It is the twilight of 2006... A new year is only a few short minutes away… As is normal with life -- with time -- change is a constant. This year has been no different for me, for you, or for the world in general.
It is a given that each year events will unfold… Some will be good, some will be bad, some will simply occur leaving us neither better or worse off than we were had it never happened.
This year has seen, from my own perspective, more change in my life than might be considered usual. It has not been as dramatic as some years, but it will last in my mind as more memorable than many of years past. Again… Some for the good, some for the not so good…
I am ready for the new year to begin and I hope it is one that sees more of the good than of the bad.
My best wishes to you all… Happy New Year… May it be a good one…
12.31.2006
12.26.2006
Observations…
I couldn’t help but notice over the past few days some of the following that is going on in the world:
James Brown died: “I’m going away…” were his last reported words…
The death toll in Iraq has exceeded the 9/11 casualty total…
Once again, the people of Somalia are suffering but the Islamic forces are being driven back…
Hamas is still causing strife in the Middle East…
American forces take down a top Taliban leader in Afghanistan…
An oil pipeline exploded in Nigeria: 200 dead…
Pakistan is building a fence, complete with mines, on part of its border with Afghanistan…
Yet another car bomb attack in Baghdad… 23 killed, 105 wounded…
…and the 21st century continues.
12.22.2006
The Christmas Story
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'"
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."
When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."
And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more."
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."
And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
12.20.2006
Wishing It Were A Winter Wonderland
It is days like today that make me regret ever moving back to the mid-west from Colorado. I have been reading, with great envy, about the snow storm currently piling all of that lovely white snow, now measuring in feet in various parts of the state. (NOTE: The PIC is from a web cam very close to where I used to live in Denver.)
I was just having a conversation about snow, or rather the lack of it, here in Indiana last night and we both agreed that it would be nice to have a white Christmas. Well, if we were living out west we’d be having one.
I have fond memories of several of the snow storms I went through while living in Colorado. They were fantastic! Not quite what we had here in the mid-west back during the Blizzard of ’78, but good enough. I even went through one “thunder snow” storm while living in Denver. The lightening was red and purple…
Four years ago, here, on Christmas Eve we had a very nice storm come through which left 9 to 13” in various parts of the area. That was a great Christmas morning…
Alas, according to the forecast for next week, we won’t be having a White Christmas here. So… Enjoy all of you denizens of the Great Plains! Maybe next year…
And to All! A very Merry Christmas! …and a Happy New Year!!
12.13.2006
Tis’ The Season…Of The Herd
Of the many ways to enjoy and celebrate the “holiday” season which stretches between Thanksgiving and New Years, shopping to me has become the antithesis of Joy & Good-will.
Maybe it is due to one very simple fact… I have a great dislike for people. Not to say that I am not quite fond of some individuals, for I am… But people… That collective of wasted DNA which so often provides the ultimate display of utter ignorance… I really can’t stand to be around them, let alone find myself within their midst.
However, since I do not have a mass stockpile of the basic items required these days for human existence, I find that I must venture forth from my sanctum sanctorum on occasion during this time of the year, even knowing that I will have to face my great nemesis; again…and again…and yet…again.
My most recent foray into the realm of the objectionable was last night. On my way home from work, I had the need to visit the local Meijer store (i.e. Super Wal-mart type store) for a few items. I knew that it was not going to be a pleasant experience even before I had managed to creep along the parking lot to a place to park the car. Already, the people, here forth noted as, “The Herd,” were wandering back and forth with all the rush of a herd of turtles crawling through a dust storm.
Once inside the store, my situation did not improve… I had been encumbered by The Herd while still in the parking lot, but once they found themselves within the confines of the store, they became paralyzing. I simply had to stand for awhile watching as The Herd, with glassy eyes, attempted to figure out which way they should lumber off to in search of whatever it was they were searching for. Given the slack jawed, glazed eyed, befuddled appearance on some of the faces I saw, I would surmise that many were there simply to be there without any true notion of what they were seeking, or even if it could be found within the store.
As I finally managed to make my way through towards the back of the store where I needed to start my shopping, I had many occasion to pause and observe the same look, the same response, the same pattern, that The Herd shared wherever they were encountered.
To make a long story shorter… I finally, and I might add without turning any of The Herd into jerky, managed to get everything I wanted and made my way to the check out lines. If you think that things couldn’t have gotten any worse, you would be mistaken. Out of almost 30 check out lines, there was a grand total of 4 open for business. (I discount the check it yourself lines as I had too many items, and they had already been swarmed en mass by The Herd.)
I watched for 25 minutes as the cashier (undoubtedly culled from The Herd) slowly, oh, EVER so slowly checked each and every item before passing it over the scanner… She displayed all of the speed of frozen ambergris as she went about the performance of her duties. Once she finally started checking my items, she haphazardly dropped the items into plastic bags, not even once looking to see where the items were going. On the second bag, as she released a box of angle hair pasta, the corner of the box hit the side of the bag on the way down, causing a rip in the bag. Of course, the box continued its path through the rip; followed by the second box of pasta, and seven other items. Again, all of this was missed by this Herd reject as she continued along her mundane way. She didn’t even pause to observe, let alone question or assist me, as I picked up all the items and placed them into a new bag.
Finally… Finally it was OVER! I paid!! I started my escape… Only to hear her say, “Have a good evening…” I didn’t bother to stop and try to explain to her why I KNEW I was going to have a good evening… After all, my torture was over… Rest and deliverance was at hand… I was leaving The Herd in my wake and returning again to the peace and tranquility of my abode.
Maybe it is due to one very simple fact… I have a great dislike for people. Not to say that I am not quite fond of some individuals, for I am… But people… That collective of wasted DNA which so often provides the ultimate display of utter ignorance… I really can’t stand to be around them, let alone find myself within their midst.
However, since I do not have a mass stockpile of the basic items required these days for human existence, I find that I must venture forth from my sanctum sanctorum on occasion during this time of the year, even knowing that I will have to face my great nemesis; again…and again…and yet…again.
My most recent foray into the realm of the objectionable was last night. On my way home from work, I had the need to visit the local Meijer store (i.e. Super Wal-mart type store) for a few items. I knew that it was not going to be a pleasant experience even before I had managed to creep along the parking lot to a place to park the car. Already, the people, here forth noted as, “The Herd,” were wandering back and forth with all the rush of a herd of turtles crawling through a dust storm.
Once inside the store, my situation did not improve… I had been encumbered by The Herd while still in the parking lot, but once they found themselves within the confines of the store, they became paralyzing. I simply had to stand for awhile watching as The Herd, with glassy eyes, attempted to figure out which way they should lumber off to in search of whatever it was they were searching for. Given the slack jawed, glazed eyed, befuddled appearance on some of the faces I saw, I would surmise that many were there simply to be there without any true notion of what they were seeking, or even if it could be found within the store.
As I finally managed to make my way through towards the back of the store where I needed to start my shopping, I had many occasion to pause and observe the same look, the same response, the same pattern, that The Herd shared wherever they were encountered.
To make a long story shorter… I finally, and I might add without turning any of The Herd into jerky, managed to get everything I wanted and made my way to the check out lines. If you think that things couldn’t have gotten any worse, you would be mistaken. Out of almost 30 check out lines, there was a grand total of 4 open for business. (I discount the check it yourself lines as I had too many items, and they had already been swarmed en mass by The Herd.)
I watched for 25 minutes as the cashier (undoubtedly culled from The Herd) slowly, oh, EVER so slowly checked each and every item before passing it over the scanner… She displayed all of the speed of frozen ambergris as she went about the performance of her duties. Once she finally started checking my items, she haphazardly dropped the items into plastic bags, not even once looking to see where the items were going. On the second bag, as she released a box of angle hair pasta, the corner of the box hit the side of the bag on the way down, causing a rip in the bag. Of course, the box continued its path through the rip; followed by the second box of pasta, and seven other items. Again, all of this was missed by this Herd reject as she continued along her mundane way. She didn’t even pause to observe, let alone question or assist me, as I picked up all the items and placed them into a new bag.
Finally… Finally it was OVER! I paid!! I started my escape… Only to hear her say, “Have a good evening…” I didn’t bother to stop and try to explain to her why I KNEW I was going to have a good evening… After all, my torture was over… Rest and deliverance was at hand… I was leaving The Herd in my wake and returning again to the peace and tranquility of my abode.
12.11.2006
Auld Lang Syne...
Aside from the fact that the song Auld Lang Syne is so well known in the world, there is something about the melody that sings within in my blood. Maybe it has to do with the origins of the song and some imprinted memory hidden deep in my blood, but whatever it is, I can not help but start thinking about things ‘…old long since.’
I am once again listening to Christmas songs via web radio, and this tune started playing. I found myself immediately thinking about various memories I have from around this time of the year:
I’m not sure how old I was, but I remember going out with Dad to cut down a Christmas tree one year. It was cold, and there was snow. We went out east and south of where my grandparents lived (on my mother’s side) and found a small cedar tree. I know both my grandparents were still alive at the time, so I had to be somewhere between 3-5 years old. Of course, this was also before we found out I had allergies, so there went real Christmas trees…
I remember another year when I accidentally set fire to a Christmas decoration in the east room of the old house. It was something Mom had put together with cotton to represent the snow. There were candles… I knocked one over… Poof! I remember Dad putting it all out with a bottle (still 16oz glass at the time) of Coke. I think I was 5 or 6 at the time.
I remember one year going out for a drive with Dad on Christmas Eve and when we got back home, I found out that Santa had come early that year!! Of course, later in life, I found out that Mom and Dad had done that because they knew a large snow storm was encroaching upon the area, and Dad worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, so he knew he was going to have to leave later in the night and be working on Christmas…
…But that started a bit of a tradition for our family as we started having Christmas on Christmas Eve from then on out. Most of the time Aunt Zelda (my mother’s sister) and Uncle Marvin came in to celebrate with us. As my grandparents were all gone so early in my life, they ended up being more like my grandparents than just an Aunt and Uncle.
In 1977, about a couple of weeks before Christmas, I ended up just about taking off the middle finger on my left hand while out knocking wood loose on the wood pile. We had an ice storm, so the wood was all froze together. I had went out with mom and was tapping it loose with a sledge hammer, when I somehow managed to get my finger down over the edge of the wood and hit it with the hammer. I was OK until I got up on the porch and took my glove off and saw all the red. We tried soaking it in cold water for a little while, as I was watching "Frosty The Snowman" on T.V., but Dad realized very quickly that we were going to have to head over to the hospital… Which was almost a thirty mile drive… On icy roads… And I really didn’t like the idea of stitches. But, that is what had to happen. I remember the doctor saying how lucky I was that the damage hadn’t gone just a couple of mille-meters more or I’d be missing most of my middle finger.
Another year, I can remember walking around town with Dad looking at all of the flood water after heavy rains had hit the area. I had a short sleeve shirt on since it was in the low 70's!!! For the mid-west, that is just SO wrong on Christmas day!
I remember Christmas Eve of 1988. It hadn’t been a very good year… I really wasn’t looking forward to the holidays. That morning, I happened to stop by the local tavern and run into one of my cousins. Well… We started out having just a couple of beers, but ended up spending most of the rest of the day bar hopping. Needless to say, by the time the evening rolled around I was seeing the vapor trails off of Santa’s sleigh. I still hear about that one from time to time… Not something I’m exactly proud of either…
Christmas of 1989… I was living in Denver. I had an apartment by myself that was small, but decent. I couldn’t afford a trip back home that year, so I ended up having a simple dinner with an Uncle (on my Dad’s side) who lived there as well. I had a very small tree that came with lights set up on one of my stereo speakers and had set up some Christmas cards for my holiday decorations. All in all… It was one of the hardest Christmas times I’ve had.
Maybe the hardest Christmas was in 1995… I had gone through a divorce, and my ex had fallen off the face of the planet with our daughter. I didn’t have the money at the time to hire a lawyer to pursue legal options. I didn’t have enough money to come home to try to be with anyone. And even though I had some offer from friends to spend time with them during the holidays, I just couldn’t bring myself to go anywhere. And… It was also just three months after my Dad had passed away… I got up Christmas morning and listened to the "Christmas Story" on the Charlton Heston Presents the Bible CD. Later in the day, I’m sitting there flipping through T.V. and I come across "The Music Man" on one of the channels. That was just about my Dad’s favorite musical (and one that I like very well) and it was at that moment that pretty much all of the events of the year hit me like a ton of bricks…
Christmas of 2002 saw over 10” of snow of the ground from a storm that had passed through the night before. It was a good Christmas day, and just two days later, the best Christmas present ever came along… My son… And he has continued to make Christmas a joy.
And this year, I think Christmas will add additional great memories as well with a blending of the old and the new, forming a new Beginning of sorts full of wonder and excitement with all the possibilities of the future in place.
I am once again listening to Christmas songs via web radio, and this tune started playing. I found myself immediately thinking about various memories I have from around this time of the year:
I’m not sure how old I was, but I remember going out with Dad to cut down a Christmas tree one year. It was cold, and there was snow. We went out east and south of where my grandparents lived (on my mother’s side) and found a small cedar tree. I know both my grandparents were still alive at the time, so I had to be somewhere between 3-5 years old. Of course, this was also before we found out I had allergies, so there went real Christmas trees…
I remember another year when I accidentally set fire to a Christmas decoration in the east room of the old house. It was something Mom had put together with cotton to represent the snow. There were candles… I knocked one over… Poof! I remember Dad putting it all out with a bottle (still 16oz glass at the time) of Coke. I think I was 5 or 6 at the time.
I remember one year going out for a drive with Dad on Christmas Eve and when we got back home, I found out that Santa had come early that year!! Of course, later in life, I found out that Mom and Dad had done that because they knew a large snow storm was encroaching upon the area, and Dad worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, so he knew he was going to have to leave later in the night and be working on Christmas…
…But that started a bit of a tradition for our family as we started having Christmas on Christmas Eve from then on out. Most of the time Aunt Zelda (my mother’s sister) and Uncle Marvin came in to celebrate with us. As my grandparents were all gone so early in my life, they ended up being more like my grandparents than just an Aunt and Uncle.
In 1977, about a couple of weeks before Christmas, I ended up just about taking off the middle finger on my left hand while out knocking wood loose on the wood pile. We had an ice storm, so the wood was all froze together. I had went out with mom and was tapping it loose with a sledge hammer, when I somehow managed to get my finger down over the edge of the wood and hit it with the hammer. I was OK until I got up on the porch and took my glove off and saw all the red. We tried soaking it in cold water for a little while, as I was watching "Frosty The Snowman" on T.V., but Dad realized very quickly that we were going to have to head over to the hospital… Which was almost a thirty mile drive… On icy roads… And I really didn’t like the idea of stitches. But, that is what had to happen. I remember the doctor saying how lucky I was that the damage hadn’t gone just a couple of mille-meters more or I’d be missing most of my middle finger.
Another year, I can remember walking around town with Dad looking at all of the flood water after heavy rains had hit the area. I had a short sleeve shirt on since it was in the low 70's!!! For the mid-west, that is just SO wrong on Christmas day!
I remember Christmas Eve of 1988. It hadn’t been a very good year… I really wasn’t looking forward to the holidays. That morning, I happened to stop by the local tavern and run into one of my cousins. Well… We started out having just a couple of beers, but ended up spending most of the rest of the day bar hopping. Needless to say, by the time the evening rolled around I was seeing the vapor trails off of Santa’s sleigh. I still hear about that one from time to time… Not something I’m exactly proud of either…
Christmas of 1989… I was living in Denver. I had an apartment by myself that was small, but decent. I couldn’t afford a trip back home that year, so I ended up having a simple dinner with an Uncle (on my Dad’s side) who lived there as well. I had a very small tree that came with lights set up on one of my stereo speakers and had set up some Christmas cards for my holiday decorations. All in all… It was one of the hardest Christmas times I’ve had.
Maybe the hardest Christmas was in 1995… I had gone through a divorce, and my ex had fallen off the face of the planet with our daughter. I didn’t have the money at the time to hire a lawyer to pursue legal options. I didn’t have enough money to come home to try to be with anyone. And even though I had some offer from friends to spend time with them during the holidays, I just couldn’t bring myself to go anywhere. And… It was also just three months after my Dad had passed away… I got up Christmas morning and listened to the "Christmas Story" on the Charlton Heston Presents the Bible CD. Later in the day, I’m sitting there flipping through T.V. and I come across "The Music Man" on one of the channels. That was just about my Dad’s favorite musical (and one that I like very well) and it was at that moment that pretty much all of the events of the year hit me like a ton of bricks…
Christmas of 2002 saw over 10” of snow of the ground from a storm that had passed through the night before. It was a good Christmas day, and just two days later, the best Christmas present ever came along… My son… And he has continued to make Christmas a joy.
And this year, I think Christmas will add additional great memories as well with a blending of the old and the new, forming a new Beginning of sorts full of wonder and excitement with all the possibilities of the future in place.
12.08.2006
Tis' The Season Of Solstice
I am of the opinion that the “winter doldrums” may have arrived early for me this year. Of late my mind is sluggish, I am prone to not feeling like doing much, and I feel as if I could use a good 18 hours of sleep. Of course, it could also be that I’m still trying to rid myself of whatever little nasty bug I ended up picking up a week ago.
I keep thinking that I would like to come up with something meaningful to blog about – like a post I was contemplating yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and yet, as I was getting ready to type, my mind refused to cooperate, so I ended up posting nothing.
Maybe I just need a vacation… It has been almost two and a half years since I last took a real vacation, and I’ll admit to being more than a bit burnt out with work. So, some time off doing something enjoyable might be in order. However, with Christmas fast approaching, and still getting over the recent move, and everything else, I tend to think it will be awhile before that might occur. Maybe during the Spring Break…
At least my most favorite day of the year is fast approaching, that being the Winter Solstice, which will officially occur on December 21 this year at 7:22 p.m. EST. There are a couple of Winter Solstice events in and around the area that I’m aware of this year which might be interesting to observe. It’s always fun hanging out with the Pagan’s.
I keep thinking that I would like to come up with something meaningful to blog about – like a post I was contemplating yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and yet, as I was getting ready to type, my mind refused to cooperate, so I ended up posting nothing.
Maybe I just need a vacation… It has been almost two and a half years since I last took a real vacation, and I’ll admit to being more than a bit burnt out with work. So, some time off doing something enjoyable might be in order. However, with Christmas fast approaching, and still getting over the recent move, and everything else, I tend to think it will be awhile before that might occur. Maybe during the Spring Break…
At least my most favorite day of the year is fast approaching, that being the Winter Solstice, which will officially occur on December 21 this year at 7:22 p.m. EST. There are a couple of Winter Solstice events in and around the area that I’m aware of this year which might be interesting to observe. It’s always fun hanging out with the Pagan’s.
12.05.2006
The Joy of Web Radio
There is one thing I really enjoy about web based technology... The ability to find just about anything you would want to list to any time you want to -- on demand.
Take for instance today. I'm still feeling wasted with whatever it is that has been going around and finally settled in our household. So in order to try and brighten my mood a little and lift my depleated spirit, I decided to log into laucnch.yahoo.com and listen to a little Christmas music.
There are several different "stations" to choose from, including a "Scrooge Toons" selection. For myself, I always prefer Traditional. So, I will sit here and listen to Bing, and Frank, and Doc and try to be reposed for awhile...even while listening to Tony Bennett
Take for instance today. I'm still feeling wasted with whatever it is that has been going around and finally settled in our household. So in order to try and brighten my mood a little and lift my depleated spirit, I decided to log into laucnch.yahoo.com and listen to a little Christmas music.
There are several different "stations" to choose from, including a "Scrooge Toons" selection. For myself, I always prefer Traditional. So, I will sit here and listen to Bing, and Frank, and Doc and try to be reposed for awhile...even while listening to Tony Bennett
12.01.2006
Tired And Feeling It...
I know I haven't been posting in almost two weeks and I thought I'd take the opportunity today to do something about it but now that I'm here I find myself too tired of mind to really try and blog about anything useful so I guess I'll simply leave things about the way they are for now in the hopes that sometime in the next couple of days I'll feel more like saying something.
11.20.2006
The Joys of Moving...
I'm not sure how many times I've actually moved from place to place over the past 22 years. I actually used to keep count, but somewhere over the course of time, I sort of lost count. I'm sure I could...or at least I think I could...sit down and count them all up again, but when I actually start thinking about it, then I'm not so sure I want to know for sure.
All I know is that I've moved once again... This weekend... To a large apartment on the second (top) level of the building... (I hate hearing anyone walking above me.) That means up and down the stairs... 26' U-Haul truck... Packing, unpacking... Pain in my back, shoulders, arms, knuckles, hips, knees, ankles...even my toes. I think about the only thing not hurting on my body at present is my hair.
I ended up taking the day off of work (well, mostly as I’ve been doing remote work) trying to recover from the weekend. Recover at least physically. There is still a lot of stuff to finish putting away, or getting rid of, until we’ll really have our home situated the way we like it.
I’m tired of moving… I see one more in the future, maybe a couple of years (or less) from now, but I’m already going to start putting money away because the next time I’m going hire movers and let them suffer the ill effects of all the heavy lifting and the stairs. I’ve had it… There are still a couple of friends I’ll help move, but for myself… No more… Been there, done that, have the walker to prove it!!
But for now… I and Mormon Girl can start to rest knowing that the move is over, we’re here, and we don’t have to worry about it for awhile. And, if it hadn’t been for the help of O.Y.G., we never would have made it through the weekend.
So… If you will excuse me, I will say so long for now as I have a date with a bottle of Tylenol.
All I know is that I've moved once again... This weekend... To a large apartment on the second (top) level of the building... (I hate hearing anyone walking above me.) That means up and down the stairs... 26' U-Haul truck... Packing, unpacking... Pain in my back, shoulders, arms, knuckles, hips, knees, ankles...even my toes. I think about the only thing not hurting on my body at present is my hair.
I ended up taking the day off of work (well, mostly as I’ve been doing remote work) trying to recover from the weekend. Recover at least physically. There is still a lot of stuff to finish putting away, or getting rid of, until we’ll really have our home situated the way we like it.
I’m tired of moving… I see one more in the future, maybe a couple of years (or less) from now, but I’m already going to start putting money away because the next time I’m going hire movers and let them suffer the ill effects of all the heavy lifting and the stairs. I’ve had it… There are still a couple of friends I’ll help move, but for myself… No more… Been there, done that, have the walker to prove it!!
But for now… I and Mormon Girl can start to rest knowing that the move is over, we’re here, and we don’t have to worry about it for awhile. And, if it hadn’t been for the help of O.Y.G., we never would have made it through the weekend.
So… If you will excuse me, I will say so long for now as I have a date with a bottle of Tylenol.
11.16.2006
Business Trips…And Memories
I’m currently sitting in a hotel room in Henderson, Kentucky. It’s just a quick, overnight business trip. Nothing exciting, nothing special, just a night sleeping by myself, which I’m not accustom to doing since getting re-married. At least I have a king sized bed with four…count them, FOUR…pillows to sleep with, so all is not lost.
The last time I spent the night in Henderson was back in early 2001. A good friend of mine from Colorado was down here on a business trip of her own and I came down to spend some time with her. After I got here and we had dinner, she was telling me of all the problems that she was having with her husband (also a good friend of mine). We ended up sleeping that night in her room as she didn’t feel like being alone… It was all totally platonic… I wouldn’t have had it any other way, and I don’t think she would have either. Sadly to say, it wasn’t but a couple of weeks after she returned to Colorado that I got the call they had separated and filed for divorce.
It’s funny what you start thinking about when you’re on the road all by yourself. I can’t help but wonder what a friend of mine from St. Louis was thinking when he was on a business trip one time and decided to commit suicide in his hotel room. I can’t help but wonder how some of the people I’ve known in the past, thanks to business trips, are doing right now. I can’t help but think about some of the fun I’ve had taking business trips, along with some of the not so good times that have happened while on these trips.
I do know this… I am very glad that I haven’t had to spend my life, my career, living out of hotel rooms. I don’t care how fancy of a hotel you are staying in, or how good their dining room might be, or how comfortable the bed… In the end you are stuck in small little room… And it gets really old, really quick… I found that out one time when I was on a month long business trip in Massachusetts. But that is several other stories…
The last time I spent the night in Henderson was back in early 2001. A good friend of mine from Colorado was down here on a business trip of her own and I came down to spend some time with her. After I got here and we had dinner, she was telling me of all the problems that she was having with her husband (also a good friend of mine). We ended up sleeping that night in her room as she didn’t feel like being alone… It was all totally platonic… I wouldn’t have had it any other way, and I don’t think she would have either. Sadly to say, it wasn’t but a couple of weeks after she returned to Colorado that I got the call they had separated and filed for divorce.
It’s funny what you start thinking about when you’re on the road all by yourself. I can’t help but wonder what a friend of mine from St. Louis was thinking when he was on a business trip one time and decided to commit suicide in his hotel room. I can’t help but wonder how some of the people I’ve known in the past, thanks to business trips, are doing right now. I can’t help but think about some of the fun I’ve had taking business trips, along with some of the not so good times that have happened while on these trips.
I do know this… I am very glad that I haven’t had to spend my life, my career, living out of hotel rooms. I don’t care how fancy of a hotel you are staying in, or how good their dining room might be, or how comfortable the bed… In the end you are stuck in small little room… And it gets really old, really quick… I found that out one time when I was on a month long business trip in Massachusetts. But that is several other stories…
11.14.2006
Just Say NO…to Talking Jesus Dolls
I need to stop reading or hearing the news. Anymore, most of it just depresses me. Here’s a good one out of Los Angeles…
The Marine “Toys For Tots” program has rejected the donation of 4,000 talking Jesus dolls by a company that specializes in Biblical figures. The rational was that they “…can’t take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family…”
Ok… Let’s see if we have this straight… According to the Marines Toys For Tots Foundation web page, the Foundation “…provides Marines the opportunity to bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive mentoring by serving as positive role models.”
Maybe I don’t understand the definition of Christmas… Let me look it up… Hang on… Entering in the Meriam-Webster URL… Referencing Christmas… OH… It’s a noun… OK… Here it is…
The definition: “A Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday.”
So… If I understand the philosophy here… The Toys For Tots program is saying that it is inappropriate to hand out a toy doll made up as Jesus during a holiday season (Christmas) that commemorates His (Jesus) birth because it might be inappropriate, even though their program is designed to “…bring the joy of Christmas to needy children…” but somehow by sending out a Jesus doll during the commemoration period for Him (Christmas) it would be wrong…
Ok, boys and girls, I’m about to have a WTF moment here… Guess it’s time to stop thinking about the absurdity of this particular mind set before I stroke out.
I guess before I go, I need to ask: When in the bloody hell did this country, founded upon Christian principles, make such a wrong turn into ludicrousness?
The Marine “Toys For Tots” program has rejected the donation of 4,000 talking Jesus dolls by a company that specializes in Biblical figures. The rational was that they “…can’t take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family…”
Ok… Let’s see if we have this straight… According to the Marines Toys For Tots Foundation web page, the Foundation “…provides Marines the opportunity to bring the joy of Christmas to needy children and accomplish passive mentoring by serving as positive role models.”
Maybe I don’t understand the definition of Christmas… Let me look it up… Hang on… Entering in the Meriam-Webster URL… Referencing Christmas… OH… It’s a noun… OK… Here it is…
The definition: “A Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday.”
So… If I understand the philosophy here… The Toys For Tots program is saying that it is inappropriate to hand out a toy doll made up as Jesus during a holiday season (Christmas) that commemorates His (Jesus) birth because it might be inappropriate, even though their program is designed to “…bring the joy of Christmas to needy children…” but somehow by sending out a Jesus doll during the commemoration period for Him (Christmas) it would be wrong…
Ok, boys and girls, I’m about to have a WTF moment here… Guess it’s time to stop thinking about the absurdity of this particular mind set before I stroke out.
I guess before I go, I need to ask: When in the bloody hell did this country, founded upon Christian principles, make such a wrong turn into ludicrousness?
What A Touching Story…NOT!
I was at the hospital this last weekend and I caught a glimpse of a news story on the Fox network. I wasn’t happy with the little bit I gleaned while trying to follow a conversation and choke down some dry turkey.
Now today…I see the story on the Internet news. It’s titled, “Boy, 7, asks Mexico to help stop mom’s deportation.”
I’m sure you can guess the story… A woman who came to the United States from Mexico ILLEGALLY gave birth to a son on American soil which automatically made him a citizen and now this tiny, four foot nothing American child is pleading with the media and pleading with the authorities and pleading with the Mexican government to help his poor mom to continue to stay in the United States…a country in which she has violated our laws, ignored our sovereignty, and is thumbing her nose at our Republic!!!
The picture was taken to evoke sympathy… The story, about this little AMERICAN boy, was written to evoke compassion… And should somehow the United States screw up at this point and not kick his mothers sorry ass out of the country, another THREE MILLION children just like little Saul with THREE MILLION to possibly SIX MILLION law breaking parents might end up permitted to continue to reside in our country too; where we’re paying for their medical care, paying for their schooling, and paying for their food, shelter, and clothing in a lot of cases.
And what are the parents doing for this country, besides draining our tax dollars? Why, they are working illegally, taking money out of our economy, and funneling it back down to Mexico to help the rest of their family while at the same time refusing to blend into our society, or adopt the benefits accorded to all LEGAL residents of the United States and trying to contribute to the greater good.
Sorry, Saul… There is a little flaw in our Constitution that has been perverted into allowing you the status of being an American citizen. (I personally think it needs be amended to NOT allow that status to a child born to someone in the country illegally.) However, there is no question about the status of your mother. She goes!
My children, legal citizens of the United States, born to parents who were legal citizens, born to parents who were legal citizens, and so forth back to the middle 1700’s need to be the primary concern of our Government with regards to health, education, and employment. If your mother wants to leave, apply for citizenship, and pay her dues…then come to this country to adopt our values, our culture, our LANGUAGE…GREAT! Welcome home! If not… ¡Hasta luego!
It’s nothing personal… I like Mexico… I like Her people… I wish you well… But my family and the family of every freaking legal citizen in this country come before your mother. Why? Because this is OUR country… It is OUR home… And by damn, WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, come first. End of story…
Now today…I see the story on the Internet news. It’s titled, “Boy, 7, asks Mexico to help stop mom’s deportation.”
I’m sure you can guess the story… A woman who came to the United States from Mexico ILLEGALLY gave birth to a son on American soil which automatically made him a citizen and now this tiny, four foot nothing American child is pleading with the media and pleading with the authorities and pleading with the Mexican government to help his poor mom to continue to stay in the United States…a country in which she has violated our laws, ignored our sovereignty, and is thumbing her nose at our Republic!!!
The picture was taken to evoke sympathy… The story, about this little AMERICAN boy, was written to evoke compassion… And should somehow the United States screw up at this point and not kick his mothers sorry ass out of the country, another THREE MILLION children just like little Saul with THREE MILLION to possibly SIX MILLION law breaking parents might end up permitted to continue to reside in our country too; where we’re paying for their medical care, paying for their schooling, and paying for their food, shelter, and clothing in a lot of cases.
And what are the parents doing for this country, besides draining our tax dollars? Why, they are working illegally, taking money out of our economy, and funneling it back down to Mexico to help the rest of their family while at the same time refusing to blend into our society, or adopt the benefits accorded to all LEGAL residents of the United States and trying to contribute to the greater good.
Sorry, Saul… There is a little flaw in our Constitution that has been perverted into allowing you the status of being an American citizen. (I personally think it needs be amended to NOT allow that status to a child born to someone in the country illegally.) However, there is no question about the status of your mother. She goes!
My children, legal citizens of the United States, born to parents who were legal citizens, born to parents who were legal citizens, and so forth back to the middle 1700’s need to be the primary concern of our Government with regards to health, education, and employment. If your mother wants to leave, apply for citizenship, and pay her dues…then come to this country to adopt our values, our culture, our LANGUAGE…GREAT! Welcome home! If not… ¡Hasta luego!
It’s nothing personal… I like Mexico… I like Her people… I wish you well… But my family and the family of every freaking legal citizen in this country come before your mother. Why? Because this is OUR country… It is OUR home… And by damn, WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, come first. End of story…
11.13.2006
President Rudy Giuliani
I just noticed that the former mayor of New York has taken the first steps in making a bid for the 2008 Presidential Election.
I hope he is successful. Not only is Rudy Giuliani a well known figure through out the world, he is also a moderate Republican and should be able to reach out to a wide array of American voters. Where I personally as a conservative centrist do not agree with all of his positions, I none the less would be willing to trust the man to lead the greatest country in the world as I think that over all, his policies would be sound.
So... Good luck Mr. Future President of the United States of America!!!
Assimilation Complete
Well, I finally pulled the trigger and converted to the “new and improved” Blogger Beta. Not sure what I think so far since I haven’t really had the time to look around. Maybe I’ll do that tomorrow night while I’m sitting in a hotel room down in Kentucky.
But… For what it isn’t worth… Here’s my first Improved Post! Woo Hoo!
But… For what it isn’t worth… Here’s my first Improved Post! Woo Hoo!
11.06.2006
Here’s To Bionics
My Step-father went into surgery early this morning to receive a couple of implants; A defibrillator and pacemaker. He has had heart problems for awhile (underwent emergency open heart surgery about two years ago) and the condition has finally gotten to a point where in order to have an improved quality of life, it was determined the assistance of technology was required.
My Mother called a little while ago and said that everything went very well, aside from taking a little longer than was expected to complete the surgery. He is now recovering, is expected to be in the hospital over night, and then will be sent home to rest and take it easy for the next six weeks while the implants take hold.
This isn’t exactly the stuff that made The Six Million Dollar Man a legend, but it is still a prime example of how today’s usage of technology is so vital and important to our health and well being.
Where he may not be leaping sixty feet into the air, or running along at 60 miles and hour, or fighting Big Foot, he is expected to end up with more mobility and energy.
At least… That’s what we are hoping for…
11.01.2006
The Joy of Little Ones...
It’s fun having a small child. Having the opportunity to view all of the wonders of the world through their eyes sometimes reminds us of what we have lost by transitioning into adulthood.
Last night was a good example of such a time… My son, who will turn four late in December, went out to “Trick or Treat” last night. When I arrived at his house, he was already dressed up as a black cat complete with a chain leash wrapped around him. (He was supposed to be the familiar to his older sisters Witch.)
He exhibited all of the exuberance of youth in his quest to collect more candy in a couple of hours than the country of Switzerland produces in a year. The excitement of his costume, of Halloween, of seeing all the decorations and other children dressed up was very apparent in all of his actions.
Setting out for the evening, he ran, he jumped, and he knocked on doors yelling “Trick or Treat”, collected his candy, said his thank you, and ran to catch up with the older children, already on their way to the next house.
But as the evening wore on, his steps slowed, his enthusiasm waned, and the bucket on his arm (already carrying an impressing haul) started to dangle. Soon, he was begging to be carried and passing his bucket off to anyone who would assume the burden. And eventually, instead of showing exhilaration at the prospect of receiving free treats, he started to feel apathy at having to visit yet another house, and eventually, dread. But once the evening was over, and he was back home looking through all of the different candies he had collected, his excitement about the evening returned and he appeared to be content with his efforts and their desired results. The anxiety was lost in a moment as he realized his journey complete.
Later in the evening, after I had returned to my apartment, I was standing outside in the chill night air smoking a cigarette while observing Orion rise above the horizon. I started to reflect upon the evening and I found myself impressed at how my son had shown me a full cycle of a life experience in less than a couple of hours. I saw how a lot of our adult life is spent, sometime in weeks, sometime in months, sometime in years, starting a journey, being excited about the prospect, sometimes feeling overwhelmed as we go along, and most of the times feeling relieved once it is over.
Yet, we can then look back with a certain amount of satisfaction on what has been, knowing that the trip was worthwhile, and wondering when the next journey will begin.
Last night was a good example of such a time… My son, who will turn four late in December, went out to “Trick or Treat” last night. When I arrived at his house, he was already dressed up as a black cat complete with a chain leash wrapped around him. (He was supposed to be the familiar to his older sisters Witch.)
He exhibited all of the exuberance of youth in his quest to collect more candy in a couple of hours than the country of Switzerland produces in a year. The excitement of his costume, of Halloween, of seeing all the decorations and other children dressed up was very apparent in all of his actions.
Setting out for the evening, he ran, he jumped, and he knocked on doors yelling “Trick or Treat”, collected his candy, said his thank you, and ran to catch up with the older children, already on their way to the next house.
But as the evening wore on, his steps slowed, his enthusiasm waned, and the bucket on his arm (already carrying an impressing haul) started to dangle. Soon, he was begging to be carried and passing his bucket off to anyone who would assume the burden. And eventually, instead of showing exhilaration at the prospect of receiving free treats, he started to feel apathy at having to visit yet another house, and eventually, dread. But once the evening was over, and he was back home looking through all of the different candies he had collected, his excitement about the evening returned and he appeared to be content with his efforts and their desired results. The anxiety was lost in a moment as he realized his journey complete.
Later in the evening, after I had returned to my apartment, I was standing outside in the chill night air smoking a cigarette while observing Orion rise above the horizon. I started to reflect upon the evening and I found myself impressed at how my son had shown me a full cycle of a life experience in less than a couple of hours. I saw how a lot of our adult life is spent, sometime in weeks, sometime in months, sometime in years, starting a journey, being excited about the prospect, sometimes feeling overwhelmed as we go along, and most of the times feeling relieved once it is over.
Yet, we can then look back with a certain amount of satisfaction on what has been, knowing that the trip was worthwhile, and wondering when the next journey will begin.
10.31.2006
Hail Samhuinn
Once again the old blood of my Scottish ancestors, still coursing through my veins, sings out in tune with my favorite time of the year…Samhuinn...the beginning of the dark season.
And much as I did as a child, I long to go forth into the world and create a little mischief and mayhem just to keep the old traditions going, and finish by building a large bonefire to burn a sacrifice of grain (grain alcohol that is) upon, and reflect upon life. And should, indeed, the barriers between realms thin and blur and I should find myself learning something about my past, or present, or future…so much the better; knowledge is always welcome and useful.
In Mexico, this time of the year is call Dia de los Muertos, meaning, Days of the Dead. (Some add a more plural meaning to the term.) Many flowers are sold, much food is prepared, and every necropolis is full of people spending time with those who have gone on before, sharing food, and drink, and laughter, and reflection. I was able to be in Mexico about four years ago during this time and be included in this celebration by some friends of mine down there. It was magical and spiritual and I can only think this must have been how the ancients celebrated almost 2000 years ago.
So enjoy! Be merry! Create a little chaos… And ponder that which is on your mind…
And much as I did as a child, I long to go forth into the world and create a little mischief and mayhem just to keep the old traditions going, and finish by building a large bonefire to burn a sacrifice of grain (grain alcohol that is) upon, and reflect upon life. And should, indeed, the barriers between realms thin and blur and I should find myself learning something about my past, or present, or future…so much the better; knowledge is always welcome and useful.
In Mexico, this time of the year is call Dia de los Muertos, meaning, Days of the Dead. (Some add a more plural meaning to the term.) Many flowers are sold, much food is prepared, and every necropolis is full of people spending time with those who have gone on before, sharing food, and drink, and laughter, and reflection. I was able to be in Mexico about four years ago during this time and be included in this celebration by some friends of mine down there. It was magical and spiritual and I can only think this must have been how the ancients celebrated almost 2000 years ago.
So enjoy! Be merry! Create a little chaos… And ponder that which is on your mind…
10.18.2006
Could You Pass The US Citizenship Test?
| You Passed the US Citizenship Test |
 Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct! |
My Celtic Horoscope
| You Are An Ash Tree |
 You are vivacious and impulsive, which makes you extremely attractive to many. Intelligent and demanding, you don't care much for criticism. You have a ton of ambition and talent, and sometimes money rules your heart. You like to play with fate, and you can be very egotistical and restless. Demanding of attention, you need love and a lot of emotional support. |
No Tag At Recess
OK... I'm really starting to think that I was either born in the wrong country, or maybe I was just born in the wrong century. I can't help but notice periodically the asinine changes in our society that take place, often due to liberal minded (i.e. Politically Correct) stupidity, or sometimes just because of how litigation happy this country has become.
My most recent observation comes from a news story out of Massachusetts with the tag line: Not it! Mass. Elementary school bans tag
It seems, according to the school principal, that recess is “…a time when accidents can happen.” So, in order to help keep the kids from getting hurt, and also to minimize any liability the school might have, the school has now banned tag, touch football, or any other unauthorized game where kids might run and hurt themselves.
WHAT!?!?!?!? Is this freaking America, or did I step into a damn George Orwell novel? Let’s see… It’s a simple fact that our children are fatter (yeah, F-A-T-T-E-R… As in porky, tubby, chubby, chunky, obese, [insert your favorite non-politically correct synonym for lard-ass here]) than they used to be due to poor eating and exercise habits, yet we’re going to limit their physical activity on the playground by banning time honored traditional play because, um, someone might get hurt??? and then some so called parent might sue??? OK then… Please let me off at the next alternate reality…
To be fair to this particular school, according the article, they aren’t the only system doing this, nor do they carry the distinction of being the first. But there is just something SO WRONG with this entire picture that should have every average American doing a double take. When schools started banning dodge ball because it could be dangerous getting hit with a flying object, most people could sort of understand the reasoning. (However, I maintain it should still be permitted if it was on a voluntary basis. ) But telling a kid that you can't play tag because you might hurt yourself while running around?? That has to be one of the most ludicrous things I’ve heard so far this year…if not the most.
I, as a parent, am sick of our schools, and our governments, trying to tell me how my child should grow-up and what is or isn’t best for them. I’m totally sick and tired of these lame excuses for parents I too often see who won’t take the time or the responsibility to raise their own children and therefore lend credence to the continued abuse of these entities as they strive to assume more and more control that simply should, no, SIMPLY MUST be exclusively reserved for the parents…or at least for the parents who take their responsibilities seriously and actually have the desire to parent their child(ren).
Do you like the school telling your children: That God has no place in the classroom? That having pre-marital sex is OK as long as you use protection? That homosexual lifestyles are perfectly normal and whatever your religious belief on the subject might be is wrong if it states otherwise? That it is more important that you feel good about yourself than actually being able to learn the material being taught and pass a test on the subject? That we should accept everyone and what they believe in and stand for? That you can’t defend yourself if you’re getting the crap beat out of you without getting kicked out of school too because of a “Zero Tolerance” policy? That only liberal thinking is good and conservative thinking is bad? Anyone care to add to the list?
I guess maybe I really am living in an Orwellian society after all, and if so, this is one Snowball that has no intentions of being easy meat.
I just hope enough sane, rational people are left out there who notice things like this and will refuse to be silent about the stupidity of it all. Scream out and be heard… Refuse to be cajoled into accepting this path towards Socialism… Use the greatest gift you have in being an American: The right to be an Individual with a Voice…
DISCLAIMER: As a fat-ass myself, I am fully qualified to use objectionable terms when referencing someone else’s state of being a fat-ass. If anyone reading this post was offended by my diction........GOOD!
My most recent observation comes from a news story out of Massachusetts with the tag line: Not it! Mass. Elementary school bans tag
It seems, according to the school principal, that recess is “…a time when accidents can happen.” So, in order to help keep the kids from getting hurt, and also to minimize any liability the school might have, the school has now banned tag, touch football, or any other unauthorized game where kids might run and hurt themselves.
WHAT!?!?!?!? Is this freaking America, or did I step into a damn George Orwell novel? Let’s see… It’s a simple fact that our children are fatter (yeah, F-A-T-T-E-R… As in porky, tubby, chubby, chunky, obese, [insert your favorite non-politically correct synonym for lard-ass here]) than they used to be due to poor eating and exercise habits, yet we’re going to limit their physical activity on the playground by banning time honored traditional play because, um, someone might get hurt??? and then some so called parent might sue??? OK then… Please let me off at the next alternate reality…
To be fair to this particular school, according the article, they aren’t the only system doing this, nor do they carry the distinction of being the first. But there is just something SO WRONG with this entire picture that should have every average American doing a double take. When schools started banning dodge ball because it could be dangerous getting hit with a flying object, most people could sort of understand the reasoning. (However, I maintain it should still be permitted if it was on a voluntary basis. ) But telling a kid that you can't play tag because you might hurt yourself while running around?? That has to be one of the most ludicrous things I’ve heard so far this year…if not the most.
I, as a parent, am sick of our schools, and our governments, trying to tell me how my child should grow-up and what is or isn’t best for them. I’m totally sick and tired of these lame excuses for parents I too often see who won’t take the time or the responsibility to raise their own children and therefore lend credence to the continued abuse of these entities as they strive to assume more and more control that simply should, no, SIMPLY MUST be exclusively reserved for the parents…or at least for the parents who take their responsibilities seriously and actually have the desire to parent their child(ren).
Do you like the school telling your children: That God has no place in the classroom? That having pre-marital sex is OK as long as you use protection? That homosexual lifestyles are perfectly normal and whatever your religious belief on the subject might be is wrong if it states otherwise? That it is more important that you feel good about yourself than actually being able to learn the material being taught and pass a test on the subject? That we should accept everyone and what they believe in and stand for? That you can’t defend yourself if you’re getting the crap beat out of you without getting kicked out of school too because of a “Zero Tolerance” policy? That only liberal thinking is good and conservative thinking is bad? Anyone care to add to the list?
I guess maybe I really am living in an Orwellian society after all, and if so, this is one Snowball that has no intentions of being easy meat.
I just hope enough sane, rational people are left out there who notice things like this and will refuse to be silent about the stupidity of it all. Scream out and be heard… Refuse to be cajoled into accepting this path towards Socialism… Use the greatest gift you have in being an American: The right to be an Individual with a Voice…
DISCLAIMER: As a fat-ass myself, I am fully qualified to use objectionable terms when referencing someone else’s state of being a fat-ass. If anyone reading this post was offended by my diction........GOOD!
Buffy Meets Nickelback
If any of you happen to be fans of the T.V. series "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and also happen to like music by Nickelback, then check out the video adaptation of encounters between Buffy and Spike set to the tune of Figured You Out.
10.17.2006
Why I (Mostly) Like The Fall
Having lived the first part of my life in the mid-west, I became very accustom to there being actual changes in the seasons. Spring gave way to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, and winter to spring. And, there are aspects about all of the seasons I like and dislike. For instances, I love snow…
However, I always looked forward to the fall. The cooler days and nights (especially good for sitting around a fire pit), the changes in the leaves, the smell of burning leaves, the fields being emptied of their fruits, going to the orchards for apples, the beginning of squirrel and dove hunting seasons… It was great!
I still like the fall, for most of the same reasons. These days I mostly enjoy the cooler weather, and a good change in color of the foliage. Where I don’t get out as much as I used to just to tromp around in the woods, I still like getting out and taking a walk and just seeing all of the changes. This is what I missed most about living out west where the seasons did not have such a marked difference. (And if you’ve seen one Aspen change to a different shade of gold, you’ve seen them all.)
I guess a few things about the fall I don’t enjoy is the extra dust coming out of the fields, and the allergy aggravating foliage that comes out right before the frosts and freezes kill them, and the turbulent weather that wreaks havoc on my sinuses – which has been going on for about a week now.
But still… It’s fall… And I’ve been to the orchard, and I’ve been able to get out and take some walks, and enjoy the cooler weather and the changing color of the leaves. And sinuses be damned, I’m still glad to be here to enjoy it all.
However, I always looked forward to the fall. The cooler days and nights (especially good for sitting around a fire pit), the changes in the leaves, the smell of burning leaves, the fields being emptied of their fruits, going to the orchards for apples, the beginning of squirrel and dove hunting seasons… It was great!
I still like the fall, for most of the same reasons. These days I mostly enjoy the cooler weather, and a good change in color of the foliage. Where I don’t get out as much as I used to just to tromp around in the woods, I still like getting out and taking a walk and just seeing all of the changes. This is what I missed most about living out west where the seasons did not have such a marked difference. (And if you’ve seen one Aspen change to a different shade of gold, you’ve seen them all.)
I guess a few things about the fall I don’t enjoy is the extra dust coming out of the fields, and the allergy aggravating foliage that comes out right before the frosts and freezes kill them, and the turbulent weather that wreaks havoc on my sinuses – which has been going on for about a week now.
But still… It’s fall… And I’ve been to the orchard, and I’ve been able to get out and take some walks, and enjoy the cooler weather and the changing color of the leaves. And sinuses be damned, I’m still glad to be here to enjoy it all.
10.13.2006
Curious Goods
Friday the 13th (of any month) has to be one of my favorite days of the entire year. Along with the fact the I personally always purchase a lottery ticket, it always reminds me of one of my most favorite television programs - Friday the 13th: The Series.
Basically, if you don’t remember the show, two cousins take over their now dead uncles antique shop (Curious Goods) and, with the help of their uncles partner, Jack, try to recover all of the cursed items that he sold to people over the years.
This program had some really good cursed item concepts, some really great stories, and pretty darn good acting for television. Oh, for the record, and contrary to popular belief, the fact that Micki was a hot red head had absolutely nothing to do with my watching the show!
10.10.2006
Some Enchanted Evening
If you have never had the pleasure of attending a dinner theater, I highly recommend that you take the opportunity if and when it becomes available.
I, and a very special companion, had the opportunity to enjoy a delightful evening last Saturday at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. Aside from the excellent meal and the general atmosphere, we were regaled with an excellent performance of the Rodgers & Hammerstien musical, South Pacific.
Being one of my all time favorite musicals, it also held the special distinction of being something special that my companion and I shared from many years ago, and I can only surmise that this particular musical being performed at this time and place must fall within the purview of serendipity.
Whatever the reason, it most certainly was…an enchanted evening.
I, and a very special companion, had the opportunity to enjoy a delightful evening last Saturday at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. Aside from the excellent meal and the general atmosphere, we were regaled with an excellent performance of the Rodgers & Hammerstien musical, South Pacific.
Being one of my all time favorite musicals, it also held the special distinction of being something special that my companion and I shared from many years ago, and I can only surmise that this particular musical being performed at this time and place must fall within the purview of serendipity.
Whatever the reason, it most certainly was…an enchanted evening.
9.30.2006
Seasons Passing
I would like to leave you all with the following poem, one taught to me by my Father. It was one of his favorites, and I guess it was fitting since he passed away during the title month... Enjoy...
SEPTEMBER
by: Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)
The golden-rod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.
The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.
The sedges flaunt their harvest,
In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
Make asters in the brook.
From dewy lanes at morning
The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
With yellow butterflies.
By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer.
But none of all this beauty
Which floods the earth and air
Is unto me the secret
Which makes September fair.
'T is a thing which I remember;
To name it thrills me yet:
One day of one September
I never can forget.
SEPTEMBER
by: Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)
The golden-rod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down.
The gentian's bluest fringes
Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
Its hidden silk has spun.
The sedges flaunt their harvest,
In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
Make asters in the brook.
From dewy lanes at morning
The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
With yellow butterflies.
By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
And autumn's best of cheer.
But none of all this beauty
Which floods the earth and air
Is unto me the secret
Which makes September fair.
'T is a thing which I remember;
To name it thrills me yet:
One day of one September
I never can forget.
9.28.2006
Second Chances
For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed history. I think that it is important to understand where we have come from so we can know where to go in the future.
Maybe the greatest capability of mankind is the ability to learn and to grow, and we do that for the most part by trying, and failing, and trying, and failing, until we learn from our mistakes and develop the ability to accomplish that which we are trying to do. In other words, we are learning from the history we create. And following that thought, the study of history is simply learning from mistakes made by others…
I remember talking once with someone who had the opinion that where we can learn from history, we can not go back and fix the past.
But maybe, on some occasions, we can do just that by making changes in the here and now.
A few weeks ago I went back to where I grew up as the annual Fall Festival was happening. An old friend accompanied me as we were going to meet up with yet another old friend for the occasion. I also happened to find out once I was down in the area that someone else very special to me from the past was single again and I knew that I needed to get in touch with her. As it happened, or maybe as it was designed, we ran into each other at the Festival.
She and I had only spoken briefly twice over the past eighteen plus years, and both times we were involved with someone else. There were issues that needed to be discussed from all those years ago, mostly on my part, as I had caused her a lot of hurt in the past.
However, over the years, I also knew that I had never lost my love for her. I was totally surprised during the course of the conversation to find out that she held similar feelings to my own in spite of everything, and in spite of all the time that had passed.
Since that night we have spoken daily, and at length, on the phone and in e-mail. The opportunity to reconnect has been quite marvelous and I know we are both surprised at how open and comfortable we are with each other after all of time we have spent apart. We are looking forward to all of the phenomenal possibilities that the future might hold in store for us both.
But how does this fix the mistake made in the past? Because this very special person was once my wife, and I feel (as does she) that, where our separation may have been necessary in order for us both to grow up and become the adults we are today, it was still a mistake for us to divorce and now we have the possibility of correcting that mistake and rewriting a future together.
Maybe the greatest capability of mankind is the ability to learn and to grow, and we do that for the most part by trying, and failing, and trying, and failing, until we learn from our mistakes and develop the ability to accomplish that which we are trying to do. In other words, we are learning from the history we create. And following that thought, the study of history is simply learning from mistakes made by others…
I remember talking once with someone who had the opinion that where we can learn from history, we can not go back and fix the past.
But maybe, on some occasions, we can do just that by making changes in the here and now.
A few weeks ago I went back to where I grew up as the annual Fall Festival was happening. An old friend accompanied me as we were going to meet up with yet another old friend for the occasion. I also happened to find out once I was down in the area that someone else very special to me from the past was single again and I knew that I needed to get in touch with her. As it happened, or maybe as it was designed, we ran into each other at the Festival.
She and I had only spoken briefly twice over the past eighteen plus years, and both times we were involved with someone else. There were issues that needed to be discussed from all those years ago, mostly on my part, as I had caused her a lot of hurt in the past.
However, over the years, I also knew that I had never lost my love for her. I was totally surprised during the course of the conversation to find out that she held similar feelings to my own in spite of everything, and in spite of all the time that had passed.
Since that night we have spoken daily, and at length, on the phone and in e-mail. The opportunity to reconnect has been quite marvelous and I know we are both surprised at how open and comfortable we are with each other after all of time we have spent apart. We are looking forward to all of the phenomenal possibilities that the future might hold in store for us both.
But how does this fix the mistake made in the past? Because this very special person was once my wife, and I feel (as does she) that, where our separation may have been necessary in order for us both to grow up and become the adults we are today, it was still a mistake for us to divorce and now we have the possibility of correcting that mistake and rewriting a future together.
I Resemble These Remarks
Ok... It's been awhile since I last posted, but I've been busy... And in a very good way... I hope to take a little time soon to post about it... But in the mean time, a cousin of mine sent me this and I thought I'd pass it along. I hope some of you reading this aren't to this stage in your life yet. As for the rest of us "older" people...
25 ways to know you have grown up
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh crap - what the h--- happened?"
Bonus:
26. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old ass. Then you forward it to a bunch of old friends 'cause you know they'll enjoy it & do. And now you know why I am forwarding this to you
25 ways to know you have grown up
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good shit."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going to drink that much again."
23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh crap - what the h--- happened?"
Bonus:
26. You read this entire list looking desperately for one sign that doesn't apply to you and can't find one to save your sorry old ass. Then you forward it to a bunch of old friends 'cause you know they'll enjoy it & do. And now you know why I am forwarding this to you
9.11.2006
9.07.2006
How It Should Have Ended
Real quick... If you find yourself with nothing to do and can't think of anything to do with the nothing to do time... Check out this site... I'm sure you'll find something to laugh at while killing some time.
9.04.2006
The Crocodile Hunter
As most of you will know by now, Steve Irwin was killed earlier today after being "...fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while diving in Queensland's Batt Reef, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef."
I was saddened to hear this as I have always greatly enjoyed watching Steve bring nature into the living room in a very informative way, while at the same time doing so in a highly entertaining fashion. He ranked in the top three (in my book) of people whom I have most enjoyed watching that dealt with wildlife and discovery - Marlin Perkins (Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom) and Jacques-Yves Cousteau being the other two.
So Steve... It's a shame you couldn't have been able to say, "Crikey! That was a close one!," this time. We'll miss you, mate.
9.02.2006
Land Of Confusion
Anyone remember Phil Collins and Genesis? I would think it would be hard not to remember a group that managed to claim around 20 major awards in the 80's, not to mention about another 20 that Collins racked up on solo work.
In 1986, they released a video for a song called Land Of Confusion. Not only was the video great for its time {watch it here}, but the lyrics were well written, well thought out, and well applied.
Jump forward twenty years. This song has been masterfully re-done by the group Disturbed and the message in the lyrics apply just as much today as they ever did, if not more. But the true mastery is the songs video release. I usually wouldn't put a video tie in into my blog, but this is an exception. I hope you all enjoy.
In 1986, they released a video for a song called Land Of Confusion. Not only was the video great for its time {watch it here}, but the lyrics were well written, well thought out, and well applied.
Jump forward twenty years. This song has been masterfully re-done by the group Disturbed and the message in the lyrics apply just as much today as they ever did, if not more. But the true mastery is the songs video release. I usually wouldn't put a video tie in into my blog, but this is an exception. I hope you all enjoy.
Labor Day Weekend
First... I hope everyone enjoys the Labor Day Weekend.
Second... If it is Labor Day Weekend, what am I doing at the office working?!?
I think I want a new profession....
Second... If it is Labor Day Weekend, what am I doing at the office working?!?
I think I want a new profession....
Accolades Where They Are Due
Well… It pains me somewhat to do so, but I have to tip my virtual hat to one particular liberal that I usually have more contempt for than Bill (or Hillary) Clinton…
Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. Al Gore… Mr. Internet…
Al recently was in the land of my ancestors… Scotland. While he was there, talking his usual “green” talk amongst other things, he touched on something very important, very disturbing, not to mention very vital, about media and democracy. He said, “Democracy is under attack.”
His thoughts are directed at fears he has (along with a lot of other Americans, including myself) that too few people (or companies) are gaining a consolidated control of available media outlets, including T.V., radio, newspapers, etc. Al went on further to say, “Democracy is a conversation and the most important role of the media is to facilitate that conversation of democracy. Now the conversation is more controlled, it is more centralized.”
BAM! He hit the nail on the head and he is entirely correct. The media of today is too controlled by too few people with too few points of view. And, not to belabor the point, but the vast majority of the media is controlled and directed by those with a left side liberal point of view.
That is one of the reasons I spend very little time watching the TV for my source of news. By the time something makes it onto TV in the way of news, the liberal spin is SO heavy that it is painful to watch. Not only that, but I simply can not trust it because I KNOW it is slanted. It is biased… It is analyzed to death… Facts are not presented from an objective view point so you can make up your own mind… Your opinion of the event is GIVEN to you… Sometimes by a whole team of liberal spin doctors who already have it all figured out…
Look at several notable TV news personalities who could not (or would not) contain their liberal view points when trying to present the “news” to the rest of America: Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Mike Wallace, Bryant Gumbel, and Connie Chung just to name a few. Then you have the type like Wolf Blitzer and Katie Couric…with liberal points of view, but who have a little too much air between their ears to be taken seriously.
Or, you have some Fox News (as much as I hate to say it because I still kind of like Fox) camera man who was captured by Islamic jihadists saying how “…he can’t condemn his captors…” because “…In some ways, I feel such sympathy for the Palestinian cause. You know, in my heart. You know, I can’t hate them for what they did…there’s a funny bit of me that’s sympathetic to them still.” WHAT!?!?!? What freaking drugs are you on man!!! Well… I’m sure he’s just suffering from Stockholme Syndrome. I mean, these are the people that cut other peoples heads off with dull knives while hiding behind head scarves yelling “Allahu Akbar” and taping the event. But he’s sympathetic to them… Right…
I’m not going to try to fit in newspapers and magazines at the moment, but they too play a major role in telling people what they should think instead of presenting facts and fostering dialog and constructive thinking.
So who is to blame for making this situation worse? The answer might surprise you… It wasn’t the liberals (who may have started it). It is the Republicans that may have push it all over the edge. Or, at least, it is the Republican controlled FCC. You see, a few years ago, this wonderful waste of our taxpaying dollars voted to make legal the ownership of up to three TV stations, eight radio stations, the local paper, AND the cable system in a SINGLE media market!!! One person or corporation can own it all now thus denying the majority of the local populace of what is needed most when it comes to democracy; differing dialog and debate without a single point of interference with regards to point of view. And it is this that Al Gore finds to be a problem and rightly so.
We need an independent press. We must have an independent press. But until journalism returns to its roots, forgets about trying to make the King, and turns away from seeing how much profit can be made by making news instead of simply reporting news, we the people are going to continue to have to muddle our way through events hoping that what it is we hear and read is actually fact and not someone else’s fiction.
And as for Al Gore? Good job… I’m with you… On this one…
Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. Al Gore… Mr. Internet…
Al recently was in the land of my ancestors… Scotland. While he was there, talking his usual “green” talk amongst other things, he touched on something very important, very disturbing, not to mention very vital, about media and democracy. He said, “Democracy is under attack.”
His thoughts are directed at fears he has (along with a lot of other Americans, including myself) that too few people (or companies) are gaining a consolidated control of available media outlets, including T.V., radio, newspapers, etc. Al went on further to say, “Democracy is a conversation and the most important role of the media is to facilitate that conversation of democracy. Now the conversation is more controlled, it is more centralized.”
BAM! He hit the nail on the head and he is entirely correct. The media of today is too controlled by too few people with too few points of view. And, not to belabor the point, but the vast majority of the media is controlled and directed by those with a left side liberal point of view.
That is one of the reasons I spend very little time watching the TV for my source of news. By the time something makes it onto TV in the way of news, the liberal spin is SO heavy that it is painful to watch. Not only that, but I simply can not trust it because I KNOW it is slanted. It is biased… It is analyzed to death… Facts are not presented from an objective view point so you can make up your own mind… Your opinion of the event is GIVEN to you… Sometimes by a whole team of liberal spin doctors who already have it all figured out…
Look at several notable TV news personalities who could not (or would not) contain their liberal view points when trying to present the “news” to the rest of America: Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Mike Wallace, Bryant Gumbel, and Connie Chung just to name a few. Then you have the type like Wolf Blitzer and Katie Couric…with liberal points of view, but who have a little too much air between their ears to be taken seriously.
Or, you have some Fox News (as much as I hate to say it because I still kind of like Fox) camera man who was captured by Islamic jihadists saying how “…he can’t condemn his captors…” because “…In some ways, I feel such sympathy for the Palestinian cause. You know, in my heart. You know, I can’t hate them for what they did…there’s a funny bit of me that’s sympathetic to them still.” WHAT!?!?!? What freaking drugs are you on man!!! Well… I’m sure he’s just suffering from Stockholme Syndrome. I mean, these are the people that cut other peoples heads off with dull knives while hiding behind head scarves yelling “Allahu Akbar” and taping the event. But he’s sympathetic to them… Right…
I’m not going to try to fit in newspapers and magazines at the moment, but they too play a major role in telling people what they should think instead of presenting facts and fostering dialog and constructive thinking.
So who is to blame for making this situation worse? The answer might surprise you… It wasn’t the liberals (who may have started it). It is the Republicans that may have push it all over the edge. Or, at least, it is the Republican controlled FCC. You see, a few years ago, this wonderful waste of our taxpaying dollars voted to make legal the ownership of up to three TV stations, eight radio stations, the local paper, AND the cable system in a SINGLE media market!!! One person or corporation can own it all now thus denying the majority of the local populace of what is needed most when it comes to democracy; differing dialog and debate without a single point of interference with regards to point of view. And it is this that Al Gore finds to be a problem and rightly so.
We need an independent press. We must have an independent press. But until journalism returns to its roots, forgets about trying to make the King, and turns away from seeing how much profit can be made by making news instead of simply reporting news, we the people are going to continue to have to muddle our way through events hoping that what it is we hear and read is actually fact and not someone else’s fiction.
And as for Al Gore? Good job… I’m with you… On this one…
8.31.2006
Butch The Rooster
[Humor sent from a cousin of mine...]
John the farmer was in the fertilized egg business. He had several hundred
young layers (hens, called pullets) and eight or ten roosters, whose job
was to fertilize the eggs. The farmer kept records, and any rooster that
didn't perform went into the soup pot and was replaced. That took an awful
lot of his time so he bought a set of tiny bells and attached them to his
roosters.
Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance which
rooster was performing. Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an
efficiency report simply by listening to the bells.
The farmer's favorite rooster was old Butch; a very fine specimen he was
too. But on this particular morning John noticed old Butch’s bell hadn't
rung at all! John went to investigate. The other roosters were chasing
pullets, bells-a-ringing. The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would
run for cover.
But to Farmer John's amazement, Butch had his bell in his beak, so it
couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the
next one. John was so proud of Butch, he entered him in the county fair
and Butch became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result... The judges not only awarded Butch the "No Bell Piece Prize"
but they also awarded him the "Pullet Surprise" as well.
Clearly Butch was a politician in the making. Who else but a politician
could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our
planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them
when they weren't paying attention?
Vampires and a Hit Man
I’m not exactly fond of living the “single life” as it were so I find myself trying to kill some of the lonely time either with reading, music, the Net, or by watching movies.
It has become a small rut in which about every weekend three or four movies are picked up at a local video store just to have something around through the week as a boredom buster measure.
A couple of titles picked up recently ended up surprising me somewhat and I thought I’d share a quick thought…
I have, for a long time, enjoyed Pierce Brosnan as an actor. Even slightly before his “Remington Steele” days I had taken note of him. Over the years, with a minor exception early on, I have not been disappointed. So, I see on the shelf a movie he did last year that I had not seen called The Matador. When you look at the front of the DVD case, you expect something more along the lines of a Bond or Taffin style action flick. You could not be more wrong. I won’t tell anything about the story line… no spoilers here. I will only say that this is a REALLY well done and well acted movie with some great comedic moments. It’s worth the rent, and come to think of it, would have been worth the price of admission…
I’ve also been recently drawn towards movies with a vampirism theme. Sometimes it is quite hard to really find a good one. So… I happen to look down towards the bottom shelf on the wall and I see cover that caught my eye. It looked cool enough that I went ahead, picked it up, and started reading the back. It basically read like a Sci-Fi meets Vampires type story, and I really didn’t expect much, but I figured what the heck. As it turns out, the movie is low budget as you would expect, the “acting” is way over done at times (especially by Michael Ironside, but that's normal for him), and the story line is fairly predictable… However, having said that, I would still suggest picking up Vampire Wars: Battle For The Universe, (a.k.a. Bloodsuckers) This movie too has a few really good comedic moments. And, if nothing else, Natassia Malthe makes black leather look GOOD.
It has become a small rut in which about every weekend three or four movies are picked up at a local video store just to have something around through the week as a boredom buster measure.
A couple of titles picked up recently ended up surprising me somewhat and I thought I’d share a quick thought…
I have, for a long time, enjoyed Pierce Brosnan as an actor. Even slightly before his “Remington Steele” days I had taken note of him. Over the years, with a minor exception early on, I have not been disappointed. So, I see on the shelf a movie he did last year that I had not seen called The Matador. When you look at the front of the DVD case, you expect something more along the lines of a Bond or Taffin style action flick. You could not be more wrong. I won’t tell anything about the story line… no spoilers here. I will only say that this is a REALLY well done and well acted movie with some great comedic moments. It’s worth the rent, and come to think of it, would have been worth the price of admission…
I’ve also been recently drawn towards movies with a vampirism theme. Sometimes it is quite hard to really find a good one. So… I happen to look down towards the bottom shelf on the wall and I see cover that caught my eye. It looked cool enough that I went ahead, picked it up, and started reading the back. It basically read like a Sci-Fi meets Vampires type story, and I really didn’t expect much, but I figured what the heck. As it turns out, the movie is low budget as you would expect, the “acting” is way over done at times (especially by Michael Ironside, but that's normal for him), and the story line is fairly predictable… However, having said that, I would still suggest picking up Vampire Wars: Battle For The Universe, (a.k.a. Bloodsuckers) This movie too has a few really good comedic moments. And, if nothing else, Natassia Malthe makes black leather look GOOD.
8.26.2006
Memories...
I've been thinking about my father recently.... I guess it started earlier in the week when I noticed that August was almost gone and that September was soon to arrive. September was a time of the year my father always liked, and it is also the month in which he died. My father, over the course of his life, had memorized many poems, speeches, etc., but the one I remember him quoting the most was one titled 'September' by Helen Hunt Jackson, and every year since his death I've always printed out that poem and hung it where ever I happen to be working.
But... Back to thinking... I was in the grocery store earlier in the afternoon and as I was picking through the produce, I saw some green beans in a bin on sale. I started thinking about a way that Dad used to fix green beans for Sunday dinner once in awhile...something he had learned from an Aunt that had helped to raise him and his brothers. It's very simple really... Take a pan big enough for how ever many beans you are going to fix... Put in enough tomato juice to cook the beans in without floating them, add some bacon, some chopped onion, a little garlic if you want (I use fresh), some salt, pepper, a couple of dashes of sugar (to cut down on the tomato), and bring those items to a boil and then simmer for about ten minutes or so. Then add the beans, lower the heat, and cook to how ever you like your beans...but long enough to flavor. If you need to thicken the juice a little before you're ready to server (it will thicken on it own some) you can add just a little flour or corn starch.
That's it... Nothing fancy... Takes little time to prepare, an for me, about 1 ½ to 2 hours to cook as I like my beans cooked down.
Well... This all ran though my mind very quickly and right now, the apartment is full of an odor that I remember from my childhood. Thank you Dad, and thank you Aunt Grace.
But... Back to thinking... I was in the grocery store earlier in the afternoon and as I was picking through the produce, I saw some green beans in a bin on sale. I started thinking about a way that Dad used to fix green beans for Sunday dinner once in awhile...something he had learned from an Aunt that had helped to raise him and his brothers. It's very simple really... Take a pan big enough for how ever many beans you are going to fix... Put in enough tomato juice to cook the beans in without floating them, add some bacon, some chopped onion, a little garlic if you want (I use fresh), some salt, pepper, a couple of dashes of sugar (to cut down on the tomato), and bring those items to a boil and then simmer for about ten minutes or so. Then add the beans, lower the heat, and cook to how ever you like your beans...but long enough to flavor. If you need to thicken the juice a little before you're ready to server (it will thicken on it own some) you can add just a little flour or corn starch.
That's it... Nothing fancy... Takes little time to prepare, an for me, about 1 ½ to 2 hours to cook as I like my beans cooked down.
Well... This all ran though my mind very quickly and right now, the apartment is full of an odor that I remember from my childhood. Thank you Dad, and thank you Aunt Grace.
8.24.2006
Geek On
The year was 1995... It was August... I was a little over two months past a divorice and still reeling from the changing realities of my existance. And... I was pretty bored at work.
That's when I was asked if I would like to take the Technical Lead position for a new account that my company was bringing on-line. It was real high tech stuff... The company we would be providing support for was called Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI). They were located in Mt. View, CA, and made very high end Unix systems. And when they said high end, they weren't kidding at the time.
The version of Unix they had created was called Irix, an so was my introduction into the world of the uber-geek operating systems.
I had fun... I spent two weeks at their HQ in San Jose learning a lot of cool things, playing with a lot of cool toys, got to see Huey Lewis and the News live at their summer picnic (complete with catered food, big tubs of ice cold beer, and California girls), and over all had a pretty good time for the next twelve months working on that account.
But that was pretty much the last time I touched Unix... Until last weekend. I've finally loaded SuSE Linux on my laptop, and am doing the best I can to not touch the World of Microsoft in order to get back into the swing of things as fast as possible within the next two to three months.
Needless to say... I'm a bit rusty... But, it's amazing what's popping back into my head every day. And, I still love the pure geek factor... Like now, for instance, as I post into my blog directly from a little utility built into SuSE. I mean... It's no big deal really... There were utilities like this that I could have downloaded, installed into Windows XP Pro, and done the same thing... But... Since this is already here... What the heck...
Ok... Enough of my non-life for now... We now return you to your regularly scheduled program in progress... Michelle Branch and Santana... I'm Feeling You...
8.23.2006
Liberalism Is A Mental Disorder
Anyone who spends the majority of their time listing to the AM dial and has an interest in politics should recognize the phrase “Liberalism is a mental disorder...” For those of you who might not recognize this witty combination of words, it is something coined by the conservative Independent talk-show host Michael Savage. It was also the title of the third book of a trilogy he has written regarding the cause and effect of the declining moral values in America.
As a registered Republican, but in truth, a political Centrist, I can appreciate several of the points that Dr. Savage raises from time to time even if I frequently am of the opinion that his fervor could be moderated a bit in order to make the points of his message more palatable to the masses. But, truth is truth and his points are backed by documented facts.
For a little over a month now, I haven't created a single post in my blog. I have tried to make a few posts in other blogs, but I've been busy (week business trip to St. Louis, increased work load in general, working with my new SUSE Linux 10.1 laptop, etc.). One thing I was able to do, however, is finish reading the book on whence this post is titled.
I'm not going to sit here and go through a whole book review. I am simply going to say that this book, along with The Savage Nation and The Enemy Within, are worth your time and attention.
What I am going to say is simply this... I am of the opinion that Dr. Savage is correct. Liberalism is a mental disorder, and the disorder is so profound and ingrained within the mind of the liberal, that nothing short of their complete and utter destruction to the sub-atomic level seems to have a chance of removing said disorder. Why would I say something like this? Because, people...or as Dr. Savage likes to say, “sheeple”...I listen to both sides, I observe both sides, I collect information from both sides, I process this information, I form my own opinion, and I keep my mouth shut until I feel I have the requisite facts necessary to share a then informed (key word... INFORMED), opinion.
I've listened to liberals like John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, John Murtha, Hillary Clinton, Dick Durbin, Barbara Boxer, Patrick Leahy, John Edwards, Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of their ilk.
I've watched time after time the liberal push to undermine the security of this nation, to discredit a sitting president in a time of war, how they have treated one of their own - Sen. Joe Lieberman - because he happens to disagree on one point with the rest of the nut cases when it comes to the security of this nation and the war on terror and instead are now backing a true radical liberal, Ned Lamont, as a replacement.
I have read their articles on how America should cut and run once again when it comes to the war on terror. I've read the liberals words vilifying our troops (anyone remember Viet Nam?) in various hot zones around the globe. I've read the diatribe laid out on moveon.org which may be the single most dangerous organization ever conceived of in the history of the United States. I've read their words of appeasement, tolerance, and understanding when it comes on how to deal with the Islamic “freedom fighters.” (NOTE TO LIBERALS: Study your FREAKING history... See what appeasement did for Neville Chamberlain.)
And, I have formed my opinions. Liberalism is a mental disorder and needs to quarantined if this country is to be preserved. Not since the 1940's has this country faced so grave of a threat as the fifth column growing within our boarders knows as liberalism. We think that radical Islamic terrorists are a threat to our society, and make no mistake, they are, but when compared to several of our own Senators, Congressmen, and organizations like moveon.org, the terrorists are nothing.
Maybe you have noticed something as you have been reading this post... I have frequently used the term liberal but not once have I used the term Democrat. Where it is true that liberalism springs from the Democratic party, I do not believe that all Democrats are liberals. But what has happened to the Democratic party since the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency is simply this... The radical liberal elements of the Democratic party have taken control and usurped that which the Democratic party once was. In other words, this isn't the Democratic party of men like Franklin Roosevelt, or Harry Truman, or JFK. No... This is now a party controlled by degenerates. (And I think if you will look closely enough, you will find that a lot of the people now in control of the Democratic party have something in common... It's called the 1960's.)
This is a party that is not interested in the United States being a Republic, but instead would like us to be Socialist. This is the party of Political Correctness, Historic Revisionism, tolerance for Islam but not Christianity, the belief that killing an unborn child is good and killing a convicted child rapist/murderer is bad. This is a party that will tell you the ACLU is the next best thing to come along since buttered toast but the National Rifle Association is worse than the anti-Christ.
Just as I would not want to see the Republican Party controlled by the Christian Coalition, neither do I want to see the Democratic Party being controlled by the lunatic fringe currently in power. Even though I think that Pat Buchanan is a good man, and one who is contemplative and makes several good points a lot of the time, I would not want to see him as President of the United States because I find him to be too far to one side. I'm not even going to get into what I've thought about liberal candidates over the past 25 years.
This is really quite simple... The American people need to take back control of their country from the far left and the far right. We need to step in and say enough. We can not afford to have this country run by inmates. We can NOT afford to have knee jerk reactionaries playing God with our country. We can not afford to buy fully into the “party line” and expect this country to survive. But what does this mean? It means people need to get involved. They are going to have to become informed on issues and then act with the information they have at hand. But the key to this is being informed. (Let's face it, the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was well meaning, but has done a great disservice to our country. The simple fact is that a vast majority of the citizens of this country are simply to ignorant to be out voting for the future of our society.)
If you are a Democrat, I implore you to reconsider your allegiance to your party as it currently exists. Either take it back, or help the rest of us who prefer common sense to help define this country.
If you are a liberal... You have my sympathies. Maybe you can change. Maybe some day research will lead us to a cure for your malady. Maybe you will “move on” out of the country to a place where your ideologies (no matter how well intentioned they may be) will no longer harm this country and cause me grief. Maybe you will wake up and realize that once again, you are on the wrong side of history and if you stay your present course, your ultimate destruction will be as assured as the rest of us you are dragging down with you.
As a registered Republican, but in truth, a political Centrist, I can appreciate several of the points that Dr. Savage raises from time to time even if I frequently am of the opinion that his fervor could be moderated a bit in order to make the points of his message more palatable to the masses. But, truth is truth and his points are backed by documented facts.
For a little over a month now, I haven't created a single post in my blog. I have tried to make a few posts in other blogs, but I've been busy (week business trip to St. Louis, increased work load in general, working with my new SUSE Linux 10.1 laptop, etc.). One thing I was able to do, however, is finish reading the book on whence this post is titled.
I'm not going to sit here and go through a whole book review. I am simply going to say that this book, along with The Savage Nation and The Enemy Within, are worth your time and attention.
What I am going to say is simply this... I am of the opinion that Dr. Savage is correct. Liberalism is a mental disorder, and the disorder is so profound and ingrained within the mind of the liberal, that nothing short of their complete and utter destruction to the sub-atomic level seems to have a chance of removing said disorder. Why would I say something like this? Because, people...or as Dr. Savage likes to say, “sheeple”...I listen to both sides, I observe both sides, I collect information from both sides, I process this information, I form my own opinion, and I keep my mouth shut until I feel I have the requisite facts necessary to share a then informed (key word... INFORMED), opinion.
I've listened to liberals like John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, John Murtha, Hillary Clinton, Dick Durbin, Barbara Boxer, Patrick Leahy, John Edwards, Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of their ilk.
I've watched time after time the liberal push to undermine the security of this nation, to discredit a sitting president in a time of war, how they have treated one of their own - Sen. Joe Lieberman - because he happens to disagree on one point with the rest of the nut cases when it comes to the security of this nation and the war on terror and instead are now backing a true radical liberal, Ned Lamont, as a replacement.
I have read their articles on how America should cut and run once again when it comes to the war on terror. I've read the liberals words vilifying our troops (anyone remember Viet Nam?) in various hot zones around the globe. I've read the diatribe laid out on moveon.org which may be the single most dangerous organization ever conceived of in the history of the United States. I've read their words of appeasement, tolerance, and understanding when it comes on how to deal with the Islamic “freedom fighters.” (NOTE TO LIBERALS: Study your FREAKING history... See what appeasement did for Neville Chamberlain.)
And, I have formed my opinions. Liberalism is a mental disorder and needs to quarantined if this country is to be preserved. Not since the 1940's has this country faced so grave of a threat as the fifth column growing within our boarders knows as liberalism. We think that radical Islamic terrorists are a threat to our society, and make no mistake, they are, but when compared to several of our own Senators, Congressmen, and organizations like moveon.org, the terrorists are nothing.
Maybe you have noticed something as you have been reading this post... I have frequently used the term liberal but not once have I used the term Democrat. Where it is true that liberalism springs from the Democratic party, I do not believe that all Democrats are liberals. But what has happened to the Democratic party since the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency is simply this... The radical liberal elements of the Democratic party have taken control and usurped that which the Democratic party once was. In other words, this isn't the Democratic party of men like Franklin Roosevelt, or Harry Truman, or JFK. No... This is now a party controlled by degenerates. (And I think if you will look closely enough, you will find that a lot of the people now in control of the Democratic party have something in common... It's called the 1960's.)
This is a party that is not interested in the United States being a Republic, but instead would like us to be Socialist. This is the party of Political Correctness, Historic Revisionism, tolerance for Islam but not Christianity, the belief that killing an unborn child is good and killing a convicted child rapist/murderer is bad. This is a party that will tell you the ACLU is the next best thing to come along since buttered toast but the National Rifle Association is worse than the anti-Christ.
Just as I would not want to see the Republican Party controlled by the Christian Coalition, neither do I want to see the Democratic Party being controlled by the lunatic fringe currently in power. Even though I think that Pat Buchanan is a good man, and one who is contemplative and makes several good points a lot of the time, I would not want to see him as President of the United States because I find him to be too far to one side. I'm not even going to get into what I've thought about liberal candidates over the past 25 years.
This is really quite simple... The American people need to take back control of their country from the far left and the far right. We need to step in and say enough. We can not afford to have this country run by inmates. We can NOT afford to have knee jerk reactionaries playing God with our country. We can not afford to buy fully into the “party line” and expect this country to survive. But what does this mean? It means people need to get involved. They are going to have to become informed on issues and then act with the information they have at hand. But the key to this is being informed. (Let's face it, the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was well meaning, but has done a great disservice to our country. The simple fact is that a vast majority of the citizens of this country are simply to ignorant to be out voting for the future of our society.)
If you are a Democrat, I implore you to reconsider your allegiance to your party as it currently exists. Either take it back, or help the rest of us who prefer common sense to help define this country.
If you are a liberal... You have my sympathies. Maybe you can change. Maybe some day research will lead us to a cure for your malady. Maybe you will “move on” out of the country to a place where your ideologies (no matter how well intentioned they may be) will no longer harm this country and cause me grief. Maybe you will wake up and realize that once again, you are on the wrong side of history and if you stay your present course, your ultimate destruction will be as assured as the rest of us you are dragging down with you.
7.21.2006
Another Week Closer To Death
Well, a least the past week has been, well, um, it's been.
Spent last weekend with my son which is always cool. Lost a tire on the car. Had another tire put on the car. Found out an old friend wasn't going to make it into town after all - because of a car. (Maybe it's like 'Devil Car' or something...) Haven't been able to sleep very well, which leaves me tired an in a foul mood. And... Just when I think that maybe progress is being made with my estranged significant other, I manage to, once again, do something to irritate her.
And this morning I get up, start dressing for work, go to put my dress shoes on, and found out a cat had yakked in one of them.
I wonder what next week will be like...
Spent last weekend with my son which is always cool. Lost a tire on the car. Had another tire put on the car. Found out an old friend wasn't going to make it into town after all - because of a car. (Maybe it's like 'Devil Car' or something...) Haven't been able to sleep very well, which leaves me tired an in a foul mood. And... Just when I think that maybe progress is being made with my estranged significant other, I manage to, once again, do something to irritate her.
And this morning I get up, start dressing for work, go to put my dress shoes on, and found out a cat had yakked in one of them.
I wonder what next week will be like...
7.13.2006
7.10.2006
South Park Caricature
Ok... Thanks to The Lonely Infidel, I had to try this site he posted that allows you to make South Park caricatures. So, the following would be me in South Park...
Hit the link above to his site if you'd like to try this for yourself...
7.08.2006
My Theme Song........???
I "stole" this off of Winter's Blog, and it seems to be geared towards women, but... It fits... I was actually thinking "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars" myself...
| Your Theme Song is Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd |
 "There is no pain, you are receding. A distant ship's smoke on the horizon. You are only coming through in waves. |
7.03.2006
Let Freedom Ring!
“Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
The Star Spangled Banner
By Francis Scott Key
On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, PA, a document penned by Thomas Jefferson was approved by the Continental Congress. The original ideal of the Continental Congress was to draft a letter that declared the United Colonies to no longer be subject to the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain, and to stipulate that said colonies were free and independent. This document became known to the world as The Declaration of Independence. If you know anything about American history, then you know what followed over the next seven years. And if for some reason you don’t know, please go and educate yourself about the American Revolutionary War.
The Fourth of July… Independence Day… Maybe the greatest secular holiday celebrated in this country. A day that passed with little fan fare a year after the original document was signed. In fact, it was only celebrated in Philadelphia with a ceremonial dinner, bells, bonfires, and…fireworks. (In 1788, Philadelphia held a grand celebration on the Fourth of July as this year also marked the ratification of the Constitution.) Boston had adopted the celebration in 1783, and eventually, this patriotic celebration spread throughout the land with parades, patriotic displays, picnics, and fireworks. In other words, it continues to be celebrated much as it was over two hundred years ago.
Ask yourself, now, why you celebrate this particular holiday. I hope that your answer isn’t something as simple as you like to see fireworks make pretty colors in the sky, or that you like it just because it’s another day you don’t have to go to work, or because you like stuffing your face with Carnie food. (FYI… I like the color displays, I like not having to work, and I like a smothered foot long hot dog as much as anyone else.)
But, in my not so humble opinion, this holiday should not be about food, or fun, or taking the day off. This holiday should be a day for reflection, for appreciation, and for thanks. This is a day in history that a minority group stood up and said, “Enough!! We’re not going to take this unjust treatment anymore! We’re through! It’s our turn now!” This little band of rebels stood up to the Empire against all odds and fought. They fought for freedoms they had never had before, for ideals that were not approved of by the government, and for a way of life that was fair and just. They fought… Men died… And a new nation was born… “…conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
And two hundred and thirty years later, I was able to take my son to see a fireworks display in small town America so he could see the colors in the sky, and listen to his father whisper in his ear about how his country came to exist. Does he remember that right now? No… All he remembers are the “pretty colors.” But some day, he will know, and he will remember, just like his father does now because of how my father raised me, and taught me from a very early age.
Many have died over the course of this countries history to ensure we still enjoy the freedoms we have today. I would imagine that many more may die to ensure it is never taken away from us. From Lexington & Concord, New Orleans, Bull Run & Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, through France & Germany, Korea, Viet Nam, Kuwait & Iraq, and Afghanistan, American's have fought and are fighting to keep our country free. Support them, honor them, and most importantly………thank them!
Remember this the next time you hear that the United States has no business fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by foreign forces. The last official count I saw on the deaths caused was 2,819. To find a single day death toll greater than this number you would have to go back to the American Civil War and revisit Antietam where we lost about 4000 men (Union and Confederate – Americans either way). To compare, the United States lost 2,403 lives the last time the She was attacked by surprise at Pearl Harbor.
Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” The truth is that price exacts even a greater toll. It also needs sacrifice, honor, and dedication. And it needs the support of the American people.
My Fellow Americans!!!! Join me on this day, July 4, our Independence Day in celebrating our Country, our Flag, our Troops, and OUR FREEDOM!!!!
I leave you with a quote from a most controversial person... Think long and hard about what he says and how correct he was:
"What luck for the rulers that men do not think..." -- Adolf Hitler
6.30.2006
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
It was 1984. It was an interesting year for me to say the least and one that had profound impact on the course of my life.
But in this entry, I will only focus on one small event from that period 22 years ago; the beginning of something that has left an indelible mark on the literary world and continues to have relevance.
The first book in the now infamous DragonLance series, Dragons of Autumn Twilight, was released in April of that year. Already an avid player in the worlds of AD&D, it was only fitting that I procure this tome as it was a new world with new adventures set within the growing AD&D universe. The authors, Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman, did not disappoint.
Why the sudden mention of this, you might inquire? The answer is simple… I was just reading my daily dose of SCI FI Wire News and noticed an article dealing with the emenint release of an animated motion picture in the fall of 2007. True, that a movie was in the works is not “new” news, but I now consider it a given since SCI FI has made mention of the event.
I personally hope for an IMAX release… It would be well worth shilling out the cash for such an experience.
____________________________________________________________
'Hope is the denial of reality. It is the carrot dangled before the draft horse to keep him plodding along in a vain attempt to reach it.'
'Are you saying we should just give up?' Tanis asked, irritably tossing the bark away.
'I'm saying we should remove the carrot and walk forward with our eyes open,' Raistlin answered.
'Are you saying we should just give up?' Tanis asked, irritably tossing the bark away.
'I'm saying we should remove the carrot and walk forward with our eyes open,' Raistlin answered.
____________________________________________________________
6.29.2006
But What To Say...
I have never had cause to correspond with an incarcerated individual. In retrospect, I am thinking this is a good thing as it would seem, prima facie, that during the course of my life I have made wise decisions in those I call friend. This is not, however, to say that I have not the occasional lapse in good judgment or at the very least, my perceptions and intuitions have failed me, but all in all, the odds have favored me.
Twice so far, someone I called friend has committed an act that has greatly offended my sensibilities.
The first time this happened, the betrayal was against me personally, and my only thought was to remove the person from the planet. And to be totally honest, I still feel the same way every time I pause to think about the incident. The motto of the Montresors in Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado – Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity) – has always been a personal favorite of mine. But I digress… Needless to say, the “friendship” was, is, and forever shall be dead to me.
The second time this happened, the betrayal was against me, but not personally. It was against my perceptions of someone I have known for more than a quarter of a century and it was the actions against others – of the type most reviled in our society - that I could not condone. And at present, their lack of control and judgment is being punished in the form of a multi-year incarceration.
Letters have been sent by this person to those of us who are known friends. To date, I know of no letters that have been drafted from us and returned in kind. The most recent letter received today indicates a high level of despair, longing, and need from our friend for some means of moral support. And yet… What do I say?
How is life behind bars suiting you? Made friends with any of the other offenders there yet? Anyone made you their “personal” friend yet? What is the shower scene like? How is the food? Heard from anyone else in the family, or have they pretty much disavowed you? What the HELL is wrong with you?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Well… We are friends… Nothing is going to change that simple fact. There is no requirement of friendship that stipulates one must like, understand, or condone any action taken by the other. So, I have been remiss and I need to make amends.
But what to say…
Twice so far, someone I called friend has committed an act that has greatly offended my sensibilities.
The first time this happened, the betrayal was against me personally, and my only thought was to remove the person from the planet. And to be totally honest, I still feel the same way every time I pause to think about the incident. The motto of the Montresors in Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado – Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity) – has always been a personal favorite of mine. But I digress… Needless to say, the “friendship” was, is, and forever shall be dead to me.
The second time this happened, the betrayal was against me, but not personally. It was against my perceptions of someone I have known for more than a quarter of a century and it was the actions against others – of the type most reviled in our society - that I could not condone. And at present, their lack of control and judgment is being punished in the form of a multi-year incarceration.
Letters have been sent by this person to those of us who are known friends. To date, I know of no letters that have been drafted from us and returned in kind. The most recent letter received today indicates a high level of despair, longing, and need from our friend for some means of moral support. And yet… What do I say?
How is life behind bars suiting you? Made friends with any of the other offenders there yet? Anyone made you their “personal” friend yet? What is the shower scene like? How is the food? Heard from anyone else in the family, or have they pretty much disavowed you? What the HELL is wrong with you?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Well… We are friends… Nothing is going to change that simple fact. There is no requirement of friendship that stipulates one must like, understand, or condone any action taken by the other. So, I have been remiss and I need to make amends.
But what to say…
6.27.2006
Sui Caedere
"...But everything I can't remember
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means..." -- Staind
No, these lyrics in It's Been Awhile by Staind aren't about suicide... But they could, I think, make up a core feeling in a song about suicide. I mean, it's not like there aren't enough songs out there on the subject, but still...
Anyone ever thought about suicide? No, I don't mean, have you thought about offing yourself. Have you just ever simply stopped to think about suicide, what it is, and why it has a presence that transcends all cultures, religions, and philosophies?
If for nothing else, it is an interesting concept in that in all of the species known to the world, suicide is only practiced by humans. No other creature known will kill itself simply for the sake of having the desire to cease to exist. Let’s try that again… No other form of animal or insect known by man will act to kill itself simply for the sake of ending its existence. Why?
Isn’t man supposed to be at the very top of the food chain? Are we not the most intellectual species know to the planet? We use tools, we have created vast civilizations, we can adapt to live in any region on the planet, we can split the atom, and we’ve walked on the moon…. And yet… We are the only living things that will also terminate our own existence in the universe.
Some cultures reject suicide for legal reasons, or religious reasons, or for whatever reason. Some cultures consider it to be honorable. Some consider it acceptable when ‘X’ is the reason, but not because of ‘Y’ or ‘Z.’ Some could care less…
What do we think of people who commit suicide? That they are: selfish, stupid, enlightened, depressed, unbalance, evil, damned, saved, better off, worse off, brave, cowards, vindictive, hopeless….what else?
How do we feel about the person who wants to commit suicide to get back at his ex-wife for having to pay so much money in support?
How do we feel about the 95 year old in the nursing home in pain most of the waking hours, who can no longer see well enough to read or watch TV, or hear to listen to radio or music, and is confined to a wheelchair, but is to weak to move themselves around and wants to commit suicide?
How do we feel about the person who simply has had enough of life and living in this world and is tired of plodding through life day after day after day after...
Tired… Tired of thinking… Tired of feeling… Tired of the endless struggle… Tired of… Consequences...
As fucked up as it all may seem
The consequences that I've rendered
I've stretched myself beyond my means..." -- Staind
No, these lyrics in It's Been Awhile by Staind aren't about suicide... But they could, I think, make up a core feeling in a song about suicide. I mean, it's not like there aren't enough songs out there on the subject, but still...
Anyone ever thought about suicide? No, I don't mean, have you thought about offing yourself. Have you just ever simply stopped to think about suicide, what it is, and why it has a presence that transcends all cultures, religions, and philosophies?
If for nothing else, it is an interesting concept in that in all of the species known to the world, suicide is only practiced by humans. No other creature known will kill itself simply for the sake of having the desire to cease to exist. Let’s try that again… No other form of animal or insect known by man will act to kill itself simply for the sake of ending its existence. Why?
Isn’t man supposed to be at the very top of the food chain? Are we not the most intellectual species know to the planet? We use tools, we have created vast civilizations, we can adapt to live in any region on the planet, we can split the atom, and we’ve walked on the moon…. And yet… We are the only living things that will also terminate our own existence in the universe.
Some cultures reject suicide for legal reasons, or religious reasons, or for whatever reason. Some cultures consider it to be honorable. Some consider it acceptable when ‘X’ is the reason, but not because of ‘Y’ or ‘Z.’ Some could care less…
What do we think of people who commit suicide? That they are: selfish, stupid, enlightened, depressed, unbalance, evil, damned, saved, better off, worse off, brave, cowards, vindictive, hopeless….what else?
How do we feel about the person who wants to commit suicide to get back at his ex-wife for having to pay so much money in support?
How do we feel about the 95 year old in the nursing home in pain most of the waking hours, who can no longer see well enough to read or watch TV, or hear to listen to radio or music, and is confined to a wheelchair, but is to weak to move themselves around and wants to commit suicide?
How do we feel about the person who simply has had enough of life and living in this world and is tired of plodding through life day after day after day after...
Tired… Tired of thinking… Tired of feeling… Tired of the endless struggle… Tired of… Consequences...
6.22.2006
Balo!!! Eat My Freaking Shorts!!!!
How time truly slips away… I actually enjoy taking part in the phenomena of the blogging. It is a good way to get some of my thoughts out of my head. It is a good way to “hear” the thoughts of people who matter to me. It is a good way to find out what other people have on their mind… Which usually ends up having the result of putting more thoughts in my head; filling up the space I emptied in the first place. No wonder I can’t keep my head clear these days.
I’ve noticed for a long time now, however, that I haven’t been paying attention to the World of Blog. It’s not because I’m not interested… It’s not because I have no desire to participate… I just simply haven’t had the energy. That’s actually strange for me as I’ve always maintained a very active on-line presence going way back before the time of the Internet. (Anyone remember FIDO Net?)
No… It’s been a matter of energy. And it has been impacting far more than my blogging. It’s been noticeable all over the place. And there’s been this damn dizziness… And other things… So… I figured it was about time to try and find out what the problem might be which required a little trip to the doctor.
[/INTERLUDE] I’m sitting here watching an old Billy Idol video, “To Be A Lover,” and I can’t help but notice… Just how totally cool 80’s music videos really were. I mean, I remember seeing this when it came out in the mid-80’s on MTV. When MTV still ran music videos. [/INTERLUDE OFF]
So Dr. Howse (no affiliation with, or resemblance to, Dr. House) sends me off to the vampires so they can run a few blood tests. General stuff… And those came back in and now it’s off for more targeted tests. I’m like, OK, so what are you targeting? (Talking to the nurse at the time…) And she’s being a little vague on the specifics… Having that whole, “Well… Let’s conduct the tests and see what the results are before we draw conclusions…” attitude and tone in her voice, which was starting to annoy me, but hell, right now, almost anything and everything is annoying me… And I had an epiphany… And I said, “You think I’m diabetic…” Pause in conversation… Response, “Well, yes, that what it looks like but we don’t want to alarm you…”
Now, I was at a client site working on some communications issues and had walked outside to take this call… It’s hot… It’s humid… I had just gotten off the phone about three minutes before the docs office called after getting into a screaming match with an idiot working for Ameritech, uh, SBC, uh, AT&T…yeah, AT&T now, because they hadn’t properly punched down a new T1 at their Central Office…a line that is already FIVE FREAKING WEEKS OVER DUE…and we had been PROMISED that it would be ready and operational before 10:00 a.m. this morning…and now here I am hearing that I most likely have a disease that is the number six killer in the U.S. All I could say was simply… “Well…. FUCK!”
Of course, I apologized, but she told me that it was quite alright and how a good number of patients say something very similar when hearing something like this, and that, in fact, she’d most likely utter about the same.
[/INTERLUDE II] Still watching videos… B.O.C.’s Burning For You. Love It!!! They did this song during the last concert I saw. [/INTERLUDE II OFF]
Well… The good thing is I can look forward to feeling better…eventually. Which would be good, since it’s been way, way, way, dare I say once again, way…to long since I took the time to bore anyone with my little corner of the multi-verse. I have a few other things I could go into… But that’s another entry for another day.
I’ve noticed for a long time now, however, that I haven’t been paying attention to the World of Blog. It’s not because I’m not interested… It’s not because I have no desire to participate… I just simply haven’t had the energy. That’s actually strange for me as I’ve always maintained a very active on-line presence going way back before the time of the Internet. (Anyone remember FIDO Net?)
No… It’s been a matter of energy. And it has been impacting far more than my blogging. It’s been noticeable all over the place. And there’s been this damn dizziness… And other things… So… I figured it was about time to try and find out what the problem might be which required a little trip to the doctor.
[/INTERLUDE] I’m sitting here watching an old Billy Idol video, “To Be A Lover,” and I can’t help but notice… Just how totally cool 80’s music videos really were. I mean, I remember seeing this when it came out in the mid-80’s on MTV. When MTV still ran music videos. [/INTERLUDE OFF]
So Dr. Howse (no affiliation with, or resemblance to, Dr. House) sends me off to the vampires so they can run a few blood tests. General stuff… And those came back in and now it’s off for more targeted tests. I’m like, OK, so what are you targeting? (Talking to the nurse at the time…) And she’s being a little vague on the specifics… Having that whole, “Well… Let’s conduct the tests and see what the results are before we draw conclusions…” attitude and tone in her voice, which was starting to annoy me, but hell, right now, almost anything and everything is annoying me… And I had an epiphany… And I said, “You think I’m diabetic…” Pause in conversation… Response, “Well, yes, that what it looks like but we don’t want to alarm you…”
Now, I was at a client site working on some communications issues and had walked outside to take this call… It’s hot… It’s humid… I had just gotten off the phone about three minutes before the docs office called after getting into a screaming match with an idiot working for Ameritech, uh, SBC, uh, AT&T…yeah, AT&T now, because they hadn’t properly punched down a new T1 at their Central Office…a line that is already FIVE FREAKING WEEKS OVER DUE…and we had been PROMISED that it would be ready and operational before 10:00 a.m. this morning…and now here I am hearing that I most likely have a disease that is the number six killer in the U.S. All I could say was simply… “Well…. FUCK!”
Of course, I apologized, but she told me that it was quite alright and how a good number of patients say something very similar when hearing something like this, and that, in fact, she’d most likely utter about the same.
[/INTERLUDE II] Still watching videos… B.O.C.’s Burning For You. Love It!!! They did this song during the last concert I saw. [/INTERLUDE II OFF]
Well… The good thing is I can look forward to feeling better…eventually. Which would be good, since it’s been way, way, way, dare I say once again, way…to long since I took the time to bore anyone with my little corner of the multi-verse. I have a few other things I could go into… But that’s another entry for another day.
5.03.2006
Horrible Sci-Fi At It's Worse!
Please note this image is brought to you complements of a thought another random slacker put into my head. Enjoy!
5.02.2006
There are those who believe… That life here… Began out there.
And so began the narration to, at the time, what was the biggest budget pilot episode of a television series ever to air: Battlestar Galactica
I remember the day very well… September 17, 1978. It was a Saturday. When the show started, I was enthralled and became an instant loyal fan…one might even say fanatical. Yeah, the show had similar story line problems of a lot of 70’s shows, but still… It was cool, I loved the look of the Galactica (still one of my most favorite space ship designs) and I really hated when they canceled the show. (I won’t even mention the disaster known as Galactica: 1980… We had high hopes, but it simply sucked scummy pond water.)
For many, many years I had dreamed of somehow this show being brought back. As the years went by, however, it seemed less and less likely that we would ever see more of this show. Then, I saw where Richard Hatch was trying to revive the franchise by doing a continuation of the original show set many years later with the fleet still searching for Earth. I understand that several of the original cast were interested, and then… Bam! It was announced that indeed, Battlestar Galactica was coming back!!!!!! As a re-imaged production…
I wasn’t sure what to think of that at the time since many of these “re-imaged” shows end up not being very good… Witness Planet of the Apes… But… Still… After over twenty years, it was coming back. To the Sci-Fi channel.
That took care of the issue for me… I wouldn’t be watching. I haven’t subscribed to cable T.V. for about three years now. I was spending over $1000 and still sitting around going, “There’s nothing on T.V.!” And, I was never around the house to watch a lot of T.V. anyway, so I had ditched it and went back to the good old fashion antenna. Local programming only…
Ok… So two seasons of the new Galactica has come and gone, and I have seen every once in awhile stories on how great this new show is, how well it is doing, and I’ve wondered… What is it really like… So, I finally decided it was time to find out.
I researched the episode guide, and I settled on three that dealt with a Battlestar Pegasus story arc. Using today’s technology I, uh, “acquired” these three episodes and watched them tonight. All I can say is, WOW! Once again I felt like a little kid, enthralled by the magic that is known as science fiction. Here are solid story lines, with exceptional characters, good effects, and it simply reaches out, takes hold of you, and draws you into their universe. SO… Maybe it’s time to get cable again. Even if it’s only for this one show.
For now, I’m currently, uh, acquiring more episodes to view until I can get the DVD’s.
I remember the day very well… September 17, 1978. It was a Saturday. When the show started, I was enthralled and became an instant loyal fan…one might even say fanatical. Yeah, the show had similar story line problems of a lot of 70’s shows, but still… It was cool, I loved the look of the Galactica (still one of my most favorite space ship designs) and I really hated when they canceled the show. (I won’t even mention the disaster known as Galactica: 1980… We had high hopes, but it simply sucked scummy pond water.)
For many, many years I had dreamed of somehow this show being brought back. As the years went by, however, it seemed less and less likely that we would ever see more of this show. Then, I saw where Richard Hatch was trying to revive the franchise by doing a continuation of the original show set many years later with the fleet still searching for Earth. I understand that several of the original cast were interested, and then… Bam! It was announced that indeed, Battlestar Galactica was coming back!!!!!! As a re-imaged production…
I wasn’t sure what to think of that at the time since many of these “re-imaged” shows end up not being very good… Witness Planet of the Apes… But… Still… After over twenty years, it was coming back. To the Sci-Fi channel.
That took care of the issue for me… I wouldn’t be watching. I haven’t subscribed to cable T.V. for about three years now. I was spending over $1000 and still sitting around going, “There’s nothing on T.V.!” And, I was never around the house to watch a lot of T.V. anyway, so I had ditched it and went back to the good old fashion antenna. Local programming only…
Ok… So two seasons of the new Galactica has come and gone, and I have seen every once in awhile stories on how great this new show is, how well it is doing, and I’ve wondered… What is it really like… So, I finally decided it was time to find out.
I researched the episode guide, and I settled on three that dealt with a Battlestar Pegasus story arc. Using today’s technology I, uh, “acquired” these three episodes and watched them tonight. All I can say is, WOW! Once again I felt like a little kid, enthralled by the magic that is known as science fiction. Here are solid story lines, with exceptional characters, good effects, and it simply reaches out, takes hold of you, and draws you into their universe. SO… Maybe it’s time to get cable again. Even if it’s only for this one show.
For now, I’m currently, uh, acquiring more episodes to view until I can get the DVD’s.
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