The Massachusetts (or Massachusettes, for the Coakley folk) outcome has been a lot of fun:
A. I'm glad to see the liberals get another huge Hershiser on Health Care (alliteration much?).
2. It's been fun watching liberals' heads explode. I mean, I almost flipped over to PMSNBC to see Olberdouche and Madcow blow their gaskets. But then I figured, hell, it's PMSNBC, why ruin my good mood? I've heard it lived up to my expectations, though.
D. I guess Obama's trying to circle the wagons, but the result is more like watching him chase his own tail. Man, that guy's so smart!
(That's a Hot Shots! and Home Alone reference in one opening. Don't say I'm not charitable on a Friday.)
But even though I posted Twitter statuses this week saying things like, "Thank God for @ScottBrownMA," and, "Forget 'the message being sent to Democrats,' I hope this gets the GOP to finally pull their heads out. I doubt it, but I can hope," I'm a little concerned.
First of all, there was (what I hope was) his odd, poorly done joke about his daughters' availability in his victory speech. And then there's the fact that most of us know next to nothing about this guy policy and core belief-wise.
I guess what I'm trying to say is I hope my words on Tuesday night won't be thrown back at me down the road if it turns out this guy sucks.
Even if he does, I doubt he'll be as bad as the healthcare bill he's stalling on the tracks.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Back in Black
Before I get into ripping on people who so desperately deserve it, a couple of notes about my blogging and recent lack thereof:
1) It's not that I didn't have anything I wanted to write about in the past month, it's just that I didn't get to it. Part of it's that I took two weeks off over Christmas and had computer access for three days of that time---and I also avoided news like the plague then. Sure, I wanted to write about Healthcare bills that were voted on during Christmas Eve, a day when you would otherwise never find a government worker anywhere near their place of employment, even though most of the government hierarchy feels obligated to remove said holiday from our culture altogether, but it just wasn't happening.
B) I'm mulling starting a new blog from scratch and doing more of a personal blog. Occassionally I think I would like to wax philosophical about personal journeys, sports, and maybe even throw out an occassional short story. I'm kind of reluctant to do so because I walk a fine line between wanting to be open and share some things, and wanting to be a recluse and maintain a lot of privacy. Also, as I've noted before, people are becoming increasingly narcissistic. I'm under no illusions that people give a crap about what I say and I'm here to have an outlet, but I'm not sure that that's enough. So feel free to weigh in on this idea.
Okay, now that that's done, let's move on to current events.
Haiti: If you're willing and able to donate, please make sure you pick a reputable agency to do so. We already sink a lot of money into that country that never gets to the people who need it, so make sure you find an organization that's giving direct aid to people. Also, on a personal note, I'm not a big fan of the Red Cross because of the way they treated our servicemen during WWII, but that's me.
Samaritan's Purse is a great organization. Compassion International is another group to consider. Either one should be a good group to donate to, and the links will take you to Haiti donation pages.
While we're here, I was irritated at the outcry Rush Limbaugh got over his Haiti comments a couple of days ago, but after finding out he did it on purpose it's kind of amusing. The overall point remains: If you donate to the government for Haiti, only a small fraction is going to make it to relief and the rest is staying Washington.
Speaking of Haiti statements in the news, it was kind of odd to see Pat Roberston being a trending topic on Twitter for three days because of what he said. But leave it to the Danny Glovers of the world to pipe up and say something just as outlandish. And will Danny Glover be a trending topic or get the fallout that Robertson did? Color me skeptical.
By the way, if no one's ever told you, you're a colossal jackass, Danny. You're one of the poster boys for "Who gives a $^&*?!" You would think that being an actor would mean you could at least form and express coherent thoughts, but my outrage over your comments was diminished by the fact that I couldn't understand what the hell you were trying to say. And on a more personal level, does it bother you that your best performance was playing the scumbag in Shooter? Then again, that wasn't much of a stretch, was it?
Leno/Conan: Apparently this is the next civil war where a line in the sand has been drawn and everybody has to choose which side they're on, but I just don't see it. The truth of the matter is they're both being royally defecated upon by NBC. If there's a bad guy in this, it's the Peacock. But apparently people my age don't get this.
The prevailing wisdom (which is a euphemism for "common misconception") goes something like, "OMG, Leno left the Tonight Show so he could go to prime time, and he bombed, and he's pushing Conan out of his slot, and it's so unfair because Jay's not funny and Conan is." I ran across this the other day which is more accurate, but suffice to say the network execs were responsible for Conan taking over Tonight and tried to placate Jay by giving him a primetime gig.
The funny thing about the whole Leno/Conan argument is that while people love to point out that Jay's ratings in primetime are pedestrian, they conveniently ignore the fact that Conan was bombing at Tonight.
Thankfully, Rosie O'Fattbutt weighed in on the situation, so we can all rest easy. I'm sure Leno nixing the idea of her filling in for him has nothing to do with her opinion that Jay's bullying his way back in. And Rosie, believe me, nobody who watches tv has any interest in you going to late night, either.
It is what it is, and I hope neither gives in to NBC and they both find better gigs. I do want to weigh in on the "Conan rules, Jay's not funny" crap, though, and say that Leno's nuanced humor is far more difficult to pull off, especially on a nightly basis, and what makes him a winner is his class. It's not easy to be funny and engaging and be respectful to all your guests, even if you don't agree with them. Look at Letterman. But that's what a great host does, and Leno pulls it off. Conan occassionally shows signs of the ability, but he's never appeared interested in doing it on a nightly basis, which is what's needed. To make a long story short, if you think Jay's not funny or that he sucks, you can go pound sand.
1) It's not that I didn't have anything I wanted to write about in the past month, it's just that I didn't get to it. Part of it's that I took two weeks off over Christmas and had computer access for three days of that time---and I also avoided news like the plague then. Sure, I wanted to write about Healthcare bills that were voted on during Christmas Eve, a day when you would otherwise never find a government worker anywhere near their place of employment, even though most of the government hierarchy feels obligated to remove said holiday from our culture altogether, but it just wasn't happening.
B) I'm mulling starting a new blog from scratch and doing more of a personal blog. Occassionally I think I would like to wax philosophical about personal journeys, sports, and maybe even throw out an occassional short story. I'm kind of reluctant to do so because I walk a fine line between wanting to be open and share some things, and wanting to be a recluse and maintain a lot of privacy. Also, as I've noted before, people are becoming increasingly narcissistic. I'm under no illusions that people give a crap about what I say and I'm here to have an outlet, but I'm not sure that that's enough. So feel free to weigh in on this idea.
Okay, now that that's done, let's move on to current events.
Haiti: If you're willing and able to donate, please make sure you pick a reputable agency to do so. We already sink a lot of money into that country that never gets to the people who need it, so make sure you find an organization that's giving direct aid to people. Also, on a personal note, I'm not a big fan of the Red Cross because of the way they treated our servicemen during WWII, but that's me.
Samaritan's Purse is a great organization. Compassion International is another group to consider. Either one should be a good group to donate to, and the links will take you to Haiti donation pages.
While we're here, I was irritated at the outcry Rush Limbaugh got over his Haiti comments a couple of days ago, but after finding out he did it on purpose it's kind of amusing. The overall point remains: If you donate to the government for Haiti, only a small fraction is going to make it to relief and the rest is staying Washington.
Speaking of Haiti statements in the news, it was kind of odd to see Pat Roberston being a trending topic on Twitter for three days because of what he said. But leave it to the Danny Glovers of the world to pipe up and say something just as outlandish. And will Danny Glover be a trending topic or get the fallout that Robertson did? Color me skeptical.
By the way, if no one's ever told you, you're a colossal jackass, Danny. You're one of the poster boys for "Who gives a $^&*?!" You would think that being an actor would mean you could at least form and express coherent thoughts, but my outrage over your comments was diminished by the fact that I couldn't understand what the hell you were trying to say. And on a more personal level, does it bother you that your best performance was playing the scumbag in Shooter? Then again, that wasn't much of a stretch, was it?
Leno/Conan: Apparently this is the next civil war where a line in the sand has been drawn and everybody has to choose which side they're on, but I just don't see it. The truth of the matter is they're both being royally defecated upon by NBC. If there's a bad guy in this, it's the Peacock. But apparently people my age don't get this.
The prevailing wisdom (which is a euphemism for "common misconception") goes something like, "OMG, Leno left the Tonight Show so he could go to prime time, and he bombed, and he's pushing Conan out of his slot, and it's so unfair because Jay's not funny and Conan is." I ran across this the other day which is more accurate, but suffice to say the network execs were responsible for Conan taking over Tonight and tried to placate Jay by giving him a primetime gig.
The funny thing about the whole Leno/Conan argument is that while people love to point out that Jay's ratings in primetime are pedestrian, they conveniently ignore the fact that Conan was bombing at Tonight.
Thankfully, Rosie O'Fattbutt weighed in on the situation, so we can all rest easy. I'm sure Leno nixing the idea of her filling in for him has nothing to do with her opinion that Jay's bullying his way back in. And Rosie, believe me, nobody who watches tv has any interest in you going to late night, either.
It is what it is, and I hope neither gives in to NBC and they both find better gigs. I do want to weigh in on the "Conan rules, Jay's not funny" crap, though, and say that Leno's nuanced humor is far more difficult to pull off, especially on a nightly basis, and what makes him a winner is his class. It's not easy to be funny and engaging and be respectful to all your guests, even if you don't agree with them. Look at Letterman. But that's what a great host does, and Leno pulls it off. Conan occassionally shows signs of the ability, but he's never appeared interested in doing it on a nightly basis, which is what's needed. To make a long story short, if you think Jay's not funny or that he sucks, you can go pound sand.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Farm Kid in the Marines
I recently got this email and thought the story was amusing.
Dear Ma and Pa,
I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.
I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.
Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.
We go on 'route marches,' which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A 'route march' is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.
The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.
This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges They come in boxes.
Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake .. I only beat him once... He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6' and 130 pounds and he's 6'8' and near 300 pounds dry.
Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.
Your loving daughter,
Sarah
Dear Ma and Pa,
I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.
I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.
Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.
We go on 'route marches,' which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A 'route march' is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.
The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.
This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges They come in boxes.
Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake .. I only beat him once... He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6' and 130 pounds and he's 6'8' and near 300 pounds dry.
Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.
Your loving daughter,
Sarah
Friday, December 4, 2009
Signs of the apocalypse
I don't like Robert Gibbs. To put it mildly, I think he's a tool. But I first saw this story on Yahoo this afternoon, then decided to follow it over to Townhall (since the embedded video at Yahoo originated from TH) to see what else they posted about it.
Here's the thing: I have to side with Gibbs on this more than I do the reporter. Judging from the comments at TH, I'm apparently the only Conservative who takes this stance. But while Gibbs' comparing the reporter to his child is completely out of line, it's not like he was dealing with a real peach of a lady. She's rude, she was asking questions that are fit more for TMZ than any relevant political organization, and she cops a serious attitude.
Here's a tidbit for you: I strongly considered going into journalism until I took my first reporting class. I decided against it when I saw how many people in that world are like this chick. So while I don't think Gates handled this just real well, I wouldn't blame him for blowing her off...or basically anything he did up until the son comparison or following it.
Here's the thing: I have to side with Gibbs on this more than I do the reporter. Judging from the comments at TH, I'm apparently the only Conservative who takes this stance. But while Gibbs' comparing the reporter to his child is completely out of line, it's not like he was dealing with a real peach of a lady. She's rude, she was asking questions that are fit more for TMZ than any relevant political organization, and she cops a serious attitude.
Here's a tidbit for you: I strongly considered going into journalism until I took my first reporting class. I decided against it when I saw how many people in that world are like this chick. So while I don't think Gates handled this just real well, I wouldn't blame him for blowing her off...or basically anything he did up until the son comparison or following it.
Friday, November 20, 2009
We the People
I apologize for slacking lately, but here's something I absolutely wanted to share. It's the new song from musical legend and comedic Ray Stevens.
I'd like to post the lyrics, but it really needs to be heard. However, one of my favorite parts is "to put it mildy, we're harboring feelings of extreme alienation, due to copious amounts of horse maneur that have been shoveled out of the White House and the capitol building, and we sense that we are being royally defecated upon, yeah we're getting the impression that you think we are not relevant to these proceedings and dismissing our input into the situation."
I hope you enjoy it. Also, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I'm taking next week off, so there's a reason behind the upcoming lack of posts. I'll spend my vacation deer hunting.
That's right, libs. I know guns are evil and meat is murder. So just consider me an a-hole with an appetite.
I'd like to post the lyrics, but it really needs to be heard. However, one of my favorite parts is "to put it mildy, we're harboring feelings of extreme alienation, due to copious amounts of horse maneur that have been shoveled out of the White House and the capitol building, and we sense that we are being royally defecated upon, yeah we're getting the impression that you think we are not relevant to these proceedings and dismissing our input into the situation."
I hope you enjoy it. Also, I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. I'm taking next week off, so there's a reason behind the upcoming lack of posts. I'll spend my vacation deer hunting.
That's right, libs. I know guns are evil and meat is murder. So just consider me an a-hole with an appetite.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Happy Anniversary
As people commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, two names that seem to be getting little mention are those of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. I guess there's nothing like a time for rememberance where everybody remembers things incorrectly.
So since he's not getting his due attention elsewhere, I wanted to do my small part by paying tribute to Ronald Reagan. While we have a few people left who are defending freedom, I hope that sometime another leader comes along who shares Reagan's desire and ability to promote freedom.
So since he's not getting his due attention elsewhere, I wanted to do my small part by paying tribute to Ronald Reagan. While we have a few people left who are defending freedom, I hope that sometime another leader comes along who shares Reagan's desire and ability to promote freedom.
Friday, November 6, 2009
This kid rocks!
Maybe you've seen this, but I got an e-mail with a story and pictures I thought was worth posting.
There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa . For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.
It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos.(all angles) of the rock.
I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.
Awesome work, Ray.
There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa . For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed.
It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos.(all angles) of the rock.
I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too.
The Artist, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen.
Awesome work, Ray.
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