The Passion of The Christ continues to draw hysterical criticism. Actor Steve Martin has written a satirical article criticizing the movie as "money-making showbusiness".
This demonstrates just how out of touch Hollywood is. Prior to the film's release, Mel Gibson was identified purely as a anti-Semitic traditional Catholic zealot. Now that the film has grossed over $200 Million he is money grubbing.
Where has Hollywood been for the past 40 years? Aren't they supposed to be in business? If this was such a sure bet from Hollywood's perspective, a studio would have made this movie years ago. Mel Gibson put up his own money for a film no one else wanted to touch and made an incalcuable risk in using foreign languages for all the dialogue. That's as far from a sure thing as I've ever heard. Now he is called money-grubbing.
Christian groups have been begging for Christian movies for years. When a good one finally comes, they attend in unprecedented numbers. Twelve days after its release, it already ranks as 47th highest grossing movie of all time (I expect another huge bump in sales around Easter). It looks to be in line for the most profitable movie ever released.
This isn't a demonstration of Mel Gibson's greed. It's a lesson in how foolish Hollywood is.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Fajitas
I made fajitas for lunch today. Took the leftovers with me to work.
Man! (or non-gender-specific exclamation), I make some gooooooooood fajita.
Man! (or non-gender-specific exclamation), I make some gooooooooood fajita.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Why President Bush will win the 2004 election
From a speech President Bush made on March 8, 2004:
"My opponent spent two decades in Congress. He spent a long time in Washington and he's built up quite a record. Senator Kerry has been in Washington so long that he's taken both sides on just about every issue. Senator Kerry voted for the Patriot Act, for NAFTA, for the No Child Left Behind Act, and for the use of force in Iraq. Now he opposes the Patriot Act, NAFTA, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the liberation of Iraq. My opponent clearly has strong beliefs--they just don't last very long. . . ."
"My opponent spent two decades in Congress. He spent a long time in Washington and he's built up quite a record. Senator Kerry has been in Washington so long that he's taken both sides on just about every issue. Senator Kerry voted for the Patriot Act, for NAFTA, for the No Child Left Behind Act, and for the use of force in Iraq. Now he opposes the Patriot Act, NAFTA, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the liberation of Iraq. My opponent clearly has strong beliefs--they just don't last very long. . . ."
Friday, March 05, 2004
North Koreans for Kerry
State run media in North Korea is pushing John Kerry for U.S. President.
"Pyongyang seems to hope victory for the Democratic candidate on November 2 would lead to a softening in US policy towards the country's nuclear weapons programme."
North Korea knows Kerry will be soft on defense. Hopefully, Americans will realize it in time.
"Pyongyang seems to hope victory for the Democratic candidate on November 2 would lead to a softening in US policy towards the country's nuclear weapons programme."
North Korea knows Kerry will be soft on defense. Hopefully, Americans will realize it in time.
Christianity is unconstitutional?
I've been debating a man on a message board about marriage and the Bible.
I've pointed out that recent events in Canada and Europe have led to the restriction of the freedom to practice one's religion and the freedom of speech. (Christians have successfully been sued for "hate crimes" for calling homosexuality a sin).
My position is that the same may happen here. My debating opponent had this to say about the moralilty of the Bible:
I can view what i see as immorality in the bible as absolutely immoral
(this would include espousing a belief that those who believe a different religion
are going to hell. Which of course doesnt really fly with our freedom of
religion beliefs in this country)
He actually believes that Christianity is unconstitutional. He believes Christians are not allowed to hold Christian beliefs. Canada and Europe have already taken steps to prevent Christians from expressing their beliefs. Is the same thing starting here?
I've pointed out that recent events in Canada and Europe have led to the restriction of the freedom to practice one's religion and the freedom of speech. (Christians have successfully been sued for "hate crimes" for calling homosexuality a sin).
My position is that the same may happen here. My debating opponent had this to say about the moralilty of the Bible:
I can view what i see as immorality in the bible as absolutely immoral
(this would include espousing a belief that those who believe a different religion
are going to hell. Which of course doesnt really fly with our freedom of
religion beliefs in this country)
He actually believes that Christianity is unconstitutional. He believes Christians are not allowed to hold Christian beliefs. Canada and Europe have already taken steps to prevent Christians from expressing their beliefs. Is the same thing starting here?
Thursday, March 04, 2004
How to bankrupt America - 101
John Kerry again is demonstrating a sad lack of foresight. Kerry is now saying he would grant state-sanctioned gay couples all the 1,049 federal benefits married couples lay claim to.
That's fine Mr. Kerry. How are you going to pay for it?
Now regardless of your position on gay marriage, there are significant consequences to this plan. The impact on Social Security survivor benefits alone would push the federal program past the breaking point.
But then again, Kerry has already made it clear that he wants to raise taxes.
That's fine Mr. Kerry. How are you going to pay for it?
Now regardless of your position on gay marriage, there are significant consequences to this plan. The impact on Social Security survivor benefits alone would push the federal program past the breaking point.
But then again, Kerry has already made it clear that he wants to raise taxes.
Friday, February 27, 2004
How to kill job creation - 101
John Kerry is on the stump trying to tell people how he will protect jobs. Here is his solution:
"...he would order a 120-day review of all trade pacts. He laid out specific guidelines for companies wanting to send jobs overseas, including at least three months' advance notice for affected employees as well as notification of the Labor Department, state agencies and local government officials."
That certainly would make it more difficult for jobs to be shipped overseas. Which brings up the law of unintended consequences. Pretend you are an employer with offices in Colorado and offices in Mexico. Demand goes up for your product and you need more people to make your widgets. You want to create jobs in Colorado. Now wouldn't you stop and think twice knowing that you would have to go through all these hoops if you need to relocate jobs later? Or worse, you may want to eliminate jobs when demand slumps, but worry about employees (union?) filing suite saying you are moving the jobs and accuse you of violating Kerry's regulations. It doesn't matter that you aren't moving them. You now have to pay legal expenses to show it was job elimination not relocation.
It's just too much legal liability. Nope, instead you will create those jobs in Mexico as insurance that you won't have to deal with the bureaucratic nightmare later. He blames President Bush for jobs relocating. He will do even better by making sure they aren't created here in the first place.
"...he would order a 120-day review of all trade pacts. He laid out specific guidelines for companies wanting to send jobs overseas, including at least three months' advance notice for affected employees as well as notification of the Labor Department, state agencies and local government officials."
That certainly would make it more difficult for jobs to be shipped overseas. Which brings up the law of unintended consequences. Pretend you are an employer with offices in Colorado and offices in Mexico. Demand goes up for your product and you need more people to make your widgets. You want to create jobs in Colorado. Now wouldn't you stop and think twice knowing that you would have to go through all these hoops if you need to relocate jobs later? Or worse, you may want to eliminate jobs when demand slumps, but worry about employees (union?) filing suite saying you are moving the jobs and accuse you of violating Kerry's regulations. It doesn't matter that you aren't moving them. You now have to pay legal expenses to show it was job elimination not relocation.
It's just too much legal liability. Nope, instead you will create those jobs in Mexico as insurance that you won't have to deal with the bureaucratic nightmare later. He blames President Bush for jobs relocating. He will do even better by making sure they aren't created here in the first place.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
The Passion
I just got back from seeing The Passion of The Christ. My opinion:
Stunning.
First, how anyone can claim the movie is anti-Semitic or portrays all Jews poorly was not watching this movie. In the movie, there are members of the Sanhedrin who courageously try to defend Jesus, obviously unsuccessfully. Many others walk out of a trial that clearly becomes a farce.
I have heard other criticism that Pontius Pilate is treated too sympathetically. I saw his actions as cowardly. The movie portrays his motivations exactly as I've believed. That is, he notes Jesus was innocent, yet he is more concerned with politics of releasing Jesus than making a principled stand to free an innocent man.
Watching the torture of Jesus was horrible. Mel Gibson showed excruciating detail of what the Romans did to people. Even more moving was seeing those scenes through the eyes of Mary as a woman watching her son dying.
Through it all, Jesus message of love and forgiveness is not lost. It is emphasized even more by showing flashbacks in between scenes of the crucifixion. The short resurrection scene shows us that his sacrifice was not in vain.
Mel Gibson took "the greatest story every told" and produced the greatest movie ever made.
Stunning.
First, how anyone can claim the movie is anti-Semitic or portrays all Jews poorly was not watching this movie. In the movie, there are members of the Sanhedrin who courageously try to defend Jesus, obviously unsuccessfully. Many others walk out of a trial that clearly becomes a farce.
I have heard other criticism that Pontius Pilate is treated too sympathetically. I saw his actions as cowardly. The movie portrays his motivations exactly as I've believed. That is, he notes Jesus was innocent, yet he is more concerned with politics of releasing Jesus than making a principled stand to free an innocent man.
Watching the torture of Jesus was horrible. Mel Gibson showed excruciating detail of what the Romans did to people. Even more moving was seeing those scenes through the eyes of Mary as a woman watching her son dying.
Through it all, Jesus message of love and forgiveness is not lost. It is emphasized even more by showing flashbacks in between scenes of the crucifixion. The short resurrection scene shows us that his sacrifice was not in vain.
Mel Gibson took "the greatest story every told" and produced the greatest movie ever made.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Loyalty
Earlier this week, I mentioned that Mel Gibson refused to publicly disavow his father's discounting the holocaust in WWII. On Thursday, Little Green Footballs, posted a quote from a radio interview Hutton Gibson (Mel's father) had with a radio station and made remarks like, "“It’s all - maybe not all fiction - but most of it is."
I certainly disagree with those statements. What I find as sad are calls from LGF readers in the comments section demanding Mel Gibson publicly denounce his father.
Mel's refusal to denounce his father is a sign of his integrity. Mel Gibson made it perfectly clear in the Sawyer interview that he believes anti-semitism is unChristian. At the same time, those Christian beliefs tell him to honor (not necessarily agree with) his father and mother. It is not his place to publicly condemn his father's views.
I certainly disagree with those statements. What I find as sad are calls from LGF readers in the comments section demanding Mel Gibson publicly denounce his father.
Mel's refusal to denounce his father is a sign of his integrity. Mel Gibson made it perfectly clear in the Sawyer interview that he believes anti-semitism is unChristian. At the same time, those Christian beliefs tell him to honor (not necessarily agree with) his father and mother. It is not his place to publicly condemn his father's views.
Friday, February 20, 2004
Languages
People say its a good thing to know another language. I've never really had the aptitude for it though. I figure, if God wanted me to speak a foreign language, He wouldn't have invented English.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
A boy!
About a half hour ago my sister-in-law gave birth to an 8lb 15oz baby boy. Welcome to the world Cody Charles. Congratulations Julie and Shawn.
Women exposing themselves
Dennis Prager wrote on interesting article on the continuing trend of women exposing their bodies. He believes it is the promotion of the ideal that mean and women are the same.
He concludes that women are saying: "I am a woman. And I will declare it in one of the only ways left to me -- I will show you my female body."
My thought is what happens when even that is taken away. After Janet Jackson revealed her breast on national TV, some people tried to defend it by saying "What's the big deal. It's only a boob." In essence, they are saying that breasts are no longer sexual, and by extension, not definitively feminine.
Thankfully, most men don't agree. If it was "just a boob" it would not have been the most "Tivo'ed" moment to date.
He concludes that women are saying: "I am a woman. And I will declare it in one of the only ways left to me -- I will show you my female body."
My thought is what happens when even that is taken away. After Janet Jackson revealed her breast on national TV, some people tried to defend it by saying "What's the big deal. It's only a boob." In essence, they are saying that breasts are no longer sexual, and by extension, not definitively feminine.
Thankfully, most men don't agree. If it was "just a boob" it would not have been the most "Tivo'ed" moment to date.
John Kerry and "Honorable" service
John Kerry is a deeply confused man when it comes to military service. In the current campaign, he can't say more than two sentences without referencing his Vietnam service.
Many pundits are calling his service "honorable". He did, after all, receive three Purple Hearts and other medals for his actions in combat. I don't know if his service was honorable. For me to call it honorable, I have to believe was doing what he thought was honorable. Yet in 1971 he made a speech before Congress that the LA Times credits with convincing many Americans that the war was immoral. During the testimony he accused all levels of the military of committing the most horrible atrocities.
He now tries to claim is proud of both his service and his anti-war protests. Kerry believes the war was immoral. So how can he be proud of participating in a military action responsible for so many atrocities? He can't have his cake and eat it too. He cannot have served honorably in a war he believed to be immoral.
Let's call his service "brave" but not honorable. John Kerry is responsible for casting a poor light on his service by his protests following his combat experience.
Kerry emphasized his moral bankruptcy by equating service in the National Guard (and by extension all military reserves) to draft dodging. "I've said since the day I came back from Vietnam that it was not an issue to me if somebody chose to go to Canada or to go to jail or to be a conscientious objector or to serve in the National Guard or elsewhere."
Thanks, Mr. Kerry. My time in the USMC reserves (after active duty) was just as honorable as deserting the military.
Many pundits are calling his service "honorable". He did, after all, receive three Purple Hearts and other medals for his actions in combat. I don't know if his service was honorable. For me to call it honorable, I have to believe was doing what he thought was honorable. Yet in 1971 he made a speech before Congress that the LA Times credits with convincing many Americans that the war was immoral. During the testimony he accused all levels of the military of committing the most horrible atrocities.
He now tries to claim is proud of both his service and his anti-war protests. Kerry believes the war was immoral. So how can he be proud of participating in a military action responsible for so many atrocities? He can't have his cake and eat it too. He cannot have served honorably in a war he believed to be immoral.
Let's call his service "brave" but not honorable. John Kerry is responsible for casting a poor light on his service by his protests following his combat experience.
Kerry emphasized his moral bankruptcy by equating service in the National Guard (and by extension all military reserves) to draft dodging. "I've said since the day I came back from Vietnam that it was not an issue to me if somebody chose to go to Canada or to go to jail or to be a conscientious objector or to serve in the National Guard or elsewhere."
Thanks, Mr. Kerry. My time in the USMC reserves (after active duty) was just as honorable as deserting the military.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Mel Gibson and The Passion of The Christ
I just finished watching Mel Gibson's interview by Diane Sawyer. ABC posted more about the interview on their web site. I've read about Mel Gibson's convictions in making this movie. In tonight's interview I finally saw that conviction for myself.
Throughout the interview he stood his ground. He claimed that "we all" are responsible for Jesus death. When asked about Jews involvement in the cruxifiction he said: Jesus "was a child of Israel, among other children of Israel. There were Jews and Romans in Israel. There were no Norwegians there." He said Jews and Romans "were the material agents of His demise."
On the other hand, Diane Sawyer seemed to display an astounding ingnorance of Christianity. Her commentary had the tone that Christianity needed to be explained to Americans (presumably because the majority of viewers would not understand its tenets) even while she is showing statistics that say 82% of Americans claim to be Christians. She also came across as incredulous that Mel Gibson actually believed that the Bible was literally true. His answer was exactly what I believe: if part of it is not true, then none of it is true.
Near the end, he showed complete inner resolve and integrity by refusing to allow comments made by his father to be used against him. His response to Diane Sawyer was, "He is my father and I love him...Leave it alone Diane."
I will be seeing this movie.
And yes, I believe the story is true.
Throughout the interview he stood his ground. He claimed that "we all" are responsible for Jesus death. When asked about Jews involvement in the cruxifiction he said: Jesus "was a child of Israel, among other children of Israel. There were Jews and Romans in Israel. There were no Norwegians there." He said Jews and Romans "were the material agents of His demise."
On the other hand, Diane Sawyer seemed to display an astounding ingnorance of Christianity. Her commentary had the tone that Christianity needed to be explained to Americans (presumably because the majority of viewers would not understand its tenets) even while she is showing statistics that say 82% of Americans claim to be Christians. She also came across as incredulous that Mel Gibson actually believed that the Bible was literally true. His answer was exactly what I believe: if part of it is not true, then none of it is true.
Near the end, he showed complete inner resolve and integrity by refusing to allow comments made by his father to be used against him. His response to Diane Sawyer was, "He is my father and I love him...Leave it alone Diane."
I will be seeing this movie.
And yes, I believe the story is true.
Kerry demands George W. Bush stay at home
Democrat presidential hopeful John Kerry proved again that he is not running on issues by criticizing President Bush for appearing at the Daytona 500. After appearing at a photo opportunity at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI - Kerry said, "This is not a time for photo opportunities, it is a time to create real opportunities in America," regarding the President's opening of the Daytona 500.
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Valentine
You know, this day is one of the most overly romanticized days of the year.
That said, I love my wife. Happy Valentine's Day Honeybun.
That said, I love my wife. Happy Valentine's Day Honeybun.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Reuters: Catholics unwelcome in political process
Archbishop Sean O'Malley criticized the Massachusetts supreme court for ordering gay marriages be legalized in that state.
Reuters reporter Greg Frost characterized the Archbishop's comments as "Wading deep into the waters separating church and state"
Apparently Greg Frost believes that clergy should not be allowed to comment about, much less participate in, our political process.
News flash Mr. Frost: The first amendment prevents the government from establishing a religion. It does not limit the rights of clergy or people of faith from influencing government.
He doesn't even seem to consider that Archbishop O'Malley may be right - the court is usurping the power of the legislature in making its ruling.
Sadly, Frost is more concerned that an Archbishop is exercising his freedom of speech than that the separation of powers (where the real violation is) has been breached.
Reuters reporter Greg Frost characterized the Archbishop's comments as "Wading deep into the waters separating church and state"
Apparently Greg Frost believes that clergy should not be allowed to comment about, much less participate in, our political process.
News flash Mr. Frost: The first amendment prevents the government from establishing a religion. It does not limit the rights of clergy or people of faith from influencing government.
He doesn't even seem to consider that Archbishop O'Malley may be right - the court is usurping the power of the legislature in making its ruling.
Sadly, Frost is more concerned that an Archbishop is exercising his freedom of speech than that the separation of powers (where the real violation is) has been breached.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Remember the good ole days
Remember the good ole days when the Superbowl was family programming?
By now I'm sure you've heard that CBS is apologizing for Justin Timberlake "accidentally" exposing Janet Jackson's breast.
Those who saw it (I just missed it. I was looking at my wife when my buddies said "Did you see that?) know that her nipple was covered by a silver tassle.
So let me get this straight, Ms. Jackson regulary keeps pasties on under her clothes - I'm sure for just such an occasion. During the performance, Timberlake and Jackson were basically dry-humping the whole time. Combined with Nelly's "take off all your clothes" song, the whole half-time show was adults only fare.
CBS is now claiming that MTV will never produce another Superbowl half-time show. That seems to be scapegoating. CBS must have been aware that MTV was promoting Janet Jackson's Super Bowl Show Promises 'Shocking Moments'
I have a pretty high tolerance for this kind of thing. The Superbowl, now pretty much an American holday, is not the place. Keep it rated "G" for this one event please.
By now I'm sure you've heard that CBS is apologizing for Justin Timberlake "accidentally" exposing Janet Jackson's breast.
Those who saw it (I just missed it. I was looking at my wife when my buddies said "Did you see that?) know that her nipple was covered by a silver tassle.
So let me get this straight, Ms. Jackson regulary keeps pasties on under her clothes - I'm sure for just such an occasion. During the performance, Timberlake and Jackson were basically dry-humping the whole time. Combined with Nelly's "take off all your clothes" song, the whole half-time show was adults only fare.
CBS is now claiming that MTV will never produce another Superbowl half-time show. That seems to be scapegoating. CBS must have been aware that MTV was promoting Janet Jackson's Super Bowl Show Promises 'Shocking Moments'
I have a pretty high tolerance for this kind of thing. The Superbowl, now pretty much an American holday, is not the place. Keep it rated "G" for this one event please.
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Feeling the flames
We're all sinful, right? Dante's Inferno Test will tell you just what level of hell you deserve. My results are in, and they don't look good:
The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
Take the Dante's Inferno Test
The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Second Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| Purgatory (Repenting Believers) | Moderate |
| Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers) | Low |
| Level 2 (Lustful) | High |
| Level 3 (Gluttonous) | Moderate |
| Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious) | Low |
| Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy) | Low |
| Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics) | Very Low |
| Level 7 (Violent) | Moderate |
| Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers) | Moderate |
| Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous) | Low |
Take the Dante's Inferno Test
Thursday, January 29, 2004
For Hire:
Freelance writer available for business writing. Rates begin at $50.00 per hour.
Have your people call my people or just e-mail me.
Have your people call my people or just e-mail me.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Friday, January 23, 2004
I blame talk radio
John Kerry is now leading the New Hampshire primary polls with 37%. Howard Dean has fallen behind to 19% (although he is still in second place).
Sigh. I was hoping that Howard Dean would be the Democrat nominee. I blame talk radio. They just couldn't keep their mouths shut about what a wacko Howard Dean is. He is unelectable in a general election. If the talk show hosts could have just kept a lid on it for a few more weeks, Dean could have come out of Super Tuesday with an insurmountable lead.
Nope. Instead talk radio convinced Iowans that Dean is unstable (admittedly with a lot of help from Dean himself). America not safer after the capture of Hussein? Everyone but Democrats knew that in the weeks before the Iowa caucus. Sadly, talk radio convinced Iowa voters the same thing right before the election.
Then Dean gave his now infamous "I have a scream" speech after the caucus. Talk radio once again couldn't let it go. They had to keep playing it over an over. Voters in New Hampshire got the message. Dean's candidacy is fading fast. It looks like Republicans best hope for a landslide will be voted off the island in just a couple more weeks.
Well, John "Everything-I-know-I-learned-in-Vietnam" Kerry is the favorite. George Bush's successes and an improving economy will make it a long shot for Kerry to win, so I won't lose any sleep. But a Dean nomination would have put the last nail in the Democrat's coffin for this election.
Sigh. I was hoping that Howard Dean would be the Democrat nominee. I blame talk radio. They just couldn't keep their mouths shut about what a wacko Howard Dean is. He is unelectable in a general election. If the talk show hosts could have just kept a lid on it for a few more weeks, Dean could have come out of Super Tuesday with an insurmountable lead.
Nope. Instead talk radio convinced Iowans that Dean is unstable (admittedly with a lot of help from Dean himself). America not safer after the capture of Hussein? Everyone but Democrats knew that in the weeks before the Iowa caucus. Sadly, talk radio convinced Iowa voters the same thing right before the election.
Then Dean gave his now infamous "I have a scream" speech after the caucus. Talk radio once again couldn't let it go. They had to keep playing it over an over. Voters in New Hampshire got the message. Dean's candidacy is fading fast. It looks like Republicans best hope for a landslide will be voted off the island in just a couple more weeks.
Well, John "Everything-I-know-I-learned-in-Vietnam" Kerry is the favorite. George Bush's successes and an improving economy will make it a long shot for Kerry to win, so I won't lose any sleep. But a Dean nomination would have put the last nail in the Democrat's coffin for this election.
Stop the courts now.
Last year Colorado Republicans passed a redistricting plan. Democrats of course immediately filed a suit (which they won) to prevent the plan from taking effect saying that the Colorado Supreme Court had redrawn the districts in 2002 and they couldn't be redrawn again.
Republicans have appealed. Today a federal appeals court rejected the appeal. The ruling is stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case.
Let's hope they do. Redistricting is entirely a legislative process. The law does not provide for the courts to take over the process. This is another example of judicial activism. The Supreme Court needs to stop it.
Republicans have appealed. Today a federal appeals court rejected the appeal. The ruling is stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the case.
Let's hope they do. Redistricting is entirely a legislative process. The law does not provide for the courts to take over the process. This is another example of judicial activism. The Supreme Court needs to stop it.
Where have I been?
I haven't done much posting this week - obviously. Where has the week gone?
I've been doing more planning and finally trying to decide on grad school or not - and if so, what? I'm going to study the GMAT for business school and may even start studying for the LSAT just to see how I can do.
I'll keep you up on how I do.
I've been doing more planning and finally trying to decide on grad school or not - and if so, what? I'm going to study the GMAT for business school and may even start studying for the LSAT just to see how I can do.
I'll keep you up on how I do.
Monday, January 19, 2004
It's over?
Well my weekend is coming to an end. Back to work tomorrow. The good news is that Honeybun is coming back from a four day trip to Las Cruces where she helped throw a baby shower for her sister.
My mother-in-law is coming back with her (that's not a bad thing - she is great) to visit us for a few days.
So, it's back to the old grind. I really need to do something about that. There shouldn't be a grind, right? Monster.com anyone?
My mother-in-law is coming back with her (that's not a bad thing - she is great) to visit us for a few days.
So, it's back to the old grind. I really need to do something about that. There shouldn't be a grind, right? Monster.com anyone?
Friday, January 16, 2004
President Grant and war protestors
"Experience proves that the man who obstructs a war in which his nation is engaged, no matter whether right or wrong, occupies no enviable place in life or history. Better for him, individually, to advocate "war, pestilence, and famine," than to act as obstructionist to a war already begun. The history of the defeated rebel will be honorable hereafter, compared with that of the Northern man who aided him by conspiring against his government while protected by it. The most favorable posthumous history the stay-at-home traitor can hope for is--oblivion."--from the memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Why we can't find WMD's in Iraq
Nelson Archer in his blog summed it up best:
How are we supposed to find hidden and buried WMDs in Iraq if, wherever one digs there, we just keep finding mass graves?
How are we supposed to find hidden and buried WMDs in Iraq if, wherever one digs there, we just keep finding mass graves?
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
New reality show: WHEN DEMOCRATS ATTACK
Howard Dean has settled on the strategy of attacking George W. Bush on the issue of the war in Iraq. He claims the U.S. should wait for the permission of the U.N. (an organization with more totalitarian goverments than democratic) before using force.
It turns out he believes that only when a Republican is President. USA Today published a letter today from Dean to President Clinton in 1995 calling for unilateral action in Bosnia from the United States because the U.N. and NATO's policies failed in that country.
It seems clear that U.N. policies failed for 12 years in Iraq. But since President Bush is a Republican, Dean is attacking him for the same actions President Clinton took in Bosnia (the only difference being, we had no national security interest in there).
It turns out he believes that only when a Republican is President. USA Today published a letter today from Dean to President Clinton in 1995 calling for unilateral action in Bosnia from the United States because the U.N. and NATO's policies failed in that country.
It seems clear that U.N. policies failed for 12 years in Iraq. But since President Bush is a Republican, Dean is attacking him for the same actions President Clinton took in Bosnia (the only difference being, we had no national security interest in there).
Friday, January 09, 2004
Integrity
Mel Gibson will soon be releasing the most controversial movie he has every made The Passion of Christ. Unfortunately, many people who have not seen the movie are calling it anti-Semitic.
Of course Mel Gibson denies this (and I believe him). I have read in articles that he believes that the sins of humanity are responsible for Jesus death. That is, not only are Jews responsible - we are also responsible for making Jesus' sacrifice necessary.
The most powerful evidence supporting that Mel Gibson believes this is in an article written byMark D. Roberts who has seen a screening of the film. He says:
"the movie also shows the hands of the person pounding the nails [into Jesus'], and these hands actually belong to Mel Gibson. It's the only place he appears in the film."
By showing his own hands pounding the nails into Jesus, Mel Gibson makes a profound statement in admitting his own spiritual responsibility for the death of Jesus.
Of course Mel Gibson denies this (and I believe him). I have read in articles that he believes that the sins of humanity are responsible for Jesus death. That is, not only are Jews responsible - we are also responsible for making Jesus' sacrifice necessary.
The most powerful evidence supporting that Mel Gibson believes this is in an article written byMark D. Roberts who has seen a screening of the film. He says:
"the movie also shows the hands of the person pounding the nails [into Jesus'], and these hands actually belong to Mel Gibson. It's the only place he appears in the film."
By showing his own hands pounding the nails into Jesus, Mel Gibson makes a profound statement in admitting his own spiritual responsibility for the death of Jesus.
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Please save us from busy-body public "educators"
Dave Lieber, columnists for the Star-Telegram in Dallas, reports on a Richland Hills Middle School student who was suspended for three days for sending the message "Hey" to the 80 computers at the school.
That's it. "Hey".
The principal of the school saw the message himself and took no notice of it until Beverly Sweeney, the school's computer teacher reported the "serious" nature of the crime to him.
See, Ms. Sweeney believes that using a DOS function is hacking. She wanted to send the message to all students that "hacking into a system should be highest on the list of tampering violations."
The problem is that the student did not hack into the system. He had permission to be on the computer and did not do any damage or tamper with any functions. When Sweeney found him, he readily admitted to sending the message.
The school has no policy on sending messages using legitimate functions of the computer.
Now, another bureacrat's self-righteous indignation has punished another child.
Yet another example of why all states need school vouchers.
That's it. "Hey".
The principal of the school saw the message himself and took no notice of it until Beverly Sweeney, the school's computer teacher reported the "serious" nature of the crime to him.
See, Ms. Sweeney believes that using a DOS function is hacking. She wanted to send the message to all students that "hacking into a system should be highest on the list of tampering violations."
The problem is that the student did not hack into the system. He had permission to be on the computer and did not do any damage or tamper with any functions. When Sweeney found him, he readily admitted to sending the message.
The school has no policy on sending messages using legitimate functions of the computer.
Now, another bureacrat's self-righteous indignation has punished another child.
Yet another example of why all states need school vouchers.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Why the U.N. is a joke
In my younger school days, I thought of the United Nations in idealistic terms. I thought it was an organization whose purpose was to promote peace through democratic means.
Now, I think the United Nations is a fool's dream.
Read Max Kampelman's article and you will see the injustice promoted by the U.N. Libya as chair of the Human Rights Committee? That's putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Yet anti-war types demand that we seek this organization's permission before we use force.
Some say we should leave the U.N. I don't go that far. We should stay and use our influence to change the U.N. Max Kampelman's idea of creating a Democratic caucus is sound. That is if we can convince the weak-knee Europeans (the democracies that abstained from voting against putting Libya a chair on the Human Rights committee) to go along with us instead of cowing to small dictator states. (Pansies)
Now, I think the United Nations is a fool's dream.
Read Max Kampelman's article and you will see the injustice promoted by the U.N. Libya as chair of the Human Rights Committee? That's putting the fox in charge of the hen house. Yet anti-war types demand that we seek this organization's permission before we use force.
Some say we should leave the U.N. I don't go that far. We should stay and use our influence to change the U.N. Max Kampelman's idea of creating a Democratic caucus is sound. That is if we can convince the weak-knee Europeans (the democracies that abstained from voting against putting Libya a chair on the Human Rights committee) to go along with us instead of cowing to small dictator states. (Pansies)
Friday, January 02, 2004
Follow through
Yesterday I resolved to make a resolution. I even followed through. I resolved to get off my butt and go to grad school. Today I made an appointment with an enrollment counselor at Regis University.
Now I just need to figure out a way to pay for it. Anyone know any companies with good tuition assistance?
Now I just need to figure out a way to pay for it. Anyone know any companies with good tuition assistance?
Thursday, January 01, 2004
A new year
Its a new year, the time for resolutions. I never make resolutions.
So this year, I resolve to make a resolution.
OK, that's done.
So this year, I resolve to make a resolution.
OK, that's done.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
My unlikely 2004 predictions
Britney Spears will gain 150 pounds, take to wearing muu muus on stage, and demand to be respected for her talent. Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera sets a record for most body piercing before dying tragically when all the piercings are simultaneously ripped from her body in a tragic giant electro-magnet accident.
Osama bin Laden will be convert to Kabbalah and record a duet with Madonna that will debut at #1 in France.
PETA will boycott Orkin pest control as cockroach mass murderers and call for a U.N. tribunal to try the "Orkin Man" for crimes against bug-manity. (OK, so not all these predictions are unlikely).
Hillary Clinton will decide to take a hard line against all terrorist supporting countries in her new book "It Takes a Nuke".
George Bush will win 47 states in the election after Howard Dean admits he has no idea about foreign policy. OK, Dean won't admit that, but the electorate will realize it and Bush will still win 47 states.
Major League Baseball players will realize their contracts have gotten out of control and are harming the game. The union will threaten to strike if their demand is not met to restructure their contract to limit the money their players can receive - and the Palestinian Authority will condemn suicide bombings.
I will land a job as a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. My witty writings will gain the attention of a high profile producer who will use my articles for a new TV series that will be the most watched premier ever. The contract will make me rich, but after the first 6 episodes the writing will become shoddy and cliche leading to a cancellation after the first season. Reruns will live on and become a cult classic.
Osama bin Laden will be convert to Kabbalah and record a duet with Madonna that will debut at #1 in France.
PETA will boycott Orkin pest control as cockroach mass murderers and call for a U.N. tribunal to try the "Orkin Man" for crimes against bug-manity. (OK, so not all these predictions are unlikely).
Hillary Clinton will decide to take a hard line against all terrorist supporting countries in her new book "It Takes a Nuke".
George Bush will win 47 states in the election after Howard Dean admits he has no idea about foreign policy. OK, Dean won't admit that, but the electorate will realize it and Bush will still win 47 states.
Major League Baseball players will realize their contracts have gotten out of control and are harming the game. The union will threaten to strike if their demand is not met to restructure their contract to limit the money their players can receive - and the Palestinian Authority will condemn suicide bombings.
I will land a job as a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. My witty writings will gain the attention of a high profile producer who will use my articles for a new TV series that will be the most watched premier ever. The contract will make me rich, but after the first 6 episodes the writing will become shoddy and cliche leading to a cancellation after the first season. Reruns will live on and become a cult classic.
Back again
I'm back from my vacation.
We had a great time after we got over our sicknesses. After Christmas Honeybun and I went to Phoenix to see my father's wedding. We met family I hadn't seen in 20 years.
I also hadn't been in Phoenix since 1991. I know everything changes, but wow! The neighborhood I grew up in is hardly recognizable. The biggest change I saw with the size of the city. I'm amazed at how much it has grown - while taking for granted the immense growth in the Denver metro area where I live now.
Phoenix is still a great city. I'd live there again if it weren't so damn hot in July and August.
We had a great time after we got over our sicknesses. After Christmas Honeybun and I went to Phoenix to see my father's wedding. We met family I hadn't seen in 20 years.
I also hadn't been in Phoenix since 1991. I know everything changes, but wow! The neighborhood I grew up in is hardly recognizable. The biggest change I saw with the size of the city. I'm amazed at how much it has grown - while taking for granted the immense growth in the Denver metro area where I live now.
Phoenix is still a great city. I'd live there again if it weren't so damn hot in July and August.
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Warm fuzzies
Well it's Christmas day and the rituals are nearly complete. We got up early and unwrapped all our gifts and stocking stuffers (all in our pajamas). My in-laws really know how to bring out the excitement of Christmas. Its contagious.
After the gifts was the traditional (for us) breakfast of egg casserole (with green chili and sausage) and cinnamon rolls. Mmmm...cinnamon rolls.
Now there is nothing left but waiting for the weight gain. Ahhh, I love Christmas.
Honeybun is still nauseous with flu like symptoms, my head is still a snot factory. But its CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas everyone.
After the gifts was the traditional (for us) breakfast of egg casserole (with green chili and sausage) and cinnamon rolls. Mmmm...cinnamon rolls.
Now there is nothing left but waiting for the weight gain. Ahhh, I love Christmas.
Honeybun is still nauseous with flu like symptoms, my head is still a snot factory. But its CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas everyone.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Ya gotta be kidding me
So we're here in warm - 60 something - Las Cruces. The Luminarios are around the in-laws place waiting to be lit at sundown. Christmas eve dinner is being prepared.
And wouldn't you know it, Honeybun and I are both sick. She is feeling like she wants to throw up everything she has eaten in the last 6 months. I'm feeling like my head is one big snot factory...wait a sec (snooooorrrrrt). Ah better for a little while.
It's been a year since I've had a vacation, and I'm sick. Great.
Well at least we are with family. Merry Christmas everyone.
And wouldn't you know it, Honeybun and I are both sick. She is feeling like she wants to throw up everything she has eaten in the last 6 months. I'm feeling like my head is one big snot factory...wait a sec (snooooorrrrrt). Ah better for a little while.
It's been a year since I've had a vacation, and I'm sick. Great.
Well at least we are with family. Merry Christmas everyone.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Vacation
Well, probably won't blog much for the next two weeks or so. I'm going on vacation with Honeybun to Las Cruces, NM for Christmas. After that, we will head over to Phoenix, AZ to see my father's wedding.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Zero-tolerance = Zero-intelligence
Birmingham, Alabama Clay-Chalkville High sophmore Ysatis Jones has been suspended from school and told she must attend an alternative school for a month for commiting a "major drug offense". She took Motrin for menstrual cramps.
Attending the alternative school would put Jones, an A-B student, in classes with children who committed offenses such as battery, arson and possessing illegal drugs.
Proving once again that people who cannot use critical thinking skills should not be given the responsibility of educating children.
When are parents going to fire the public schools?
Attending the alternative school would put Jones, an A-B student, in classes with children who committed offenses such as battery, arson and possessing illegal drugs.
Proving once again that people who cannot use critical thinking skills should not be given the responsibility of educating children.
When are parents going to fire the public schools?
Should it pay to be stupid?
CNN reports:
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AP) -- The wife of a hockey fan who crashed his car after drinking too much at a Minnesota Wild game has sued the team, saying her husband shouldn't have been served so much alcohol.
Whoever owns the property he crashed into should sue the wife for allowing her husband to drive.
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (AP) -- The wife of a hockey fan who crashed his car after drinking too much at a Minnesota Wild game has sued the team, saying her husband shouldn't have been served so much alcohol.
Whoever owns the property he crashed into should sue the wife for allowing her husband to drive.
Cynthia Tucker is a moron
In Cynthia Tucker's current column she criticizes conservatives, specifically James Dobson of Focus on the Family for condemning gay marriage but not complaining loudly enough about shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette.
She tries to make the case that gay marriage should be approved because James Dobson has not forcefully criticized The Bachelorette.
What she ignores is that Focus on the Family does not approve of shows like The Bachelorette. Boundless.org, a site affiliated with Focus on the Family specifically criticized Married by America - another reality show that tried to introduce couples so they would get married. While I did not find a specific reference from Focus on the Family on The Bachelorette, it wasn't hard to figure what the view of Focus is on these types of shows.
Then she ignores the entire purpose of Focus on the Family - to preserve families. Even a cursory glance at Focus on the Family's website leads one to believe that they support in depth preparation before entering into marriage. Even without a specific condemnation of that particular show, it seems obvious that James Dobson would not approve of making a life time vow merely for the purpose of trying to generate one night of ratings for a TV network.
Her conclusion is wrong. Conservatives are concerned about shows like The Bachelorette. They degrade marriage into a passing entertainment. It sends the message that you can change the channel when the marriage gets old.
Cynthia's case for gay marriage is based on the fact that she doesn't like James Dobson. In the end, that just isn't convincing. The irony is that James Dobson would disapprove of The Bachelorette just as much as she does.
She tries to make the case that gay marriage should be approved because James Dobson has not forcefully criticized The Bachelorette.
What she ignores is that Focus on the Family does not approve of shows like The Bachelorette. Boundless.org, a site affiliated with Focus on the Family specifically criticized Married by America - another reality show that tried to introduce couples so they would get married. While I did not find a specific reference from Focus on the Family on The Bachelorette, it wasn't hard to figure what the view of Focus is on these types of shows.
Then she ignores the entire purpose of Focus on the Family - to preserve families. Even a cursory glance at Focus on the Family's website leads one to believe that they support in depth preparation before entering into marriage. Even without a specific condemnation of that particular show, it seems obvious that James Dobson would not approve of making a life time vow merely for the purpose of trying to generate one night of ratings for a TV network.
Her conclusion is wrong. Conservatives are concerned about shows like The Bachelorette. They degrade marriage into a passing entertainment. It sends the message that you can change the channel when the marriage gets old.
Cynthia's case for gay marriage is based on the fact that she doesn't like James Dobson. In the end, that just isn't convincing. The irony is that James Dobson would disapprove of The Bachelorette just as much as she does.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
We need school vouchers
It's official, teacher's unions do not care about children. But then, we already knew that. The latest evidence comes from Washington.
When the Seattle Times requested information about teachers and coaches accused of sexual misconduct from Bellevue School district, the school worked with the union to destroy the information.
Sickening really. Now, I'm fully aware that people make false allegations. Too many times, a false allegation alone can ruin lives. In those cases, the school must publicly clear the accused and punish the false accuser. But to be complicit in hiding the guilty is abhorrent. The newspaper obtained an email from Sharon Howard, an attorney for the school district, that said:
"There is no reason we would ever want to drag current or former employees through public attention to such matters - even those who were found to have committed misconduct,"
This is why we need school vouchers so tax payers can afford private schools. When public schools show such complete disregard for children, it is time to take back control of our children's education and safety.
When the Seattle Times requested information about teachers and coaches accused of sexual misconduct from Bellevue School district, the school worked with the union to destroy the information.
Sickening really. Now, I'm fully aware that people make false allegations. Too many times, a false allegation alone can ruin lives. In those cases, the school must publicly clear the accused and punish the false accuser. But to be complicit in hiding the guilty is abhorrent. The newspaper obtained an email from Sharon Howard, an attorney for the school district, that said:
"There is no reason we would ever want to drag current or former employees through public attention to such matters - even those who were found to have committed misconduct,"
This is why we need school vouchers so tax payers can afford private schools. When public schools show such complete disregard for children, it is time to take back control of our children's education and safety.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Don't trust the U.N.
After my last post, I had to check into some facts. Over and over, Democrats are crying for the U.N. to take over in Iraq. I don't understand why they would want to deny freedom to Iraq.
The U.N. is NOT an organization that represents freedom or democracy. Of the 191 member nations, only 85 have democratic governments. The 106 others are dictatorships or one-party governments. 48 or complete dictatorships.
The U.N. believes a dictatorship is just as righteous as a democracy. Last year, the United States was voted off the U.N. Human Rights Commission and replaced with terrorist supporting Libya.
The U.N. does not allow Taiwan (a democratic nation of 23 million people) to join. NewsMax.com documents all this.
I find it scary that Democrats have more faith in a totalitarian supporting organization that it does in our own republic. I said the Democrats want to deny freedom to Iraq. What other explanation could there be?
The U.N. is NOT an organization that represents freedom or democracy. Of the 191 member nations, only 85 have democratic governments. The 106 others are dictatorships or one-party governments. 48 or complete dictatorships.
The U.N. believes a dictatorship is just as righteous as a democracy. Last year, the United States was voted off the U.N. Human Rights Commission and replaced with terrorist supporting Libya.
The U.N. does not allow Taiwan (a democratic nation of 23 million people) to join. NewsMax.com documents all this.
I find it scary that Democrats have more faith in a totalitarian supporting organization that it does in our own republic. I said the Democrats want to deny freedom to Iraq. What other explanation could there be?
We got him
Saddam Hussein was capture by U.S. Army forces. Quickly, there was a backlash. Howard Dean claimed that America is not safer? He may as well have claimed the sky is not blue.
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said he did not support the death penalty for Hussein. Surely there comes a point when a person's evil justifies taking that person's life. For Kofi Annan, hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of murders (not to mention rapes and tortures) does not rise to that level.
Please God, never let the U.N. become the global government it wants to be.
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said he did not support the death penalty for Hussein. Surely there comes a point when a person's evil justifies taking that person's life. For Kofi Annan, hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of murders (not to mention rapes and tortures) does not rise to that level.
Please God, never let the U.N. become the global government it wants to be.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Story time
Paul Harvey told this story a few years ago. Honeybun laughs at me when I try to tell it. I cannot get through it without welling up. Here is an inferior retelling:
Sarah remembers living in an orphanage. During Christmas some groups would come by to give the children gifts. One year, Sarah received a Christmas card that was covered with felt. She opened it up and read the greeting, “God loves you, you are a special person. Merry Christmas from the San Jose Fire Department.”
Sarah kept the card and anytime she felt lonely, she would pull out the card, rub the felt and read the greeting. She read the card so often, the felt rubbed off eventually wore off. But every time she read it, she knew she was special.
Later Sarah was adopted. Her mother took her to the nursing home during Christmas to visit the residents. Each year she would see the residents participate in the activities except for one man who would sit and scowl at the celebration.
She asked her mother why the man didn’t participate. Sarah’s mother didn’t know. The next year Sarah was thinking of the man and remember how the Christmas card made her feel. She got some paper, glue and scissors. She cut some felt and pasted it to the front. Inside she wrote, “God loves you, you are a special person. Merry Christmas, love, Sarah.”
When they went to the nursing home, the man was sitting in his chair. Sarah walked up to him and gave him the card. The man looked at the card, opened it, and read the greeting. Then he looked at Sarah and said “Thank you.” That year instead of sitting alone, he sat Sarah on his lap and sang carols with everyone else. It was the first time Sarah saw him smile.
When they were leaving, Sarah asked her mother what the man did before he retired. Her mother said, “He was a fireman in the San Jose Fire Department.”
Sarah remembers living in an orphanage. During Christmas some groups would come by to give the children gifts. One year, Sarah received a Christmas card that was covered with felt. She opened it up and read the greeting, “God loves you, you are a special person. Merry Christmas from the San Jose Fire Department.”
Sarah kept the card and anytime she felt lonely, she would pull out the card, rub the felt and read the greeting. She read the card so often, the felt rubbed off eventually wore off. But every time she read it, she knew she was special.
Later Sarah was adopted. Her mother took her to the nursing home during Christmas to visit the residents. Each year she would see the residents participate in the activities except for one man who would sit and scowl at the celebration.
She asked her mother why the man didn’t participate. Sarah’s mother didn’t know. The next year Sarah was thinking of the man and remember how the Christmas card made her feel. She got some paper, glue and scissors. She cut some felt and pasted it to the front. Inside she wrote, “God loves you, you are a special person. Merry Christmas, love, Sarah.”
When they went to the nursing home, the man was sitting in his chair. Sarah walked up to him and gave him the card. The man looked at the card, opened it, and read the greeting. Then he looked at Sarah and said “Thank you.” That year instead of sitting alone, he sat Sarah on his lap and sang carols with everyone else. It was the first time Sarah saw him smile.
When they were leaving, Sarah asked her mother what the man did before he retired. Her mother said, “He was a fireman in the San Jose Fire Department.”
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Like, schools should teach kids to read....er sum junk
The December 8, 2003 issue of People magazine has a story about former NBA star Kevin Johnson. (Side note - my brush with fame was meeting Kevin Johnson right after he was traded to Phoenix when he came into the restaurant I worked in.)
Kevin Johnson was concerned with the failing Sacramento High School in California. People says the high school was "plagued by plummeting test scores, student apathy and a deteriorating campus." Only 20% of students could read at grade level. His solution was to raise $7 million through his foundation St. Hope and convert the campus into a charter school.
Who could be against a philanthropist wanting to spend millions to educate inner city kids? Public educators. Johnson's biggest opponent was The Sacramento City Teachers Association. A major reason was their objection to the school being run by St. Hope - a faith based organization.
Some people claim that religion leads to ignorance. It turns out Secularism led to ignorance at Sacramento High and "educators" would rather see kids condemned to a life without education than see them learn to read and perhaps hear about faith in the process.
Kevin Johnson was concerned with the failing Sacramento High School in California. People says the high school was "plagued by plummeting test scores, student apathy and a deteriorating campus." Only 20% of students could read at grade level. His solution was to raise $7 million through his foundation St. Hope and convert the campus into a charter school.
Who could be against a philanthropist wanting to spend millions to educate inner city kids? Public educators. Johnson's biggest opponent was The Sacramento City Teachers Association. A major reason was their objection to the school being run by St. Hope - a faith based organization.
Some people claim that religion leads to ignorance. It turns out Secularism led to ignorance at Sacramento High and "educators" would rather see kids condemned to a life without education than see them learn to read and perhaps hear about faith in the process.
Monday, December 08, 2003
To proofread or not to proofread
Like a fellow blogger of mine that shall remain nameless (but is linked to from this site), I am lazy. Therefore, I do not proofread with anything that resembles attention-to-detail*.
It has come to my attention that I spelled "especially" wrong in my previous post. As a show of my rebel attitude, I refuse to correct it.
(*This is an example of why resumes cannot be trusted. In the opening paragraph of mine, I claim to have great attention-to-detail as a strength. Honeybun always laughs at that one.)
It has come to my attention that I spelled "especially" wrong in my previous post. As a show of my rebel attitude, I refuse to correct it.
(*This is an example of why resumes cannot be trusted. In the opening paragraph of mine, I claim to have great attention-to-detail as a strength. Honeybun always laughs at that one.)
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Office parties
Tonight I'm going to a party hosted by a co-worker. These things are always touchy. You want to go and enjoy yourself, but you pray no one gets really drunk and does something stupid - espicially yourself. Since I can't drink anymore, I'm not as worried about me doing something idiotic in front of my boss or his wife.
We'll see if anyone else does anything embarrassing. We can only hope :)
UPDATE:
The party went well. No one got slobbering drunk and no teddy bears were subject to being thrown up on. The host did get himself engaged though. Good for him.
We'll see if anyone else does anything embarrassing. We can only hope :)
UPDATE:
The party went well. No one got slobbering drunk and no teddy bears were subject to being thrown up on. The host did get himself engaged though. Good for him.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Why vouchers are needed
Amanda Stiles, a sophmore at Parkway High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been expelled for one year for having Advil in her purse. Amanda's purse was searched after another student reported her for smoking at school. The teacher did not find cigarettes or a lighter, but did find the Advil.
The Board Superintendent claimed the school system is following a state law that requires a one-year expulsion and being consistent in the system's "zero-tolerance" policy.
So another group of presumably competent educators has sacrificed good judgement on the altar of zero-tolerance.
The parents say they cannot afford private school. The result of this horribly short-sighted decision is a young girl described as an "average" student is being denied the opportunity to be educated. Considering the poor judgement the board used, she probably isn't any worse off.
The Board Superintendent claimed the school system is following a state law that requires a one-year expulsion and being consistent in the system's "zero-tolerance" policy.
So another group of presumably competent educators has sacrificed good judgement on the altar of zero-tolerance.
The parents say they cannot afford private school. The result of this horribly short-sighted decision is a young girl described as an "average" student is being denied the opportunity to be educated. Considering the poor judgement the board used, she probably isn't any worse off.
Not by, of, or for...
A denver judge has ruled that Colorado's school voucher program is unconstitutional. Poor kids cannot use vouchers to escape shoddy public schools to get a better education.
Judge Meyer wrote, "I see no way to interpret the voucher program statute in a way that does not run afoul of the principle of local control."
The voucher program is designed to allow parents with children in failing schools to attend private schools of their choice. In other words, its for districts that have chosen not to excercise the local control they have.
This is just another example of courts thwarting the will of the people. The suggested constitutional conflict is a thinly veiled attempt to rule by judicial fiat. Again.
Oppenents of the voucher plan claim it will undermine public education by siphoning off students and the tax dollars they bring. This is a bald faced lie. It will actually give more money per student to each district. The money put towards the voucher is less than the money paid to the district to educate the student. The district keeps the difference between what it would have received fo the student to attend the public school and what is put toward the voucher. Sounds great for the students remaining at the school.
But the oppenents aren't really interested in educating students. They would rather keep the status quo where parents have no control over the way their children are indoctrinated.
Judge Meyer wrote, "I see no way to interpret the voucher program statute in a way that does not run afoul of the principle of local control."
The voucher program is designed to allow parents with children in failing schools to attend private schools of their choice. In other words, its for districts that have chosen not to excercise the local control they have.
This is just another example of courts thwarting the will of the people. The suggested constitutional conflict is a thinly veiled attempt to rule by judicial fiat. Again.
Oppenents of the voucher plan claim it will undermine public education by siphoning off students and the tax dollars they bring. This is a bald faced lie. It will actually give more money per student to each district. The money put towards the voucher is less than the money paid to the district to educate the student. The district keeps the difference between what it would have received fo the student to attend the public school and what is put toward the voucher. Sounds great for the students remaining at the school.
But the oppenents aren't really interested in educating students. They would rather keep the status quo where parents have no control over the way their children are indoctrinated.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Ahh...It's good to be dead
George Harrison, Johhny and June Cash, and Warren Zevon (who was he?) all have something in common. They are all dead and all received multiple Grammy nominations this year.
If your career needs a boost - go ahead and die. Problem is, you can only do it once.
If your career needs a boost - go ahead and die. Problem is, you can only do it once.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Really, he was a nice guy
Nathaniel Jones died this past week after fighting with police. The 350+ pound man was high on cocaine and PCP when he fought with police. The video shows Jones advance on a retreating police officer, swing at him, then grab him.
Jones' family is calling for an independent investigation. His grandmother said, "Skipper [Jones] was just a good old, fat jolly fella. He wasn't violent."
Right.
His aunt Diane Payton said, "Everyone he met, that he touched, loved him. He was never mean."
I'm sure the policeman felt that Jones was the nicest guy to every assualt him. Still, I doubt that the policeman he "touched" felt very much love.
The police are in a catch-22. This man made choices that led to his own death and the police are blamed. Because he died while committing, a crime the police are racist. If the police did not respond, people would claim more racism for not protecting the black community.
It would be nice to see some integrity from the activists. Stop defending thugs and criminals as the innocent victims.
The Cincinnati Post believes that the public will receive an honest answer on whether or not the officers reacted appropriately according to their editorial.
The real question is whether or not the activists will accept any other answer than one that condemns the police. I doubt it when people like as Kweisi Mfume already claim the police behavior was "well outside the norm for subduing an unarmed suspect.''
Jones' family is calling for an independent investigation. His grandmother said, "Skipper [Jones] was just a good old, fat jolly fella. He wasn't violent."
Right.
His aunt Diane Payton said, "Everyone he met, that he touched, loved him. He was never mean."
I'm sure the policeman felt that Jones was the nicest guy to every assualt him. Still, I doubt that the policeman he "touched" felt very much love.
The police are in a catch-22. This man made choices that led to his own death and the police are blamed. Because he died while committing, a crime the police are racist. If the police did not respond, people would claim more racism for not protecting the black community.
It would be nice to see some integrity from the activists. Stop defending thugs and criminals as the innocent victims.
The Cincinnati Post believes that the public will receive an honest answer on whether or not the officers reacted appropriately according to their editorial.
The real question is whether or not the activists will accept any other answer than one that condemns the police. I doubt it when people like as Kweisi Mfume already claim the police behavior was "well outside the norm for subduing an unarmed suspect.''
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Our 6th Anniversary
Saturday the 29th was our sixth wedding anniversary. It was pretty low key in general. Our big outting was to go to The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant.
The night there started a bit rocky. We had reservations for 9:30 but didn't get seated until after 10:00. Then they gave us drinking water in dirty glasses. Ugh. At that point, we were getting quite disappointed. We called for the manager and told him about it. He promised to turn things around right away, and he did.
A four-course dinner is at least a two hour experience. Our waiter did a great job and the food was outstanding. Honeybun absolutely loved the desert: a chocolate sauce to dip bananas, strawberries, and cakes.
The surprise of the night was when we got the bill. The manager covered the dinner. We paid only a few bucks for the drinks (and of course a nice tip).
So, if there is a one near you and you have a special night coming up, go to The Melting Pot.
The night there started a bit rocky. We had reservations for 9:30 but didn't get seated until after 10:00. Then they gave us drinking water in dirty glasses. Ugh. At that point, we were getting quite disappointed. We called for the manager and told him about it. He promised to turn things around right away, and he did.
A four-course dinner is at least a two hour experience. Our waiter did a great job and the food was outstanding. Honeybun absolutely loved the desert: a chocolate sauce to dip bananas, strawberries, and cakes.
The surprise of the night was when we got the bill. The manager covered the dinner. We paid only a few bucks for the drinks (and of course a nice tip).
So, if there is a one near you and you have a special night coming up, go to The Melting Pot.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Thanksgiving a celebration of faith?
Capitalism Magazine published an article they summarized as follows:
Summary: Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday, celebrates man's productive ability. It is not a day of national guilt or a religious festival. This holiday is designed to celebrate, not faith and charity, but thought and production.
To say that Thanksgiving is not about faith or charity is to ignore the obvious. The name of the holiday inherently has religious implications. After all the Puritans we call The Pilgrims did not give thanks to man's productive ability but to God. In fact, Governor Bradford declared the pilgrims second day of Thanksgiving in 1623 because of an answer to prayer. The pilgrims had been through a severe drought and gathered to pray for ran - rain fell the following day.
This last week The History Channel ran a program on the history of Thanksgiving. The program described how the earliest Thanksgiving observances started in New England (of course commemorating the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving). Back to its earliest roots before President Lincoln declared in a holiday, Thanksgiving observances had a strong connection to charity.
The article claims that it is an insult to hard working people to believe in God's blessings. That view ignores that our we do not control everything that happens to us (though we are responsible for how we react to it). Christians ascribe some of those things as blessings from God. Our hard work from those blessing results in bounty such as Thanksgiving feasts.
Its amazing that someone would be able to ignore the facts and say that Thanksgiving is not a celebration of faith or charity. It is significant that this uniquely American holiday has such strong roots as a celebration of faith and expressions of charity.
Summary: Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday, celebrates man's productive ability. It is not a day of national guilt or a religious festival. This holiday is designed to celebrate, not faith and charity, but thought and production.
To say that Thanksgiving is not about faith or charity is to ignore the obvious. The name of the holiday inherently has religious implications. After all the Puritans we call The Pilgrims did not give thanks to man's productive ability but to God. In fact, Governor Bradford declared the pilgrims second day of Thanksgiving in 1623 because of an answer to prayer. The pilgrims had been through a severe drought and gathered to pray for ran - rain fell the following day.
This last week The History Channel ran a program on the history of Thanksgiving. The program described how the earliest Thanksgiving observances started in New England (of course commemorating the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving). Back to its earliest roots before President Lincoln declared in a holiday, Thanksgiving observances had a strong connection to charity.
The article claims that it is an insult to hard working people to believe in God's blessings. That view ignores that our we do not control everything that happens to us (though we are responsible for how we react to it). Christians ascribe some of those things as blessings from God. Our hard work from those blessing results in bounty such as Thanksgiving feasts.
Its amazing that someone would be able to ignore the facts and say that Thanksgiving is not a celebration of faith or charity. It is significant that this uniquely American holiday has such strong roots as a celebration of faith and expressions of charity.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
My Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving we will spend at home with family and friends. Honeybun has done a wonderful job of planning, cleaning, and preparing for about 10 other guests.
We'll be having a wonderful dinner of turkey, ham, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, bread rolls, and all kinds of pies & even cheesecake.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
We'll be having a wonderful dinner of turkey, ham, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, bread rolls, and all kinds of pies & even cheesecake.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
It should be a Happy Thanksgiving
Since 1970 Native American activists have designated Thanksgiving Day as a national day of mourning. In an online article date 7/14/98, Russell Peters - President of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council - said, "It was not appropriate for the native people to feast in thanksgiving; instead we decided to fast and show by contrast our way of remembering our history."
It's sad that a man who enjoys the freedoms and blessings of the richest, most powerful nation on Earth can think of nothing to be thankful for on this holiday and must mourn the loss of a culture he never knew.
When people criticize events such as the national day of mourning as being part of anti-American movement, there is reason to believe they are right. Strangely enough, it is Mr. Peters himself who confirms it:
"In recent years, [the National Day of Mourning has] been orchestrated by a group calling themselves the United American Indians of New England. This group has tenuous ties to any of the local tribes, and is composed primarily of non-Indians. (emphasis added).
It's sad that a man who enjoys the freedoms and blessings of the richest, most powerful nation on Earth can think of nothing to be thankful for on this holiday and must mourn the loss of a culture he never knew.
When people criticize events such as the national day of mourning as being part of anti-American movement, there is reason to believe they are right. Strangely enough, it is Mr. Peters himself who confirms it:
"In recent years, [the National Day of Mourning has] been orchestrated by a group calling themselves the United American Indians of New England. This group has tenuous ties to any of the local tribes, and is composed primarily of non-Indians. (emphasis added).
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Higher education isn't educational
One of the employee's I supervise is attending school at Metropolitan State College of Denver - locally referred to as Denver Metro.
She is a biology major but is required to take a history course as a general education requirement. The course she is taking is called American Civilization. The course description of the class says, "American Civilization is an entry-level American history course designed to trace the roots of contemporary America."
Sounds like a good course and its intents probably are. Unfortunately, professors have their own agendas. The instructor of this class assigned Michael Moore's book "Downsize This". Michael Moore is as liberal as they come. The idea that his book is a "text book" is laughable. Not only is it biased, I really can't find a meaningful connection between a course on American History and a criticism of corporate America.
If that isn't bad enough, the student told me today that her classed was canceled so they could complete an assignment to - get this - go find a tree, sit next to it and get in touch with herself.
Really, a history class has turned into an indoctrination of New Age spirituality.
She is a biology major but is required to take a history course as a general education requirement. The course she is taking is called American Civilization. The course description of the class says, "American Civilization is an entry-level American history course designed to trace the roots of contemporary America."
Sounds like a good course and its intents probably are. Unfortunately, professors have their own agendas. The instructor of this class assigned Michael Moore's book "Downsize This". Michael Moore is as liberal as they come. The idea that his book is a "text book" is laughable. Not only is it biased, I really can't find a meaningful connection between a course on American History and a criticism of corporate America.
If that isn't bad enough, the student told me today that her classed was canceled so they could complete an assignment to - get this - go find a tree, sit next to it and get in touch with herself.
Really, a history class has turned into an indoctrination of New Age spirituality.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Those who don't learn from The History Channel...
This week our cable provider added channels to our service (along with a price increase of course). But they finally added my favorite channel - The History Channel.
Ya, I'm a weirdo. I love history and THC is great. No real point here other than watching it last night was the highlight of the day after working 14 hours.
Ya, I'm a weirdo. I love history and THC is great. No real point here other than watching it last night was the highlight of the day after working 14 hours.
Friday, November 21, 2003
What to do for fun
Board games have made a resurgence. Last month Hasbro declared larger than expected earnings because of increased sales in board and card games. Overall, game sales increased 84 percent in 2003. Unplugged entertainment seems to do well in recessionary times.
Last year, the 20th anniversary Trivial Pursuit game was the best selling game of the year. Cranium is also a top seller. So, just in time for Christmas, here is a list of Jason's recommendations:
Cranium - Great variety game. All our friends like it.
Remote Possibilities - also a fun party game because I'm great at it.
Kill Doctor Lucky - a fun "pre-mystery" game. Like Clue but you committ the murder. More fun than murder sounds...and cheap too.
The Very Clever Pipe Game - Another Cheapass Game. Play cards to connect section of pipes. A quick fun strategy game.
Dungeons & Dragons - Yes, it's a roleplaying game. You need about 4 other people to play it. Find some normal people interested in Lord of the Rings type adventures and you'll have some fun.
Pocket Farkel - a quick dice game. All about luck and guts. Very addictive.
Empire Builder - a train game. You have to build your track and deliver goods across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The game board changes everytime.
These are games that my family enjoys. So turn off the TV and Playstation II for a while and enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Last year, the 20th anniversary Trivial Pursuit game was the best selling game of the year. Cranium is also a top seller. So, just in time for Christmas, here is a list of Jason's recommendations:
Cranium - Great variety game. All our friends like it.
Remote Possibilities - also a fun party game because I'm great at it.
Kill Doctor Lucky - a fun "pre-mystery" game. Like Clue but you committ the murder. More fun than murder sounds...and cheap too.
The Very Clever Pipe Game - Another Cheapass Game. Play cards to connect section of pipes. A quick fun strategy game.
Dungeons & Dragons - Yes, it's a roleplaying game. You need about 4 other people to play it. Find some normal people interested in Lord of the Rings type adventures and you'll have some fun.
Pocket Farkel - a quick dice game. All about luck and guts. Very addictive.
Empire Builder - a train game. You have to build your track and deliver goods across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The game board changes everytime.
These are games that my family enjoys. So turn off the TV and Playstation II for a while and enjoy the company of your family and friends.
But I don't feel jingoistic
Tom Brokaw accepted an award from the National Press Club on Wednesday for being on TV for a long time to read news stories written by other reporters.
During his speech he said, "Radio stations have become instantly jingoistic and savagely critical of any questions raised about the decisions leading up to, for example, the war on Iraq...motivated not by ideological or intellectual passions, but instead by the raw commercial possibilities of creating mob mentality."
The old, they-really-don't-believe-their-views argument. By extension, we can only believe those with sincere views are the major network news hosts. To me, it sounds like someone is upset with sinking ratings as viewers continue the abandon old oligopoly media. The blogging revolution is only the continuance of what started with talk radio. We are tired of information being controlled by the likes of Tom Brokaw.
During his speech he said, "Radio stations have become instantly jingoistic and savagely critical of any questions raised about the decisions leading up to, for example, the war on Iraq...motivated not by ideological or intellectual passions, but instead by the raw commercial possibilities of creating mob mentality."
The old, they-really-don't-believe-their-views argument. By extension, we can only believe those with sincere views are the major network news hosts. To me, it sounds like someone is upset with sinking ratings as viewers continue the abandon old oligopoly media. The blogging revolution is only the continuance of what started with talk radio. We are tired of information being controlled by the likes of Tom Brokaw.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Heroes
Rush Limbaugh returned to hosting his radio show yesterday after completing a 5 week drug rehabilitation program.
Today a judge refused to dimiss obstruction of justice and insider trading against Martha Stewart. Her trial is expected to start in January.
Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was searched by police today, apparently related to new allegations of child molestation.
All three have legions of devoted fans. They all have their flaws. They all show that people only have farther to fall when you put them on a pedestal.
Today a judge refused to dimiss obstruction of justice and insider trading against Martha Stewart. Her trial is expected to start in January.
Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch was searched by police today, apparently related to new allegations of child molestation.
All three have legions of devoted fans. They all have their flaws. They all show that people only have farther to fall when you put them on a pedestal.
Friday, November 14, 2003
The most important day
Not much to write about today except...
Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm taking the day off from work and spending it with my family. Have a good weekend.
Tomorrow is my birthday. I'm taking the day off from work and spending it with my family. Have a good weekend.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
This guy is sick
Ted Rall wrote a column yesterday once again trying to push the notion that the war in Iraq is about oil. He ignores that if the war was about Iraqi oil, the United States would have kept it in 1991 when we had it.
He writes his column in a truly dispicable way, writing a recruiting
letter for terrorists. In the letter he justifies ("regretfully")
killing our military members. On Veteran's Day, he said our military
men and women served because that was the only way they could
afford "university" or they were too poor and uneducated to
understand they were pawns for Dick Cheney.
The silver lining is that this liberal thinking will surely lead to
the re-election of George Bush.
He writes his column in a truly dispicable way, writing a recruiting
letter for terrorists. In the letter he justifies ("regretfully")
killing our military members. On Veteran's Day, he said our military
men and women served because that was the only way they could
afford "university" or they were too poor and uneducated to
understand they were pawns for Dick Cheney.
The silver lining is that this liberal thinking will surely lead to
the re-election of George Bush.
Wearing the pants in the house
New York Magazine ran an article on the problems that develop in a marriage when the wife is the main or sole breadwinner.
Is the problem that men are threatened? The article actually emphasizes the changes in the wives attitudes toward their non-succeeding husbands. Women are attracted to achievement. The stay-at-home man is just not attractive to women. As a result, the article points out, the spousal sexual relationship suffers.
One woman said:
“He was the best sex I ever had.” But that was long ago. “We fight instead,” she says. “We’re embroiled in some weird combat. It’s like Lysistrata. I tell him, ‘Your business is going to have to get better faster.’ Until then, I’m withholding.”
The article interviews a number of divorced women. These women were not divorced because their husbands left after being threatened by their success. They were divorced because the wives lost respect for their husbands.
Let's face it. Men and women are different. Men want nuturers women who can take care of the emotional needs. Women are attracted to achievement. Those who can reverse those roles are the exception, not the rule.
Maggie Gallagher says:
"The sexual truth is that women (unless they're lesbians) are attracted to men. And masculinity is not like femininity. It is a performance. It has to be won -- and it can be lost."
Is the problem that men are threatened? The article actually emphasizes the changes in the wives attitudes toward their non-succeeding husbands. Women are attracted to achievement. The stay-at-home man is just not attractive to women. As a result, the article points out, the spousal sexual relationship suffers.
One woman said:
“He was the best sex I ever had.” But that was long ago. “We fight instead,” she says. “We’re embroiled in some weird combat. It’s like Lysistrata. I tell him, ‘Your business is going to have to get better faster.’ Until then, I’m withholding.”
The article interviews a number of divorced women. These women were not divorced because their husbands left after being threatened by their success. They were divorced because the wives lost respect for their husbands.
Let's face it. Men and women are different. Men want nuturers women who can take care of the emotional needs. Women are attracted to achievement. Those who can reverse those roles are the exception, not the rule.
Maggie Gallagher says:
"The sexual truth is that women (unless they're lesbians) are attracted to men. And masculinity is not like femininity. It is a performance. It has to be won -- and it can be lost."
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Veteran's Day
Today is the day the United States honors its veterans of military service. Yesterday was the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Thanks to all those others who served and to those who still serve. Stay safe.
Semper Fidelis.
Thanks to all those others who served and to those who still serve. Stay safe.
Semper Fidelis.
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Persecuting...um prosecuting a hero.
Lt. Col. Allen West seems to be a hero. The Lt. Col. fired a handgun near an Iraqi prisoner's head while interrogating the prisoner who had refused to talk. The prisoner then confessed to a conspiracy to ambush American troops and named his co-conspirators who were arrested before the ambush could be sprung. The prisoner was not injured.
American lives were saved. Great, right? Well now the Army says Lt. Col West's actions were assault on the prisoner. Lt. Col. West now he faces a court martial.
This is why terrorists think America is soft. Bureaucrats value the comfort of our enemies above the lives of our troops. War is a nasty business. Scaring a prisoner into talking, especially when he is left uninjured is not a war crime.
Army prosecutors are sending a message to our enemies. Your secrets are safe from us. We are too soft to find them out. When someone is brave enough to scare one of you, we will punish him for it.
American lives were saved. Great, right? Well now the Army says Lt. Col West's actions were assault on the prisoner. Lt. Col. West now he faces a court martial.
This is why terrorists think America is soft. Bureaucrats value the comfort of our enemies above the lives of our troops. War is a nasty business. Scaring a prisoner into talking, especially when he is left uninjured is not a war crime.
Army prosecutors are sending a message to our enemies. Your secrets are safe from us. We are too soft to find them out. When someone is brave enough to scare one of you, we will punish him for it.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Slut and proud of it
Pop singer Christina Aguilera is defending her reputation for sleeping around and dressing in slutty clothing.
She says,
"I see a lot of double standards in society, Men can do things and women can do the same things yet get criticized for it, labeled for it -- they are just constantly put down for things that men can do so freely and so openly and get almost praised for"
She also wrote a song about it:
Can't Hold Us Down
I don't understand why it's okay
The guy can get away with it & the girl gets named
All my ladies come together and make a change
Start a new beginning for us everybody sing
Her argument is false. She makes two errors. She assumes that men are praised for sleeping around and she assumes that men and women are the same.
Men are not universally praised for promiscuity. They get labeled with names like womanizer, skirt chaser, or lecher (maybe she should expand her circle of influence).
The second point is that men and women are not the same. Perhaps there is not as strong a condemnation of men as women. That is because of the respect our society has for women. Women have long been thought to be able to control their more base instincts better than men. Women are assumed to be more monogamous than men. In times gone by, women required men to give up their promiscuous ways by committing to marriage. This respect for women was the basis for all of Western society for millennia.
Now Christina wants to turn that upside down. I don't understand how women giving up the power they had in society gives them more respect. Ask any man if he respects a woman who jumps in the sack on the first date. I remember a conversation I had with another man a few years ago. He said, "Sure I'll have sex with a woman on the first date. I won't respect her, but I'll have sex with her."
She says,
"I see a lot of double standards in society, Men can do things and women can do the same things yet get criticized for it, labeled for it -- they are just constantly put down for things that men can do so freely and so openly and get almost praised for"
She also wrote a song about it:
Can't Hold Us Down
I don't understand why it's okay
The guy can get away with it & the girl gets named
All my ladies come together and make a change
Start a new beginning for us everybody sing
Her argument is false. She makes two errors. She assumes that men are praised for sleeping around and she assumes that men and women are the same.
Men are not universally praised for promiscuity. They get labeled with names like womanizer, skirt chaser, or lecher (maybe she should expand her circle of influence).
The second point is that men and women are not the same. Perhaps there is not as strong a condemnation of men as women. That is because of the respect our society has for women. Women have long been thought to be able to control their more base instincts better than men. Women are assumed to be more monogamous than men. In times gone by, women required men to give up their promiscuous ways by committing to marriage. This respect for women was the basis for all of Western society for millennia.
Now Christina wants to turn that upside down. I don't understand how women giving up the power they had in society gives them more respect. Ask any man if he respects a woman who jumps in the sack on the first date. I remember a conversation I had with another man a few years ago. He said, "Sure I'll have sex with a woman on the first date. I won't respect her, but I'll have sex with her."
Why we should not send our daughters to war
The book on Jessica Lynch's story of her capture will be released Tuesday. The book confirms what many suspected all along. Jessica Lynch was raped by her captors.
There are many horrors of war. Why do we insist on sacrificing the femininty and dignity of our wives and daugters? We do not send our women to war out of respect for them. For centuries we did what we could to keep them out of war because of that respect.
There are many horrors of war. Why do we insist on sacrificing the femininty and dignity of our wives and daugters? We do not send our women to war out of respect for them. For centuries we did what we could to keep them out of war because of that respect.
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
Censorship or not?
CBS has decided not to air a mini-series about Ronald and Nancy Reagan. This is not a decision about censorship.
Many people point to free speech issues as a reason this should be shown. The error in reasoning here is that slander was never intended to be protected by the First Amendment.
People would not be offended by an unflattering presentation of the Reagans if the depiction was true. The problem is that the writers admitted to including dialogue that the Reagans never said (they do claim they have a basis for including it - whatever that means). They even go so far as to claim that Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's disease while in office despite proof to the contrary.
Dissent is protected by the first amendment and is a principle of this country. Let's hope libel and slander aren't included in those principles.
At least CBS got a clue.
Many people point to free speech issues as a reason this should be shown. The error in reasoning here is that slander was never intended to be protected by the First Amendment.
People would not be offended by an unflattering presentation of the Reagans if the depiction was true. The problem is that the writers admitted to including dialogue that the Reagans never said (they do claim they have a basis for including it - whatever that means). They even go so far as to claim that Ronald Reagan suffered from Alzheimer's disease while in office despite proof to the contrary.
Dissent is protected by the first amendment and is a principle of this country. Let's hope libel and slander aren't included in those principles.
At least CBS got a clue.
Judicial tryanny
The judicial branch has once again flaunted its tyranny. Within minutes of President Bush signing into law a ban on partial-birth abortion, a federal judge has issued a restraining order preventing the ban from being enforced on four doctors. The ACLU (once again on the wrong side of civility and liberty) represented the doctors.
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean warned the ban would "chill the practice of medicine and endanger the health of countless women."
Someone please explain how a baby can endanger a woman's life when it is delivered out of the womb and only the head remains in the birth canal?
Even former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop (not a conservative thinker) says that partial-birth abortion is never necessary.
Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean warned the ban would "chill the practice of medicine and endanger the health of countless women."
Someone please explain how a baby can endanger a woman's life when it is delivered out of the womb and only the head remains in the birth canal?
Even former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop (not a conservative thinker) says that partial-birth abortion is never necessary.
Do these guys know what they are talking about?
MSNBC published an AP article claiming that a survey shows 44% of people asked will vote against President Bush in 2004 compared with 38% who say they will vote for him.
That sounds bad, but the story looks more like biased reporting. A recent poll shows President Bush's approval rating at 53%. Historically, only JFK and George H.W. Bush's ratings were above 50% at this point in their presidency.
That sounds bad, but the story looks more like biased reporting. A recent poll shows President Bush's approval rating at 53%. Historically, only JFK and George H.W. Bush's ratings were above 50% at this point in their presidency.
Friday, October 31, 2003
Ah man! Raisins?
Remember when you were trick-or-treating as a kid? There was always one old lady who would put "healthy" treats like small boxes of raisins in your bag (I usually had a pillow case and envied those kids who had the plastic pumpkin with the handle).
It turns out that some of those treats can be worse for kids because they still have sugar and stick to teeth longer than chocolate does.
So there. Just give out the chocolate. Or Sweetarts. (mmm. Sweetarts.)
It turns out that some of those treats can be worse for kids because they still have sugar and stick to teeth longer than chocolate does.
So there. Just give out the chocolate. Or Sweetarts. (mmm. Sweetarts.)
Poetic Justice
A group of more than 20 Catholic High School girls beat a man who exposed himself to a girl shortly after school let out. He was confronted by some of the girls and then ran down the block where he was stopped by two other men.
At that point, the group of girls caught up and beat the tar out of him.
Ahhh, its great to see the media report some good news every once in a while.
At that point, the group of girls caught up and beat the tar out of him.
Ahhh, its great to see the media report some good news every once in a while.
Thursday, October 30, 2003
Hospitals make people sick
Julia Gorin has a great article about medicine on FoxNews.com.
She says:
"God bless Western medicine for all the breakthroughs--the vaccinations, the transplants, the emergency life-saving procedures and cutting-edge modern miracles. But these days its practitioners perform best for those on the brink of death, and that's where you'd better be when you come to these people, or they'll bring you there."
Ain't that the truth. Ask me about a little gall bladder trouble turning into a life threatening extended stay in the hospital.
She says:
"God bless Western medicine for all the breakthroughs--the vaccinations, the transplants, the emergency life-saving procedures and cutting-edge modern miracles. But these days its practitioners perform best for those on the brink of death, and that's where you'd better be when you come to these people, or they'll bring you there."
Ain't that the truth. Ask me about a little gall bladder trouble turning into a life threatening extended stay in the hospital.
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
Hold your breath
Everyone, hold your breath. Don't breath out you CO2 emitter. We may as well go to such measures for all the good the solutions environmentalists propose.
Reuters writer, Alister Doyle, laments global warming in his article. He admits the Kyoto treaty would not do anything significant. He seems to think we need to go with an aggressive solution that could cost up to $18,000,000,000,000,000. That is 18 quadrillion. Supposedly, that will only take 4.5 percent of the worldwide GDP. He doesn't say that the U.S. will surely bear the brunt of that.
So lets look at "dangerous" gases for a minute. The EPA says that electrical utilities emit 14 million tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) per year. That sounds bad.
Then I found out that Mt. Pinatubo volcano injected 17 megatons of SO2 into that atmosphere in one day. That is only one day of one eruption.
We can stop all emissions tomorrow and not come close to what a single volcano would emit in one day. It would be taking a thimble of water out of a lake and expecting a drop in the water level. Yet environmentalists insist that we need to stop driving our cars.
Reuters writer, Alister Doyle, laments global warming in his article. He admits the Kyoto treaty would not do anything significant. He seems to think we need to go with an aggressive solution that could cost up to $18,000,000,000,000,000. That is 18 quadrillion. Supposedly, that will only take 4.5 percent of the worldwide GDP. He doesn't say that the U.S. will surely bear the brunt of that.
So lets look at "dangerous" gases for a minute. The EPA says that electrical utilities emit 14 million tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) per year. That sounds bad.
Then I found out that Mt. Pinatubo volcano injected 17 megatons of SO2 into that atmosphere in one day. That is only one day of one eruption.
We can stop all emissions tomorrow and not come close to what a single volcano would emit in one day. It would be taking a thimble of water out of a lake and expecting a drop in the water level. Yet environmentalists insist that we need to stop driving our cars.
Sad Fish
Sunday brought us a sad moment. Our angel fish died. It was the last of the fish I gave to Honeybun as a Christmas present eight years ago - that's 8. This was the most durable fish I have ever seen. It survived excessive heat, and multiple shocks of temperature and new water.
Have fun in fish-heaven little fish :)
Have fun in fish-heaven little fish :)
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Happy Fish
A researcher has found Flouxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac) in fish in a lake near Dallas, TX.
He is worried about pharmecueticals escaping into the environment but has concluded this particular issue may lead to happy fish. Good for us, improving the environment.
He is worried about pharmecueticals escaping into the environment but has concluded this particular issue may lead to happy fish. Good for us, improving the environment.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Daylight Stupid Time
This weekend marks the annual ritual of falling back and going back to Standard Time for six months. This is the dumbest thing Americans do.
We really aren't saving any time. There are still 24 hours in a day. Well, 25 this coming Sunday, but that doesn't count.
It's time to end Daylight Savings Time!
We really aren't saving any time. There are still 24 hours in a day. Well, 25 this coming Sunday, but that doesn't count.
It's time to end Daylight Savings Time!
California 1 - Spammers 5,123,457,857,494
Today California won its first judgement against spammers. A court fined P&W Marketing $2 million for sending spam.
Its really only a moral victory. I had over 20 spam messages in my inbox this morning. I say its time to cane spammers.
Its really only a moral victory. I had over 20 spam messages in my inbox this morning. I say its time to cane spammers.
Christians-traitors?
Here is a headline from Yahoo! Op/Ed news section:
BOYKIN'S BIZARRE BELIEFS GIVE AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY
By Cynthia Tucker
Ms. Tucker apparently believes that Christian beliefs are treasonous.
BOYKIN'S BIZARRE BELIEFS GIVE AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY
By Cynthia Tucker
Ms. Tucker apparently believes that Christian beliefs are treasonous.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Selective Constitutional Rights
I am alarmed at the continued debate over General Boykin's comments. James Carroll of the Boston Globe criticizes Boykin's religious beliefs, "Boykin's remarks can only inflame Arab perceptions." He concludes by saying: "In the 21st century, exclusivist religion, no matter how ''mainstream'' and no matter how muted the anathemas that follow from its absolutes, is a sure way to religious war."
Never mind that after 200 years, this country has not started a religious war. Carroll's point seems to be that General Boykin should not state his religious beliefs because it offends others and they may attack us for those beliefs.
This point is ridiculous. This country was founded through war to protect the right to practice religion freely (among other reasons). This is one of the rights that was important enough to fight for. Now our media expects us to give it up so as not to offend Islamicist.
He also infers the solution is to reject Christianity. Since Christianity is exclusivist and that philosophy only leads to war, then - following the logic - we must reject Christianity if we want to avoid a war with Islamicist.
Why is it Christians must give up their faith? The Islamicist surely won't. Again we are in the position of rejecting our right to worship freely. People quote the saying that they are willing to die to protect other's rights to free speech. Journalists are willing to go to jail to protect their rights under freedom of the press. Why are they so willing to deny the right to freely practice our religious beliefs?
Never mind that after 200 years, this country has not started a religious war. Carroll's point seems to be that General Boykin should not state his religious beliefs because it offends others and they may attack us for those beliefs.
This point is ridiculous. This country was founded through war to protect the right to practice religion freely (among other reasons). This is one of the rights that was important enough to fight for. Now our media expects us to give it up so as not to offend Islamicist.
He also infers the solution is to reject Christianity. Since Christianity is exclusivist and that philosophy only leads to war, then - following the logic - we must reject Christianity if we want to avoid a war with Islamicist.
Why is it Christians must give up their faith? The Islamicist surely won't. Again we are in the position of rejecting our right to worship freely. People quote the saying that they are willing to die to protect other's rights to free speech. Journalists are willing to go to jail to protect their rights under freedom of the press. Why are they so willing to deny the right to freely practice our religious beliefs?
General Boykin was right
The amazing controversy over General Boykin's comments continue. As mentioned previously, one of the comments he made was this one:
"Why are terrorists out to destroy the United States? They're after us because we're a Christian nation."
Was he wrong? The evidence says he wasn't. The most recent Osama bin Laden tape quotes bin Laden as urging a holy war against American "crusaders" (a reference to the European Crusades in the early part of the last millennium.)
So, tell me. Why are the Generals comments so offensive? According to MSNBC and the LA Times, the truth is wrong.
"Why are terrorists out to destroy the United States? They're after us because we're a Christian nation."
Was he wrong? The evidence says he wasn't. The most recent Osama bin Laden tape quotes bin Laden as urging a holy war against American "crusaders" (a reference to the European Crusades in the early part of the last millennium.)
So, tell me. Why are the Generals comments so offensive? According to MSNBC and the LA Times, the truth is wrong.
Friday, October 17, 2003
The Christian bashers are still at it
General Boykin is still being attacked for having Christian beliefs. MSNBC published this indictment, "Despite repeated questions at a Pentagon press conference, [Secretary of Defense, Donald] Rumsfeld declined to condemn Boykin's statements or to say whether he would take any action."
Notice the inference. According to the wording, Donald Rumsfeld should be expected to take some action against General Boykin - apparently for the General stating his Christian based beliefs in a Christian church to a Christian audience.
Now the not so Reverend Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State has jumped in to criticize General Boykin. This should once and for all discredit the so-called reverend. If he really was for separation of Church and State, he would criticize news agencies for attacking religious speech made in a church. Instead he criticized the General (again, for making religious speech in a church.)
Clearly, Barry Lynn is a liar. He is more concerned with limiting freedom of religion than in separating Church and State.
Notice the inference. According to the wording, Donald Rumsfeld should be expected to take some action against General Boykin - apparently for the General stating his Christian based beliefs in a Christian church to a Christian audience.
Now the not so Reverend Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State has jumped in to criticize General Boykin. This should once and for all discredit the so-called reverend. If he really was for separation of Church and State, he would criticize news agencies for attacking religious speech made in a church. Instead he criticized the General (again, for making religious speech in a church.)
Clearly, Barry Lynn is a liar. He is more concerned with limiting freedom of religion than in separating Church and State.
But I don't feel rich
A new study says that taller people will earn about $789 per inch annually more than their shorter counterparts.
So at 6'2" I should be earning about $2,200 more than my shorter counter parts. It doesn't seem to be happening.
I wonder what I'm doing wrong? Maybe I should stand on my tiptoes.
So at 6'2" I should be earning about $2,200 more than my shorter counter parts. It doesn't seem to be happening.
I wonder what I'm doing wrong? Maybe I should stand on my tiptoes.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
You can't say that in church...
Yesterday MSNBC broke the unbelievably controversial (please note sarcasm) story that a Christian actually believes Christian teachings.
It seems General William Boykin committed the unforgivable sin (to the secular world) of relating his religious beliefs to current events. General Boykin said he believes George W. Bush is in office "because God put him there for a time such as this."
One of his most egregious statements seems to be, "Why are terrorists out to destroy the United States? They're after us because we're a Christian nation."
In response NBC News military analyst Bill Arkin said, "I think that it is not only at odds with what the president believes, but it is a dangerous, extreme and pernicious view that really has no place."
So let me get this straight. In a country that has a Constitutional Amendment protecting the right to freely practice one's religion, General Boykin's religious view of the world has no place?
Stunning.
It seems Mr. Arkin and his ilk believe in selective Constitutional enforcement. That is we must defend freedom of the press to the death, but freedom of religion? Apparently not so important for Arkin.
It seems General William Boykin committed the unforgivable sin (to the secular world) of relating his religious beliefs to current events. General Boykin said he believes George W. Bush is in office "because God put him there for a time such as this."
One of his most egregious statements seems to be, "Why are terrorists out to destroy the United States? They're after us because we're a Christian nation."
In response NBC News military analyst Bill Arkin said, "I think that it is not only at odds with what the president believes, but it is a dangerous, extreme and pernicious view that really has no place."
So let me get this straight. In a country that has a Constitutional Amendment protecting the right to freely practice one's religion, General Boykin's religious view of the world has no place?
Stunning.
It seems Mr. Arkin and his ilk believe in selective Constitutional enforcement. That is we must defend freedom of the press to the death, but freedom of religion? Apparently not so important for Arkin.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
No corruption here
Kelly Huston, the place kick holder for the University of Nebraska football team was suspended for one game for punching a University of Missouri fan after last Saturday's game.
It is difficult to figure out if the University of Nebraska believes Huston did anything wrong. The Cornhuskers coach said, "I truly believe that Kellen did not instigate the situation and that he was simply reacting to what he saw as a dangerous situation coming right at him."
The athletic director followed up with, "I would never claim that hitting someone is appropriate, but I was not standing in Kellen Huston's shoes on Saturday night."
So what is it? It sounds like the "I didn't kick your dog...besides, it bit me" defense. In this case, Huston shouldn't hit a fan, but the fan deserved it according to Nebraska. Typical.
It is difficult to figure out if the University of Nebraska believes Huston did anything wrong. The Cornhuskers coach said, "I truly believe that Kellen did not instigate the situation and that he was simply reacting to what he saw as a dangerous situation coming right at him."
The athletic director followed up with, "I would never claim that hitting someone is appropriate, but I was not standing in Kellen Huston's shoes on Saturday night."
So what is it? It sounds like the "I didn't kick your dog...besides, it bit me" defense. In this case, Huston shouldn't hit a fan, but the fan deserved it according to Nebraska. Typical.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
To floss or not to floss
The pendulum has swung. Women showing off their thong underwear above their low-rise pants is out of fashion according to some New York designers.
So what is in style? Panty lines. Yep, old-fashioned panties whose lines can be seen through clothes.
So get rid of the thongs and bring on the granny panties.
So what is in style? Panty lines. Yep, old-fashioned panties whose lines can be seen through clothes.
So get rid of the thongs and bring on the granny panties.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Columbus - bad, Human sacrifice - good?
Denver seems to be the epicenter of Columbus Day protests. Every year now its the same thing,
"Columbus committed genocide", "Columbus was a rapist". Even the Denver Post allows its writer's to publish factually incorrect stories in saying that Columbus was arrested for allegations of brutality. He was sent back to Spain in chains (probably for disappointment in lack of gold coming back for the New World) but was released with apologies from the King and Queen of Spain.
The bias against Columbus is amazing. It really does come down to hate of Western culture.
The Spaniards did come as conquerors. This was not unique in world history. True, the natives in Latin America were wiped out. Partly due to conquest, partly due to other reasons including disease.
MSN's Encarta considers this a tragedy because of Latin America's cultural signficance. I suppose the human sacrifice practiced at the time should have been saved. Here is Encarta's description Aztec religious practice:
"The sacrificial rituals were elaborate in form, calculated according to the stars to please specific gods at specific times. A victim would ascend the steps of the pyramid. At the top, a priest would stretch the victim across a stone altar and cut out the victim’s heart. The priest would hold the heart aloft to the god being honored and then fling it into a sacred fire while it was still beating. Often many victims were killed at once. In 1487, according to legend, Aztec priests sacrificed more than 80,000 prisoners of war at the dedication of the reconstructed temple of the sun god in Tenochtitlán."
OK, if we are going to judge Columbus by today's standards, let's judge the culture's he supposedly is responsible for destroying by today's standards.
"Columbus committed genocide", "Columbus was a rapist". Even the Denver Post allows its writer's to publish factually incorrect stories in saying that Columbus was arrested for allegations of brutality. He was sent back to Spain in chains (probably for disappointment in lack of gold coming back for the New World) but was released with apologies from the King and Queen of Spain.
The bias against Columbus is amazing. It really does come down to hate of Western culture.
The Spaniards did come as conquerors. This was not unique in world history. True, the natives in Latin America were wiped out. Partly due to conquest, partly due to other reasons including disease.
MSN's Encarta considers this a tragedy because of Latin America's cultural signficance. I suppose the human sacrifice practiced at the time should have been saved. Here is Encarta's description Aztec religious practice:
"The sacrificial rituals were elaborate in form, calculated according to the stars to please specific gods at specific times. A victim would ascend the steps of the pyramid. At the top, a priest would stretch the victim across a stone altar and cut out the victim’s heart. The priest would hold the heart aloft to the god being honored and then fling it into a sacred fire while it was still beating. Often many victims were killed at once. In 1487, according to legend, Aztec priests sacrificed more than 80,000 prisoners of war at the dedication of the reconstructed temple of the sun god in Tenochtitlán."
OK, if we are going to judge Columbus by today's standards, let's judge the culture's he supposedly is responsible for destroying by today's standards.
You mean you want the whole game?
Today I was working and therefore could not watch the Yankees/Red Sox game on TV. So I tuned in the radio at work.
Great. I can listen and stay up on the action. Up until about the 5th inning. Then KLZ (I'm naming names here) decided that they would switch to the Nebraska/Missouri college football game (like people in Denver care about Nebraska).
Now I understand they may have contractual obligations to air the Nebraska game - but if you are going to stop broadcasting an event in the middle of the game, don't start!
And why is no other station iin Denver broadcasting the baseball playoffs then? Sheesh.
Once upon a time, one could tune in a webcast of baseball games. Now MLB makes you pay for it. The NFL does the same thing. If I'm gonna pay, you better at least give me pictures. Why do you pay for a webcast but the same advertising pays for the radio broadcast to a local market?
Great. I can listen and stay up on the action. Up until about the 5th inning. Then KLZ (I'm naming names here) decided that they would switch to the Nebraska/Missouri college football game (like people in Denver care about Nebraska).
Now I understand they may have contractual obligations to air the Nebraska game - but if you are going to stop broadcasting an event in the middle of the game, don't start!
And why is no other station iin Denver broadcasting the baseball playoffs then? Sheesh.
Once upon a time, one could tune in a webcast of baseball games. Now MLB makes you pay for it. The NFL does the same thing. If I'm gonna pay, you better at least give me pictures. Why do you pay for a webcast but the same advertising pays for the radio broadcast to a local market?
Friday, October 10, 2003
Rush to judgement
Rush Limbaugh admitted to being addicted to pain killers today.
Is what Rush did wrong? Yes. Does it make him a hypocrit? No.
See, the difference between this and other national figures is that Rush admitted, not denied his problem. We did not hear him say, "I am not addicted to prescription drugs" or even "Well, that depends on what the meaning of 'addicted' is".
On a personal level, I can relate to Rush having to live with chronic pain. Three years ago I was hospitalized for Pancreatic Necrosis - life threatening and very painful ailment. I was prescribed the pain killer Dilauded by IV. After weeks on the drug I became addicted without even realizing it. When the IV was taken off I went through physical withdrawal symptoms.
That doesn't mean the pain was gone though. For the next few months, I still had great pain from the ongoing condition. Mentally, it becomes very depressing waking up after weeks of pain knowing that it will still be there for the forseeable future.
Thankfully, my wife watched out for me. When I went back to the hospital for another surgery, she made sure that I had limited access to Dilauded as well as monitoring the amount of other pain killers (Percoset) I was given.
Rush Limbaugh has sought help. Of course the political vultures are circling. They are saying that because Rush is not perfect he should not be a political commentator. That is a formula for the destruction of civilization.
When critics say that imperfect people (which we all are) cannot say we should aspire to living to a high standard, then the critics are advocating no standards.
Is what Rush did wrong? Yes. Does it make him a hypocrit? No.
See, the difference between this and other national figures is that Rush admitted, not denied his problem. We did not hear him say, "I am not addicted to prescription drugs" or even "Well, that depends on what the meaning of 'addicted' is".
On a personal level, I can relate to Rush having to live with chronic pain. Three years ago I was hospitalized for Pancreatic Necrosis - life threatening and very painful ailment. I was prescribed the pain killer Dilauded by IV. After weeks on the drug I became addicted without even realizing it. When the IV was taken off I went through physical withdrawal symptoms.
That doesn't mean the pain was gone though. For the next few months, I still had great pain from the ongoing condition. Mentally, it becomes very depressing waking up after weeks of pain knowing that it will still be there for the forseeable future.
Thankfully, my wife watched out for me. When I went back to the hospital for another surgery, she made sure that I had limited access to Dilauded as well as monitoring the amount of other pain killers (Percoset) I was given.
Rush Limbaugh has sought help. Of course the political vultures are circling. They are saying that because Rush is not perfect he should not be a political commentator. That is a formula for the destruction of civilization.
When critics say that imperfect people (which we all are) cannot say we should aspire to living to a high standard, then the critics are advocating no standards.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
From the Halls...
10 years ago today, I was (honorably) discharged from the United States Marine Corps. Whew, 10 years go by quick. My memories of those four years on active duty are as vivid as if they were yesterday.
Humping (hiking for you civilian types) on Camp Pendleton during basic training. Getting "bent"....a lot. Singing the Marine Corps Hymn on the steps of the base Chapel the weekend before graduation.
Partying at the Days Inn in Pensacola, Florida where I attended "A" school. Also, giving the company mascot, Sam, a bath (the smelliest dog...ever.)
....Getting to Guam, working in the communications center - spending Christmas on the ops floor. Drinking rum and Coke in the beer garden in front of the barracks with "Woody", Mike, "Ding Dong", and Navy guys like Lee and "Opie" while smart people like "Chief" watched us make idiots of ourselves. Going to the Dallas Club and The Citizen with "Gabby". Woody low crawling down the hallway (rough night). My friends throwing the biggest party for me when I left the island.
...Getting to Cherry Piont, NC shortly after Gabby. Realizing I hadn't escaped the humidity. Spending Christmas alone in the barracks (that one sucked). Playing Super Nintendo Hockey and drinking with "Burl" until we couldn't see the TV screen. Watching Gabby fall asleep after two beers. Driving to Greenville to see Hootie and the Blowfish at The Attic. Dragging a very drunk Rick up to his apartment: "Q-E-D is Q-E-D". Yes Rick, it is.
And discovering the funniest joke ever:
Rick goes into a bar.
He comes out
...and doesn't have a ride home.
Sorry Rick.
Those guys are still the best.
Semper Fi
Humping (hiking for you civilian types) on Camp Pendleton during basic training. Getting "bent"....a lot. Singing the Marine Corps Hymn on the steps of the base Chapel the weekend before graduation.
Partying at the Days Inn in Pensacola, Florida where I attended "A" school. Also, giving the company mascot, Sam, a bath (the smelliest dog...ever.)
....Getting to Guam, working in the communications center - spending Christmas on the ops floor. Drinking rum and Coke in the beer garden in front of the barracks with "Woody", Mike, "Ding Dong", and Navy guys like Lee and "Opie" while smart people like "Chief" watched us make idiots of ourselves. Going to the Dallas Club and The Citizen with "Gabby". Woody low crawling down the hallway (rough night). My friends throwing the biggest party for me when I left the island.
...Getting to Cherry Piont, NC shortly after Gabby. Realizing I hadn't escaped the humidity. Spending Christmas alone in the barracks (that one sucked). Playing Super Nintendo Hockey and drinking with "Burl" until we couldn't see the TV screen. Watching Gabby fall asleep after two beers. Driving to Greenville to see Hootie and the Blowfish at The Attic. Dragging a very drunk Rick up to his apartment: "Q-E-D is Q-E-D". Yes Rick, it is.
And discovering the funniest joke ever:
Rick goes into a bar.
He comes out
...and doesn't have a ride home.
Sorry Rick.
Those guys are still the best.
Semper Fi
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
There aren't words for this one
On July 1st of this year. Jonathan Russell took a gun to where he was employed and killed three people before killing himself after shooting at police.
The employer, Modine Manufacturing settled worker's compensation claims for the family of the victims. Now for the sick part.
The murderer's mother, Nina Tichelkamp-Russell, has filed a claim to get compensated for her son's death since he died at his place of work.
This woman certainly did not care that her son was a murderer who ruined families. Its should be shameful that this woman believes her murdering son is a quick way to make a buck.
The employer, Modine Manufacturing settled worker's compensation claims for the family of the victims. Now for the sick part.
The murderer's mother, Nina Tichelkamp-Russell, has filed a claim to get compensated for her son's death since he died at his place of work.
This woman certainly did not care that her son was a murderer who ruined families. Its should be shameful that this woman believes her murdering son is a quick way to make a buck.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
Idiots of the Day
I heard about this on the radio so did a quick Google search to find out if people really believe it. They do.
Apparently the sky is falling because there is supposedly a hidden swastika in the Department of Homeland Security logo.
Someone had to work really hard to "highlight" the swastika in the logo. Its obvious that someone created the swastika in the logo rather than merely highlighting it.
Its amazing what some Chicken Littles are willing to believe.
Apparently the sky is falling because there is supposedly a hidden swastika in the Department of Homeland Security logo.
Someone had to work really hard to "highlight" the swastika in the logo. Its obvious that someone created the swastika in the logo rather than merely highlighting it.
Its amazing what some Chicken Littles are willing to believe.
Irony of the Day
Timothy Treadwell, a founder of a Grizzly Bear protection group, and his companion were killed Monday after being mauled by bears.
Man, first Roy Horn (of Siegfried & Roy fame) is attacked by one of his tigers and now Timothy Treadwell. Its enough to make you think that large, wild, predator animals aren't safe to handle. Who'da thought?
Man, first Roy Horn (of Siegfried & Roy fame) is attacked by one of his tigers and now Timothy Treadwell. Its enough to make you think that large, wild, predator animals aren't safe to handle. Who'da thought?
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
You can't say that on TV
Rush Limbaugh is in the hot seat for making supposedly racists comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Now Presidential candidates Wesley Clark and Howard Dean say that Rush Limbaugh should be fired for "hateful and ignorant speech." The NAACP says it was "bigoted and ignorant".
Thankfully the NAACP is not the voice of all "people of color" as they want to believe. Just because the lefties say it was racist doesn't make it so. Now they want someone fired over what they claim is racist.
Isn't that a dangerous precedent? That's a very disturbing thought. Losing your job because someone else decides you made a racist comment.
Actually what I find most alarming is that Presidential candidates are calling for punishment of someone's speech. Doesn't that show how much they value our rights? Their stance seems to contradict other statements they have made. Wesley Clark has said he is "concerned about the effect of the war on terrorism on civil liberties" and Howard Dean claims that President Bush has "a reckless disregard for our civil liberties" because of the Patriot Act.
I guess their civil liberties are important but Rush Limbaugh's aren't.
Now Presidential candidates Wesley Clark and Howard Dean say that Rush Limbaugh should be fired for "hateful and ignorant speech." The NAACP says it was "bigoted and ignorant".
Thankfully the NAACP is not the voice of all "people of color" as they want to believe. Just because the lefties say it was racist doesn't make it so. Now they want someone fired over what they claim is racist.
Isn't that a dangerous precedent? That's a very disturbing thought. Losing your job because someone else decides you made a racist comment.
Actually what I find most alarming is that Presidential candidates are calling for punishment of someone's speech. Doesn't that show how much they value our rights? Their stance seems to contradict other statements they have made. Wesley Clark has said he is "concerned about the effect of the war on terrorism on civil liberties" and Howard Dean claims that President Bush has "a reckless disregard for our civil liberties" because of the Patriot Act.
I guess their civil liberties are important but Rush Limbaugh's aren't.
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