Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Excommunicate Kerry?
That is what one bishop wants. And what a load that is. If the Church decides to excommunicate all parishioners that do not strictly adhere to all of the teachings of the church, then they will lose most of their following.
Not to mention many of their priests as well....
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Not to mention many of their priests as well....
Check this out
This is pretty fun
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Ralph Nader
This is an interesting article in which Nader defends his decision to enter the presidential race, and why he may help the Dems instead of hurt them.
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3rd day of violence
Still more people getting killed in Uzbekistan.
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Finally!
George Lucas has finally released the original Star Wars Trilogy on DVD! The question is, even though I have 2 versions of the trilogy already (the original and the version with the added graphics), do I get the DVD's? And which version was released? It would have to be the original (for me).
Yes, I guess I have some dork in me.
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Yes, I guess I have some dork in me.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Crudder
Yeah, I got nothing right now. Maybe I'll wander home and try again after playing volleyball for 2 hours (and hopefully after a beer or 2 after)
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American work schedule
It's too hectic. If it were acceptable to share a bottle of wine at lunch with a friend (or not, depending on how the work day is shaping up) and 'eat' for a couple hours, life would be so much nicer.
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Help me?
Since I am still not studying, I feel like I should at least rant about something. But I think the tiredness I'mm suffering thru is preventing me form getting too fired up about anything. Talk about disappointing. So let's see what I can come up with.
My friend Bill M is getting his own blog site up and going. It oughta be interesting, and informative. He's a smart guy that tends to straddle the line between a liberal and conservatinve-depending on the subject. For some subjects there is no straddling going on. I am anxious to read what he has to say. If he ever gets around to getting it available for public consumption. Come on, Billy! Let's get moving! I need another site to read in the morning to keep me from getting to work for a little longer. Not that I ever waste any time at work....no, never.
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My friend Bill M is getting his own blog site up and going. It oughta be interesting, and informative. He's a smart guy that tends to straddle the line between a liberal and conservatinve-depending on the subject. For some subjects there is no straddling going on. I am anxious to read what he has to say. If he ever gets around to getting it available for public consumption. Come on, Billy! Let's get moving! I need another site to read in the morning to keep me from getting to work for a little longer. Not that I ever waste any time at work....no, never.
Cicadas
They are coming back! It's been 17n years since the last time the droves of noisy insects surfaced, and now scientists are warning people on the east coast (and midwest) that they will be out in force this summer.
I remember the last time they were around. Back in Illinois they were all over the place. On the trees, on the ground, I vividly remember seeing some in church also. It was pretty crazy. So freakin' noisy, and always under foot! I'll have to be sure to get back home this summer (shouldn't be a problem) so that I can see them again.
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I remember the last time they were around. Back in Illinois they were all over the place. On the trees, on the ground, I vividly remember seeing some in church also. It was pretty crazy. So freakin' noisy, and always under foot! I'll have to be sure to get back home this summer (shouldn't be a problem) so that I can see them again.
Uzbek update
More violence by supposed Islamic extremists
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Shazbot
It's another beautiful day here in Denver. I am pretty sure it hit at least 70 again today, and is still that warm now. Unfortunately, most of my day was once again wasted inside at my desk, seeing the sun beaming down thru the window 20 feet away. Yes, of course I did a lot of daydreaming, that is to be expected. But I left a little early, in the hopes of getting some studying done for the Professional Engineer exam I am taking 2 weeks from this Friday. So I rode the cycle home (the poor Saturn is getting no play time, as it doesn't even compare to the cycle. One is cool, the other...not so much), grabbed the 50 lbs of study material and walked down to Starbucks. Well, I didn't make it very long. I tried for a bit, but the interest just isn't there. And I am tired, apparently. I forgot my book or I'd be reading, so instead I will do some blogging. I will attempt to study some more, but right now I'd rather just stare at the passing cars. Or the ground, it doesn't really matter, I'm not seeing much of either.
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Top fuel efficient cars as rated by MSN Autos
Check 'em out
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Liberal talk radio
While I think Al Franken may have a good idea, the way he seems to be approaching it is not as a way to disseminate information, but only as a way to harass and shock and annoy the like of Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh. A quote:
"My first priority is to get sued by a right-wing jerk in order to generate interest in my new show," Mr. Franken said in a statement earlier this year.
How is that going to be productive. He's going to be just as bad as the raving right wingers, but on the opposite end of the spectrum. More wasted breath on the radio. More waste of time for people listening in.
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"My first priority is to get sued by a right-wing jerk in order to generate interest in my new show," Mr. Franken said in a statement earlier this year.
How is that going to be productive. He's going to be just as bad as the raving right wingers, but on the opposite end of the spectrum. More wasted breath on the radio. More waste of time for people listening in.
What is this, an Onion article?
Eating your boogers is good for you? Apparently.
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Monday, March 29, 2004
Shameless attempt for more 'readership'
I was watching the NCAA tournament when a tv special came on with Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Clay Aiken discussing the Atkins diet. I thought it strange that they would be discussing this new diet craze on the MTV/Discovery Channel spring break/poker/Texas Hold 'Em marathon. What made the experience that much more disturbing to me was the Hobbit's from The Lord of the Rings dancing in the background with effigies of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and a Kobe Bryant lifesize doll.
Hillary Duff took over later on with Simon Cowell and the whole American Idol crew. It looked as though Simon flashed his breast at Paula Abdul's extended middle finger, but the network censors let us know that it was a wardrobe malfunction that was not severe enough to be offensive.
The grand finale featured Christina Aguilera doing a Weight Watchers sponsored tribute to porn with P. Diddy, Nelly and Carmen Electra live from Las Vegas (home of the world's worst slogan, 'What happens here stays here'). J. Lo and Ben Affleck said goodnight and bid a tribute to the troops in Iraq.
Just for good measure:
Andrew Sullivan
Drudge
Blogging
The Passion of the Christ
Kazaa
WWE
Simpsons
eBay
NASCAR
ESPN
Pam Anderson
George W. Bush
John Kerry
Richard Clarke
Chicago Cubs
Did it work?
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Hillary Duff took over later on with Simon Cowell and the whole American Idol crew. It looked as though Simon flashed his breast at Paula Abdul's extended middle finger, but the network censors let us know that it was a wardrobe malfunction that was not severe enough to be offensive.
The grand finale featured Christina Aguilera doing a Weight Watchers sponsored tribute to porn with P. Diddy, Nelly and Carmen Electra live from Las Vegas (home of the world's worst slogan, 'What happens here stays here'). J. Lo and Ben Affleck said goodnight and bid a tribute to the troops in Iraq.
Just for good measure:
Andrew Sullivan
Drudge
Blogging
The Passion of the Christ
Kazaa
WWE
Simpsons
eBay
NASCAR
ESPN
Pam Anderson
George W. Bush
John Kerry
Richard Clarke
Chicago Cubs
Did it work?
Wal-Mart vs. Costco
I was listening to AM 1150 last Friday on the drive up to Summit County for our end of the ski season party at Arapahoe Basin. There was a discussion going on comparing Wal-Mart and Costco. The discussion was a comparison of the conditions based on employee treatment and shareholder concerns. All signs seemed to be pointed towards Costco being the better alternative (based on pay, atmosphere and benefits) until a guy called up who had been a manager type at both. His opinion, based on his experience, was that it's 6 of one half dozen of another. Yes, Costco pays more and has better benefits, but he said that salaried employees are overworked and always under pressure. He did not really comment on the condition of hourly employees. It sounded though, based on benies and cash that Costco would be a better place to be an hourly employee. But Wal-Mart would be a better investment. Interesting conversation. One stat that I found very interesting was about Wal-Mart.
Do you remember a few years ago when Wal-Mart's big campaign was "Buy American"? Seems that's a slogan they've discarded. According to this show, last year (I believe) Wal-Mart accounted for 10% of all of China's exports. 10%!! I just found this article. Check it out. Here is a quote:
If it were a country, Wal-Mart would be China's eighth largest trading partner. Wal-Mart imports represent 10 percent of all Chinese imports, Evans says.
Pretty wild, eh? Wal-Mart is huge! There is more in the article about salaries and turnover rates. And this article also has some interesting things to say, with a lot of discussion about Vlasic and their experiences with Wal-Mart.
And are they completely on the up and up or do they contribute to degeneration in peoples' lives through things like sweatshops? Seems they may be helping to keep some sweatshops in business.
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Do you remember a few years ago when Wal-Mart's big campaign was "Buy American"? Seems that's a slogan they've discarded. According to this show, last year (I believe) Wal-Mart accounted for 10% of all of China's exports. 10%!! I just found this article. Check it out. Here is a quote:
If it were a country, Wal-Mart would be China's eighth largest trading partner. Wal-Mart imports represent 10 percent of all Chinese imports, Evans says.
Pretty wild, eh? Wal-Mart is huge! There is more in the article about salaries and turnover rates. And this article also has some interesting things to say, with a lot of discussion about Vlasic and their experiences with Wal-Mart.
And are they completely on the up and up or do they contribute to degeneration in peoples' lives through things like sweatshops? Seems they may be helping to keep some sweatshops in business.
Mud slinging
You mean name calling isn't impressing the US public? Gee, that's strange (and yes, that is sarcasm you see dripping from that last sentence).
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Ever heard of Uzbekistan?
They have become a close 'ally' of ours thanks to the war on terror. We used them as a staging area for Afghanistan and we have a base there. Now they appear to be a new target for Islamic extremists (not proven).
But they have a long history of human rights abuses and extreme intolerance by the government. A relative of mine was in the Peace Corps there. She asked many questions and made note of abuses. The list below is by no means comprehensive and is only reflective of people she met. According to her:
Incidences of domestic violence, according to her informal survey, is 100%.
Women do all the work and cater to/serve 'their' men; men do virtually nothing. Most do not work.
Infidelity is accepted and hovers around 100%. Among men.
The government run tv/radio depicts the president as being a world traveler, constantly meeting with the heads of various countries. He is shown with his face dubbed over someone else's. A very poor looking fake.
So little respect is shown to women, especially foreign women, that my relative (a woman) constantly dealt with rocks being thrown at her, insults being yelled at her, and men/boys laughing in derision at her as she walked past.
She is now lactose intolerant because she was given vaccines for some intestinal problems. The vaccines were given to her by the Peace Corps (run by the US govt). When she was in Africa with the PC, she told them about these vaccines. They were horrified because what she is given has been banned. But they had to get rid of them so the PC volunteers were the unfortunate recipients. Nice.
But I digress. If only they had oil there, I'll bet we might help them out. Or at least pay them some attention. Here is the CIA's report on Uzbekistan.
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But they have a long history of human rights abuses and extreme intolerance by the government. A relative of mine was in the Peace Corps there. She asked many questions and made note of abuses. The list below is by no means comprehensive and is only reflective of people she met. According to her:
Incidences of domestic violence, according to her informal survey, is 100%.
Women do all the work and cater to/serve 'their' men; men do virtually nothing. Most do not work.
Infidelity is accepted and hovers around 100%. Among men.
The government run tv/radio depicts the president as being a world traveler, constantly meeting with the heads of various countries. He is shown with his face dubbed over someone else's. A very poor looking fake.
So little respect is shown to women, especially foreign women, that my relative (a woman) constantly dealt with rocks being thrown at her, insults being yelled at her, and men/boys laughing in derision at her as she walked past.
She is now lactose intolerant because she was given vaccines for some intestinal problems. The vaccines were given to her by the Peace Corps (run by the US govt). When she was in Africa with the PC, she told them about these vaccines. They were horrified because what she is given has been banned. But they had to get rid of them so the PC volunteers were the unfortunate recipients. Nice.
But I digress. If only they had oil there, I'll bet we might help them out. Or at least pay them some attention. Here is the CIA's report on Uzbekistan.
Ancient language-no men allowed
Unfortunately the circumstances under which this language was developed were terrible for women. However, I think it's pretty cool that such a language existed. After all, us guys more or less have our own language, so why shouldn't women?
But theirs probably involved more than women, beer, and sports.
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But theirs probably involved more than women, beer, and sports.
Hamas
Now we are responsible for all decisions Israel makes? That's not good.
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Sunday, March 28, 2004
Talk radio
Al Franken is spearheading a new liberal radio network, Air America, to offset all the Conservative talk shows such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly. In theory it sounds like a good idea, but I am not sure I have high hopes. I feel like it's going to be a glorified playground confrontation, replete with name calling. Here is a quick excerpt on Al Franken:
A onetime high school wrestler, the 52-year-old Franken's recent antics have earned him the label of comic brawler: he tackled a heckler at a Kerry event and offered to fight a magazine editor who said Democrats had "sissified" politics.
I guess he too believes in free speech as long as it doesn't oppose his own viewpoints. I bet he'd get along with 'Hot Dem 1' (see the post below, Idiot people). Maybe they are the same person? Violence is ok and necessary to make someone 'see' things your way. Nice attitude.
His book titles are Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. At least there were no mama jokes in the titles. I haven't read the books so I can't comment on their content.
I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.
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A onetime high school wrestler, the 52-year-old Franken's recent antics have earned him the label of comic brawler: he tackled a heckler at a Kerry event and offered to fight a magazine editor who said Democrats had "sissified" politics.
I guess he too believes in free speech as long as it doesn't oppose his own viewpoints. I bet he'd get along with 'Hot Dem 1' (see the post below, Idiot people). Maybe they are the same person? Violence is ok and necessary to make someone 'see' things your way. Nice attitude.
His book titles are Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. At least there were no mama jokes in the titles. I haven't read the books so I can't comment on their content.
I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.
Idiot people
Seems some anti-Bush people felt they needed to attack Bush supporters at a pro-Bush rally. That's a great way to show your intelligence. Read about it here.
One response to the article linked above was from someone calling themself "Hot Dem 1":
Hitler had his beliefs, just like Matt has his. Sometimes violence is the only way to show people how devastatingly bad their ideas are. When society is so distraught about policy that individuals feel the need to take violent action, revolution is not only expected, but neccessary. I’m no union man, but I’d have probably taken a swing at you too.
Sounds like a higly intelligent individual. Yes, everyone has their beliefs. Unlike Matt, Hitler resorted to violence to make people see his way, much like this 'Hot Dem 1' feels is acceptable and at times necessary. He must make his mother so proud.
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One response to the article linked above was from someone calling themself "Hot Dem 1":
Hitler had his beliefs, just like Matt has his. Sometimes violence is the only way to show people how devastatingly bad their ideas are. When society is so distraught about policy that individuals feel the need to take violent action, revolution is not only expected, but neccessary. I’m no union man, but I’d have probably taken a swing at you too.
Sounds like a higly intelligent individual. Yes, everyone has their beliefs. Unlike Matt, Hitler resorted to violence to make people see his way, much like this 'Hot Dem 1' feels is acceptable and at times necessary. He must make his mother so proud.
Friday, March 26, 2004
Bush the doormat
Come on, now. How old are these guys, 12? Read below:
Entering McAuliffe's new corner office, which is equipped as a TV studio, visitors walk over a doormat bearing a likeness of President Bush and the words, "Give Bush the Boot."
And when I read this:
Former presidents Clinton and Carter, 2000 nominee Al Gore and nearly all of Kerry's primary rivals linked hands at a sold-out dinner....,
it made me wonder if they started swaying, singing Kumbayah.
Update: Ouch. I guess they wanted to be like S. Hussein. I wouldn't consider him the best of role models....
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Entering McAuliffe's new corner office, which is equipped as a TV studio, visitors walk over a doormat bearing a likeness of President Bush and the words, "Give Bush the Boot."
And when I read this:
Former presidents Clinton and Carter, 2000 nominee Al Gore and nearly all of Kerry's primary rivals linked hands at a sold-out dinner....,
it made me wonder if they started swaying, singing Kumbayah.
Update: Ouch. I guess they wanted to be like S. Hussein. I wouldn't consider him the best of role models....
From the Papacy
The Pope is saying that Sunday should be for worship, not things such as sport and entertainment. That people should continue going to Mass on Sunday because the secular life is undermining family life.
Sorry, I have to disagree. I know a lot of people that go to Mass at least once a week but otherwise don't live the life they purport to live. Going to Mass doesn't make you a good Catholic. On the flip side, I know a lot of non-religious people that are great and live the Catholic life more than most of the Catholics I've known (as this is the only religion I have extensive experience, it is the only one I can/will comment on). I guess what I am saying is that I tend to think that what you do outside of Church is more important than whether or not you go.
And not to rail on a subject that has been beaten to death, but I think the Pope needs to put more focus on the actions of the few bad priests, and deal with them (get them help) instead of trying to cover these things up. I think they have done a poor job of damage control and have come off seeming arrogant and unconcerned instead of caring and apologetic. That is not a good image to project.
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Sorry, I have to disagree. I know a lot of people that go to Mass at least once a week but otherwise don't live the life they purport to live. Going to Mass doesn't make you a good Catholic. On the flip side, I know a lot of non-religious people that are great and live the Catholic life more than most of the Catholics I've known (as this is the only religion I have extensive experience, it is the only one I can/will comment on). I guess what I am saying is that I tend to think that what you do outside of Church is more important than whether or not you go.
And not to rail on a subject that has been beaten to death, but I think the Pope needs to put more focus on the actions of the few bad priests, and deal with them (get them help) instead of trying to cover these things up. I think they have done a poor job of damage control and have come off seeming arrogant and unconcerned instead of caring and apologetic. That is not a good image to project.
WMD
I know it's a serious issue, but we need some levity in life. I got a kick out of Bush poking fun at himself (again). But since it's election time, no potential barb can go untouched.
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UN condemns Israel
Are they not allowed to fight their terrorists? Granted both are terrible to each other, but Hamas is there to fight, thru whatever means, the Israelis. We fought al-q, Spain will (hopefully) try and fight whoever is responsible for 3-11. So why can't Israel? I agree with the US's veto of the condemnation. Money quote:
Referring to the use of Palestinian children as suicide attackers, Gillerman said there could be no peace in the Middle East "until the Palestinians learn to love their children more than they hate us."
I think that is a great point (though they should do the same).
The only unfortunate part is how the Muslim world will most likely see this act-us 'siding' with Israel again. I don't know that many will see this as us defending a country that is defending itself against terrorists. How bad are things going to get?
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Referring to the use of Palestinian children as suicide attackers, Gillerman said there could be no peace in the Middle East "until the Palestinians learn to love their children more than they hate us."
I think that is a great point (though they should do the same).
The only unfortunate part is how the Muslim world will most likely see this act-us 'siding' with Israel again. I don't know that many will see this as us defending a country that is defending itself against terrorists. How bad are things going to get?
Poor Spain
Looks like they want to go thru the crap we are going thru right now with the 9/11 commission.
Could anyone in good conscience really ignore threats like this? Does politics really create such callousness?
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Could anyone in good conscience really ignore threats like this? Does politics really create such callousness?
A good Kerry platform
He wants automakers to drastically increase fuel efficiency in vehicles, and will make this a central-ish campaign promise. I like that. I don't understand why some people (read: oil types and automakers) say that this will eliminate tons and tons of jobs. From where?
Money is never the end all, is it?
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Money is never the end all, is it?
Richard Clarke
Sounds like he is more culpable than he claims. A plane filled with Saudi citizens (including members of bin laden's family) was allowed to leave after 9-11 (when all other planes were grounded). And Clarke ok'd it. Interesting. This whole thing is a mess.
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Thursday, March 25, 2004
More bad thoughts
I was walking thru the office and got hit in the face by a blast of air from our temp control system. Made me think-if anything bad got pumped into it, we'd all be screwed. Made me feel a little claustrophobic.
Or what if somehow, the vents from the bathroom got mixed with the AC flow (because vents are known to co-mingle and get entangled)....that'd be pretty rotten, but funny. I like that scenario better.
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Or what if somehow, the vents from the bathroom got mixed with the AC flow (because vents are known to co-mingle and get entangled)....that'd be pretty rotten, but funny. I like that scenario better.
Missing missiles?
Um....this is a little disconcerting?
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Sick mindset
A 14-year old boy was recruited to be a suicide bomber. Sounds like he just wanted to fit in, and his insecurity was taken advantage of. Disgusting.
Another article
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Another article
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Four levels of French terror alerts
From Steve Gill, radio personality. This is mean, I suppose, but it's funny.
1. Hide
2. Run
3. Collaborate
4. Surrender
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1. Hide
2. Run
3. Collaborate
4. Surrender
Orchestra on strike
I hear there is one going on-the violinists are on strike for more money because they play more notes than any other instrument so they should make more money.
Ok
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Ok
Free land
You just have to go to Kansas to get it
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Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Benton County, OR
I'm hearing that this county has stopped issuing marriage licenses, to ALL couples, until the courts have resolved the gay marriage dispute. That's one way to deal with the issue.
Their website makes no mention of this (I have been hearing it on the radio), it only says they will start issuing same-sex marriages tomorrow (3/24/04).
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Their website makes no mention of this (I have been hearing it on the radio), it only says they will start issuing same-sex marriages tomorrow (3/24/04).
Israel
They say they will strike at more Hamas leadership.
I guess they are fighting terrorists, but can some of their actions be taken as terroristic?
Even we have denounced their actions, as have most other countries. This bodes well for them, but I fear we will get dragged into accepting blame for some of this as well.
Update: Add Arafat to those who've been threatened.
Another update: An article
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I guess they are fighting terrorists, but can some of their actions be taken as terroristic?
Even we have denounced their actions, as have most other countries. This bodes well for them, but I fear we will get dragged into accepting blame for some of this as well.
Update: Add Arafat to those who've been threatened.
Another update: An article
EU vs. Microsoft
And Bill Gates's empire loses.
OK, good work by the EU to try and prevent a monopoly. But to digress to a topic I need to throw some more focus on, again, what about the diamond industry? Say, the deBeers corporation? Why haven't they been targeted? Even the US deemed them a monopoly?
I guess no one wants to piss of the people who overcharge us for shiny rocks. Probably a good plan. After all, if all the marketing is right, a woman will never love you unless you continually over pay for said shiny rocks.
Yes, it's time to jump back on the diamond rant.
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OK, good work by the EU to try and prevent a monopoly. But to digress to a topic I need to throw some more focus on, again, what about the diamond industry? Say, the deBeers corporation? Why haven't they been targeted? Even the US deemed them a monopoly?
I guess no one wants to piss of the people who overcharge us for shiny rocks. Probably a good plan. After all, if all the marketing is right, a woman will never love you unless you continually over pay for said shiny rocks.
Yes, it's time to jump back on the diamond rant.
Can white men jump?
Check out this site (scroll down to "NASCAR is a white man's sport") for insight on the comments made by Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe. Seems he felt that Vanderbilt was "too white" to beat Eastern Michigan. From the Tennesean:
Ryan said Wednesday on ESPN Radio's nationally syndicated Tony Kornheiser Show that the Commodores had ''too many white guys'' to beat Western Michigan in today's first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. ...
Kornheiser, a longtime Washington Post columnist, paused and seemed to try to help Ryan get past the remark. Ryan then reiterated, saying ''they have too many white guys, they always do.''
Ya know, while I don't think he should be making comments such as this, in a way it is refreshing to see someone not taking things too seriously. And as he said, the joking about basketball being a black man's sport is a known 'fight'. For instance the movie "White Men Can't Jump".
Note: This is the same columnist who was suspended last year for his comments about Jason Kidd's wife Joumana:
“This Joumana Kidd who wants to be a star, you know - she wants to be a TV star,” Ryan said. “She wants face time on camera. And you know what’s a great way to get face time? Bring the cute little precocious kid. Oh, great – Jeez, I’d like to smack her.”
I'm thinking maybe this guy should be confined to print and not live interviews/comments. That's where he seems to slip up and not think about what he is saying. Or maybe he does and has no qualms about speaking his mind regardless of the consequences. There is something admirable in that, even though what he has to say seems to sway towards the moronic.
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Ryan said Wednesday on ESPN Radio's nationally syndicated Tony Kornheiser Show that the Commodores had ''too many white guys'' to beat Western Michigan in today's first round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. ...
Kornheiser, a longtime Washington Post columnist, paused and seemed to try to help Ryan get past the remark. Ryan then reiterated, saying ''they have too many white guys, they always do.''
Ya know, while I don't think he should be making comments such as this, in a way it is refreshing to see someone not taking things too seriously. And as he said, the joking about basketball being a black man's sport is a known 'fight'. For instance the movie "White Men Can't Jump".
Note: This is the same columnist who was suspended last year for his comments about Jason Kidd's wife Joumana:
“This Joumana Kidd who wants to be a star, you know - she wants to be a TV star,” Ryan said. “She wants face time on camera. And you know what’s a great way to get face time? Bring the cute little precocious kid. Oh, great – Jeez, I’d like to smack her.”
I'm thinking maybe this guy should be confined to print and not live interviews/comments. That's where he seems to slip up and not think about what he is saying. Or maybe he does and has no qualms about speaking his mind regardless of the consequences. There is something admirable in that, even though what he has to say seems to sway towards the moronic.
Monday, March 22, 2004
Four-year old dealer
Yeah, this kid has great parents
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Why I like to blog
In recent years, I've developed a propensity to rant and rave to my friends. Fortunately, I discovered blogging and can direct my energies onto the internet (thank you Al Gore!). Too bad for the rest of you. You know, all 2 of you that get on here to read my blather.
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How pathetic am I?
I was at work all day, staring at my computer. After work I went to the library and studied for the PE on my computer. Now I am at home surfing the web and blogging on my laptop. I guess I can't get enough
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Anti-war protest
Here's an account of an anti-war protest. Interesting stuff. To me, it shows there are people out there who really don't know what is going on. Example:
I spotted a middle-aged white man, wearing a T-shirt that read “Don’t Trust White People.” Maybe he was trying to be ironic.
I don't know much about the person writing this 'review', he is a vet of the war in Iraq, making this an even better recounting of the protest.
Make sure to scroll down and read Rebecca's remarks. Wow. Supporting the Iraqi resistance against the troops, as a way to support the US troops. I don't get it.
And check out this picture. This idiot is letting the everyone know that he is glad the World Trade Center was destroyed. At an anti-war protest. What the hell is his point? I am sure the families and friends of those killed at the WTC would like to have some words with this guy.
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I spotted a middle-aged white man, wearing a T-shirt that read “Don’t Trust White People.” Maybe he was trying to be ironic.
I don't know much about the person writing this 'review', he is a vet of the war in Iraq, making this an even better recounting of the protest.
Make sure to scroll down and read Rebecca's remarks. Wow. Supporting the Iraqi resistance against the troops, as a way to support the US troops. I don't get it.
And check out this picture. This idiot is letting the everyone know that he is glad the World Trade Center was destroyed. At an anti-war protest. What the hell is his point? I am sure the families and friends of those killed at the WTC would like to have some words with this guy.
Mystery Science Theater 3000
I had forgotten about this show until last week when my friend Bill reminded me about it. I immediately got on the internet and reserved them from the library. And they just came in-8 dvds of episodes. This one, 'Skydivers', started out kinda slow but it's picked up and now I am giggling quite a bit. And I can't believe the horrible acting in this movie. That makes this even better. I miss Joel though. Mike is ok, but I miss Joel.
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Way to go Canadia
Pot will be sent to pharmacies, and will soon be available without a prescription. Maybe one day they will just legalize it, and when nothing serious happens as a result, the nay-sayers down here can condemn them for showing them up.
God forbid one day the benefits of hemp (not worth smoking, grows in bad soil, can be used for paper, clothing, etc) are well known and people call for them. But then the tobacco industry and the logging industry would suffer. Wouldn't that be a pity
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God forbid one day the benefits of hemp (not worth smoking, grows in bad soil, can be used for paper, clothing, etc) are well known and people call for them. But then the tobacco industry and the logging industry would suffer. Wouldn't that be a pity
Bill O'Reilly
I am listening to him on the radio, my first contact with him. I am not real sure what to think. At first he sounded ok, fairly impartial, but then I kept listening. He is attacking people who are not thinking the same as him, resorting to calling people names, and even cutting off callers who he calls idiots and pinheads and propagandists. It sounds to me that he doesn't really want to hear dissenting opinions, but is using his ability to cut people off to end a conversation and continue his ranting. To break it down, I am not very impressed. A dissemination of ideas is a great thing, and this is hard to do if you go in with no desire to consider an opposing view point, which to me is what O'Reilly is doing. More on this later. I'll keep listening.
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Good point
I'm listening to AM 1150. Good station. They just pointed this out: Bush is waging a war or terrorism, which does not mean just a war on al-qaida. Fighting Hussein was not necessarily a war on al-qaida but a war on terror. (For a sec ignore the poor info and arguably unjustified war)
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A blind man in a room full of deaf people
That is pretty funny. Read about it here.
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Bush and 9/11
I've heard rumors that the Bush administration was warned about the dangers of al-qaida and Osama B.L., and that they essentially ignored this info until 9/11 because it came from Clinton's administration. I am trying to locate articles regarding that now, but have not found any yet (I think it was on NPR that I was hearing this). But this article does talk about possible lapses in efforts against terrorism.
If it's true that Bush ignored the warnings, would I be surprised? Sadly, no. How often does politics interfere with making sound decisions to benefit the general public? Way too often, I think. God forbid they actually work together to accomplish something positive (and you would think terrorism would be an issue they could stand together on for more than a month or 2).
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If it's true that Bush ignored the warnings, would I be surprised? Sadly, no. How often does politics interfere with making sound decisions to benefit the general public? Way too often, I think. God forbid they actually work together to accomplish something positive (and you would think terrorism would be an issue they could stand together on for more than a month or 2).
More roadblocks
This isn't going to help peace be attained. More here. Now the US has been 'threatened' by Hamas, a new approach. If only we could find some way to piss off Israel, we'd be almost complete in getting the whole world pissed at us (until they need our help, of course).
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Sunday, March 21, 2004
al-qaida and suitcase bombs
This is terrifying, if it's not bluster.
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Friday, March 19, 2004
Nice
Kerry went snowboarding recently (maybe that alone is a reason not to like him?). One of the secret service agents watching him got in his way and knocked him down. Oops. Granted, if someone did this to me I'd be pissed (unless it was a friend, then only minorly annoyed). But his response:
When asked about the mishap a moment later, he said sharply, "I don't fall down," then used an expletive to describe the agent who "knocked me over."
Sounds pretty arrogant to me. More of his real personality slipping out.
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When asked about the mishap a moment later, he said sharply, "I don't fall down," then used an expletive to describe the agent who "knocked me over."
Sounds pretty arrogant to me. More of his real personality slipping out.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Mass extinction 6
This is scary if it's true.
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Joy!
Beavis and Butthead is on again. This is an episode with Cornholio!!! These were the best episodes!
I need crappucino for my bunghole!
I have a portfolio. It's in my bunghole!
Does it get any better than that? I thought not
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I need crappucino for my bunghole!
I have a portfolio. It's in my bunghole!
Does it get any better than that? I thought not
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Poor France
They didn't want to go into Iraq to oust Saddam. Instead, they found a more efficient way to piss off the Arab world-the head scarf ban. Now they are being threatened as a result. Is this a credible threat? Hopefully not. At least they can't blame us for this.
Maybe now the French government will decide that fighting terrorists is a good cause.
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Maybe now the French government will decide that fighting terrorists is a good cause.
Interracial marriages
As an addendum to one of my blogs from last night/this morning, there were laws against interracial marriages.
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OK, not yet
Target selling more than Wal-mart? I wouldn't have guessed it.
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Moron
Ok, that's enough of this. I need to go to bed. I could probably keep going all night (hehe), but I should probably try to be productive tomorrow. Besides, I have to be awake enough to ride the cycle and avoid all the idiot drivers.
It is getting spring-like (until the late spring blizzard hits us). And it is good.
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It is getting spring-like (until the late spring blizzard hits us). And it is good.
Appeasement won't work
This guy gets it, states it, and makes many good points along the way. For example:
Those who say we have brought the threat upon ourselves, and that renouncing the war against Saddam Hussein and abandoning the US alliance would take us off the target list, ignore the lessons of history, and defy commonsense. Such arguments are directly descended from those of the European appeasers in the 1930s, who were willing to give Nazi Germany whatever it wanted as the price of peace. But bullies feed off fear, and for the three years before World War II every concession by France and Britain only generated another demand for more territory or changes to treaty terms. The appeasers were doomed to fail in the face of their foes' contempt for their very reasonableness. As Winston Churchill put it in 1940, "an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last". We face a similar situation today. Hitler dreamed of European dominion and of slaughtering millions of ordinary people – Jews, Gypsies and Slavs – on the basis of a grotesquery of ignorance and hate. For Australia to seek peace in our time by pandering to the similar objectives of Osama bin laden and his confederates would be treason to our foundation ideals of democracy and equality.
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Those who say we have brought the threat upon ourselves, and that renouncing the war against Saddam Hussein and abandoning the US alliance would take us off the target list, ignore the lessons of history, and defy commonsense. Such arguments are directly descended from those of the European appeasers in the 1930s, who were willing to give Nazi Germany whatever it wanted as the price of peace. But bullies feed off fear, and for the three years before World War II every concession by France and Britain only generated another demand for more territory or changes to treaty terms. The appeasers were doomed to fail in the face of their foes' contempt for their very reasonableness. As Winston Churchill put it in 1940, "an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last". We face a similar situation today. Hitler dreamed of European dominion and of slaughtering millions of ordinary people – Jews, Gypsies and Slavs – on the basis of a grotesquery of ignorance and hate. For Australia to seek peace in our time by pandering to the similar objectives of Osama bin laden and his confederates would be treason to our foundation ideals of democracy and equality.
Discrimination is discrimination
"We don't have a choice in the fact that we were born with a skin color," Bennett said. "But I certainly can make a choice about who I lay down and sleep with."
I think it's safe to say that most gay people would disagree that their being gay was their choice. And even if it is, discrimination is discrimination. Wasn't there a time when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry (was there? I think so but am not positive)? I guess that would not have been acceptable either because it was their choice? I have trouble understanding how someone of a race that's been persecuted and discriminated against for centuries could so easily condone more of the same on another 'group'. People is people. You don't like what they are doing in their bedroom? Don't go there.
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I think it's safe to say that most gay people would disagree that their being gay was their choice. And even if it is, discrimination is discrimination. Wasn't there a time when blacks and whites were not allowed to marry (was there? I think so but am not positive)? I guess that would not have been acceptable either because it was their choice? I have trouble understanding how someone of a race that's been persecuted and discriminated against for centuries could so easily condone more of the same on another 'group'. People is people. You don't like what they are doing in their bedroom? Don't go there.
More
At least this article is not as negative as the last two. Only a couple small pockets of negativity.
I will add a couple things. Who are these people complaining about having too many Mexicans in this country? They are harder working than most people (and more downtrodden and beaten as well) and take jobs that, as a country, most people wouldn't 'stoop' to. But someone has to do them.
Conversely, I don't find any logic/backing/basis for the argument that illegals should get the same benefits and luxuries that the rest of us have (i.e., free education, college funding, etc). I refer back to an article on the front page of the Denver Post a year or two ago about a high school senior, an illegal Mexican, who was complaining all over the place about not being able to get Federal funding/scholarships to college. What? Why should all these benefits be provided? If we give in and treat them the same as legal US citizens, we've made a mockery of immigration laws (maybe that's next on Bush's plate?). Why have the laws if they mean nothing? I don't know if these people are paying taxes or not. If they are, they shouldn't as they are receiving no benefits from it. If they aren't, they really have no leg to stand on in these arguments. Also, I have heard many complaints that more catering is not done to Spanish speaking people, that we need to set programs, schools, etc up as bilingual. I have a problem with this. If you are not advancing in your career and don't speak English, of course there is a reason for that! English is the language of this country! If you don't speak it, how the hell can you expect to get anywhere? It's ridiculous. If Americans started flooding Mexico and started demanding all of Mexico to speak English, how do you think they'd react? Scornful wrath at the 'arrogant Americans'. If I want to move to Italy, can I expect to get along very well without learning Italian? Of course not! It's ridiculous. I think this is a case of letting political correctness go too far. Typically it's the immigrants that have to learn the language of their new country. Not their new country learning their language. But, I suppose we have to make sure we don't piss anyone off. Even if it's a wake up call they need.
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I will add a couple things. Who are these people complaining about having too many Mexicans in this country? They are harder working than most people (and more downtrodden and beaten as well) and take jobs that, as a country, most people wouldn't 'stoop' to. But someone has to do them.
Conversely, I don't find any logic/backing/basis for the argument that illegals should get the same benefits and luxuries that the rest of us have (i.e., free education, college funding, etc). I refer back to an article on the front page of the Denver Post a year or two ago about a high school senior, an illegal Mexican, who was complaining all over the place about not being able to get Federal funding/scholarships to college. What? Why should all these benefits be provided? If we give in and treat them the same as legal US citizens, we've made a mockery of immigration laws (maybe that's next on Bush's plate?). Why have the laws if they mean nothing? I don't know if these people are paying taxes or not. If they are, they shouldn't as they are receiving no benefits from it. If they aren't, they really have no leg to stand on in these arguments. Also, I have heard many complaints that more catering is not done to Spanish speaking people, that we need to set programs, schools, etc up as bilingual. I have a problem with this. If you are not advancing in your career and don't speak English, of course there is a reason for that! English is the language of this country! If you don't speak it, how the hell can you expect to get anywhere? It's ridiculous. If Americans started flooding Mexico and started demanding all of Mexico to speak English, how do you think they'd react? Scornful wrath at the 'arrogant Americans'. If I want to move to Italy, can I expect to get along very well without learning Italian? Of course not! It's ridiculous. I think this is a case of letting political correctness go too far. Typically it's the immigrants that have to learn the language of their new country. Not their new country learning their language. But, I suppose we have to make sure we don't piss anyone off. Even if it's a wake up call they need.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
More Latin fears
This guy is also a bit overboard. He is scared that the influx of people from Latin America are going to ruin our way of life.
"The single most immediate and most serious challenge to America's traditional identity comes from the immense and continuing immigration from Latin America, especially from Mexico, and the fertility rates of these immigrants compared to black and white natives," the professor notes.
What? We are all immigrants here. English was not spoken before we arrived and slaughtered the natives. This author also wrote a book in 1993 saying Islam would be our downfall. This guy needs to relax. And get some sense.
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"The single most immediate and most serious challenge to America's traditional identity comes from the immense and continuing immigration from Latin America, especially from Mexico, and the fertility rates of these immigrants compared to black and white natives," the professor notes.
What? We are all immigrants here. English was not spoken before we arrived and slaughtered the natives. This author also wrote a book in 1993 saying Islam would be our downfall. This guy needs to relax. And get some sense.
Castro taking over?
The author of this article seems to think so. I am not sure how to comment on this article. It sounds like propaganda, Red Scare sort of writing. The author seems to think that before long, Cuba (allied with Iran, China, Libya, and all the other Latin American countries Castro is controlling) is going to attack, take over, harass, etc the US. There was even mention of a nuclear strike from Cuba. Strange
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Good article
Interesting read. I found the following passage interesting and eye opening.
Almost every demand of Basque nationalists has been met over the last decade. Basques run their own region (through a mainstream, non-violent nationalist party), collect their own taxes, have their own police, speak their own language and broadcast their own television and radio programs. As a result support for ETA is down to 5 percent at most. Support for its political sympathizers, the political party Batasuna, hovers under 10 percent. In fact support for Basque nationalism itself has waned considerably. In the last election, 60 percent of Basques voted for parties that did not espouse Basque nationalism.
Yet ETA vowed in 2000 to continue their violent struggle. Why?
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Almost every demand of Basque nationalists has been met over the last decade. Basques run their own region (through a mainstream, non-violent nationalist party), collect their own taxes, have their own police, speak their own language and broadcast their own television and radio programs. As a result support for ETA is down to 5 percent at most. Support for its political sympathizers, the political party Batasuna, hovers under 10 percent. In fact support for Basque nationalism itself has waned considerably. In the last election, 60 percent of Basques voted for parties that did not espouse Basque nationalism.
Yet ETA vowed in 2000 to continue their violent struggle. Why?
Odd suicide attempt
Never heard of it being tried this way. Ouch
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Still more Kerry
Interesting article touching on a few different subjects.
Now Al Sharpton is supporting Kerry. Everyone is ganging up on poor ole Dubya
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Now Al Sharpton is supporting Kerry. Everyone is ganging up on poor ole Dubya
A French/Chinese love affair?
I am confused. France, which supposedly despises warfare and belligerent action, instead espousing peaceful solutions to worldly affairs, has decided to join up with China (communist) to intimidate Hong Kong (democracy)? They are calling it a joint military exercise and are holding these exercises off the coast of Hong Kong- 4 days before HK's presidential elections. As stated by Xinhua, China's official news agency:
"It's the biggest in scale and the most substantial in content of an exercise between the Chinese navy and a foreign navy," Xinhua said on Monday, quoting Ju Xinchun, the captain of the destroyer "Harbin."
What is going on? I guess they are desperate to get back on the world scene and let everyone know that they still matter? (an aside: much like a lot of this country doesn't want to be associated with Pres. Bush, I don't condone holding the French people personally accountable for the actions of their govt. If you respond that they elected him, well, we elected all our officials as well.)
It's not an outright attack on HK, but it is blatant intimidation, no matter what catch-phrases they use to justify it.
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"It's the biggest in scale and the most substantial in content of an exercise between the Chinese navy and a foreign navy," Xinhua said on Monday, quoting Ju Xinchun, the captain of the destroyer "Harbin."
What is going on? I guess they are desperate to get back on the world scene and let everyone know that they still matter? (an aside: much like a lot of this country doesn't want to be associated with Pres. Bush, I don't condone holding the French people personally accountable for the actions of their govt. If you respond that they elected him, well, we elected all our officials as well.)
It's not an outright attack on HK, but it is blatant intimidation, no matter what catch-phrases they use to justify it.
Paypal warning
Read this article if you use Paypal. My roommate got one of these fake emails, and said it looked very legit.
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Awesome
This is just great!
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Kerry stands by statement
Thanks to Instapundit, again, for these links and quotes on this latest flap.
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Monday, March 15, 2004
Heehee!
Duke lost to Maryland.
hehe
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hehe
More rain forest news
Efforts are being made to stop the destruction
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If only I could go back to high school
I'd like to ask the nuns what they think of this story. It makes me laugh.
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More leaders or foreign leaders?
This guy claims to have screwed up and misquoted Kerry. But what about the town meetings where Kerry has been called out? We'll see what else develops with this story.
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No Buffy...
What the hell is this?
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Good book
Life of Pi by Yan Martel
A very good book with a lot of theological undertones that I as of yet don't know much about. A very good read.
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A very good book with a lot of theological undertones that I as of yet don't know much about. A very good read.
More Powell on Kerry
I like Colin Powell and tend to find him more credible than most people in Washington, so this exchange says a lot to me. This excerpt is from an interview with Chris Wallace:
WALLACE: Senator Kerry has also suggested that the Bush administration held up the agreement with Libya for it to give up its nuclear weapons program to help in the president's reelection.
This is what Senator Kerry had to say, and you can see it on the screen: "Gadhafi's been trying to get back into the mainstream for several years now. There's evidence that we could've had that deal some time ago."
POWELL: It's absurd. I don't know what Senator Kerry's talking about. It's just absurd. That took time to bring that deal together. And I've been following it very, very closely for a number of months. And when finally the United States and the United Kingdom negotiators got a deal with Libya, we acted on that deal and we announced that deal. It was not held up for any campaign or political purpose.
WALLACE: You seem offended by it.
POWELL: Well, it is offensive because it's a political charge in a political year. And I expect that we will be hearing and seeing many more charges and many more such video clips. But I don't know what basis Senator Kerry is using to make such a statement. I mean, what is his evidence for this, other than an assertion on his part? It's not accurate.
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WALLACE: Senator Kerry has also suggested that the Bush administration held up the agreement with Libya for it to give up its nuclear weapons program to help in the president's reelection.
This is what Senator Kerry had to say, and you can see it on the screen: "Gadhafi's been trying to get back into the mainstream for several years now. There's evidence that we could've had that deal some time ago."
POWELL: It's absurd. I don't know what Senator Kerry's talking about. It's just absurd. That took time to bring that deal together. And I've been following it very, very closely for a number of months. And when finally the United States and the United Kingdom negotiators got a deal with Libya, we acted on that deal and we announced that deal. It was not held up for any campaign or political purpose.
WALLACE: You seem offended by it.
POWELL: Well, it is offensive because it's a political charge in a political year. And I expect that we will be hearing and seeing many more charges and many more such video clips. But I don't know what basis Senator Kerry is using to make such a statement. I mean, what is his evidence for this, other than an assertion on his part? It's not accurate.
Good times
Brandon and I went to Milo's last night for our Guinness. Even though it was 8:30 on a Sunday night, it was worth it. It tasted so good! And to make things more interesting, there were a couple girls there (with their boyfriends, I assume) that kept groping on each other and kissing on each other, one girl kept jutting her hand up the other's shirt in an apparent attempt to remove/unhinge her bra. Then they would turn and suck face on their respective men (I don't think they were trading off?). An interesting display. A little ex? Could be. Just made the night more entertaining.
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More on Kerry's demeanor
This description of the aforementioned town meeting is from a Philadelphia NBC station (which I got from Glenn Reynold's blogsite):
"The town meeting was contentious at times, with 52-year-old Cedric Brown repeatedly pressing the candidate to name the foreign leaders whom Kerry has said are backing his campaign.
"I'm not going to betray a private conversation with anybody," Kerry said. As the crowd of several hundred people began to mutter and boo, Kerry said, "That's none of your business."
Um, what's next? "I know you are but what am I?"
Why did he bring it up if it isn't anyone else's business?
On a similar note (Kerry character flaws), this is from a transcript as reported in the Miami Herald:
What will you do about Cuba?
As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kerry was ready with the bravado appropriate for a challenger who knows that every answer carries magnified importance in the state that put President Bush into office by just 537 votes.
''I'm pretty tough on Castro, because I think he's running one of the last vestiges of a Stalinist secret police government in the world,'' Kerry told WPLG-ABC 10 reporter Michael Putney in an interview to be aired at 11:30 this morning.
Then, reaching back eight years to one of the more significant efforts to toughen sanctions on the communist island, Kerry volunteered: "And I voted for the Helms-Burton legislation to be tough on companies that deal with him.''
It seemed the correct answer in a year in which Democratic strategists think they can make a play for at least a portion of the important Cuban-American vote -- as they did in 1996 when more than three in 10 backed President Clinton's reelection after he signed the sanctions measure written by Sen. Jesse Helms and Rep. Dan Burton.
There is only one problem: Kerry voted against it.
Asked Friday to explain the discrepancy, Kerry aides said the senator cast one of the 22 nays that day in 1996 because he disagreed with some of the final technical aspects. But, said spokesman David Wade, Kerry supported the legislation in its purer form -- and voted for it months earlier.
If he's good at one thing, it's flip-flopping. He voted for an earlier version of the bill, but laater voted against it. I guess that wasn't worth mentioning. Further, I guess his ability to see (and vote for) both sides of an issue is not totally our business either.
Time to do some more digging into his character. Is it worth it? Does character really deserve scrutiny? Yes. Bush's arrogance has been pointed out many times. If our President lets his arrogance affect his decisions, he'll thrust his lifestyle and beliefs onto those who hold different viewpoints. Ask the Muslim community if they like the Christian thrust.
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"The town meeting was contentious at times, with 52-year-old Cedric Brown repeatedly pressing the candidate to name the foreign leaders whom Kerry has said are backing his campaign.
"I'm not going to betray a private conversation with anybody," Kerry said. As the crowd of several hundred people began to mutter and boo, Kerry said, "That's none of your business."
Um, what's next? "I know you are but what am I?"
Why did he bring it up if it isn't anyone else's business?
On a similar note (Kerry character flaws), this is from a transcript as reported in the Miami Herald:
What will you do about Cuba?
As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Kerry was ready with the bravado appropriate for a challenger who knows that every answer carries magnified importance in the state that put President Bush into office by just 537 votes.
''I'm pretty tough on Castro, because I think he's running one of the last vestiges of a Stalinist secret police government in the world,'' Kerry told WPLG-ABC 10 reporter Michael Putney in an interview to be aired at 11:30 this morning.
Then, reaching back eight years to one of the more significant efforts to toughen sanctions on the communist island, Kerry volunteered: "And I voted for the Helms-Burton legislation to be tough on companies that deal with him.''
It seemed the correct answer in a year in which Democratic strategists think they can make a play for at least a portion of the important Cuban-American vote -- as they did in 1996 when more than three in 10 backed President Clinton's reelection after he signed the sanctions measure written by Sen. Jesse Helms and Rep. Dan Burton.
There is only one problem: Kerry voted against it.
Asked Friday to explain the discrepancy, Kerry aides said the senator cast one of the 22 nays that day in 1996 because he disagreed with some of the final technical aspects. But, said spokesman David Wade, Kerry supported the legislation in its purer form -- and voted for it months earlier.
If he's good at one thing, it's flip-flopping. He voted for an earlier version of the bill, but laater voted against it. I guess that wasn't worth mentioning. Further, I guess his ability to see (and vote for) both sides of an issue is not totally our business either.
Time to do some more digging into his character. Is it worth it? Does character really deserve scrutiny? Yes. Bush's arrogance has been pointed out many times. If our President lets his arrogance affect his decisions, he'll thrust his lifestyle and beliefs onto those who hold different viewpoints. Ask the Muslim community if they like the Christian thrust.
Arrogant Kerry
Seems the Democratic Presidential contender has decided to go around telling everyone that he has had support for his Presidential bid voiced by several foreign leaders and dignitaries. The problem is, when he has been called to task and names have been requested, he refuses to answer. Colin Powell has taken him to task over his unwillingness to name any names:
"I don't know what foreign leaders Senator Kerry is talking about," Powell said on "Fox News Sunday." "It's an easy charge, an easy assertion to make. But if he feels it is that important an assertion to make, he ought to list some names. If he can't list names, then perhaps he should find something else to talk about."
At a recent town meeting that Kerry attended, he was asked to name some names. While this may seem petty and not too important, one attendee voiced a concern that shows the validity of such questions:
"Were they people like the president of North Korea?" Cedric Brown, 52, shouted at Kerry during an eight-minute exchange Sunday afternoon. "I need to know that."
Aside from who supports him, why would you make a comment like that if you have no intention to support it? As he said, he didn't want to name names as that may hurt relations between those people and the Bush administration. Fair enough, but then why tout it? It makes him sound arrogant and ridiculous. It sounds like a claim made on a grade school playground. Or better yet, it sounds similar to a scene from The Breakfast Club. Anthony Edwards is telling the 'group' that he is not a virgin. When badgered to name names, his response is (this is paraphrased. I don't remember the exact words): "Oh, some girl from Niagara Falls. You wouldn't know her."
An argument like that comes off sounding unsupported and juvenile.
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"I don't know what foreign leaders Senator Kerry is talking about," Powell said on "Fox News Sunday." "It's an easy charge, an easy assertion to make. But if he feels it is that important an assertion to make, he ought to list some names. If he can't list names, then perhaps he should find something else to talk about."
At a recent town meeting that Kerry attended, he was asked to name some names. While this may seem petty and not too important, one attendee voiced a concern that shows the validity of such questions:
"Were they people like the president of North Korea?" Cedric Brown, 52, shouted at Kerry during an eight-minute exchange Sunday afternoon. "I need to know that."
Aside from who supports him, why would you make a comment like that if you have no intention to support it? As he said, he didn't want to name names as that may hurt relations between those people and the Bush administration. Fair enough, but then why tout it? It makes him sound arrogant and ridiculous. It sounds like a claim made on a grade school playground. Or better yet, it sounds similar to a scene from The Breakfast Club. Anthony Edwards is telling the 'group' that he is not a virgin. When badgered to name names, his response is (this is paraphrased. I don't remember the exact words): "Oh, some girl from Niagara Falls. You wouldn't know her."
An argument like that comes off sounding unsupported and juvenile.
Earthwatch
A study published by US and Brazilian scientists (from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and the National Institute for Amazonian Research in Manus, Brazil) says that the Amazon rain forest is being altered by global warming in a way that will prevent the forest from absorbing carbon dioxide. The scientists discovered that the highest trees are spreading larger canopies that are covering lower plant life, as a result of the warming trend. This is causing the slower growing hardwoods to be less able to absorb the carbon dioxide.
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Quote (and Lesson) of the Day
"We're coming to you live from the Mansion ... I'm joined by my dog, Dooze, a bottle of Vicodin and a medium coffee from Starbucks. I'm one shot of whiskey away from becoming a character on "Playmakers."
(Why a "medium" coffee and not a "large," you ask? Because I sent the Sports Gal out with the instructions, "Get me a grande coffee," forgetting that "grande" means "medium" and not "large." Now I'm stuck with a coffee that's one size too small. The lesson, as always: Starbucks sucks.)"
- Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, from ESPN Page 2
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(Why a "medium" coffee and not a "large," you ask? Because I sent the Sports Gal out with the instructions, "Get me a grande coffee," forgetting that "grande" means "medium" and not "large." Now I'm stuck with a coffee that's one size too small. The lesson, as always: Starbucks sucks.)"
- Bill Simmons, aka The Sports Guy, from ESPN Page 2
Censorship
This is just getting ridiculous. Too many people are taking certain things way too seriously. I guess we can lay most of the blame for the recent hubbub on Janet Jackson and her 'wardrobe malfunction' (yeah, right). Yeah, it was her, and not the incessant commercials for a pill to provide a 4-hour erection. Because it's ok for kids to see that. This country needs to lighten the hell up and stop taking everything so seriously.
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More Madrid
It seems al Qaeda is being blamed for the bombings, though some people still want to attribute it to ETA. Either way, it's scary that an even such as this shaped the outcome of their governmental elections. If terrorists start using violence to try and shape a country's politics, essentially, that is pretty scary. A double whammy, if you will.
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Mideast news
This is pretty sick. But I think it highlights the mentality and the culture these kids are growing up in. Which helps illuminate the difficulties, or impossibility, of achieving peace.
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Sunday, March 14, 2004
Qwest
Another commercial just came on for this 'stellar' company. Another commercial where they are trying to convince everyone how great they are now. I disagree. In the last couple weeks:
We found out our company website was down. It had been for days (weeks?) but Qwest never let us know, though they knew.
We lost email and internet for at least a day (a big problem for us). Their response: We'll get it back either in an hour or sometime today.
Yeah. They are great now
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We found out our company website was down. It had been for days (weeks?) but Qwest never let us know, though they knew.
We lost email and internet for at least a day (a big problem for us). Their response: We'll get it back either in an hour or sometime today.
Yeah. They are great now
Simpsons
Homer is talking dirty to Marge. Just held up a magazine from the 80s. Cover story-"Why America Loves Saddam". This show is the best!
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Dang
No, this isnt't more b*thcing about my lackluster weekends. I found a blog off on Instapundit that looked new but looked entertaining. And now I can't find it anymore. Pisser, eh?
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Ugh
I think my head is about to explode. Why? Why not. At least something interesting will have happened to me in the last couple of weeks. Last weekend was all work work, this weekend was all house work. Both weekends with no activity (except tired reading and blogging followed by sleep. Let's look at last night-I was in bed with the lights off earlier than any other night of the week. Sad), just early boring nights. Gotta change that.
Have I complained about this before? Probably. It's not my fault you read both entries.
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Have I complained about this before? Probably. It's not my fault you read both entries.
Kitchen floor
Update: The kitchen floor is pretty much done. I spent 2-3 hours this morning scraping a patch of floor about 4'x4'. Pretty frustrating. By the end I was swearing freely, singing/screaming along with the various punk cds I had streaming thru the cd player, positively aching for a Guinness. But I got it done and it looks a ton better. The 20-year old crappy linoleum is gone, and it looks like a normal and newer kitchen. I like it.
I finished in time to grab the cycle and head downtown to try and catch the Young Dubliners concert. But it was $10 to get in, and I was flying solo. So I came home. Without a Guinness. No matter. I may walk down the street to Devon's tonight to get a Guinness. We'll see how motivated I get. Not before the Simpsons though.
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I finished in time to grab the cycle and head downtown to try and catch the Young Dubliners concert. But it was $10 to get in, and I was flying solo. So I came home. Without a Guinness. No matter. I may walk down the street to Devon's tonight to get a Guinness. We'll see how motivated I get. Not before the Simpsons though.
Saudis vs. Dubya?
If there is some truth to this, I think this speaks well of ole' Dubya. To essentially stand up to family 'friends', to a family/government that has always been catered to by our politicians? Interesting. I think I like it.
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A great move by Wal-Mart
I finally found an article on this. Wal-Mart is planning to build a store in Aurora, CO that will be a very environmentally conscious store, employing 'green' technologies such as: using recycled building materials, solar-energy panels, earth friendly landscaping, and environmental storm-water management systems.
I have some friends working on this, and it sounds like a hell of a concept. Way to go Wal-Mart.
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I have some friends working on this, and it sounds like a hell of a concept. Way to go Wal-Mart.
More on Haiti
Unfortunately, it's still not the good news this country has desperately needed for so long.
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Saturday, March 13, 2004
What excitement!
It's almost 12:45am on Saturday night. I am sitting on the couch blogging while watching my roommate's greyhound twitch like mad in her sleep. Could my life get any more enthralling than it is right now? I need to go to bed so as to avoid the depressiveness of the situation.
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My day
It started innocently enough. I woke up late and the read my book (The Possessed by Dostoevsky) while eating almost solid hard boiled eggs. I headed over to Arapahoe Basin to get some runs in, but thanks to the warm weather all week and no new snow, the snow was rock hard and it sucked. If I had waited until later in the day it may have been softened up, but I didn't. Instead I left after an hour and came home. Read the paper, watched some basketball then started on the kitchen floor. A quick ride on the cycle, a short stint at Starsucks (tried to do some PE studying, but it didn't take) reading my next book (Money Men. About campaign money. Interesting so far) then back home for more floor work.
Oh yeah-I've been in a bad-ish mood all day. That always helps.
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Oh yeah-I've been in a bad-ish mood all day. That always helps.
Son of a....
Here's what I'm pissed at right now. The person who installed the flooring in my kitchen. Here's the scoop; I pulled of the top layer-linoleum glued to 1/4 inch plywood. That was stapled to another layer of linoleum which was stapled to tile. The ugly increased the further down you went. Here's the joy of it all-my plan was to pull all but the tile, and lay the new tile on top. It worked for half the kitchen. The other side was not only stapled every 2 inches, sections were glued as well to ensure a lack of movement for 5-10 decades. Ridiculous. So I'm sitting on the floor scraping this crap off the floor (not easy) trying to ignore my screaming knees, throbbing/cut/scraped/impaled hands, and the searing pains criss-crossing my lower back. I have maybe almost half of the kitchen laid down, and another big section has been prepped and I can lay some more pseudo-tile in about....30 minutes. Meanwhile I am watching the Ben Stiller show (holy crap! Tom and Roseanne Arnold! He looks so skinny and beat down. She looks so...mean) and blogging. I wish I had someone to masseuse my back right now. That would make my night.
Ok, another quick hand of Spider solitaire coming up!
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Ok, another quick hand of Spider solitaire coming up!
Friday, March 12, 2004
Isolationism
When 9/11 happened, there was an outpouring from countries across the globe holding vigils, sending flowers to our embassies, and many other acts of solidarity and support.
Now 3/11 has happened in Spain. What kind of outpouring of support are we showing Spain? Granted, not nearly as many people were killed as were killed on 9/11, but does that make it any less tragic? These were people on their way to work and school that were killed. We should be showing them the support and sympathy like they showed us instead of sticking our heads back into the sand and concerning ourselves with only our country. We are not alone in the fight against terrorism, and we can be certain that further acts of terrorism won't be restricted to those 'other countries'. So let's rid ourselves of this isolationist attitude, and recognize the other inhabitants of this planet and treat them as we want to be treated.
Click here for an idea on how to show some support. Thanks to Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) for the recommendation.
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Now 3/11 has happened in Spain. What kind of outpouring of support are we showing Spain? Granted, not nearly as many people were killed as were killed on 9/11, but does that make it any less tragic? These were people on their way to work and school that were killed. We should be showing them the support and sympathy like they showed us instead of sticking our heads back into the sand and concerning ourselves with only our country. We are not alone in the fight against terrorism, and we can be certain that further acts of terrorism won't be restricted to those 'other countries'. So let's rid ourselves of this isolationist attitude, and recognize the other inhabitants of this planet and treat them as we want to be treated.
Click here for an idea on how to show some support. Thanks to Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) for the recommendation.
It looks like al-qaeda, but is it?
There is still a question of who is responsible for the train blasts in Madrid yesterday. It looks like al-q, but some people are of the mind that it was ETA. Hopefully they figure it out and get a hand on those responsible. Terrible stuff. More on the bombings here.
And the headliner on the news last night-the controversy over the Avs center who was blindsided and hospitalized in a game a couple nights ago. That makes sense
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And the headliner on the news last night-the controversy over the Avs center who was blindsided and hospitalized in a game a couple nights ago. That makes sense
Time spent in Camp X-Ray
Not sure of the validity of these claims, but if true it sounds pretty bad.
Of course there have been other articles recently from people saying that their detainment in Guantanamo were fine, almost pleasant. But those were in our papers. Would a 'local' paper report a story like the one linked above? I would hope so, but am not certain one would. Call my cynical but....
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Of course there have been other articles recently from people saying that their detainment in Guantanamo were fine, almost pleasant. But those were in our papers. Would a 'local' paper report a story like the one linked above? I would hope so, but am not certain one would. Call my cynical but....
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Scary. And absurd
This story is nuts. Here is the list of injuries that little Tanner Dowler sustained before dying at the hands of his father:
11 broken ribs,
Two broken arms,
Two broken legs,
Burns to his feet and
Brain damage
After what sounds like the entire town spoke on his behalf (his 13-year old niece said: "I don't know how anybody could see him as anything but a big teddy bear." I can-look at the dead baby's injuries above. I don't see him as one), he was found NOT GUILTY of first degree murder.
This is crazy! Even the leader of the Community Infant Program spoke on his behalf. How?? I feel like I am taking crazy pills! Did this person really know him? It sounds like his wife's parents (the wife is serving 10 years in prison for her role) were the only one's willing to hold him accountable.
The grandmother: "There were a lot of people who tried to get you help," Sharyl Riley said to Dowler. She then told the judge that Dowler always took the easy way out, opting to stay unemployed and accept handouts from her rather than supporting his family  the family he craved."
The grandfather, about Dowler's going to prison: "The opposition where he is going is likely to be considerably tougher,"
Tanner was 9-weeks old.
Let's speak up for an unborn baby, but not for a 9-week old kid. Who are these people?
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11 broken ribs,
Two broken arms,
Two broken legs,
Burns to his feet and
Brain damage
After what sounds like the entire town spoke on his behalf (his 13-year old niece said: "I don't know how anybody could see him as anything but a big teddy bear." I can-look at the dead baby's injuries above. I don't see him as one), he was found NOT GUILTY of first degree murder.
This is crazy! Even the leader of the Community Infant Program spoke on his behalf. How?? I feel like I am taking crazy pills! Did this person really know him? It sounds like his wife's parents (the wife is serving 10 years in prison for her role) were the only one's willing to hold him accountable.
The grandmother: "There were a lot of people who tried to get you help," Sharyl Riley said to Dowler. She then told the judge that Dowler always took the easy way out, opting to stay unemployed and accept handouts from her rather than supporting his family  the family he craved."
The grandfather, about Dowler's going to prison: "The opposition where he is going is likely to be considerably tougher,"
Tanner was 9-weeks old.
Let's speak up for an unborn baby, but not for a 9-week old kid. Who are these people?
Asteroid impact?
This is pretty interesting. And maybe a bit frightening
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Military deaths in Iraq down
Here is something I have not heard mentioned in any newscast. Seems we only hear about attacks, but nothing positive. Not too surprising I suppose.
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ETA pr al-qaeda?
This article points away from ETA
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George Michael
What a cool idea. Soemone saying they have enough money and not needing more. I guess all the other bands that have been around for a long time (and charge an exorbitant amount for their concerts) are low on funds?
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Chad
This is a heart-wrenching article. It's nice in that it shows a tremendous amount of compassion on the part of the people of Chad, but otherwise it's very sad. The people of Sudan (the blacks) are being forced out by Arabs and they are fleeing to Chad, a country with whom they have a common ethnic background. The people of Chad are helping them as much as they can. Unfortunately, they have very little. Water is very scarce and people, crops, and livestock are dying from dehydration and lack of food.
Where is the international attention/outrage? If only they had oil there, maybe they would get some help.
But then again, we can't help everyone, can we? It's too bad the plights of the Sudanese and Chadians are not getting much air time. Maybe some help could be found. But if it's ignored, I guess it's not happening?
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Where is the international attention/outrage? If only they had oil there, maybe they would get some help.
But then again, we can't help everyone, can we? It's too bad the plights of the Sudanese and Chadians are not getting much air time. Maybe some help could be found. But if it's ignored, I guess it's not happening?
Christians in America
Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for this. Check out this quote:
"American Catholics make up 5% of the world's Catholic population, but they get 80% of the Catholic world's annulments."
That is insane! Also:
"In the early 1960s, about 300 declarations of nullity came from the United States each year; today that annual figure has grown to over 60,000. By any measure, that is a staggering increase."
Check out Sullivan's site for more.
Think about that-Christians are trying to ban gay marriages because of what they "do" to the institution of marriage. Yet the above statistic, to me, shows that no help is needed, that the church is helping deteriorate marriage all by itself. If marriage is so sacred, why the exorbitant number of annulments (aka-divorces)? And why such a huge number in this country, and why the drastic increase?
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"American Catholics make up 5% of the world's Catholic population, but they get 80% of the Catholic world's annulments."
That is insane! Also:
"In the early 1960s, about 300 declarations of nullity came from the United States each year; today that annual figure has grown to over 60,000. By any measure, that is a staggering increase."
Check out Sullivan's site for more.
Think about that-Christians are trying to ban gay marriages because of what they "do" to the institution of marriage. Yet the above statistic, to me, shows that no help is needed, that the church is helping deteriorate marriage all by itself. If marriage is so sacred, why the exorbitant number of annulments (aka-divorces)? And why such a huge number in this country, and why the drastic increase?
Bombing in Spain
Some are saying that this is the work not of the ETA but of the "Arab Resistance". Who is it? No idea. Whoever it was, it is a terrible thing.
A quick question for Spain in regards to the ETA though-if they want their independence so badly, why not give it to them? Is it only a small but vocal/violent group, or a majority of the region? What is the point in keeping them a part of Spain if they don't want it? I am confused when countries take this stance (also-China and Hong Kong)
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A quick question for Spain in regards to the ETA though-if they want their independence so badly, why not give it to them? Is it only a small but vocal/violent group, or a majority of the region? What is the point in keeping them a part of Spain if they don't want it? I am confused when countries take this stance (also-China and Hong Kong)
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Frivolous lawsuits be gone!
Here is a law that I think I'd like to see passed. I need to do some more research/thinking on it, but on the surface it sounds like a good idea.
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More food related
Another article touching on McD's eliminating the Super Size option
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Interesting concept
This sounds interesting as hell (pardon the pun). A play on the abuses of Catholic priests, and Bernard Law's 'ignorance' on the matter.
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Obesity
I'll blog more on this later when I have time, but for now a few comments. Obesity is definitely a problem in this country, and according to a new study obesity is about to surpass smoking as the leading avoidable cause of death in the US. Here is a quote from a critic of the government's efforts to help reduce the overabundance of obese people:
"The government should have been much more aggressive about this much earlier," said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Center for Eating and Weight Disorders. "Even now, the administration defaults to explaining the problem away by individual responsibility and lack of physical activity rather than focusing on the toxic food environment."
Wow. Of course it's the individual's fault!! People choose to eat what they eat and to not exercise!! Unhealthy food has always been around! Suck it up and blame your damn self. God forbid anyone take some individual responsibility for their state of health. Sure, bad foods are heavily marketed. But no one is forced to eat this food. It's an individual's choice to eat at McD's everyday instead of bringing their own, healthier food to work. It's an individual's choice to take an elevator up one floor instead of taking the stairs, to drive a block to work instead of walking, to watch tv at night instead of going for a walk. What a bunch of garbage to blame the government instead of the individual. A total cop-out. And all too typical of the mindset in this country.
Ok, now I'm fired up (how can I channel this energy into productivity that is work related?). More on this later
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"The government should have been much more aggressive about this much earlier," said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Center for Eating and Weight Disorders. "Even now, the administration defaults to explaining the problem away by individual responsibility and lack of physical activity rather than focusing on the toxic food environment."
Wow. Of course it's the individual's fault!! People choose to eat what they eat and to not exercise!! Unhealthy food has always been around! Suck it up and blame your damn self. God forbid anyone take some individual responsibility for their state of health. Sure, bad foods are heavily marketed. But no one is forced to eat this food. It's an individual's choice to eat at McD's everyday instead of bringing their own, healthier food to work. It's an individual's choice to take an elevator up one floor instead of taking the stairs, to drive a block to work instead of walking, to watch tv at night instead of going for a walk. What a bunch of garbage to blame the government instead of the individual. A total cop-out. And all too typical of the mindset in this country.
Ok, now I'm fired up (how can I channel this energy into productivity that is work related?). More on this later
Wind power vs. 'conventional' sources
As expected, wind power is more expensive, as this report illustrates. That's a bummer
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Tuesday, March 09, 2004
To the pain
It's at least 70 and sunny again today. I made the mistake of not only going outside at lunch today, but eating at one of the building's tables in the sun. Oof. Totally killed any motivation I had. I am struggling to get it back, but it's an uphill fight right now.
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McDonalds getting healthy?
This is awesome.
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Monday, March 08, 2004
Torture
It's about 70 degrees outside today. And once again I am stuck inside with the cycle sitting idle in the parking lot. What makes it even worse is that yesterday I was doing the same thing-sitting inside working.
Screw it. I'm going for a short ride.
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Screw it. I'm going for a short ride.
College diversity
Thanks to Bill Marcato for this article. Written by a guy in Evanston, Il (home of Northwestern U), it does a good job of pointing out liberal biases on campus. Good read.
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Sunday, March 07, 2004
Italians and coffee
First coffee is bad for you, then it's good, then it's bad again. Although I stopped listening to these food reports long aglo, I will put stock in this report from an Italian study.
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Anti-Atkins report
Still more on Duke administration
Another article on the matter.
I don't know what's going on. Is Duke the only university to have a politically unbalanced staff? Are they the only institution of higher learning having these issues? I highly doubt it. So why are they the only one in the spotlight? Maybe it's because their staff hasn't figured out what not to say. For example:
“If, as John Stuart Mill said, stupid people are generally conservative, Editorial then there are lots of conservatives we will never hire. Mill’s analysis may go some way towards explaining the power of the Republican party in our society and the relative scarcity of Republicans in academia. Players in the NBA tend to be taller than average. There is a good reason for this. Members of academia tend to be a bit smarter than average. There is a good reason for this too.”
Here is a passage that slays me:
"Let’s pretend for a moment that entire programs like Women’s Studies and African and African-American Studies were not established specifically to propagate left-wing social and historical theories in the classroom. If we are to believe that professors never politicize the classroom, then we can expect to find a general agreement among professors that this is the case. It is illuminating, then, to read the January 24 New York Times editorial column by Connecticut College Professor Rhonda Garelick in which the author bemoans her students’ resistance to her repeated attempts to instill in them “‘wakeful’ political literacy,” “feminist awareness,” and “literacy in sexual politics.” She finds it inexplicable that her introduction of “contemporary politics into classroom discussions,” such as the Iraq war, only provokes “paralysis and anxiety, plus some disgruntlement over my deviation from the syllabus.” This is indeed a real headscratcher, but perhaps the problem lies in the fact that Professor Garelick teaches French literature, and her recalcitrant students may, for some bizarre reason, have failed to grasp the colossal impact the Iraq war has had on the allegories underlying Les Miserables.
Professor Garelick’s solution, incidentally, is increasingly to “look beyond my syllabuses” and devote more classroom time to contemporary politics. She evidently missed the memo explaining that professors never do this. I suppose it is possible that the New York Times printed her column in order to highlight the rare exception to academia’s iron-clad rule that professors don’t politicize the classroom. Maybe President Keohane will convene a small, relaxed group of students to study Professor Garelick’s position."
And one more:
"So let’s compare the overall arguments put forward by both sides. The DCU claims the overwhelming imbalance in political party affiliation among faculty members and deans is evidence of a lack of intellectual diversity that needs to be addressed. The other side claims this is not true because:
A. Professors never bring their politics into the classroom, even though they admit that they do.
B. Political party affiliation is not a meaningful indicator of a person’s politics.
C. The American political spectrum is more narrow than Canada’s.
D. In its survey of 163 registered voters, the DCU failed to include three or four foreign citizens who are not registered voters.
E. Conservatives are too stupid and uncreative to be widely successful in academia."
I think Duke staff needs to get their collective act together and regroup and realize the idiocy of not only their actions, but their comments to the media. They are repeatedly stabbing themselves in the foot.
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I don't know what's going on. Is Duke the only university to have a politically unbalanced staff? Are they the only institution of higher learning having these issues? I highly doubt it. So why are they the only one in the spotlight? Maybe it's because their staff hasn't figured out what not to say. For example:
“If, as John Stuart Mill said, stupid people are generally conservative, Editorial then there are lots of conservatives we will never hire. Mill’s analysis may go some way towards explaining the power of the Republican party in our society and the relative scarcity of Republicans in academia. Players in the NBA tend to be taller than average. There is a good reason for this. Members of academia tend to be a bit smarter than average. There is a good reason for this too.”
Here is a passage that slays me:
"Let’s pretend for a moment that entire programs like Women’s Studies and African and African-American Studies were not established specifically to propagate left-wing social and historical theories in the classroom. If we are to believe that professors never politicize the classroom, then we can expect to find a general agreement among professors that this is the case. It is illuminating, then, to read the January 24 New York Times editorial column by Connecticut College Professor Rhonda Garelick in which the author bemoans her students’ resistance to her repeated attempts to instill in them “‘wakeful’ political literacy,” “feminist awareness,” and “literacy in sexual politics.” She finds it inexplicable that her introduction of “contemporary politics into classroom discussions,” such as the Iraq war, only provokes “paralysis and anxiety, plus some disgruntlement over my deviation from the syllabus.” This is indeed a real headscratcher, but perhaps the problem lies in the fact that Professor Garelick teaches French literature, and her recalcitrant students may, for some bizarre reason, have failed to grasp the colossal impact the Iraq war has had on the allegories underlying Les Miserables.
Professor Garelick’s solution, incidentally, is increasingly to “look beyond my syllabuses” and devote more classroom time to contemporary politics. She evidently missed the memo explaining that professors never do this. I suppose it is possible that the New York Times printed her column in order to highlight the rare exception to academia’s iron-clad rule that professors don’t politicize the classroom. Maybe President Keohane will convene a small, relaxed group of students to study Professor Garelick’s position."
And one more:
"So let’s compare the overall arguments put forward by both sides. The DCU claims the overwhelming imbalance in political party affiliation among faculty members and deans is evidence of a lack of intellectual diversity that needs to be addressed. The other side claims this is not true because:
A. Professors never bring their politics into the classroom, even though they admit that they do.
B. Political party affiliation is not a meaningful indicator of a person’s politics.
C. The American political spectrum is more narrow than Canada’s.
D. In its survey of 163 registered voters, the DCU failed to include three or four foreign citizens who are not registered voters.
E. Conservatives are too stupid and uncreative to be widely successful in academia."
I think Duke staff needs to get their collective act together and regroup and realize the idiocy of not only their actions, but their comments to the media. They are repeatedly stabbing themselves in the foot.
Saturday, March 06, 2004
More on Duke's 'fair hiring' practices
Check out Instapundit for more on how Duke's faculty is living in their own little world, enjoying their own form of faculty diversity and open-mindedness.
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Friday, March 05, 2004
There is a god
I don't have cable.
I have a big ole antenna on my roof.
I get MTV2
Not sure can get that with cable
BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD IS ON!!
Oh how I've missed this show!
I am so content right now
tuna helper, Beavis and Butthead, and Fat Tire
It doesn't get any better than this
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I have a big ole antenna on my roof.
I get MTV2
Not sure can get that with cable
BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD IS ON!!
Oh how I've missed this show!
I am so content right now
tuna helper, Beavis and Butthead, and Fat Tire
It doesn't get any better than this
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Up and coming actress?
Interesting, and kind of sad.
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Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Why not?
Topless equality is fine with me. This country is clinging way too hard to its Puritanical roots.
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Monday, March 01, 2004
Our neighbors to the south
Throughout our history with Central and South America, we (the US) have been known to foment coups, insurrections, and the like in 'the best interests' of the subject country. Unfortunately, we seem to choose their best interests based on our best interests (imports, suppressing 'Communisn'). I am not saying that we have never done anything good or beneficial, I just think we sometimes do too much based on what we want. And most times this involves helping the upper classes (which are a vast majority of the populations of the Latin countries) thus keeping in place the caste system and further oppression of the poorer classes.
These were the thoughts going thru my head as I read this article about President Hugo chives in Venezuela. He rails against US intervention, or in his terms "American aggressions".
In Venezuela, there are groups opposed to President chives, and they are trying to garner enough signatures for a recall referendum. The American govt apparently supports this referendum. chives says those opposed to him are the wealthy elite who are angry that they are no longer in power. Venezuela is one of the top 4 petroleum providers to the US. An opposition group received $53,000 from the US govt, from the 'National Endowment for Democracy', a group purported to provide funds to civil organizations around the world to promote democracy.
So who is correct here? Is chives telling the truth? Is the US (which has admittedly funneled thousands of dollars to opposition groups) trying to oust chives in support of the wealthy elite? Or is chives (like too many leaders) a despotic egoist trying to hold on to power? Here is a good opinion blog about chives and Venezuela.
Notes: chives has been elected twice. It has been said that he fraternizes with Libya and Cuba and various terror groups. Is he a good man with his country's best interests at heart? Or a villain out for himself? Hard to say. As politically/financially motivated as all actions from our govt are, I find it hard to decide. Greg Palast, an investigative journalist in Venezuela, has some interesting thoughts on the matter, and another.
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These were the thoughts going thru my head as I read this article about President Hugo chives in Venezuela. He rails against US intervention, or in his terms "American aggressions".
In Venezuela, there are groups opposed to President chives, and they are trying to garner enough signatures for a recall referendum. The American govt apparently supports this referendum. chives says those opposed to him are the wealthy elite who are angry that they are no longer in power. Venezuela is one of the top 4 petroleum providers to the US. An opposition group received $53,000 from the US govt, from the 'National Endowment for Democracy', a group purported to provide funds to civil organizations around the world to promote democracy.
So who is correct here? Is chives telling the truth? Is the US (which has admittedly funneled thousands of dollars to opposition groups) trying to oust chives in support of the wealthy elite? Or is chives (like too many leaders) a despotic egoist trying to hold on to power? Here is a good opinion blog about chives and Venezuela.
Notes: chives has been elected twice. It has been said that he fraternizes with Libya and Cuba and various terror groups. Is he a good man with his country's best interests at heart? Or a villain out for himself? Hard to say. As politically/financially motivated as all actions from our govt are, I find it hard to decide. Greg Palast, an investigative journalist in Venezuela, has some interesting thoughts on the matter, and another.
