Hard to believe it's been almost four months since I last posted here, but I'm back, ready to criticize, condemn and complain. Hey, this is my blog and I can do whatever I want. At least until Obama and his left-leaining cronies shut me down.
So today I read that FIFA selected Qatar to host the 2022 world cup soccer games. Two things come to mind: 1) Bad choice and 2) who cares?
1) Bad choice: Who in the heck wants to play or watch soccer in 100+ degree heat? No one with any common sense. And this country has only two big cities, Doha and Al Rayyan with populations of 1 million and one-half million respectively. This is where all those fans will converge? What a mess. Then to top if off, it's in the middle of the Persian Gulf - a hotbed of politcal unrest. Is their plan to suspend Sharia law during the games? Oh my, what will the human rights people say? When the other primary choices were the U.S. and Australia, the choice of Qatar is just plain dumb. But then again, this is FIFA we're talking about.
2) With all that said, I have to ask, "Who cares?" Despite the efforts of so many, soccer is just not an American game. Too low scoring, games that end in ties, rules that don't make sense (offsides?) and no hands!! This is just not the American way. Leave soccer to the 5-12 year olds. Let everyone else who cares go to Qatar for vacation in 2022. Enjoy yourself.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
'Social Media' My Right Eye!
As an IT professional, I've lately been bombarded with information about social media and how my company should be using it. Granted, I do like a lot of the different channels and I personally use several of them on a regular basis. But one thing I've determined - they are anything but 'social'. In fact, they should be renamed 'Unsocial Media'. They all encourage us to hide behind a keyboard and monitor or sit in front of a TV and most times communicate without ever really seeing a person. How social is that?
And I'm not just talking about Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like. What about XBox Live, Netflix, plain ol' e-mail or for that matter, cable television. What have all these electronic channels done to us as a people? I believe they all contribute to us being more unsocial with one another.
Now don't get me wrong because as I said, I use many of these on a regular basis. But why do these seem to be so addictive, drawing you in and keeping you there for hours. How many times have you sat down to check your e-mail and ended up spending hours clicking on meaningless links just because they happened to pop-up in front of you? I usually check my Facebook once a day but I see friends on there with multiple entries throughout the day. I mean every time their stupid cat makes a cute face or they're going out for ice cream with their BFF, it gets mentioned. I call it channel-suck because all these different channels are sucking our lives away, keeping us from actually being social. As Garth says, "It's sucking my will to live!"
And I'm not just talking about Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like. What about XBox Live, Netflix, plain ol' e-mail or for that matter, cable television. What have all these electronic channels done to us as a people? I believe they all contribute to us being more unsocial with one another.
Now don't get me wrong because as I said, I use many of these on a regular basis. But why do these seem to be so addictive, drawing you in and keeping you there for hours. How many times have you sat down to check your e-mail and ended up spending hours clicking on meaningless links just because they happened to pop-up in front of you? I usually check my Facebook once a day but I see friends on there with multiple entries throughout the day. I mean every time their stupid cat makes a cute face or they're going out for ice cream with their BFF, it gets mentioned. I call it channel-suck because all these different channels are sucking our lives away, keeping us from actually being social. As Garth says, "It's sucking my will to live!"
Let's not let the very media that helps us communicate turn us anti-social. No channel-suck for me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
From the Associated Press:
***********************************************
WASHINGTON - Some Democratic senators say they don't feel a need to accept all of their churches' teachings.
Dick Durbin of Illinois, who's Catholic, told reporters that he believes it's more important to follow his conscience than church doctrines on issues like abortion and birth control.
Durbin and New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, who's Mormon, both say they're comfortable remaining members of their churches despite doctrines they don't believe and would like to change.
***********************************************
So what I hear these guys saying is that their churches are not true, that they teach some principles of truth but overall, their church is just another church amongst a bunch of others who teach some good things but not everything they teach is true. Is that what they mean to say? If that's the case, they should rescind their membership in their church and find something they do believe in. When it comes to God, you're either all in or all out. And if this report is true, these two are not in.
***********************************************
WASHINGTON - Some Democratic senators say they don't feel a need to accept all of their churches' teachings.
Dick Durbin of Illinois, who's Catholic, told reporters that he believes it's more important to follow his conscience than church doctrines on issues like abortion and birth control.
Durbin and New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, who's Mormon, both say they're comfortable remaining members of their churches despite doctrines they don't believe and would like to change.
***********************************************
So what I hear these guys saying is that their churches are not true, that they teach some principles of truth but overall, their church is just another church amongst a bunch of others who teach some good things but not everything they teach is true. Is that what they mean to say? If that's the case, they should rescind their membership in their church and find something they do believe in. When it comes to God, you're either all in or all out. And if this report is true, these two are not in.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Atheist Nonsense
Here's a story that appeared 7/17/10 on the Newscore website:
U.S. Atheists Reportedly Using Hair Dryers to 'De-Baptize'
American atheists lined up to be "de-baptized" in a ritual using a hair dryer, according to a report Friday on U.S. late-night news program "Nightline." Leading atheist Edwin Kagin blasted his fellow non-believers with the hair dryer to symbolically dry up the holy water sprinkled on their heads in days past. The styling tool was emblazoned with a label reading "Reason and Truth." Kagin believes parents are wrong to baptize their children before they are able to make their own choices, even slamming some religious education as "child abuse." He said the blast of hot air was a way for adults to undo what their parents had done.
"I was baptized Catholic. I don't remember any of it at all," said 24-year-old Cambridge Boxterman. "According to my mother, I screamed like a banshee ... so you can see that even as a young child I didn't want to be baptized. It's not fair. I was born atheist, and they were forcing me to become Catholic."
Besides the sheer stupidity of this, there are a couple of obvious questions that come to mind. First, if baptism means nothing, why do you need to 'symbolically' dry it up? If it means you just got wet, why do you feel the need to reverse that? Calling this move 'Reason' simply cracks me up. It certainly tells me a lot about this Kagin knucklehead.
And what about Mr. Cambridge Boxterman? You were born atheist?? Really. I didn't know you could be born atheist, I thought it was a decision one made after careful consideration. Tell me, can you also be born a Democrat, a Liberal, a left-wing looney? And the fact that, as a baby, you cried when you were baptized is certainly a sure sign that you didn't want to be baptized, just like you cried when you were fed, had your diaper changed, were given a bath or put to bed. You obviously didn't want those things either, right? That evil mother of yours forced these things on you.
Living on earth and not believing in God is like driving an F150 pickup but denying the existence of Ford.
U.S. Atheists Reportedly Using Hair Dryers to 'De-Baptize'
American atheists lined up to be "de-baptized" in a ritual using a hair dryer, according to a report Friday on U.S. late-night news program "Nightline." Leading atheist Edwin Kagin blasted his fellow non-believers with the hair dryer to symbolically dry up the holy water sprinkled on their heads in days past. The styling tool was emblazoned with a label reading "Reason and Truth." Kagin believes parents are wrong to baptize their children before they are able to make their own choices, even slamming some religious education as "child abuse." He said the blast of hot air was a way for adults to undo what their parents had done.
"I was baptized Catholic. I don't remember any of it at all," said 24-year-old Cambridge Boxterman. "According to my mother, I screamed like a banshee ... so you can see that even as a young child I didn't want to be baptized. It's not fair. I was born atheist, and they were forcing me to become Catholic."
Besides the sheer stupidity of this, there are a couple of obvious questions that come to mind. First, if baptism means nothing, why do you need to 'symbolically' dry it up? If it means you just got wet, why do you feel the need to reverse that? Calling this move 'Reason' simply cracks me up. It certainly tells me a lot about this Kagin knucklehead.
And what about Mr. Cambridge Boxterman? You were born atheist?? Really. I didn't know you could be born atheist, I thought it was a decision one made after careful consideration. Tell me, can you also be born a Democrat, a Liberal, a left-wing looney? And the fact that, as a baby, you cried when you were baptized is certainly a sure sign that you didn't want to be baptized, just like you cried when you were fed, had your diaper changed, were given a bath or put to bed. You obviously didn't want those things either, right? That evil mother of yours forced these things on you.
Living on earth and not believing in God is like driving an F150 pickup but denying the existence of Ford.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The NEA ..... Again
Last year about this time, I blogged about the stupidity of the NEA and how they spend their time. This year they were in New Orleans and over the past year they have gotten even stupider (is that a real word?). This year they have recognized a new caucus - The NEA Drag Queen Caucus. Yes, that is a real caucus. Check it out at:
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/nea-handbook-recognized-caucuses.pdf
Of course, this caucus joins other valuable caucuses within the NEA like:
Bourbon Caucus
Caribbean Caucus
Campers Caucus
Gay & Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus
No Cocktail Left Behind Caucus
Princess Caucus
Yes, all valuable groups within the NEA who are addressing pressing problems within the education world. Ya, right. NEA, how 'bout you start this caucus:
God-fearing, America-loving, child-caring, traditional-family-believing Caucus.
Oh, I forgot. You'd actually have to have someone in your group that believed in these things to start the caucus. Oh well, it was a nice thought.
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/nea-handbook-recognized-caucuses.pdf
Of course, this caucus joins other valuable caucuses within the NEA like:
Bourbon Caucus
Caribbean Caucus
Campers Caucus
Gay & Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus
No Cocktail Left Behind Caucus
Princess Caucus
Yes, all valuable groups within the NEA who are addressing pressing problems within the education world. Ya, right. NEA, how 'bout you start this caucus:
God-fearing, America-loving, child-caring, traditional-family-believing Caucus.
Oh, I forgot. You'd actually have to have someone in your group that believed in these things to start the caucus. Oh well, it was a nice thought.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Moments
Life is simply a stream of moments.
Some moments are more important than others.
Take this moment for instance. How important or consequential is what I'm doing right now?
What about what I'm listening to, what I'm watching, all the things going on around me?
I think I'm just a collection of moments, all added up to make me who I am.
So is any moment really wasted? Maybe it was just less important.
What happens when we get "caught up in the moment"? Or when we do something on a "moment's notice"? Are these moments more important than others?
By the way, how long is a moment? Can a moment be several hours or does it, by definition, only last seconds? How many moments are there in a day? Simply writing this seems to have taken a few moments. Was it worth my time? Time? Do a bunch of moments equal a certain amount of time? Seems I've heard there are moments in time.
Oh, yes, the moments of life are so, so important. I wish I could say I used every moment wisely, that I took advantage of every moment in my life. But I don't. In fact, I waste an awful lot of good moments. And something else to remember: a lot of good or a lot of bad can be done in a single moment. Usually if I have to decide quickly, in a moment or so, I make a bad decision. I'm not good at quick decisions. If I take my time and deliberate a while, I'm far more likely to experience a good moment. But that's just me.
Some of life's most important events take only a moment (or maybe a few moments). And what about those decisions that we make, that take only a moment, but we realize later made a huge difference in our lives. Can you think of some of those? I can.
So if life is simply a stream of moments, maybe life is just about controlling our moments. Good luck with that.
Some moments are more important than others.
Take this moment for instance. How important or consequential is what I'm doing right now?
What about what I'm listening to, what I'm watching, all the things going on around me?
I think I'm just a collection of moments, all added up to make me who I am.
So is any moment really wasted? Maybe it was just less important.
What happens when we get "caught up in the moment"? Or when we do something on a "moment's notice"? Are these moments more important than others?
By the way, how long is a moment? Can a moment be several hours or does it, by definition, only last seconds? How many moments are there in a day? Simply writing this seems to have taken a few moments. Was it worth my time? Time? Do a bunch of moments equal a certain amount of time? Seems I've heard there are moments in time.
Oh, yes, the moments of life are so, so important. I wish I could say I used every moment wisely, that I took advantage of every moment in my life. But I don't. In fact, I waste an awful lot of good moments. And something else to remember: a lot of good or a lot of bad can be done in a single moment. Usually if I have to decide quickly, in a moment or so, I make a bad decision. I'm not good at quick decisions. If I take my time and deliberate a while, I'm far more likely to experience a good moment. But that's just me.
Some of life's most important events take only a moment (or maybe a few moments). And what about those decisions that we make, that take only a moment, but we realize later made a huge difference in our lives. Can you think of some of those? I can.
So if life is simply a stream of moments, maybe life is just about controlling our moments. Good luck with that.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Don't Go There
This one set me off:
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-11647-gay-students-vs-byu-honor-code.html
The url pretty much says it all, kinda' like calling a movie, 'Snakes on a Plane,' you don't need to wonder what it is about. There are lots of comments to the article but the bottom line is this - you know what the rules are before you get there, you sign a document that says you will follow the rules, you break the rules, you leave - end of story. You can be gay and still go to BYU just as long as you don't act on those tendencies, just as if you were an alcoholic - as long as you don't act on your tendencies, you're fine. Act out and you're history. Why is this so difficult for people to understand? I'm just tired of the gays and the whole LGBT agenda being crammed down our throat. In this case, there are hundreds of other universities in this country that welcome gays with their same-sex arms open, so go there. Just because some people can't live up to BYU's standards doesn't mean BYU should lower its standards.
http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-11647-gay-students-vs-byu-honor-code.html
The url pretty much says it all, kinda' like calling a movie, 'Snakes on a Plane,' you don't need to wonder what it is about. There are lots of comments to the article but the bottom line is this - you know what the rules are before you get there, you sign a document that says you will follow the rules, you break the rules, you leave - end of story. You can be gay and still go to BYU just as long as you don't act on those tendencies, just as if you were an alcoholic - as long as you don't act on your tendencies, you're fine. Act out and you're history. Why is this so difficult for people to understand? I'm just tired of the gays and the whole LGBT agenda being crammed down our throat. In this case, there are hundreds of other universities in this country that welcome gays with their same-sex arms open, so go there. Just because some people can't live up to BYU's standards doesn't mean BYU should lower its standards.
Friday, July 9, 2010
I hate to say I told you so but.....
... Lebron James has really blundered. I'm not usually a fan of Yahoo! news but this sports wrtier nailed it. Check it out at:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070910
Happy reading.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070910
Happy reading.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I love Sports
I really do. If given the opportunity, I'll watch just about any sports competition. But lately, the whole sports world seems to have lost its collective mind. Here's a few of the problems I see.
> Baseball All-Star Game. Stop already. Stop trying to cram this game down my throat. Quit telling me I need to vote. When the whole voting process is conducted like a Chicago election, I don't think my vote will really mean a hill of beans anyway. I really just don't care. I'm just so sick and tired of the hype. Now they'll stop the season for a few days and we'll be subjected to the home run derby and all kinds of ridiculous interviews. I'm all for skipping this altogether.
> Soccer. Who gives a rip?!?! The game is totally un-American and should be limited to ages 12 and under or those who just can't help themselves. For one thing, I don't like a game where you can only score one point at a time. Make a two-point or three-point line. Have more free shots. And not being able to use your hands? Come on now, there's got to be times when the hands get involved. I like whole-body sports: Baseball (the best), football, basketball. And doesn't the whole idea of being 'offsides' seem weird?
> LeBron James. Just go play, make your billions, and go away. You're overpaid, spoiled and making a joke out of the whole free agent process. I heard they were going to hold a special on ESPN for him to make his announcement. Seriously? There's one I won't be watching.
> Baseball All-Star Game. Stop already. Stop trying to cram this game down my throat. Quit telling me I need to vote. When the whole voting process is conducted like a Chicago election, I don't think my vote will really mean a hill of beans anyway. I really just don't care. I'm just so sick and tired of the hype. Now they'll stop the season for a few days and we'll be subjected to the home run derby and all kinds of ridiculous interviews. I'm all for skipping this altogether.
> Soccer. Who gives a rip?!?! The game is totally un-American and should be limited to ages 12 and under or those who just can't help themselves. For one thing, I don't like a game where you can only score one point at a time. Make a two-point or three-point line. Have more free shots. And not being able to use your hands? Come on now, there's got to be times when the hands get involved. I like whole-body sports: Baseball (the best), football, basketball. And doesn't the whole idea of being 'offsides' seem weird?
> LeBron James. Just go play, make your billions, and go away. You're overpaid, spoiled and making a joke out of the whole free agent process. I heard they were going to hold a special on ESPN for him to make his announcement. Seriously? There's one I won't be watching.
Friday, June 25, 2010
For the Love of Baseball
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge baseball fan. I have followed and been a fan of the San Diego Padres since 1969, when I attended my first professional baseball game the first year the Padres entered the league. I suffered through many bad seasons, thoroughly enjoyed the 1984 season and whupping up on the Cubs and continue to root every day for my Padres. The strike of '94-'95 kinda' soured me but I came back because I think baseball is the truest sport in America. If you understand baseball, you'll understand life.
So it is with great distress that I find myself making the following commitment. I recently read that there is a movement to have the 2011 All-Star game moved from Arizona unless they repeal the recently passed immigration legislation.
In the wake of Arizona's new anti-immigration law, calls for repeal are coming from an unusual source: Major League Baseball players. Players are demanding the 2011 All-Star Game be moved from Phoenix, AZ unless the new law is repealed. (From moveon.org).
First of all, I don't believe for a minute that a majority of baseball players are calling for a repeal. There may be a few, but I'd bet money the majority of them either don't really care or they support the new law. Either way, I'm making the following commitment: If MLB and Commissioner Selig decide to move the game because of the law, I will:
a) No longer attend a major league game as long as Selig is commissioner,
b) Not purchase any official MLB merchandise as long as Selig is commissioner, or
c) Not access MLB.com or any website officially associated with MLB.com as long as Selig is commissioner.
I know my little personal boycott will have exactly zero effect on the game of baseball. But at least I'll be able to say I made a personal sacrifice to support something I really believe in. So Mr. Selig, it's up to you. You can let the game be played as scheduled or you can bow to the left-wing, whacked out liberals and move it. I suggest you man up and let them play in Arizona.
So it is with great distress that I find myself making the following commitment. I recently read that there is a movement to have the 2011 All-Star game moved from Arizona unless they repeal the recently passed immigration legislation.
In the wake of Arizona's new anti-immigration law, calls for repeal are coming from an unusual source: Major League Baseball players. Players are demanding the 2011 All-Star Game be moved from Phoenix, AZ unless the new law is repealed. (From moveon.org).
First of all, I don't believe for a minute that a majority of baseball players are calling for a repeal. There may be a few, but I'd bet money the majority of them either don't really care or they support the new law. Either way, I'm making the following commitment: If MLB and Commissioner Selig decide to move the game because of the law, I will:
a) No longer attend a major league game as long as Selig is commissioner,
b) Not purchase any official MLB merchandise as long as Selig is commissioner, or
c) Not access MLB.com or any website officially associated with MLB.com as long as Selig is commissioner.
I know my little personal boycott will have exactly zero effect on the game of baseball. But at least I'll be able to say I made a personal sacrifice to support something I really believe in. So Mr. Selig, it's up to you. You can let the game be played as scheduled or you can bow to the left-wing, whacked out liberals and move it. I suggest you man up and let them play in Arizona.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Another Obama telling quote
This line is from the official Fathers' Day proclamation sent out by Obama:
Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step father, a grandfather, or caring guardian.
OK, fine. But I'm offended that he left out so many others. What about two fathers AND a mother, what about a father AND two mothers, what about three fathers, what about a father and a goat? So offensive that he would exclude so many.
Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step father, a grandfather, or caring guardian.
OK, fine. But I'm offended that he left out so many others. What about two fathers AND a mother, what about a father AND two mothers, what about three fathers, what about a father and a goat? So offensive that he would exclude so many.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Pop Music and Paul
I've tapped my foot to many a Beatles and Paul McCartney song. Being a fan of pop music, they were the kings for many years. But I'll also be the first to admit, I've always liked the playfulness, sillyness and sometime ridiculousness of top-40 pop music. Remember 'Season in the Sun', 'Billy, Don't be a Hero' and 'Spiders and Snakes'? I love them all. And Paul McCartney's music fit right into that mode, as shallow as a California puddle in June. But his success got him a gig at the White House where he crooned to Michelle Obama. All was well until his comment, "After the last eight years, it's good to have a president that knows what a library is." He should really stick to just singing.
But then he did receive the 'Library of Congress Gershwin Award.' Boy, if we're going to give him that, we might as well give Obama a Nobel Peace Prize and Al Gore & Sean Penn an Academy Award. Oh wait .......
But then he did receive the 'Library of Congress Gershwin Award.' Boy, if we're going to give him that, we might as well give Obama a Nobel Peace Prize and Al Gore & Sean Penn an Academy Award. Oh wait .......
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Addicted to American Culture
Ya, I'll admit it. I'm hooked on American culture. Actually, I think I'm hooked on following American culture rather than the culture itself. I guess that's my attempt to be in the world but not of the world. So I was very interested in Entertainment Weekly's recent article on pop-culture characters of the last 20 years. From the introduction to their article:
To help celebrate Entertainment Weekly‘s 20th anniversary, the writers and editors have carefully curated a list of the 100 greatest characters in pop-culture over the last 20 years. Whether the fictional women, men, ogres, muppets, babies, and cartoon rockers who made our list were initially created before 1990 didn’t matter so long as they made a lasting impact in the culture after 1990.
Their complete list has 100 names, but the top three are:
#3: Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
#2: Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series
#1: Homer Simpson from The Simpsons
What do you think? Is Homer Simpson the greatest character in pop-culture over the last 20 years? And if he is, what does that say about the state of entertainment in America? Of course, these lists are made to try to get arguments started as everyone will have a different opinion. But there's not much to argue about here. The list is a sad statement of the decline of standards, principles and morals in our country. There are a couple of nice entries on the list, Woody from the Toy Story series (#25) and Napoleon Dynamite from Napoleon Dynamite (#88), but beyond that, there's not much to feel good about. Most either represent the sex (Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City), violence (Master Chief from the Halo series), or depravity (Eric Cartman from South Park) of our world. We wonder why there are so many problems in our world. Leave it to Entertainment Weekly to show us.
To help celebrate Entertainment Weekly‘s 20th anniversary, the writers and editors have carefully curated a list of the 100 greatest characters in pop-culture over the last 20 years. Whether the fictional women, men, ogres, muppets, babies, and cartoon rockers who made our list were initially created before 1990 didn’t matter so long as they made a lasting impact in the culture after 1990.
Their complete list has 100 names, but the top three are:
#3: Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
#2: Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series
#1: Homer Simpson from The Simpsons
What do you think? Is Homer Simpson the greatest character in pop-culture over the last 20 years? And if he is, what does that say about the state of entertainment in America? Of course, these lists are made to try to get arguments started as everyone will have a different opinion. But there's not much to argue about here. The list is a sad statement of the decline of standards, principles and morals in our country. There are a couple of nice entries on the list, Woody from the Toy Story series (#25) and Napoleon Dynamite from Napoleon Dynamite (#88), but beyond that, there's not much to feel good about. Most either represent the sex (Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City), violence (Master Chief from the Halo series), or depravity (Eric Cartman from South Park) of our world. We wonder why there are so many problems in our world. Leave it to Entertainment Weekly to show us.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
First the dentist, now the doctor
OK, it wasn't as painful, at least not physically. I went to the doctor today just to have blood drawn prior to my appointment next week. When I arrived, there wasn't anyone in the waiting room. There were three, count'em, three ladies sitting behind the glass. One checked me in while the other two discussed the final 'Lost' episode. I sat in the waiting room for about 20 minutes. No other patients came or went the whole time. Finally a nurse came out, looked around the room, then in a loud voice said, without looking at me, "Anthony?" What the heck, I'm the only one there! Who's she talking to? Anyway, we go back, she takes my blood, and I leave. I never saw another patient and mine was the only car in the parking lot. So my question is, why did I have to wait? Is it some kind of requirement that patients have to wait at least a few minutes just so they know who's in charge? Is there some medical reason for this? Why, oh why, do we always have to wait? I need to know.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Five Obama Quotes ....
.... is all I really need to know where he stands on issues, and he's wrong on every one.
1) "I think when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody."
Now I'm all for everyone being wealthy, but not when you do it the Robin Hood way, by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. I've lived in subsidized housing and I've used government provided health care. I used it to help pull me up so that I could take care of me and my family myself. And I don't mind helping out those less fortunate, but 99 weeks of unemployement?!?! Come on, let's teach these people how to fish instead of giving them a constant supply of seafood.
2) "I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."
Wow, I had never thought of children before as punishment for something. I guess in this case we should punish the baby by killing it? So let me get this right, if your daughter gets drunk and drives, then gets pulled over by the police, I guess you really don't want her to be punished with a ticket or higher insurance or traffic school. Is that right? We can make choices but we can't always control the consequences of those choices. It's called living and learning.
3) "It's not surpising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns and religion...."
Yes, Mr. President, I do cling to religion, a religion that believes in God and that I am a child of God. I believe in self-worth, in self-reliance, in working hard, in prayer, in attending church meetings on Sunday, in keeping the sabbath day holy, in the holy scriptures, in Jesus Christ. I think the real question is, 'What do you cling to?'
4) "We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
What in the flip is a civilian national security force? Be honest, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that phrase? I think of Maria, in the Sound of Music. Remember her boyfriend, Rolf? A young man who had been brainwashed into following the Nazis. Call me crazy but it was the first thing I thought of.
5) "I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions."
If Mr. Obama had said this in a cabinet meeting or within a private group in order to try to better our country, I would have been fine with it. But he is actually apologizing to the world, apologizing for us being the best nation on this planet in every respect. No country has accomplished more for the world, done more good for the world or sacrificed more for the world. We are a blessed nation and most Americans recognize that.
These are simply five quotes I've collected. There are many more. And I am fairly certain that there are many more to come. Are you listening?
1) "I think when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody."
Now I'm all for everyone being wealthy, but not when you do it the Robin Hood way, by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. I've lived in subsidized housing and I've used government provided health care. I used it to help pull me up so that I could take care of me and my family myself. And I don't mind helping out those less fortunate, but 99 weeks of unemployement?!?! Come on, let's teach these people how to fish instead of giving them a constant supply of seafood.
2) "I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."
Wow, I had never thought of children before as punishment for something. I guess in this case we should punish the baby by killing it? So let me get this right, if your daughter gets drunk and drives, then gets pulled over by the police, I guess you really don't want her to be punished with a ticket or higher insurance or traffic school. Is that right? We can make choices but we can't always control the consequences of those choices. It's called living and learning.
3) "It's not surpising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns and religion...."
Yes, Mr. President, I do cling to religion, a religion that believes in God and that I am a child of God. I believe in self-worth, in self-reliance, in working hard, in prayer, in attending church meetings on Sunday, in keeping the sabbath day holy, in the holy scriptures, in Jesus Christ. I think the real question is, 'What do you cling to?'
4) "We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
What in the flip is a civilian national security force? Be honest, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that phrase? I think of Maria, in the Sound of Music. Remember her boyfriend, Rolf? A young man who had been brainwashed into following the Nazis. Call me crazy but it was the first thing I thought of.
5) "I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions."
If Mr. Obama had said this in a cabinet meeting or within a private group in order to try to better our country, I would have been fine with it. But he is actually apologizing to the world, apologizing for us being the best nation on this planet in every respect. No country has accomplished more for the world, done more good for the world or sacrificed more for the world. We are a blessed nation and most Americans recognize that.
These are simply five quotes I've collected. There are many more. And I am fairly certain that there are many more to come. Are you listening?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Quit Clowning Around!
From http://www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com/:
A corporate watchdog group renewed its call for McDonald's to retire Ronald McDonald, hoping to build on momentum from a recent White House report recommending that food companies stop marketing junk food to children.Boston-based Corporate Accountability International, whose previous campaigns include the retirement of Joe Camel, held a protest in downtown Chicago on Wednesday that kicked off at Millennium Park and ended at the retro McDonald's restaurant at 600 N. Clark.
The group, consisting of about 20 protesters, also made a stop outside the Tribune Tower. Some members were dressed as clowns and held signs saying "Chicagoans for Retiring Ronald" and "Clowns for Retiring Ronald." Other activists were dressed as Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man.Corporate Accountability launched its campaign to retire Ronald McDonald in late March. The group is also planning to send representatives to McDonald's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday morning in Oak Brook, although it did not submit a shareholder's resolution on the matter for consideration. Instead, the group will try to get to the microphone during the open question-and-answer session and hand-deliver written comments from concerned consumers to executives."A resolution is a tactic we might employ in the future," said senior organizer Deborah Lapidus.
Oooooo, a resolution!?!? Scary?!?!
Point#1: Blaming Ronald for kids eating unhealthy food is like blaming Schwinn for kids having bike accidents. Ronald represents a lot of good things in this country and he should not be retired.
Point#2: In the realm of 'corporate accountability', if Ronald McDonald is the worst thing these people can find to object to, they need to get out more. I'll bet they've never protested a video game company for creating games like Grand Theft Auto or Halo, which also appeal to children but do far more damage than a happy meal.
Point #3: Too much of any food is not good and it is the parents that feed their children so if anyone is to blame, it is the parents. Parents who let their kids overeat at McDonalds are probably also doing other far more damaging things to their kids.
Point#4: The thing these liberal, left-leaning groups really don't like is that McDonalds is a very successful corporation that, through ingenuity and great marketing, makes millions of dollars each year. Get over it and leave Ronald alone. Go have a Big Mac on me.
A corporate watchdog group renewed its call for McDonald's to retire Ronald McDonald, hoping to build on momentum from a recent White House report recommending that food companies stop marketing junk food to children.Boston-based Corporate Accountability International, whose previous campaigns include the retirement of Joe Camel, held a protest in downtown Chicago on Wednesday that kicked off at Millennium Park and ended at the retro McDonald's restaurant at 600 N. Clark.
The group, consisting of about 20 protesters, also made a stop outside the Tribune Tower. Some members were dressed as clowns and held signs saying "Chicagoans for Retiring Ronald" and "Clowns for Retiring Ronald." Other activists were dressed as Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man.Corporate Accountability launched its campaign to retire Ronald McDonald in late March. The group is also planning to send representatives to McDonald's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday morning in Oak Brook, although it did not submit a shareholder's resolution on the matter for consideration. Instead, the group will try to get to the microphone during the open question-and-answer session and hand-deliver written comments from concerned consumers to executives."A resolution is a tactic we might employ in the future," said senior organizer Deborah Lapidus.
Oooooo, a resolution!?!? Scary?!?!
Point#1: Blaming Ronald for kids eating unhealthy food is like blaming Schwinn for kids having bike accidents. Ronald represents a lot of good things in this country and he should not be retired.
Point#2: In the realm of 'corporate accountability', if Ronald McDonald is the worst thing these people can find to object to, they need to get out more. I'll bet they've never protested a video game company for creating games like Grand Theft Auto or Halo, which also appeal to children but do far more damage than a happy meal.
Point #3: Too much of any food is not good and it is the parents that feed their children so if anyone is to blame, it is the parents. Parents who let their kids overeat at McDonalds are probably also doing other far more damaging things to their kids.
Point#4: The thing these liberal, left-leaning groups really don't like is that McDonalds is a very successful corporation that, through ingenuity and great marketing, makes millions of dollars each year. Get over it and leave Ronald alone. Go have a Big Mac on me.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Mothers in My Life
I have been blessed to have the best Mothers in the world as a part of my life. My Mom is wonderful. She has been through a lot in her life but now is well taken care of and happy. Of course my wife is wonderful beyond description. She has been such a good Mother to our children and now is simply a wonderful grandmother. I have also been blessed with a daughter and three daughter-in-laws that are starting motherhood and they are all just so awesome. It is fun to see them all diligently raising their families and see how much they love their children (and their husbands).
I salute and honor all of the wonderful Mothers in my life and all those throughout the world. It's a Mothers world and the rest of us just live in it.
I salute and honor all of the wonderful Mothers in my life and all those throughout the world. It's a Mothers world and the rest of us just live in it.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
I've Got Dentists Figured Out
I went to see the dentist a few days ago and since then I've figured something out. This epiphany came after the hygienist officially water-boarded me and then scraped every last bit of enamel from my teeth. I've figured out that the pain is always slightly more than the anesthetic can absorb. I mean, really, she goes until I finally can't help but wince in pain. I'd swear that if I didn't show some sign of discomfort she would have removed my jaw.
Then to top it off, as I'm sitting in the chair, I look over and I read on the computer screen her notes from my last visit. It states that 'the patient was not receptive/responsive'. What! Of course I'm not receptive, I'm at the stinkin' dentist's office for Pete's sake. I do not want to be there. In fact, I never want to be there.
What are they teaching in dental school anyway?
Then to top it off, as I'm sitting in the chair, I look over and I read on the computer screen her notes from my last visit. It states that 'the patient was not receptive/responsive'. What! Of course I'm not receptive, I'm at the stinkin' dentist's office for Pete's sake. I do not want to be there. In fact, I never want to be there.
What are they teaching in dental school anyway?
Monday, March 22, 2010
"UP and OUT" Campaign starts now!
ATTENTION ALL ELIGIBLE AMERICAN VOTERS!!
Yes America, it is time to start the "UP and OUT" campaign. What does this mean? It means that every current political office holder who is UP for re-election needs to be voted OUT. Yes, I mean every single one of them: democrat, republican, whatever. The democrats are ruining the country and the republicans can't seem to get their act together long enough to stop them. So let's dump them all. Then we need to change our approach to who we vote into office. Here's some criteria:
1) If you now or ever have held a state-wide or national political office, do not bother running. We don't want you. We need fresh blood with fresh ideas.
2) If you've spent the majority of your career in a government job, don't waste your time running.
3) You must have spent at least the last 10 years in the private industry in a leadership position. Being a community organizer is not a good way to prepare to lead the country.
I have a lot of additional criteria that I will use but I'll save that for another time. The point is, let's vote them out. Here in the state of Washington, I'm starting with Congressman Norm Dicks. He has got to go. Where will you start?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Am I a Worry-Wart?
I may not have posted anything here lately but that doesn't mean I'm not worried.
From the time Barack Obama first started campaigning for President, I've been worried. There have been so many issues brought up about him that people just seem to accept. I guess it started with Jeremiah Wright but it's just gotten worse and worse. All the things he hides, his cabinet full of progressive-leaning people, his lies, and the list goes on.
I was particularly bothered when I heard him discuss the issue of 'reconciliation'. When he was in the Senate he vocalized against it. When he ran for president, he said he'd get 60 votes to pass his bills. But now, when push-comes-to-shove, he's all for it. What do his supporters say about this? How do they justify supporting a man who outright lies about things like this?
We've heard the continuing stories about Rahm Emanuel and now we have someone who confirms what so many already knew.
http://newsmax.com/Headline/massa-emanuel-healthcare-obama/2010/03/08/id/351976?s=al&promo_code=98E6-1
Again I ask the Obama supporters, how do you defend these types of actions?
America - What is it going to take for us to take our country back from those who want to destroy it? Obama, unions and progressives are dragging our country down to he** and that's exactly where we'll end up if we don't stand up and do something about it.
From the time Barack Obama first started campaigning for President, I've been worried. There have been so many issues brought up about him that people just seem to accept. I guess it started with Jeremiah Wright but it's just gotten worse and worse. All the things he hides, his cabinet full of progressive-leaning people, his lies, and the list goes on.
I was particularly bothered when I heard him discuss the issue of 'reconciliation'. When he was in the Senate he vocalized against it. When he ran for president, he said he'd get 60 votes to pass his bills. But now, when push-comes-to-shove, he's all for it. What do his supporters say about this? How do they justify supporting a man who outright lies about things like this?
We've heard the continuing stories about Rahm Emanuel and now we have someone who confirms what so many already knew.
http://newsmax.com/Headline/massa-emanuel-healthcare-obama/2010/03/08/id/351976?s=al&promo_code=98E6-1
Again I ask the Obama supporters, how do you defend these types of actions?
America - What is it going to take for us to take our country back from those who want to destroy it? Obama, unions and progressives are dragging our country down to he** and that's exactly where we'll end up if we don't stand up and do something about it.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Kudos to the Catholics
Last week a Vatican newspaper discussed the movie, “Avatar”. It praised the wonderful special effects in the movie. Having just seen the movie at an iMax theater in 3-D, I concur. The special effects combined with the music and the 3-D effects made for an incredible movie watching experience. The Vatican newspaper got this right.
However, the paper also pointed out that behind all this was a very lame and unimaginative story with a theme that was completely anti-military and pro-environment. Again, they got it right. When I watch a movie, I’m usually pretty naïve concerning any kinds of subtle messages being conveyed. Movies such as GI Joe, Narnia, etc. which others said had some kind of message went right by me. I suppose they were there but I didn’t really see them. ”Avatar” was different. The messages in this movie are so obvious you’d have to sleep through it to miss them. And the primary message as I see, and as the paper pointed out, was not only being pro-environment, but actually worshipping nature. I mean, come on – praying to a tree?!? That’s taking this whole environmental protection/global warming/climate change issue to a new level. But it certainly fits into the whole progressive-liberal-humanistic approach and that is to worship anyone or anything other than God, the Eternal Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. This movie uses the environment but there are other objects of worship. Let me name a few.
How about sports? Every year at playoff time and during the Super Bowl, I am amazed at the time and effort people put into this. I don’t think it was an accident that most professional football games are played on Sunday. Tell me it’s not worshipping when you spend weeks planning and preparing for something, then gather around and look up to a 52” screen while partaking of large amounts of food along with alcoholic beverages as you view a singular, 3-hour event.
And what about animals? Is it just me or do more and more people seem to be raising animals up to the worship level. Many at least are putting their importance beyond that of humans. I heard an animal activist interviewed some time ago and the commentator asked, “If you saw a homeless man and a dog both about to be hit by cars, which would you choose to save?” The person hesitated before answering. As if you have to think about that before you answer!! Don’t get me wrong, I think animals should be treated with kindness and love and I think it is heartwarming when you see someone who has taken in an animal (usually a dog or cat) and they become an important part of the person’s life. But it seems to have gotten out of hand recently with pet insurance, pet wills, pet trusts and all other such nonsense.
Of course, people have worshipped power since the dawn of time. But our recent cadre of leaders (Obama, Reid, Pelosi, et al) seem to be taking this to new levels. When your desire and striving for power overtakes your sense of doing the right thing, you are worshipping it. And that is where this group lives their lives.
I like sports, animals and having a little power. But they certainly don’t influence me such that my life revolves around them. There is a balance and that is what so may have lost.
Next time I think about going to see a movie, maybe I should just stay home, watch a good basketball game and snuggle up with the dog. Or maybe not.
However, the paper also pointed out that behind all this was a very lame and unimaginative story with a theme that was completely anti-military and pro-environment. Again, they got it right. When I watch a movie, I’m usually pretty naïve concerning any kinds of subtle messages being conveyed. Movies such as GI Joe, Narnia, etc. which others said had some kind of message went right by me. I suppose they were there but I didn’t really see them. ”Avatar” was different. The messages in this movie are so obvious you’d have to sleep through it to miss them. And the primary message as I see, and as the paper pointed out, was not only being pro-environment, but actually worshipping nature. I mean, come on – praying to a tree?!? That’s taking this whole environmental protection/global warming/climate change issue to a new level. But it certainly fits into the whole progressive-liberal-humanistic approach and that is to worship anyone or anything other than God, the Eternal Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. This movie uses the environment but there are other objects of worship. Let me name a few.
How about sports? Every year at playoff time and during the Super Bowl, I am amazed at the time and effort people put into this. I don’t think it was an accident that most professional football games are played on Sunday. Tell me it’s not worshipping when you spend weeks planning and preparing for something, then gather around and look up to a 52” screen while partaking of large amounts of food along with alcoholic beverages as you view a singular, 3-hour event.
And what about animals? Is it just me or do more and more people seem to be raising animals up to the worship level. Many at least are putting their importance beyond that of humans. I heard an animal activist interviewed some time ago and the commentator asked, “If you saw a homeless man and a dog both about to be hit by cars, which would you choose to save?” The person hesitated before answering. As if you have to think about that before you answer!! Don’t get me wrong, I think animals should be treated with kindness and love and I think it is heartwarming when you see someone who has taken in an animal (usually a dog or cat) and they become an important part of the person’s life. But it seems to have gotten out of hand recently with pet insurance, pet wills, pet trusts and all other such nonsense.
Of course, people have worshipped power since the dawn of time. But our recent cadre of leaders (Obama, Reid, Pelosi, et al) seem to be taking this to new levels. When your desire and striving for power overtakes your sense of doing the right thing, you are worshipping it. And that is where this group lives their lives.
I like sports, animals and having a little power. But they certainly don’t influence me such that my life revolves around them. There is a balance and that is what so may have lost.
Next time I think about going to see a movie, maybe I should just stay home, watch a good basketball game and snuggle up with the dog. Or maybe not.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Avatar - The Movie
First, I'm not a film critic. Wait, I take that back. I'm a movie watcher who knows a good or bad movie when he sees one. So I think that qualifies me to be a film critic. So here I go.
I went to see 'Avatar' at the iMax theater in 3D. What an experience! Great picture, great sound and the special effects were spectacular. The movie was pathetic. If you love Al Gore and Greenpeace, hate George W. Bush and the Iraq war, worship Mother Earth (instead of God) and trees, then you'll think this movie is a masterpiece. This was the biggest propaganda movie I've seen in quite some time. And it was advertised as an action movie but as it turns out, there was very little action in the entire 2 hour 45 minute experience.
I don't mind a subtle political message here or there (either liberal or conservative) while watching a movie but this was ridiculous. What ever happened to the fun, feel good movies of yesterday? Gene Kelly, I miss you.
I went to see 'Avatar' at the iMax theater in 3D. What an experience! Great picture, great sound and the special effects were spectacular. The movie was pathetic. If you love Al Gore and Greenpeace, hate George W. Bush and the Iraq war, worship Mother Earth (instead of God) and trees, then you'll think this movie is a masterpiece. This was the biggest propaganda movie I've seen in quite some time. And it was advertised as an action movie but as it turns out, there was very little action in the entire 2 hour 45 minute experience.
I don't mind a subtle political message here or there (either liberal or conservative) while watching a movie but this was ridiculous. What ever happened to the fun, feel good movies of yesterday? Gene Kelly, I miss you.
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