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.