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Monday, November 29, 2004

Late night ramble and rant

Ok, the Thanksgiving hiatus is over, and I've been once more goaded to action by the sharp, pointy stick of injustice Tom keeps in his cubicle as a means to annoy me to the point of posting (everyone say "thanks, tom" together now).

Don't you ever get tired of listening to us Liberals rant and rave about the wrongs this administration commits? Aww.. Come on, you know you don't! If it weren't for us 48% no one would know their elbow from their.. Well, you get the point there. It's the liberals who counter balance the neocons.. Without a good dose of liberal, "conservative morals" would dominate everything. Scary thought, that. Granted too liberal is bad too. Somewhere one must strike a balance and find the path between zealous "moral" conservative and bleeding heart liberal. One who seems to do just that is Bull Moose (a link found to the right on your screen. I highly recommend it and obviously Tom does as well since he Blogrolled him). His words describing Bush's lack of political action that would benefit America over the neocon party are striking, and well crafted.

"Ever since 9/11, the Moose has been struck that the President has lacked any political imagination to expand his base beyond the narrow limitations set by the conservative elements of his party. Whether the issues are tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy or a genuine national service initiative, the President has never sought to build a unity politics of national greatness. That brief shining moment in the days and weeks after 9/11 was quickly lost as the President just urged Americans to "shop" and the Administration continued to pursue tax cuts even in the face of a war." - Bull Moose

Followed by a blistering comment: "He has yet to challenge the Hastert Rule which mandates that the elephant comes before the flag."

This gentleman is indeed a moderate, but he calls them like he sees them. And I'm definitely inclined to agree on these statements. Bush has placed party politics above the needs of Americans.

How you ask? How about basically forcing Powell to resign by his lack of support? Or perhaps handing that position over to a individual who lacks the creative mind or the will to protect the American people? One can not ignore that Rice brushed aside the reports of an Al Qaeda attack on American soil pre-9/11.

We also must take a view at Bush's lack of action concerning the problems at home. Not to sound bitter, but my mutual fund didn't begin posting loss until Bush stepped into office... Ok, ok.. So he didn't cause that. Of course we can NOT blame all that is wrong in America, let alone the world on the shoulders of this one Texan. But we can not ignore that we do still have problems here at home that can not be solved by sending our troops off to die in some land where the majority of the populous views us as oppressive and hates us (not for our freedom.. but because we've blown up most of their country.. DUH!!). Diverting our attention from his lack of foreign policy and lack of caring towards social issues (unless it's that bad bad gay marriage thingy.. we all know Bush hates that issue. always good to oppress our citizens).

We still have rampant problems with social security (I doubt I'll have any when I retire). We still have racism and intolerance here. We still have more gun violence than almost all of our non-third world allies. We still have corrupt companies reaching into the pocket of their employees so the CEOs can buy that new house, go on that extended vacation, or whatever rich people do. We still have in intelligence agency that can not pull its head from the sand of 9/11. We still have shipments arriving to docks and wharves being unchecked. We still have firefighters, policemen, and teachers who are horribly under paid. There will come a day when these issues will be viewed, and maybe then we will see the shock and awe we were told to expect from the beginning of this "war." The shock and awe of how we have neglected these issues, and that our children will live worse than we have if we don't fix it.

No, huddled masses, we are not so perfect that we should mold another country into our image. But yet, we are not so bad, so far from all that is good that there is no hope.

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

Pharyngula::Joining the masses clamoring to deface books

This is just too good. I'm so tired of people who are unable or unwilling to understand exactly what a scientific theory is. In fact, I'm just simply tired of ignorance and closed-minded reactionaries.

Pharyngula::Joining the masses clamoring to deface books

Fight the good fight!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been away from the PC for the last couple of days, but not much new to report anyway. For you regulars out there, I'd like to point out the new terror level alert indicator in the right-hand column of this site. I stumbled across this today and decided that it was funnier and a bit more amusing. The previous one is simply a little too politically biting, and besides, what's better than Aqua Teen Hunger Force?!?!?

Thanks for reading. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend. I hope to post again on Sunday.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

FCC thoughts...

Mr. James Wolcott has an interesting theory on the FCC here.

While I typically find his blog extremely interesting and very intelligent, I'm not sure getting rid of the FCC is the right answer to this antiquated censor machine.

While I am completely for freedom of speech, I'm not too sure about allowing anything and everything to be said or done on TV. At least not until we can get a v-chip installed in every TV. I do believe it is NOT my job to monitor what your kids see or hear. It is YOUR job. Do it well and they will be exposed to proper things. Do it poorly by sitting your 4 year old in front of the TV all day as a baby sitter and reap the rewards.

I'm not saying the FCC isn't a over-blown, power hungry beast bent on controlling when, how and what we watch on our TVs... But maybe we should just re-work the current system. Or perhaps... Maybe some people should be worried more about something more important than Terrel Owens and Nicollette Sheridan doing a poorly acted spoof of a very popular TV show. Don't we have more to worry about in the world? Well according to the FCC and a few key Right Wingers... I guess not. Basically, you should censor what you and your family view.

Huddled masses.. It shouldn't be up to some over paid, old fat white man to decide. Even though it is...

Negotiators Add Abortion Clause to Spending Bill

I just read the following in this morning's New York Times online edition:

"House and Senate negotiators have tucked a potentially far-reaching anti-abortion provision into a $388 billion must-pass spending bill, complicating plans for Congress to wrap up its business and adjourn for the year."

"The abortion language would bar federal, state and local agencies from withholding taxpayer money from health care providers that refuse to provide or pay for abortions or refuse to offer abortion counseling or referrals. Current federal law, aimed at protecting Roman Catholic doctors, provides such "conscience protection'' to doctors who do not want to undergo abortion training. The new language would expand that protection to all health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, clinics and insurers."

This is simply unacceptable. This is just the next step toward overturning Roe v. Wade. And even without overturning it, this measure would allow personal politics at the managerial levels of hospitals to override a woman's right to choose. Please do what you can to fight this by contacting your Congressional representatives--House and Senate.

Here is the full article:
The New York Times > Washington > Negotiators Add Abortion Clause to Spending Bill

Friday, November 19, 2004

Is this our America still?

We are a nation based on freedoms. We are a nation geared to promote freedom around the globe through diplomatic and military action. We are a nation of free thinkers and hard workers. We are a nation the world looks to for how to set right what once was wrong....

Not anymore.

We are a nation that should be ashamed. A nation of people numb to violence and the actions of our leaders. We are a nation hell bent on dictating how a good portion of our civilians will live their lifestyles. We are a nation now accused of war crimes by the United Nations.

"On Nov. 17, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for investigation of American war crimes in Fallujah..." - Paul Craig Roberts, Antiwar.com.

I'm hurt that our nation could be accused of this.. But I know that, sadly, it's probably true. After a Marine shot a captured (note: restrained), wounded and unarmed Iraqi.. I just don't know. Things are spinning out of control more and more as we continue our occupation of Iraq. I do support our troops, in so much that I wish all of them to come home safely. But it seems that the neocons are immune to the bloodshed.

The phrases "get some balls, stop being a wimp, etc etc.." are tossed around by our friends on the Right. But, really.. If you're so inclined to say such things, join up. The military would love for you to help them out. Or if you can't.. Sign your kids up! Help your cause with more than just words. If all you do is sit on the sidelines and talk without acting.. You're just a cheerleader. Who's the wuss now?

Huddled masses.. Uncle Sam needs you now! Write your congress person, take action, and take pride our country still has hope.

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Lookback Marys

Lookback Marys is my friend's band. If you live in Central Arkansas, you should definitely check them out.

A site worth checking out

Thought I'd share one more site. This site has some really good stuff on the war, and some news you wouldn't otherwise receive if you just watched the old "Fair and Ballanced" BS on tv.

Check it out.

Huddled masses, a quote to think on: Man has no right to kill his brother. It is no excuse that he does so in uniform: he only adds the infamy of servitude to the crime of murder.
– Percy Bysshe Shelley

Clinton Library

Opens today! While I'm stuck here in my rinky-dink job bored out of my skull there are hundreds of Celebs and dignitaries helping to celebrate the opening of this library. I personally feel this library is an excellent addition to Little Rock. This should bring about more renovation to the downtown area, leading to more jobs and over all a growth to Little Rock's population and economy.

I'm sure some of our more stubborn (read: conservatives) readers won't agree to this, since it is Clinton (a Dem.). But for the love of all that is good.. Put aside the party politics for a moment and just enjoy that something good is happening to a small city that could use some good publicity. Quit whining about Clinton's personal life, his "lack of morals," and anything else about Clinton that you hate. Also, please stop complaining about the roads being closed.. It's not like the roads that are closed were really all that great. If there wasn't construction on those roads already, I could understand a little whining.. But seriously, shut it.

Here's to Bubba and his new library. And hopefully a great improvement to our small, but fair city.

And just to rib Tom.. Huddled masses.. Get your read on.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Pre-Thanksgiving Hunger

Warning, do not read this article if you are already starting to feel the pangs of hunger. It has absolutely got my mouth watering in anticipation of my mom's wonderful bread stuffing with apples, celery, and sage and also for my father-in-law's delicious oyster cornbread dressing. Two places, two meals in two days, two delightfully different approaches to Thanksgiving Dinner. Damn, I'm hungry. Tryptophan and high carbohydrate side dishes, you are the devil, a wonderful, happy, delectable devil, and I love you.

The New York Times > Dining & Wine > There's Only One Stuffing: Ask Any Cook

What's on the menu at my families' dinner tables for Thanksgiving, you might ask?

Mom--Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, pan-fried candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole (my wife absolutely loathes this "old lady" church potluck dish), strawberry and cream cheese/nut ball jello salad (another dish loathed by my wife, but a childhood favorite of mine), and homemade pumpkin pie. Yum!

In-laws--Turkey, oyster cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, oven-baked sweet potatoes, green beans cooked with ham, a delicious green salad with fresh avocado, bread from this funky Italian bakery in Pittsburgh, Kansas, homemade mincemeat pie, and homemade pecan pie. Oh, and homemade wine, to boot.

I'm starting to cut back on my caloric intake already in anticipation of the most evil food weekend of the year.

Cheers!

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Condi Rice: Old Puppet, New Tricks

James Wolcott again pens the words that are stumbling around in my head. Watching Condi Rice give her acceptance speech (that's what it was, after all) made me sick to my stomach, particularly the bit about her "mentor" Colin Powell. It sounded all a little too shallow and too much like an actor who had just won an Academy Award. After all of her miscues, missteps, lies ("hundreds of Al-Qaeda leaders"), and no evidence of a backbone, we're supposed to believe that she will be an effective diplomat? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Secretary of State is supposed to be able to communicate policy and negotiate independently within the framework of that policy? It is obvious from this appointment that Bushco is getting exactly what they wanted in Colin Powell but didn't get, at least initially--a mouthpiece to do the dirty work of telling other nations to go to hell while smiling. Condi will be the best puppet ever!

Oddity

This is not what I expected to see while perusing MSNBC.com today. I honestly don't what to say other than, well crap, I don't know what to say.

Pentagon to Cut Off Boy Scouts From Bases

Pentagon to Cut Off Boy Scouts From Bases

So is this a "good" thing? I'm not so sure. I understand the point, I suppose, but I think that the ACLU is really reaching for straws. No, I'm not exactly thrilled with the dirty little secrets the Boy Scouts organization has been harboring, but it would seem that the ACLU could better spend their time going after groups and organizations that spread fear and hate and prosper from discrimination. The ACLU just gives liberals/progressives/whatever the hell we want to be called this week a bad name. It makes us look like the god-hating commies that the right depicts us as being. This is the kind of crap that steers me back to the center.

Words can not express...

Please be aware these are very graphic pics. I am in no way advocating the shock value of these photos in any way. Our media refuses to cover the real pain this war is causing. I honestly can't say anything about these.. The sadness and anger have mixed and left me without words.
here

Huddled masses.... Silence.

Monday, November 15, 2004

Beyond Red and Blue (Again)

This is an outstanding analysis of the election results as they relate to the 10 Regions of US Politics. Both the map and the analysis are courtesy of Robert David Sullivan. Dig deeply into the regional (cultural as well as geographical) analysis and one finds that the United States is much more complicated than the simple red and blue states paradigm that the ready-made national media outlets shove down our collective throat. I personally gained a much deeper understanding of where we are as a country. This should also help discourage some the simple stereotypes we have of people from different areas of the country, which is desperately needed if we are to get back to having real discourse again.

A sign?

It's gotta be hitting the fan. Powell resigns. Granted he was beginning to fall under influence of the Dark Side.. Ahh, hell.. He all but ruined his integrity by bowing to Bush's war. Sigh... Sad that he caved in. I always thought he had a serious chance at being the first Black President if he ran. We shall see, young padawans.

It was speculation for so long if he'd be canned or quit. I for one am glad he's leaving this administration behind. After serving so long and working so hard, perhaps it's time for a vacation. I mean, GWB takes plenty of vacations, why not let someone else who actually does work take one? Maybe now Powell can get back his morals and some common sense.

Which flows into.. Why the hell is Condi Rice even being considered?! She's got almost no chance at getting any other country to work with her for GWB's agenda. She'll have no power with most of the Middle Eastern nations.. And she sure as hell won't be able to help broker a peace between Palestine and Israel. So why her? Cause she's a GWB chicken hawk. Push, push, push for war and human rights violations, but couldn't care less about the people dying because of her poor choices.

Also, the monster is dead.. As if you didn't know. Arafat is gone and buried. I'll shed no tears for that man. Only in the vaguest sense did he work towards a Palestinian state. He placed his own political goals above those of his people. He used terrorists to push his "message." If there was ever a country that needed a new leader it is Palestine... And Israel. That conflict is long over-due for an ending. And I say, either put up the damn wall completely and never deal with the rest of the world. Or break down and admit that the Palestinians have a right to their own nation without the constant threat of an over-powering military blowing up their homes. No, I don't believe either side is right in it's methods or just in it's actions. But somewhere, something has got to give.

Warnings for the huddled masses... Duck, it's gonna hit the fan..

Sunday, November 14, 2004

Greatest Player ever!?

As I sit here watching God's gift to all football loving people.. HDTV! I listen to the announcers babble on about Jerry Rice being so great and such an inspiration to whatever team he's on. How he encourages everyone to work harder and be better. How's he's possibly the greatest player or receiver ever.

Wait.. Is this the same Rice that the same media darlings criticized after his Games with a Catch streak ended? The same one who we all knew threw a fit to get out of Oakland, but that was after he threw a fit to get out of San Fran.

Jerry Rice is the mold for all current WR.. Owens, Moss, etc.. The "my way or the highway" attitude of these receivers all stems from this one man. If he doesn't get his way, you'll know about it. He may not blow up on the sidelines like T.O. or run over a metermaid like Moss, but if you think he's not a pain in any coaches rear if he's not getting his way.. You're sadly mistaken.

Now I know you can't lay the entire blame on him, and I'm not disputing the numbers he's got. But, I am saying he quite possibly started the evolution of the wide receiver to more of a immature mindset. Also, when you say greatest ever, put a star by that.. I think there are plenty of other players who would easily fit that bill. You can't say greatest ever without mentioning Sweetness, or Sanders.. What about Montana, or Elway? You know Rice wouldn't have those numbers if not for Montana and Young. You think Rice would be so great with a quaterback like Ryan Leaf? No, he'd throw a tantrum until he was traded.

I say unto the huddled masses.. Go long!

Gun-Control

My take on gun-control is this: if one thinks that gun-control regulations are unreasonable and non-applicable based solely on the idea that the Bill of Rights should be read in terms of black and white, then one should read every amendment in it as such. Is anyone here a Libertarian? Not me, not Richard, so, anyone, anyone?

I don't cling to the idea of the militia clause, because it is not as clear-cut as people would like to believe. I am not an advocate of the idea that a person should not be able to defend himself in his own home; that argument is simply unreasonable and contradicts a statement in our country's other wonderful document, the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." I do, however, believe that rights come with responsibilities, and it is simply reckless to believe that gun manufacture, sales, ownership, and usage should be unregulated.

To strengthen my argument a bit let's take a quick look at some of the amendments in the Bill of Rights and review examples of how each is regulated or interpreted differently (ignored) in some way.

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

Wow, that's a lot to digest, isn't it? However, we know the following: a) The federal government has endorsed laws allowing for federal funding of faith-based initiatives--such laws state that the organization cannot actively promote certain religious beliefs or tenets in the administration of such initiatives, but this is hardly enforceable and it is naive to think that a homeless person going to a church to get some food and a shower doesn't realize that he is walking into a church, what with all of those crosses, bibles, and Jesus artwork all over the joint. b) Freedom of speech by individuals or the press is limited by libel laws such that one can't say something publicly that defames someone's character without facing some serious consequences. Nor can one yell "fire" or "bomb" (without evidence suggesting as such) in a public place without breaking a few laws. c) The freedom to assemble is highly regulated--most cities require permits in order to protest in a public place (not unreasonable, in my opinion).

Amendment IV--"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Patriot Act. Need I say anything else?

Amendment VI--"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."

"Speedy" has been interpreted several ways by different judiciaries.

Amendment X--"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."

Through some very creative legislation, the Federal government did just this with the Drinking Age Act of 1984. By essentially threatening the states with a reduction in Federal-aid highway funds unless the states raised the legal drinking age to 21 the Federal government performed a run-around on states' rights. There is an abundance of similar examples, but this one in particular is one of the more notable laws.

As one can clearly see, many Amendments in the Bill of Rights are open to interpretation and regulation, so it is not, in my estimation, unreasonable to expect that the Second Amendment would be subject to the same treatment.

A not so secret.. SECRET!

Ok.. Let me ask you all dedicated readers: How exactly is a secret attack secret if you broadcast it over every news station across the face of God's now semi-green Earth?

Not to denigrate (a favorite term amoung our Convervative friends) our military forces.. But when did we start letting the news media cover our secret plans to attack someone or someplace? I mean, come on people! Everyone in Fal-whatever-ja knew so far in advance that the US was massing troops in a "secret" location outside of the city. Can we maybe get the "embedded" reporters to shut the hell up for just a few days?

First they won't report any real news, like how bad things could be (that's right... i didn't say how bad they are! so get off my back!). And now they go into feeding frenzy mode when we're plotting a secret attack. "Phantom Fury" my.. Well, I'll just say there was nothing Phantom like about it.

To the huddled masses I say... Shhhh, it's a secret.

The New York Times > Opinion > Editorial Observer: 15 Years After the Wall Came Down, the Ghosts Abound in Berlin

This fine column written by Serge Schmemann was printed a few days ago, but is very much worth the read. It is interesting to note how the evils of the past are reconciled within our present-day experience. What and who are we willing to forgive in order to forge on with our lives, yet at what cost? How do you we remember atrocities without tarnishing the future? I have no answers.

Saturday, November 13, 2004

Saturday Morning and I'm Awake?

No entries yesterday; how disappointing. It's halftime of the Tottenham-Arsenal game (booo to those Gooners!). I generally don't get up at 6:00 AM on a Saturday to watch soccer/football unless it's Man Utd playing. I couldn't resist getting up, however, for the hope of Arsenal losing to a cross-town rival. This is kind of like being a Tennessee Volunteers fan and willing yourself to watch Auburn play Alabama--it doesn't exactly leave a good taste in your mouth. The second half is about to start and I'm hungry. Maybe there will be something of more substance later. :)

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Vet. Day

I sit here watching "Saving Private Ryan" on my fiancee's incredibly crappy small tv. It makes me remember that my grandfather served in WWII. He helped clean up concentration camps. He never spoke of what he saw, or did from that time. I'm also reminded my father served in Korea and my uncle in Vietnam. My family has a rather proud (albeit short compared to others) history of service, even if they refused to discuss the events (which under the situations, can't be blame).

I think even the most hardened left and right wingers should for certain days, set aside our fundamental differences to honor those veterans who served and those who still are. No, I still haven't changed my opinion on Iraq, or my conservative friend's misguided ideologies. But, I can take a day or two to sit back and honor those who deserve it.

In closing I have a quote for the huddled masses..

"Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain

A cartoon that amuses me..

Tom's posted Turn Signals On a Landraider.. And it's funny.

But my inner nerd speaks to me.. It tells me to enlighten you all to...

The Order of The Stick

And on a side note.. Does anyone miss Calvin and Hobbs? I sure as hell do! Bill Waterson was masterful on so many levels. Sure we've got some good ones like Boondocks, and Garfield is still around.. But man, Calvin and Hobbs was pure gold classic.

read, enjoy, visit this site more.

Huddled masses.. Rejoice for we have given you entertainment.

Head shaking and finger pointing

You ever have that moment when you're a little kid and your parents leave the house with you in it for the first time? Feels great at first.. You've got the whole house to yourself, time for some fun! Right? Then you kinda realize you're there alone. It's a pretty big house, and that episode of Crypt Keeper (bear with me folks.. I?m going where with this) was awfully scary about the kids staying at home alone.. And the serial killer/ghost/demon/whatever shows up and ends up getting them. Yea, anyway.. Basically, America is the kid home alone in the big house right now.

Yup.. Mom (England, mainly cause Tony Blair always struck me as kinda girly) and Dad (insert other semi-powerful country.. like France, their women are kinda "manly" if you believe the current administration?s lies) are leaving. England won't be down with G-W-B for much longer. Blair isn't so popular that he can't be replaced by someone more anti-Bush, and the more British troops that die in Iraq the less support Blair gets. Remember, their media isn't so controlled by the government, so they get to see when the poop hits the fan more often.

What Bushco has done is alienate the world. I can hear you now, you conservative zealots. "We don't need them! They're cowards! Etc.." Let see... We don't need anyone else since we're so self-sufficient. Since we make everything here in the good ole US of A. Yup, we'll be fine once we've cut off the rest of the world. Sure enough we don't need our big screen TVs, our super fast computers, or even our gas guzzling SUVs (sure.. keep believing Ford is all American made if you're so inclined...). And once we've cut off the rest of the world, we'll be exactly where "they" want us. They being the terrorists, they being Bushco who thinks everyone else is wrong, they being the individuals who would like to see America fall. I dare say.. Should we not refer to Bush as Nero? Hand that man a fiddle so he can play as America burns.

Maybe I'm being too harsh.. I mean, a useless war, poor economy, and all the smoke we have blown up our not-so-respected asses. You'd think some conservative would have a moment of clarity. But, I'm not holding my breath. And of course, any conservative reading this will say I'm just another left wing, nut job, hippie. Lord forbid I have an opinion other than the one fed to me by Bushco's media.

And I say unto the huddled masses.. Burn baby, burn. *goes back to work to the sound of a fiddle*

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Lunchtime...

...and I just happen to run across this food article in today's New York Times. I consider myself as having a very open mind (and developed palate) when it comes to food, and the ramen noodle dishes described here are just making me look at my reheated leftovers as the less-than-desirable remains that they are. I just emailed my wife and proclaimed that this is something we will have to experience when we go to Japan (I can dream, right?). At the very least we will have to try the New York variety out when we make it there for a vacation.

Party in My Cube, Day Two

Working, working hard, because it is hard work...

But that doesn't mean one can't groove to the tunes of David Bowie's Heathen. Released in 2002, this definitely marks a return to more "traditional" Bowie. Quirky, fairly straight-forward rock with some electronic effects thrown in for good measure combined with signature Bowie lyrics makes for a good CD. Now I'm really wishing I had a copy of Reality with me because that is a great CD.

Back to work...

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

There's a Party in My Cube

OK, so not really. I am actually working, though this 30 minute pause to update the blog is stretching into 40, err, 50 minutes, OK, OK, an hour, but I'm about caught up with all that needs to be done.

I have been dusting off several old CDs in my collection recently. As I type I am listening to Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral. For some reason it doesn't even sound close to dated even though it was released ten years ago. I guess Trent Reznor really knew what he was doing. This music still gives me chills.

And here's another blast from the, well, more recent past. "I wish I was a neutron bomb; for once I could go off." Kinda summarizes how a lot of people felt recently, huh? Anyone able to name the artist and song (like I actually have a lot of readers, HA!)? The first one to comment with the correct information gets a can of Diet Dr. Pepper! ;)

Make a Difference

Feeling inspired, frustrated, or otherwise disaffected by last week's election? If you're a Dem and want to see what you can do to make a difference, I highly recommend going here first. New Democrats Online: The Democratic Leadership Council's Online Community At least there seems to be a somewhat sane approach to rebuilding, and it mostly avoids the whining crap that you have to put up with at the more vitriolic Dem-oriented sites. Recent postings indicate that a deep, introspective look at the Democrat party is well underway.

America Has Spoken

Again, more food for thought here. The message is simple and clear and means much more than the hundreds of god-awful blog comments I've been reading over at dKos and Eschaton lately. The original posts are usually insightful, but damn, I'm tired of hearing people whining about the election already. Yeah, it bummed me out, too, but it's just about 100% official (as opposed to 99.999999%) and we have to move past it in order to make a difference.

America has spoken

Turn Your Back on Bush

Well, this is certainly a more interesting take on protest than what we've seen recently, particularly at Bush's 2001 inauguration parade. I'm all about protest in the vein of Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus Christ. I'm just of the opinion that throwing rotten tomatoes at the procession and burning effigies along the parade route just makes the rest of us look like a bunch of loonies.

Turn your back on Bush.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

sigh

I just don't feel like writing about politics. Richard's post below is great and pretty well sums up some of my feelings, but I'm still a bit bruised and overwhelmed to think of it too much. :(

So, just a few random meanderings about something totally non-political: my favorite hobby, Warhammer.

I'm in the midst of creating an army to participate in a map-based campaign, and I'm excited about it in a geeky kind of way (is there any other way to approach Warhammer?!?!). The campaign is based around the idea of several armies setting out to explore the depths of a mysterious island known as Estragon's Island, named for a famous explorer who was last seen setting out on a final voyage to find a fabled island said to contain vast riches. Yeah, pretty cliched, but it is a fresh change from tourney-based play, and I'm looking forward to the role-playing aspect of it.

If you've read this far, you have an inner-geek, and you should be proud. It is certainly therapeutic to think about something else for a change, if only for a few minutes.

The day after tomorrow

One day after the biggest election of my generation and only one word could describe how I felt this morning... Numb. Although it took me quite some time to figure out what exactly I was feeling, numb seems to be the closest to correct.

We went to bed around 12ish.. Thinking it was over. Bushco had won yet again. In the face of what was suppose to be an overwhelming liberal outpouring of votes, Bush stood strong. Not one single state below the Mason-Dixon Line voted for Kerry. NOT ONE! Granted two of the biggest states (electoral votes) were all but locked for Bush. Texas (home state and Repub hotbed) and Florida (owned by Jeb Bush and the Election Thieves of 2000). What else could you expect from those states. Hell the Dems seemed to hardly care about the Southern states, only tossing some money into Arkansas at the last minute. Sending Clinton to Arkansas was a last ditch effort, and it's hard to say it.. But he doesn't stir the emotions of Arkansans since moving to New York. Even I could say to them "well DUH!"

But the time for being angry is over. Stop pouting, grumbling about leaving the country, and in general feeling like ass. The time has come to deal with our latest Incarnation of Idiocy. Bush Part Deux will press our buttons, and enrage us. But we have to lay out a plan to remove this Conservative Cancer from power. Not Bush in particular, but the concept of Conservative Morals. These "morals" corrupt our leaders, repress our citizens and insult our former allies and friends. We must look forward to 2008 right now. Who among us will step up to that plate and take on the vast, impressive machine the Repub thugs created? H. Clinton, Kerry, Dean? Maybe not.. The time is coming for some new blood to rise up. We started with Obama, but we have to keep on that track.

As The Moose said, this too shall pass. But now I will impart my wee bit 'o wisdom unto the huddled masses... Once it was said.. "For the People, by the people." And so it should be once more.