Happy Holidays

Have a happy and safe holiday season. My tradition is watching A Christmas Story a few times on the Turner Broadcasting Network. It's nice they put it on a loop to give everyone in the studio a chance to spend time with loved ones. Besides, how can I miss the dad's leg lamp, triple dog dare, Randy showing mom her little piggy, and the epic meeting at the mall with Santa Claus?

My dad and I will depart on Friday for Nebraska. I look forward to meeting with family, talking for about 15 minutes, and taking over the T.V. to watch a bowl game. Usually, the conversations go South when talking about a topic that's pretty lame. I'll enjoy the snow, but I miss wandering the pasteur hills as a kid. Now that I'm older, the yearning for watching cows grazing, pigs scuffling at the trough, and petting the horses are no longer twitching my nerves. Some family members are up there in age, so this might be the last time I see them. I hope to write about some interesting events upon my return.

The Holiday Season equals 'The Silly Season'

Our cable news outlets and talking heads love stirring the pot. Yesterday, Barack Obama announced he had selected controversial mega church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren to deliver the inauguration's invocation. This drove fellow liberals nuts. Here's my take on it.

I'm a self-described meat and potatoes liberal. My intellectual capacity is limited compared to many so-called Conservative and Liberal intellectual elites. I believe one of the core tenets of liberalism is tolerance. Why do I listen to the music I do? People like Ed Kowalczyk and Bono "Paul Henson" use this in their lyrics. It's silly divisiveness that tears us down. Yes, I'm offended by Warren's statements and actions pertaining to the equal rights for LGBT and women's reproductive rights, but that's not to say he and I can't sit down and have a civil discussion. Can't we all just get along?

There is someone close to me who was deeply offended by Obama's choice yesterday. Her grandmother was left penniless after Billy Graham swindled her. There is one profound statement Bono made on The Rattle and Hum album for Bullet the Blue Sky and paraphrasing: I'm sitting in my hotel room, turning on the T.V. Lovers' sounds next to me. Well, I can't tell the difference between ABC News, Hill Street Blues, and a preacher on the Old Time Gospel Hour stealing money from the sick and old. Well, the God I believe in isn't short of cash, mister.

The Strangers delivers a new twist to conventional horror flicks

We've all probably seen those terrible campy horror flicks. You know, the ones where you have a dopey blonde who says, "Oooh, let's go to the lake." Of course, this is after practically everyone at the camp is missing. The foreshadowing is apparent. You know the blonde will meet her fate within the next several minutes in the film. I didn't get this vibe at all from The Strangers.

This film immediately grasps your attention at the beginning. If I'm not mistaken, you hear the same creepy narrative voice that was used for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The FBI estimates there are approximately 1.4 million violent crimes in America per year. It's inevitable this film is premised with terror and it didn't disappoint.

The two protagonists head to a family home deep in a wooded area. It has all the amenities of comfort and relaxation -- fireplace, barn, pictures on racks, and spacious dining area. What I loved is how many terrifying moments are done through sound. This is comparable to The Blair Witch Project which received mixed reviews through its amateur-style filmmaking. Additionally, the lighting in this film wasn't too glossy. It was well lit to fit the nighttime setting.

I love horror films that surprise you with spontaneity. This film certainly offers an abundance of shock. If you haven't seen The Strangers, I highly recommend it. It's probably one of the best blockbuster horror films that's been released within the past few years.

The Big Four Sore Losers and The Big Three

Con-Servative Republican (Aristocrats) Senators Bob Corker R-Tenn., Mitch McConnel R-KY, Richard Shelby R-Ala., and Jeff Sessions R-Ala. are literally selling out America for their self-interests. Don't believe anything they're saying regarding why we shouldn't bailout the auto industry. As well documented and reported, these four have heavy financial ties to foreign auto manufacturing plants in their own states. Keith Olbermann hits them hard with this analysis:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#28184396

So, we now know the UAW is hardly the entity to blame here. The old saying goes around Georgia, albeit Atlanta, if you want financial success, don't get a four-year college degree. The plants are where you make money. All that money I spent and time studying seemed to go for naught. I had to throw my journalism ethics out the window to appease aristocrats like The Big Four Sore Losers who choose to engage in petty name calling opposed to problem-solving solutions, which they don't have the intellectual capacity to perform.

Quickie Entry

Bill Maher said in his New Rules book, "There's a difference between loving America and stalking it," referring to somber renditions of God Bless America played between the seventh inning at Major League baseball parks. The same can be said around here about Christmas. There's a difference between loving it and stalking it. People around here seem to prefer the latter.

So, I'm driving down the road last night with Robin who just got back from a vacation in Orlando and she points out a sign at a church. I'm not taking this out of context: "Sinners only celebrate Christmas." I understand the meaning behind it but take it at its face value. What do you tell kids who still believe in the magical wonders of Santa Claus and the reindeer? "Oh, you're sinning son if you believe that nonsense." Yes, Christmas' origins are secular. However, there was a St. Nicholas as shown in the Bible who gave gifts to the poor and needy.

Christmas can drive any adult nuts after awhile. You have kids and loved ones to shop for and that wallet can get thin real quick. Personally, I love seeing the twinkle in the eyes of a second cousin who is celebrating one of his or her first Christmases. It's also nice to give that special gift to someone you know was really wanting it. This is why I enjoy this holiday. The last thing I'll do is scare people to weasel out of giving them anything, "You know, you're a sinner if you celebrate Christmas."

Besides his very far right views, what's wrong with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3T6q88QF4

Saxby really looks like he loves to keep it in the family. He's attempting to turn a single into a double with the little girl on his lap.

Sure, I'm not Nostradamus, but.... and it will take a miracle tomorrow to knock off looney Saxby Chambliss

I had an interesting discussion last night with an older friend. He literally has a genius IQ and works as an economics professor. Naturally, we began discussing the state of our economy and what lies ahead. As a fellow staunch Democrat, he lauded Obama for selecting a very intelligent and capable economic team. This just scratched the surface for a much broader perspective.

At one point, I asked him if he believed we're heading one day to a one world- type governing body. He didn't hesitate with his response. Yes, technology and trade are the two main ingredients, he replied and added it won't happen during our lifetimes. I disagreed with him that an individual will be the deciding factor. I believe it will comprise of dignitaries from all nations.

Yes, this sounds ludicrous, but our world is becoming more and more interdependent. Religion is one means for controlling the masses, while economic power is another. Since the beginning of time, civilizations have died over these two instituions. I have an optimistic view about this crazy hypothetical.

Tensions will continue to worsen at some point. Zealots and extreme nationalists will wage more terrorist attacks. However, military might will eventually concede to goods and services. We already see how this has played a role in the European Union. It's just a matter of time before the U.S., Asia, and others follow suit.

I can understand why those of you reading this might say this is impractical. After all, there are so many rogue nations out there who continually oppress their people and refuse to cooperate with the global community. True. This will be a slow process. Ultimately, these countries will join in as well. There still will be sovereignty among all countries, but everyone will be involved in the trading process. Any nation who poses an imminent threat to its people or neighboring state will be isolated. This already exists now with economic sanctions. Eventually, the trading value will outweigh any insecurities to heighten one's military industrial complex.

My promise if Martin pulls off the upset

Wednesday will be a great day for all the Con-Servatives and talking heads. The rednecks and ill-informed will vote to keep the extremist incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss in office. I will be surprised if there is more than a 35 to 40 percent turnout among eligible voters. Here's why.

Georgia is already a red state, and unfortunately, the majority views Barack Obama as a liberal extremist. They fear he will raise their taxes which has already happened under Bush. They also fear Obama will take away their guns, grant more reproductive rights and choices for women, and be soft on criminals. They value a nepotistic, highly controlled police state and don't know better. Sorry. It's just the sad reality here. So, I won't be surprised to hear, "You see, we showed the Democrats we won't stand for absolute control in government where they can pass all their radical bills. You said no to big government and union control. This was a mandate for free market capitalism and true Conservative values."

If Martin wins and I pray he does, I promise all of you a cool pic on here. I had to take the previous family pic down. This one will have me performing an Irish jig, holding up a "Go Liberals" sign directly in front of my county's Republican headquarters. It will be unlikely, but it would be nice.

Realizing you're not the best and implement President-Elect Barack Obama's plan to resolve The BCS fiasco

I had lived in North Carolina for a few months. It's known as one of the meccas for basketball. One day, a fellow classmate who was a little taller and stronger than me elected to play a one-on-one game during recess. Both of us had good range from the outside and made our shots. As the game progressed, he proved to be too much in all facets: silky smooth dribbling, rebounding, defense, and post up positioning. Chip was an outstanding basketball player and great guy. I was humbled, and this was the first time I just conceded that there's someone else out there who is better.

When living on the border of Michigan and Indiana, also two great states for producing great basketball competition, I wasn't really challenged. There was another guy my age named Andre who could dribble behind his back that left all of us marveling at his flashy abilities. My height proved to be too much for Andre though. However, this didn't take away the fact he was a better ball handler and distributor. My move to North Carolina and aging into adolescence was a stark reminder that my peers began to physically mature at a rapid rate.

My days of competitive basketball and tennis continued. I was humbled to play around a core of guys that won two straight championships and undefeated seasons. On this team, I was the sixth man to come off the bench. I was grounded once again, knowing those five guys out there ahead of me are just better. This didn't mean there weren't days when one struggled and the other had to carry the load. Essentially, sports provided me life lessons that continue today.

I want to be a great creative writer. Reading earlier works, I'm never going to surpass the works of those who transformed generations and still do to this day. One writer stands out to me -- Henry David Thoreau. During his time, reading was a luxury and considered entertainment. Today, it seems how many cool, trendy pictures posted on a Facebook page are most sought after. Thoreau was a voracious reader with a fastidious eye for nature. His writings were beautifully crafted and yes, I had to have a Dictionary resting next to me. He reminded me I will never reach that literary level. This still doesn't mean I'm going to quit, because I know my work speaks to how we interact today opposed to those in the 19th century. I'm not writing with the intent that my work will one day reach a broad audience and continued to be read long after my time here is gone. We move on. And so, I can accept my accomplishments or lack thereof will collect dust and wither away over time.

Barack Obama wants to see an eight-team playoff for The Bowl-shit Championship Series

My friends and I are passionate about college football. This is pretty much the first topic for discussion. Which team looks to be the best out of them all? Who matches up best for the national title game? Which conference fields the best overall teams top to bottom? And so on.

College football offers what the National Football League doesn't. Every week is a playoff game. Basically, if a team loses one game, its hopes for a national championship greatly diminish. These programs have some of the most loyal fans as well. I'm just tired of hearing my dad say, "They're rebuilding" when it comes to Nebraska's program the last several years since a drubbing to arguably the best college team ever, the 2001 Miami Hurricanes.

The college game, for the most part, provides you with players who don't have all the distractions of lucrative salaries, endorsements, and answering to franchise front office shenanigans. They take the field each week, knowing for many of them, it could be one of their last games. This is where the intensity greatly surpasses your average NFL game. At the end of the season though, we're all left with that same lingering question, "What if that one team who didn't get to play in the National Championship played the National Champion?" We won't know the answer to that.

Bowl games are really inconsequential. Only one truly matters. Sure, seniors and others still gear up and play hard, but it's really for pride and nothing more. I think Obama made a great point when saying we should have an eight-team playoff. Now, will this solve all the controversy? No. You'll still have a few teams who fans believe will be left out. However, if handled correctly, it could leave little doubt. Here's how I believe it should be handled.

Make the bowl games count. All the teams who qualify for BCS bowls play against each other. The winners of these games and those like your Utahs, Boise States, and Ball States this season who still finish undefeated should advance to a tournament format. Simply pit the highest ranked team, which is currently Alabama, and have them play the lowest which would be a Ball State-like team. The interest and intrigue will still be there. With this system, the human bias and questions on who has the toughest schedule subsides. You truly have the best team who stands out in the end. Then again, this is all hypothetical and more than likely, we'll be talking about this for years to come. It's whether fan interest and active participation can trump big Bowl contracts and endorsements that flow into these programs' athletic departments.

Tweedle Dingy Dee and Tweedle Dumb are great preludes for future Reality T.V. ideas

Joe Wurzelbacher a.k.a Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin are the gifts that keep on giving. On practically every T.V. appearance, these two reiterate how retarded the Conservative brand of the Republican Party really is. I want them to continue volunteering their two cents for media outlets. Why?

Joe the Plumber became an instant folk hero for McCain-Palin supporters when he said Barack Obama's tax plan sounded like "socialism" to him. Obama responded to higher taxes for Joe by saying, he "wants to spread the wealth." Mental gymnastics ensued. Joe don't know taxation distribution. If Joe read a history or political science-based piece, he would learn every Presidential administration has redistributed tax revenue and refined tax codes.

We all remember how lame McCain-Palin supporters were when Joe the Plumber became their instant folk hero. People gathered at the rallies proclaiming their average goofs just like Joe. It was a massive group therapy session. Please state your name and occupation. "I'm Carl the Periodontist." "I'm Jim the Taxodermist..." These were all reaffirmations they could accept one another despite their insecurities. Credit the unlicensed plumber, admitted back taxes owing, and morally and factually incorrect so-called average Joe for the shenanigans that ensued throughout the campaign.

It gets better for Joe. Latest gossip reveals he's in the works for a country music recording contract. First, it was a book deal and now, we learn he could be our next "Nashville Star." So far, Joe is 0 for 2 on his knowledge of tax policy and truth telling. This is his chance to redeem himself. Could he be our next Johnny Cash, or could we be so lucky to find him involved with a potential lip synching controversy when and if the album is distributed?

Last night, I tuned into watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Like Keith, I hadn't seen this latest viral video showing Sarah Palin interviewed in front of a few turkey grinders. We can only speculate why this was filmed where a guy was literally shown chopping off a turkey's head. I think Palin told the reporter and film crew, "Oh, this looks like a great spot. Do you guys want to do it here?" "Sure," the reporter responded. I hope you don't lose your appetite for Thanksgiving while watching this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-kjM1asH-8

Sure, Palin made several gaffes during the campaign. The Katie Couric interview was a disaster for her. Couric appeared to transform herself from a reporter to therapist in a matter of a few seconds. Palin was asked how she stays abreast on current events. She said she reads whatever is thrown in front of her. Couric asked what she read. Again, Palin said she just reads whatever she stumbles across. As a former sports reporter, you would think she could list a specific publication.

We also learned Palin didn't know what countries were involved in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Couldn't she have been given a hint like what countries comprise North America? And finally, there was that other infamous portion of the Couric interview when Palin couldn't list one Supreme Court case decision she opposed. All this said, these actions didn't stand out the most.

I have a younger brother with autism, so I empathize with Palin and her family raising a boy who has Down's Syndrome. It's a very trying task to raise a child with special needs. My sentimental feelings subsided when I continued seeing Palin and her husband hold this child like he was a football or rag doll. It was like these two were running with him to score the game-winning touchdown. But, this is one half the problem.

Palin pledged at her Party's convention she'll be a friend and advocate for others who live or work with those who have special needs. At a press conference, she was baffled that the French government was funding a genetic research project to study fruit flies and effects protein has on autism. Anyone who has taken a science class knows fruit flies serve as an indicator species. One of the genetic triggers researchers say causes autism is a lack of protein in a chromosome by one of the carriers. Oops. Palin did it again. She might provide a friendly voice, but she completely goes against her own interests for research that could even help her son down the road. Then again, what can you say about someone who believes the Earth is 6,000 years old?

I love Palin and Joe's actions, because they're reflective of the Conservative Party. Rational thinking doesn't apply for these people. They want to implement Draconian laws and return to the 1950s when they know they're not coming back. So, this all leads to a potential, hot new reality T.V. series.

The new reality show could be The Neanderthals. Small-minded people can participate. It's not a complex concept. These guys can be filmed blasting secularism, snarky comments about others who think and act different from them, and simply what their typical days are like. Who knows? Palin and Joe's comedy literally wrote itself. Comics everywhere couldn't script their spiels any better.

Laziness has taken over

This has been a very tiring week. I think I overextended myself at work. It wasn't busy, but I took it upon myself to finish as many projects as I could. The end result has left me completely comatose for large portions of each day, and thus, I haven't been in a writing mood. Here's a tune for ya' I enjoyed listening to this week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo3ZnHJ0KTQ

No bailout this time and I'm now a Bowling God

My 1995 Ford Mustang V6 convertible is still running strong. This was a graduation gift/insurance money from an accident on how I received it. Compared to today's vehicles, it still gets good gas mileage. There were a few major repairs on it over the years, one that included replacing the engine after a few casket heads were blown. I take pride knowing its an American product, but my outlook on our American auto industry is completely different.

The auto companies asking for a bailout have been dubbed "The Big 3" -- General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford. A few years ago, GM had an opportunity to receive a patent on the hybrid. Upper management said it didn't make "economic sense" to pursue one. The end result: GM lost a few billion dollars the next quarter. These companies, like our federal government, need a facelift. They're still operating with a 20th century mindset.

Congress will cave in to their whims. Trust me. If this is the case, here's what I want to see happen. The treasury has spent $290 billion to buy back what first was supposed to be bad assets. Now, Henry Paulson is saying it's stocks. There needs to be transparency and Americans are entitled to know in writing exactly what it is our tax dollars are being spent on.

I think Paulson is the fall guy, and the administration is responsible for how this bailout is being handled. If the auto industry is granted a bailout, there needs to be stringent conditions attached. 1.) Have these companies provide a comprehensive business model on how they're going to improve their products and services. 2.) Each company needs to provide a balance sheet on all expenditures and gains made. Is upper management spending too much on golf retreats? That needs to stop. 3.) There have been some recent improvements with designs and fuel efficient vehicles by these companies. Most important, they have to make necessary changes with their upper management. I wouldn't be surprised if some of these individuals are older and simply have out-of-date ideas. Bring in younger, idealistic minds that can deliver.

Conservatives blame unions for these problems with the auto industry's dire financial straits. Well, the CEO of Goldman Sachs whined to a Senate Committee recently that he and his cronies won't be getting their Christmas bonuses. Tough. This guy and those directly under him are earning over a billion per year. Do the simple math. The auto industry is no different. Unions aren't the problem here.

I'm a Bowling God

Robin and I joined eight of our friends Saturday night for bowling. I hadn't bowled in ages, so it was fun to renew another sport I enjoy. We bowled two games. The first game, I blew away everyone with a menial 138 score. It should've been higher, but I missed some easy spare opportunities. Drama ensued during the second game.

After downing a pitcher of beer, my muscles began to relax. I had too much of a carefree attitude as well. My good friend and also the guy I visit every Sunday for a few games of PS3 Madden 'o9 online, had a sizeable lead over me. I had to revert back to my old, competitive self. His lead dwindled, as he stopped marking in the later frames. I, on the other hand, began picking up spares. It came down to the 10th frame and naturally, he was giddy that he was about to win. I had to mark.

I placed my hand over the vent, grabbed my ball, and meticulously looked at the arrows below my feet. O.k. I need to stand between the second and third arrows. I rolled the ball hard down the lane where I wanted it; it was heading to the side of the head pin. The pins cracked and fell over except one. Damn it. One pin was left standing on the far left hand side of the lane. This won't be an easy spare shot.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. I grabbed my ball, meticulously looked at the arrows below my feet, and moved a little further to the left. I gently extended my arm, reached my hand out like I'm providing a hand shake, and placed some spin on the ball as it slowly moved towards the pin. Come on, come on. Yes. I made a direct hit smack dab in the middle of the lone pin. I just needed a few pins to secure a victory. My next attempt was a perfect strike. What a way to end the game and conquer my competition. As I let him know along with Robin, I'm now a Bowling God.

Would you like to see a magic trick? Don't blow it out of proportion. Watch this short clip:

I'm sure many of you have seen this film already. Honestly, I didn't enjoy the film the first time around. There were too many things I looked for and didn't receive. However, I was able to absorb everything that was happening the second time around and gained a much greater appreciation for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glWUlkgjg-c

Dr. Giggles is at it again

Georgia's 10th congressional district congressman, Republican Dr. Paul Broun and unfortunately my representative, was at it again yesterday. This is the first time I think I favor Nurse Ratchett's character from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. "It's time for your medication, Dr. Broun. Medication time, medication time..." Based on my previous posts, Broun is out-of-touch on practically every single policy position and panders to the lunatic Evangelical Right. This is the makeup of this district's majority. Yesterday, in an interview with the Associated Press, Broun is the symbol of The Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz. Here is the article:

Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship
By BEN EVANS – 1 day ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist or fascist dictatorship.

"It may sound a bit crazy and off base, but the thing is, he's the one who proposed this national security force," Rep. Paul Broun said of Obama in an interview Monday with The Associated Press. "I'm just trying to bring attention to the fact that we may — may not, I hope not — but we may have a problem with that type of philosophy of radical socialism or Marxism."

Broun cited a July speech by Obama that has circulated on the Internet in which the then-Democratic presidential candidate called for a civilian force to take some of the national security burden off the military.

"That's exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it's exactly what the Soviet Union did," Broun said. "When he's proposing to have a national security force that's answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he's showing me signs of being Marxist."

Obama's comments about a national security force came during a speech in Colorado about building a new civil service corps. Among other things, he called for expanding the nation's foreign service and doubling the size of the Peace Corps "to renew our diplomacy."

"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set," Obama said in July. "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

Broun said he also believes Obama likely will move to ban gun ownership if he does build a national police force.

Obama has said he respects the Second Amendment right to bear arms and favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault weapons and concealed weapons. As an Illinois state lawmaker, Obama supported a ban on semiautomatic weapons and tighter restrictions on firearms generally.

"We can't be lulled into complacency," Broun said. "You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I'm not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I'm saying is there is the potential."

Obama's transition office did not respond immediately to Broun's remarks.

O.k. This is just completely absurd to compare anyone to Adolf Hitler. Obama said this statement to help rebuild America's infrastructure and repeatedly has used the Peace Corps as a gateway for those wanting to attend college. Here's the gotcha' part. This wasn't the first time Broun made these statements about Obama.

It was reported hours after Broun made these statements, he issued an apology and used the old: I didn't mean it, my comments were taken out of context, or I regret my harsh comments and look forward to working with President-elect Obama. This is the same as a child getting caught lying to a parent. Back in July, Broun spoke to his sheep at the Augusta Rotary Club and made these same statements. So, it's scary he truly believes this. He can try all the mental gymnastics he can muster and believe he's scoring 10s from this point forward. His colleagues should ignore his extremely out-of-touch mainstream views.

Oh, the 2nd amendment reads like this: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." I don't see individual right used in this original text. It was written to protect Americans from the British militia. Broun is on an island of his own along with Justice Antonin Scalia.

Yes, Broun made it on Olbermann's Worst Persons in the World last night
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27669754#27669754

Barack Obama and Ronan Harris are two guys I'd have a beer with and moving to An Age of Tolerance

My Republican friends were very gracious and optimistic about Barack Obama after his historic victory. They did share their concerns, and we discussed them at length. I love these guys, and we've been there for one another through difficult times and transitions. We agree that we share an unabated enthusiasm for football, music, and hot chicks.

Barack is a symbolic representation of tolerance. In a time when interracial marriage was frowned upon, Barack gained an appreciation and understanding of his parents' backgrounds. He has fought many battles as a community organizer and civil rights attorney to ensure Americans are given equal opportunities. His victory, along with an increasing majority of Democrats in Congress, still hasn't completely sunk in yet. I'm optimistic he represents the best qualities of all of us.

Ronan Harris

It's strange how I discovered Ronan Harris' band, VNV Nation. It's eerily similar to how I discovered Live. I hadn't heard a single song by the band. The album cover of Mental Jewelry attracted me. First, mental jewelry to me meant how the mind is very precious and can contribute so much to others. Second, Ed Kowalczyk is shown bare-chested with his arms folded as a cross burns in the background. Finally, my symbolic interpretation was moving forward from all the divisiveness narrow-minded people use. The burning cross was purposely placed in the background to demonstrate the past and Ed's picture in the foreground served as a promise for moving ahead with a humanitarian mindset. Sure enough, the music and lyrics were like nothing I heard before and did touch on my initial interpretations.

One day, Robin wanted to look around inside Hot Topic, a trendy clothing store in the mall. There was a small rack for CDs. A few were on display for shoppers to listen to with headphones provided. By coincidence or fate, I was attracted to the band name, VNV Nation and its album entitled Truth+Matter+Form. I listened to a few tracks and was immediately hooked. There was a great mixture of melodic sounds meshed with hard dance rhythms.

My creativity has been greatly inspired by my subconsciousness. Dreams are a perfect example. Some early poems I wrote focused on postmodern architecture I saw in these dreams. These buildings often were made out of glass and slanted from its base to apex. Ronan touches on this similar observation and other creative outlets that has inspired him to write beatiful music and lyrics. Here's a link to an article written several years ago. Yes, there's poor grammatical usage in it, but it's easy to overlook:

http://www.mk-magazine.com/interviews/archives/000117.php

Olbermann's Special Comment

Like Keith Olbermann, I don't have any gay friends. However, one of the core principles of liberalism is tolerance. Keith delivered a powerful special comment last night on religion's divisiveness and how it dilutes simple kindness to EVERYONE. This includes the gay community. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y04wYfgWxeA

Fear, Fear, Fear

Our country is faced with enormous challenges. Based on what I've learned about many Presidents, George W. Bush can arguably go down as the worst President ever. He has served with the utmost incompetence and arrogance. Now, Joe Biden delivered a very powerful statement a few years ago at a breakfast held somewhere in New England (might've been New Hampshire but can't remember): "When George Bush fails, my country fails."

People around me with varying opinions have expressed their fear about an upcoming Obama administration. It doesn't help they're Republicans, but that's not an excuse to end our friendships. Here are samples of what I've heard: "He's just going to give handouts to other blacks." "How is he going to help homeowners? You had too many sorry people who bought homes and couldn't afford them." "There are still too many racists out there. If someone shoots him, you better get ready to buy a gun."

I'll try my best to convey exactly how I responded to colleagues and friends who shared the aforementioned sentiments. Let's start with the first statement about handouts and welfare. NAFTA was an unpopular policy passed during the Clinton administration. This wasn't the main problem though. During his final years, corporate welfare continued to take a front seat, as Clinton pandered more and more to the Republicans. More and more jobs were getting shipped overseas and unions increasingly lost their memberships. I still pull out the Noam Chomsky line: "The wealthy elite are always first in line for public services." Look at how much we recently spent on corporate welfare.

In Augusta, the consolidated government is divided half black and half white. They answer to their churches and communities first and Augusta as a whole last. This is dysfunctionality at its worse. On this first point, I kept reiterating how Barack will reward teachers with higher pay for performance. He's also asking for self-reliance similar to John F. Kennedy. Government can't solve all the problems. His ad nauseum stump speeches reiterated this when he continued saying parents (or guardians) are going to have to put away the T.V., computer, and video games and get their children to do their homework.

The mortgage meltdown is the second concern. Barack pledged he will go back to the recent economic bailout bill and revise it so taxpayers will be given breaks. Also, he's proposing to have a 90 day moratorium on those facing foreclosures.

Yes, the economic bailout was widely unpopular. We've still seen CEOs and top executives spending lavish amounts of money through their pensions on our dime. And yes, part of the blame can go to some who were in over their heads and reckless with their finances. The blame also goes to many unscrupulous lenders who deliberately juxtaposed the language in the contracts to obtain higher commissions.

Finally, I'm scared to death something tragic might happen just like the next person. Ronald Wilson Reagan -- 666. Six leters in each name. Some nut thought he was the antichrist and tried to take Reagan's life. There were plenty of poor decisions made during Reagan's administration: Failing to acknowledge how AIDS is contracted and informing what the virus was for nearly three years that led to mass hysteria for people thinking it could be contracted by simply touching someone who had it, war on drugs and giving users outrageous prison sentences when it was spread to the streets by corporate titans and other influential people, enormous tax dollars spent on the military industrial complex, and empowering the Religious Right who continue to defy Jefferson's vision of our Democracy.

I was told Barack will side with the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Barack is much more sympathetic for gay rights and rights for all than Jackson and Sharpton. I spoke with Jackson and interviewed one of Sharpton's chief surrogates. They don't represent Martin Luther King's vision. Sorry. Include the late Coretta Scott King. MLK and Coretta believed in equal rights for all. Unfortunately, Sharpton's chief surrogate was reluctant to acknowledge rights for the gay community when I spoke to him. This was an event for Social and Economic Equality and how the Bush administration used gay discrimination as a distraction. I quickly learned this man was also indifferent to gay rights. Finally, he gave a politically correct answer by saying he doesn't fully adhere to the Holy Bible. I asked a few minutes later for a business card in case I wanted to follow up with him. Nope. Hmm.

There's lots to fear, but Franklin Delanor Roosevelt lifted a nation before we headed into another World War. I'm sure you're familiar by now, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." We can just hole ourselves up for the remainder of our lives. That would be easy, right? I'm confident we've turned another page in our history, and the vast majority of us have risen above petty prejudices and discrimination. Who knows? My outlook is no matter how bad things are around me, there's always someone else out there who has it worse.

Keith Olbermann to Conservatives: 'You don't matter anymore'

Keith Olbermann had a humerous Worst Persons in the World last night. Basically, it was the Conservative all-star team featuring William "The Bloody" Kristol, Rush "Where's my Oxcontin?" Limbaugh, and Bill O' The Clown. Simply, Keith said about each, "You don't matter anymore." Let's hope these divisive, anti-enlightening hacks will lose more and more attention in these upcoming years. Here's the video clip and I had to pull it from another seemingly fellow liberal blogger:

http://gordspoetryfactory.blogspot.com/

Barack's win is a mandate for change and why I support the Democratic Party

In 2004, I worked as a journalist for a small community newspaper about 40 miles away. It was exciting. Each day, you didn't know what to expect. Journalists are also empowered to investigate and dig deep creatively for engaging stories. This was my first stint and unfortunately, I worked under two bullies who controlled the newspaper. It wasn't pleasant, had to bite my tongue on a few occasions, retaliated with some sarcasm on some others, and worked under an intolerable authoritarian who felt it was o.k. to discuss another employee's performances to me when it was my second day on the job. This is a very cutthroat business, but I have no regrets with my many fond, memorable experiences I was able to gain.

One of my first stories was based on a local attorney's strong fan support for the University of Georgia's football team. He received his Bachelor's and Juris Doctorate from the school. Inside his small office, there were numerous framed posters of famous moments throughout the football program's history. For a brief time, he was also an amateur golfer. It was a shrine of Masters Tournament and University of Georgia football memorabilia. After the story, he was extremely gracious I had written it and wanted to introduce me to others in town. I joined the Lions Club and quickly formed a friendship with him. Like myself, he was probably the only liberal in this town.

When I began my employment, his wife worked as an advertising executive at the paper. She was one of the sweetest women I met there. One day, I was jotting down on my notebook story ideas. All of a sudden she said there should be coverage of seniors at the local nursing home. Stop. My heart began racing. This was a wonderful idea, so I was granted permission by Atilla the Hun, oh, sorry my boss, to feature each Sunday a senior citizen's story.

Each story was unique. I enjoyed the woman who loved playing Bingo and placing on her bedroom walls several collage pictures. There was another man from Texas who was a diehard football fan, and we spent a few hours talking about our favorite football memories. However, each story wasn't rosey or positive.

One woman described how she was abused as a child by her mother. It was gut-wrenching and most of our time together was spent with her continuing with this narrative. I had to write something positive and eventually, it was limited to some friendships she gained with her neighbors.

I went on to another newspaper where I questioned the powerful elite in town and lost my job over it. If I had to do it all over again, there's not a damn thing I would change. Legally, I could've sued this publication for wrongful termination but didn't. This was where I interviewed Jesse Jackson, an innovative foot orthotics doctor who makes special foot inserts for household name athletes and those stricken with arthritis, a world renowned artist, and one of the tobacco whistle-blowers. I trade all this away in a heartbeat for those moments I spent with the seniors. They paved a way for us, and their contributions shouldn't be ignored or forgotten.

My outlook on government is this: Government should always serve those who can't fend or serve for themselves. People first in line should be veterans, seniors, and the disabled. Like myself, these guys don't ask for handouts. They just want a little more and unfortunately, these seniors weren't able to benefit from the opportunities provided to us today. Barack has said it best a few times: Am I my brother and sister's keeper?

Even though I support the Democratic Party, this doesn't mean I won't ride Barack's ass like I did on some policies Clinton made during his last term. Inevitably, there will be some disagreements. I know he's a great human being and shows a very compassionate spirit for those around him. Last night's event was unique in so many ways. One theme you could see in the faces from the crowd at Grant Park in Chicago was a hopeful optimism that we can do better. Here is a replay of last night's Presidential victory speech Barack delivered:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU

Make Election Day a Federal Holiday and simplify the process

Election days are set on Tuesdays. Tuesday? This is a very daunting task for many registered voters who set aside their time from work, despite the unexpected events that might transpire. Your boss might tell you if you're gone for more than a few hours, your job will be eliminated. If this is the case, the employer doesn't deserve your services. You might have an important meeting with key clients while still waiting in line at a precinct. Why not mandate this day as a holiday?

Many Americans no longer work the traditional 9-5 Monday through Friday work weeks. So, it's even difficult to just say let's hold the election day on Saturday or Sunday. Democrats want full participation every election cycle. The higher the turnout, the more this favors the Democrats. If we had the high numbers like France with 90+ percent, Republicans wouldn't win a general election unless Democrats practiced gross incompetence during their last terms.

Voting Machines

Have any of you seen Man of the Year? One thing writers like Kurt Vonnegut have taught us is absurdity and science fiction eventually turn into reality. Bill Maher said it best: Voting machines would be cool if this was 1969. As we know, computers are just giant fuck up machines. They're like a silicon version of Gary Busey. You never know when it's going to explode. This is how I look at these Diebold machines.

I never understood what was wrong with just old-fashioned paper ballots. You receive one, punch a hole next to the candidate's name you choose, and that's it. Computers are vulnerable to viruses and glitches like anything else. Complaints have already been voiced at some precincts about these machines. Additionally, many lines can easily be avoided by simplifying the process and going back to paper ballots. This way your not having to stand there pushing your finger against the screen, scrolling down it, and finally picking your selection. It's silly some of these precincts only have a few machines for hundreds who wait. This is one area where I always will be old-fashioned.

Have a Spooktacular Halloween

Be nice to the little ones tonight and provide them with candy. I hate the snot-nosed adolescents who come to the door without even wearing a costume. They say something they think is spry or witty, and I feel like slamming the door in their faces. I've buckled but haven't failed to ask, "Where's your costume?" If they really irritate me, I might say something like, "I see your dressed as a bumkin this year."

Here's a video of a band whose sound I dig but singer's voice can go. Like what Trent Reznor does before his shows, this has a little, let's just say, human masochism (probably spelled wrong) to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeZdIbIVZUg

One of my weaknesses and should Barack Obama use a 30 minute ad space for many networks tonight?

I have a soft spot for babies and domestic pets. Yes, every now and then, you get a runt or vicious one through its DNA -- i.e. Dobermans. They don't know how to create weapons of mass destruction. They're not Conservatives, although Bruce the Brawlin' Cat with his persistent kills on insects might be an exception. Many just provide you with unconditional love. People I loathe the most are those who are harmful or neglectful to children and animals. This is why I can't watch "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. Here is an amazing account of a dog who sacrificed himself in a life or death situation:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=10401517

The Conservative idealogy is an open book to me with its premise on one theme -- fear. So, Barack will speak tonight and more than likely, he'll hit it out of the park like he has done time and time again to this point. I can just predict how Conservatives will react before he even begins: "Oh, he thinks he's already won the election. Folks, he is ready to run a Socialist government. The financial mess we're in can all be attributed to the outrageous spending in Washington by Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid."

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday and just wanted to bash this car in with a sledgehammer. It read the following: Vote American. Vote McCain and Palin. I just posted a few entries ago what Keith Olbermann echoed about this you're pro-American or anti-American crap. I think this is the most unintelligible, backward-thinking mentality one can use for supporting two candidates over the other. I'll guarantee you these people can't engage in a debate over real issues.

The Obama ad tonight might be perceived as arrogant. Hey, I've got a show on, why the hell is he taking time away from my show? I'm just telling you now how the seemingly average goober out there thinks. Hopefully, people will come to their senses this time.

Let's be honest with ourselves. Don't be surprised for the first time in more than a century if people become hostile after the election. We live in a very divided country and must accept that. So, don't be surprised if nutcases begin coming out in droves.

On a much lighter note, I don't know why this song came to me today. It's off a great soundtrack, Tank Girl, and for some reason, it's my favorite off it. Here's the song for your listening pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh63sh26E64

The end could be near for fulfilling a lifelong dream and Hardcore 'Hard Candy'

I tend to write my best when everything around me seems to be at its worst. This is one of those times. For seven years, I've abandoned a story I began writing. This was how long Robin and I dated before a string of breakups and inabilities to accept each other's flaws outweighed our commonalities. As usual, my adrenaline hit warp speed yesterday.

A new conclusion to this story came out of nowhere just like everything else that had been previously written. It's a laborious process at times. There are some days when ideas and words just easily flow, while there are others that test my patience. On a few occasions, I would stare at a blank screen for an hour or so. Suddenly, ideas began seeping into my collective conciousness. It's similar to an artist; you have a canvas in front of you and words fill the pages like the lines and figures on a painting.

Sure, it would be great if this reached a mass audience. Reality says it's highly unlikely. The publishing industry is a very precarious one. You either select a house that is small, or a large one that demands high sales in a very short time span. Here is a brief synopsis of my attempt to avoid literary snobbery and just present a story that people might find interesting. You can tell me if it doesn't float your boat. I'm long past the days when I used to get easily offended.

This is an existential story about two young adults journeying on roads for self-discovery and acceptance. Johnny McManus, a college student and full-time warehouse employee, is tired of his monotanous life and alienation. He has no friends in a new town he lives in and decides to finally risk taking a chance at becoming a full-time musician. Chasity Adams, a straight 'A' high school senior, continues to endure day to day ridicule by her peers. As a young woman who survives a brutal rape, she just wants to escape and photograph the struggles others face when looking through her lens. Her older sister is well liked and has a boyfriend Chasity has a crush on. He expresses no interest in Chasity, so she feels there's nothing left for her in this town. Johnny and Chasity embark on their journey to Los Angeles.

This story chronicles the lives of Chasity and Johnny through their eyes and memories. They also find a shangri-la while working to establish their desired careers. It's a place where all their fears and anxieties subside. Surrealism and what is perceived as fantasy coexist. Will they find acceptance from others through their works or retreat to a place that seemingly offers infinite bliss?

Ellen Page delivers a powerful acting performance

I flipped through the channels Friday afternoon after getting off work. By this point, I'm tired of hearing pundits on the news forecast what will happen next week for the all important Presidential and Congressional elections. I turned on FearNet and saw a movie starring Ellen Page (star of Juno). Now, I know why she was cast for her critically acclaimed role in Juno. The character she portrays in this movie is much more intense, mirroring the story written for Hard Candy.

Hard Candy is a film about a highly intelligent, mature beyond her years teenager played by Page and a 30s-something photographer. The two of them have exchanged dialogues on an online chatroom and agree to finally meet each other. After they meet, get ready for an extremely intense psychological thriller. I recommend you don't eat anything while watching this. Personally, I thought Page's role in this film was much harder to pull off than the character she played in Juno. There are plenty of twists and turns this film will take you on.

Whenever I or someone else writes online, I have to be honest with myself and say it's done for self-centered reasons. There is this voyeuristic nature to it. Who is this person who has this blog, "Puritan Peddlers?" He could be some wacko. People spend a lot of time on the internet nowadays for various reasons. Unfortunately, some use it as a complete escape from their everyday lives. Many marriages end when a spouse is found to have an addiction to pornography or just wants to spend countless hours playing online games like "World of Warcraft." I admit I spend a few hours each Sunday playing Madden 'o9 on the Playstation 3 at my friend's house. But, I use the internet mainly to read up on my favorite blogs: crooksandliars, Thomas', and Stephanie's. I also like to catch up on latest sports news. Here is something interesting I found from a professor at Kansas State University. It's where my godfather, my dad's college roommate and best friend, and writer of a book on the history of baseball works as Vice President of the Registrar's Office. I know, it's that place on campus that always screws with your schedule. This professor has offered some unique and engaging points-of-view on the power of modern technology and its overwhelming effects it has on today's society. Tell me what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

This is what rational Americans are up against

Keith Olbermann delivered another engaging, well-thought commentary a few days ago on the McCain's campaign series of divisiveness. They've said at small towns that they don't see anywhere else where there are more patriotic Americans. Olbermann rips this mentality and Rush Limbaugh's ridiculous charges that Colin Powell's decision to endorse Obama was one of race. There are also a few more he rightfully counterattacks on issues that play little to no relevance in the real challenges we confront today. Here is Olbermann's special comment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGd5-d8dk_0&feature=related

Is Sarah Palin dumber than a 3rd Grader

Sarah Palin is a woman who suburban middle-aged married women could invite over for a cup of tea and cookies. Her perky, fiery energy would liven up your average living room. They could all talk about how their kids are doing in school, clothes you can buy for the kids, what drapes would look best in a wing of the house, etc. She's also a great candidate for a reality T.V. show. When it comes to the thought she could be our next President, you would see a mass exodus.

Yesterday, she was interviewed by a producer on CNN. She was asked a question by a third grader: What does a Vice President do? She started her answer off well by saying the vice president is there to support the President's agenda. Then, she switched gears and said she would preside over the Senate. No, you wouldn't. It's illegal for one, and second, you're only there if there's a 50-50 split on a bill.

This whole talk of socialism is a joke. Even Colin Powell understands how taxation works. When you redistribute wealth which happens under every administration, that's not socialism. Socialism is any program or industry that is government controlled that we pay for -- public schools, police and fire departments, postal service, libraries, and 401K programs. So, McCain and Palin don't even understand what socialism means. Their message changes each day with this baffoon Joe the Plumber as an emerging American hero who is dumber than a box of rocks, Bill Ayers and linking Obama as a terrorist, race, lying that he will raise EVERYONE's taxes, etc. If this country elects McCain and Palin, it's mentally handicapped. I already said this back in 2004, but I forgive those at that time since conditions weren't nearly as bad as they are now.

The 'Joe the Plumber' I know, why he's referred to as 'Just Joe,' and Congrats to The Tampa Bay Rays

Yes, there is another Joe the Plumber out there. Shocker. Picture Chunk from one of my favorite '80s movies, The Goonies, and you get Joe. Sometimes, he'll do a spit take, because he talks so fast. It's a mouth moving with words coming out at warp speed.

Like the Joe the Plumber from Toledo, OH, bless his heart, he means well but just throws information out there at times. I visited Joe and his wife with my then-girlfriend a few months ago in Helen, Ga. At one point, Joe was just wrong about a point he addressed.

"Military cooks don't have to know how to use a gun when they go over to Iraq. I know a guy back in Augusta who just came back who told me that."

"Joe, they all have to successfully get through basic training. All of them have to prove they can proficiently use a gun," I retorted.

"No, they don't. Man, I'll prove it to you and call him right now. He'll tell you the same thing."

"Then, he's lying to you, Joe."

"Joe, if they come under fire, they're expected to defend themselves," my then-girlfriend added. Like Joe, she's also a military brat who lived in Germany.

I first met Joe 14 years ago, a year after I moved to Augusta. We worked together when I got my first job at Burger King. It was fun. We threw food at each other, took whoppers out of our bin, ate them behind the broiler or freezer, talked to customers on our headsets after sucking down some helium, and enjoyed working around some unique individuals. I quickly learned Joe liked to exagerrate for gaining acceptance. This was either a low self-esteem problem or lack of attention he felt he was receiving.

There was another time when another friend of ours joined us. Joe said his uncle worked at NASA and said the film Independence Day is close to the truth. He added his uncle works in a facility that houses alien lifeforms. Wow. A few minutes later, he said his uncle helped design the Nintendo game system. Oh, boy.

"Is this the same uncle who worked at NASA?"

"Yeah."

"Those are two different trades, Joe."

"O.k. So, my uncle doesn't work for NASA, but he did help program some of the games for Nintendo."

So, it went from his uncle working around aliens to creating Nintendo to helping design a few of the games. Joe is still a good friend today. Like the other Joe, he didn't have a license for a long time. He finally got it over a year ago and does make good money working near Atlanta. Albeit his tendencies to stretch the truth, he's a good guy with a great sense of humor and hard worker.

'Just Joe'

My friend and I conjured up the nickname Just Joe every time I've spoken to Joe. A former World Wrestling Entertainment character was dubbed Just Joe. His role wasn't really one of grappling in the ring but one that spread outrageous false rumors about a wrestler backstage. The rumors eventually were discovered by that wrestler and naturally his veins were about to burst. Just Joe would meet this wrestler and say, "Whoa. Don't shoot the messenger. This is just what I've heard from (any name can apply here)." So, Joe really personifies this WWE character. He's just the messenger who doesn't know better when he brings up some outrageous story and additionally, addresses a current or historical topic he is ill-informed on.

I've had serious talks with Joe after catching him tongue-tied at times in these fabrications. Each time, I tell him he doesn't have to say these things to impress me or anyone else. That's not why I'm friends with him. Unfortunately, old habits for some don't die.

Hard to swallow but Congrats to The Tampa Bay Rays

I wouldn't be writing this if my Boston Red Sox lost to The New York Yankees. The Sox lost a hard fought game last night that featured outstanding pitching and opportunities squandered. This Rays' team is resilient and appeared to be ready to pack it in. However, they seized upon the few opportunities given to them. This proved to be the difference.

The Rays are a team that just goes out and plays each day. Their manager stresses to his team they treat a playoff game just like a regular season one. His low-key, optimistic treatment of his players is reflective in their performances. They're great athletes who appear to be a contender for years to come. And what does America love the most -- an underdog. This has been the ultimate underdog story. Since 1976, the inception of free agency, this team has the lowest payroll of any other to make it to the World Series. I love what their manager said on how his team approaches overcoming adversity: "We seem to be at our best when everything seems to be at its worse."

Red Sox fan est. 2002

This is a tribute to the many great memories I have watching the Red Sox throughout their disappointing and triumphant seasons. I commend John Henry, Larry Lucchino, Tom Werner, and Theo Epstein for their outstanding business model. The organization has placed solar panels around the park and recycable waste bags inside to optimize its efforts for enviroment conservation. Most importantly, they host countless charities everywhere and stay involved with local schools. Kids have that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be introduced before the first pitch.

NESN, the area's designated Boston Red Sox T.V. channel, selects a kid to call out the starting lineups before games. Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy are a gas. I never thought I'd say in all my years they could call games better than Harry Carey and Steve Stone for the Cubs (my team growing up). Here's a sample of an exchange, not word for word, but darn close:

Remy: Don, have you ever had an operation?

Don: I've had my wisdom teeth taken out, does that count?

Remy: I was in the hospital the other day. You know how they give you these gowns to put on.

Don: I do.

Remy: Well, I wasn't sure how to put it on. I walked out of my room and a woman started screaming.

Don: Oh, no. Did you put it on backwards?

Remy: Yeah. I realized my whole front side was exposed.

I'm back on speaking terms with Robin. When living in Newport, R.I. where her father was stationed at one time, he took his mother to a Red Sox game. His mother sat in the stands knitting. She began carrying on a conversation with another elderly woman. They shared cooking recipes. At the end of the game, her father asked who it was her mother was talking to. It was MRS. YAWKEY, wife of founder and owner Mr. Yawkey. She said it in a very matter-of-fact way and continued by saying she was a very nice woman.

He went back to the stadium a short time later for another game with his son. Mrs. Yawkey asked him where his mother was. He said she went back home to Texas and Mrs. Yawkey seemed disappointed but thanked him for his mother's recipes.

I haven't had to wait 86 years for a championship like those living in New England. Yes, Robin turned me into a diehard fan. My favorite experience was sitting on top of the Red Sox dugout at Turner Field in Atlanta back in 2002. I was speechless when then player Brian Daubach decided to talk to some of the Red Sox faithful after the game. Despite what happens tonight, I love the Red Sox, but like the question posed to Jimmy Fallon's character in Fever Pitch, "Have the Red Sox ever loved you back?" Yes. They've provided the life lesson that when you fall down, you get back up. Here's my favorite fan tribute video to the 2004 World Series championship team. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUpuectC8ls

The Boston Red Sox' unbearable darkness and lightness

On October 17, 2003, at 12:16 a.m., New York Yankees' pinch-hitter, Aaron "Fucking" Boone, hit a walk-off home-run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield for an American League penant, adding to the Red Sox' long history of season-ending misfortunes. Flash forward five years later to 12:16 a.m. J.D. Drew hit a line drive over Tampa Bay Rays' outfielder Gabe Gross to drive home Kevin Youkilis and lead the Red Sox to an 8-7 win.

This was the second greatest comeback in postseason history. The script appeared to be the same at Fenway Park as the previous two games. Tampa's B.J. Upton hits a two-run homer in the first inning, and they continued piling on from there, while the Red Sox' hitting continued to struggle. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning, fans began making their way to the exits and for good reason. Suddenly, the Red Sox' bats came to life. Coco Crisp was able to finally drive home a run. Then, David Ortiz proved why he's still one of the great clutch hitters in postseason history, driving a three-run homer deep into the right field stands. There was hope the rest of the way with the score 7-4 heading into the eighth inning.

We know the recent history of Boston's fortunes. Down 3-0 to the Yankees, the Red Sox staged the greatest comeback in sports history and won the 2004 World Series. In 2007, they were written off again, trailing the Cleveland Indians 3-1; another comeback and World Championship. This time, they face a young, resilient Rays' team and still have to win two in a row in Tampa. Who knows what will happen, but one can unequivocally say that last night was magical under a harvest moon with its blazen orange glow and clouds hovering just below.

My favorite Fox Noise Smackdown

This silly exchange happened about a year ago. It features Christopher Hitchens and Abrahamoff and Tom Delay crony, Ralph Reed. I disagree with Hitchens on many levels, mainly his newfound appreciation for many neoconservative positions and for praising the Bush administration, specifically another crook, Paul Wolfowitz. Hitchens, however, does have the most compelling argument for why invading Iraq was in our best interest. His book God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything does take a very insightful and critical view of organized religion and its stranglehold over our everyday lives. I don't agree with everything he says, including his atheist beliefs which is a religion in itself, but found the book to really stand out as far as attacking radical factions. The social conservative movement led during the Reagan years bankrupt some people. What? Yes, some people were suckered into donating all of their money to hacks like Pat Robertson and others. These people were and still are wolves in sheep clothing. Here is this exchange after the death of Jerry Falwell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doKkOSMaTk4

What I'll be missing next Tuesday and Rachel Maddow slams former Bush speech writer

I haven't been to a concert in ages. There aren't a lot of bands who have come out into the mainstream these past eight years who I feel are talented. The indie scene is much different. Like one of my favorite bands Live, this band offers a unique sound; one that really doesn't sound like anyone else. Led by frontman Ronan Harris who writes the majority of their music, one can't pinpoint a specific genre this group falls into. Some of their stuff has an industrial sound, while others infuse more electronic and classical ballad based melodies. I can confidently say next Tuesday in San Diego, I would have the time of my life while seeing VNV Nation perform at the House of Blues. Their only stop in North America is in the Los Angeles area and unfortunately, I haven't accrued any vacation time for my birthday next Tuesday. This won't happen until early next year. Here is a sample of what I'll miss and judge for yourselves if you think you'd enjoy seeing them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht7zFlO9LvA&feature=related

Rachel Maddow set the record straight for former Bush speech writer David Frum last night on her MSNBC show. Frum's desperate attempt was to somehow compare Maddow's playful sarcasm to how McCain's supporters have recently acted at his rallies shouting: "Bomb Obama" at Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss' rally (ran the most underhanded campaigns against Max Clelland in modern political history), "Kill Him," "Off with his head..." crooksandliars.com features this video on its website under the headline The Rachel Maddow Show: David Frum's False Equivalencies and Foolishness.

One of Augusta's Dark Secrets is Revealed

This story was first brought to my attention yesterday by Conservative Cook talk radio host Austin Rhodes. Fort Gordon is our military base here in this area. I had no idea it housed the largest NSA operating center in the world. If you've read my previous posts, I don't have to provide you with examples on why Rhodes condones domestic terrorism and spews bigotry over the airwaves. Here was the laugher yesterday. He stole RNC talking points when saying this is an example of "gotcha journalism." Moving on, he said that ABC's aerial shot of the Fort Gordon campus breached national security and terrorists will now be provoked to attack it. That's just dumb. Where did the terrorists from 9/11 train? That's right. It was on our soil. I also won't get into why we're still not safe i.e. Transportation Security Administration. Rhodes further called one of the whistle blowers, David Murfee Faulk, someone who should be tried and convicted of treason. Treason is defined as posing any imminent threat to government. At no time did Faulk mention anything remote to posing a threat to our government's safety. Here are video clips done by ABC News' interviewer Brian Ross and judge for yourselves:

http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=Brian%20Ross%20and%20David%20Murfee%20Faulk&type=

How I would moderate an independent focus group

This is just a pretend skit I wanted to introduce. Yes, I can be a real sum' bitch sometimes. I just can't get over how people in these focus groups on CNN take themselves seriously and are that indecisive. There's such a barage of information out there that by this point, these people clearly must not invest too much into. Here's how it would unfold:

Wolf Blitzer: Alright, I see we have P.J. standing by with a group of undecided, independent voters in Columbus, OH. We're all interested to hear what they thought of the candidates' performances at the debate tonight.

P.J.: Wolfman, I'll take it from here. When are you going to have a makeover from that Grizzly Adams appearance? And what's with this dull tone in your voice? Come on, Wolfman. This is another historic moment in our history. (yell) Get jacked up!

(pause)

P.J.: O.k. How many of you have just crawled out from under a rock or used a hose to wash out all the gunk you had on you from camping out deep in a forest? O.k. I see several hands raised. That's not surprising with all the blank expressions I'm seeing on your faces. Let me turn over to this woman I see here to get her reaction. What's your name?

Woman: Jane.

P.J.: Jane, we're all waiting. What issues grabbed your attention the most and who do you feel delivered the best on those issues for you?

Jane: I was real impressed when McCain said we have to send our troops home after they've achieved victory in Iraq.

(long pause as I scratch my head)

P.J.: That's it, Jane?

Jane: That's what struck me the most tonight, yes.

P.J.: Well, Jane you haven't been paying much attention, have you?

Jane: Yes, I've been reading the newspapers each day.

P.J.: That's not what my team of investigators have revealed to me. With surveillance cameras, you spend several hours a day looking out your living room window. So, this tells me you haven't been paying attention.

Jane: So, I wait for the UPS man to arrive. I love his smile, his physique...

P.J.: Well, Jane. Maybe, you should spend a little more time brushing up on your current events and a little less time thinking about boning your UPS man.

(She presses her hands to her face and begins sobbing)

P.J.: O.k. I see another hand raised. What's your name, sir?

Man: Frank.

P.J.: Frank, what did you think about tonight's debate.

Frank: I think Obama did a good job explaining how he'll lower taxes for 95 percent of Americans.

P.J.: And you're just now learning about this Frank?

Frank: Yes.

P.J.: Frank, perhaps if you spent a little less time at Burger King stuffing your face with Whoppers and a little more time reading up on these candidates, you'd learn this is something Obama has talked about for months. (Frank tries to interject). Before you go any further and I cut your mic off, I want you to do the truffle shuffle for us.

Frank: I don't know what that is.

P.J.: Of course you don't Frank. You don't know about a lot of things. Let me demonstrate for you. (Lift my shirt up, juggle what cellulite I might have, and complement it with gurgling sounds). Now, do it.

(Frank could be heard at a much higher pitch).

P.J.: Alright. I've had enough of this. Can anyone tell me a fundamental difference in policy positions between Obama and McCain?

Unidentified woman: Obama will raise our taxes.

P.J.: You crawled out from under a rock before you came here, didn't you? Let me shake some sense into you madam. (place the woman in a headlock and apply a noogie to her forehead). Alright. I think these voters have spoken. Back to you Wolf.

(Speechless Wolf for a few moments)

Wolf: Alright, let's now hear from the best political team on television....

My CD player still isn't working, but there were a few good songs played in a row today before Three Days Grace who are given less than three seconds by me. This is a song by arguably the greatest rock vocalist of all-time. His pitch is so high that he has been known to blow out microphones when performing live. Here's one of my favorites from this guy out of all the groups he's played in or his solo projects. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsPZpUQJc0M&feature=related

John McCain carries a small stick and talks loud

John McCain quoted one of his heroes tonight, Theodore Roosevelt, in the debate at Belmont University saying, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." This couldn't be further from the truth amid his many misleading policy positions and boldface lies on Obama's voting record. McCain reminds me of that jacked up truck you see driving down the road with your girlfriend in the car. "Oooh, another one with a small penis," she would say. I know Republicans love the pharmaceutical companies and as I mentioned earlier, those male enhancement pills are on the rise when they see Sarah Palin.

Obama talked about fixing a corrupt, broken health care system that has bankrupt many American families. His proposal allows Americans to choose top-notch plans without worrying whether pre-existing conditions will be covered. Part of this will come from prioritizing our spending. The other will come from generating revenue by providing tax cuts to 95% of Americans. The top 5% easily own more than half this country's wealth. Americans will then be provided choices. And McCain's plan is more of the same with one gimmick attached: I'll throw out for you a $5000 tax credit. Gee, thanks. It's about as stimulating as that economic stimulus check that was spent on paying for gas.

McCain brought up again Obama's unwillingness to acknowledge the "surge is working." Once again, why not ask McCain what victory means to him. I'm so sick of hearing our troops will come home in defeat if they leave now. What have they not accomplished by this point? The violence is down, but political reconciliation isn't set. The Iraqi government has set our timetable. Why not abide by it? Survey after survey reveals about the same number of Iraqis as Americans want us out.

Obama spoke about hunting down bin Laden if he is in our sights. He didn't say we'll have a full-out strike on Pakistan. Immediately, McCain stood up and said Obama is willing to attack Pakistan. Ah, Senator McCain, the people aren't turning senile like yourself.

McCain continued his desperate attempts to distort Obama's voting record. It didn't work. Unlike Kerry, Obama doesn't let these baseless attempts slide. He held up a testy and impatient Tom Brokaw to interject with what his record is and where McCain was wrong. This is why Obama should win this election. If he doesn't, this is a failure on us.

Did you see this coming?

Dating back to Richard Nixon's administration, the middle and lower class have continued feeling the financial burdens under a Republican administration. Home sales plummeted during Nixon's administration, and a high inflation was the catalyst for lowering the average person's purchasing power. So, what's changed?

Mr. Champion Conservative Ronald Reagan entered as a very popular statesman. His infamous trickle down economic philosophy opened up the wound again. Something many might not realize is Reagan introduced and passed into law the largest tax increase in U.S. history (adjusted for inflation). Americans spent money on an overbloated military -- i.e. Star Wars. His neglect for urban development sent shockwaves through these communities. Drugs were smuggled into this country and introduced by the wealthy elite. Eventually, it hit the inner city streets. Small-time drug dealers were given outrageous prison sentences, while our enforcement agencies dropped the ball on those who shipped and received these massive quantities of crack and cocaine.

Bush's father raised taxes, we suffered a recession, and he was justly defeated by Bill Clinton. The Clinton years created more than 25 million new jobs (not piddly service industry crap jobs that are minimal pay) mainly in the technology sector. There was no pandering to giving tax cuts to the wealthy when raising the minimum wage. My biggest problems with Clinton were as follows: his neglect to hastily act with the genocide in Rwanda (he admitted he regretted that decision), introducing NAFTA despite its origin that was written to toughen labor and environmental standards that has now been abused, and avoiding tougher stances on companies who began shipping jobs overseas.

When Bush was re-elected in '04, I recall a conversation I had with my best friend. I was fuming when he told he decided to vote for Bush. He said Bush wouldn't take away his second amendment rights but Kerry would. He loves to hunt deer, although he knows my take on it; I don't want to kill Bambi. It would be a sport if the deer can fire back at the hunters. I told him this country will get what it deserves and that's going to be a huge recession. Little did I know, conditions are much worse than my knee-jerk reaction back then. We've seen our oil futures market completely unregualted, outing a CIA agent, continuing to spend $10 billion in Iraq when they misled us into believing the conflict was in its "final throes," and allowing private military contractors to act like Wild West bandits and avoid any consequences for their psychopathic actions. Privatize, privatize, privatize. We now see the results. No one entity or person should be granted extroadinary powers without checks and balances. Unfortunately, this trend more than likely would continue under a McCain/Palin administration. Wake up.

Keith Olbermann delivers one of the Best 'Worst Persons'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY7Sm-qyhJ0&feature=related

The 'Donnie Darko' Effect

I highly recommend any of you who haven't seen Donnie Darko to check this film out. It's a highly imaginative, deeply layered story. I had to watch it a second time for anything I might've missed. Without a snob film critic's review, I'll address one of the themes this story addresses, a societal disconnect.

While growing up in high school, I lived in suburbia. I grew increasingly bitter watching cliques. It showed a sign of weakness when people felt secure in numbers. I had a few friends, and all of them couldn't be together in the same setting. They couldn't resolve their differences, despite my many attempts to intervene. Over a period of time, I lost some of these friends to the cliques. My senior year was spent with just a few remaining, but those few couldn't resist hanging out with the cliques. I didn't belong. The cliques comprise of a superficial mindset that focuses on belittling those not in the group who they knew little or nothing about. It's a very wicked time period and microcosm of what our society really teaches us -- conform. Conform to buying the latest hip clothing line like GAP. Conform to dumbing yourself down opposed to rising up with creativity and innovation. Conform to mean-spiritedness for supremacy to all the other groups around you. Conform to listening to what's considered hip music at the time. It was a very small vehicle these people decided to ride in. I decided to travel with something bigger that carried more luggage on an endless stretch of road.

A few of these examples of conformity are what the protagonist confronts in this film as a high school student. I'm sure at some point in your life you've felt a sense of disconnect with what surrounded you. How did you cope? Did it spark any creativity? Does this cycle really change when we're adults? Personally, this cycle continues today. Some might wear a mask, while others reveal who they really are. This is why I will persistently challenge the status quo and one great line from this film I'll part you all with: "Every living creature dies alone."

Palin: 'We're mavericks.' Get your costumes and wardrobe ready and What's your reaction to last night's VP Debate

Last night's debate went as expected for me. There really weren't any gaffes made by Joe Biden or Sarah Palin. Biden laid out specific, concrete policy examples, while Palin played the role of Harper Valley PTA mom. She was upbeat and charismatic with little to no substantive responses to direct questions and rebuttals. She did carry out McCain's message by completely mischaracterizing how Obama and Biden plan to carry out their tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans; yes, this includes you and me.

I continued hearing "mavericks" over and over and over. Now, I visualize just what they mean when they infer they're reformers but have a long rap sheet (prefer this over record) that says otherwise. John McCain and Sarah Palin will ride to Congress on horses, donned in tight black pants, vests, pairs of boots with spurs, holsters carrying six shooters, and will shoot at the bad guys (those who support helping the poor and middle class for example). It will turn into a "Last Person Standing in D.C." event.

Palin said massive oversight is needed for Wall St. It's ironic that she and McCain are now supporting the same policy position Biden and Obama have supported for years. Politics as usual? It's convenient to support it now when average Americans are hurting by unscrupulous decisions made by top executives and a hands-off approach by our supposed regulators. I was glad to hear Biden mention a few times that McCain has voted for deregulation 20 different times and Bush's disastrous budget each fiscal year.

The last character Palin played last night was one of executive who knows how to work with both parties. Nope. "We're Alaskans and we work to see at the end of the day what's best for Alaska." Little media coverage has been made of this, but political opponents have said she becomes very irritable and even has her husband Todd in the room when she vehemently disagrees. I guess McCain and Palin are made for each other. McCain also has had a long history of becoming physically confrontational and walking out of meetings when he doesn't get his way.

Historically, the VP debate doesn't play a big role in the outcome of an election. Besides, we're a microwave age society. I think many of those undecideds will swing one way or another after the final two Presidential debates. I'm still skeptical about those swing voters. With all the information available to them today, many of them lean to a particular party's idealogies more than the other. You also had those interviewed during the primaries, on election day, who said they still hadn't made up their minds yet. Morons!

Poor Played Palin

Get Sarah Palin a sixth grade History teacher. When recently interviewed by Katie Couric, Palin was asked two questions that are no-brainers. First, she was asked to name a Supreme Court case other than Roe v. Wade. She was prodded and still couldn't give an answer: Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Gore v. Bush, Loving v. Virginia, Sullivan v. New York Times...

Couric's second question pertained to how Palin stays abreast on current events. Palin was asked what she reads. Her pat answer was anything that's thrown in front of her. Yes, I'm also a journalism grad and realize I'm not the brightest bulb, but she was asked three separate times specifically what publications she reads. No answer.

Let's be honest with ourselves, Palin is a prop for John McCain and nothing more. He wanted someone who obviously was younger than him and could attract women voters. In tomorrow's debate, I'm going to closely look to see if there is a bulge anywhere in Palin's dress attire or a wire near her head. I'm sure she might craft a few witty one-liners with that spunky spirit of hers, but there's little doubt at this point it will be anything substantive. Here's one of my favorite tunes from 1998 and off one damn good album. It's about a guy who literally or figuratively is a player. For Sarah Palin, it's one devoted to her that says anyone paying attention to her nonsense hasn't been played.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcfEB5PKKUU&feature=related

I hate to admit this: I was wrong. I'm a flip-flopper. Good thing I'm not a politician

There were seven different versions of this economic bailout House Bill. It sounded attractive at first. The more I'm learning about it, the more I understand why it was defeated. One of Georgia's Democrat Reps. in an interview said, "The Bush administration would veto this bill if 'golden parachutes' weren't included in it." Obviously, he's referring to compensating those executives who got us in this mess. I think we all can agree when this is all said and done, this bill should be devised to bail out those who suffered from unscrupulous or incompetent actions by these big whigs.

Let me be as forthcoming as I can. I panicked after yesterday's market crash. I went against everything that I believed about Naomi Klein and her idealogies about what happens during a crisis. I supported something that went completely against my own interests. Here's Michael Moore's reaction to the Bill's defeat yesterday: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=236

Congress bails out on Americana and another parody of Keith Olbermann's 'Worst Persons in the World'

Rep. John Boehner, House Republican leader, let it be known today that his feelings were hurt after Nancy Pelosi provided a passionate speech, accusing Republicans for getting us into this economic disaster. Further, he added her speech could've changed the minds of at least 12 of his Republican colleagues who were ready to approve the bill. What a complete bitch. Pelosi told the truth. Republicans have controlled Congress 12 out of 14 years and the White House for eight. We wouldn't have gotten to this point if regulators did their jobs. When this is all said and done, these bastards need to be investigated and indicted for their outrageous, reckless behavior.

For one of the very few times, I agree with Pres. Bush, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and many Democrats on this bill. I continue hearing how this is bad for bailing out irresponsible creditors. This is bad for everyone, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Here are some of the provisions this bill provides: 1.) A bipartisan commission will be created to oversee the actions these failed lenders take in all future endeavors. 2.) No bonuses will be provided to top paid executives and/or CEOs. 3.) Government will buy back these rotten assets and possibly, obtain a profit when selling them back and when these businesses get back on their feet. This means what we pay into this system, we could possibly receive more in return after this is all said and done. 4.) Currently, small businesses are finding it damn near impossible to obtain lines of credit. We now see how more and more are having to close their doors. I despise this Reganomic (voodoo economic, trickle down system we have right now), but every now and then, we have to say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This bill has been devised to help small businesses as trickle down as it is.

Worst Persons in the World

The bronze goes to Conservative cook Michelle Malkin. Has she looked at herself in the mirror lately? It reminds me of a Dave Chappelle comic skit when he played a blind, white supremacist. Here's a brief transcript from the crooksandliars blog:

"It’s no coincidence that most of the areas hardest hit by the foreclosure wave - Loudoun County, Va., California’s Inland Empire, Stockton and San Joaquin Valley, and Las Vegas and Phoenix, for starters - also happen to be some of the nation’s largest illegal-alien sanctuaries. Half of the mortgages to Hispanics are subprime (the accursed species of loan to borrowers with the shadiest credit histories). A quarter of all those subprime loans are in default and foreclosure.

Regional reports across the country have decried the subprime meltdown’s impact on illegal-immigrant “victims.” A July report showed that in seven of the ten metro areas with the highest foreclosure rates, Hispanics represented at least one third of the population; in two of those areas - Merced and Salinas-Monterey, Calif.

Hispanics comprised half the population. The amnesty-promoting National Council of La Raza and its Development Fund have received millions in federal funds to “counsel” their constituents on obtaining mortgages with little to no money down; the group almost succeeded in attaching a $10-million earmark for itself in one of the housing bills past this spring..."

Malkin drifts into another universe when all rationalization fails. Illegal immigrants can't purchase homes when they don't show identification and employment verification. Nice try.

The silver goes to the aforementioned Rep. John Boehner. Using more political posturing, he said John McCain helped shape their opinions. McCain? This past Tuesday McCain said in an interview he hadn't read Paulson's two-and-a-half page summary of this proposed bill. Oh, well. We can always learn to pretend just like President Bush and McCain pretend to be leaders.

The gold goes to racist and bigot Conservative talk radio hack Austin Rhodes. Albeit his continuing ad nauseum rant that we have too many irresponsible Americans to blame for the mortgage crisis, he switched gears at one point. "Do you ever see a missing black person on the side of a chocolate milk carton? I'm joking." Perhaps, your anti-civil rights audience are the only ones who are laughing. It might also explain that Rhodes would make a good assistant to Michael Richards if another appearance is made at The Comedy Club. Limbaugh lapdog Austin Rhodes, TODAY's WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD.

What did you think of the debate? Shame, shame if you didn't watch it

I thought both candidates held serve on their rhetoric. With no fettered anaylsis or skewed views by pundits, here's my take. What the hell is McCain talking about when he says we should "freeze spending?" That's just a ridiculous, absurd rationale. Government taxes and spends. It always has and always will. The fundamental question is who benefits: Republicans support big business and Democrats support the lower and middle class. McCain spent the entire first half over our economic crisis with no tangible examples raised. Instead, he spent this time ad nauseum whining that spending is "out of control."

Once again, Barack raised concrete proposals he's addressed all along. He will cut taxes for those earning less than $250,000 per year. This will greatly generate revenue back into our coffers. These guys earning this money can afford it and still have plenty left over for vacations and buying neat toys. Barack also addressed another huge issue that can't be emphasized enough: HEALTH CARE. Talking head Conservatives and some Republicans want to point their fingers at the consumers. Oh, it's your fault. You were irresponsible and in over your heads when you purchased your homes. Yes, there are some cases where that's true. Let's not forget there are many other circumstances and inabilities to pay outrageous medical costs are also reasons people are selling their homes.

Our foreign policy over the past eight years is a joke. Predictably, McCain wanted to spend the majority of time on Iraq. Here's one question I want Obama to ask McCain: What is your definition of victory in Iraq and is it purely military based? It sounds condescending but McCain doesn't seem to get it when it comes to political reconciliation. I was also disappointed Obama didn't mention the Iraqi government has also laid the groundwork for an American troop withdrawal.

This is merely my two cents from your average schmo. Go watch and listen to the experts. I know there's much more I've left out, but this is what resonated with me.

Have a good weekend.