Cinderella Man - movie review

Cinderella Man is the story of depression era boxer James J. Braddock played by Russell Crowe. In the late 1920’s, Braddock was a title contender living in comfort if not richness. After a loss in a title fight and nagging injuries, Braddock became a washed up boxer. The market crash left his investments worthless and his family destitute.

In the middle of the depression, Braddock got a second chance. After stepping into a high profile fight, Braddock got an unexpected chance to revive his boxing career and try for another title shot.

While boxing is a central point of the movie, the story really is about Braddock’s struggle to provide for his family during the depression and the problems they face as he has difficulty finding work when there are not enough jobs. At the same time, feeling as if he has failed his family, he wants to earn back their pride in him.

Renee Zellweger plays Braddock’s wife Mae who is torn between needing the money provided by boxing and the desire for her husband to be safe.

Crowe and Zellweger work well together on screen. They portray a couple who are deeply committed in their marriage and to their family. The movie depends on this relationship for its success. It is the catalyst for Braddock’s return to the ring and emotionally involves the audience in his story.

Honeybun commented this is a movie that has everything. She said, “it made me laugh and cry and even like boxing.”

The movie is rated PG-13 for some brutal boxing scenes. There are a couple times the movie seems formulaic such as an obligatory training scene with Braddock and a speed bag (reminiscent of Rocky movies). Honeybun also pointed out that Crowe had difficulty maintaining his Jersey accent throughout the film.

Even though centered on Braddock’s boxing come back, the movie succeeds on its story of James and Mae. This is a movie couples will enjoy. Best movie yet this year.

3 ½ stars

Be right once

Mark Cuban has a good thought on success in business - You only have to be right once.

He talks about all the jobs had and businesses he owned. After some failures and a lot of hard work, he became rich. At that point, he was told how "lucky" he was.

Work hard and eventually you will get "lucky".

Hate crime or hoax?

Someone has anonymously posted fliers around Southern Oregon University calling for the killing of homosexuals. School officials are "shocked". No one has claimed responsibility for the fliers. The creator(s) remain unknown.

In response to the publicity, SOU President Elisabeth Zinser has proposed a 10-point plan to combat hate-crimes. In doing so, Ms. Zinser is ignoring recent history - faking hate crimes. Michelle Malkin has been documenting this trend.

Before SOU goes on a homophobia witch-hunt, how about making sure the fliers aren't bogus.

Marketing thought of the day

If Doritos taste better now, did they taste worse before they were made 'Nacho Cheesier'?

Mila

How can such a cute kitty be such terror?

Homeless update

The Denver Commission to End Homelessness has set a lofty goal. They are going to end homelessness in Denver within 10 years through an approach that is popular with other cities. The focus of their plan is "Housing First". They believe that homelessness is caused by poverty. Therefore, if you give people a home, they will be able to solve their poverty.

A Rocky Mountain News editorial points out the problem with the program:

In Housing First, surprisingly, the homeless are not required to get treatment as a condition for housing, although the expectation is that they will once they are in a stable environment.

The housing first approach assumes that poverty leads to addiction. The Denver commision has it exactly backwards. The Rocky cites a well known Denver columnist's who investigated the homeless issue. He concluded that although problems like batterings, unemployment, and medical issues were listed as the official cause of homelessness there was a common element behind these problems - substance abuse.

This is why government is not the solution to these problems. Giving people a place to live rent free without requiring them to seek treatment for their substance abuse will do nothing to solve the homeless problem. It was not poverty that lead to homelessness and substance abuse. It was substance abuse that led to poverty and homelessness. Housing First only perpetuates the problem by enabling people to sustain their substance abuse inside government housing. We are going to end up with a government program that uses tax dollars to sustain poverty rather than solve it.

This is why I am for more private and faith based intervention programs like Step 13 in Denver. They don't take government money because the government will prevent them from requiring people to receive substance abuse treatment in their program.

Any program that hopes to be rehabilitate the homeless must first address substance abuse (or mental health) before it will be successful.

Lessons in fraud

Wendy's CEO Jack Schuessler published an article in the Wall Street Journal on lessons his company learned from the false claim of a fingertip being found in their chili. Mr. Schuessler pointed out the hoax led to a 50% drop in revenue in San Jose (where the claim was made). He also wrote about how it affected workers.

There was only one part of the article I found disingenuous.

It might have been expedient to pay off the accuser in an attempt to end the media onslaught--after all, that is the preferred form of capitulation in this trial-lawyer-driven age; but we never considered this option.

Mr Shuessler also compliments his customers who "appreciate the fact that we protected our brand and didn't simply try to "make it go away."

In reality, Wendy's did not have the option to buy their way out of it. Mr. Schuessler even explained why earlier in the article. "Within an hour [of the claim being made] the story was on TV news, and soon after, Wendy's was fodder for Jay Leno."

The news coverage was so massive that Wendy's had no choice but to fight it. If Wendy's had tried to pay off the woman making the accusation, the public would have taken that as an admission of guilt. The 50% drop in the San Jose area would have been nothing compared to the empty stores they would have had across the country.

Wendy's did do the right thing by not caving, but they really had no choice. The woman committing the fraud underestimated the uproar her claim would cause. The scope of the news coverage worked against her. This became clear when she dropped her planned lawsuit.

It was too late for her though; the damage was already done. Wendy's national reputation was hurt. At that point, the fight was not just to avoid a million dollar lawsuit. They were fighting for the life of their business. It wasn't about a million dollars. It was about the three billion dollars in revenue they earn each year.

Yes, Wendy's did the right thing in this case. I still wonder how many other lawsuits they settle instead of investigating.

DNC and rational thought

Last year, Republicans and most Democrats figured out that Howard Dean lost any sense of rational thought. He was considered the front runner to be the Democratic nominee for the presidential election when the wheels fell off his campaign and he let loose with the infamous “I have a scream”.

Apparently this made him ultimately qualified for his current position as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee where he continues to use the same rationality he had during his scream.

Dean doesn’t like Republicans. He has said he thinks they are evil. Of course evil people should be punished. Right now he has Republican House majority leader Tom Delay at the top of his list. Last week Howard Dean said, "I think Tom DeLay ought to go back to Houston, where he can serve his jail sentence.” The remark was made about an investigation by the House ethics committee.

Since Delay has not been charged with a crime, it seems Delay’s biggest offense must be that he is a Republican. When it comes to people who have committed terrorism against our country, Dean is much more thoughtful. During his run for President he was asked about Osama bin Laden. Dean said, "I've resisted pronouncing a sentence before guilt is found. I still have this old-fashioned notion that even with people like Osama . . . we should do our best not to, in positions of executive power, not to prejudge jury trials."

So Dean is convinced that a man who has not been charged with a crime should be in jail while we must not prejudge a terrorist who laughs about killing our citizens. It’s a sad day when Democrats think the Republican House majority leader is more evil than Osama bin Laden.

Remember, Dean is now the leader of the Democratic Party. His statements reflect the official party line. When did Democrats lose their ability to reason?

Not news of the day

Headline as it appeared on yahoo.com news

Latest 'Star Wars' movie a box-office hit

Catholic Faith and social issues

The Catholic Church acts in two ways to try to further its social agenda. The first is through Catholic Charities where the church acts through private donations to assist people in need. The second is by advocating government programs.

During the past few decades, Catholic voters have generally supported the Democratic Party. This is mostly because the Church has taken a position of supporting socialist policies such as welfare programs. For some reason, the Church has taken the position that the importance of helping the poor through government programs trumps the moral issues it advocates – specifically its pro-life and pro-family positions. Catholics have a history of voting for candidates who promise to "help the disadvantaged" while those same candidates advocate abortions or gay marriage.

Even if helping the poor was the more important issue, history has revealed problems with relying on government to fix it.

Government assistance does not work

People who receive from the government only come to rely on the government, not God.
Churches that advocate more government welfare are undermining their own witness. Welfare recipients don’t thank the taxpayers for what they receive. They come to believe the payments they get are a right and that taxpayers are obligated to support them.

The government does not hold people accountable for changing their lives. Did you know it is illegal for an organization that receives federal money to require the people they help stay off drugs? That is why groups like Step 13 in Denver who work with homeless and street people will not accept government funds. Because they require their clients stay off drugs, they change lives.

Churches should be self-reliant

By relying on the government, the church abandons its responsibilities. Europe shows that charitable giving and involvement decreases as people come to rely on the government for assistance. Look at the great Tsunami last year. Europeans criticized the size of the U.S. government’s contribution. They didn’t acknowledge the hundreds of millions of dollars private citizens donated. These contributions dwarfed those of European countries. Europeans private contributions were nothing compared to the generosity of Americans. It is a natural tendency for Europeans not to give since they believe they are already giving through the tax collector.

Reliance on government only hurts the soul. People that receive aren’t grateful; they will change their behavior only reluctantly.

People that are forced to pay the taxes are not involved in the lives of the people they are supporting. They have no influence to improve the behavior of those getting the benefits.

The Catholic Church is large enough to have a great impact on the world. If it were to use its own resources instead of abandoning some of its mission to the government, it could change even more lives.

Bathing suits and Bentleys

Paris Hilton is going to star in a Carl's Jr. commercial. (Carl's Jr. is a fast-food chain in the west). She'll be in a bathing suit slopping soap suds on a Bentley trying to convince young men to go buy a new type of spicy burger.

Makes me want a Big Mac.

Xbox: The next generation

Microsoft revealed its next video game console today - Xbox 360.

While trying to appeal to video game enthusiasts, Microsoft also designed the product to become an entertainment hub. They hope we'll be hooking up our stereo and playing our music through it as well.

The new Xbox is scheduled to be released this holiday season, way ahead of the next Playstation. Expect a $300 to $400 price tag.

Sony has been losing the edge on innovation in console games. Xbox may gain some more ground and even turn a profit with this one.

Kicking and Screaming – movie review

Will Ferrell stars in Kicking and Screaming as Phil Weston - a man dealing with his feelings of inadequacy after being raised by an overly competitive father (Robert Duvall). He becomes a soccer coach in a league where his father coaches another team. Phil tries to change a group of misfits into a championship team.

This is strictly a formulaic movie casting Will Ferrell reacting to people and events with his usual exaggerated style. Fans of Will Ferrell will enjoy this movie as his antics do rate some laughs. Robert Duvall gives a good performance in his role of an uncaring father who drives his son to distraction.

The show stealing performance comes from former Chicago Bears football coach Mike Ditka who plays an exaggerated version of himself. His ranting and blustering is the highlight of the movie.

The themes of the movie do become heavy handed at times in telling how bad an over-competitive parent can be. As with most movies these days, a pro-gay lesson is jammed into the movie to tell us that two lesbian parents are just as good (if not better) than traditional family.

This movie will provide laughs if you can get by the PC elements.

2 ½ stars.

Weird headlines

Missing Vietnam Servicemen to Be Buried
How do you bury someone who is missing?

Iraq Finally Fills Six Cabinet Vacancies
Apparently their Correll dishes arrived by mail order.

Airports Not Rushing for Private Screeners
Aiports is now rushing for the Cleveland Browns. Hopefully, Joseph Airports will get 1,000 yard season this year.

U.S. stocks look to extend winning streak
Stocks are now four games ahead of bonds in a strike-shortened season.

Submarine Crash Could Have Been Avoided
Gee, ya think?

And finally, have you ever wondered how you date a photograph? Apparently it is more complicated than you would think according to a Reuters story:

This undated photo released by the U.S. Department of Defense shows the casket bearing the body of US Navy Machinist's Mate Third Class Nathan Taylor being sent over the edge of the USN Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise as US Navy Sailors conduct a Burial at Sea ceremony on May 19, 2004.

I'm betting the photo was taken the day of the burial, but I'm just guessing there.

Narnia Trailer

The trailer for Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe premiered tonight. No link to it on the web yet.

This is going to be the movie to see at Christmas though.

Kingdom of Heaven movie review

As a fan of previous Scott’s previous movies Gladiator and Black Hawk Down, I was expecting a graphic depiction of the battles in the Crusades. In this regard, Ridley Scott tops himself in the gore-fest Kingdom of Heaven.

The battle scenes are as good as any war movie and twice as bloody. The R rating is deserved. Honeybun got more and more squeamish throughout the movie. Do not take children to this one. Artistically, Ridley Scott (as he did in Gladiator) was able to convincingly bring a historical place to life. Even so, the movie was visually impressive, the scenery of the middle ages, the city of Jerusalem and especially when showing the vast Muslim and Christian armies arrayed on the field of battle.

The movie had two main problems. The main character Balian – played by Orlando Bloom - was just not believable. The movie does not explain how a blacksmith (the illegitimate son of a nobleman) who inherits his father’s lands happens to be an expert in agriculture, engineering, and tactical warfare. A contributing factor was that the dialogue was sometimes hard to follow and as a result it sometimes became confusing on who new characters were and what motivated them.

The other issue is the historical portrayal of the Crusades. Scott points out every failing of the Christian armies. In contrast, Muslims are portrayed as entirely honorable and the spread of Islam by the sword is only briefly mentioned but discredited as the comment comes from a corrupt priest.

If you like battle scenes, this movie is for you if you are patient in getting through sometimes slow dialogue. If you want to see an accurate portrayal of the issues surrounding the crusades, you won’t find it here.

2 ½ stars.

This is why we need to win.

Major Mark Bieger comforts a wounded girl while taking her to a military hospital. The child didn't make it.

Update:
The writer who took this picture has his own blog where he relates the story.

So-called martyr's think they are heroes for blowing up the own countrymen. This photo show not only why we need to stay and fight, but also why we will win. The only way we will lose is if the U.S. loses heart and pulls out. Then all the sacrifices will be in vain.

The terrorists' desperation in targeting children shows we are winning. Their own countrymen will not stand for this continued slaughter.

Salazar - I take it back!

U.S. Senator Ken Salazar says he regrets calling Focus on the Family "the Anti-christs of the world." He really meant they were just "unchristian".

OK.

He then tried to reason away the reason for the dispute. Focus on the Family points out that during his run for office Salazar said that President Bush's judicial nominees deserve an up or down vote.

Salazar now says that he changed his position because Republicans have proposed changing senate rules so Democrats can't filibuster the nominees.

Look at that again, Salazar was for an up or down vote until Republicans were going to change the rules to get an up or down vote. Because Republicans were going to do what Salazar agreed should happen anyway, he changed his position.

No, it doesn't make sense. But apparently, its the Democrat way.

Global warming check

It is April 29th and it is snowing in Denver. This global warming has got to stop. Or is it cooling? Whatever.

Salazar - religious leader

This past Sunday, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar called James Dobson and Focus on the Family the anti-christs of the world. That was not long after he complained about combining religion and politics by the way.

Is the rhetoric approriate for a U.S. Senator?

Stupid headline O' the day

From the AP:

Mavs See Room for Improvement Vs. Rockets

Let's see, the Mavericks lost 98-86 in their last game against the Rockets. Isn't it true that any time a team loses, they have room for improvement?

Habemus Papum!

Benedict XVI 

Today Cardinal Joseph Ratziner was elected Pope Benedict XVI. For the past 23 years, he served in the Vatican as guardian of the church doctrine. Liberal theologists will surely be disappointed that Pope Benedict is not the kind of man who will change the church's teaching to approve of abortion, gay marriage, or female priests.

It's a great day for Catholics though. As Honeybun and I were just confirmed in the Catholic Church at Easter, this is an exciting time for us.

A new pope! How cool is that?

Stop the insanity

Last night was the annual ritual of "springing forward" - the beginning of daylight savings time. It's days like this that I wish I still lived in Arizona, a state that is smart enough to realize that no matter what you do with your clock, there will still be the same number of hours of daylight in a day.

According to standardtime.com there is an increase in the number of traffic accidents on the Monday after the time change. So why do we keep doing this. I want my hour of sleep back.

The passing of Pope John Paul II

I was at work when I heard the news. Obviously, the news wasn't surprising.
The world watched him deteriorate over that last few years. As I was watching the news coverage, I realized I had forgotten what a strong presence he was. Old news clips really show a vibrant man of faith.

May God bless John Paul II

Ski day

Honeybun and I went skiing today. Great weather, good snow. The important thing to remember though is that only a man who is really secure in his masculinity will let his wife see him fall on the slopes....repeatedly.

Yes, I am that man.

Rest in peace Terri Schiavo

Terri Schiavo died this morning. I haven't commented on this before because I could never understand how a court could allow her welfare be decided by her estranged husband - a man who is living with another woman and had children by her.

Even so, I have to admit I would not want to live in the condition Terri was in.

But for the record...I don't want to die by starvation either.

If the truth isn't on your side....lie

What is it with liberals and fraud? First there was Rathergate where a known Bush hater supplied CBS news with memos he claimed were from a former commanding officer of George W. Bush. My favorite justification of that fiasco was that the memos were "fake but true".

Last week, ABC News reported that a memo circulated by Repulicans was trying to exploit the Terri Schiavo case for political gain. Powerline again blows up another liberal lie by demonstrating that memo is also clearly a fraud. It wasn't written by Senate Republicans.

Since those frauds were so successful, the liberal group People for the American Way apparently thought they would follow those examples. They don't want U.S. Senate Republicans to be able to confirm President Bush's appellate court judge nominees. For four years Senate Democrats have been using filibusters to prevent the nominees from coming to a vote. This means that effectively there must be 60 votes to confirm a judge instead of the simple majority (51) required by the constitution. Senate Republicans want to prevent the filibusters by changing procedural rules.

In response, the PFWA group has produced an advertisement to convince the public that what the Republicans want to do is wrong and dangerous for our country. The spokesman in the ad claims:

I'm a Republican. A common sense Republican. I like that my party controls the White House and the Congress. But I also know that our democracy works best when both parties are speaking out and being heard.

Here's where it gets funny. Radio Blogger did a little research into finding out who this "common sense" Republican is. It turns out he doesn't hold any elected public office. He isn't a prominent businessman either.

His name is Ted Nonini and he is the treasurer of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. Yep, he is an officer in a union. That is, he is an officer in a union that endorsed John Kerry in last year's election.

Do you really think an officer of an organization that supported John Kerry is really glad that Republicans hold the presidency and majorities in congress? Please.

Addition to blog roll

I updated my blog roll to the right. Way over due to add Melissa to my list.

Obviously there isn't a lot on TV tonight since I'm sitting here watching the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse game.

The more I watch, the more I believe lacrosse is the game for guys who like hockey but don't know how to ice skate.

Understanding women

A friend sent this to me. Honeybun confirmed its accuracy:

Words Women Use

Fine
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

Five Minutes
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

Nothing
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something" and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".

Go Ahead
This is a dare, not permission, DON'T DO IT!

Loud Sigh
Although not actually a word, the loud sigh is often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

That's Okay
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

Thanks
This is the least used of all words in the female vocabulary. If a woman is thanking you. Do not question it, just say you're welcome and back out of the room slowly.

Blogfest

Picture012.jpg, originally uploaded by semperjase.

Last night Hugh Hewitt was in Denver for a book signing. Of course I had to go to get my copy of Blog signed and shake hands. Honeybun snapped this pick.

Hugh even remembered linking to my blog on a couple of his symposiums (or perhaps he was just trying to make me feel like he did). At any rate, Hugh turned out to be personable. It wasn't just a scribble and "move it on."
I'm never washing my hand again.

Politically correct causes collide again

A legislator in Maine has introduced a bill to prohibit the aborting of fetuses that would grow up to be homosexual. Even though it is impossible to tell right now which lifestyle the fetus would choose in life, this is a pre-emptive measure for the day when science may be able to predict such behavior in the womb.

So-called women's groups want no restrictions on abortion while homosexual activists want societal promotion of their lifestyle. Who wins here? If the bill were to pass, Maine is saying that homosexuality is superior to heterosexuality since on heterosexual babies could be aborted. Presumed heterosexual babies would not have the same protection as homosexual babies. Putting aside morality, it is difficult to understand the legality of such a move.

Then again, maybe this legislator is smart. If the law were to stand up against legal challenges from abortionists, it would necessarily outlaw all abortion since the heterosexual babies obviously deserve the same protections as homosexual babies.

Where have I been?

It's been over a week since I last posted. Hey, I've been busy. No, really.

I've been working a project for school. This semester is web design so I've been, well designing. My web site is devoted to science-fiction and fantasy books. You can see the results so far at www.sffnexus.com.

It's a miracle

Honeybun stopped at the grocery store this afternoon to pick up some things. Before she went in she put some lotion on her hands. It wasn't until she got home that she realized her wedding ring was missing. She had taken off her ring when she put on some lotion. A call on her phone distracted her and she forgot the ring was in her lap when she got out of the car.

I left work and met her at the store to hope we could find it. Found the parking space, no ring. We went inside to see if someone might have turned it in. No such luck. We gave our number to the manager in case someone might turn it in later then posted a note on the store's bulletin board.

Now this was a pretty nice ring if I do say so myself. I thought "its gone, no way someone is coming back with it now." I went back to work to finish my shift planning to call the insurance company in the morning.

But whaddya know, Honeybun got a phone call a few hours later, "This is the manager from King Soopers (the manager has the same first name, with same spelling as Honeybun) and I have a note from a man with the same last name as you that found a ring. I thought at first you were his wife but apparently it is just coincindence." She gave Honeybun the number to contact Rich.

Unbelievable. What incredibly generous people. Rich and Tammy didn't want a reward, in fact they refused when we offered. Honeybun was in tears when she first spoke to Rich and believes that God does answer prayers and miracles happen.

I stopped by their house on the way home from work and they gave me the ring. It isn't perfect, clearly it got run over, but the diamond (the really expensive part) doesn't seem to be damaged. Hopefully our jeweler can repair it, but if not, we'll get a new setting.

Thanks Rich and Tammy. There still are good people in this world.

My first editorial cartoon

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Falling behind

Jeff Gordon won his third Daytona 500 race today at the age of 33.

Here I am at 35 and I haven't even won my first one yet...

Constantine Movie Review

The first must-see summer blockbuster of the year is being released in February. I saw an advanced screening of Constantine this past Tuesday. Keanu Reeves stars as John Constantine. Constantine is a super-natural detective and exorcist. Born with the gift (or curse) of being able to see half-breed demons and angels in the world, Constantine was driven to commit suicide. However, Constantine was resuscitated. Now, condemned for committing the mortal sin of suicide, Constantine is trying to earn his salvation by fighting against the devil’s minions.

Rachel Weisz stars as Angela Dodson and her twin sister Isabel. Police detective Angela is on a mission to prove her sister’s death was murder and not suicide. Angela seeks Constantine’s help on her journey where both hope to find peace.

Keanu Reeves gives his best acting performance yet in Constantine. His convincingly portrays a cynical man who hopes to find salvation but is held back by his own selfish motivations.

Weisz give a good performance as Angela and does as well as she can as the person who the audience most identifies with. Angela is the person who does not understand the struggle between heaven and hell. It is through her we discover what is really in the world. However, Weisz’s best moments are in her eerie portrayal of the twin sister Isabel.

Any movie dealing with heaven, hell, and salvation is a magnet for controversy. This movie will undoubtedly draw that controversy but the producers did an admirable job of balancing the spiritual with the secular. Some Christians may disagree with the details of the movie, yet the messages do not disagree with their worldview. At the same time, non-Christians should not feel uncomfortable with the themes of the battle of angels and demons.

This balance also extends to the way the movie spreads comic relief among the parts that will make you jump. Special effects are excellent especially in the scenes in hell and the depiction of the demons. Stop motion is especially effective throughout the movie.

Although there is no nudity or sexual situations, the movie is accurately rated R for depictions of demons, violence and language (the "f" bomb is dropped a few times although not excessively).

A great summer movie has come early to the theaters.

3 ½ stars

Honeybun is a hero

Heroic Stories is an email publication that empahsizes the good in people. Each story describes a "normal" person who has done something to improve the life of another person. I've been subscribing for years now. If you aren't getting this in your email you should subscribe. Don't worry, they won't spam you.

Well, a few months back I submitted a story about Honeybun. It was chosen for their publication in 2 February 2005 issue. So for your reading enjoyment, here is Honeybun's story:


HeroicStories #587: Her Generous Spirit

Reaching more than 35,000 subscribers in 106 countries, this is...

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HeroicStories #587: 2 February 2005 www.HeroicStories.com
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Her Generous Spirit
by Jason Ward
Colorado, USA

Story Editor:
Joyce Schowalter

My wife Christy is the kind of person who meets people easily. At the movies I get snacks while she finds seats in the theater. By the time I get back with popcorn, she introduces me to the people sitting next to her.

She found our second dog by striking up a conversation with a man at the store. He had just moved into a condominium and didn't have room for his yellow Labrador retriever. It just so happened we were looking for another Lab. If she were in sales, people would call her a networker; in her case, she just enjoys meeting new people.

On June 9, 2004 a hailstorm hit the Denver area in Colorado, and property damage totaled over $150 million. I was at work during the storm when Christy called from a store parking lot. She was under an overhang watching the hail batter the cars. "You wouldn't believe how bad this is," she said. "It's coming down so fast I can barely see the cars".

A few seconds later, "I didn't think it could get worse, but it is," and she described golf-ball-sized hail pounding the lot. "There aren't any leaves on the trees any more." She could only watch as cars were dented and windows shattered. The storm was so loud I could barely hear her over the phone.

Then -- thinking ahead -- Christy went back in the store and bought a disposable camera to take pictures of the storm and the resulting damage for the insurance claim that would need to be filed.

While taking pictures, Christy noticed one elderly woman who looked like she needed help. The windshield of her car had spider web cracks. Christy took pictures of the lady's car and shattered windows, got her phone number, and promised to call when they were developed.

Two days later, Christy kept her word. She called the woman to get a mailing address to send the duplicate pictures. Instead of the quick conversation she had planned, Christy spent over an hour talking with the woman, giving her advice on how to report the insurance claim and how to make sure she got a fair deal on repairs. As a result, Christy put off errands she had been planning that day. The woman appreciated
Christy's effort so much she asked to take her out to lunch.

Our car took about $10,000 worth of damage during the storm. While the storm was at its peak, Christy was upset about the damage to our car. But instead of moping in her own misfortune, she took the opportunity to help someone else. Her generous spirit is why I was first attracted to her ten years ago and why I love being married to her today.

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Copyright HeroicStories.com. To receive HeroicStories for free by email twice a week, order books compiling previous stories, or submit a story, see www.HeroicStories.com online. Reprinted with permission.

Good news is not news

All the news reported by mainstream medai coming from Iraq seems to be bad. The AP News headline today tells us that two more U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq. You'd think the terrorists...excuse me, "insurgents" (wouldn't want to offend the terrorists you know) were winning.

Well here is a story from an Australian news radio outlet that you won't hear about in the States (hat tip James Taranto). It might make people think the Iraqis want a democracy:

The Iraqi police have investigated a case in the village of al-Mudhariya, which is just south of Baghdad. The villagers there say that before the election insurgents came and warned them that if they voted in last weekend's election, they would pay.

Now the people of this mixed village of Sunni and Shia Muslims, they ignored the threat and they did turn out to vote.

We understand that last night the insurgents came back to punish the people of al-Mudhariya, but instead of metering out that punishment the villagers fought back and they killed five of the insurgents and wounded eight. They then burnt the insurgents' car. So the people of that village have certainly had enough of the insurgents.

Great news. People of Iraq killing terrorists? The silence in the U.S. media is deafening.

CU problem

The Univesity of Colorado doesn't need another scandal. It has one though. The chairman of the ethnic studies department, Ward Churchill, called the victims of 9/11 "little Eichmann's", the architect of the Nazi mass murders. His essay is one big anti-American tirade. What isn't in the news is that he also refers to U.S. troops in the first Gulf War as nazi's. "It was a performance worthy of the nazis during the early months of their drive into Russia." Churchill was forced to resign his chairmanship. Colorado Governor Bill Owens says that isn't enough. He wants Churchill fired.

What is it with Churchill that he feels the need to label people who love and fight for freedom as Nazis? The people who died in the attacks are more evil than the killers (who he calls "combat teams" instead of terrorists). What I find most amazing is that Churchill only holds a Masters Degree. Usually you have to hold a Ph.D. to reach that level of moral idiocy. He apparently has done it through self-study.

Should he be fired? Yes. I think it was Governor Bill Owens who said Churchill has the right to free speech, but we don't need to pay him to say it. I think the University can fire him for cause. Free speech doesn't cover slander. Equating those who died in the 9/11 attacks with nazis is blatantly a slander on the victims of terrorists.

Then yesterday when the CU regents were meeting to discuss Churchill's employment, about 100 of his supports showed up to the meeting and caused a disruption. Two had to be arrested.

Governor Owens released a brilliant statement. He turned the speech of the leftists back on themselves:

"I appreciate the fact that the C.U. Regents have taken the necessary first step in the formal evaluation of Ward Churchill's employment status. However, I deplore the behavior displayed by some students at the Regents' meeting. Their abhorrent behavior underscores the culture of violence that can be spawned by inflammatory speeches and essays, such as those by Mr. Churchill."

"Culture of violence." That is great. I hope the students are proud of themselves. Their respect for Churchill is as respectable as their actions yesterday. That is to say, not at all.

Napoleon Dynamite

Honeybun and I watched Napoleon Dynamite on DVD this evening. Probably the strangest movie I have ever seen. Honeybun absolutely hated it while I laughed through most of it.

There aren't words to describe it. This is one you just have to experience for yourself.

Fancy?

Fancy?, originally uploaded by semperjase.

Now I eat at McDonald's somewhat regularly. One thing I've noticed, you can't find anything "fancy" at McDonald's.

So why are they trying to claim their ketchup is fancy? What makes it different from, say, Wendy's non-fancy ketchup?

More research is required into the mystery of the fancy ketchup.

Vox Blogoli Update

It seems that Mr. Rauch has clarified his views to Hugh Hewitt. He claims that he never meant to equate the religious right with violent actions.

At least Mr. Rauch and The New Atlantic have the integrity to clarify instead of entrench and cast even more aspersions.

Vox Blogoli Volume 2, Number 1

Hugh Hewitt has once again asked for comments. Johnathan Rauch has written a piece for the New Atlantic confusing the religious right with violent 60's activists.

On balance it is probably healthier if religious conservatives are inside the political system than if they operate as insurgents and provocateurs on the outside. Better they should write anti-abortion planks into the Republican platform than bomb abortion clinics.

Sadly, Rauch believes that anyone who supports life is equivalent to the few wackos who bombed clinics. That's right, the bombers that were widely criticized by the religious right are just the same as the religious right.

He continues:

The same is true of the left. The clashes over civil rights and Vietnam turned into street warfare partly because activists were locked out of their own party establishments and had to fight, literally, to be heard.

Rauch makes a false comparison. Pro-life people have been against legalized abortion for 32 years. Yet as a group, they have not rioted in the streets like the leftists of the 60's. The religious right are not the terrorists, "insurgents and provocateurs", that Rauch believes they are.

It's amazing that someone can grow up in America thinking Christians (which is what they mean by religious right) are terrorists and it is only by the left's reluctant allowance of Christian participation in the political process that abortion clinics are safe from bombing.

Best web art...ever

Today Honeybun and I set up a membership with the best art site on the Internet - Digital Blasphemy. It specializes in images to be used as computer wallpaper. The artist, Ryan, says he makes his sole living by publishing this site and doesn't accept commission work. Here is a peek of what I'm now using for my desktop wallpaper (with permission from the site).

Valley - 2000

I am absolutely stunned by his scenery and planetscape images. They have a way of making me feel small when I look at them. They suggest greatness beyond humanity.

Frankly, I think Ryan would be able to make much more money as a freelance artist. I think he would be better served creating art for book covers and such. I used his free gallery for over a year before getting a membership. Don't be cheap like me though. The $25 one-year subscription is well worth it.

Good night Johnny

The passing of another legend. Johnny Carson died today.

I always thought it was amazing how such a popular entertainer could leave at the peak of his popularity and never seemed to miss the limelight. He was one of the few famous figures who didn't want a comeback.

How we learn

I've come to realize that you can learn new things just by watching other people. I learned something today while I was at lunch. Never wear cycling clothes to go out in public if you aren't riding a bicycle.

Words to live by.

What else would a blizzard dump?

From the department of redundancy department:

AP headline: Blizzard Dumps Snow in Midwest, Northeast

Ecosystem

I am now part of the Ecosystem. You can check out my (lowly) ranking on the left bar of this page.

Tivo Reloaded

OK, the Tivo is now connected to the home network. Now, we have the ability to program the Tivo from any Internet connection. Say I'm at work and I realize the "A-Team" marathon is on. I can set the Tivo without having to call Honeybun at home. Why? Because I can.

My Cyborg name

Cyborg, originally uploaded by semperjase.

Discover your Cyborg name.

Bath Time

Guess who got a bath last night?

Alley, originally uploaded by semperjase.

Cowboy, originally uploaded by semperjase.

Donut

My manager at work brought in donuts today. Have you ever seen one this big?

Donut, originally uploaded by semperjase.

It's like a bear claw that takes up a whole plate. Yum.

Frustration

I just spent 2 1/2 hours setting up a wireless connection for my laptop. Instead of just setting up the connection, I thought I'd do a little clean up on the computer as well. Of course that just hosed everything. Another program I updated got corrupted, so I had to reboot about 4 times, and each time took 10 minutes for the computer to come back up.

Aaaaagggghhhh!

Oh well, it is hooked up now - and I'm blogging from bed. Not because I need to, but because I can. Cool huh?

Tomorrow night, round 2 as I hook the TIVO up to the network.

By the way - yes, I have secured the network.

Lunch

The fish taco combo...mmmm , originally uploaded by semperjase.

I had the world famous fish tacos at Rubios for lunch today. I love these things.

Felt kind of jipped though. You see, Rubios has two ways to order this meal. You can get the fish taco meal that comes with a taco, beans, rice, chips and a drink or you can order the original combo which is two tacos, chips and rice.

I went with the second choice and ordered the drink for an extra charge. Turns out, had I ordered the taco meal, I could order a second taco for $1.49 extra, get more food and saved about a dollar.

Why is it ordering from a menu is a logic puzzle in trying to figure out how to get what you want without overpaying?

Because of Winn Dixie

Thursday night, I got to see a sneak preview of the movie Because of Winn Dixie thanks to Grace Hill Media.

My take? Good movie. It starts a little slow as the audience is introduced to the main character, 10 year-old India Opal, and her divorced father who have just moved to a small town where he is the new preacher (played by Jeff Daniels). Opal finds a stray dog she names Winn Dixie who is the catalyst for her meeting people in town. Opal goes through the movie trying to discover more about the mother who left her as a baby and trying to overcome her loneliness.

This is a family movie that is character driven. The characters in town are interesting people and the movie will keep your attention as the character's backgrounds are revealed and the characters grow.

Singer Dave Matthews stars in a supporting role. His performance is believable and also showcases his musical talent. His guitar playing is some of the most riveting scenes in the movie. Cicely Tyson gives the best performance as a legally blind woman who teaches Opal the most important lessons on life and acceptance.

This movie is worth the time. The characters draw you in and are endearing. Take your family to see this movie. You will feel good when you leave the theater.

Don't trust the ACLU

James Taranto of OpinionJournal.com points out the ACLU has rewritten the Bill of rights. On the ACLU's website they say:

It is probably no accident that freedom of speech is the first freedom mentioned in the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." The Constitution’s framers believed that freedom of inquiry and liberty of expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society.

The thing is, there is no elipsis in the First Amendment. The first freedom mentioned in the First Amendment is religion:

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Isn't it scary when the self-proclaimed protector of civil liberties disavows the freedom of religion?

Overturn the "Blog" election

Hugh Hewitt's producer, Generalissimo, is holding votes for favorite "Blog" picture. My entry didn't make the cut for the 10 finalists.

One thing I've learned from Hugh: If it's not close, they can't cheat. Turns out, this one is close. I also learned from Washington state Democrats that vote counting is an inexact science. If you don't win, demand recounts until you do. While recounting, "find" uncounted votes to ensure victory.

So, I declare I have found in my basement 735 previously uncounted votes for my entry of the "Blogwood" sign. Clearly, this is indisputable. I feel vindicated and am thankful to everyone who voted for me.

Blog

Hugh Hewitt's producer is running a contest to see where Hugh's new book Blog is turning up. I snapped this photo when driving by the Hollywood sign...yeah the one right outside Denver.


Blog is everywhere 

In Good Company

Via Hugh Hewitt

Jonathan Bock of GraceHillMedia, one of Hollywood's savviest movie marketers, had the brilliant idea to offer every blogger two free tickets to an advance screening of "In Good Company," provided they agreed to blog about the movie after they had seen it.

Wait, it gets better:

any blogger who signs up for the free tickets and then posts this offer and a link to the IN GOOD COMPANY trailer on their site will be automatically entered in a contest to win their very own private screening of IN GOOD COMPANY in their town. The winner can either fill the screening with their friends and family, or see the film alone with that special someone – it’s entirely up to them. One lucky blogger here in the US will win. Sign up at info@gracehillmedia.com and send them your link. And of course, all the non-winners will still be eligible to attend an advance screening in their area.

Let the guerilla marketing begin! Good luck Mr. Bock. Hope your movie is a big hit.

Poor Ashlee

Ashlee Simpson is once again getting some back publicity for her screaching performance at last night's Orange Bowl. The crowd of 72,000 responded with a chorus of boos. You can see it from this page.

Oh my goodness. There are not words to say how bad the "performance" was. You almost have to feel sorry for her. Getting booed by 72,000 people and having it nationally televised? Where do you go from there?

I thought she could bounce back from the SNL disaster. Poke a little fun at yourself and fans will forgive you if you make it clear your future performances are live. The problem only gets worse if your live performance is horrible. That had to be the most embarrassing event in half-time show history.

I'm not sure we'll be hearing much more of Ashlee on the radio.

Me 

Toons

Is it me, or have Garfield's feet gotten huge?

2005 predictions

OK, so I was way off for my predictions in 2004. In fact, I only got one right - President Bush was re-elected (possibly two right if you consider Brittany Spears marrying one of her dancers the equivalent of gaining 150 pounds).

Of course, being wrong doesn't stop psychics from trying to predict events every new year. So here are my unlikely predictions for 2005.

1. MoveOn.org will realize their dream of defeating George W. Bush was hopeless and that any tries to impeach the President will fail. They will embrace capitalism and rebrand their site into a moving company - changing their name to MoveYourHouse.org. Look for their bright red moving vans in 2005.

2. Michael Moore will go on a diet.

3. PETA will rally their forces and provide animalarian aid to the hundreds of thousands of domesticated animals who were left homeless after the great tsunamnis in December 2004. Included will be hundreds of animal psychologists dispatched to the area to provide grief counseling for any depressed animals. PETA will also move to outlaw any further tsunamis that may harm animals.

4. Big & Rich (Honeybun's new favorite group) will release a new album that will usher in an era of peace in the Middle East.

5. Something major will happen somewhere at some time in 2005. (That should be sufficiently vague to guarantee a correct prediction).

6. Anna Nicole Smith will give up her fight for her late husband's wealth - the one who died at the age of 90 - to become a Buddist monk (or maybe that is boobist monk....bah dum dum).

7. A summit on the state of the world's environment will degenerate into a riot as the "global warming" faction attacks the "global cooling" faction during a speech by keynote speaker, Sting, on the plight of the rainforest.

8. In 2005, Hollywood will produce a good movie.....one good movie.

9. John Kerry will revert back to his natural color. Then again, he may declare "My truth is that I'm a Pumpkin-American." Liberal columnists across the nation will then commend him for his integrity.

10. Millions of people who bought the Livestrong plastic yellow bracelets will come to discover they are wearing plastic yellow bracelets (see previous link).

Have a great New Year!

Luminarias

I've told a few people about decorating our house with luminarias on Christmas eve. Most people who were not from the Southwest kind of scratched their heads and couldn't figure out why someone would put a candle in a paper bag. "Won't they catch on fire?" was the most common question.

No, they don't catch on fire. Here is a shot of our house after the were all lit.


Luminarias on Christmas eve 

Pretty huh?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone.

Today will be spent at work until noon (sigh). At least I experienced my own little Christmas miracle this morning. I was expecting to have to scrape the frost off the car before going to work. But even though the temp was in the 30's overnight, no frost. Clear windows. Now wouldn't that just make your day?

Our festivities will begin when I get home and open presents with Honeybun. My parents and brother will come over later in the afternoon for Christmas dinner - ham this year (mmmmmm - ham).

God bless everyone.

Democrats: Don't believe the vote

An Ohio judge threw out a challenge to the 2004 election. Jesse Jackson is mad that George Bush won. So instead of holding to the rules of a democracy - the person that wins the election gets the office - Jackson is trying to get the election overturned.

This is my favorite part of the story:

The complaint questioned how the actual results could show Bush winning when exit-poll interview findings on election night indicated that Kerry would win 52 percent of Ohio's presidential vote.

Without listing specific evidence, the complaint alleges that 130,656 votes for Kerry and John Edwards (news - web sites) in 36 counties were somehow switched to count for the Bush-Cheney ticket.

Exit-polls are more reliable to Jackson than an actual vote count. In other words, Jackson doesn't believe in democracy. He doesn't want every vote to count, only the votes of those who said they voted for Kerry. Exit polls aren't elections. They don't accurately reflect vote counts. The only way to know who wins an election is to count the votes. When Ohio counted, Bush won.

Democrats said they wouldn't accept the election results if Bush won. Why is anyone even listening to these people. The danger is not the Bush won the election. The danger is that some Democrats want to overturn the will of the people.

Any means necessary, right Jesse?

Vox Blogoli VI

Hugh Hewitt has once again asked for bloggers opinion on Jon Meacham's Newsweek article Religion: The Birth of Jesus.

In the article, Meacham claims that the story of Jesus' birth is fiction - invented by the gospel writers to either cover up Jesus' illegitimate birth.

This is not an investigative journalism piece. Meacham starts with a theory - the Nativity is false - and provided only biased evidence in a misguided attempt to prove it is true. Albert Mohler pointed out how Meacham's sources were from liberal scholars, mostly the Jesus Seminar. Meacham didn't cite one source that thought the Nativity was factual - only statistics quoted in such a way as to make it seem that people who believe the story is factual are unreasonable.

He also uses selective interpretation to prove his points. Like this example:

It is also striking that in parts of the Gospels Mary herself appears unaware of her son's provenance and destiny. (In Mark, when Jesus is casting out devils at the beginning of his ministry, "his friends" the sense of the Greek is "family," or "household," which would presumably include his mother thought he was mentally disturbed and tried to stop him, saying, "He is beside himself." If Mary had received Gabriel's message, then she should have known her son was not mad, but the Messiah. And even if she were not around in this story in Mark, had Jesus been born in such extraordinary circumstances, it is logical to assume that those closest to him would have known at least something of it—enough, anyway, to see Jesus as someone with a special role or destiny of which the exorcisms were a likely part.)

Whenever a Bible doubter quotes from the bible, you MUST look it up yourself. They are most likely taking the verse out of context. Meacham is referring to Mark 3:21. The King James Version says Jesus "friends" came to him. The New American Standard Version says "His people" came to him. I will concede that the original text may be translated as "family" here. But to see if that is accurate for this verse, you need to keep reading. In Mark 3:31 the narrative continues,

"Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him."

In context, there are "friends" or "people" who come to him. Then his mother and brothers (catholics believe brothers really mean cousin in this case). The point is, there is a distinction made between friends and family. Meacham puts words in Mary's mouth claiming she said "He is beside himself." The gospel writer is clearly making a distinction between Jesus friends in verse 3:21 and Jesus family in verse 3:31.

Previously, I claimed that Meacham's attempt at proving the Nativity is false is misguided. That is because Albert Mohler points out that Meacham claims to be "a believing Episcopalian." Since the virgin birth is central to the story of Christ, how can someone believe the sacred texts of Christianity or lies, yet still claim to be a Christian?

It is a contradiction that can't be answered. If the Bible lies, then the Bible cannot be believed. A person who says he is a Christian but does not believe the Bible is truthful cannot be a Christian. You are either misguided in believing the Bible is false, or misguided in claiming to be a Christian.

This seems to be a trend in liberalism this year. First we have John Kerry who claims his Catholic faith is important to him, yet does not believe he can use his faith to make decisions that will affect others. In fact, he must make decisions that go against his faith (such as supporting abortion). Now Meacham is trying to reinforce that view by claiming the religion that he believes in is a lie. The only conclusion we can draw from his position is that people should have their religion, but should not use it to form the guiding principles of their lives.

Meacham's article was not written to illuminate us on the meaning of Christmas. He is trying to tell us that Christmas is a lie and we should reject religion in general and Christianity specifically. It is alright to be a Christian as long as you know that Christianity is not worth believing in.

Meacham's example isn't convincing though. He has shown faulty logic and biased "reporting". What he has proved is that liberal writers cannot be trusted to provide a truthful discussion of Christiantiy.

Doesn't it feel like Christmas?

This year's tree. 

Oh Christmas tree...

We have officially decorated for Christmas. The Christmas tree is up and all the decorations are on. Honeybun did most of it. Well, she did all of it. She moved the few decorations I put on. She did such a great job, she was tearful when she finished. It looks great.

She also decorated the tree with some cinnamon scented pine cones. Now when I say scented, I mean you can almost see the cinnamon in the air. These are the most powerful smelling things ever. The entire upstairs smells like a cinnamon factory. I think our neighbors can smell it. Don't get me wrong, it smells good, but I've never had any scented things this strong. Honeybun said she bought them because she first smelled them two aisles away at the grocery store.

Although she decorated the tree, I did contribute. Last night I designed and printed up our Christmas cards and our annual Christmas letter. Its starting to feel like Christmas.

"I'll let you off with a warning..."

Last night was my last class for the semester. I was going home not paying attention to how fast I was going and got pulled over.

Every time I have been pulled over I have gotten a ticket (not there there have been that many times in all). Even though I am always respectful, I must not be a sympathetic figure.

Last night was different. For the first time, an officer let me off. Whew! Christmas is not a good season for traffic ticket payments. I guess I'll be paying a little more attention for a while at least.

Hard charger

Here's an inspiring blog. Sgt. Lizzie was wounded in Iraq yesterday by a roadside bomb. Her story is inspiring for her personal strength and her positive attitude.

Hang in there Sgt. and thank you.

When will they realize?

I was driving yesterday and saw a bumper sticker trying to insult George Bush.

Somewhere in Texas, a village is missing an idiot...

Now George Bush has won four elections in a row - first beating a popular Democrat incumbent governor in Texas then getting re-elected before winning two Presidential elections. How many times does George W. Bush need to beat the Dems before they realize he isn't stupid?

The Dems who are convinced that Bush is stupid actually give the President an advantage. As long as they underestimate him, they won't be able to beat. While they are scratching their heads about how an idiot can beat them, he keeps winning.

Who is the idiot?

Stuff

I know I haven't posted anything in the last few days. I have an excuse this time - the flu since Thanksgiving evening. Yuck. I think I'm over the worst of it now though.

I'm watching the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders play in the snow here in the Denver area.

Tomorrow is Honeybun and my seventh anniversary. I don't even feel itchy.

Happy anniversary Bun.

A firm grasp of the obvious

The leading headline on AP News on this Thanksgiving evening?
Millions Celebrate Holiday Across U.S.
Who writes this stuff?

Thanksgiving

Thank you Honeybun, for being my wife. I can't imagine life without you.

Thanks Mom & Dad for raising me right, for teaching me values and teaching me about the consequences (and rewards) of my actions.

Thanks Steve, for being my little brother, for playing games with me, for being my friend.

Thanks Sally, Dave, and Kay, for being great in-laws. You welcomed me into the family years ago and always made me feel important to you.

Thank you God for meeting our needs, for giving me a paying job, a place to live, and food to eat on this Thanksgiving day. Most of all, thank you for giving me the people I'm thankful for.

Why America became great

(hat tip Hugh Hewitt)

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789

This still is and always has been a Christian nation with a secular goverment. Being thankful to God on this day doesn't threaten our rights as some anti-religion groups would have you believe. Excercising our rights can't be a threat to the Constitution.

God bless America

Cowboy Bush

President Bush was in Chile this past weekend. The Chileans weren't too pleased that the Secret Service refused to cede its mission to proctect the president to the Chilean security services. They tried to get some pay back when the President Bush was going into a meeting with the Chilean president.

Law-enforcement authorities said the Chileans, who claimed to be in charge of security for the event, stopped Secret Service agent Nick Trotta as he was escorting Mr. Bush and first lady Laura Bush into the center, jumping in front of the agent as he approached the building entry. The authorities said the Chilean officers had seemed poised to act.
At least one Secret Service agent was shoved against a wall, the authorities said, as Mr. Trotta continued to push his way into the center. It was then that Mr. Bush responded, pushing into the crowd of angry security officials, pointing at Mr. Trotta and ordering that he be released. Mr. Bush finally reached over and grabbed the agent by the suit collar.
"He's with me," Mr. Bush said as he waded into the scuffle and pulled the agent through the crowd.

President Bush is the man. He sees one of his guys getting roughed up and he takes action. Is that too cowboy? No way. It sends a message to world leaders that President Bush does what needs to be done. He doesn't sit back wringing his hands and worrying about what our allies will think. He does the right thing.

Now, if you were a Secret Service agent and President Bush went into a melee to pull one of your guys out, wouldn't that instill some loyalty? You betcha.

Tryouts today

Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season - 73 games - for his part in the brawl on Saturday night.

That's going to cost him $5 million. Whoo! That's one expensive temper. Steve Jackson was suspended for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25. If you want to play in the NBA, the Pacers are probably holding tryouts today. So much for the Pacer's season.

You think this is the result of the NBA cultivating a thug culture? Or maybe it was just the result of the NBA's plan of trying to capture the NHL audience going tragically awry.

Money from South Africa

I finally received one of those scam e-mails offering to wire millions of dollars to my bank account if I just send my information to some guy. This time its from South Africa.

Oo! I can't wait. Of course, I'm not stupid enough to give anyone my bank account information. I thought I'd be a bit more creative. Here is my response followed by the original e-mail:

Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 18:45:02 -0800 (PST)
From: Jason
Subject: Re: Private
To: smith-bowani2@homemail.co.za

Mr. Bowani,

I would like to take advantage of this wonderful
opportunity. Sadly, I do not have a bank account to
deposit the funds into.

I am still willing to help. Please wire me $9,000 USD
(so as not to attract the attention of the I.R.S.) and
I will set up an account for you.

I anxiously await your reply.


--- SMITH BOWANI wrote:

> Hello,
>
>
> I am Mr. Smith Bowani, an auditor of a reputable
> bank in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province in the
> Republic of South Africa. I have an urgent and very
> confidential business proposition for you.
>
> We had a foreign client named Mr. Wooin Shim, who
> deposited a huge sum of money (18.6 Million United
> States Dollars), with our bank. Eventually, this
> client died in a plane crash and since his death we
> have not had anybody come up for the claims as the
> next of kin.
>
> You may want to take a look at other passengers,
> who were on the same plane; here is a site for your
>
perusal.http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9708/06/guam.passenger.list/
>
> A situation I have monitored closely with my
> position in the bank. Now having monitored this
> deposit and managed it over the years before his
> death, and hence nobody has showed up as the next of
> kin for the past years. I now solicit for your
> assistance to present you as the next of kin as
> every other arrangement/ processes will be monitored
> by me and my partners involved. However I got your
> contact from a trade consultant here in South
> Africa, though I did not disclose the purpose of my
> seeking for a foreign business partner to him.
> Although we will still have to sign some agreement
> before the final transfer of the fund into any of
> your designated bank account.
>
> I have involved a very senior official in the
> operational department, and we have agreed that
> after the transfer of the money into your account,
> you shall be entitled to 20% of the total sum, my
> colleagues and I will have 75% while 5% will be used
> to reimburse any expenses incurred. All necessary
> precautions have been taken to ensure a risk free
> situation on the side of both parties. Please note
> that this deal can only take place on the following
> conditions;
>
> 1. You will provide the bank account and other
> relevant particulars/information for easy and onward
> Remittance of the Eighteen million, six hundred
> thousand USD.
>
> 2. Absolute confidentiality and sincerity will be
> required and guaranteed, considering our positions
> in the bank.
>
> 3. Assurance that our own share will be released to
> us in good faith when this money finally gets into
> your account.
>
> Please treat with utmost confidentiality. Contact me
> as quickly as possible through my e-mail.
>
> Expecting your urgent response,
>
> Best Regards,
>
> MR. SMITH BOWANI

Alexander the Gay

Oliver Stone is about to release his $160 million epic "Alexander the Great" to some controversy. I had high hopes for this movie. Years ago, I read a biograhpy of Alexander. His military accomplishments were amazing. It is almost incomprehensible that a man could conquer the known world by the age of 30. His troops were outnumbered in most of the battles they fought, yet his brilliant strategies conquered every army fielded against him.

My hopes for a good movie have been dashed by seeing the trailors of an effeminate (although fit) looking Collin Farrell. Oliver Stone has decided to showcase Alexander's alleged homosexual side, complete with a masscara wearing male lover. A line in the movie even claims, "Alexander was defeated only once -- by Hephaestion's thighs."

First of all, there is no conclusive evidence that Alexander and Hephaestion (Alexander's closest friend for 19 years) had a homosexual relationship. There best argument for the claim is circumstantial evidence based on the permissive Macedonian culture. There is evidence for his heterosexuality based on the fact that he had three wives and other female lovers.

It's not looking good for a hit movie here. Middle America does not go to movies about guy-on-guy action. If there are as many as 10% of the population that is gay, that means the other 90% can't relate to him.

Finally, the supposedly great director Oliver Stone is reduced to cliche. In one scene, Alexander's wife puts a knife to his neck on their wedding night after seeing him take a ring from Hephaestion. How many times has the woman-threatens-to-kill-man-before-he-takes-the-weapon-away-and-they-have-hot-sex gimic been used in the movies? It's happened so often in the movies, I almost think I missed out on something because it never happened to me. You'd think Stone could come up with something more original.

I'm starting to think the recent movie Troy will look like a Shakespearean play compared to this one.

NBA thuggery

Last night, the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers were involved NBA's most shameful moment in history. A bench clearing brawl followed Pacer Ron Artest's hard foul of the Piston's Ben Wallace. That was followed by Artest charging into that stands and attacking a fan. Artest was mad because someone threw a cup of beer at him.

Artest's lack of self-control endangered him, and his teammates who went into the stands to protect him. When I was watching the replay on ESPN, I was wondering how Artest knew which person threw the beer. The thing was, he didn't. ESPN's reporter at the arena, Jim Gray, reported that the man Artest attacked was not the one that threw the beer. Artest's teammate, Steve Jackson, then entered the stands and started throwing punches at fans.

The fans in Detroit were embarrasingly misbehaved. That doesn't excuse Artest's or Jackson's behavior. ESPN thinks it does though. Tim Legler writes:

Artest will probably receive the brunt of the media condemnation from this situation because he's a lightning rod for controversy and that's not fair. It's not fair because he's not truly at fault for what happened...

In the paragraph before that, Legler said, "Once again, I'm not justifying the players' actions." OK, so after he doesn't justify the players actions, he justifies the players actions by claiming it wasn't Artest's fault.

The "he made me do it" defense won't fly. The fans responsible for attacking any Indiana Pacer should be held responsible for their actions. Artest is responsible for his actions. He was not defending himself when he went into the stands and attacked a man who did not throw anything at him. Steve Jackson was not defending himself when he followed Artest and punched another fan who had not attacked his teammate.

Sadly, this is what you get when you cross a few drunk people with some over-payed hot-headed thugs.

Update: The NBA has indefinitely suspended Indiana Pacers' Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson and Detroit Pistons player Ben Wallace. Indiana is going to be hurting with three of its stars out.

Target gets targeted

Target has decided not to allow the Salvation Army to place its red kettles and bell ringers at its stores this Christmas season. This could cost the Salvation Army up to $9 million.

Another part of American culture (and English for that matter) may be dying. Salvation Army has used bell ringers and their signature red kettles since 1891. Who doesn't hear the bell ringing in December and not think its Christmas in the United States?

The Sacramento Bee speculates that Target's move means the bell ringers are a thing of the past. If so, American culture will surely suffer. The sound of the bell ringers in front of stores reminded us that in the hurry of buying gifts for our loved ones, there are other people in the world who need our help.

The bell ringers also taught us appreciation. How many times during the year do you hear a heart felt "thank you"? But you hear it when you throw some change in the kettle. The ringers thank us because they know that little bit of change adds up to millions of dollars every Christmas.

I remember asking my parents for change to put in the kettle when I was a child. It was part of the joy of experiencing Christmas, giving to others. I hope to be a father in the next couple of years, will my child be able to experience the same joy? If the Salvation Army bell ringers are being told to leave, charity is going with them.

After a Christmas tree disaster last year, Honeybun and I have decided it is time to get an artificial tree. Our next stop was Target. We've crossed them off our list this year and won't be doing any Christmas shopping there. We'll check out WalMart and go to the malls. Before we do, we'll make sure we have change for the bell ringers.

Update: Hugh Hewitt linked to me again. Welcome Hugh Hewitt readers. Feel free to leave a comment.

A great day in history

Born on November 15
1708 William Pitt the Elder, secretary of state of England whose strategies helped win the Seven Years War.
1738 Sir William Hershel, British astronomer who discovered Uranus.
1887 Georgia O'Keefe, American artist.
1891 Erwin Rommel, German field marshal in World War II.
1942 Daniel Barenboim, Israeli pianist and conductor.
1969 SemperJase - Jason

I'm 35 today. Is this what 35 feels like?

What's up

There just doesn't seem to be a lot to write about lately.

Tomorrow, Honeybun and I will go through the rite of acceptance as part of the process of confirmation in the catholic church. It is important, but not the kind of thing my adoring fans here (both of you) probably want to read about.

Evander Holyfield lost another fight tonight. The 42 year old needs to retire, but doesn't realize it. It's a shame, the man that literally drove Mike Tyson crazy is a shadow of the fighter he once was. After going through battles with Riddick Bowe (that knocked Bowe out of boxing even though he won two of the three fights) and beating Tyson convincingly, he has gone downhill ever since. Hopefully he will retire with some dignity, but that doesn't look likely.

Marine Corps Birthday

Today is the 229th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Happy birthday to all Marines. For those in harm's way, God bless you.

Semper Fidelis.

Update: Powerline blog and Hugh Hewitt have also acknowledged Marines today.

Marines on the move

U.S. Marines attacked insurgent strongholds in Iraq today. Rush hour is going to be a bitch in Fallujah tomorrow.

Fortune cookie revisited

Honeybun and I ordered Chinese food tonight. She got the same fortune again as she did twice in July. Doesn't this sound ominous?

I ask again, what kind of sick bastard puts this in a fortune cookie? 

The head scratching begins

Hollywood did everything it could to elect John Kerry. Rock musicians toured for Kerry. Dan Rather used fake documents against George Bush. The New York Times published a fake story to hurt George Bush. It turns out America didn't care what the self-appointed elites thought.

In the early morning hours after the polls closed, it became obvious that George Bush won. Ohio had gone to George Bush by more than 130,000 votes. The only network that admitted it was Fox News - for that, I'm sure critics will claim a bias. In spite of the margin, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN refused to admit that President Bush won until John Kerry conceded. Even now, ABC, CBS, and CNN have not included Ohio in their electoral vote tallies which even though they are headlining the story the Kerry has conceded on the same page. So tell me, which networks are biased?

The liberal agenda failed miserably. Every single one of the 11 state initiatives to protect marriage were passed. Even in Oregon where Kerry won the state and where they did elect a Democrat for the U.S. Senate, an decisive majority said no to gay marriage. Americans overwhelmingly said marriage is between a man and woman. This looks promising for the next session of Congress to get a federal constitutional amendment passed.

Third parties were found to be irrelevant. A final warning is happening in Washington State where the governor race is still undecided with the Republican candidate leading by about 1000 votes while a Losertarian candidate has taken 38,000 votes. The only thing the Losertarians can accomplish in that race is to help elect someone with the polar opposite politcal agenda.

Ralph Nader had no impact on any race. He was not the spoiler Democrats were worried about. This election showed that a third party vote is an irrelevant vote.

Some races show the voters were schizophrenic. In Colorado, about 32,000 people voted for President Bush then turned around and voted for a Democrat for Senate. Again, Oregon voted against gay marriage, but then voted for Kerry and a Democrat Senator (not the party of preserving marriage). In Ohio, Bush won, but 12% of the people who voted for the Republican senator voted for John Kerry. Finally, in South Dakota, about 9% of the people who re-elected President Bush voted for Tom Daschle who has obstructed the President at every opportunity. That wasn't enough to keep Daschle from losing his seat though.

Even though some voters didn't understand what a split vote means, the nation gave the GOP and President Bush a mandate. They want the President to lead the nation in the fight against terrorists. They do not want to change the definition of marriage. They are comfortable with the economy, where unemployement is still near historic lows.

The Democratic party became shrill and unhinged. Now after the election it is in shambles. Its political influence is at its lowest point in decades. DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe has led the party to defeat after defeat. In the past four years, it has moved farther left away from the beliefs of America. Yes, they took a significant part of the vote. What that proves is that the Democrat party can get just enough votes to lose an election.

Better late than never

The AP is reporting John Kerry called President Bush to concede the election.

Do you think Pete Coors early concession in Colorado was meant to teach the Democrats how to lose with dignity?

Me, oh mi oh, what about Ohio?

OK, that is the cheesiest title I've ever come up with for the blog.

Still, looks like it is coming down to Ohio. I heard a few people predict it would come to which ever candidate won two of three - PA, FL, and OH.

Is Ohio the new Florida?

Why am I doing this?

I told myself I wouldn't watch the election results come in today. I would ignore TV and radio and just look at the results in the morning.

What am I doing? Sitting here watching the election results on the web and TV. Its like picking a scab. I can't help myself. Honeybun is pretty much able to ignore it. She's sitting on the couch playing Fable (the new Xbox game we just bought).

Blogging the election

Blogger and blogspot are already running slow on election morning.

CBS Marketwatch seems to think that is dangerous. In spite of the fact the the networks miscalled the election last year which surely effected the results by encouraging people to stay home instead of complete their vote, CBS Marketwatch thinks that bloggers are the real danger and they may leak exit polling data.

It seems to show they believe the blogosphere has influence. Of course there is no ignoring that influence since blogs broke the story about CBS using fake documents against President Bush.

Anyway, if you are a Bush supporter, go vote. If you are a Nader supporter go vote (a vote for Nader is a vote for Bush). If you are a Kerry supporter, remember it is a cold day today and you don't want to get sick standing in line. :)