. This is especially the case when you’re talking about right-wing extremists or the open carry crowd (though open carry may be legal in some states, carrying a gun in public is an act of intimidation and coercion so it qualifies).
Nature of the Attack– In the media, the nature of the attack matters considerably such as the method and body count. Perpetrators who stage bombings that kill lots of people will most likely be seen as domestic terrorists. So would any attacks that involve hijacking, bioweapons, mass poisoning, hostage taking, chemical weapons, kidnapping, and property destruction. Shootings may depend on whether the perpetrator is either Muslim or clearly committing a hate crime. At any rate, they have to involve violence and/or fatalities. Despite causing hundreds of millions in property damage and having a sheer volume of crimes, eco-terrorists aren’t really seen as such since a lot of their crimes don’t get people killed. Same goes for left-wing Communist and anarchist terrorists. Merely using guns to intimidate people based on political ideology may not be labeled as domestic terrorism when it clearly is. Cyberterrorism may get some attention even though it’s not considered such while paper terrorism doesn’t get much attention at all.
Location– Attacks that take place in major cities are more likely to be labeled as domestic terrorism than ones in less urban areas, especially if they take place near places of great significance. In some ways, this makes sense but also ignores a lot of other terror incidents that take place around the country.

Meanwhile, if the perpetrators in question are white, right-wing, and stage a heavily armed takeover of a national wildlife refuge in Oregon, you might expect headlines like this. Since AP is held to very high journalistic standards, this headline tweet is appalling. These guys aren’t peaceful protesters. They have guns with them and they took over a national wildlife refuge in order to intimidate people and influence government conduct. It’s domestic terrorism, plain and simple.

If you watch TV news, you might get the impression the media is more likely to label a violent incident as domestic terrorism based on a biased set of criteria which gives Americans the impression that terrorists tend to be Islamic extremists. When in reality, Muslim terrorist attacks aren’t a very big threat to national security, even after 9/11. Why the media decide does this:

Contrary to what you might be accustomed to on the news, anti-government, racist, and other nonjihadist extremist killed nearly twice as many people as those by Islamic jihadist since 9/11. Many Americans don’t realize this, especially if they’re on a steady diet of Fox News. Maybe that’s because most nonjihadist terrorists are white.

Desire to Avoid Controversy– Domestic terrorism is a loaded word. And while the mainstream media likes sensational news stories, they also take great aims to avoid offending people. This is particularly true when a terror incident involves right-wing extremists since a lot of mainstream media outlets are owned by large corporate conglomerates. Some like Fox News even have a right-wing ideology. That’s not to say leftist terrorists exist since they certainly do since Occupy Wall Street might qualify since they have a long list of property crimes, rampant drug use, rape, murder, and assaults. But when Janet Napolitano brought up the threat of right-wing domestic terrorism in 2009, Republicans were furious.
Public’s Unwillingness to Identify with Terrorists– Like I said about terrorists, people are more comfortable to label a terrorist act as such if the perpetrator is different from them. And since a lot of people don’t know anyone who’s Muslim, Muslim perpetrators are more likely to be seen as terrorists than their non-Muslim counterparts. But when a terror incident involves white supremacists and other right-wing extremists, a lot of conservative politicians hesitate to declare it as such. Many of them even downplay dangers posed by right-wing extremism altogether. This is especially when Fox News glorifies a Nevada rancher who engaged in an armed standoff against the feds over grazing rights and a bunch of armed men for occupying a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon and the fact the current GOP presidential nominee has been endorsed by white supremacists. When it comes to right-wing domestic terrorism, most conservatives are like Draco Malfoy. Sure they may be totally comfortable having racist, xenophobic, homophobic, sexist, and anti-government views. And yes, they may not be happy with the political and cultural landscape these days as well as nostalgize about a past that never was. But like Draco Malfoy on Muggle-borns, most of these conservatives are neither extreme in their viewpoints nor are willing to resort to violent terrorist acts for them. On the other end, I may believe that this country should do more to protect the environment and stop climate change but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to bomb an animal testing facility because that’s crazy. But when someone commits an act of violence on behalf of their political agenda, it makes a lot of people who may share that perpetrator’s view to some extent very uncomfortable and reluctant to address it as an act of terror. So they don’t.
Sensationalism– We should understand that sensationalism sells and the media does everything it could to exploit violent terror incidents. The more violent it is and the nuttier the perpetrators seem, the more attention it will get and more ratings the media outlet will have. This is especially be the case if the perpetrator is Muslim.

According to a local law enforcement survey the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, anti-government terrorism was seen as the top terrorist threat in their jurisdictions. And that percentage is far more than those who listed anything relating to Islamic terrorist threats. The media doesn’t really pay attention to this because most anti-government terrorists are white.

Unfortunately, the way the news covers domestic terror attacks has very negative repercussions in the country. Now it’s one thing to call a mass shooting in San Bernardino and at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando as domestic terrorism. Same goes for the Boston Marathon bombings. But it’s another when both these attacks are seen as acts of domestic terrorism while the mass shootings at Pittsburgh, Tucson, and Charleston are not. Rather as far as the media was concerned, these were attacks made by violently mentally ill white men. Sure it was an accurate assessment, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. For one, the man who fired an AK-47 at 5 cops in Pittsburgh was a white supremacist who believed Jews secretly ran everything and that Obama wanted to take away his guns. But as far as the media is concerned, he was just a crazy nutjob who killed 3 cops after his mom called police over a domestic dispute concerning a dog peeing on the carpet. Second, the Tucson shooter who tried to assassinate Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was a conspiracy theorist who believed in a New World Order to brainwash people. Third, the shooter who killed 9 people at the Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston was a white supremacist who donned a pro-apartheid jacket on his Facebook page, had a Confederate flag license plate, told racist jokes, advocated segregation, and went on a racist rant on how blacks are raping white women and taking over the world. Furthermore, he specifically chose to fire upon blacks at the church due to its long association with civil rights activism. Yet, these terror incidents were reported. Most aren’t covered by major news outlets at all. Negative repercussions of inadequate and sloppy coverage of domestic terrorism include:

The heavy attention on Islamic terrorism in the US media outlets had perpetuated rise and acceptability of Islamophobia as well as led to American Muslims being targets of everything from harassment to outright deadly violence. Featured here are American Muslims Yousef Abu-Salha, his brother-in-law Deah Barakat, and his sisters Yusor and Razan. Save for the Yousef, three people would later become victims of an anti-Muslim hate crime in a Chapel Hill condominium by one of their former white neighbors who was banned from the building. The man basically broke into Deah and Yusor’s condo and killed them and Razan in cold blood. Yousef would later say, “It’s a shame that you turn on a major news channel and you see a news story about ISIS and then they’ll cover our story and they do an okay job, but immediately after it will be another story about these radical groups. I think it sends US citizens a bad message that these Muslims are all the same.”

Legitimizes Discrimination– The media’s coverage of Islamic terrorism since 9/11 in the US and abroad has contributed so much to Islamophobia that Muslims in American pop culture have been nastily stereotyped as fanatical Islamic terrorists who hate our country and our western values. Each terror attack since then have been filtered by the media and consumed by the public as wrongdoings of Muslims around the world. Muslims have been further vilified and dehumanized in Hollywood movies like American Sniper. Because of this, American Muslims, Middle Easterners, and South Asians have become acceptable targets for profiling, oppression, and even terrorist attacks. For many Americans, just looking like a Muslim makes them an automatic terror suspect by default as well as someone to be feared. This is a major reason why welcoming Syrian refugees in the US has been so controversial even though it shouldn’t. Around the country, mosques have been fired on, defaced, or burned. Muslims have been shot and killed execution style in their living rooms, fatally stabbed on their way home as well as been beaten in their stores, schools, and on the streets. They’ve also been kicked out of planes, egged outside Walmart, scorched with hot coffee in a park, shot in cabs, and punched while pushing their children in strollers. They’ve had clothes set on fired and their children bullied in school. They’ve been threatened by neighbors who’d burn down their house if they didn’t move away as well as had their cemeteries vandalized and Quran desecrated. They’ve been fired for wearing hijabs and for praying. A Muslim congressman has received death threats. In Irving, Texas, heavily armed right-wing gunmen blocked entrance of a mosque and held banners reading, “we are the solution to Islamic terrorism.” Other armed anti-Islam demonstrations and “Muslim-free” businesses raise deep concerns. Civil and human rights advocates are challenging the use of “domestic terrorism” believing that it’s doled out in a racially-discriminatory manner that merely exacerbates hate they and law enforcement are trying to prevent. Exacerbating hate on a group of people who just happen to have the same religion as terrorists is not a solution to Islamic terrorism and just makes it worse. The fact that 55% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Islam makes Islamophobia not just the biggest threat to American religious freedom, but also a potential threat to national security since Muslim communities play a crucial role in alerting law enforcement to terrorist threats.
Does Not Represent Reality– While the American public rightfully sees Islamic terrorists as a threat to safety, the reality of terrorism exists in all forms and that terrorists come from all racial and cultural backgrounds as well as embraced a wide range of extremist political and religious ideologies. For law enforcement officials, the biggest terrorist threats aren’t jihadists. Rather it’s far right wing extremists that have carried out well over half of the deadliest US terrorist attacks since 9/11, committing 93% of all extremist murders in the last 10 years. Most of their extremism is homegrown as well as pose a very real danger to this nation’s character such as pluralism, tolerance, and equality, which form the basis of a liberal democracy. Though jihadist terrorism is often reported on the news, the US has seen very little violent extremism by Muslims. On the other hand, white supremacists are among the most lethal since they’ve committed 83% of all right-wing extremist murders and 77% of all extremist killings in the past decade as well as were involved in 52% of shootings with police. They also regularly engage in various terrorist plots, acts, and conspiracies as well as other traditional forms of crime. Anti-government extremists, right-wing militias, and sovereign citizens are among the most common. But no matter what their ideology, right-wing extremists are also more numerous, cover a larger geographic range, and are more likely to live in your neighborhood. Not representing these groups in the media as the terrorists they are that we should condemn is very irresponsible, even if the station is Fox News.
Promotes Cultural Profiling– How the media has reported domestic terrorism can also lead to real but ineffective policies that have resulted in cultural profiling, particularly of Muslims and people suspected of being one. Those charged with plotting terrorism for the Islamic State faced more severe charges than militia members, “sovereign citizens,” and other anti-government extremist who’ve been prosecuted for similar activity (even though many more terrorist attacks in the US are carried out by non-Muslims). After 9/11, many American Muslims, South Asians, and those of Middle Eastern descent found themselves being subject to harsher security checks as well as are more likely to be on a no fly list or subject to surveillance. As a result, trust between law enforcement and Muslims has been strained. In recent years, anti-Islam bills became laws in 10 states. Florida and Tennessee passed laws revising the way they approve textbooks for classroom use as a direct result of anti-Islam campaigns. Don’t get me wrong, Islamic terrorists do exist in this country and do pose a threat to national security. But profiling Muslims as suspected terrorists by default is never excusable since the vast majority of them are regular people like us who just want to live their lives in peace and mind their own business.
Fails to Hold Public Figures Accountable for Their Rhetoric– The media is a huge influence in the American public but we should be aware what many public figures may say could be taken out of context by some nutjob who’d use it in a terror attack. It’s been widely suggested that political rhetoric may play a role in fueling hate crimes, especially since Donald Trump started running for president as well as said very hateful things about almost every demographic imaginable. But since he started running and calling on Muslim bans, anti-Muslim hate crimes dramatically increased to its highest levels since the aftermath of 9/11. It doesn’t help that Trump has been endorsed by white supremacist organizations whom he’s consistently failed to denounce. A lot of what’s said on Fox News has probably led to a lot of terror attacks and it doesn’t help that they have glorified anti-government terrorists like Cliven Bundy as heroes as well as inspired many nutcases to do horrible things that have killed people. Not to mention, a lot of conservative special interest groups have said similar things as well as many Republican politicians. I know there are liberal groups and Democrats who might inspire some degree of terror violence. But I single out conservatives since right-wing terrorism has become much more of a problem in recent years, according to terror experts and government organizations.And yes a lot of these radical right-wing extremists consume conservative media outlets like Fox News.
Ignores Very Real Threats– While Muslim terrorism in the news stirs fear and hatred for even the most ordinary Muslim Americans, the far more serious threat of the radical right has received relatively little attention. But bring that fact up in front of Republican politicians, expect outrage and even offense as an attack to demonize the right. The media seems to be just as deft to these threats, especially if it’s Fox News. Such response leads to downplay to take such threats as seriously as they should be by the public. Radical Right-Wing terrorists present a more deadly threat given their affinity for hoarding weapons and explosives. Not paying attention to these terrorists has consequences such as emboldening these people to carry out mass casualty attacks. Americans are much more likely to live near a white supremacist or anti-government sovereign citizen than a jihadist (A nearby town in my area had its own Klu Klux Klan chapter). When we’re talking about racial and religious minorities, living near a radical right-wing terrorist can put them in very real danger.
Compromises Public Safety for Vulnerable Populations– Whenever domestic terror incidents aren’t reported and treated as the heinous acts they are, people are left very vulnerable to attacks. This was very apparent in the South during segregation when countless African Americans were subject to lynchings as a way to control black communities and retain white supremacy. During the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans and other activists were frequent targets of white supremacist violence. Though white supremacy is no longer as acceptable as it was, the hateful ideology and violence hasn’t gone away. Recent incidents including a white supremacist firing on Black Lives Matter activists in Minneapolis, a NAACP building bombing in Colorado, and a black church shooting in Charleston. In every terror attack involving Muslims since 9/11, hate crimes against Muslims in America have become alarmingly high. A study from Georgetown University has reported 174 incidents of anti-Muslim violence from 2015 consisting of 12 murders, 29 physical assaults, 50 threats against people and institutions, 54 acts of vandalism, 8 arsons, and 9 shootings or bombings. Contrary to what the media might say, Muslims are far more likely to become terror victims than terror perpetrators. However, Muslims and blacks aren’t the only group in the country vulnerable to domestic terrorism in the nation even by white supremacists. White supremacist groups also target immigrants, minorities, Jews, LGBT people, and sometimes Christians. Targets for anti-government and sovereign citizens are law enforcement and other authority figures. Still, not recognizing clearly politically motivated attacks by non-Muslim perpetrators leaves many Americans especially vulnerable.

It is no secret that now GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has been endorsed by the Klu Klux Klan over his racist remarks on Mexicans, blacks, immigrants, and Muslims. However, Trump hasn’t distanced himself from this white supremacist terrorist organization which has a long history of violence against blacks since its formation during Reconstruction. If a presidential candidate from a major party can’t denounce a terrorist endorsement, then that person isn’t fit to be president. Seriously, the KKK are beyond deplorable.

As you can see the state of how the news media depicts domestic terrorism is appalling. Excessive coverage of one group of terrorists has led to disproportionate fear, suspicion, and unjust discrimination against a religious minority and other others. But significant less attention of a far more serious homegrown terrorist threat has gone under the media radar and has neither been sufficiently challenged by our political culture nor law enforcement. Not only this disproportionate rate of media coverage lead to increased profiling and discrimination, it also makes the US less safe as a whole. Furthermore, it makes public figures less likely to take responsibility for their rhetoric that could inspire many of these nutjobs to commit heinous acts. Now while the government may be slow to act on domestic terrorism, the media doesn’t have to. In fact, if the media just got it together and report domestic terrorist attacks in a way they should, then it might actually encourage leaders to come up with policies combating it. After all, people didn’t take lynchings as serious acts of terrorism meant to intimidate black people during segregation in the South until Ida B. Wells investigated them in the 1890s and began an anti-lynching campaign to spread awareness about the atrocity. Today she is turning in her grave. If the news media should cover domestic terrorism correctly, then it must be depicted in a way that’s represents the reality. By that I mean showing that domestic terrorism can take many forms, be motivated by different ideologies, and committed by people of many different backgrounds. And that all these domestic terrorists should be treated as a national security threat to be taken seriously.

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Here we come to a bunch of heavily armed open-carry activists “protesting” at a mosque in Phoenix against “Islamic Radicalism.” In reality, they’re just a bunch of armed terrorists who are using their guns to intimidate the Muslims who worship there. This isn’t peaceful protesting, it’s domestic terrorism and should be treated that way. This should neither be tolerated nor encouraged by anyone. It’s utterly disgraceful anyone there with a gun wasn’t arrested. Because the country needs to know that armed protest rallies are never ever acceptable.

The Nesting World of Matryoshka Dolls

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 21, 2016

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One of the more popular dolls around the world are Russian matryoshka dolls which is a set of wooden dolls that have one doll inside another and so on and so forth. The name “matryoshka” meaning “little matron” and is a diminutive form of the Russian girls’ name “Matryona” or “Matriosha.” Outside Russia, these are known as nesting dolls. Anyway, the original nesting doll set was carved in 1890 by Vasily Petrovich Zvyozdochkin and designed by folk crafts painter Sergey Vasilyevich Malyutin in Abramstevo. These men were inspired by a doll from Japan’s Honsu which may have been a hollow daruma doll of a Buddhist monk or a Seven Lucky Gods nesting doll. So it’s possible the popular doll sets associated with Russian arts and crafts could’ve had roots in Japan.Traditionally, the outer layer is a woman in Russian peasant garb but the figures inside can be of either gender. The smallest, innermost doll is usually a baby carved from a single piece of wood. A lot of the artistry is used in the painting of each doll which can be very elaborate. And each nesting doll set often follows a theme which can range from fairy tale characters, holiday decorations, and even Soviet leaders. For instance, my family has a nesting doll set of nutcrackers they sometimes use for Christmas. Today you can see nesting dolls covering just about anything which part of why I’m doing this post. There are even nesting doll sets from craft stores you can paint yourself. So for your reading pleasure, enjoy these unique Russian nesting doll sets.

With these Devo nesting dolls, you must whip it, whip it good.

This 1980s band was best recognized by their trademark hats. So doing a nesting doll set of the lineup wasn’t difficult.

2. Let yourself go with these nesting dolls from Frozen.

This set has Elsa, Anna, Kristoph, Hands, and Olaf in descending order. And each is well painted.

3. This nesting doll set is particularly presidential.

This one just has the presidential hits. Why FDR, Harry Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, James Madison, LBJ, and Richard Nixon weren't included, I have no idea.

This one just has the presidential hits. Why FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, James Madison, LBJ, or Richard Nixon weren’t included, I have no idea. Also, Ben Franklin wasn’t a president.

4. Henry VIII and his six wives always make for a great set of 7.

Henry VIII is the biggest while each wife is depicted in descending order. Sorry if Anne Bolelyn and Katherine Howard don't come with detachable heads.

Henry VIII is the biggest while each wife is depicted in descending order. Sorry if Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard don’t come with detachable heads.

5. Mexicans who celebrate Dia de los Muertos can’t do without this nesting doll set.

Each one is depicted as skulls as specified. Make great decorations on any Mexican shelf.

6. This nesting doll set pays tribute to Charlie Chaplin as the Little Tramp.

Of course, one doll depicts him as he normally looked like. But as an old movie buff, I find this set awesome.

7. If you like horror comedy, this Addams family nesting doll set is a delight.

Sure it doesn’t include Lurch and Uncle Fester. But it does consist of Gomez, Morticia, and their kids.

8. This nesting doll set was made for cat fanciers in mind.

A must have for the crazy cat ladies of lore. A set of 5 cat breeds.

9. Seems like we have a US and Russian crew on this space shuttle.

Yes, it’s a crew of 4. But the largest doll is a shuttle. How cool is that?

10. From the world of Roald Dahl, no one can resist this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory set.

Includes Willy Wonka, Charlie, the 4 brats, and an Oompah-Loompah. Great for inducing nightmares from children.

11. A set of Sesame Street nesting dolls is all you need to learn your ABCs.

However, I think Big Bird should be the biggest doll, not Elmo. Also, Bert and Ernie should be shown together. But whoever made this wanted to use different colors. Cookie Monster should be bigger as well.

12. On the child unfriendly side, there’s a nesting doll set from South Park.

This one depicts the main boys as well as Mr. Poop. Please don’t ask.

13. Minion fans will enjoy a nesting doll set like these.

Well, to be fair, minions aren’t hard to paint since they’re mostly yellow. Still, these are adorable.

14. Nesting doll fans should take a look at these painted owls.

Each owl is painted in a rather stylized fashion. But each is special in its own way. Then again, owl nesting dolls are probably not hard.

15. The theme of this nesting doll set is a costumed cat family.

Each of them seem to be in Renaissance costume. I think this is based off an artist who does cat paintings.

Each of them seem to be in Renaissance costume. I think this is based off an artist who does anthropomorphic cat paintings.

16. These nesting dolls are afraid of no ghost.

Kind of bummed they don’t have the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in this Ghostbusters line up. Well, you can’t win them all.

17. These ninja nesting will make you never see what’s coming.

After all, you don’t expect them to wear outfits in 5 different colors. Or be so adorable. Love it.

18. Civil War buffs would appreciate this nesting doll set of Union generals.

However, I’d take out George B. McClellan and Irving McDowell because one lost the Second Battle of Bull Run while the other was a perpetual chickenshit. Replace with Philip Sheridan and George H. Thomas. Or David Farragut.

19. This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle set will make you say, “Cowabunga!”

Has the 4 Ninja Turtles and their mentor. Yes, Ninja Turtle fans, this set exists.

20. Teachers will surely appreciate a nesting doll set like this on their desks.

Each teacher has a tool to teach with in this set of 5. Not sure if they have one for guys. Probably not.

21. Florida Gators fans will enjoy this nesting doll set.

Yes, they have college sports ones as well as professional. Not sure who the players are under the helmets. Not that I care.

22. This owl set will surely be a hoot.

Yes, this is another owl nesting doll set. But these are painted more realistically. And I’m sure they’re not from North America.

23. What better way to honor Team USA during the Sochi Winter Olympics than with this nesting doll set?

I would’ve went with the Russian Rio set. But I found the wood on those dolls tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.

24. These firefighter nesting dolls are always to the rescue.

The large one even has its own hat. One even depicts a fireman trying to rescue someone from a building.

The large one even has its own hat. One even depicts a fireman in action. Includes dalmatian and fire hydrant.

25. If you’re Jewish, Russian, and like Marc Chagall, this set is for you.

Marc Chagall was a famous modernist artist who worked with several artistic styles in several artistic mediums. Part of his art was based on Eastern European Jewish folk culture.

26. Since there are so many lighthouses, there has to be a nesting doll set for them.

Noticed how the lighthouses are in different colors and styles. I guess the stripes seem to increase their visibility.

27. This nativity nesting doll set is perfect for Christmas at any home.

There are a lot of nativity scene nesting doll sets out there. This one was made for small children. So cute.

28. Nurses will appreciate this nesting doll set.

Notice how each nurse is dressed in a different way. And how each one of them handles different things.

29. Fans of Greek mythology will totally want this set of nesting dolls.

This mostly consist of mythological creatures. Not sure who or what that guy in the loin cloth is supposed to be.

30. This snowman family is all smiles in winter.

Guess this one isn’t hard to make. Still, I bet they’re all singing Christmas carols since two of them are holding books.

31. No nesting doll can be complete without a set of the King.

I may not be a fan of Elvis. But I know that many readers will appreciate these dolls. Doesn’t include his Vegas years.

32. For fairy tale sets, this Little Red Riding Hood one is worth howling over.

Includes all the known characters. However, what most people don’t know is that this children’s story originally didn’t have a happy ending. And it had sexual connotations.

33. This horror nesting doll set will give you a good scare.

These seem like extras from The Nightmare Before Christmas. But I’ll allow it. Great for those who love a good scare.

34. Not to be outdone, the Confederate side has nesting doll generals of their own.

I suppose James Longstreet is the smallest one because he became a Republican and civil rights advocate after the war. Not to mention, he didn’t think the South could win and was right.

35. This Happy Hoots nesting doll family will make you smile.

Yes, this is my third owl nesting doll set. But these have different colors on them. So I couldn’t pass it up.

36. Speaking of nesting dolls, these chickens are only fitting.

Comes with one rooster, 3 hens, and a chick. Great for down on the farm.

37. For dogs like these, it’s up to them to destroy the One Collar to rule them all.

This nesting doll set depicts dogs as Lord of the Rings characters. I know it’s crazy, right?

38. If you don’t like Ninja Turtles, a regular turtle set would do just fine.

Because while real turtles aren’t fit to be ninjas, they can be quite cool. Each one here has a unique shell.

39. For Queen fans, this nesting set will rock you.

Depicts each member of Queen and their logo. There are lots of songs from this group that get stuck in your head.

40. Those who grew up loving The Wizard of Oz will enjoy this set of nesting dolls.

Includes Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. I know it’s not the best but it’s the least scary rendition.

41. This Pink Floyd nesting doll set belongs on the dark side of the moon.

Wait, that group had 5 members. Why does this set depict 4? Maybe because Syd Barrett left the group early.

42. While some nesting doll sets are nativity scenes, this one depicts the life of Christ.

You have a lot of these sets, too. Usually they start at the nativity. This one depicts some of Jesus’s miracles and the Good Samaritan.

43. You have to have a hard heart not to appreciate this nesting doll set of woodland creatures.

Well, one of them is a chick while 2 are insects. But the others are a fox, rabbit, and owl. Probably made for kids.

44. A Van Gogh nesting doll set is great for anyone with a lust for life.

Shows Van Gogh’s self-portrait with 4 of his best known paintings. All of which didn’t earn him a dime.

45. For Will and Kate’s wedding, these nesting dolls are best desired.

Consists of Will and Kate, Elizabeth II and Philip, Charles, Diana, and Harry. All in a red background.

46. Since nesting dolls are from Russia, it’s only fair I present you a set of modern Russian leaders.

Soviet and otherwise to get my drift, starting with Lenin. But Putin is included.

47. This nesting doll set of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is just right.

Like how they made all the bears bigger than Goldilocks. She really should’ve known not to break into a bear home.

48. From New Zealand, is this set of Maori nesting dolls.

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand who do exist (unlike Hobbits). They’re known for their striped grass skirts.

49. Fans of Wes Anderson will adore this nesting doll set of the Grand Budapest Hotel.

Depicts characters from the hit Wes Anderson movie that should’ve won the Oscar for Best Picture. Still, this is great.

50. No, I don’t think this is a set of ninja nesting dolls.

These are nesting dolls of Muslim women in the Middle East. Well, at least ones wearing a chador that only shows the eyes.

51. Russian nesting doll beauties always look great in furs.

Well, they seemed to dress quite fancy. But Russian winters can be quite brutally cold.

52. These painted women nesting dolls seem as immortal on wood as they are on canvas.

I guess these are from Renaissance paintings since they depict the Virgin Mary. Not to mention, a bunch of women dressed from the 16th century.

53. As with nesting dolls, burlesque involves multiple layers.

As you can see how each succeeding doll has less and less clothes on. The last one is totally nude.

54. No one can resist this panda bear nesting doll family.

I don’t think pandas live in groups like that for they’re solitary creatures. But this set is adorable.

55. This Obama First Family nesting doll set is sincerely presidential.

Let’s just say I’ll miss this bunch after Obama is out of office. This is especially if Mr. Hamsterhair gets elected president which I think will be an absolute nightmare.

56. This nesting doll set is among the best from the Hundred Acre Wood.

Includes Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, and Piglet. Not sure if the Eeyore one had a great paint job.

Includes Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, and Piglet. Not sure if the Eeyore one had a great paint job.

57. These dog nesting dolls seem all ready for a feast.

Seems like they are. Each seems to have their own dish according to breed. Viewers will adore this.

58. This dog nesting doll set is even loved by man’s best friend.

A lot of dog nesting doll sets seem to show single breeds. This one doesn’t which is why I put it on this post.

59. The Dark Knight of Gotham always needs his own nesting doll set.

This set is from the Dark Knight Saga. Features Bane, Catwoman, and the Joker.

60. If you like Russian fairy tales, these nesting dolls are just the thing.

Since nesting dolls are from Russia, it’s only fair. The large one has the gorgeous Firebird.

61. This nesting doll set depicts the planets of the Solar System.

This is sorted by size, by the way. And in accordance with most scientists, Pluto is not included.

62. Though Russian, nesting dolls can depict a variety of different cultures. This set is from Africa.

Probably from the sub Saharan region but I can’t say where. But you have to admire the colorful outfits.

63. For Czarist nostalgia, you have this Royal family nesting doll set.

Just remember that this set depicts a family that would all be killed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution. Let that sink in.

64. These Disney Princess nesting dolls have all the royal touches.

Sure Mulan, Pocahontas, and Tiana aren’t included. But they’re not exactly princesses per se. Then again, Elsa is actually a queen.

65. Another Wes Anderson nesting doll set is from the Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

It’s about a Jacques Cousteau like captain and his crew. But they all seem to wear the same outfit.

66. When it comes to nesting dolls, you never know how many can fit inside each other.

Most nesting doll sets usually consist of 5-8 dolls. But this one has almost infinite that you can barely see the smallest one.

67. These ninja nesting dolls all wear black and gold.

Yes, it’s another ninja nesting doll set. But these are dressed and black and have knives on them.

68. If you like animals and Wes Anderson, these Fantastic Mr. Fox nesting dolls will delight.

Includes all the critters you know and love from the stop motion Fantastic Mr. Fox. Adorable.

69. For these Gustav Klimt nesting dolls, each one has a masterpiece.

Klimt seems to have his way with colors, doesn’t he? His kiss is the most famous.

70. For Christmas, this nesting doll set is perfect decoration.

Then again, this might consist of more than one. But I really like the Christmas tree.

71. This second season Blackadder set is great for all your cunning plans.

This is great. Has Blackadder, Queenie, Lord Percy, Nursie, and Baldrick. Love it.

72. No one can resist these penguin nesting dolls that can melt a frozen heart.

About time, I included a penguin nesting doll set. Because these creatures are adorable. Love the beaks and tuxedos.

73. With this nesting doll set of Muhammad Ali, your shelf will truly be the greatest.

Yes, this depicts Muhammad Ali who died not to long ago. Doesn’t hurt if I put this on my post. RIP

74. Guess these nesting dolls can be nun too holy.

As it turns out this is a set of nun nesting dolls. Guess these were easy to paint. So cute.

75. Though these hot air balloon nesting dolls can’t fly, they sure delight.

Now that’s a rather clever concept. Like how each one has a different pattern. Lovely.

76. If you like old horror movies, then this set is the one for you.

Includes Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Mummy. Guess Wolf Man fans will be disappointed.

77. Snoopy fans will adore these Peanuts nesting dolls.

Well, it has Snoopy with his friends. Each one has a different color. Adorable.

78. Follow the life of Christ with this nesting doll set.

Like I said before, Jesus’s life is a popular nesting doll theme. This one depicts it in chronological order.

79. This nesting doll set has all the iconography.

Well, iconography from Russian and Eastern European churches. Some figures may repeat.

80. Sometimes colors and abstract concepts can be well suited for nesting dolls.

This one depicts rainbow colors with each sporting a unique pattern. Guess it’s easier than painting a face.

81. If you liked Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you can’t resist nesting dolls like these.

The dwarves on here seem considerably smaller than Snow White. But that’s to be expected.

82. This set of nesting dolls depicts a group that set off the British Invasion in the 1960s.

Yes, these are the Beatles possibly from 1967. Though they’re not in their Sergeant Pepper gear at this point.

83. Speaking of the Beatles, these nesting dolls all live in a yellow submarine.

It’s from the cartoon they were in during the late 1960s. So having a nesting doll set of Yellow Submarine is inevitable.

84. Hello Kitty fans can’t resist nesting doll set like this.

Each is depicted in a shade of pink and purple. Each features Hello Kitty in a different outfit.

85. For Christmas you can’t do without a nesting doll set of Good St. Nick.

Each of these has a different Santa though their faces mostly look the same. And so do their clothes.

86. This nesting doll set is boldly going where no man has gone before.

The Scotty and Dr. McCoy nesting dolls don’t seem to look right on this. Also, there’s no Chekov.

87. These robot nesting dolls might be metal but they’ll melt your heart.

Each one has a different machine configuration. One may be radioactive.

88. This Game of Thrones nesting doll set has a wide range of characters.

Remember that some of these will not be coming back next season. But the show’s really popular so I have it on here.

89. For Nightmare Before Christmas fans, these nesting dolls are a must have.

Who knew that you’d have a nesting doll set for this. Oogie Boogie is the biggest one here.

90. On Middle Earth, this is the nesting doll set to rule them all.

This one is of the Fellowship of the Ring from Lord of the Rings. Notice the the Ring is the smallest piece.

91. These nesting dolls are coming for your brains.

Man, these zombie nesting dolls surely look hideous. Doesn’t help that it has a bloody brain.

92. If you like Stanley Kubrick, this Clockwork Orange nesting doll set is for you.

Personally, I prefer to see ones of Barry Lyndon, Spartacus, or Dr. Strangelove. Yet, know that A Clockwork Orange is a very violent movie. Very violent.

93. This Harry Potter nesting doll set will make you the pride of Hogwarts.

This mainly consist of Hogwarts students. Looks like Draco Malfoy has the smallest piece.

94. This Fab Four nesting doll set is a true collectors’ item.

Yes, it’s another Beatles nesting doll set. But this one depicts them early in their career. That’s different.

95. This Apple Steve Jobs nesting doll set is truly revolutionary.

Each doll has Jobs holding a different item. Smallest one has the icon.

96. These Batman nesting dolls are surely imposing.

Each one is of Batman in his batsuit and bat logo. Don’t ask. Clever.

97. This nesting doll set has all the czars.

Well, all the czars you probably know. And some that you don’t but should.

98. These modern art nesting dolls are a treat to look at.

I think they’re supposed to be in the style of Malevich. Have no idea who that is.

99. From Pixar, these Inside Out nesting dolls are a great fit.

This one has all the feelings in Riley’s head. Includes Joy, Fear, Disgust, Sadness, and Anger.

100. Finally, you can’t possibly do without a nesting doll set of nutcrackers.

Doesn’t exactly look like the one my family has. But as far as nesting doll Christmas decorations go, it will do.

The Many Corruption Scandals of Donald Trump (You’re Welcome, Hillary)

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 18, 2016

trump-shell-game

Okay, I was actually not going to post this article. But since my parents found Trump presidential campaign ad on one of my articles, I feel that I have no choice but to do this. During the 2016 campaign season, the media tends to cast Donald Trump as the crazy/racist one while portraying Hillary Clinton as the politically corrupt one. However, while I don’t contest that Hillary hasn’t been a saint for the last few decades, but to say that she’s more corrupt, untrustworthy, and dishonest than Trump, well, that’s just completely wrong. I’m well aware that the news media tends to cover Hillary’s political and personal baggage on the airwaves down to the last detail while sending legions of journalists in their midst whenever she’s implicated in a government investigation. But all of what’s turned out of those findings about Hillary is just that she happens to be a flawed but normal politician. The only thing that’s abnormal about her is that she’s a former First Lady. That’s it. Yes, she has baggage but a lot of her and Bill’s cases involve suspicion and shadowy links. But all that just adds fuel for the conspiracy theorists at Fox News. Still, though I don’t have any objections to the press covering Hillary this way, especially in a presidential election year, they don’t seem to do the same to Trump. Because when Trump is implicated in anything, the media just glosses it over briefly and moves on. This is not how candidate scandals should be covered, especially if we’re talking about the scandals surrounding Trump which I think are well worth revisiting and discussing. Compared to Hillary, Trump has a long and documented history of corruption since the 1970s and his flamboyant corruption run to the very core of his identity and prospective governing choices. Hell, many of his scandals have been recorded in court cases and legal proceedings. Sure he may have a complete lack of public office experience, but his resume is far from clean unlike most novice candidates. A lot of the stuff he’s done is downright appalling as well as shown that he’s willing to risk ruining people’s lives in order to get what he wants with no second thought. So if you’re a person who disdains corruption, then your rationale for voting for Trump to elect him is nothing short of idiotic. Yes, the Clintons may be corrupt practitioners of Washington’s cash-for-access culture as well as careless and susceptible to greed. But their corruption only pertains to normal, political things. Sure that doesn’t excuse their behavior, but their deeds aren’t unprecedented. Trump on the other hand, is corrupt on a historic scale and the fact people are willing to trust him over Hillary to run the country is insane. Here I have a rough cheat sheet of Trump scandals you might want to see for yourself. Consider this a highlight reel except that the highlights tend to show Trump as awful person he is. These are not in chronological order. It’s also a long post and viewer discretion is advised.

Business Failures:

1980s: Used junk bonds to build Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City (despite claiming he wouldn’t) and was unable to keep up with interest payments once the casino was built. So Trump declared bankruptcy in 1991 which led him to sell his yacht, his airline, and half of his ownership in the casino.

1983-1985: Bought the USFL New Jersey Generals for $9 million but the league lost $30 million for obvious reasons regardless of how the team was doing. Lobbied to move the USFL games to the fall to compete with the NFL which commanded the TV networks. So Trump’s lawyers and the league filed a $1.69 billion antitrust and monopoly lawsuit against the NFL. Jury awarded the USFL $3 million in damages and the league later folded.

1989-1993: Acquired 17 Boeings Eastern Air Shuttle and 17 Boeing 727 that formed Trump Airlines which he aimed to make it more Trumpy luxurious for $380 million on 22 small bank loans. Customers used to Eastern Air Shuttle’s no frills service could no longer afford it and it never turned a profit. It didn’t help that Trump was more interested in revamping this airline to suit his image instead of focusing on his customers’ real needs. Not to mention, the high price of jet fuel due to the Gulf War in 1991. As Time explains, “The high debt forced Trump to default on his loans, and ownership of the company was turned over to creditors. The Trump Shuttle ceased to exist in 1992 when it was merged into a new corporation, Shuttle Inc. No word on whether the gold-plated faucets survived the merger.”

1989: Launched Trump: The Game which was a Monopoly themed board game with a lot of illegal stuff in it that failed within a year. A 2005 attempt at reviving the game via The Apprentice also failed.

1992: Declared bankruptcy when Trump Plaza went bust after losing more than $550 million. Though he gave up his stake, Trump insulated himself from personal losses and managed to keep his CEO title. However, he surrendered any salary or role in day-to-day operations. By the time all was said and done, he was $900 million in personal debt.

1995-2004: Declared bankruptcy when Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts was $1.8 billion in debt before later emerging as Trump Entertainment Resorts. Though Trump was chairman of the new company, he no longer had a controlling stake in it. Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts had lost money every year while Trump ran it as CEO which later lost its shareholders and 90% of their money. And at the start, the company already had a $494 million in long term debt but its borrowings ballooned to $1.7 billion by the end of the next year. In the Trump Hotels and Casinos transaction to buy Trump Taj Mahal for $898 million, the company would take $817 million in junk bonds at 11.25% interest. Trump Taj Mahal was already losing money from the start because its big interest burden due to Trump financing its construction with junk bonds in the 1980s. In 1996, Trump Hotels would by Trump’s Castle for $520 million with the announced price at a staggering 18 times cash flow. It’s not even clear whether the Castle was worth its over $350 million debt load. By 2002, Trump Hotels’ debt was $2.1 billion and its leverage ratio expanded to 27, approaching levels that sank Lehman Brothers during the 2008 financial crisis. Meanwhile Trump paid himself $32 million. It was the worst performing publicly trading gaming company at the time, especially from 1995-2000 when the sector itself was going gangbusters.

1995: Lost $916 million according to his tax returns from that year.

2004: Licensed his name to Trump Signature Collection clothing line which is manufactured in China and Mexico. After accusing Mexico of sending its rapists in to the US, Macy’s dropped the line. Now the company Phillips-Van Heusen which manufactures his line said after losing its main retail outlet at Macy’s, plans to dump Trump in 2018. Not to mention, Trump has ironically threatened Apple, Carrier, and Ford to strongarm them into bringing their outsourced workers back to the US. Hell, in 2005, he even expressed support for outsourcing.

2006: Launched Trump Vodka which aspired to make “Trump and Tonic” the most ordered drink in America. Folded in 2011.

2006: Launched Trump Mortgage just when the housing bubble was reaching its bursting point and dismissed talk about it on CNBC by saying, “Who knows more about financing than me?” Apparently anyone who thinks starting a mortgage company at the time was a very bad idea. Company folded 18 months later to nobody’s surprise.

2006: Launched travel site Go.Trump which focused on luxury hotels. Failed within a year.

2007: Launched Trump Magazine which targeted affluent readers and covered luxury living. Failed within 2 years.

2007: Launched Trump Steaks which bought meat from the Sysco-owned Buckhead Beef which used the name and sold them through a New York City technology store called The Sharper Image. Company folded within a year for obvious reasons. Seriously, who the hell sells steaks at a technology store?

2009: Declared bankruptcy when Trump Entertainment Resorts fell again which led him to resign from the board though the company retained its name. In 2014, he successfully sued to take his name off the company and its casinos, one of which had already closed and the other being near closing. The Trump Plaza Casino and Hotel has closed permanently. Over the 15 years Trump served as chairman of both Trump Hotels and Resorts and Trump Entertainment Resorts, both companies posted net losses with profits being decimated by gigantic interest costs at $1.7 billion, excluding extraordinary items.

Screwing Workers:

1970s-present: As of 2016, he and his companies have been sued 20 times for mistreating female employees. These include a woman in Miami fired for getting pregnant, two women fired for complaining about co-worker sexual harassment, a female supervisor who Trump pulled aside to complain about hiring, another supervisor being threatened with punishment for not firing a female employee for being fat, a married waitress Trump subjected to unwanted flirtations, and a number of women testifying Trump repeatedly instructing managers to hire younger and prettier workers at his LA golf club.

1980: Demolished the Bonwit Teller store and its architecturally beloved Art Deco edifice (though he promised not to) in order to build Trump Tower. In order to accomplish this, the managers hired 200 undocumented Polish workers to tear it down, paying $5 an hour for backbreaking work when they were paid at all. Workers didn’t wear hard hats and often slept on site. Workers who complained about back pay were threatened with deportation. Trump claimed he was unaware that undocumented immigrants were working at the site (while testimony under oath shown by Massimo Calabresi proves that Trump was aware of undocumented workers being employed there). In 1991, a federal judge found Trump and the defendants guilty of conspiring to avoid paying Local 95 construction workers’ union pension and welfare contributions. The decision was appealed, with partial victories on both sides, and settled in 1999. Marco Rubio used this story in a debate to accuse Trump of hypocrisy in his illegal immigration stance and rightfully so.

1980s-present: Has been subject to various complaints and lawsuits by contractors, waiters, dishwashers, and plumbers who have worked on his projects and claimed that his company has stiffed them for work as well as refused to pay for their services. USA Today did a lengthy review of this, finding that some of these contracts were for hundreds and thousands of dollars, many owed to small businesses that failed or struggled to continue because of unpaid bills. Not to mention that Trump was found to have improperly withheld compensation for undocumented Polish immigrant workers. In regards to these wage theft allegations, Trump has offered various excuses like shoddy workmanship. However the scale of the problem that includes hundreds of allegations makes it hard to credit. In some cases, even lawyers Trump has hired to defend him have sued him for failing to pay their fees. One Trump employee admitted in court that a painter was stiffed on account that managers had determined they had “already paid enough.” These cases are particularly damaging since they show Trump not driving a hard bargain with other businesses as well as harming ordinary, hard-working Americans. Not only that, but he’s now being sued by little girls who performed during his campaign. And it’s because he’s running for president and is subject to such scrutiny that I decided to do a blog post on wage theft. Trump’s record on stiffing workers out of their hard earned money should get long-term media attention because it shows us the kind of sociopath he is.

1980s-present: Despite his immigration stance, has hired foreign guest workers at his resorts which involves a claim that he can’t find Americans to do the work. This even when Americans applied for the same positions. Guess foreign guest workers are easier to exploit and are less likely to complain about wage theft.

1999-?: Has been subject to claims by former models at Trump Model Management that they and others worked for the agency in the US despite not having proper permits. Some worked on tourist visas, either never getting the correct permits or getting them only after working in the US illegally for months. Some models also received H-1B visas which a special type of permit for workers in specialized industries, a program Trump has criticized. In true Trump fashion, the models were kept under squalid conditions while earning almost nothing for the work they did. It’s even embarrassing that Trump has argued for much more enforced immigration laws as well as building a wall and making Mexico pay for it. There’s even scrutiny over his current wife Melania’s immigration status at the time as well.

2000s: Spent half a million dollars to a law firm in order to keep service employees from his Las Vegas hotels and resorts from unionizing. According to a 2015 lawsuit by the Culinary Workers Union, Trump Hotel Las Vegas “violated the federally protected rights of workers to participate in union activities” and engaged in “incidents of alleged physical assault, verbal abuse, intimidation, and threats by management.” That October, the owners sued the Culinary Workers Union and another, alleging they had knowingly distributed flyers falsely stating that Trump had stayed at a rival unionized hotel instead of his non-unionized establishment. Today, it’s said that the average worker at Trump’s Las Vegas hotels earns $3.33 an hour, well below the minimum wage.

2012: According to the Daily Beast, forced production employees from The Apprentice to work in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy despite New York City being effectively shut down and in a state of dire emergency. Employees had to brave dangerous commuting conditions to get to Trump Tower. One ex-employee remembered, “We were in his building, and we fought with [a] manager, who said, ‘It’s not from me, it’s from [Donald Trump] himself.’ Ivanka [Trump] did very nicely [come down] and thank us for coming in. She really was very nice but we were all [thinking], ‘Well, it was easy for you Trumps to simply come downstairs, why are we here?’” Trump would go on to use the hurricane as a PR coup and promote birtherism.

Unfair Business Practices:

1980s-2000s: Has been repeatedly fined for breaking rules related to his operation of his casinos. In 1990, his father Fred strolled in the already troubled Taj Mahal and bought 700 chips worth $3.5 million. Though this purchase helped the casino pay its debt due at the time, Fred Trump had no plans to gamble which led to New Jersey’s gaming commission ruling it a loan violating operating rules and fined Trump $30,000. Of course, Taj Mahal went bankrupt the following year. As noted above, New Jersey also fined Trump $200,000 for arranging to keeping black employees away from Mafioso Robert LiButti’s gambling table. And in 1991, the Casino Control Commission fined Trump’s company $450,000 for buying LiButti 9 luxury cars. In 2000, Trump was fined $250,000 for violating New York state law in lobbying to prevent an Indian casino from opening in the Catskills, fearing that it would compete against his Atlantic City casinos. Trump would admit no wrongdoing in the New York case but he’s now out of the casino business.

1986: With aims to expand his casino empire in Atlantic City, mounted a hostile takeover of Holiday and Bally by buying up stock in the companies in order to gain control. But Bally found what he was doing and sued Trump for anti-trust violations arguing, “Trump hopes to wrest control of Bally from its public shareholders without paying them the control premium they otherwise could command had they been adequately informed of Trump’s intentions.” Trump gave up in 1987 but was fined $750,000 by the Federal Trade Commission for failing to disclose his purchases of stock in the two companies, which exceeded minimum disclosure levels.

1990s: Along with his demolition contractor, was sued by Vera Coking for damage to her home during the construction of Trump Plaza and Casino. In 1997, she dropped the suit against Trump and settled with the contractor for $90,000. She refused to sell her home to Trump and won a 1998 Supreme Court decision that prevented Atlantic City from using eminent domain to condemn her property.

1990s-2000s: Had a campaign denigrating Native Americans and their casinos which led to a testimony before Congress. “If [Indian gaming] continues as a threat, it is my opinion that it will blow. It will blow sky high. It will be the biggest scandal ever or one of the biggest scandals since Al Capone. That an Indian chief is going to tell [mobster] Joey Killer to please get off his reservation is almost unbelievable to me.” His words were so incendiary that lawmakers challenged him to release information to the FBI. One said it was the most irresponsible testimony he’d ever heard. At the same time, he pursued deals with Indian casinos and even struck an arrangement with one of them. As Newsweek reported, “And in his purposeless, false and inflammatory statements before Congress, Trump alienated politicians from around the country, including some who had the power to influence construction contracts—problems that could have been avoided if he had simply read his prepared speech rather than ad-libbing.”

1994: Tried to cash in through dumping 24 million gallons of raw sewage in the Hudson River.

1994-2000s: Escaped a crippling debt load by selling the Riverside South development to a group from Hong Kong who let him keep a 30% stake in the partnership. Trump would later oversee construction of several Trump branded apartment towers and had plans for his logo to be spread over a big stretch of western Manhattan. However, in 2005, his Hong Kong partners who had a controlling stake decided to sell and use the proceeds to buy two skyscrapers without the Trump name: 1290 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan and 555 California Street in San Francisco. Trump hated the deal and sued his partners to block it, arguing that the development bearing the Trump name was worth about $1 billion more than the price his partners had agreed on. Yet he ended up massively profiting from the transaction when Vornado Trust bought out his partners at a price valuing the two buildings at $2.6 billion. Trump remained in the partnership and saw his stake soar.

1993-1996: Opened his 290-foot Trump Princess Indiana riverboat casino in Gary, Indiana with the promise to donate 7.5% of its proceeds to charity before dumping his local minority investors. The jilted investors sued for breach of contract but he settled with 6 of them a year later for a total of more than $2.2 million. But no foundation was ever created and two investors refused to settle. Though the jury didn’t find Trump guilty of fraud (though his company liable), they awarded the remaining two investors $1.33 million. This led Trump to avoid making a charitable contribution that would’ve been worth $4.5 million to $30 million. He also cut a deal with the mayor before dumping the investors for a different foundation which Trump would run himself and wouldn’t receive any benefit from the riverboat. Trump would later win this suit against the two remaining investors on appeal. In 2005, Trump sold the Indiana riverboat for a quarter of a billion to Barden.

2004-2015: Hosted The Apprentice and later Celebrity Apprentice on NBC which made him a star. But not without controversy. There were instances Trump systematically demeaning women and discussing which ones he’d like to have sex with as well as getting input from the men. There was also a time when he made them work after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. However, while winners have been named “executive vice presidents” as well as given an “owner’s representative” title, they were actually employed as publicity spokespeople for the Trump Organization. Second season winner Kelly Perdew claimed on his first day working for Trump, he was introduced to Florida developers working on a Trump-based condo, the Trump Tower, in Tampa. He was later told he’d appear at promotional events to help encourage sales.

2005: Received $17 million in insurance for hurricane damage to his Mar-a-Lago club. The Associated Press found little evidence of such large scale damage which wasn’t backed up by club members and even Trump supporters in the Palm Beach area. One of them even talked about how Trump threw a wedding at Mar-a-Lago for his son Donald Jr. two weeks after Hurricane Wilma, which had 370 guests. And claimed that while the celebration had to be moved from the front lawn due to storm damage, the rest of the place was fine. Palm Beach County building department shows no records for construction on that scale during the storms save a $3,000 permit for repairs to storm-damaged outdoor lighting and the vacuuming of sand from the property’s beachfront pool. Trump later transferred some of the $17 million into his personal accounts. It’s likely that this is a classic case of insurance fraud.

Screwing Clients, Customers, and Tenants:

1981-1986: Bought a building in Central Park South with aspirations to build luxury condos despite that the current tenants at the time were understandably unwilling to let go of their rent-controlled apartments. Trump used every trick in the book to get them out, even trying to reverse exceptions that the previous landlord had given him such as knocking down walls and threatening eviction. Tenants complaints range from cutting off heat and hot water as well as having building management refuse to make repairs or take action on any pest infestations (leading to two swearing in court that mushrooms grew on their carpet from a leak). Trump would later place newspaper ads offering to house homeless New Yorkers in empty units since he didn’t intend to fill the units with permanent residents anyway. City officials turned him down over the idea seeming inappropriate. Trump also sued tenants for $150 million when they complained. However, Trump gave in, settling the tenants and agreeing to monitoring. The building still stands today with his son Eric owning a unit on the top floor.

2013: Is sued by members of the Trump National Golf Club of Jupiter, Florida for breach of contract. In this class action lawsuit, the members allege that after Trump bought the resort from Marriot, he unilaterally changed membership terms in ways that converted their refundable deposits ranging from $55,000-$221,000 into nonrefundable deposits. Trump and his team deny any wrongdoing and the trial was set a week before the RNC.

Discrimination:

1973-1975: The Department of Justice filed suit against him and his father for housing discrimination at 39 sites around New York on grounds that Trump Management had refused to rent or negotiate rentals to racial minorities. The DOJ also charged them requiring different rental terms and conditions due to race as well as lied to blacks that apartments were unavailable. Trump called such accusations, “absolutely ridiculous.” He even denied the charges and insisted that the government was trying to force his company to rent to welfare recipients. The Trumps would later hire former Joe McCarthy defender Roy Cohn and sue the DOJ for $100 million. In the end, they settled with the government, promised not to discriminate, and submitted to regular review by the New York Urban League. But neither would admit their guilt.

1978: The Department of Justice brings him and his father back to court on contempt of consent decree pertaining to their promise not to discriminate. According to Wayne Barrett from Trump: The Deals and the Downfall, “Cohn picked up his argument where he’d left off, branding the new case a ‘rehash’ without ‘the slightest merit,’ attributable to ‘planted malcontents .’ It all remained irrelevant to Donald. The bottom line was that two government discrimination lawsuits had had no effect on the company’s ability to make development deals, usually with the government’s help. The charges were just not a part of the world in which he operated.”

1992: Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino fined $200,000 over managers removing black card dealers at the request of a certain big-spending gambler. Trump has had a long record disparaging his black casino employees as “lazy” in vividly bigoted terms. A former employee at Trump’s Castle claimed, “When Donald and Ivana came to the casino, the bosses would order all the black people off the floor. It was the eighties, I was a teen-ager, but I remember it: they put us all in the back.” A 1991 book about Trump by former Trump Plaza and Casino John O’Donnell has Trump saying, “And isn’t it funny. I’ve got black accountants at Trump Castle and Trump Plaza. Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.” O’Donnell also reported Trump saying of a black employee, “I think the guy is lazy. And it’s probably not his fault because laziness is a trait in blacks. It really is, I believe that. It’s not anything they can control.”

1996: Sued by 20 African Americans in Indiana for failing to hire mostly minority workers for a riverboat casino at Lake Michigan.

Shady Ties:

1970s-?: Has been linked to the mafia many times over the years with varying degrees of closeness. Many seem to be the sorts of interactions with mobsters that were inevitable for someone in the construction and casino business at the time. Though Trump has portrayed himself as an unwilling participant, not everyone agrees since strings of other allegations persist. For instance, Trump’s lawyer Roy Cohn also represented Genovese crime family boss Tony Salerno. Cohn would later be disbarred for fraud and other serious wrongdoing in 1986. And according to investigative journalist Wayne Barrett, Trump paid twice the market rate to a mob figure for the land under Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. Michael Isikoff reported that Trump was close to John Gotti associate Robert LiButti whom he invited on his yacht and helicopter as well as bought him 9 luxury cars in one case. Though Trump has been questioned in court over the ties, he’s never been convicted of anything. Though Trump Plaza was fined $200,000 for keeping black employees away from LiButti’s table at his behest and $450,000 for giving him the cars. Say what you want about Ted Cruz, but his suggestion that Trump’s ties with the mafia which could be more extensive than reported might be a reason why he won’t release his tax returns seems to make a lot of sense. Because Cruz had evidence to back up this claim.

1982: Dealt personally with mob-linked figures while opening his first Atlantic City Casino. They were widely known “agent” of the Philadelphia mob’s Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo, Kenneth Shapiro and Teamster and known mobster associate Daniel Sullivan who co-owned a site Trump needed for his casino. The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump negotiated with them directly to lease the land and told a New Jersey regulatory agency that “They are not bad people from what I see.” In 1984, Shapiro testified in front of a grand jury to funneling thousands of dollars in contributions from Trump to Atlantic City mayor Michael J. Matthews who Trump was barred from contributing on his own due to his casino ownership. Trump denied the charge telling the Wall Street Journal, “I’m not interested in giving cash, OK?” Shapiro’s brother Barry claimed that Trump never reimbursed Kenneth for his illegal contributions on the former’s behalf. Now Trump refusing to pay Shapiro is believable. But Trump not being interested in giving to political candidates, no way.

1990s: Is brought to the site of the 45 story Trump Tower Philadelphia by business partner Raoul Goldberg. In 2000, Goldberg was sentenced to 46 months in prison for trying to ship tens of thousands of ecstasy pills to the US.

1992: Senate subcommittee named then Trump Taj Mahal foreign marketing vice president Danny Leung as an associate of the Hong Kong-based organized crime group 14K Triad. Leung was also said to give complimentary tickets for hotel rooms and Asian shows to numerous Asian organized crime associates and members. The report also identified 3 other triad-connected business associates or former Trump casino empire employees. Also, according to the New York Daily News in 1995, Leung “flew in 16 Italian crime figures from Canada who stole more than $1 million from the casino in a credit scam. The incident was never reported because Trump never filed charges.” Leung has denied his organized crime affiliation while his casino and junket licenses were renewed.

1998: Despite being against normalizing relations with Cuba as far back as 1999, has done business with the country during the US Embargo, which is a violation of federal law. Yes, it’s a stupid policy but the law is the law. Then again, the Castro brothers aren’t the worst business partners he’s had.

1998-2003: Rented New York office space to the Iranian Bank Melli, one of the largest state-owned banks in the world. US authorities have linked Bank Melli to terror groups and Iran’s nuclear program.

2000s-present: Went into business with Azerbaijani billionaire playboy Anar Mammadov whose father is the country’s transportation minister. The project in question was to build a Trump Tower in Baku. Mammadov’s wealth has resulted in part from his father’s political connections as well as rich oil resource boom and has mounted mounted a PR campaign to rehabilitate Azerbaijan’s kleptocratic image in the West by courting some of Washington’s most powerful politicians. Azerbaijan is considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world due to its intolerance of dissent and the high wealth concentration among the politically powerful and their families. The Mammadovs have been called “The Corleones of the Caspian” and US diplomats have described them as notoriously corrupt even by Azerbaijani standards. They’re also deeply in business with an Iranian-owned firm called Azarpassillo which seems like a front organization for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We’re not sure how much Trump, his family, or his organization knows about the Iranian Mammadov partnership. Yet, while this instance sounds like fake news, it’s not since you’ll find similar articles in mainstream press like The New Yorker. But if he has any part in it, it won’t be the first time he was involved with a money laundering scheme.

2003-?: Worked with Felix Sater who had a 1998 racketeering conviction for a $40 million Mafia-linked stock fraud scheme and who had then become an informant against the mafia. Trump’s attorney claimed that Sater worked with Trump scouting real estate opportunities but was never formally employed.

2009: Allegedly tried to raise money from the regime of Muammar el-Qaddafi as well as set up a meeting to discuss business ventures. This despite the Libyan dictator’s notorious sponsorship of terrorism that has killed scores of Americans. Trump even had Qaddafi rent his opulent Westchester estate to erect a huge traditional tent during his stay and sacrifice a live lamb while in New York for a United Nations Assembly. Qaddafi agreed to stay at Trump’s property mostly because the despised tyrant had been obviously turned down by many other venues. The town of Bedford would yank permission for the tent after a storm of publicity stoked outrage which scuttled the Libyans’ plans and forced their leader to stay in Manhattan indoors. So Qaddafi never got the chance to sleep there.

2014: In New York Magazine, said of billionaire Jeffery Epstein, “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.” Epstein has been named in multiple lawsuits over the last several years for statutory rape, served 13 months in jail, and is a registered sex offender for life at Level 3 (the most dangerous kind. He has settled a few of them but still faces more than a dozen from women who claim he sexually assaulted them as minors.

2016: Despite claims to get tough with China, his Trump Bay Street real estate project in Jersey City is courting investments from Chinese backers through a program called EB-5, which lets foreign investors receive visas in exchange for $500,000 in a project promising to create jobs. Department of Homeland Security says the program lacks adequate background reviews. Since applicants are sometimes cleared in less than a month, critics say that the government is essentially selling visas foreigners with no proven skills, possibly paving way for money laundering and compromising national security. Of course, despite warning about the dangers of immigrant screening, Trump doesn’t seem to use background checks. Trump Bay Street is being built by Trump’s son-in-law’s company. And it doesn’t help that Jared Kushner’s father Charles was a former rainmaker in New Jersey Democratic politics who pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance violation and filing false tax returns as attempts to silence a witness. The elder Kushner was sentenced to jail for two years on plea deal arranged by then US Attorney Chris Christie but he remains active in the company.

Sexual Misconduct Allegations (some of these may not be proven):

1980s: Allegedly shamelessly and repeatedly tried to seduce Robert LiButti’s then 30-something daughter Edith while still married to his first wife Ivana and even gave her a Mercedes Benz for her birthday but was threatened by the New Jersey mobster with castration. This according to David Clay Johnston.

Early 1980s: Allegedly sexually assaulted Jessica Leeds during a flight. According to the New York Times, “Mr. Trump raised the armrest, moved toward her and began to grope her. Ms. Leeds said she recoiled. She quickly left the first-class cabin and returned to coach, she said.”

1989: According to a book by Harry Hurt, Trump allegedly raped his then wife Ivana after getting angry at her over a painful scalp reduction surgery. Ivana would later claim that her husband had raped her and that she “felt violated” during their divorce proceedings. Yet Ivanna would later release a statement saying: “During a deposition given by me in connection with my matrimonial case, I stated that my husband had raped me. [O]n one occasion during 1989, Mr. Trump and I had marital relations in which he behaved very differently toward me than he had during our marriage. As a woman, I felt violated, as the love and tenderness, which he normally exhibited towards me, was absent. I referred to this as a ‘rape,’ but I do not want my words to be interpreted in a literal or criminal sense.” Yet, keep in mind that Trump was having a five-year affair with future second wife Marla Maples and sought not only to publicly humiliate Ivana but also to profit from her humiliation. When The Daily Beast reported the incident, Trump’s right-hand man Michael Cohen threatened reporters and claimed-incorrectly-that a man can’t legally rape his wife. In 1992, Trump would sue Ivana for not honoring a gag clause in their divorce agreement by disclosing facts about him in her best-selling book and won. It’s one of several cases where Trump has been accused of misogyny including his comments of Megyn Kelly or his fury toward a lawyer who asked for a break to pump breast milk during a deposition in which Trump said, “You’re disgusting” and walked out.

Early 1990s: Allegedly groped aspiring model Kristen Anderson beneath the skirt in a Manhattan nightclub. Anderson related the experience to friends but hasn’t come forward until recently. She believes the incident took place at the China Club where Trump was known to pick up women.

1992: Embarked on an ill-fated effort to in running the American Dream pageant which resulted in him getting sued by George Houraney and Jill Harth. In it, they alleged that Trump kept black women out of the pageant as well as breach of contract. Harth would file another suit against Trump for alleging sexual misbehavior. According to her, Trump groped her at a party, made passes, and forced her into bedrooms. He was even said to join another model in bed, uninvited, late at night as well as calling all women bimbos and most gold diggers. “Basically he name-dropped throughout that dinner, when he wasn’t groping me under the table,” she later said in a 1996 deposition. “Let me just say, this was a very traumatic thing working for him.” This would eventually escalate in what she calls “attempted rape.” She claimed, “He pushed me up against the wall, and had his hands all over me and tried to get up my dress again … and I had to physically say: ‘What are you doing? Stop it.’” Harth would drop her suit while she and Houraney settled with Trump for an unannounced sum. Trump has denied all allegations. Later beauty pageants scandals include winning a $5 million lawsuit against a former Miss Universe contestant who claimed that the pageant was rigged and a debacle with NBC and Univision over his comments about Mexicans. In the latter, Trump bought out NBC’s share and sold the company as well as sued Univision but settled in February.

Late-1990s: Was sued by a woman in Florida for $125 million on grounds that he had sexually harassed her and pulled out of a deal when she didn’t respond to his advances in 1993. Trump has denied the claims and the case appeared to be later withdrawn.

1996-2015: Owned the Miss Universe Organization.During this time he’s been alleged to walk in to contestants’ dressing rooms while they were changing (even the teens), kissing contestants against their wishes, pitting women against each other, groping, and acts of humiliation to contestants who wouldn’t tow the line. Trump described walking in unannounced on nude or partially dressed beauty pageant contestants to Howard Stern, “You know, no men are anywhere. And I’m allowed to go in because I’m the owner of the pageant. And therefore I’m inspecting it… Is everyone OK? You know, they’re standing there with no clothes. And you see these incredible-looking women. And so I sort of get away with things like that … I’ll go backstage before a show, and everyone’s getting dressed and ready and everything else.”

1997: Allegedly sexually assaulted then Miss Utah Temple Taggart. According to her New York Times testimony, “‘He kissed me directly on the lips. I thought, ‘Oh my God, gross.’ He was married to Marla Maples at the time. I think there were a few other girls that he kissed on the mouth. I was like ‘Wow, that’s inappropriate.’”

1997: Allegedly sexually assaulted Cathy Heller at his Mar-A-Lago resort during a Mother’s Day brunch. According to the Guardian, she said that Trump, “took my hand, and grabbed me, and went for the lips” in front of her husband, children, and in-laws. She leaned back to avoid him and almost lost her balance. She claimed Trump angrily barked, “Oh, come on,” before he grabbed her again, went for the lips, and planted a kiss near her mouth after turning her head away. Heller was “angry and shaken” and didn’t know how to react. But said that Trump was “pissed” because he “couldn’t believe a woman would pass up the opportunity.”

1998: Allegedly sexually assaulted life coach and yoga instructor Karena Virginia. According to her, Trump approached her with a small group of men while commenting on her legs, grabbed her by the arm while she waited for a ride after the US Open in Queens, New York. She continued, “Then his hand touched the right side of my breast. I was in shock. I flinched. ‘Don’t you know who I am? Don’t you know who I am?’ – that’s what he said to me. I felt intimidated and I felt powerless.”

2003: Allegedly sexually assaulted Mindy McGillvray. According to the Palm Beach Post, “McGillivray, 36, said she was groped by Trump at Mar-a-Lago 13 years ago. She said she never reported it to authorities. But her companion that day, photographer Ken Davidoff, vividly remembers that McGillivray pulled him aside moments after the alleged incident and told him, ‘Donald just grabbed my ass!’”

2005: Talked to Billy Bush in a bus on Access Hollywood about aggressively kissing women, and how he, as a celebrity, can “grab them by the pussy.” He also discussed his pursuit of an unnamed married woman later revealed as the show’s former host, Nancy O’Dell. “I moved on her, and I failed. I’ll admit it. I did try and fuck her. She was married,” he told Bush. “And I moved on her very heavily. In fact, I took her out furniture shopping. She wanted to get some furniture. I said, ‘I’ll show you where they have some nice furniture.’ I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn’t get there. And she was married. Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything. She’s totally changed her look.” Trump claimed it was locker room talk but this is worthy of attention. By the way, he later tried to get O’Dell fired while she was pregnant.

2005: Allegedly sexually assaulted People Magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff when she interviewed him and his wife Melania. According to Stoynoff, while Melania changed, Trump took her into another room. “Within seconds, he was pushing me against the wall, and forcing his tongue down my throat,” she claimed. Later, he told her, “You know we’re going to have an affair, don’t you?” She told a colleague about it after the trip and thought about reporting it. But she wrote, “I was ashamed and blamed myself for his transgression. I minimized it (‘It’s not like he raped me…’); I doubted my recollection and my reaction. I was afraid that a famous, powerful, wealthy man could and would discredit and destroy me, especially if I got his coveted PEOPLE feature killed.”

2005: Allegedly sexually assaulted then Trump Tower-based real estate receptionist Rachel Crooks during an elevator ride with him. According to the New York Times, “Aware that her company did business with Mr. Trump, she turned and introduced herself. They shook hands, but Mr. Trump would not let go, she said. Instead, he began kissing her cheeks. Then, she said, he ‘kissed me directly on the mouth.’” Trump later asked for her phone number and that he wanted to give it to his modeling agency. Crooks told her then-boyfriend and sister as soon as it happened.

2006: Allegedly sexually assaulted adult film star Jessica Drake and her friends at his hotel suite at Lake Tahoe and offered her $10,000 for sex when she declined. Drake declined again.

2006: Allegedly sexually assaulted Miss Finland Ninni Laaskonen by grabbing her by the butt before the two were set to appear on David Letterman. She described,”He really grabbed my butt. I don’t think anybody saw it but I flinched and thought: “What is happening?” Someone later told her that Trump liked her because she looked like his wife Melania when she was younger.

2007: Shared a story in his book Think BIG and Kick Ass where he’s giving a speech in front of 20,000 people and is asked by an attractive woman if she could audition for The Apprentice. Trump called her up and asked if she’s ever cheated on her husband. She says she had but she’s never told him. Trump then advised her to hire a lawyer and sign a pre-nup as a divorce would likely ensue. This was featured in a chapter centering around the importance of pre-nups which Trump has some expertise in like two failed marriages and excessive adultery.

2007: Allegedly kissed, groped and thrusted against Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos. She also alleged Trump made 2 unwanted sexual advances toward her, once at a bungalow where he kissed her open mouthed, grabbed her breast, and started thrusting his genitals. Trump denies this.

2010: According to CNN anchor Erin Burnett, she claims that Trump kissed one of her female friends in a Trump Tower boardroom that year. She said, “Trump took Tic Tacs, suggested I take them also. He then leaned in, catching me off guard, and kissed me almost on lips. I was really freaked out.” Trump later invited her friend to his office where he made further advances, gave her his cell phone number, told her she was special, and asked her to call him. The woman said she, “ran the hell out of there.”

2011: Grabbed and kissed former Miss Universe Australian Jennifer Hawkins onstage in front of thousands of people. Trump was allegedly angry with Hawkins thinking she slighted him by supposedly declining to appear with him at an event in Sydney. Afterwards, he told the audience, “Get even with people. If they screw you, screw them back 10 times as hard. I really believe that.” This was caught on tape and there is a video of it you can watch.

2013: Allegedly sexually assaulted then Miss Washington USA Cassandra Searles. In June 2016, Searles reportedly posted a photo of herself and Trump on her Facebook page saying, “Do y’all remember that one time we had to do our onstage introductions, but this one guy treated us like cattle and made us do it again because we didn’t look him in the eyes? Do you also remember when he then proceeded to have us lined up so he could get a closer look at his property? … Oh I forgot to mention that guy will be in the running to become the next President of the United States.” She later commented, “He probably doesn’t want me telling the story about that time he continually grabbed my ass and invited me to his hotel room.”

2016: Allegedly charged in with child rape of a 13 year old girl for which there is an eyewitness and credible information to support the claim. The woman filing suit claims in 1994 she was enticed to attend parties with the promise of money and modeling jobs at the home of Jeffrey Epstein, after the man was convicted of misconduct with another underage girl. Anyway, she alleges that Trump initiated sexual contact with her on 4 separate occasions, with the 4^th being “savage sexual attack” in which he had her tied to a bed and forcibly raped her while she pleaded him to stop. He threatened that she and her family would be “physically harmed if not killed” if she ever told anyone. Epstein’s party planner was an eyewitness who wrote, “I am coming forward to swear to the truthfulness of the physical and sexual abuse that I personally witnessed of minor females at the hands of Mr. Trump and Mr. Epstein . . . I swear to these facts under the penalty for perjury even though I fully understand that the life of myself and my family is now in grave danger.”

Government Money Shenanigans:

1970s-present: As of 2016, has received $885 million in New York tax breaks, subsidies, and grants for his apartment, hotel, and office developments in New York City. According to New York Magazine, Trump seems to have worked to extract as many incentives and exemptions as he could out of the New York government for his real estate projects through his and his father’s political connections. de Blasio and Giuliani administration veteran Alicia Glen characterized Trump as “probably worse than any other developer in his relentless pursuit of every single dime of taxpayer subsidies he can get his paws on.” For his first big development, the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Trump got a city record 40-year tax break for the $120 million project which has now cost the city $339 million in forgiven and uncollected taxes.

1970s-present: Structured his companies to allow him to have lucrative personal tax advantages while limiting his personal liability should the business go bad. According to the New York Times, Trump formed a partnership between himself and a corporation he wholly owned and created for this specific purpose. While many real estate had a similar structure, Trump played on a vastly different scale than most as his leverage was the stuff of legend. Once these partnerships were in place, Trump looked for financing. For instance, to purchase and finish construction on his Taj Mahal, Trump sold half a billion dollars in bonds (IOUs with interest) to individuals, companies, and banks. Yet, within its first year, Trump already started missing interest payments (as is the case since he used junk bonds). Yet, it wasn’t the only one of Trump’s businesses that hemorrhaged money. By the late 1980s, several of Trump’s casinos and properties suffered significant losses, the majority of which ended up on Trump’s tax returns. Trump turned these losses into personal gain through a Net Operating Loss or NOL in order to offset personal income losses for almost two decades. Yet, by then, his creditors stated forgiving his debt since they wanted to salvage what’s left of their investments. His forgiven debt which included the renegotiated bonds used to finance the Trump Taj Mahal which could be deducted from Trump’s personal NOL. So in order to avoid taxes on the forgiven debt and protect his NOL, Trump used a partnership equity for a debt swap that was actually closed by Congress. This was a move that even Trump’s lawyers said was legally dubious as well as made illegal in 2004.

1978, 1979, 1984, and 1995: Paid no federal income taxes. Though this doesn’t mean he paid federal income taxes in other years or has since 1995. These are the years we know he didn’t.

1980s: Cheated New York City out of nearly $2.9 million for his projects.

1980s-2000s: Sued mayoral administrations of Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg for tax breaks totaling almost $173 million. $157 million were ultimately granted to Trump Tower and Trump World Tower with condominiums among the most expensive in the city.

1995-present: Has received special tax breaks and loopholes over his business failures in order to avoid paying federal taxes possibly for 18 years.

2000s: Took $150,000 from the Empire State Development Corporation which was designed to help small businesses after 9/11 when many of them were destroyed or went under. At the time, Trump’s 40 Wall Street building had suffered economically and employed fewer than 500 people. But the last condition was controversial, according to the New York Daily News who found that the program had “ignored the federal definition of a small business and adopted a much looser standard. The ESDC used employee counts…to determine whether applicants were small businesses. Federal law requires that the size category of the types of businesses most common in lower Manhattan—finance, insurance, real estate, and law firms—be determined based on annual revenue.” Local politicians were furious that they issued an open letter demanding that Trump return the money.

2013: Received a New York tax rebate available only to those who earned less than $500,000 annually, undercutting claims that he makes hundreds of millions in income. Trump later called the rebate an error.

Charity Scams:

1980s-present: Has made numerous claims on promising to give to charity in his promotions despite that media organizations have been unable to verify his claims.

1987-present: Though often promising to give to charity, his Trump Foundation has proven rather skimpy on the gifts over the years and when it has given, the money has often come from other pockets than Trump’s, including outside donors and even NBC. Most Trump Foundation donors made only one contribution between 2001-2014 and most don’t talk about it. Most of the donors were either working with Trump or received something from him around the same time he donated. It has also collected more than $600,000 from other charities. Its case involving a $25,000 donation to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has been under special scrutiny since she later dropped investigations over Trump University and Trump Institute shortly afterwards. Both Trump and Bondi said there was no quid-pro-quo but the donation was illegal and the foundation was fined. A Washington liberal watchdog group called Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics charges that other laws might’ve been broken as well. Basically, it can be well established that Trump has used is charity as a personal slush fund since reporters have found no abiding cause like disease and disorder research or a particular college. The Washington Post has also found that the Trump Foundation never had any legal authorization to raise funds as a charity.

1987-2008: Has only contributed $5.4 million of his own money to the Trump Foundation. Has not given since then. It’s a known fact that most of the Trump Foundation money comes from others though Trump tends to take personal credit for the organization’s gift giving. This isn’t normally seen when it comes to a rich person’s private charity. He’s also been known to attend charity events without leaving a check.

1988: Promised to donate $2 million made from advising Mike Tyson to charity through his foundation. But the Trump Foundation never received the donation. That same year, Trump promised to donate $50,000 he made from a Pepsi commercial to charity. Once again, his foundation posts no record of that donation.

1989-present: May have deliberately directed personal income owed to him toward the Trump Foundation in possible violation of tax rules. A September 2016 report from the Washington Post reported that Trump had previously directed others to divert $2.3 million owed to his organization as income to his foundation as donations, possibly to evade personal income taxes. And old Associated Press coverage suggests he may have done this as early as 1989. IRS rules prohibit individuals from diverting taxable income toward charities if they benefit directly from them. That is, unless the individual declares the income on personal tax returns which Trump still hasn’t released. This includes $1.9 million from Richard Ebbers who had bought goods and services from him, $5,000,000 from Vince and Linda McMahon from 2007-2009 after Trump had appeared in 2 WWE events, $400,000 from Comedy Central for appearing on a celebrity roast, $150,000 from People Magazine in return for exclusive photos of his son Barron Trump, $500,000 from NBC Universal in 2012 for hosting The Apprentice, and $100,000 from Donna Clancy whose family law office rented space in the Trump Organization Wall Street building.

1995-1999: Made a $50,000 each year through Trump Foundation funds to the National Museum of Catholic Art and Library. A 2001 Village Voice report claimed that after visiting the East Harlem museum, found that the facility contained, “next to no art,” and no official connection to the Catholic Church. This despite having a 10-year track record of soliciting large-scale donations for its collection. With the Washington Post, the Voice determined that Trump may have directed the grants to the museum to curry favor with its chairman Eddie Malloy who was also head of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. The organization worked on behalf of one of the workers’ unions who worked with Trump on construction projects.

2000s: Through Trump Foundation money, contributed at least $385,000 of grants to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 2006. In response the, cancer institute has honored Trump variously as “Grand Benefactor” and “Grand Honorary Chair” at its annual fundraisers held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. He may have also earned more money on the event fees it received from the institute than the Trump Foundation paid in grants since hosting high profile charity events there can cost as much as $300,000.

2001: Made a $10,000 pledge to the Twin Towers Fund on the Howard Stern Show, which was founded by then New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and later administered as part of the New York City Public and Private Initiative, “to benefit the families of firefighters and police officers who died in the attacks.” During the 2016 RNC, Giuliani claimed that Trump made “anonymous” donations after the September 11th attacks. Yet, such donations have never been identified. Giuliani also said in support of Trump’s candidacy, “Every time New York City suffered a tragedy Donald Trump was there to help,…. He’s not going to like my telling you this but he did it anonymously.” Maybe, but the New York City Comptroller’s office told the New York Daily News that it had manually reviewed “approximately 1,500 pages of donor records of the Twin Towers Fund and the related entity NYC Public/Private Initiatives Inc., containing the names of more than 110,000 individuals and entities that were collected as part of the audits” all through August 2012. According to the News, then Comptroller Scott Stringer “found that Trump and [the Trump Foundation] hadn’t donated a dime in the months after 9/11.” Yet, because the review period only covered one year after the attacks, the Comptroller’s office was “unable to conclude definitively” that Trump never gave to the fund after August 2002. Additionally, according to IRS Form 990 tax filings, the Trump Foundation made no grants to the Twin Towers Fund or to NYC Public/Private Initiative from 2002-2014. Though Trump may have personally made a donation after August 2002 which wouldn’t have shown up in the foundation’s records. He’s also made similar claims about contributing to the American Red Cross which have been unsubstantiated.

2004-2015: Despite being highly visibly praised for his generosity and frequent offers to donate to his contestants’ charities on The Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice, he ultimately either directed the Trump Foundation to make a grant or had NBC Universal make the donation instead.

2005: Trump Foundation received $100,000 for work by Melania Trump on a Norwegian Cruise Line segment that was later included on The Apprentice.

2005-2014: Through Trump Foundation money, made various grants to other foundations without fulfilling IRS “expenditure responsibility” rules. By law, the Trump Foundation is responsible for ensuring that any grant it makes with another private foundation is strictly used for charitable purposes as well as required to attach full and detailed reports describing the grant money’s use to its IRS Form 990 tax return for each year a grant to a private foundation is made. Trump Foundation tax returns show that it failed to do this for all 20 grants it made to private foundations during this time which total to at least $488,500 and could be subject to significant fines and penalties.

2006: Contributed $1000 to the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Fund, which is a controversial Scientology program co-founded by Tom Cruise. This charity provided a “purification rundown” for firemen and others who inhaled toxins while working near the smoldering remains of the World Trade Center.

2007: Promised to make a $250,000 donation to Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces but didn’t.

2007: Wife Melania bid $20,000 on a 6 foot portrait of him created by a “speed painter” at a breast cancer fundraiser which as at Mar-a-Lago, using Trump Foundation money. Trump kept the painting which now reportedly hangs at one of his golf courses. If so, then according to tax experts, it could violate IRS rules against self-dealing. The Trump Foundation also paid $12,000 for a football helmet and jersey signed by Tim Tebow in 2012.

2007: Trump Foundation reported a $5,000 grant to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation before later claiming that it took the check back. The Chicago charity, however, claimed it never received the check from the Trump Foundation at all.

2007: Appeared at a Celebrity Fight Night Foundation fundraiser to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center in Phoenix, Arizona. According to the Organization’s spokesperson, Trump stipulated in return for his offering a New York-based dinner for himself and his appearance, that a share of the Parkinson’s charity share the total proceeds with the Trump Foundation. The Trump Foundation’s share amounted to $150,000 of auction proceeds that would’ve otherwise have gone to the center benefiting Parkinson’s Disease research. I’m sure the Trump Foundation money went to pay off some Trump lawsuit settlement at the time.

2007-2015: Eric Trump Foundation raised over $16.3 million through his charity golf tournaments, outings, and marathons with the proceeds meant to go to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. According to two people directly involved with these events, in 2011, Trump “specifically commanded that the for-profit Trump Organization start billing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the nonprofit Eric Trump Foundation.” As CNN reports, “According to IRS tax filings, the costs for the golf invitational from 2007 to 2010 were approximately $50,000 per year. In 2011, that jumped to about $142,000. The 2012 golf invitational cost the foundation $59,000. Costs in 2013 again jumped to $230,000, and $242,000 in 2014, and $322,000 in 2015, its final year. It’s unclear why the costs went up and how much of that money went to the Trump Organization.” The Trump Organization took at least $1.2 million with part of it having no documented recipients while $500,000 of the money was donated to other charities, many of which were connected to Trump family members. It’s very clear that the Eric Trump Foundation was just another way for Trump to make money. Eric suspended operations of his foundation in 2016, by the way.

2008: Bought a $120,000 luxury trip with Trump Foundation money during a charity auction. It’s said that the Washington Post has confirmed that Trump has only donated $10,000 to charity within the last 7 years.

2010: Through Trump Foundation money, contributed $150,000 to the Palm Beach Police Foundation which led to Trump receiving the “Palm Beach Award.” Yet, money came from the New Jersey based Charles Evans Foundation and when those donations stopped, so did the Trump contributions to the police charity as well. Adding insult to injury, the Palm Beach Police Foundation has even held its “Police Ball and Auction” at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach which paid $276,463 in rental fees in 2014. The 2014 tax form also lists $44,332 in unattributed “direct expenses” paid by the police foundation for the same event as well as $36,608 in “direct expenses” for its annual “Golf Classic,” which the police foundation also holds at the Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago golf course each year. In fact, each year from 2010-2014, the police foundation’s public tax records show significant “direct expenses” incurred for bot the Police Ball and Auction and the golf tournament, though expense categories weren’t listed in filings.

2010: Through Trump Foundation money, contributed heavily to anti-vaxxer non-profit Generation Rescue which headed by actress, former Playboy model and fucking ignoramus bitch Jenny McCarthy (I really hate this woman). The anti-vaxxer cause is a dangerous one since it has encouraged parents not to vaccinate their kids which has led to outbreaks of measles and other diseases as well as put other children at risk. It’s also based on junk science of the vaccine-autism link that doesn’t exist. Furthermore, the anti-vaxxer movement also brands those on the autism spectrum as damaged individuals like it’s something parents should fear more than measles. In reality, having a child with autism is not nearly as bad as having a child with measles. At least autism isn’t contagious and doesn’t kill children. Besides, by the time autistic children are vaccinated, it’s most likely that they already have autism from the time they were born.

2010s: Through Trump Foundation funds, paid $158,000 to the Martin Greenberg Foundation as a settlement from a lawsuit brought by Greenberg against the Trump National Golf Club Westchester at Briarcliff Manor, New York. In it, Greenberg claimed he rightfully won a $1 million prize for scoring a hole-in-one in a 2010 charity golf tournament at the club. But the club denied the award on technical grounds, arguing the hole was shorter than 150 yards. To raise the money for the settlement, the Trump Foundation auctioned a prize of lifetime membership at Trump-owned golf courses with the winning bid bringing a $157,000 donation to the foundation. It’s likely the bid was above the actual membership value and the winner might’ve believed he was donating to the foundation for charitable causes instead of a lawsuit settlement to offset a payment at another foundation. In September 2016, the Washington Post reported that the Trump Foundation’s grant to the Greenberg Foundation was directly linked to the legal settlement, likely violating IRS self-dealing rules by using charitable funds to pay Trump’s personal and business obligations.

2012-2014: Through Trump Foundation, made grants totaling at $20,000 to a high school band and choir in return for performances at his resorts. The Palm Beach Post suggests that Trump may have benefited personally from this.

2013: Made a $5,000 grant with Trump Foundation money to the non-profit DC Preservation League. According to the Washington Post, the nonprofit’s support “was helpful” to the Trump Organization in obtaining the rights to convert the old Washington D.C.’s historic Post Office Pavilion into the Trump International Hotel, which has recently opened. The Trump Foundation’s ads in the event programs promoted Trump’s hotels, in violation of IRS self-dealing rules.

2013: Through Trump Foundation, donated $10,000 to the V Foundation, a cancer fighting group founded by former basketball coach Jim Valvano in return for the V Foundation fundraiser at his Trump Winery in Virginia.

2014: Purchased a 4-feet tall painting of himself from the 1990s at a charity auction with $10,000 of Trump Foundation money. A photo of this portrait was found on a Trip Advisor review of Trump National Doral Miami and later by a reporter from Univision who went to the club and asked various staff about the painting. The reporter eventually discovered it hanging on a wall at the golf resort’s Champions Bar & Grill restaurant.

2016: Held a fundraiser in Iowa for veterans’ groups which was launched as a protest event after he refused to attend the Fox News debate and raised less than the $6 billion he initially claimed. It is unlikely that Trump contributed $1 million of his own money which the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation hasn’t confirmed. Some groups have complained that they haven’t received their money yet. It’s likely that he’s committed fraud. Though he claims to be an “ardent philanthropist,” he’s actually only donated $3.7 million to his own foundation between 1990 and 2009 while WWE’s Vince and Linda McMahon have contributed $5 million to his foundation. Overall he’s said to only contribute a paltry $6.7 over the last 20 years. He ranks among the least charitable billionaires in the world.

2016: Directed $100,000 of Trump Foundation funds to the National September 11 Memorial Museum days before the 2016 New York primary where he was on the ballot, mischaracterizing foundation grant as a personal donation. May not be fraud, but it’s highly suspicious.

Lawsuits:

1970s-present: As of 2016, has been subject to numerous lawsuits including 79 branding and trademark cases, 6 campaign cases, 1,863 casino cases, 206 contract dispute cases, 130 employment cases, 61 golf club cases, 191 government and taxes cases, 13 media and defamation cases, 191 other cases, 695 personal injury cases, and 621 real estate cases. This makes 4,056 in all. USA Today has a whole article on it with graphs to show. You got that right.

1970s-present: As of 2016, has been named in 169 federal lawsuits.

1974: While being pursued by federal prosecutors for illegal housing discrimination against African Americans, admitted his company, “had been destroying their corporate records for the previous six months and had no document-retention program,” according to Newsweek.

1980s: Sued Julius and Edmond Trump who were trying to buy a chain of drug stores with their business being called, “The Trump Group.” This was mostly because they happened to be businessmen who had the same last name he did. Trump alleged that the two brothers were nothing but a pair of late arriving immigrants trying to piggyback on his good name. According to him, “Plaintiffs have used the Trump family name for 40 to 50 years in the New York area. More recently, the Trump Organization has come to stand for respectability and success across the United States. The defendants are South Africans whose recent entrance in the New York area utilizing the name ‘the Trump Group’ can only be viewed as a poorly veiled attempt at trading on the goodwill, reputation and financial credibility of the plaintiff.” This took 5 decades to resolve, it was thrown out.

1984: Sued a Chicago Tribune architecture critic for $500 billion for criticizing his plans to build a skyscraper in Lower Manhattan when he hadn’t even hired an architect yet.The case was dismissed.

1990: Named defendant in 21 lawsuits filed by different businesses and individuals, several on grounds of securities fraud and breach of contract. Most complaints stemmed from Trump’s corporation filing for bankruptcy from creditors following construction of the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City. According to The New York Times, the resort was $3 billion in debt.

1990s-2000s: Has sued Palm Beach 3 different times. In 1992, he sued membership club Mar-a-Lago for $100 million. The council gave in and allowed him to make some of his property into a private club. Has sued the Palm Beach Airport for noise violations and tried to prevent them from expanding near his private club. This legal fight cost Palm Beach taxpayers at least $600,000. The latest one was in the late 2000s which was featured on the Colbert Report. In this one, Trump sued Palm Beach for $25 million on grounds that the town cited him for displaying an American flag on his property on a pole that didn’t meet its standards (it was too tall). Trump told Politico, “The town council of Palm Beach should be ashamed of itself. They’re fining me for putting up the American flag. This is probably a first in United States history.” God, I really feel bad for this community.

1993: Sued wealthy financier and Jay Pritzker for civil racketeering over his family’s management of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City where they were equal partners.

1995: Trump Organization was sued by a building superintendent for false imprisonment, alleging Trump security guards assaulted his wife and child. He said he had information about financial improprieties at Trump buildings and sent his wife and 12-year-old son to pick up some relevant documents. But the lawsuit claimed the office they were in was broken into by a screwdriver: “Four men prevented Hatixbe Bajrushi and her son from leaving. Matthew Calamari, the hulking head of security, shoved the boy. Trump’s brother-in-law, James Grau, barked questions, demanding to know why they were there. Michael Nicoll, another guard, pushed them back when they tried to leave. Grau snatched her purse and passed it to Calamari, Nicoll, and Domenic Pezzo to rifle through.[…] Calamari threatened to harm the family if they spoke to police about what happened, according to the lawsuit. After 90 minutes, the police arrived and the Bajrushis were freed.” None of the security guards named in the lawsuit were charged. But FBI agents told Buzzfeed News that 2 of them were questioned as “persons of interest.”

1995-2003: Was sued by ex-wife Marla Maples’ personal assistant which was eventually dismissed. But not without accusations of nude pictures being sent to the tabloids and panty stealing.

2005-2009: Sued New York Times reporter Tim O’Brien for $5 billion over libel. This over O’Brien publishing a 2005 book Trump Nation in which he estimated Trump’s net worth at $150-$250 contrary to the billions he claimed earning ire from his subject. The suit was tossed but not without Trump saying that he estimates his wealth based on his mood on any given day, not his financial statements. Yet, O’Brien has mocked Trump’s current net worth claims while Trump has said on the campaign trail and in an interview with the Washington Post that he wants to make it easier to sue for libel. The Post combed through Trump’s deposition in the case and found 30 instances where he admitted to having lied. As of this year during the presidential campaign, Trump still hasn’t released his tax returns mostly because the public doesn’t care, according to him.

2005: Sued a casino by claiming his former co-worker had conspired against him. The defendants asked Trump’s team to turn over records if they could prove he knew about the deal before 2001, his case had no standing. Yet, despite extensive discovery requests, all that Trump’s team eventually turned over was just a small box of documents with no relevance to the lawsuit. A follow-up review found everything on any Trump company servers before 2001 had been deleted, according to Newsweek.

2006: According to USA Today, was court ordered to hand over several years’ worth of e-mails but claimed that the Trump Organization routinely erased e-mails and had no records from 1996-2001. The defendants said this amounted to destruction of evidence which was never resolved. A Trump IT director testified that Trump Tower executives relied on personal e-mail accounts through dial-up connection. Trump casino unit General Counsel Bob Pickus verified that claim saying, “Every year everything was just wiped out and deleted from pretty much everybody’s computers.” This despite that Trump launched a high-speed Internet provider in 1998 as well as announced that he’d wire his whole building with it. Another said Trump had no routine process of preserving e-mails before 2005. Judge Jeffrey Streitfeld told USA Today, “I was a bit incredulous that an organization of that significance doesn’t do email. I had heard a number of things in 24 years on the bench, but that stuck in my mind.”

2007: Sued law firm Morrison Cohen who represented him for several years over treating him as a cash cow because of fees it sought from him after it won a case where Trump claimed he’d been overcharged by a contractor for work on a golf course. Remember this is from a guy who has been reported to never pay his contractors or lawyers. The firm countersued Trump seeking an extra $470,000 in unpaid legal bills. He settled with an undisclosed sum.

2008: Sued Deutsche Bank and Fortress Investment Group, along with a long list of smaller lenders who were financing his 92-story Chicago hotel and condominium project. Earlier, Trump had personally guaranteed $40 million of Deutsche Bank’s $640 million construction loan but when the money was due, he asked for an extension citing the recession. They refused. In court documents, he condemned Deutsche Bank’s “predatory lending prices,” and partially blamed the global institution for causing the financial crisis, asking for $3 billion in damages. The bank countersued Trump for the $40 million that was promised. They reached an agreement in 2010 with the loan extended to 5 years.

2008: Sued Rancho Palos Verdes, California where he developed a golf course for $100 million in damages for allegedly violating his civil rights and defrauding him. The town’s annual budget is $20 million. The suit charges that the town had been delaying plans for adding 20 luxury grounds of Trump’s National Golf Course, while requiring stringent environmental and safety studies since the area is known to have landslides. But Trump insisted that the town has forced him to spend “millions of dollars on unnecessary, repetitive, unreasonable and unlawful geologic surveys.” He was also pissed that locals balked at renaming a highway Trump National Drive. The judge ruled against part of his claims by denying him permission to build the luxury homes, noting that such plans were never submitted to the city. But it has approved plans for another 36 homes.

2013: Sued comedian Bill Maher who offered on The Tonight Show to give Trump $5 million if he could prove that his father wasn’t an orangutan (as a spoof of Trump’s offer to give $5 million to charity if President Obama would release his records and applications for colleges and passports). Trump sent a copy of his birth certificate to Maher but the latter didn’t pay up. Trump would say, “He has not responded, and the reason he hasn’t responded is his lawyers probably tell him, ‘You’ve got yourself a problem.’” Maher would reply on his show, “Donald Trump must learn two things–what a joke is, and what a contract is.”

2013: Countersued New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for $100 million for malicious prosecution over bringing suit against Trump Institute and Trump University seeking $40 million in restitution for fraud and other violations. The counterclaim was dismissed 3 months later with permission to refile if Trump successfully defends himself against Schneiderman’s underlying pending suit.

Scams:

Mid-2000s: Involved in condo hotels, a pre real-estate crash fixation in which people would buy units they’d use for vacation but would be rented out as hotel rooms for the rest of the year with the developer and owner sharing a profit. For a variety of reasons, this turned out to be a terrible idea resulting in condo buyers suing over claims they were bilked. Trump’s role in the project is uncertain since he’s often sold his name rights to developers where he gets payoff and the aura of luxury the name imparts. But in some condo hotel suits, buyers complain that they bought these properties as investments because of his name only to realize he was barely involved. Trump has also been subject to complaints about his involvements in a multi-level marketing scheme. In Manhattan’s Trump SoHo, it turns out that Trump’s partners had a lengthy criminal past. Bayrock Group’s Tevfik Arif had been detained in Turkey on suspicion of running a high priced prostitution ring. This consisted of him setting up trysts between wealthy businessmen and Eastern European models, some underage aboard a $60 million yacht once used by the nation’s founder Ataturk. The police raid kind of plays like a scene from the first Taken movie. Felix Sater was a convicted stock swindler who had an associate show up in a court-ordered ankle monitor and escaped prison only by helping to convict 19 others, including 6 members of New York City’s crime families. Two associates served prison time for cocaine. Trump claimed he didn’t know this but settled the lawsuit with buyers and that the project was financed by questionable sources in Russia and Kazakhstan (though he didn’t admit to any wrongdoing). In Fort Lauderdale, Trump International Tower and Hotel went into foreclosure and Trump has sued the complex’s developer. In 2013, he settled a suit with prospective buyers who lost millions when a Baja Mexico development went under. Again, Trump blamed the developers, saying he only licensed his name.

2005-2010: Started Trump University, an online “university” to teach his real estate development secrets. Students spent up as much as $35,000, some after being suckered in by slick free “seminars” to learn how to get rich. One ad promised that they would “learn from Donald Trump’s handpicked instructors, and that participants would have access to Trump’s real estate ‘secrets.’” In reality, Trump had little to do with the curriculum or instructors while many “students” have since complained that Trump U. was a scam. Well, at one time it had some prestigious instructors but over time “the faculty” became a motley bunch of misfits. Also, it wasn’t really a “university” by any definition and would later change its name to the “Trump Entrepreneur Initiative” because the school just happened to violate New York law by operating without an educational license. The school shut down in 2010 but the litigation continues. Trump is now being sued by New York for bilking students out of $40 million and is subject to 2 class-action lawsuits in California. In the meantime, Trump has appeared to trying to intimidate plaintiffs, including countersuing one for $1 million (a favorite litigation tactic of his) and refusing to let her withdraw from the suit. While his lawyers have cited positive reviews, former students say they were pressured to give those. A set of damning internal documents were released under court order in May. And Trump decided to attack the judge, claiming that his Mexican ethnicity made him biased. Republicans would later repudiate him across the board while some have openly called him racist. There are lots of articles on this.

2005-?: While operating Trump University, franchised his name to Mike and Irene Milin who ran Trump Institute as well as were known serial operators of get-rich-quick schemes. Trump didn’t own company but instead, licensed his name, appeared in an infomercial, and promised that he would hand-pick instructors (like with Trump U). According to Jonathan Martin, Trump Institute’s course materials contained textbooks found to be plagiarized. The Milins were forced to declare bankruptcy in 2008 because of law enforcement investigations and lawsuits against their company. But Trump Institute continued on a few years afterwards. One of Trump’s aides said he was unaware of the plagiarism but claimed he stood by the curriculum.

2006-2015: Was spokesman for an investment telecommunications company called ACN where investors had to hand over a $500 sign-up fee and then build a consumer base of new investors in a pyramid scheme fashion. Obviously, the entire thing toppled over and investors lost hundreds of thousands of dollars while Trump walked away with millions. A 2011 episode of The Apprentice was devoted to hawking an ACN videophone which has since flopped. Today, ACN is regularly accused of operating a pyramid scheme by its disaffected sales associates.

2009: Franchised his name to the Trump Network which was already accused of being a multi-level marketing scheme pertaining to multivitamins while under Ideal Health. This involved customers mailing in a urine sample which would be analyzed for them in a specially formulated multivitamin package. The company fell on hard times within a few years, leaving some salespeople in tough financial straits. One single mother ended up losing her house and had her car repossessed in the middle of the night.

Suppression and Intimidation:

1990: Threatened to sue Philadelphia brokerage house Janney Montgomery Scott unless they fired gaming securities analyst Marvin Roffman over issuing a negative forecast for Trump Taj Mahal. The firm complied and fired him for “insubordination” but Roffman’s forecast was accurate. Roffman later founded a financial advisory firm the next year that ran more than $500 million by 2007 and now lives in a 40 room and 15,000 square foot mansion in Delaware. Yet, he later said, “But that doesn’t excuse the hell he subjected me to in 1990, sliming my reputation so much that I got fired and couldn’t find another job as an analyst. He acted viciously towards me because, I guess, he felt that I had personally attacked his brand. His image is all-important to him.” According to Barron’s, his life immediately after being canned was a living hell, especially when he sued his former employer for wrongful discharge and Trump for defamation and interference with his contractual relationship with his employment by threatening legal action if Roffman didn’t apologize for his Wall Street Journal remarks. He sought $2 million in punitive damages. Both cases would be settled after dragging on for months. Nevertheless, compared to a lot of Trump’s victims, Roffman was lucky.

1991: Suppressed an 80 – minute documentary called Trump: What’s the Deal? with threats of litigation to broadcasters and distributors. This is because the film painted a powerful and disturbing portrait of Trump as a financial Dorian Gray whose public image bears little resemblance to his conduct away from the cameras, including hiring actors for $50 each to applaud at his campaign announcement. While Trump presents himself as a businessman so skilled in deals as an art form, the film takes down this façade by showing him manipulating politicians and the criminal justice system, pocketing millions in taxpayer welfare, not paying people he hired, doing some of his biggest deals with mobsters, keeping a cocaine dealer as his helicopter pilot, and evidently benefitting from having his sister work in the Justice Department before being appointed as a federal judge. It even featured former advisors and employees describing furious tirades that no one, not even his family, could escape as well as how he lacks any real friends. Though Trump succeeded with suppressing the documentary, it’s now available online for those interested in watching it.

2009: An attorney named Kristopher Hansen called the FBI and reported receiving a threatening phone call from a man believed to be Trump’s bodyguard. At the time, Hansen represented a group of investors in Trump’s casino company, which was going bankrupt (potentially costing them $1.25 billion in defaulted debt). He told the local police that the caller threatened his wife and children: “My name is Carmine. I don’t know why you’re fucking with Mr. Trump but if you keep fucking with Mr. Trump, we know where you live and we’re going to your house for your wife and kids.” According to Buzzfeed’s Jason Leopold, the FBI found Hansen’s account credible enough that they gave him a portable recording device and asked him to record any other calls they got. Meanwhile, they traced the number showing up on Hansen’s BlackBerry to a Manhattan phone booth across the street from the theater that hosted The Late Show with David Letterman, where Trump taped an appearance a few hours after the call was made.

2011: Sent New York Times writer Gail Collins a copy of her column on his potential presidential run with “The Face of a Dog” written all over it.

2011: Threatened to sue rapper Mac Miller for his “Donald Trump” song with a music video that became a Youtube sensation. Between obscene lyrics, Miller vowed to “take over the world when I’m on my Donald Trump shit.” Trump wasn’t amused when the rapper sent him a wooden plaque honoring the song’s success. He tweeted to Miller “I’m now going to teach you a big boy lesson about lawsuits and finance. You ungrateful dog!” The rapper replied, “i’m not trying to put any negative energy into the world. @realDonaldTrump let’s be friends.” No suit has been filed.

2011: Threatened to sue MSNBC host Laurence O’Donnell who accused him of being worth less than $1 billion. Trump tweeted, “I heard, because his show is unwatchable, that @Lawrence has made many false statements last night about me. Maybe I should sue him?” He then went on to say he was substantially worth more than $7 billion with very low debt, great assets. O’Donnell replied that the threat was “awfully soft” for Trump and insisted, “I know his big secret, his biggest secret, and he knows that I know it: Donald Trump cannot afford to sue me.=”#45055857″>”

2011: An unnamed man approached porn star Stormy Daniels in a parking lot while she was with her infant daughter and implied she’d face bodily harm if she spoke about Donald Trump and their affair ever again: “a guy walked up on me and said to me, ‘Leave Trump alone. Forget the story.” And then he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, ‘That’s a beautiful little girl. It’d be a shame if something happened to her mom.’ And then he was gone.”

2013: Threatened to sue Angelo Carusone, organizer of a campaign to get Macy’s to drop Trump as a celebrity spokesperson and remove Trump-branded products from its shelves. The petition claimed that Trump had “long engaged in sexist behavior” and “used his public platform to deny the reality of climate change.” In a letter, Trump’s lawyer accused Carusone of using “mob-like bullying and coercion” and informed him that if he failed to cease and desist, Trump would sue him for no less than $25 million in damages. However, he’d soon back out. But Carusone would get his wish in 2015 after Trump called Mexicans rapists and criminals.

Political Misdeeds:

1980s: According to a New York State report, Trump circumvented corporate and personal donation limits by contributing money to candidates from 18 different subsidiaries, rather than giving in his own name. Trump told investigators he did this on the advice from lawyers which wasn’t illegal. He also said the contributions were not to curry favor with business friendly candidates but to simply satisfy requests from friends. However, it’s apparent he was trying to curry favor with business friendly candidates since that’s why most business people contribute to political campaigns in the first place.

1990s: Promised an amusement park in Bridgeport, Connecticut that fell through after a bitter struggle with rival Steve Wynn, which resulted in him owing $300,000 in back taxes. This was forgiven by the mayor at the time if Trump would sell the land for $1. That mayor would later spend 7 years in prison on corruption charges.

1991: Was part of a determined and successful lobbying campaign to change several tax rules, including one that would let him use his NOL to offset all personal income. This cleared the way for Trump to avoid paying federal income taxes on ventures including The Apprentice for which Trump claims he was paid over $200 million.

2010: Donated campaign money to then Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott who was also looking in to investigating Trump University. And like Bondi, Abbott decided not to pursue it mostly due to “political reasons” according to a former Texas official.

2010: Trump Foundation made a $10,000 donation to the American Spectator Foundation which is a nonprofit group that publishes the arch-conservative magazine of the same name as well as $5,000 to the Liberty Foundation which is an advocacy group run by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s wife.

2011: Through the Trump Foundation, made a $10,000 donation to the Palmetto Family Council, a group which opposes divorce, same-sex marriage, and abortion in South Carolina.

2012: Through the Trump Foundation coffers, made a $100,000 donation to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and $35,000 to Samaritan’s Purse. Both are Christian nonprofits run by Franklin Graham with the former being an advocacy group. When Trump proposed banning Muslims from entering the US late in 2015, Franklin Graham took to Facebook to defend him. Other conservative and religious groups have also been Trump Foundation grantees around the same time including the American Conservative Union, the anti-abortion group Justice for All, and the Texas-based evangelical ministry the Family Leader Foundation.

2013: Donated money to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s reelection campaign while her office was deciding whether or not to pursue a fraud case against Trump Institute and Trump University. Bondi dropped the investigation 4 days after the Trump Foundation contributed $25,000 to And Justice For All, which was backing her reelection. The Trump Foundation later recorded the incorrect recipient as the gift and later had to pay a $2,500 penalty to the IRS but even then didn’t recoup the money as required. I believe the correct term describing this transaction is a bribe. After that, a liberal watchdog group filed a complaint to the IRS accusing the Trump Foundation of using the charity to benefit a group’s leader. At the same time, Trump’s family gave more to her while Trump himself hosted a fundraiser at his Mar-A-Lago in Florida, charging less than market rate and less than he charged his own campaign to host events there. When this came to light in 2016, Trump moved $25,000 from his personal account to compensate his foundation and paid a $2,500 IRS fine. Trump Foundation representatives have said the contribution was made in error (yeah right).

2013: Trump Foundation donated at least $40,000 to the Drumthwacket Foundation a charity dedicated to preserving the New Jersey governor’s mansion and whose other donors have close ties to Chris Christie.

2013: Through the Trump Foundation, granted $10,000 to the Iowa-based The Family Leader which is a conservative Christian organization whose stated mission is to, “strengthen families, by inspiring Christ-like leadership in the home, the church, and the government.” Following the grant, its leader Vader Plaats invited Trump to speak at a leadership summit. These grants may have been illegal since The Family Leader is a 501(c)(4) corporation established to “develop, advocate and support legislative agenda at the state level” and not a charity. Thus, the Trump Foundation legally can’t donate money for non-charitable purposes. Though Trump may have intended to donate to The Family Leader Foundation which is listed as a 501(c)(3).

2013: Contributed $50,000 of Trump Foundation money to the American Conservative Union’s Conservative Political Action Conference or CPAC, to which he was invited to speak. In that same year, he was also invited to speak to the Economic Club in Washington DC after the Trump Foundation made a grant there.

2014: Trump Foundation made donation to the Moran Eye Center, a Utah hospital sponsoring Kentucky US Senator Rand Paul’s annual medical trips to Central America to perform eye surgery in poor and rural communities. Trump even sponsored one such trip to Guatemala.

2014: Made a $100,000 through the Trump Foundation to Citizens United, the infamous conservative group best known for a lawsuit that resulted in the US Supreme Court striking down many limits of the kinds of campaign donations Trump has criticized during his candidacy. This 2009 case permitted corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money backing political candidates. Even better, Citizens United was engaged in a lawsuit with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman who was also pursuing a civil lawsuit against Trump University. Schneiderman’s office called this donation part of a vendetta by Trump while Citizens United has rejected claims between the donation and its own lawsuit against the New York attorney general. Schneiderman is currently investigating the Trump Foundation as we speak.

2015: Made a $100,000 donation through the Trump Foundation to Project Veritas, which is a charity run by conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe, infamous for his notorious character assassination of ACORN. In October 2016, O’Keefe released a video that purportedly reveals how Democrats incited violence at Trump rallies. During the third presidential debate, Trump claimed that the new videos O’Keefe produced and released that week proved that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama “hired people” and “paid them $1,500,” to “be violent, cause fights, [and] do bad things” at Trump rallies. Since we’re talking about James O’Keefe who’s been under fire by people claiming he smeared them, we shouldn’t take his claims seriously.

Presidential Campaign:

2015-2016: Has used his entire presidential campaign as an outgrowth to build and promote his personal brand. Has devoted speeches to attacking a judge in the fraud suit against his “university,” encouraging surrogates to do the same, and promising to relaunch the enterprise if elected. Celebrated Brexit which drove down the pound’s value and proved helpful for driving his visitors to his Scottish golf course. When asked if he would put his holdings in a blind trust, Trump replied he would but defined “blind trust” to mean that his children would run his business for him, which is not what a blind trust is.

2015-2016: May have directed money from the Trump Foundation to finance his presidential campaign.

2015-2016: Has spent millions of dollars in campaign funds for his businesses which accounts for 7% of the money going to various Trump venues, an aviation company he owns, Trump Tower for office space, his corporate staff, and various other vendors. Meanwhile, he’s been paid $1.6 million by the US Secret Service to travel on a plane owned by one of Trump’s companies.

2015: Campaign launches Make America Great Again PAC, a pro-Trump Super-PAC created by Stephanie Stephanie Cegielski which is financed in part by Ivanka Trump’s mother-in-law Seryl Kushner whose husband was a convicted Democratic financier Charles who was sentence to 2 years in prison on 18 federal charges. Cegieleski now believes Trump is mentally unfit for office and the Super-PAC is now defunct after 4 months in operation (though the group’s website is said to still be in operation as of March so the Super-PAC may still be active). Though the official excuse is Trump’s disavowal of Super-PACs, it was also facing scrutiny over suspect collaboration with Trump’s campaign office.

2015: Trump Organization’s general counsel sent a cease-and-desist letter to Right to Rise PAC which was a PAC for the Jeb Bush campaign. In it they preemptively warned that aired any misleading or defamatory ads against Trump, they’d be sued. RTR said it was a leadership PAC not a Super PAC and didn’t produce TV ads. RTR also filed a complaint against Trump with the Federal Elections Commission for allegedly violating election laws by using his corporate in-house counsel for campaign purposes. Trump has denied wrongdoing. The FEC confirms the complaint but declines to comment.

2015: Is sued by 5 men who demonstrated outside a Trump presidential campaign event at Trump Tower citing that his security staff punched them. They also allege that city police advised the security guards that the men were permitted to protest there. Several people videotaped the incident.

2016: Hired Corey Lewandowski as his campaign manager despite his relatively short resume. For a time, it seemed to work well until a Brietbart reporter tried to ask Trump a question after a press conference. Lewandowski reached out and wrenched her out of the way. Though the two insisted that the incident never happened and that Fields was “delusional,” witnesses and surveillance footage acquired by Jupiter Police from Trump National clearly show otherwise. Lewandowski was arrested for battery but the prosecutor didn’t press charges. Trump has said that he could’ve been in danger, since Fields’ pen could’ve been a bomb (for the love of God, this is just bullshit).

2016: Might’ve illegally offered Ben Carson a job after he dropped out of the presidential race.

2016: Found in FEC filings by the Daily Beast that his presidential campaign had spent more than $55,000 buying his own book, Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again. Meaning that Trump used campaign donations to buy a book, sending cash back to himself. Copies were also given to delegates at the Republican National Convention. According to campaign expert Paul S. Ryan, this maneuver goes against FEC rules as he told the Beast: “It’s fine for a candidate’s book to be purchased by his committee, but it’s impermissible to receive royalties from the publisher… There’s a well established precedent from the FEC that funds from the campaign account can’t end up in your own pocket.” The Huffington Post later discovered that Trump jacked up rent for campaign offices when he stopped funding his own campaign.

2016: According to the Huffington Post, there’s not yet publicly disseminated evidence that Trump misused New York City police officers to retaliate against his perceived enemies as well as to harass and threaten his opponents’ personal safety.

2016: Hired Paul Manafort as his campaign manager who has been known to offer his services to pro-Russian Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych and Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos, both who were driven from power by popular revolution (with one infamously married to an avid shoe collector). Ukranian ledgers reveal that the Yanukovych regime paid Manafort $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments. Manfort has also lobbied for Saudi Arabia, a Bahamian president suspected of narcotics trafficking, and a former Angolan rebel leader accused of torture. And he has been well compensated with his firm said to accept clients who’d pay $250,000 a year as a retainer.

2016: Recruited Roger Ailes as a campaign adviser after he was forced to resign as CEO of Fox News over sexual harassment allegations from dozens of women. According to these women, Ailes’s behavior was positively monstrous. But what you might not know is that Ailes’s abusive and predatory actions toward women were so well-known and so loathsome that the folks in the Nixon administration refused to allow him work there in 1969. This is despite playing a key role in getting Nixon elected. The Nixon administration was responsible for Watergate.

2016: Quintupled rent charged to his campaign for using Trump Tower between March and July, despite it having fewer paid staff in the latter month. It’s obvious that Trump has raised the rent once his campaign has been financed primarily by outside contributions rather than the candidate himself. The Wall Street Journal has reported that 17% of Trump’s campaign spending has gone to companies linked to himself, his children, or to reimburse their travel expenses.

2016: Is endorsed by US Representative Chris Collins who becomes his first congressional backer. Yet, a new report suggests that he only did so because state party and bigwig Trump ally, Carl Paladino blackmailed him by threatening to deploy his vast political resources against him. He also aggressively pushed and threatened Republicans on New York’s delegation to Congress and its state legislature to support Trump. Basically he did this by writing in an open letter, “This is our last request that you join ‘Trump for President’ and try to preserve what’s left of your pathetic careers in government.” In addition, he threatened Republican delegates to the 2016 RNC if they didn’t vote for Trump as pledged, “I don’t trust our entire delegation (…) I’d certainly whack them if they went off the reservation.”

2016: Received first campaign donation from Aon Corp. Newman Team CEO, Pamela Newman who has also gave money to Trump’s Super-PAC and hosted a fundraiser dinner for him. Trump’s campaign in turn paid Aon $300,000 for insurance.

2016: Ran an Op-Ed in a Northern Marianas newspaper ahead of the territory’s primary which was virtually identical to a piece Ben Carson wrote a few days prior.

2016: Threatened to sue Ted Cruz to reverse the Iowa Caucus results due to him allegedly making misstatements about Ben Carson leaving the race. He then repeatedly sued to have Cruz declared constitutionally ineligible for the presidency because he’s not a “natural born citizen.” To be fair, Cruz was born in Canada but since his mother was born in the US, he certainly qualifies.

Miscellaneous:

1989: Faked a near death experience to get front page headlines after a tragic helicopter accident kills 5 including 3 Trump executives. He claimed that he was supposed to be on that helicopter but changed his mind at the last minute.

1996: Already struggling Trump Hotels and Casinos is offered a boost from the Hard Rock chain owner the Rank Group by proposing an investment in Trump’s Castle that would’ve helped reverse declining fortunes for the company. This consisted of Rank proposing purchasing a 50% interest in as much as $350 million and valuing the property at $180 million more than what Trump paid for it. All Rank wanted was to rebrand the property simply as Hard Rock. Any sane business person in Trump’s position would take this deal. But not Trump who backed out at the last minute because he wanted his name to stay on the property and that it be renamed Hard Rock at Trump’s Marina. Rank walked and the Trump Hotel stock price continued to dive. Trump later told Fortune magazine that he remembers nothing about negotiations with Rank.

2000s: Though he did give an eloquent defense of New York’s response during 9/11, has ignored pleas to help 9/11 first responders pass the James Zadroga Act reauthorization which set up a healthcare fund for police, firefighter, and other rescue workers. Several other candidates had but Trump remained silent despite receiving multiple letters and calls from the Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act, according to ABC. One of the group’s board members told the network, “I’m mortified that he can stand in front of the nation and wrap himself in a flag.”

2000: Starred in a Playboy soft-core porn. Though not illegal, it’s not something that puts him in a decent light.

2003-?: According to Newsweek, Trump Hotels wiped, “the data from everyone’s computers every year,” according to Newsweek. Lawsuits show that Trump and his companies regularly delete e-mails and other records since the very beginning.

2006: Bought an estate at Balmedie, Aberdeenshire in Scotland and built a golf course, against the wishes of locals. Trump promised the town his golf course project would create 6,000 jobs but later admitted, it only produced 200.

2007: Advised investors to buy “Subprime Mortgages At A Discount, And Repossessed Houses At Low Prices.” According to NBC, “The subprime mortgage crisis alone caused millions of Americans to lose their homes, but that same Globe and Mail piece reports Trump was ‘advising investors that there are now great deals in buying subprime mortgages at a discount, and repossessed houses at low prices.’”

2012: Despite his claims on sheltering thousands of people at Trump Tower after Hurricane Sandy, he was required by law to do so with the Trump Tower lobby having a 350 person capacity. No one has backed up his claims.

2015: Claimed in a financial statement that he’s given away $102 million worth in land but never supplied any information as to what this land is. My guess it’s probably some real estate on Middle Earth.

2015: In a financial statement, claimed an income of $362 million which was later determined as gross revenue and his actual income is likely one third of that.

2015: Claimed that he saw people jumping from the World Trade Center from his apartment even though Trump Tower is located more than 4 miles from the site. So it’s dubious at best.

2016: Though regularly boasts being worth $10 billion, a Fortune analysis estimated it’s likely between 1/3 and ½ that amount.

For more:

http://thejoshuablogs.blogspot.com/2016/08/heres-proof-of-donald-trumps-failures.html– this features a list of links from various sources such as The Washington Post, USA Today, PBS, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and other reputable sources. You’ll find plenty of information backing up my claims right here. Feel free to look.

http://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/trump-lawsuits/– Lists everything you want to know about Trump’s lawsuits.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/10/donald-trump-scandals/474726/– A rough cheat sheet from The Atlantic on Trump’s scandals. It’s one of my main sources. And yes, they have links an sources to prove it.

http://www.vox.com/2016/10/12/13265206/trump-accusations-sexual-assault – Lists all of Trump’s sexual assault allegations so I don’t have to.

The Bookbaggy World of Incredible Backpacks

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 14, 2016

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Whether it is for school, hiking, travel, or other things, backpacks have become an essential component to carry things while keeping our hands free. As with purses, several types exist with many shapes, sizes, and colors. Of course, if you went to middle or high school in my area, you had to get a backpack that was either of clear plastic or mesh for security reasons. Don’t ask. While I can tell you all about the wonderful backpack designs out there, chances are you’ll probably be bored to death because you’ve seen them all over and over again. Instead, I’ll show you backpacks that you might find quite strange that I’ve seen on Pinterest and Google Images. Some of these might have crazy designs that you may have never seen before. Some may even feature some extra components that will make you unable to afford them. So for your reading pleasure, I give you a glimpse into the world of crazy backpacks.

Is that a hand coming from that backpack?

Okay, that’s kind of creepy. Not something that you’d want your child to carry at school. Unless you’re in the Addams family.

2. Didn’t know you can find an owl in camouflage.

Too bad that real life owls don’t come in camo patterns unlike this backpack. Oh, wait, they actually use camouflage when staking out for prey. Just not in that pattern. My mistake.

3. This GPS and Wi-Fi backpack will help you get where you need to go.

Except if you’re stuck in the middle of the woods with poor cellphone reception. This GPS system backpack won’t help you there. So you’re on your own.

4. This galaxy backpack has stars that can even glow in the dark.

It’s the kind of backpack that Neil Degrasse Tyson wished he could have when he was in school since he always admires the wonders of the universe. Too bad for him, this backpack wasn’t available at the time.

5. This backpack relies on the power of the sun.

So you can feel free to charge your electronic devices you might have in them. So you’re good to go if you can afford this.

6. If you like Tetris than this is the backpack for you.

Even has a non-computerized version of Tetris. Hope you can fit all the pieces.

7. Now that’s what I call a literal book bag.

So it’s a messenger bag. But it still counts as a backpack in many areas. Not to mention, it’s shaped like a book.

8. Keep your belongings secure in this Batman backpack or Batpack.

Sure it might seem to be a bit cartoonish. However, this was made for schoolchildren so I’ll allow it.

9. This backpack is all covered in golden jingles.

Memes on this one sometimes go “How to make everyone in school hate you.” Well, I have to agree it certainly does the trick.

10. Ever wished you had a Doritos backpack? Now you can.

Is this made from a Doritos bag or just looks like it? Either way someone is bound to like it.

11. Hope you can strum it up with this guitar backpack.

From Crooked Brains: “This guitar-shaped bag is made from premium vegetable-dyed calf leather and comes with an integrated mini speaker and outlet for you to connect your favorite MP3 player.” So I guess this is very expensive.

12. Safely carry your gadgets in this multimedia backpack.

Because you can’t possibly live without the electronics in your life. This allows you to carry them as safely and comfortably as professionals do.

13. If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands…except if you’re a T-Rex.

Because T-Rexes have very small hands which doesn’t make for great clapping. No wonder they went extinct.

14. If you want your packpack to have ornate Asian designs, this is just the one for you.

Yes, it seems like it was made straight from the Himalayas. But it’s ornate, pretty, and could carry things. And that’s all that matters.

15. Keep your belongings on the Dark Side of the Force with this Darth Vader backpack.

Yes, the Dark Side is especially strong in this woman. However, it has the potential to choke you if you fail him for the last time.

16. The Smart Versatile Arrow Backpack was built for comfort.

From Crooked Brains: “This multi purpose backpack focuses on the comfort of the wearer; it can be expanded to suit your needs and has large and wide neoprene straps for better comfort.”

17. This owl backpack is a real hoot.

Yes, this is another owl backpack. But, c’mon, it’ll make you seem quite smart even if you may not be. Like how owls are perceived in the bird world.

18. This Chewbacca backpack will make for a reliable furry friend.

Sure it won’t be able to rip off an enemy’s arm from its socket. But Star Wars fans will love it anyway.

19. This Yoda backpack makes for a wise choice.

Small it is, but size matters not. Good to have on back and recreate Luke’s training scenes from Empire Strikes back, it is.

20. Fans of the old Nintendo will enjoy this backpack that seems right out of their childhood.

From Crooked Brains: “Its boasts a roomy main compartment as well as three external zipper pockets.” Not sure if you could say the same about Super Mario Brothers.

21. This backpack is reliable and easy to see 24/7.

This was made to detect cyclists traveling through the night. So the compartments are reflective.

22. This R2-D2 will virtually save your ass from almost any dire situation.

Yet, unlike R2-D2 in the Star Wars movies, this one has no capacity to send smartass beeps whenever you complain. Yet, R2 tends to be one of the most underrated Star Wars characters ever.

23. This backpack is made from the finest solid gold to make you look rich.

It’s the kind of backpack you can see Donald Trump have with him in school. Said to be ridiculously expensive which is no surprise.

24. No one can resist this little toadstool house backpack.

Sure it seems like it was straight out of a children’s book. But I think it’s kind of adorable.

25. This little baby doll on the backpack has the bling.

Can we all agree that doll parts don’t belong on luggage? Seriously, this backpack baby is absolutely giving me nightmares.

26. With this backpack, any child can talk to their dead grandma during school.

As long as they know how to use a Ouija board. Yeah, I know it’s strange but it’s crazy. So I’ll include it.

27. Nostalgic for Windows 95? There’s a backpack for that.

However, I’m not one of those people who misses Windows 95 at all. But to each his own.

28. For a clear backpack, it helps if you decorate it in lights.

Great if you’re traveling at night or when the sun sets earlier than usual. Love the rainbow lights.

29. This cosmos backpack comes with its own stache.

I guess the stache was added as a way to be funny. Still, it kind of works but doesn’t really go with the design.

30. This backpack seems to take a good look at your spine.

Since this is the kind that contains x-ray vision. Though might lead you to experience some unwanted exposure.

31. This backpack is sure to be there for you wherever you go.

Sure the map on it may not be reliable. But at least it’s travel friendly which says something.

32. This coffin backpack might make people think you’re gravely out of your mind.

Seems like the kind of backpack you’d imagine Eddie Munster to have. I mean his dad Herman has a coffin lunch box for God’s sake.

33. Any child would love to go to school carrying this kitty backpack.

Because who’s not to love the kitty cat face on it. It’s adorable. So cute.

34. This backpack is simply perfect for a child’s first day of school.

It even has a handle so the kid could drag it if he or she has a bad back. Still, like the school bus motif. So adorable.

35. My Little Pony fans are sure to adore their very own Rainbow Dash backpack.

Not familiar with My Little Pony. But I’m sure anyone on my blog would think this is awesome. Also, it’s not just for kids.

36. Fans of Super Mario Brothers are sure to love this Mario backpack.

Just remember that any mushroom you put in there won’t make you bigger and won’t help you smash bricks. But there’s a chance that the mushrooms might be poisonous.

37. Ever imagined having a giant cockroach on your back? Now you can.

This one is from Japan. Yes, it’s freaky as hell. But apparently, the people have to find a use for the giant cockroaches killed at Fukishima., Hiroshima, and Nagasaki somehow.

38. No one will mess with you if your backpack is a spiked turtle shell.

Sure the spikes may be made from cloth and stuffing. But I’m not sure if this is even allowed in most schools.

39. Now this is the kind of backpack for a fishing trip.

If you catch no fish, you can just use the backpack to pretend that the big one didn’t get away. Well, if it didn’t have straps.

40. These bunny backpacks would surely put anyone in a hopping mood.

This is especially since they have bunny ears and come in 4 different colors. Wonder how much they cost since they seem well made.

41. There’s something bubbling about this backpack.

I’ve seen quite a few of these and wonder why the hell they exist. Some of them even light up.

42. I’m sure nobody could ever resist this panda backpack.

Contains the panda ears as well as the cute panda face. I’m positive people will adore this.

43. If you really like guac, you’ll surely like this avacado backpack.

Since guacamole is made from avacados. Yet, this doesn’t mean you should put guac in this unless it’s in a container. And even the, proceed with caution.

44. This AT-AT backpack is ready for action.

You can guess there are a lot of Star Wars backpacks out there. But this has to be among the most unusual I’ve seen so far.

45. For hard days fighting for the Rebel Alliance, this Ewok backpack comes in handy.

You know those gruesome teddy bears from Return of the Jedi who thought C-3PO was a god? I’m talking about these little guys.

46. Those who long for the old Nintendo might enjoy this old Game Boy backpack.

And once again, it features Tetris. No surprise. Still, the old Game Boys were in black and white and resembled this.

47. Speaking of Nintendo, some fans might take to this backpack of Yoshi.

Yoshi is a dinosaur or dragon character from Mario. He later had his own video game series and appears in different colors.

48. Now you can be like Boba Fett with a backpack of his jetpack.

Just watch out for sarlacc pits on Tattooine. Because you know what happened to him there.

49. I bet you weren’t expecting a rear surprise from this one.

That’s another one you wouldn’t be able to wear in school for obvious reasons. Seriously, I don’t know how someone managed to design one like this.

50. So which backpack do you wan? Spider Man or Venom?

I mean they both look the same except that they’re in different colors. Just pick one.

51. Do you want fries with this one?

Yes, this is a cheeseburger backpack. Hope you don’t carry it around where you’ll find a lot of hungry people.

52. This leopard has great shades in space.

I’ve seen a lot of these backpacks on Google Images. But this one really stands out for me.

53. Sometimes the best backpack can be the simplest ones.

For instance, this one is just a wooden box with straps. That’s all. But seems practical.

54. If people can use backpacks, why not man’s best friend?

That way next time you go hiking, you can use your dog as a pack animal. So get to work, Sparky!

55. Why spend time hanging your backpack and jacket when you can hang both at the same time?

This one has the backpack attached to the jacket. Hope it’s detachable for warm weather.

56. For a picnic, this backpack is great for carrying dishes.

Well, when it comes to small picnics, anyway. Large picnics are a whole different story.

57. This leather jacket backpack will always make you look cool.

Actually, I’m not so sure about that. But it’s unusual enough so I put it on this post.

58. For a more eco-friendly backpack, this basket pack is for you.

After all, it’s made from organic fibers in a basket weave. Not sure how it does in the elements and might feel scratchy.

59. This minion backpack will surely bring a despicable smile.

Seems like minions are very popular these days. Though the minion movie didn’t get a lot of great reviews since it lent the phrase “don’t go full minion.”

60. Look menacing with this dragon backpack.

Even has a dragon head to put on your shoulders. Nobody is going to make fun of you now.

61. How about carry your things in a plush bunny backpack?

Another one from Japan but one that seems less practical than the cockroach one. But less creepy looking. Cute.

62. Ever wish you had a large beetle on your back?

That’s disgusting, especially with the horns on the front and back. May or may not be allowed in schools. Creepy.

63. Sometimes you feel like you’re carrying the world on your back.

This globe backpack certainly speaks for itself. Still, will weigh you down a lot.

64. These plush hand hugs backpacks are full of embraces.

Because there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing two disembodied muppet hands embracing a backpack. Wonder what happened to the muppets who had them.

65. That has to be a big tube of classic blue paint.

Okay it’s a tube of paint that doesn’t actually have paint in it. But it’s a rather clever design for artists.

66. Fly around to save Gotham City with this Batman hoodie backpack with wings.

Yes, it’s another Batman backpack. But this is in a more unusual shape than the last one. Also, there may be a Superman one, but using it tends to result in a lot of collateral damage.

67. This flaked backpack comes with its own shell.

I think you can easily open it from the bottom. Yet this one is not my cup of tea, especially since it resembles some kind of weird turtle shell.

68. Why carry a lawn chair when this backpack provides one for you?

After all, this chair just folds right out. Sure it might not be big but it’s something.

69. Fly around with these Fuzzy Flyers backpacks.

Okay these ones are for children. Come in butterfly or bat depending on gender.

Okay these ones are for children. Come in butterfly or dragon depending on gender.

70. If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, this backpack comes in handy.

It’s supposed to resemble those proton packs from Ghostbusters. You know the ones used to bust ghosts.

71. Is that a kitten coming out of this backpack?

Seems like it from this picture. But it’s just a backpack design. Saw a few of these, by the way.

72. For carrying heavy loads, this is the backpack for you.

Now that can’t be good for your back. Would it be possible if he had something else? Like a wagon?

73. This backpack looks worried for some reason.

This is from Etsy. Yet, you can’t help but wonder if its owner is late or forgot anything.

74. If you like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory then you’ll love this backpack.

It’s similar to Sheldon’s Flash backpack with his catchphrase. Let’s just say Sheldon would be proud of it.

75. Those who enjoyed the new Star Wars movie will love this BB8 backpack.

Yes, he’s just a little robot ball. But you can’t help but love him. So cute.

76. This backpack is a great place to put your Legos.

After all, it’s shaped like a brick. Yet, at least you won’t hurt your toe when you step on it.

77. This fuzzy alien backpack is out of this world.

Well, it’s called a lost ET backpack. But this girl seems to really like her little green backpack man.

78. Prove you’re strong with this raw meat backpack.

On one hand, it’s kind of gross since raw meat is full of germs. On the other hand, it’s quite clever.

79. Play music while you hike with this silver backpack with speakers.

Great if you’re on a hike in a forest infested with black bears. Bad if you’re at a campground late at night.

80. Nobody can resist this Hello Kitty mustache backpack.

Now a Hello Kitty backpack is one thing. But one with a mustache? That’s pretty messed up.

81. For coastal adventures, you can’t do wrong with an octopus backpack.

On second thought, it’s kind of freaky looking. Yet, seems to have tentacle straps on it.

82. These backpacks seem toasty.

Come in egg and butter. Each with their own change purse. Clever.

83. This pizza slice backpack seems like it’s good enough to eat.

However, I wouldn’t say it’s edible. But it seems fun to have as well as quite cheesy.

84. Try slinging this large lizard on your shoulders.

Comes in 4 colors or so it seems. But at least this lizard seems adorable enough. Unlike the gross bug backpacks.

85. On 8 legs, this tarantula backpack is a real scream.

Also will probably give other people nightmares since spiders are a common fear. Also has furry legs.

86. For the Rebel X-Wing fighter, this is the backpack for you.

From what I can remember, the X-Wing fighter backpacks were bulkier than this. Then again, to each his own.

87. If you love Guardians of the Galaxy, then you’ll love this Rocket backpack.

Yes, he may be a foul mouthed raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper, but he’s adorable. Still, the Rocket backpack makes sense.

88. Anyone wearing this scrotum backpack surely has balls.

Yes, there’s a backpack like this. Yes, I know it’s not suited for children but I wasn’t consulted.

89. Any kid will surely enjoy a dolphin backpack with flippers.

Comes in several different colors and is catered to children. Yet, even you can’t resist its cuteness.

90. If dolphins don’t suit you, then this shark one should satisfy.

Well, it only shows the shark head. But it looks pretty awesome and amusing if you think about it.

91. Don’t worry, Spider Man has your back.

I know this is another Spider Man backpack. But this one has Spider Man literally on your back.

92. To travel the final frontier, best have this backpack from Starfleet.

However, if you’re a member of Starfleet Security, don’t expect to use it very much. Well, at least when you’re preparing for a planet mission.

93. Be prepared for a Rebel assault with this Stormtrooper backpack.

Don’t expect it to help you with target practice though. Because stormtroopers aren’t known to be great shots in the Galactic Empire.

94. When not using this backpack, you can carry it in your pocket.

Comes in several different colors. Yet,how you fold it into one of these packs, I don’t have the slightest idea.

95. This backpack seems a bit crabby lately.

Okay, that crab seems a bit happy and is waving its pincers. Adorable.

96. These sushi backpacks seem a bit fishy to me.

Okay, sushi doesn’t always have to have raw fish in it. But their existence seems to defy all explanation. Made in Japan.

97. Ever wished you could carry a big cat head on your back?

Actually they consist of two tigers and a lion. But the head backpack part seems rather freaky in some way.

98. With this turtle shell you can travel like a ninja turtle.

Even come with Ninja Turtle masks so you can play which one. Guess this is for kids.

99. Nothing makes you remember Ghostbusters like this Stay Puft Marshmallow Man like this backpack.

He may look non threatening. But remember this is a face of a guy who tried to destroy New York City.

100. Yes, these cartoon backpacks are real.

There’s a company that makes bags like these. And yes, they may look cartoonish but they’re real.

The Handbaggy World of Sensational Purses

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 12, 2016

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While being a woman has many disadvantages which are mainly due to the ever present ancient notion of sexism, one very important advantage of being female is that you can travel along carrying your stuff in a small fancy bag that goes around your arm and not be mercilessly teased about it. Whereas, when a man carries even a satchel in public, he’ll always be constantly made fun of by his friends for wearing a purse. As for why the notion of carrying a purse has always been a female privilege in modern day society (for guys did carry purses around during other historical periods, especially if they were rich), I can’t really be sure. But when it comes to carrying things around with them on a daily basis, the closest thing a man usually has to a purse is a wallet in his front pocket. Sure it might make make him less prone to purse snatchers, but keeping your things in wallets and pockets doesn’t really compensate for the storage space that a purse has to offer, especially in the 21st century when everyone carries smartphones that can’t fit into a man’s jean pocket. Not only that, but women have enjoyed purses that they’ve become a key fashion accessory with some being created by big name designers. Okay, maybe we do have men’s purses which is a $4 billion industry worldwide with designer brands. But really, in our modern day society, the men carrying purses stigma still remains strong, even though it results in men being more likely to lose or forget their belongings they’d need on a daily basis like their cellphones or wallets. So perhaps we need to bring back the male purse, which can lead to devastating consequences. Anyway, there are so many purse designs out there that come in shapes and sizes. Now I can go through the most stylish handbags, but I understand that many of you would be bored to tears since you’ve probably seen them in stores or catalogs. So instead, I’ll show you purses that might make you wonder how they even were designed for your reading pleasure.

This purse literally puts the “hand” in handbag.

Not sure if I’d want to be seen carrying something like that. Might lead to people thinking I’m crazy.

2. There’s nothing more stylish than carrying your belongings around in a ball of spikes.

On the bright side, it might deter purse snatchers which helps if you’re in a very bad neighborhood. However, the spikes are probably not very sharp.

3. If you’re one of those Old Testament chicks, this purse is for you.

For some reason, Noah’s Ark seems to be a popular motif in design. Might be due to the concept of having a lot of animals on a boat.

4. This beaded ladybug purse always goes great with anything spotted and red.

You have to like the beadwork on this thing which is very intricate. Probably doesn’t come cheap.

5. Remember not to send this envelope in the mail.

Yes, this is a letter envelope purse. I know it’s not the best purse design. But if there’s a will there’s a way.

6. I’m sure there’s nothing coming out from this teapot.

Because this is a teapot purse with the zipper and handle on the top. Hope the spout is well fastened.

7. Not sure how you can store your things in a couple of cherries.

At least it has a nice knuckle handle for your fingers to grasp. But the best purses should leave your hand free.

8. This Nutella purse is simply irresistible.

Wonder if there’s a demand for this. Guess there are a lot of die hard Nutella fans out there.

9. In Paris, it’s best to travel with your own Eiffel Tower purse.

Then again, given Paris’s prominence in fashion, many people might beg to differ. Still, the Eiffel Tower purse exist for those who want to know.

10. Keep your small belongings safe in this beaded Mexican skull purse.

Sure the subject may be a little disturbing but the decoration is very intricate. Love the flowers.

11. This purse really seems to have teeth to it.

Well, in this case literally. Still, it’s the kind of change purse you’d expect Morticia Addams to have with her.

12. Think panda bears are adorable? Then check out this purse.

Well, this one zips from the side and it doesn’t use the black and white panda bear colors. But you might find it at a zoo souvenir store.

13. Keep your things with you in this purse of this Coca Cola can.

Not sure if the can is recycled or not. Wouldn’t be surprised if it is. Still, comes with a nice clasp and chain.

14. This washing machine purse is great for days at the laundromat.

Yes, this is a washing machine purse with little clothes in the front. Never seen anything like that before. Not sure why anyone would buy it.

15. Keep wrappers in your purse? Well, this one is made from them.

I’ve seen quite a few of these on Pinterest. Sometimes it’s not always apparent. But I chose this one since the wrappers really stand out here.

16. This pineapple purse might put you in a tropical mood.

The bottom part is in a basket weave to somewhat resemble a pineapple. The top has the large leaves. Try carrying that around with you.

17. These pancake purses make it seem like breakfast never leaves you.

As you see, they come in two types with the butter and syrup you see on the box as well as spotted. Which to choose is up to you.

18. This hippie fan purse might make you yearn for the days of Woodstock.

Or what you’d imagine about Woodstock anyway. However, since I saw the documentary, I have to concede that Woodstock reminds me somewhat of a disaster area towards the end.

19. This X-Ray purse comes with a rather sharp spinal image.

Yes, this purse has an X-Ray image. Yes, I know it’s freaky. But there’s a purse of it so someone must’ve thought it was cool.

20. This train engine purse is handy for on the go.

Not to mention, it’ll help you get on track, too. Like the golden fixtures on this. Definitely not cheap.

21. This jeweled jellyfish purse comes with all the ribbons.

Not sure if it was called a jellyfish purse per se. But it certainly looks like one with the dome shape and the ribbons. Kind of quaint for a sea creature that kills more people than sharks.

22. With these dog purses, you can always keep your things secure.

They come in several types though only 4 are shown here. Still, wonder what people think of anyone carrying a purse like this to work.

23. You might be able to open this purse with the right combination.

To open it turn it twice clockwise to get to the first number, counter-clockwise once to get to the second, and once clockwise to get to the third. Then again, I might have the process mixed up.

24. Ever wish you can carry your things in a Chanel bottle? Now you can.

Doesn’t hurt that the bottle is transparent, especially when you’re at the airport. Then again, maybe it does since it might contain things you don’t want others to see.

25. This beaded parrot purse has a rather tropical disposition.

Not sure if I ever saw a parrot that looked like this in real life. Then again, maybe real life parrot patterns don’t matter as much in design.

26. This jeweled rose purse surely shines a brilliant red.

Yet, it’s so pretty that you might not want to risk damaging it. Love the gold on the petals.

27. Heard this candy corn purse is all the rage on Halloween.

Then again due to its sugary wax taste, candy corn is among the most contentious Halloween candies ever. So I’m probably wrong about it being chic.

28. If you have lipstick in your makeup bag, why not have a lipstick purse?

I was going to go with a chapstick purse, but I heard it has a high tendency to get lost before you’re done with it. So I’m playing it safe.

29. Heard of a Faberge egg? How about a Faberge egg purse?

This one is in an ornate bead design. However, it wasn’t made by Faberge though. But I like it anyway.

30. Those who like their curd may want to cheddar this cheese purse.

Not sure what kind of cheese that is or whether it comes in different types. But since it’s incredibly strange, I’ll put it on this post.

31. Carry your things around in a purse with a doll’s head and feet.

Definitely a purse not to bring with you to a job interview. Or work. Or a family gathering. Or any public function at all.

32. This purse has been held together by recycled pop tabs.

Well, at least the outside is held by pop tabs. Not sure if I buy into an art that depends on people’s negative health habits. Seriously, soft drinks are really bad for you.

33. This conch shell purse certainly has plenty of space.

Well, it leaves plenty of shell room unlike the other shell purses. Not sure if I’d like to carry it around with me though.

34. This Formula race car purse will come in handy in no time.

Not sure if they have one from NASCAR. Yet, at any rate, I don’t really consider car racing a real sport.

35. This wooden purse seems to have a rather interesting design.

Looks like it’s made from light wood and is not very water resistant. I mean it has holes in it. Not very practical to say the least.

36. If you want your purse to jingle, how about one with dangling fingers?

Okay, that’s a little messed up. Doesn’t help that the fingers are painted and seem a little detatched. Creepy.

37. Remember those instant Polaroid cameras? Well, there’s a purse of that.

I call these type of cameras Polaroids because that’s the company that made the best known ones. But I understand Polaroid makes normal looking cameras as well.

38. Looking at her purse, you know she’s loaded.

Didn’t know the NRA had a hand in purse design. Still, this purse seems to give me the creeps.

39. This little doll purse from Chanel can keep your things safe and sound.

Looks a bit like a Russian nesting doll to me but the faces seem like you’d put on Japanese figures. Still, I think it’s cute.

40. How about keep your things in this chicken purse down on the farm?

Technically it’s a chicken medicine bag but that’s beside the point. But I thought this was worth clucking about.

41. This car purse comes in two different coats.

And you can zip through them if you want to. Then again, it looks better in black than hot pink.

42. Hope you can rewind with this audio cassette purse.

It’s also great for stumping young children who probably don’t know what an audio cassette is. Of course, they may not know what rewind is either.

43. Carrying this basketball purse will show that you’re a hit on the court.

Well, at least it has more room than a football or baseball purse. But looks just as ridiculous.

44. This Ouija board purse is great for carrying your belongings and communicating with the dead.

Make sure you’re in a private spot when you do the latter. Still, this is pretty clever.

45. This take out purse can be quite handy when you’re on the town.

Well, at least it’s more durable than an actual Chinese take out box. But I wouldn’t consider it wise to put rice in it.

46. This C-3PO purse is at your service.

Still, I think an R2-D2 purse would make more sense since he’s usually saving everyone’s ass. C-3PO usually whines or gets broken apart.

47. You know the ice bucket with a bottle of champagne? Well, there’s a purse of that.

It’s even beaded for good measure. Not sure if I’d want to take it with me but it has a nice bucket design.

48. Anyone who loves cute critters would enjoy this squirrel purse.

Even comes with its own bushy tail near the handle. Not sure about the rest of it.

49. This purse seems to be rather zippy if you look closely.

It’s made from zippers or zipper flies as you can see close up. Expect it do jingle when you carry it.

50. This skull purse is made from fine red leather.

Maybe, but it’s not one that you’d want to carry in public. People might think you’re a bit crazy. I mean this is kind of creepy.

51. Carrying this purse with you might help you get a head.

You have to wonder what kind of people are willing to buy purses like these. Because this is just really messed up.

52. Heard of a beehive haircut? How about a beehive purse?

Even has a couple bees buzzing around it. Yet, if you try to take it, you might risk getting stung.

53. Now this is a kind of purse Schrodinger would approve.

Except that there’s not a live counterpart if you get Schrodinger’s cat paradox. But this is another crazy designed purse I don’t understand.

54. Old license plates can sometimes be reused as purses if you look at these.

Okay, maybe not. But these two could make an interesting conversation piece. Do they have one for each state?

55. Fans of Silence of the Lambs would enjoy owning this Hannibal Lecter purse.

Hannibal Lecter on a purse? Seriously, this guy is a psychopathic killer who eats his victims. Having a purse of him is very messed up.

56. If you enjoy underwater life, this purse is for you.

It’s certainly a colorful display if you ask me. Not sure if you’d want to carry it around since things might fall off it after some use.

57. This dice purse comes in 6 sides like a cube.

And the sides even come in different colors as well as patterns. Well as a far as I see it.

58. This owl purse will surely be a hoot.

Seems like there’s a lot of owl stuff. Maybe it’s because they have those big eyes and distinctive face.

59. Some may think this burger purse is good enough to eat.

However, they seem to have the toppings in the wrong way. The burger goes on the bottom while everything else is on top. The cheese is usually closest to the bun.

60. Things seem to get a bit stormy in this purse.

Well, it’s a storm cloud purse with lightning bolts dangling from it. The cloud is in beads.

61. This violin purse comes with its own convenient back strap.

So if it comes with one strap, is it considered a backpack? I'm confused on this.

So if it comes with one strap, is it considered a backpack? I’m confused on whether this qualifies as one or not.

62. This jeweled peacock purse has s full feathered display.

I think this might be an older purse design since Pinterest says it’s vintage. But I like how the peacock blue stones are encased in gold.

63. This map purse may not help you get to where you need to go, but it will keep your things in order.

Yes, this is a map design purse. Not sure what it’s of. Hell, it could be some fantasy land for all I care. But I doubt it.

64. With this purse, you can be the queen of the deck.

Or in Alice in Wonderland, the ax crazy bitch who flips out over finding out that card soldiers painted her roses. I’m talking about the Queen of Hearts.

65. No, I don’t think you should put snacks in this bag.

This is a popcorn bucket purse. More durable for cardboard but not suited for food at all.

66. Hope you know the keys off of this purse.

Well, it’s a small piano keyboard. But since it’s a purse, it may not be a great for doing scales.

67. Ever wish you can carry a purse this big?

However, I’m not sure if airports would designate it as a purse or carry on luggage. Could go either way.

68. Wonder how much you can fit in a milk carton? Now you can with this purse.

Warning: Not meant for milk storage at all. Seriously, pouring milk in it might cause serious damage. But you probably knew that.

69. This rainbow ice cream purse can’t be sweeter.

It’s even encrusted so it can sparkle. Hope it brings you endless joy that you can’t get from unicorns.

70. As if anything couldn’t be sweeter, take a look at these cupcake purses.

Like the ice cream cone, they’re also encrusted with jewels to stand out. So pretty they’re almost good enough to eat. Only not really.

71. Hope you don’t take this watering can with you to the garden.

Yes, it’s a watering can purse. No, it doesn’t hold water since it’s made from cloth. There’s a difference.

72. Those who love cats, may adore these cat face purses.

Come in 4 different expressions like sad, angry, normal, and downright evil. Then again, cat faces are hard to read.

73. Ever wish you could have a purse made from a dead animal.

Chances are you might already have one made from cow leather. But this critter purse is pure taxidermy. Creepy.

74. Those who adore flower gardens will love this flowery purse.

Sure there are only red and white flowers on there. But it does seem like a sight to behold.

75. This stove purse is perfect for any diva in the kitchen.

Even depicts a pie in the oven as well as the buttons and controls. So clever.

76. This alien purse is really out of this world.

Doesn’t hurt that it’s bright green so it’s easy to see. Still, though it’s all right to believe we’re not alone in the universe, I would flip out if anyone thinks that aliens built the pyramids or are responsible for much of human civilization. Because that’s not what the historical evidence says.

77. For a more crusty surface, go with this baguette purse.

It’s not as long as the usual baguette. But save for the straps and tag, it almost seems like the real thing.

78. These cow purses are as good as any udder.

Available in two types. So if a woman carries one like this around, could you say she’s a real bossy?

79. Looks like this purse has put on a lot of hair.

Yes, it might look nice. But I’m sure the hair could get on everything. Probably go with something more practical.

80. This brass knuckle purse should help you get a grip on things.

This one even comes in a pink handle for good measure. Still, kind of find it a bit disturbing that they have a purse with a handle that’s used as a weapon.

81. This chocolate bar purse is a sure delight for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Too bad you can’t eat what’s on the outside. But you have to ask whether it’s from Hershey or Nestle.

82. This jar purse is great for anyone in a jam.

Not sure what flavor it’s supposed to be. But it almost resembles a mason jar if it weren’t for the bright blue exterior.

83. That’s a kind of crab that I’ve never seen before.

Not sure if it’s designer but it takes awhile to see the crab. But I knew when I saw its claws and feet.

84. Don’t worry, that’s a cleaver purse, not a meat cleaver.

Doesn’t help that it’s a bloodied cleaver as if it’s been used for an ax murder. Yeah, not a good purse to have.

85. There are some who thought these corset purses would be a bust.

Not sure what I think about boob chest purses. I think I might’ve saw some at Gabe’s. And even then, I kind of thought these were freaky.

86. This assault rifle purse will surely come in with a bang.

You got to be kidding me. An assault rifle purse? Then again, not as crazy as owning an actual assault rifle.

87. This dachshund will keep your things on a leash.

I saw a few of these on Pinterest. Apparently, they might be a thing. This one is in plaid.

88. Hope these guitar purses rock your world.

One of them has Elvis on the strap. The other is just a plain old guitar purse.

89. How about carrying this egg purse around at breakfast?

Might go well with a bacon strips purse. But I’m not sure if there’s a bacon purse that exists. Probably is.

90. This eye purse can see all.

Well, at least it’s not an eyeball purse. Now that would be disgusting. But this one is quite creepy.

91. If you want a sturdy purse, a log one will surely do just fine.

Seems a bit rotted doesn’t it? Then again, the log may not be real. At least I hope it’s not.

92. Follow your bliss with this fortune cookie purse.

Opens from the outer edge, Though some people open a fortune cookie quite differently like from the center.

93. Hope this purse also proves to be a valuable shield.

Well, that’s a large ornate purse she has. Sure it’s leather, but its shield seems like it was made from metal.

94. Ever wish you could put your change in a dead rat? Now you can.

Okay, that’s really disgusting. Seriously, whoever did this one has a sick imagination. Yet, on the bright side, might deter muggers.

95. This book purse seems like it’s straight off the shelf.

Well, it kind of does see that way if it weren’t for the handle. Still, love how the books are lined with gold.

96. This coffin purse surely helps nail it in.

Seems to have a mirror on the inside. Nevertheless, unless you’re Lily Munster, I’m not sure why anyone would want it.

97. This donut purse comes with its own handcuffs.

Hmmm…donuts and handcuffs. wonder what they have in common. Oh, I get it, both are associated with police.

98. Hope this purse gets through airport security without a hitch.

Because it seems to show what’s seen in the TSA X-Ray. Then again, the agent isn’t buying it.

99. I’m sure this dynamite purse isn’t a mere ticking time bomb.

Now that’s a purse you wouldn’t be able to get pass the TSA. Because it really looks like a bomb. Wonder how anyone could explain that.

100. Even Cinderella would envy you if you carry around this coach purse.

This one has silver wheels and a silver door. Sure it seems a bit from a fairy tale, but I like it.

The Wonderful World of Scarecrows (Second Edition)

Posted by historymaniacmegan on September 11, 2016

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As September rolls in, fall will soon be in the air. And when it comes to fall decorations, there’s almost nothing to beat than the scarecrow. Two years ago, I did a scarecrow post which got really popular around this time of year so I decided to do another one. Still, contrary to the name, most scarecrows aren’t really that scary. Besides, using a scarecrow to ward off crows isn’t going to help rid them from your garden. I mean crows are very smart birds and probably know that the figure in your plot is just a guy full of straw. But not always. So they probably won’t be scared of it. Nevertheless, people love them so much that there are even contests for them at fall festivals and even one post can’t show the amount of creativity you might see in these things. Many of these have straw but they don’t always have to. And a lot of them are dressed in old clothes. So for your reading pleasure, I give you another glimpse into the wonderful world of scarecrows.

Look, it’s none other than Gandalf the Straw-Haired.

The wizard beard is a stroke of genius. Also like the flower eyes and carrot nose. But you wonder why they don’t have scarecrows like that in the Shire.

2. Hey, get off of that lamp post!

Yes, these scarecrows are definitely hanging there. Guess they have all night party hijinks, too. Figures.

3. Didn’t expect to see a fairy princess around here.

This one has a little purple dress and pink hair. But her crown and wand are twigs.

4. Guess somebody is ready for a wheelbarrow ride.

But the guy gets the ride while the woman has to push him around. Love the flower hat though.

5. Apparently, there are even NRA scarecrows out there.

And here is one standing with his gun and a chain of bullets. However, instead of scaring crows, his function is to scare potential terrorists, home invaders, and undocumented immigrants.

And here is one standing with his gun and a chain of bullets. However, instead of scaring crows, his function is to scare potential intruders and minorities.

6. It’s widely noted that they call her the Iron Lady since she comes off a little stiff.

Well, she’s made with an ironing board. But yes, she seems a bit flat and stiff.

7. Just going out for a morning stroll with the baby, nothing special.

Seems like whoever made this has kids who are no longer toddlers. Well, at least they used it for something like this. Very clever.

8. Nothing to see here, just an old man tending his garden.

For a second, I almost thought it was a real guy. Until I saw the pumpkin head and the stuffed arms. Like the beard.

9. What’s this? Jack Skellington and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas?

Yes, that’s it. However, do these two seem like they’re getting married? Because Sally is dressed in a nice white dress.

10. This veterinarian always tries to be good to animals.

However, that dog is kind of freaky looking to me. So is the vet’s pumpkin head.

11. Guess someone has shown up with a sun flowery face.

Well, a sunflower head, anyway. Still, seems to make everything seem sunny even in patched overalls.

12. Seems like Gulliver shouldn’t have been sleeping.

This is from Gulliver’s Travels where the Lilliputains tie him off on the beach and see him as a giant.

13. Seems like somebody has been sleeping on the job.

He should be out trying to scare crows off. But he’s just taking a snooze. Lazy bum.

14. Now this is a real corn maiden here.

Since she has a dress made from corn stalks as well as decked in full fall regalia. Kind of wish she was in an outdoor setting though.

15. This lady seems to have a head full of grains.

Well, her head consists of wheat. Yet, she’s almost entirely made from straw. Guess she sometimes makes it hay.

16. Guess this woman seems to be waiting for the bus or something.

She’s just sitting on the bench. Too bad she has straw in her boots. Then again, she’s a scarecrow.

17. These two scarecrows surely adore their little pumpkin.

Too bad it doesn’t have a jack o’lantern face yet. Guess it’s too young to get one.

18. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Princess Ladybug.

Well, she’s wearing a ladybug dress. But that was what her name was on Pinterest so I’m going with that.

19. Looks like we’ve found ourselves in Tin Can Alley.

Seems like we come across a tin can lady and her metal dog. Not scary, but adorable for any Tin Man to love.

20. Seems like this old rusty truck needs some fixing.

Well, that’s one way you can reuse an old busted truck. Like the scarecrow pumpkin mechanics the best though.

21. This scarecrow lady has to look her best when she’s out on the town.

She even has her straw lapdog in a shirt that she has around her arm. Like the purple purse and turquoise scarf.

22. To scare the crows away, this guy resorts to cartwheels.

Then again, it might for some of the crows. But this is a really creative, especially with having the scarecrow being upside down.

23. Heard about Angry Birds? How about Angry Bales?

Well, they’re Angry Birds as hay bales. Basically consists of spray-paint and straw. Fans will love it.

24. While everyone works, these scarecrows take an afternoon bike ride.

Looks like these guys are having a good time. Wonder if any of them are wearing helmets.

25. Anyone else think her dress looks shady?

I mean her dress is made from 3 different lamp shades. And each one is trimmed with autumn leaves or flowers.

26. This lady scarecrow brings an aura of sophistication.

Well, she has a rather interesting dress that seems straight from My Fair Lady. Seems to suit her.

27. This little dog seems to come out right from the haystack.

Sure it looks like a normal pile of hay until you see the dog’s face. But sometimes you don’t know where the straw dog begins and the bale ends.

28. This scarecrow appears to be a bit potted lately.

After all, he's made from a lot of flower pots that were probably sold at discount prices. Like the hay in the hands and head.

After all, he’s made from a lot of flower pots that were probably sold at discount prices. Like the hay in the hands, feet, and head.

29. There’s nothing more relaxing to this garden lady than picking some flowers.

Sure her head is a flower pot and she wears a flower hat. But you have to admire how her bright green gloves would stand out. Also, that’s not an outfit you wear for gardening.

30. Wonder what that scarecrow is doing in his long underwear or pajamas.

Okay, those may be pajamas and they seem to be in light pink. Not sure if that would scare the crows.

31. This Victorian scarecrow looks smashing in her elegant dress.

Well, it certainly is a dress of black and lace. Love the flowers in the hat. Lovely.

32. Oh, look, the minion bales are coming.

Yes, these the hay bales of minions from Despicable Me. There are a lot of minion scarecrows out there. This among the most creative.

33. Sometimes you can always use a break to relax.

But I’m not sure if lounging in a swimsuit is ideal for fall weather. Also, her skin seems to be made from burlap.

34. Want to buy some garden veggies?

Well, she seems to have quite the variety. Not sure people wear flowery aprons anymore. But it adds a nice touch.

35. This scarecrow’s head seems a bit rakey for some reason.

Well, he seems to have a rake head decked with sunflowers. Must have a rather sunny disposition.

36. This redhead pumpkin head revels in her polka dot dress.

Not a fan of polka dots, but she does seem to rock the outfit without being tacky. Like the flowers in her hair, too.

37. How about you come in and stay for a spell?

I think this was for a town scarecrow contest. But I love how these ladies are wearing bright colored dresses. And how one of them sits on the hay bale.

38. Since Christ was born in a stable, it’s only fair we have a scarecrow nativity scene.

Seems like they didn’t have the time and the energy to have shepherds, livestock, and wise men. but you have to like the fall display though.

39. Kiddies, you might not want to go near this bed.

Because that’s not Little Red Riding Hood’s grandma. That’s the Big Bad Wolf dressed as her grandma. But you have love this display. So right.

40. This jack o’lantern couple seems much happier than in the Grand Wood painting.

Yes, it’s supposed to be the American Gothic couple that’s countlessly parodied. But these two are smiling instead of stern.

41. This woman walks to the garden all decked in lettuce.

Her top is in red (well, purple) and her skirt seems romaine. And she’s even wearing a sunflower to top it all off.

42. Guess that witch should’ve watched out for that tree.

Yeah, she should always keep her eyes open when she’s on the broom. Also, not drink and fly.

43. This knightly scarecrow mounts for a joust on his noble steed.

Yes, his horse might be made from a tree or straw. But he looks so cool in his red knightly attire.

44. Guess there’s so much straw inside this thing for a horse.

Oh, wait, that is a scarecrow horse. Not sure how it’ll scare crows. But you have to admire this person’s creativity and effort.

45. Supercrow his here to save the day from grasshopper infestation!

Like how he’s hanging. But the fact this guy could flatten entire cities in his encounters with fellow Kryptonians should have the crows proceed with caution.

46. Just 3 little girls playing in a garden, nothing to see here.

Well, I guess children scarecrows take up less straw. But you have to appreciate this concept. So cute.

47. This straw owl is always set to be a hoot.

It’s even bigger than a real owl and less fancy. Still, got to love the wings on this.

48. These workers have just been given a break to break off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar.

Yes, these are road workers. But the sign should clearly say, “Give me a break. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat Bar.” The slogan’s wrong.

49. In this lawn Captain Jack Sparrow surely makes an unforgettable presence.

Now that really looks like Johnny Depp, almost lifelike. Not sure if the garden setting agrees with him.

50. This scarecrow seems to haven numbers and letters all over him.

Well, it looks like something made for a teacher. Love the patches though.

51. Time for this old scarecrow to saddle up.

See he’s on a wooden horse wearing a sheriff’s badge. And he’s carrying a lasso. Seems more like a rodeo clown to me.

52. Guess it’s always a luau where this guy is concerned.

That or on his way to a Jimmy Buffett concert. Wonder if there are people in Hawaii who have scarecrows in their gardens.

53. No, I don’t think Vincent can lend an ear today.

You can guess this is a scarecrow of Vincent Van Gogh who sometimes painted crows. He even has a bandage from where he cut his ear, too.

54. This scarecrow ogre isn’t the monster you think he is.

Okay, he may be gross but he mostly keeps to himself. Still, this Shrek scarecrow is clever.

55. This gypsy scarecrow comes in on her tambourine.

Then again, I’m not sure if she’s carrying a tambourine or not. But I really like her dress though.

56. “On the crows again, just can’t wait to get on the crows again…”

That’s a very good Willie Nelson scarecrow. The braids are excellent. Brilliant.

57. This Carmen Miranda scarecrow has quite a fruit bowl on her head.

Yeah, Carmen Miranda seems to be widely imitated. But a lot of people don’t know what she actually sang.

58. Looks like Cousin It has come to stay for awhile.

That has to be a very easy scarecrow to make. I mean you just need a haystack, hat, and sunglasses.

59. Looks like this scarecrow display comes straight from under the sea.

And it seems that Ariel isn’t in her trademark seashell bra. Still, wish I can find other Disney scarecrows.

60. Harry Potter tends to make an entrance on his Firebolt.

However, the hair doesn’t exactly look right on this. Because Harry has black hair, not straw colored. But seems like whoever made this didn’t have the time.

61. On some days, you just have to give the dog a bone.

This especially goes for a scarecrow dog. Because crows are more likely to be scared of them.

62. This scarecrow gorilla is sure going ape.

Yes, you read that right. That’s a gorilla scarecrow. And it probably consists of a gorilla suit with straw.

63. Here we have a firefighting scarecrow to the rescue.

Unfortunately, he may not be able to survive the flames since most scarecrows are extremely flammable. This was made by a town fire department.

64. This scarecrow thinks his garden is his own orchestra.

Sure he may be in normal clothes. But so are a lot of conductors at rehearsal. Fits in with the garden look though.

65. Hijacked Henry messed with the wrong crow.

Well, the crow is just incredibly large in this rendition. But you have to wonder how someone could do this.

66. How about you spend some time listening to this jughead band?

Yes, the kind of band that makes country western bands seem less hickish in comparison. Still, it’s pretty funny and clever.

67. Heard of a scarecrow? How about a scare chicken?

Bigger and tanner than a regular chicken. But doesn’t have much meat despite appearances.

68. I’m sure this little straw dog won’t hurt a thing.

My guess is that it’s a little straw terrier. Not sure what it has in its mouth which might be toilet paper.

69. This chef doesn’t seem too happy about crows on his pie.

Yet, he doesn’t seem to do anything about the crows. Or is that really a crow pie? Best not think of it.

70. Yes, raking leaves is a lot of work.

And it seems that someone just fell into the wheelbarrow. Like the outfits. So much like fall.

71. Now this lady sports a fine barrel dress.

Well, metal barrel anyway. Yet, seems to take form of Scarlett O’Hara’s curtain dress with a dash of Wizard of Oz.

72. This colorful scarecrow seems to go for the flowers.

Helps that she seems to spring from a pot in a flowery dress. Love the rainbow petals.

73. Seems like this plumber doesn’t know where to put a plunger.

He’s even sporting a pumpkin plumber’s butt to boot. Yeah, really needs to aim for the toilet bowl.

74. This scarecrow prefers the company of bees to the birds.

Well, a beekeeper scarecrow, how original. Even has bees to go with it. Awesome.

75. Seems like this paratrooper landed in the wrong place.

Now he’s hanging from the roof in his parachute. Must be WWII blitz inspired.

76. Mary had her little lamb, its fleece was white as snow.

Because if it was Little Bo Peep, she would’ve lost her sheep. Also, not sure about depicting her in bloomers.

77. Guess you wouldn’t want to go to this scarecrow for marriage advice.

Then again, he only beheaded two of his wives. But Henry VIII also put the ax to a lot of his friends and advisers who either refused to go along with what he wanted (like Thomas More) or screwed over big time (like Thomas Cromwell).

78. This mermaid scarecrow seems to be a fish out of water.

Yes, it looks quite unusual if you ask me. But you might see a few at a scarecrow festival or two.

79. This scarecrow seems to have a real beak for things.

Never mind that he resembles a giant crow with wings. Like how he takes to a straw hat and coveralls.

80. Seems like somebody ran in to a shrub with their bike.

Probably should’ve put their foot on the brakes before running into that. Still, like how it just consists of a pair of legs.

	Handibles on The Sacred World of Stained…
	angel p Guzman on Get in the Festive Fat Tuesday…
	angel p Guzman on Get in the Festive Fat Tuesday…
	Carla Arsenault on The Seaside World of Seas…
	Carla Arsenault on The Seaside World of Seas…

The Lone Girl in a Crowd

The thoughts and perceptions of an aspiring writer on life and the world around her

Monthly Archives: September 2016