Puritan Peddlers

2011-11-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Groupthink, The Thought Police, and Future Article in Need to be Published for the 99%

In 2004, the documentary The Corporation was released and featured in some indie film houses and later, through the now obsolete video rental stores and Netflix. It paints a broad portrait on how the corporation is structured, its mindset, and how information is filtered and tightly controlled with a unifying message. In short, this is the film of all films for why we're seeing a building movement of protests worldwide who are uniting to stop the wealth disparity.

Consumer capitalism's funadmental core message is simple: You're not o.k. and never will be o.k. There is this mythical, imaginary image given to you for how one day you could live like -- the 1 percent. And what's worse, this land is just down the road from where you live. The messages are fragmented -- anything from purchasing a reverse mortgage in conniving someone to believing they could earn money on their homes which usually the opposite occurs to an expedient, convenient way to earn a degree and become employed right away with plenty of time to spend with the family. So, how is the message created and who is behind it?

For the most part, psychologists and sociologists work to provide a better understanding and way of life for diverse individuals. However, there are many who abuse this profession for their personal gain. Corporations hire these people to begin the messaging process. What will visually attract someone the most? Who are you targeting? What is the most effective means to make someone feel insecure? And finally, how can someone be convinced what I'm selling is a necessity? Inevitably, ideas float around based on these types of questions and they ultimately end up in front of our faces, enticing us to live a lifestyle beyond our means.

The corporate stamped message is delivered to the masses. This is when it spreads like wildfire. Unknowingly, people begin a word-of-mouth process, convincing themselves they need what was just offered. Someone purchases from the message, creating envy among others. Profits begin to soar, as people rush to keep up with "The Joneses." It's everything from the free new toy in the cereal box on the bottom shelves at grocery stores where they're easily accessible to children to the latest cell phone device packaged with the fastest download speeds for all Internet, applications, and games features (I guess making a phone call is not what a cell phone is intended to do nowadays).

The People vs. The Thought Police

Around 1 a.m. a few days ago, protesters camped out in tents at Zucotti Park in New York City were abruptly interrupted by a policeman on a megaphone demanding everyone leave immediately. Take all belongings with you. Many had little to no time to react. Police set up barricades, dressed like storm troopers with heavy-duty bullet proof gear and shields over their faces waving batons, stormed into the park. Video footage shows the New York City Police Department senselessly beating individuals who were trying to move to a less congested area to those who were simply sitting on the grass saying their encroachment is wrong. After the chaos subsided, all the tents and personal belongings were tossed into dump trucks and likely sent to the nearest landfill despite claims people could pick up their items with verifiable state issued IDs at the santiation department's office.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg effectively united and reignited what was recently reported as a fractured community in Zucotti Park. Many were becoming frustrated with how donated funds were being dispersed. Some believed their demands were being ignored, while others continued receiving first dibbs. Now, all those who had their differences are likely to be more focused and determined to renounce the mayor's bogus claims that too much violence and sanitation concerns were reasons for staging a military stealth-like operation overnight. More support and even greater numbers coming out to protest will certainly be encouraging to see, but we can expect to see more resistance from officials.

The irony is this: The U.S. supports the resignation of Syrian President Bashaar al-Assad for the horrific actions he has had his military impose on the Syrian people -- actions that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties who are simply exercising their universal right to protest. We now see what our so-called blind allegiance to symbols like our flag have done to us. Whenever unpopular speech arises that questions and/or challenges the status quo, authoritative figures will inflict harm. This isn't just a U.S. problem right now. It has occurred throughout our violent history.

Adbusters, a Canadian ad agency who promotes anti-consumer messages, helped to form the Occupy Wall Street movement. We've already seen some great acts of humanity: sheltering and feeding localities homeless population, providing medical care at the encampment that doesn't require a referral or an outrageous co-pay, and most importantly, building solidarity and community with one another. This certainly is a movement in the right direction where perhaps one day, stereotypes about what we wear, the color of our skin, how our hair looks, and political correctness dictated by established institutions will erode away.

Future article idea

My girlfriend is experiencing the same frustrations I went through for 13 months -- finding a job. In this day and age of outsourcing, we typically view it as jobs being shipped overseas. There's another outsourcing problem we face -- staffing and temp agencies. Less and less employers in the Atlanta area are hiring for permanent, full-time employment. More and more staffing agencies are used as vendors to help companies trim costs on employee pay and costs of benefits. This is a growing epidemic, as Georgia was one of seven states to lose jobs in 2010. In the meantime, the Georgia General Assembly seems to feel issues like putting "In God We Trust" on all license plates and eliminating immigrant workers from doing what very little to any would do is more important than doing one thing -- presenting a jobs bill. To date, there has been none issued by Republicans at the state level along with the national level.

I would like to explore just how many of this area's top employers use these staffing agencies. How many of this area's workforce, particularly top employers like Home Depot where she worked before they saw it wasn't in their budget to hire her on permanently with the company, use these fly-by-night staffing agencies? What is the staffing agency's selection process? Is it based on merit or like everywhere else, on who someone there knows? How much of an economic impact have these agencies had on this area and state? All these questions really express the frustration all of us in the 99 percent continue to experience.

2011-11-02T05:40:00.000-07:00

Is the recent uprising after 'The Arab Spring' about more than just class warfare?

Since 2001, we've seen more and more tax cuts passed that've greatly contributed to an unprecedented wealth disparity. The "Occupy" movement started in New York City and now has made a global impact. Naturally, independent observers and critics have questioned the organized efforts, claiming there isn't a goal or coherent message. The message is very clear: End the corporate crime and corrupt influence that has directly impacted so many lives. As former progressive Congressman Alan Grayson has repeated, There hasn't been one arrest made or trial conducted over those who continue to rig the financial game.

Yesterday, the United States along with the United Kingdom, were the only two nations who voted against accepting Palestine as a member of UNESCO, a humanitarian arm of the United Nations. State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland dodged a direct question posed by a reporter. She was asked what "serious harm" has Palestine done that has outweighed its good to the global community. Nuland continued to persistently say the United States supports Palestine, but she never directly answered what "serious harm" the state has done. This vote should come as no surprise.

Each year, the U.S. and Israel have a strong business relationship worth billions for the U.S. in arms supplies for Israeli defense. Since Israel's independence and despite our mainstream press reporting, it has perpetrated numerous hostile aggressive actions in Palestine. The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. So, who shoulders the blame?

The Oligarchy and Oligopoly System

Political dissident Noam Chomsky said democracy always comes at the expense of others. So, one can argue Israel's democracy comes at the expense of the Palestinian people. And our democracy also comes at the expense of the Palestinians. Are we truly looking after this region's best interests or our own? It appears the defense contractors and our Pentagon have the gold and make the golden rule.

The "Occupy" movement has inspired many to come out and have their voices heard -- voices silent for too long by those with deep, deep pockets. Oligopolies like the financial industry are being targeted for criminal behavior -- setting up a manipulative system that will vastly enrich their own pockets at the expense of others; others who have had their homes foreclosed on by shady mortgage practices, going bankrupt from health care bills, long-term unemployed who view themselves as useless to society, and unions who ask for a fair shake at the bargaining table where they can still retire with dignity and security.

Canesha and I have been to a General Assemby and marched to Capitol Hill with Occupy Atlanta. Both events were peaceful. We heard stories from individuals who have personally experienced the aforementioned effects from our olygarchy structure. The message is clear: We want democracy for all and not to the corporations, for the corporations, and by the corporations.

Many of us have been through hellish times, but we shouldn't discount all those times we've had with those who truly love and support us. Canesha and I have had unique journeys. Famed author Paulo Coelho wrote: "We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to think you're on the right path, but it's another to think yours is the only path." We seemingly have too few in high places who feel their path is the only one. If you can't get on that path, then you will be stripped bare.

2011-08-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

Old habits die slowly and painfully

I have a bumper sticker slogan on my Facebook page: WORK HARDER! Rich white people want more tax cuts. Unfortunately, this is neither hyperbolic nor sarcastic, it's become the new norm. Along with a growing number of Americans and fellow citizens of the world, I've grown increasingly frustrated and tired watching my tax dollars support the very few who set out to inflict distress and harm on others. The slices of pie have gotten thinner and thinner with each pay check.

Yesterday, commondreams.org reported that the top 10 percent of the wealthiest Americans own 80 percent of all stock shares. That's just the beginning of this looming myth that if we work hard and harder than the average person, we can live the "American Dream" and live a life of luxury. Well, then again these are stocks they're talking about. Isn't it well known rich people have always been the ones to invest? That's not all.

Data across the board from Congressional records to thinktanks to academic institutions tell us the top 2 percent of America's wealthiest earn more than the bottom 95 percent of us combined. WTF? So, isn't this something we see from those other dirt poor third world countries? Not anymore. The status quo has been accepted.

The average person may look at the tone of this article and say, "He's got a negative attitude. Why is he so down on everything?" No, I'm by nature an optimistic and passionate person. There's nothing wrong with putting passion out there with pragmatic solutions. So, here's a parting thought.

My Grandmother passed away late Monday evening after a difficult 23 months where she had little to no appetite and dementia progressed. She was one of the most selfless human beings I knew. If I could be half as selfless in my daily life, I know I can deliver more love and joy to others.

You or I can't force someone to be a nice person. There are many factors that contribute to someone's worldly view or lack thereof: socioeconomic status, nurturing, and environment, to name a few. People also get inundated with crazy, corporate-controlled ideas like ones guised by The Tea Party to blame their problems on minorities. My father said it best, "The data will lead the way." Right now, we need to collect this data and steer it in an entirely different path than the one it's on.

2011-08-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Gifts

Grandma's home was open to everyone. A small, quaint two-story blue wood panel home with white trim, oak tree limbs looming next to it, an old, rusty swing set used by my father, his siblings, and their children in the backyard next to a wooded area, and a white barn with orange painted bars for fences where different livestock roamed -- pigs, horses, and cows were a staple of this woman's selfless life. All of us would enter the house with hands, feet, and ears frozen from the stinging cold to the warmth of a black iron coal furnace and sweet smells of desserts cooking in the oven for the evening meal. While our feet pounded the wood flooring and voices carried through the home, Grandma continued preparing the meal. She would rarely raise her voice or reprimand us for simply behaving like kids. Grandma symbolized that Midwestern unpretentious woman who was inviting to anyone of all shapes, sizes, color, and socioeconomic status.

Today, my Grandma's life is about to come to an end. We tend to all selfishly want that loved one to survive and never leave us. However, this post is dedicated as a celebration of a long, full life one tremendous woman lived.

My Grandmother was born and raised in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It was a time when those who didn't have much money did what they could to survive. She was an outstanding student and someone who was a voracious reader throughout her life. In her later adolescent and young adult years, a beautiful thick and wavy dark-haired woman would attend many social events. She was a bit of a partying woman with that Gaffney rebellious streak to her. Many women viewed it improper to drink a Manhattan, but not Grandma. She ended up meeting a tall, slender Irish-American man who worked at the time as a playwright critic for what is now known as Q Magazine.

Approaching an imminent threat by psychopathic dictators, particularly Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin, my grandfather enlisted in the U.S. Army as a foot soldier. Along with many brave young men, he stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day. This turned out to be a life changing event.

While facing gun and mortar fire, a piece of shrapnel sliced through my Grandfather's leg. He was carried a few miles to a camp by his fellow infantryman. At this camp, there was mass confusion on who my Grandfather was. His dog tags were broken, he was barely conscious and incoherent, and medical staff on hand initially identified him as a German soldier. At one point, a priest walked by where the wounded men lied. My Grandfather asked if his Last Rites could be cited to him. The priest replied: "I'm sorry. I only have time for the living," and continued his hasty walk past the camp.

Eventually, my Grandfather was airlifted to a nearby Air Force Base. Doctors inserted a prosthetic wooden leg. This would lead to a life where he would always feel shame and embarassment "as a cripple." However, he still managed to attend my father's academic and athletic events.

After the war, my Grandmother inherited farmland out in central Nebraska from an Italian-American relative, Angelo. They agreed and moved to Nebraska where neither knew anything about farming. Eventually, both worked to understand more and more. They raised cattle, chickens, and crops. Children came along and helped with the day-to-day chores, often waking up around 4 a.m. before school started.

My Grandfather was diabetic and suffered from bouts of depression. After moving to Nebraska and the horror still lingering from WWII, he became a heavy smoker and drinker. When my father was a sophomore in college, assistance provided by the G.I. bill, my Grandfather died suddenly from a heartattack. With one older sibling and two younger ones still in primary school, my Grandmother was left to raise her children on her own.

All four children graduated from college. They went on to have successful careers and great parents. The values my Grandmother instilled were never forgotten: always remain humble, love and respect all those you meet, forgive those who have done you harm, and respect and love all. Those values were passed down to me. I'll never forget two talks I had with Grandma.

One day, I cackled and mocked a grungy garbage man who used to pick up trash at our home in Niles, Michigan. She reminded me every job out there is important and added if we didn't have someone picking up garbage, think of the messes left behind. My attitude quickly changed. She finished by telling me all jobs out there are important and people work hard to provide for everyone. It was on this day I had a respect for all of our workers.

There was another occasion when my Grandma was discussing major American historical events. I asked an innocent question at the time about people of different color. She responded, "I see no color." This reminded me how the color of someone's skin by no means makes up what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once famously said, "the content of one's character." Even though to this day, we see ugly racial divisions in certain areas of our country, I hold those values Grandma instilled in me to respect everyone with mutual love and respect.

It was just a few years ago my Grandmother attended her first caucus meeting. She probably didn't think in her lifetime a woman had a real viable chance to be elected President of the United States. Her second youngest and only daughter who was a delegate at the time brought my Grandmother along. At one point, my Grandmother, quiet and reserved mainly among strangers, proudly stood up and voiced her support for Hillary Clinton.

She still has a Hillary Clinton sticker on her door at the nursing home and probably is the only Democrat in the building. Her selfless life she lived will always be remembered. Before responding in conversation, you would see her take a pause before speaking. Her gifts to teach us how to provide joy and love for others will always be remembered.

2011-06-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

A long overdue review for the ghetto fabulous hotel my girlfriend and I stayed at over Memorial Day Weekend

If you ever plan to stay overnight in Savannah, Georgia, stay far, far, far away from the Savannah Suites hotel. I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about this place. If you ask anyone, I'm one of the last people to be concerned about hygiene and overall cleanliness. However, I didn't dare to even step into that bathroom's shower. You'll find out why after reading this "fabulous" (Canesha likes to use this term to describe herself) review.

I would like to have our next vacation destination be New England during the Fall season. The changing foliage in New Hampshire (been there) and Vermont (heard from others) is breathtaking. One day will be devoted to Boston and possibly taking in a game within the hollowed grounds of historic Fenway Park.

Canesha's spot-on review

My boyfriend and I had the misfortune of booking a hotel under a certain website that won't give the hotel name til after you book, taking a chance because they'd never screwed us over before. Somehow we ended up with Savannah Suites, and they weren't even the cheapest. The reviews already on here are spot-on, and though I'm not sure they're still doing it, the Savannah Suites off Memorial Drive in Atlanta used to rent by the HOUR. This is the kind of classless establishment we're dealing with here. So our expectations weren't high as we went to check in.

Whoever said that people -- people who look like they just got out of jail and are stil adjusting to see normal people in the real world -- like to stare down people going to and from their room was right. I'm a pretty attractive female, so that didn't help. The last day there, there was this crazy wild-haired woman sitting outside of one of the rooms with trash bags filled with junk (evicted?) and she joined in on the looky-loo parade too. She also tried to talk to my boyfriend about Mary Kay products (??) but he brushed her off quickly before she'd really have the opportunity to bring out the crazy.

The first room they reserved for us was actually a handicapped room. As soon as you walked in, you were hit by a musty smell. Imagine going into an old building that hasn't been cleaned properly in years -- it was that kind of odor.

The "carpet" was this thin, cheap grungy material that looked like felt. The little furniture that was inside the room was comprised of pressed wood and chairs that looked like they'd come from the '70s. The tv was at least 15-20 years old, a piece of big bulky junk. Everything just looked cheap, cheap, cheap, as if the greedy owners of this rat trap have never renovated it and bought a bunch of second-hand items that didn't even look good when they were new. The last straw was the shower in the bathroom -- we'd never seen anything like it in our lives! It looked like something out of the movie "Hostel." There were weird bars and contraptions in it, the shower floor was literally flush with the bathroom floor -- meaning there's no way to keep the water in the shower. And there was no shower curtain. Basically you're just supposed to stand there and let the water go through a hole in the bathroom floor.

We asked for a non-handicapped room, and this one was only slightly better. The shower had a curtain (imagine that!), but the funky smell was still ever-present, along with crap-quality furniture, pencil-thin mattress, "flimsy" pillows, and 20-year-old thin comforter. We spent as little time in that room as possible, and purchased sandals at the K-Mart across the street to wear while showering and walking in the room. When night came, so did a couple insect companions, including a baby roach on the wall. The ceiling and walls are thin, so when some wonderfully intelligent person inexplicably thought that it would be fun to stomp on the floor upstairs, it came through loud and clear.

The staff is comprised (with the exception of one) a few bitter middle-aged women who couldn't care less about keeping hotel guests happy. One was a bit snappy when we requested a room without a torture chamber in the bathroom. Another seemed agitated when we had to go switch key cards when we changed rooms (and to echo another reviewer, the key card didn't work when we tried to use it, and the staff member acted surprised and got maintenance to come try to fix it. I glared at their charade from the side, astonished by their "eff effort" attitude.)

The frauds who own this particular Savannah Suites should be forced to spend a night there, AND use the shower without flip-flops. Oh one last thing, the coffee machine didn't even work, somehow the water for the coffee spurted upwards, creating a mess.

In summary, I wouldn't wish a hotel stay on my worse enemy.

Room Tip: For the love of all things Holy DO NOT RENT HERE.

Ahhaha!! Yes, this was worse than a Griswald vacation hotel stay. There are just two omissions here. First, all the air-conditioning vents outside the rooms were bent. Finally, we accidentally left a few articles of clothing in the room (yeah, we wanted out). Guess what happened when we tried to have the hotel send us those clothes via UPS? Yep. We're still waiting on them to this day.

2011-04-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

An alternate review of 'The Human Centipede': How far have we evolved or not?

Where do we as human beings rank among other species? One recent controversial, gratuitous horror film, The Human Centipede, could be viewed as a parody of the human condition. The film is set in present day Germany with a deranged surgeon known for his work on separating conjoined twins. At some point, he withdraws from his professional work to focus on an experiment: artificially conjoining animal and human subjects to create a centipede.

As the film opens, two American female tourists decide to travel to a nightclub. While driving down a secluded rural road, their car hits a bump that leaves them stranded with a flat tire. They finally see a light through the dense wooded region and see a house. Upon arriving, they meet a stoic, expressionless man who shows no interest in their accident.

The viewer can be quickly alarmed by the doctor's aloof behavior, as the women become more uncomfortable amid his presence. As expected, the uncomfortable, awkward conversation leads to a series of bizarre events, leaving the women completely helpless to the psychopath's actions. They're drugged, shown a slide show presentation on how the human centipede is formed, have their tissue surgically removed where bone and tissue can meet, and eventually are conjoined as a human centipede along with a young, Japanese man.

This dark, lurid film is shot with dim lighting. Camera shots zoom in on the surgical procedure, showing the doctor stenciling an outline around the jaw and knee cap areas and cutting open skin with a knife. His nervous anticipation to finish what appears to be a long awaited experiment for him can be seen by sudden, involuntary body quivers. Once the experiment is completed, he revels in his masterpiece and has his subjects treated akin to dogs.

Although the film's grotesque nature can easily be viewed by the average critic as over-the-top nonsensical violence, how does this relate to our condition? What do we really want to see in our everyday lives? Does tragedy and horror fascinate our imaginations? According to the corporate-owned media, yes it does.

Turn on a cable news network on just about any given day, and it plays out like a horror film. Segments feature inferences on what could happen if polticians vote a certain way and how that vote could leave us penniless one day, natural disasters, protests turned violent from excessive police or military force, a suburban child suddenly has gone missing as family, friends, and authorities frantically search to find him or her, mangled vehicles after a car accident that leave those involved seriously injured or killed, and a murder mystery quickly catches the audience's attention to play it out for the next few weeks. We kill more of our own than any other species on the planet. So, one can question how a film like this really taps into the deepest recesses of our primal instincts or has us rethink how our voracious vicarious appetites for death and destruction can be tamed.

2010-09-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

Allow fate to be the guide

As the horrifying images of Sept. 11, 2001 are shown on my T.V. screen at this moment, we question why. Why would a just God allow for so many to perish? If we are all created in his image, why do some seemingly only have one purpose -- to harm others? I was so proud to see how so many of us united in the days and weeks following these senseless attacks. This proved to me why all along I continually feel we share more commonalities than differences.

Of course, we have many today who share different perspectives. They're angered why a husband, wife, brother, sister, and someone who provided so much love could be taken away in a matter of moments. The love for lost loved ones is never forgotten on the day they left us. I choose to remember all the times of laughter, learning from experiences this person shared with me, and ultimately, what I learned from this person. This act buries all the fear that can lead to hate.

Selfish gain is never fondly remembered quite as much, is it? Try to memorialize a man or woman who spent his or her remaining days deceving and hurting others for personal gain. Ultimately, we are all here to love and help those around us. This is what has been written in every major religious text. The prophets who were all sons of Abraham to those who spent their lifetimes sacrificing their safety to fight for those who don't have a voice are remembered the most. In these uncertain times where people choose to spread hate to others they deem are different, let's not forget why we are here to live.

2010-07-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

A dear elderly friend: 'Don't worry. You don't have to hurt anymore' and please help us at Children Without A Voice

I walked out of the elevator at University Hospital in Augusta, frantically trying to find Dr. Wilson's room. As I asked a receptionist at the desk, she pointed to his room. I walked in and didn't recognize this man. There must be two Wilsons on this ICU floor.

"That's not Dr. Wilson," I told the receptionist. "Is there another Dr. Wilson on this floor?"

"No," she responded. "That's the only Dr. Wilson we have here."

"Was another Dr. Wilson moved off this floor," I asked as panic and anxiety began setting in.

"No. This is the only Dr. Wilson we've had here," she calmly replied.

As I turned around to head to the elevator, I saw Mrs. Wilson walk into the strange man's room. She motioned for me. I followed her into the room with disbelief. This is what Dr. Wilson looks like now.

"He lost a lot of weight," she told me.

A few hours earlier, Robin, my former longtime girlfriend called me with shear panic in her voice. "P.J. My dad's on life support." I froze. I didn't speak. Those few seconds of silence could've lasted an eternity. She ended by saying she didn't know if he would live through the night. Finally, I gathered myself and told her that her dad lived a remarkable life. It's best that he passes away without having to endure any further pain.

Dr. Wilson opened his eyes for a mere second or so. An oxygen tube extend from a machine down his throat, IVs covered his body, and a few catheter tubes ran from two other machines to his neck and genitalia. He had suffered a heart attack.

I went back the next day. His family members had come from Texas and South Carolina to see him. On this day, he was in much better shape. His eyes were open, he was writing on a notepad to his younger sister, and had those same mischievous looks I fondly remember. "When you get out of here, we're going to have to go to Chinese. You fly, I buy," I said with a lighthearted chuckle as his eyes widened.

He wrote on a little pad I brought, "P.J., That for coming." I knew what he really meant to say there and it was completely understandable how his writing was somewhat indecipherable. Next, there was another few moments in time that will never escape me. This was comparable to my near-death experience and reminded me that I should have faith there is a Heaven. He wrote on a notepad to his younger sister the following:

"I was toiling to get into Heaven. A man approached me at a gate and said, "Don't worry. You don't have to hurt anymore."

Tears began streaming down my face. This man has been there as a mentor, friend, and someone who deeply cared for the well-being of others (good, strong Democrat too). His family invited me to join them for lunch downstairs in the cafeteria. No way. I couldn't do it in this condition. I had to make the excuse that I had just eaten which I did and kindly declined the offer.

Since this experience, Dr. Wilson continues to be a fighter. It began for him in a small town in Tennessee where he was bullied by his peers, lived in poverty, entered the Navy at 16 while lying about his actual age on his Social Security card, finished top in every Naval technical class he took, earned his Ph.D from Boston University after dropping out of high school, worked for the Pentagon in the late '80s, and finished his service to society mentoring prospective Master's Degree teachers. Before I came back to the Atlanta area, the medical staff took the oxygen tube out of his throat. His voice is gravely, but he still has the same charming wit and sarcasm to him. I hope his vision is fulfilled to where not only him but all of us one day enter that place where one reminds us, "Don't worry. You don't have to hurt anymore."

Children Without A Voice

Currently, I spend a few hours a week volunteering for Children Without A Voice, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. This is a nonpartisan, universal fight we have to rescue children from reckless and cruel adults. I ask each and every one of you to read the touching profile story of our founder, Lin Seahorn. She has lived an extraordinary life and is a great, down-to-earth woman.

The organization is still in its infancy stages. It began in 2007. Recently, Three Days Grace (I'm not a fan of their modern rock sound) performed a benefit concert for us. The lead singer and drummer for Linkin Park (not a fan of them either. Sorry, I'm picky when it comes to music) has thrown in their support. We need more. Please visit www.childrenwithoutavoiceusa.org. On the left hand side of the screen, click on the action alerts link. There's no obligation. All you have to do a few times a week is copy and paste an e-mail I send from our Legislative Committee to demand maximum sentencing for those charged with crimes against a child. And if you do feel like doing a little extra, you can contact me or Lin to come on board. She encourages you to do whatever you want by applying your strengths -- writing, audiovisual, etc. Any help you provide is greatly appreciated.

2010-06-29T20:08:00.001-07:00

The Other Spill

While tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil continues to desecrate the Gulf of Mexico and wildlife along the coast, the question sorely needed to be repeatedly asked, Why hasn't there been a disaster plan in place after decades of offshore drilling? One would think in this technological age we would have the necessary technology in place in the event one of these disasters occurs. It's a collective failure of past and present oil companies and government agencies. However, President Obama continues to be the fall guy for all of it. At this point, I don't understand why we're continuing to solely rely on a company who has repeatedly failed with safety regulations and has purposely misled us all. I think former President Clinton's advice to bomb the well is a good one. How could it get any worse at this point? Why aren't we using the devices proven to suck up the oil on the water's surface instead of these booms that have proven to not be 100 percent effective along the wetlands and coasts?

With this oil spill's depressing ad nauseum live web cam video feeds, we have another spill to contain. This is one long overdue -- the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. As previously reported by a Conservative think tank, Rand Corporation, only 7 percent of military occupations have defeated terrorism. We are spending billions of tax dollars to private contractors who have used this occupation as a profit making venture. They've proven to be nearly stagnant in their reparations projects -- schools, water supply, utilities, etc. Finally, we see some good news. The majority of Americans in several polls across the board now oppose our occupation. Although this doesn't have the personal impact of a draft from Vietnam, I think it's high time people begin protesting in the streets to end this inflaming of extremism and extraordinary costs it has had on all of us.

This is one example of where I want President Obama to change course. Frankly, I'm critical of the Bush and Obama administrations on what they know about these contractors who have participated in a number of illegalities. Most notably, Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater (now Xe) should along with his upper management be at the forefront of these criminal prosecutions. Finally, one should investigate how these two administrations could possibly be linked as accessories.

I still support Obama and understand the harsh realities of obstruction set out by the Radical Right. However, I'm not one to make excuses for him when there are substantiated injustices occuring. Our occuaptions in Iraq and Afghanistan are glowing examples.

What else could be done to boost the economy?

1. The Far Right likes to pretend it has a monopoly on moral values. It's funny how the staunchest, self-proclaimed social conservative is caught for infidelity. So, marriage has a terrible track record in this country. With this said, I'll shift to a Libertarian view -- why not legalize prostitution and tax it? Can you imagine how many of these wealthy business elites would solicit these services and the returns that can go into our Treasury? Let's stop pretending we're so much more superior than the average mammals on this planet. Our biological urges take over. I commend all those who practice monogamy, and I'm no different in this approach. However, I also understand the reality of seeing so many who don't take their vows seriously.

2. Abolish the death penalty and legalize drugs. The city of San Antonio went bankrupt in 1992. It's no secret Texas is the death penalty capital of the world. It really shows how people's hearts are hardened and minds are numb to commit another murder. San Antonio's primary reason for bankruptcy was, you guessed it, death penalty appeals cases. Our jails are filled with convicts on death row for decades.

This country continues to spend billions a year on getting high. Yes, they're dangerous and have life-altering effects. However, tobacco continues to be the number 1 killer out there. Our jails are filled with non-violent offenders who pose no threat to others in society. One would think our priority would be rehabilitation and mental health service clinics, not more jail houses. It was criminal to see one community here in Georgia spend nearly half its annual budget on a new corrections facility. If this country legalizes marijuana like California is proposing and backed by its moderate Republican Governor, that's more revenue coming in.

3. O.k. The most pragmatic of the three here is quite simple. We need to place the tax burden back where it belongs -- the top 1 percent of this country's earners. There was a time when we had a strong middle class, but the decades have gone by and so has our collective bargaining empowerment. I don't think there's been a time in our history when corporations have been this powerful. So, implement the estate tax. This is millions that would be coming in. Second, provide tax incentives to companies who won't ship jobs overseas. Third, provide even more tax incentives to companies willing to develop alternative energy sources. Finally, forget the Tea Party's approach that we're being taxed to death. We're not. The tax rate was the lowest this past year since 1950. The problem -- costs have significantly increased and wages remain stagnant. Restructure the tax codes so the wealthiest are paying their fair share once again and shift the burden away from the lower and middle classes.

2010-05-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Waking up to utopia

One morning, everything is how you envisioned it. You have absolutely no fear, sadness, or regrets. There's only uninhibited euphoria. Neighbors wave, smile, and provide their well wishes to you. You have control. You know there isn't a single person who can take your power away. Everything is designed to your liking. Wherever you move, you are showered with more love. This is at the core of our being and existence. This is why many of us are engaged in sociopolitical issues where we all can wake up one day to have just a hint of utopia.

There is another perspective. What's the point of living if all of us aren't perpetually flawed? Why would we need to live if all our fantasies are attainable? We would lose all our zest, appreciation for what we have obtained, and all passions for love. Philosophers and writers have used this approach before. Paradise certainly seems more and more like a boring place.

Currently, I devote a few hours a week as a volunteer to a nonprofit that's dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. There are some heartwrenching court cases and stories I've come across. However, this has me gain a growing appreciation every time I read these horrid pieces how I was given parents who provided for my best interests.

It has been a tough road seeing how countless applications I've sent have gone unresponded. One interview was disastrous with a firm that clearly would've turned into another disastrous employment experience. Another interview at the surface seemed ideal, until I read multiple sources reveal how it failed to compensate its workers for overtime, demanded they skip their lunch break, and spend all time and energy approaching strangers to meet outrageous quotas for an environmental nonprofit agency. This is the ideal time for employers to take advantage of the lower and middle class. It's nothing new and has happened throughout our young history.

Enter the Tea Party. I sympathize with this organization's supporters. After talking to a few distant friends of mine who attended rallies, their adamant opposition is squarely directed at government. Government is inherently evil, goes against the interests of ordinary citizens, and imposes unnecessary taxes. O.k. There have been some statements made on behalf of the ones spearheading this organization like former disgraced Rep. Dick Armey that are treasonous.

My father provided me this simple statement that applies at every level of our lives, "The data will lead the way." The Tea Party leaders and its followers continue misrepresenting the data. Start with taxation. This year, tax rates hit a low that hasn't been seen since 1950. Second, our founders knew the average citizen is incapable of self-governing. This is why we formed a representative democracy, although I still argue our country is controlled by the wealthy elite -- the same 1 percent who has owned more than half our wealth since the 1950s (restructure the tax burden on the top earners where they're paying 90 percent of our tax revenues). So, their outrage is misdirected and leads to a system that is more inherently dangerous than the one we had for eight years under President Bush.

I watched an interview that I quite frankly felt was overblown last night with Rachel Maddow and Kentucky Republican Senate nominee, Dr. Rand Paul. Paul recently made some outrageous statements pertaining to the 1964 Voting Rights Act. He said private businesses shouldn't have government interfering and telling them how to run their businesses even though he opposes discrimination at all levels. I understand where he comes from. Yes, I'm extremely confident Paul isn't a racist. However, he wants to implement a very destructive self-regulating society where we essentially eliminate all checks and balances.

Here's what Rand Paul's utopia would turn out. We would inevitably see more and more divisions in our society. People would become more hostile to each other. It's just out of good faith we trust good people like the ones who run Massey Energy, Beyond Petroleum (Beyond Pollution), Exxon-Mobil, Goldman Sachs, AIG, Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum (owns 80 percent of Nigeria's economy),.... Essentially, Rand Paul will stop at nothing to carry out Milton Friedman's vision for a laissez faire society. How did it work out during the Nixon years, Kissinger's direct involvement in overthrowing a Democratically elected leader in Argentina and seeing how a once prosperous country turned to privatization went from full employment to 20 percent unemployment, and those glorious Reagan years when Reagan once said poor people are poor out of choice.

As far as representing the lower and middle classes, this is why President Obama thus far has shown himself to be a centrist. He hasn't aggressively attacked big business, has an F rating by the Brady Campaign on gun control, passed a health care reform bill where an obscure statute states any insurer who denies a customer coverage based on a pre-existing condition pays a $100 fine per day, continues to go against historical results on military occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and barely scratched the surface funding for clean energy initiatives in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Overall, he's had to do it. Look at what he's up against. Bill Maher summed it up best, "Since the 1970s, the Left has become the center, and the Right has moved into a mental institution."

2010-02-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Solitude

A pounding press machine's vibrations, clanging metal, forklift's horn, steel-toed boots shuffling on the cement floor, and voices fading away with distance are all activities that exlcusively or simoultaneously can be heard. An outside observer can marvel at the structured activities. Men and women inside the company's plant press a button, watch a few sparks fly, briefly examine the once flat steel flap that's now shaped as a wheel, and start the process over again... Over and over again. It's mass production technology at its best where human and robot are expected to fuse. There can be no structural breakdowns. Period.

How long can a robot last? I guess if you apply the proper maintenance it can withstand several straight hours of wear and tear six days a week. Eventually, a chip will burn out and the robot gets sick. The robot is healed by a general practice doctor who is otherwise known as a maintenance man. How long can a human last?

It's Friday and close to 8:30 a.m. Dennis and John, two of this plant's most personable and seemingly happy-go-lucky employees, approach my desk in the lobby. You see Dennis carrying that familiar brown and tan cup with a black lid from McDonalds, while John has his usual docile smile. Naturally, I know the guilt trip is coming.

"TGIF, Phil," Dennis loudly says with that ring of sarcasm.

"It's Finish Line Friday," I loudly reply.

"Yeah, for you," as Dennis' tone of voice lowers with frustration.

I empahtize with Dennis and John, because I had a similar schedule for three straight months. They just finished working an 11 hour shift yesterday. On Saturday, they have the luxury of coming into work at 4 a.m.

The physical toll turned from tolerable to pure exhaustion. I simply couldn't handle it. One day, a physical injury turned into a blessing.

It was a cold, winter morning and a box of hubs weighing approximately 60 pounds was set on my cart. I was annoyed having to pull this extra weight. The day before, I was told to bring the box to our office. There were some defects I found. So, I obliged. I decided to slide the box off my cart and in the process, felt a sharp pain in my back after successfully placing it against the wall. The pain intensified. Something was wrong, and I saw the man who hired me who had a good business relationship with my dad outside the Quality office. I approached him.

"I just hurt my back while trying to slide a box of hubs off my cart," I told him.

"Well, can you work or not," he coldly asked.

"I think I need to see a doctor."

"Go see Dave (Quality Manager who has half a set of teeth still in his mouth)."

I went back into the office and started composing an e-mail to my job coach. Yes, when things went sour here after I was moved to the plant, I played the disability card having been diagnosed at 17 with Asperger's Syndrome. While composing this e-mail, our defacto supervisor, Donna said I can only use the computer for work-related activities. We got into a contentious argument before I finally walked out with a mug of coffee in my hand.

While walking through our machine shop where our maintenance crew works, Paul (President) was chuckling with two of our upper-management guys. He flashed a smug look at my coffee mug. I couldn't hear with all the machinery noise, but he motioned for someone to go into the Quality Office. Dave later informed me I was selfish and should've known better than "flaunt a mug of coffee in front of Paul." I told Dave we're all adults here and the double standard applied for management and employees.

While filling out an accident report, Dave had a matter-of-fact tone rhetorically asking, "You don't need to see a doctor, do you?" "Actually, I think it would be best if I did." He shrugged his shoulders and continued filling out the report. My accident placed me to where I will finish my time with this company on March 12 -- at the reception desk.

I've enjoyed my solitude here and don't miss dealing with overstressed and overworked people. Outside of here, I think they might be reasonable. I've always enjoyed reaching out to others and making them feel good about themselves. However, in a place with so much tension, this proved to be a wishful approach.

Over the past few weeks, I've reflected on these experiences and also have lost faith in humanity. Do people really just want to remain apathetic? How long will they be able to function before their mind and body becomes permanently injured in this extremely fast-paced environment? Ultimately, the main question all of you and these guys need to ask themselves is this: Do I want to live to work or work to live? As they continue to accept this authoritarian environment, I'm reminded of what the late Pat Morita's character, Mr. Miyagi said in The Karate Kid, "No such thing as bad student, only bad teacher. Teacher say, student do. No questions."

Paul, our HR Manager, and I had another contentious meeting where I thought he'd fire me. We talked for over three hours with some great talking points he used. One stood out. He said when his time on Earth is done, "I want to be remembered as someone who was compassionate and helped other people." It's one thing to say the right things, but it's quite another to apply them to action.

This meeting could've been set as something already predetermined. My job coach made the foolish decision to forward an e-mail to the HR Manager that had some unflattering things said about an obnoxious, petulant Scheduler who I work with here. "We can trust him," she kept repeating. I knew she was wrong. This reached Paul's attention, and they came to the conclusion this wasn't a good fit. I couldn't agree more.

My next endeavor will be in government or nonprofit if lucky. It will be a job where human capital is valued. I'm looking at openings where I can make a difference in people's lives. Hopefully, my passions will open the eyes of just one out there who can give me a chance. I know the reality of receiving no responses, becoming frustrated finding jobs, and receiving little to no income will be a harsh one. However, as I mentioned in a previous post, "Sometimes you have to die a few times to live life just once."

2010-02-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

Food, Inc. -- The Food Industry STILL has it their way

Burger King ran a catchy, empowering slogan for years, "Have it your way." This sounds great. As a consumer, I have variety and diverse foods I can eat. It's quite a different picture once you see the independent, groundbreaking documentary, Food, Inc.

You are exposed to the atrocities a few multinational food processing companies practice that could lead to our deaths. The introduction says it all. It begins in a supermarket where you have this mirage of all these diverse products -- averages to 47,000 per supermarket. You have cereals, produce, meats, and dairy selections. On these products, you see these pastoral images. Those images are artificial.

The film takes you inside the every day struggles farmers and hard working Americans confront. A chicken farmer can no longer produce at the exponential rates of a Tyson Foods Corporation. So, these farmers really have no choice but to sign contracts with companies like Tyson and Perdue. It costs them an average of $280,000 for one chicken farm. Inside, chickens grow at very rapid rates, twice the amount they did back in the early 50s. The average paycheck these farmers receive from the great folks at Tyson and Perdue -- $18,000 per year.

What really will alarm the viewer is how a seed (soybean and corn) is processed and used by animals and us. About 90 percent of all foods has some ingredient from corn in them. Monsanto Corporation owns the "patent rights" for what farmers can do to these seeds. If a farmer decides to replant and clean the seeds, he or she can be met by one of Monsanto's team of investigators. The next step, you guessed it -- lawsuit. Naturally, the farmer has no way to win with a multi-billion dollar business.

I'm the last person who lives in a glass house. My diet is terrible and I'm a heavy smoker. Once again, this isn't about me. I highly encourage all you who read this to watch this must-see documentary. These corporations operate in economically depressed areas where the poor have little to no choice but work for these guys. At these factories, they perform one task over and over and over... It's really no different than how swine, chickens, and cattle are treated before their deaths. The way this industry is regulated, it will only be a matter of time before another health scare surfaces.

2010-02-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Arguing why college faculty aren't all liberals, long awaited return of 'Lost,' and scariest horror film of all-time, 'Paranormal Activity'

Little time to write and lots to talk about. I love this. You don't have an anal prudish editor with that fake bullshit, "This can flow better." Open your mouth and let's find out, jackass. This is why I enjoy the blogosphere. You don't have an editor's vision blocking your own.

Now that I've resumed a normal 8-5 Monday through Friday work schedule as a receptionist/procurement representative and still getting paid the same (for now), a man walked in wearing a University of Notre Dame sweatshirt. I spent most of my childhood living 5 miles away from this beautiful campus. And yes, I still hold onto my Catholic roots. In fact, every career personality test I've taken says one of my top career matches is a clergy member. Children? I kid. My personal near-death experience would have the likes of Christopher Hitchens even say, "Man, that's fucked up."

This man also had a no-nonsense approach. We began discussing our ties before he said how he could've become a pot-smoking hippie instead of graduating from the campus donning the Golden Dome. He proceeded by saying how our media is liberal and why he's a Rightie. I didn't solicit my political views but explained to him my history and journalism backgrounds. At one point, he looked pissed. Oh, well.

"The media is owned by corporations and corporations favor the status quo. I'd say what is said about our media comes from talk radio which is predominantly Conservative. You have a few Liberals out there."

I wish I had more time to talk to this guy. He had a ponytail and grey hair which made me think it's one of two reasons: 1.) He's wanting to relive his youth as a hippie. 2.) He's a possible film and art snob. Either way, I enjoyed talking to the guy. Anytime someone delivers straight talk is someone who quickly gains my respect. I just wonder what he's doing as a delivery guy for a distribution company with that Notre Dame degree. Wait. I'm one to talk with a degree from a much smaller and obscure school.

Lost

The greatest show I've seen on T.V. is about a mere hour away from its final season premier. What's attracted me to this show is what I've said since one of the first episodes, "We're all lost in a few moments." This is where I've connected with these characters and say to myself, "I would do the exact same thing." With Hitchcock-like filming and great acting, I'm confident albeit the science fiction in this show, we will end up seeing each character's spiritual journey come to a conclusion.

Paranormal Activity

Take a no-name director and two starring characters pulled off Craig's List and what do you get -- the highest grossing film of all-time. The film starts slow, but you will quickly gain vicarious experiences. Thanks to the simplest approach to making a movie through a hand-held video camera, this film intensifies. As it does, the events become more bizarre. Any casual or big fan of horror films should see this one. I've rated this as my new #1 ahead of Barbara Hershey in the early 80s horror film, The Entity.

2010-01-31T19:18:00.000-08:00

Baracky is still getting back up

Friday night I watched MSNBC and Barack Obama field some difficult questions from House Republicans. It was 140 vs. 1, and he tackled every one of them with eloquence. Chris Matthews made a great point when he said, As crazy as our American process can be, we elected the best person for the job. He was right.

Some questions were simply filled with false accusations. Take our dopey Georgia congressman, Tom Price. Price said Republicans had an alternative bill for health care reform that wouldn't cost the taxpayers a dime. Obama called him out on it saying, "Tom you know that's just not true." Others were riddled with hard numbers, thinking Obama would be stumped. Nope.

Another question was framed, accusing Obama for tripling the national debt. He quickly refuted this accusation and said he inherited $1.3 trillion and $8 trillion more in defense that wasn't paid for under the previous administration's watch. He made it clear this was before he was sworn in. If you fact check this, you'll find this to be true.

I've found Obama to be very frugal with spending. The only substantial bill was the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Quite frankly, I criticized this one for being too small. It barely scratched the surface on investing in alternative energy and new energy grids. Conservative and Liberal economists rightfully came to this conclusion. Although only about one-third of this money has been spent, a good portion of it is going to road projects. It's great for the short-term but doesn't seem to lead to long-term employment.

Overall, I'd like Obama to continue confronting these adversaries. They clearly spoke and seem perfectly content on obstructing everything. We're the only Democray in the western world requiring a super majority. This needs to change. If votes came down to a simple majority in the Senate, a lot more could be done by now.

2010-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Tragedies and Triumphs of Hubert Selby Jr.

Sometimes you have to die a few times to live life just once. This is paraphrasing a modern American author who lived an extraordinary life and told it to you through what he knew best. His works aren't for the faint at heart. Their narratives twist and turn with the precision of a surgeon's knife cutting you open very gradually while still fully conscious. Inevitably, you will feel the characters' pain and joy in Brooklyn.

Selby's Brooklyn roots expose you to his everyday experiences and observations. They're immersed with gratuitous violence, drug addictions, spousal abuse, prostitution, and ashes and cinder from the shipyards, hovering on the city's edges with a constant filthy reminder. It was a toxic hell. During these times, including the 1950s, we typically coalesce around a white picket fence, stay at home mom, father who is home in time for dinner, and meticulously manicured landscapes. Utopia. Selby tells a different story.

Start with Harry Black. I know, I know. I'm sure one can have fun when seeing and hearing the name Harry Black. In Last Exit to Brooklyn, Harry is featured as one of the main characters. He works in a production plant, frustrated by the daily grind and toll. The company's management threaten him and his colleagues with laying them off. This is when Harry decides to take it upon himself to stand up to greed and corruption.

Harry works closely with his union's leaders, as he's assigned to work at an office nearby the plant. He rouses his workers that none of them will return to work, until the company meets their demands for fair wages and hours. At this point, the reader sympathizes with Harry's plight and can easily liken him. There's another side to Harry though.

Harry can't stand his nagging wife. She wants him to watch over their infant and sex with her at nights, but his energy is drained. The child constantly cries and shouts when Harry tends to him. His wife loses patience with his lack of attentiveness and intimacy. The frustration builds. At one point, he attacks her and knocks her to the floor. He leaves the tiny apartment and goes where he can find comfort and acceptance.

Negotiations continue to stall between the union and company leaders which is fine with Harry. He continues obsessing about his leadership role and influencing his colleagues to continue fighting company management. Behind this guise, Harry's indulgences for drugs and alcohol quickly turn to addictions. A few colleagues begin bringing kegs of beer into the office. They curse about their circumstances, while Harry takes pleasure believing his leadership will have a life-altering impact on his colleagues. His alcohol consumption increases with a declining impact. Instead of returning home to face his nagging wife, he decides to stay out late with a friend and transvestite who have plenty of bennies (form of methamphetamine).

Georgie, a gay man and transvestite, falls in love with Harry at first sight. Harry teases Georgie constantly, but this doesn't stop Georgie's attraction for him. One night, after taking several bennies, the two decide to fool around. Harry wants to see how Georgie will react after kissing him. After the kiss, he rubs his hands up and down Georgie's body. This consumes Georgie. All he can think about day and night are those few intimate moments with Harry.

Finally, Harry feels like he's in control. He continues handing out signs to colleagues each morning, spends the rest of the day drinking, and still spends his late nights taking copious amounts of bennies with Georgie and friends. Little does Harry realize how weak he really is.

Company management and union leaders finally reached a compromise. Harry desperately tries to convince his colleagues to keep fighting. Management will win. They don't listen and agree to return to work. This drives Harry mad.

All feels lost forever. Harry leaves the office, knowing it's the last time he can be heard. He sees a boy playing at a park across the street and decides to approach him. After a few minutes of incoherent rambling, the boy feels very uneasy. He tries to run away, but Harry grabs him. He eventually overpowers the boy. As the boy struggles, Harry tells him to take off his clothes. He rapes the boy. A couple men walk by and quickly rush to the boy's aid.

They separate Harry from the boy. One of the men grabs Harry, as the other begins kicking and punching him repeatedly. The men just won't stop. After several minutes, Harry is left lying motionless.

This summed up just one of several narratives Selby wrote. Upon publication and distribution, the book was legally challenged in England. After a lower court ruled in favor of an injunction based on violating England's obscenity's laws, the high court sided with Selby.

Yes, this wasn't easy to rehash either. You can merely pass this up as garbage or look at it as a spiritual journey. Some just don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. His works have a profound impact on my approach to writing. I think we can all ask ourselves how we handle life when all hope seems to be lost.

All of my rehashing are recollections of what I read. Anything written verbatim from "Last Exit to Brooklyn" is coincidental. For some reason, I can't copy and paste on here. Check out a YouTube video, "The Life and Times of Hubert Selby Jr." This was one of his last interviews.

2010-01-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

The Lovely Bones

Director Peter Jackson delivered another cinematic masterpiece. Based on my personal favorite and best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, the story is narrated by 14-year-old Susie Salmon. Growing up in the 1970s, Susie loves photography and has a crush on an Indo-Anglo boy, Ray Singh. Her happy-go-lucky innocence is suddenly lost in an instant. Her battle overcoming bitterness, vengeance, and loss is portrayed through awe-inspiring landscapes.

Certain settings show Susie running freely through vast open fields, while others seem more confined in a wooded area. This is where Jackson seems to be at his best. Creative time lapse photography, use of color lenses, and stark contrasts between bright and dark settings captivate the average viewer.

The film is well cast with a newcomer starring as Susie. Susan Sarandon plays the hip, chain smoking grandmother who isn't short of witty banter. Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz play Susie's parents. Finally, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Stanley Tucci?

Although I highly recommend this film, I was disappointed how quickly it moved. The book depicted a much more gradual turn of events. In the film, the characters aren't shown as they age several years. Second, it was difficult to really connect with the characters. It seemed you really had snapshots of each and couldn't identify with anyone other than Susie. Finally, the film's resolution isn't what was portrayed in the book surrounding a few major events.

I can say with confidence this film will be up for Best Picture and Best Director. Honestly, I hope you didn't read the book. You can view this film with a fresh perspective and like all films versus books, the book will win every time. Although it won't copy and paste here, check out the haunting melody in the film by This Mortal Coil, Song to the Siren. It was also featured in one of my all-time personal favorites, Lost Highway.

2010-01-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

America the Desperate or America the Cautious ?

I've regained my spirit for writing. It left for awhile. There was no passion whatsoever. Now, I'm back to pushing the envelope. Robin and I have decided to date other people. Thus far, I went out with a drunk (literally) who was in a terrible car accident.

She had a free-spirited personality and was honest and upfront in our conversations. Recently, she lost her job. I sympathized with her plight. However, there were a few long-term concerns raised.

She slept over at a married man's house for two days, every time I called there were guys' voices in the background, and she initiated sex on the second date. As a guy, I wasn't going to turn it down. All these red flags along with those closest to me saying I should move on convinced me to end this relationship.

Another one I'm talking to off this free dating website recently lost her job. We cut the conversation short when she said she was about to eat dinner. This had me thinking what is really behind our recession. Is this high unemployment really about a tough economy or is there more to it? This is the next article I'd like to explore for a local publication.

Multiple sources show our unemployment is hovering around 10 percent. Bad. O.k. Are Americans really that desperate to be employed right now? It's even worse for those who are underemployed -- part-time work. This has the number jump even higher to approximately 17 percent unemployed or underemployed. I really think we've reached a monumental moment here. Will we continue to be at the mercy of these unscrupulous employers or will the lower and middle class stand up to greed and corruption?

Today, President Obama announced he's committed to returning all the TARP money back to the taxpayers. This is a good first step. What else? This continues to be the looming question. Companies continue to save by letting the baby boomers go before they can retire. The days of working for a company for 20+ years is now a rarity.

This is what I'm passionate about. Since the turn of the 20th century when coal miners stood up to President Theodore Roosevelt to Cesar Chavez, we need democratic rights in the workplaces. I've had some losses and victories where I'm at now. Health care reform, fighting terrorism, and diplomacy are all vital interests for us. Ultimately, I think it's imperative we reshape our attitudes. I look forward to shaking things up with employers, talking with employees, and those who continue struggling every day just surviving on little to nothing.

2010-01-07T15:22:00.001-08:00

New Year's Resolution

It's time to resolve the problems that continue surfacing in my life. I found a very insightful comment made by Dammerung from my last post. Yes, the most skillfully unscrupulous individuals are the ones who are rewarded in the corporate environment. We're oversized children here. If I can find one mistake a colleague makes, I'll tell someone. This way I can remove the threat. Besides, I'm not sure my position is safe. With this said, I'm committed to ignoring the perpetual "silly season."

I had a long talk with the President of my company. It was contentious and damn well could've cost me my job. That was the risk I was willing to take to speak truth to power. I've now gained a newfound respect for this man. He invested over 3 hours of his day providing philosophical life examples, how in any environment you come across difficult personalities, and most importantly, the theme was centered around avoiding excuses and moving forward to better ourselves. I want to really strive to achieve the latter point.

A few days ago, I jokingly told a colleague "I want to make everyone happy I come across this year." Silly, right? Well, I've reconsidered. There are two objectives I'm focusing on: 1.) Going to work each day with the utmost positive attitude and continuing to perform my duties to the best of my abilities. 2.) Allow my lighthearted nature to shine on others around me, particularly those who do have those tough personalities. I've wanted to be a leader everywhere I've been and albeit a layoff at my last job, I've done well making those around me laugh. This can be done.

I don't want to delve into all the events that transpired over these six months. Quite frankly, it would take up more than several pages on here. It's time to move forward. Recessions are always toughest on the lower and middle class. Employers seize upon these times to pressure employees more than is necessary. They know jobs are very hard to come by right now. It's my hope that others facing similar circumstances continue to persevere and every now and then, hold up a mirror to show the true ugliness where some of those unscrupulous individuals will see their reflections.

2009-12-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

Surviving a tough year

This is a sobering post. I wish I could say all is well, but that isn't my nature. When beginning a new job with new promise just north of Atlanta, I thought this is finally it. Now, I can begin a career. And what a beginning it was.

I drove up a narrow stretch of road to a majestic, post-modern facility. A few long, glass doors were directly in front of me. Inside, an affable, attractive young receptionist calls for the President of the company. He arrives.

We sat down for about 20 minutes, knowing I delivered another one of those great first impressions. Everything he said sold me. "We're laid back, have a family-like environment,..." He even offered to let me try the job out for two weeks and decide whether or not this is for me. Pass. I'll take the job and finally, I'm on salary. He even offered to cover my expenses which included staying in a hotel for two weeks. How great it was.

I trained under an older, wirey flamboyant guy who had been with the company for several years. He made everything look routine. No problems. He did forewarn me that "you have to prioritize what you do around here. You'll feel overwhelmed if you don't." O.k. Point well taken.

Kenny slightly resembles Morgan Freeman's voice except he's quite a bit shorter in staure and frankly, mentality to go along with it. After a week, I felt somewhat confident to take over. I knew to this point every one seemed tolerant I was new there. Boy, I was sorely naive.

The days went by and with them, the stress increased. It became unbearable. My heart raced at night. Sleep became difficult. How much more demands will be added tomorrow.

This will continue with some more lighthearted moments shared. In short, I went from an executive-type position to incoming receptionist with my time at this place waning in the balance. Santa knows I need high heels now. Besides, I'm much prettier than the one they've got now. Remember what Richard Pryor did in The Toy?

Everything I oppose exists at this company. I might've stated this before, but your average company thinks and acts like a psychopath. A 2004 documentary, The Corporation, sheds light on this ugly truth. Take the entity and look at it as an individual. That's what it is. It has a callous disregard for any human compassion and emotion.

The health care reform bill is a step in the right direction. I'm disappointed some other progressives don't look at this as historic. Other major pieces of legislation took years to finally cover everyone. I look at this in the same light.

2009-10-16T13:28:00.001-07:00

Afterlife experiences

"Let there be, let there always be neverending light," VNV Nation -- song 'Perpetual'

The burning question we have, What am I doing here and what happens after I die? Here's a very interesting article posted on CNN's website. Do people really experience a taste of the afterlife or are there scientific explanations out there on why people might experience vivid dreams while being brought back to life?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/16/cheating.near.death/index.html

2009-10-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Keith Olbermann delivers a timeless 'Special Comment'

The battle for health care reform will be ingrained in my memory til my death. There is nothing that takes priority over quality of life, and Keith delivered one of those commentaries last night one might look back on and simply say, "Thank you." Here is the encore in case you missed it:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217219

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217296

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217346

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217446

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217592

2009-09-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Are we really the greatest country?

As one might see on here under my interests, I'm a huge Boston Red Sox fan and hate the New York Yankees. Compare the two. Games at Fenway Park are sold out throughout the season. The team does more for charity than perhaps all major league baseball teams combined. It's a way of life in New England. Now, let's look at the Yankees' business model.

When attending a game at Yankee Stadium, vendors sell only Yankee paraphenalia. The seats on the front row during this very difficult economic time range from a thousand on upward. This is why you don't see the stadium filled up, unless the Red Sox are in town. The team has to conform to a strict physical appearance code -- no long hair. Basically, this is a microcosm of your typical workplace; once you enter the office doors, you lose your democratic rights.

Every time Michael Moore has done a documentary, nothing changes. In fact, conditions seem to worsen. He's demonized by the monopolized radio medium and for his new one, "Capitalism: A Love Story," I'm waiting to hear the first person say he favors Socialism. Time and time again, I keep saying capitalism is great for those earning more than $250,000. If you don't, well, you can consider yourself working under a feudalist system. People who watch his documentaries are enamored by his hard-hitting list of facts, quick wit, and personal stories that affect anyone with a conscience. But once the film is over, it's back to business as usual.

Robin came in town last week and just arrived in Augusta last night. We spent the weekend in Helen for Oktoberfest. We had a blast and she reminded me of all the different cutural events, castles, history, and recreation Germany has to offer. "If you visited there, you wouldn't want to come back," she told me. She has a point. Politicians say we live in the greatest country to get elected and we've always had this strong nationalism pushed down our throats. Let's look at recent statistics.

We shun immigrants who come to this country. Naturally, you don't see immigrants from Europe yearning to come here. And why should they? The poor and poverty stricken aren't living in squalor there. They have a health system that far surpasses ours. They aren't obsessed with carrying firearms and killing off each other like we are. They truly value family and as a result, spend more time away from work. They aren't stricken with obesity and offer plentiful recreation facilities for kids. Add walking and mass transit systems instead of personal motor vehicles to a healthier lifestyle. This is just for starters without going into education.

Robin had already seen "District 9" and strongly recommended it. I'm strongly doing the same for anyone who reads this. It's a documentary film style with great cinematography and what I expected by seeing a brief preview. Yes, there is sympathy shown for an unlikely character. The film begins a tad slow but picks up quickly.

2009-09-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Change you don't believe in

What the hell is going on inside people's heads these days? I've seen the health insurance industry led protests at these town halls and am literally sickened by how disgusting these people are. What the hell goes on inside their heads? You see swastikas, images comparing Obama to Hitler (No individual in history can be compared to the biggest mass murderer. The insurance companies are catching up though), and the other greatest lie, "No to Socialism." We don't even have strong, organized unions in more than half this country. What data do you have suggesting this country remotely is overrun by Socialism? Here's a little stat: Less than 1 percent, yes, 1 percent of this country is run by socialism. I know the Glenn Becks and other prostitutes for the insurance industry might want to check out early at one of those death panels if forced to report that fact. And quite frankly, it would serve us better as a whole if the so-called Greatest Generation moves on to the death panels with the Glenn Becks of the world. They're the ones holding everyone else back. I'm obviously being facitious here, but this illustrates just how stupid the average self-absorbed, apathetic American is. And the rhetorical question you hear from these people whining, "What about what will be left for our children and grandchildren?" Give me a break. They could care less.

If I sound cold-hearted here, you're damn right. I don't tolerate seeing people denied their basic right to care and my immediate family is no exception. Where are all those people who organized for Obama in '08? That was easy. Now, you actually have to do something. Lyndon Johnson said he wouldn't pass Civil Rights legislation until people demanded he did so. Well? Where are you people? Why these nuts who shout with ignorance and blind stupidity aren't silenced is beyond comprehension?

Peaceful protests are an order here. We should attend these Republicans' town halls and simply ask this, "Do you like your government-run insurance plan?" If they try to divert, ask them to specifically list what they don't like about their insurance as a member of Congress. You will see more and more tongue tied; I promise you that.

Spread the message to clergy leaders, friends, and family why a public option will save, yes, save everyone in the long-term. Continue following what transpires. Don't let the interests of a powerful few defeat the majority of us as a whole.

2009-08-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

The 3 D's -- Disrupt, Distract, Defeat

Look below the title of this blog and read it. Over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, it should come as no surprise what we see transpiring. Older white people who want to stay the course are using the age-old, "I'm fine. Don't tread on me," argument. That is until these people lose their jobs or personally affected when it comes to health care reform.

Here is what I would like to see from Democrats and the White House, besides growing a spine. Explain in detail how a public option will save money in the long term. Republicans do have a legitimate argument when not shouting about the accumulating deficit. Assure us how this competitive addition will benefit everyone on a public or private plan. This way, we can avoid the corporate slaves who are eternally indebted to the likes of Milton Friedman.

2009-08-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

You've been birthirized

I've been puzzled over the last six months over the controversy of whether President Barack Obama is a naturalized citizen. A few days ago, I knew the charge was bogus. Here on this planet, we were introduced to Orly Taitz, a missing link from the Haley's Comet cult. Her face and gravity don't go together and her hairstyle is a cutout from the 50s.

The birther movement produced a forged and phony birth certificate. You would think these people would be more cunning. A notary was named after a laundry detergent? Come on. Then, these people said he was born in the Republic of Kenya when it didn't become one until December of that year. Let's hope we can put this to rest and return to what's really important -- jobs and true health care reform.

2009-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Changing of the guard

I haven't posted in awhile. This new job I've taken on comes with high pressure, stress, and profound humility. There's never a dull moment for the 8, 9, and occasional, 10 hour work day. Paper work mounts on my new desk. Purchase orders come in like clockwork. Continous contact with our distributors, major accounts, shipping department, and colleagues is daily routine. Now, I leave what was comfortable and controllable.

My good friends and family are at a distance despite daily phone calls on our days during the evenings. The Motel 6 stay (no, I didn't want to place a huge burden on my company's expenditures) now turns to a new apartment. This place is still foreign. I'm confident this will work out with a great boss and hopefully, new friends along the way.

2009-07-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Praise our country's blessings and continue fighting for progress

Watching Saving Private Ryan several years ago, tears streamed down my face. American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy and confronted fierce resistance. Many didn't return home, and my grandfather was carried to a camp by one of his fellow soldiers after a piece of shrapnel sliced through his leg. Precious minutes determined his fate.

My grandfather returned to a camp with an article of his clothing used to apply pressure to the open wound. He began praying, and he saw a priest walking by the camp. He asked the priest to read him his Last Rites, but the priest coldly responded, "I'm sorry. I only have time for the living."
Read more at examiner.com under Religion & Spirituality.

2009-07-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Moving on up to the northwest side

I've been offered an attractive management position outside Atlanta. This has been a very exciting time and look forward to working with another outstanding group of people. So, au revoir Augusta. I 'm also freelance writing for a great online publication, examiner.com. Feel free to visit and you'll find me under Augusta Liberal Christian Examiner. After the first article, you won't see the preachy tone; don't worry. It's more of an outlet to expand my love for writing on here and although it might be minimal pay, I'm very grateful to work for a publication that has so much to offer. Visit examiner.com and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

2009-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Harold and Kumar kick ass

I ended up watching Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay last night, thinking this film would be like many of the other stupid spoof movies i.e. Scary Movie. It wasn't. Harold and Kumar presented themselves as a hybrid of geeks and Beavis and Butthead. I loved how the film played on stereotypes and here are two brief examples, so I don't ruin it.

On their journey, they met Neil Patrick Harris, the actor who played the squeaky, geeky prodigy, Doogie Howser M.D. They're relieved to see him, knowing he will drive them to where they need to go. However, Neil began taking copius amounts of shrooms and began hallucinating through the drive. Although they were shocked by Neil's drug use, their conversations with him on relationships taps into their commonalities. A few great lines Neil uses: "I'm ready to get my fuck on." "I'm ready to rock out with my cock out."

The second meeting is with our former Prez., W. He takes them inside his recreation room where there are cutouts from magazines of naked women hanging on the wall. There's a joint Kumar sees in an ashtray. He asks him why he's hypocritical for smoking it while making it illegal for everyone else. He proceeds to ask Kumar the following: "Let me ask you something Kumar. Do you like giving hand jobs?" "No." "Do you like getting hand jobs?" "Yeah," Kumar responds with a wide-eyed grin. "O.k. Well, that makes you a hypocriticizer." Great Bushism and his grammatically incorrect use of the English language is timeless.

This was one of the best comedic films I've seen in awhile. I highly recommend it.

2009-06-19T10:53:00.001-07:00

Liz' 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy

Many people I've been around are easily offended by the smallest of things. Basically, they're just miserable people. Whenever they've tried to lower me to their level, I'm quick to lower them down another notch with sarcasm. This is what you can expect when watching Keith Olbermann's Countdown and how he exposes nutcases every night. Last night, his producers did a reenactment of a woman who let's just say appeared to internally combust at any moment. This is too good for even the most talented comedians to script. Hilarious.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#31435502

2009-06-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Great editorial by Bill Maher slamming Pres. Obama's weakness to appease all

Don't you just love the nonsensical rants Republicans have made recently on health care reform? Here's one I love: We don't want a government bureaucrat getting in the way of a patient and his doctor. Personally, you can fill the room with bureaucrats and while we're at it, you can even have them watch if my doctor uses a surgical instrument to go up my anus. All I care about is that bill I pay at the cashier counter.

You know, I talked with an elderly friend of mine yesterday. He's a self-described Truman Democrat who told me about his recent visit to his doctor. The doctor was incensed that a little money might be taken out of his pocket if this country adopts a government public option plan. This doctor earns about $6 million a year and complained about how much he had to pay for his facility. Tough shit. In many industrialized countries, it's illegal to practice medicine for profit. So, do you want your care provided by someone who is in the profession for the paycheck or someone who truly loves the practice of healing the sick?

This is another unavoidable truth Obama should address and those doctors in the AMA union, think and act just like my elderly friend's doctor. Currently, we're not seeing that aggressive push a majority of Americans are desperately seeking. The longer this push stalls, the more unlikely this will pass Congress.

The banks are another huge problem. I'd love to see the tax money I've paid along with all of you going into real change: firing every son-of-a-bitch in upper management who screwed all of us and their employees. Take Merrill Lynch as an example. They worked the shit out of their employees -- extremely long hours, minimal pay, and gave them a pink slip with minimum compensation. In the meantime, these top execs. walked away with millions before selling off to Bank of America.

Here's Bill Maher's New Rules segment from last Friday's show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVl_oix5MTQ

2009-06-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Climate Change -- More than just rhetoric
"How a nation treats its animals is how a nation deserves to be treated," Gandhi

Some time ago, I was riding in the car with my dad. I looked out the passenger side window and noticed a heavily wooded area had been cleared for development. Another franchised retail outfit was set to be built. This was the last thing this area needed.

"Oh, great. Let's clear more trees for another business we don't need."

"Trees don't grow jobs," he sarcastically replied.

Point well taken. However, there's a flipside to that coin. I'm encouraged when businesses make conscientious efforts to plant trees around its structures. This has a great impact on reducing energy costs. There's another broader issue to this though and it has to do with dominionism. Since the majority of our country still identifies themselves as Christians, I feel dominionism has been perverted over the years.

A parent sends his or her child to school. How do you think this parent wants the child returned? Obviously, you want the child to be returned in the same condition or better than before. This same concept should be applied to nature. What we take away from nature should be returned and restored in as good or better shape than before. This is where the majority of Evangelicals and right-wing chatter boxes love to blame a boogeyman like Al Gore.

I remember being subjected to the numb and dumb talking heads like Neal Boortz and Rush Limbaugh at a few different workplaces. Environmentalism drives them nuts. Take the Alaskan National Wildlife Arctic Refuge (ANWAR) and drilling oil there as an example. They cherry pick this area and say things like, "The environmental wackos are wanting to stop our oil shortages by protecting a bunch of caribou." First and foremost, this argument is literally meaningless. There's much more diverse wildlife there than caribou. Second, studies have shown it would take 50 years in this area to provide us with what we receive on average in one year. Finally, oil drilling is a public health hazard to all wildlife, including us.

I forgive these narrow-minded views to just tear everything down for our own petty interests. Once again, this all stems back to the Reagan era when the Religious Right became empowered and have completely decimated the Separation of Church and State that Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Williams warned us about; you know, the Founding Fathers. We are and always have been meant to be a secular nation.

The process for Evangelicals who do believe in environmentalism and influencing their fellow believers is a slow, gradual one. It's encouraging to see more and more turn from mocking climate change as a hoax to a crisis needed to be taken seriously. Here's an alarming article by CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/10/climate.change.refugees/index.html

2009-06-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

Michael Moore continues to stay ahead of the curve and adding a great video from a recently discovered brilliant director

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore stepped up to the podium to receive his Oscar for Best Documentary, Bowling for Columbine. Instead of the typical speech you hear delivered praising all those surrounding him, he attacked President Bush over our invasion of Iraq. The so-called Hollywood liberals were offended and responded with a chorus of boos. Where was he wrong?

I've enjoyed his documentaries and his most recent one, Sicko, received high praise. There were some broad generalizations made I knew weren't accurate. For example, he walked into a hospital in England where there wasn't a cashier asking for money like our country. He was elated. Their system isn't perfect either and here's why.

There's an ongoing debate in the United Kingdom over prescription drug costs. People who are milking the system and needlessly receiving the drugs are driving costs up for the lower and middle class. They practice that evil SOCIALIZED MEDICINE (translation: the government provides all the plans and options for the people and there isn't a single private company involved). This was really the only qualm I had with the film. Otherwise, he delivered another powerful punch, having those affected by greedy insurers tell their heartbreaking stories.

Moore's latest documentary will expose how our wealthiest top 1 percent literally stole from the rest of us. Some I've spoke to on here are under the impression I'm a hypocrite and yes, I changed my opinion over the first TARP phase for bailing out the banks. Why? Naturally, I didn't read the entire bill. What I did learn from multiple sources was a band aid treatment to the problem. There was still no oversight involved or strings attached to hold these greedy, incompetent buffoons accountable. Here's an article from USA Today on Moore's latest project:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-10-michael-moore-inside_N.htm

Check your area for VNV Nation shows at vnvnation.com and what this video says about nature, humanity, and our continuing relationship throughout history with technology for better or worse

There are few bands I've heard who strike the right chords through their music and lyrics that nurture my soul. VNV Nation is one of those special bands. One friend is more open-minded to their sound, while everyone else says, "I'm not into techno." Personally, I really can't pinpoint a genre they represent, and everything I've heard presents different soundscapes.

This particular video was posted with clips from an innovative film director, Ron Fricke. I highly doubt I can check these films out at my local video store or On Demand. Reading up on Fricke, he was praised by one genius director, Francis Ford Coppola, and contributed to one of the Star Wars prequels with legendary director and visionary, George Lucas. I like Fricke's concept to integrate multiple themes in his works, greatness and destructiveness of humanity, and our continued relationship with technology.

VNV Nation will be playing at The Masquerade in Atlanta on July 23. It's in an unsavory part of the city with crack dealers nearby (based on my last experience nearly a decade ago coming from The Afghan Whigs' concert) but uniquely structured in its interior. From the outside, it appears to be an old, rickety three-story building. It was formally used as a firehouse. Once inside, certain rooms still have long, thick wooden beams at ceiling level. The bars have a postmodern appearance with long, glossy countertops and neon lit shelves containing multiple bottles of liquor and mixers. I was impressed and would love to sit down, have a Guiness or two, with these guys. There seems to be common approaches we take on humanity. Trivia question: This female pop artist earns more than any other musician. What video of hers is influenced by Fricke's work? Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUJ6UMhMguY

2009-06-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Change Won't Happen, Unless...

I want world peace. This is the pat statement you typically hear at beauty pageants with no cerebral, analytical details on how to achieve it. Yes, it's been awhile since my last post, and after countless hours spent reflecting and reviewing how to change my life for the better, I still want to refer you to my last post.

You had avant-garde filmmaker David Lynch quote Maharshi by saying forget about watering the leaves, it's the root that needs to be treated. After my nine day stay with family in Nebraska, our dysfunctionality never ceases. One cousin is in the process of losing his wife and four children. Simply, the root is a lack of communication to perfect he and his wife's long-term relationship. There was some crazy drama involved I don't want to delve into.

Here is a list of what I feel needs to be changed:

1.) We need to have a very limited military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. I oppose both of these occupations, because we have approximately 250,000 contractors in these two theaters. Like our country, the predominantly rural areas don't want change. They don't ask for much, receive very little, and are content with their lives. When you intervene with outsourcing to contractors, bombing campaigns where inevitably civilians are severely injured or killed, and expect a steadfast transition to a governing system mirroring ours, we're continuing to spread a wildfire for extremism. We have our own problems with extremism in this country. As my father continues to say, "the data will lead the way." A year or two ago, the Rand Corporation conducted a poll and revealed only seven percent of the time is terrorism defeated through military action. These two endless quagmires have to stop.

2.) True health care reform isn't cowering to the private health insurance companies' recent concessions. I was extremely fortunate to have an outstanding medical and dental plan with my most recent employer. Even if a single payer option was available, I would've continued to pay into my employer's plan. We have 16 states who basically hold a monopoly on what consumers can choose. Approximately one in three individuals covered by health insurance are covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This isn't competition, it's an oligopoly structure. We have approximately 20,000 people in this country who die each year, resulting from no insurance or a provider denying a claim.

Republicans say everyone will opt for a government run health care system. With the recent concessions, they contend Americans will have a choice through the for-profit insurance companies. Four decades have proven if these guys have their way, we will gradually return to where we're at now. I'm confident single payer will be an option. We have too many small businesses who are unable to afford health care for their employees. If single payer is so bad, why are other countries who offer public and private insurance have a significantly higher rate of covered individuals than we do without their citizens having to file for bankruptcy or losing their lives at our country's rate?

3.) I will continue advocating for implementing humanistic philosophy in our public schools. We have to overcome our superficiality and condescending views of those who are less fortunate. Here is a link that thwarts the powerful Religious Right's attempts to revise what our Constitution explicitly states on the Separation of Church and State. Once again, we need a once-a-week type The Breakfast Club model where each student has to write a few pages on what he or she learned from the peer. This is where controversial topics viewed by the Puritan Peddlers and corporate-owned mainstream media won't be perceived to be imposed on the students by the State. They will introduce their feelings on why they might be gay, bisexual, suffering from depression, etc. This is the root and when they enter the workforce, we won't have these silly shenanigans where factions are formed simply based on similarities. http://www.religioustolerance.org/humanism2.htm

4.) Finally, I need to change. My self-discovery is realizing I always have this incessant need to provide constructive advice to others. Initially, I thought about hiding away at a university by obtaining a Master's or Juris Doctorate degree. That would all be for naught. My realistic objective is getting my foot in the door, preferably in civil service or government. The benefits are excellent, and it's common practice employees are awarded through bonuses and vacation through simple hard work. This is a better risk, since this area and others around the country seem beholden to reward others who are family, friends, or those who think and act like the company's upper management.

2009-05-18T18:41:00.001-07:00

Avant-Garde filmmaker David Lynch on Transformation: For Better or Worse?

Yesterday, I emphasized the need to implement a humanistic philosophy in our public schools. There is one university in Fairfield, Iowa who seems to grasp this need. Filmmaker David Lynch is a visionary who explores the dark, mysterious unknown. His films (Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive) intertwine reality with a dream world or afterlife. He addressed a question by a journalist at this university, asking him if he is able to eradicate anxiety and hatred while working on a film project.

Films intrigue us with snapshots. In a sense, they're like our dreams. Typically, I idly stand by watching events transpire before my eyes. A creative writing instructor said he attempted to jot down everything he remembered about his dreams when he woke up each morning. Admittedly, I applied this same routine for a mere few days and stopped.

President Barack Obama persistently used one word throughout his campaign, "Change." For political speak, Republicans said this was code for the government to interfere in their lives. Some numb Democrats believed and perhaps still do, government can and will soon be the answer to all their woes. Lynch quite succinctly tells this journalist how change has to come from within. Enjoy this brief video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1TCvzLDzKg&feature=channel

2009-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today's America: 'We're strangers to each other'

I'm at a crossroads in my life and know I'm not alone. These past two weeks have been extraordinarily devastating. My BFF, who works as a car salesman, has struggled to sell a car and works off commission only. A woman he met on Match.com was from Nebraska (my state or should I say where my parents grew up and relatives live -- i.e. grandparents immigrated from New York City). After talking to her via the Match.com website, she invited him to her house. He was only there for thirty minutes and yes, believe it or not, she initiated the next step for sex. They met again and it was the same routine. Then, the confusion came.

She works in upper management, finishing her M.B.A., and wants to leave Augusta. So, she basically brushed him off through text messages. His lack of sales has driven him to drinking a few beers on his lunch hour and several more after work. I've gotten onto him about that. When he does make a sale, guess who profits the most? Yes, it's the good ole' boys who are predominantly in upper management because they're friends of the family who owns the business or family itself. Finally, he has his sights set on leaving this city he has known for his whole life.

I'm also great friends with twin brothers. One works as a chemical operator and is approaching a six figure annual income. He has recently come under fire from his borish, obnoxious boss who yells at him. This has really dampened his spirits and I've told him it's natural for those with low self-esteem to take out their frustrations on others. Unfortunately, his brother tops the list for overcoming a shattered state of mind.

I learned he was admitted into a mental institution earlier this week. He has a beautiful wife, two children (one who has autism), and beautiful home. His wife works as a registered nurse and is the bread winner. He works for a company delivering propane to businesses and residents and feels his life has been a failure. The warning signs weren't there. We spoke on the phone about the overwhelming greed that takes place at his wife's hospital and his company. Yes, you're learning, I responded. I wish I had known he was suffering and would've changed the direction of our conversation to a more positive, upbeat one.

This past Friday, I was laid off from my job -- AGAIN. This time, it appears to be permanent and is probably the best thing that could've happened. I began to be more and more unhappy working at an overly simplistic job. Our major account began to pick up its production again in April, only to see it flatline in May. My boss kept reiterating, "You're overqualified to be here. This is about as far as these guys (colleagues) can go." He's right. I took refuge in this place, because it was comfortable and family-like every day. I made good money, received a health care and dental plan that was top notch, and great benefits. However, there's a much broader issue to the problems my friends and I currently confront.

Today's America isn't going to change for the better anytime soon. When I bowed out of my Middle Grades Education degree with one semester left, I was appauled by how teachers treated their students. They ignored those who struggled and paid more attention to the high achievers. Isn't this a microcosm of our society? "The wealthy elite are always first in line for public services," Noam Chomsky once said. We need true reform in our public schools to shape future generations to simply treat each other better than we treat ourselves right now.

I've said for several years how we need to implement humanistic teachings in our schools. One of my newspaper columns touched on this and was referred to as The Breakfast Club model. I promise you this column received ample praise from educators and a few elected officials after it was published. What did you have in that 80s blockbuster film? You had troubled students who came from different backgrounds who eventually gained respect and appreciation for each other. Once a week, no matter the school size, students should get together and truly learn from each other. What's troubling them? Where do they see commonalities with each other? It is then and only then will we one day finally see the downfall of greed.

There's a huge difference between myself and best friends -- I don't care how society views me. After my friend is released from the hospital, I will wait a week or so and give him the greatest gift I've received, Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist. This was hailed as the best book ever read by the likes of Madonna, Will Smith, and renowned entrepreneur and salesman, Spencer Johnson. This book is based on a spiritual journey and is a simple read where you don't run into obtuse language. There are two critical themes that apply to all our lives: There are many obstacles we confront, but we ultimately control our own destinies. Do what you want in life. Second, you might feel guilty during your journey that you're abandoning those you love. Those who truly love you will still be there with that same love after you've completed your journey. I recommend this book to any of you reading this post.

2009-05-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Reviews of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, and Blood Games?

The first three X-Men films were well directed and presented all-star casts. Its latest installment has Liev Schreiber taking the spotlight. Schreiber (Sabertooth) is a highly talented actor with a vernacular for quick wit, cool disposition, and an imposing physical presence. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) was often seen through the film making these grunt noises, trying to allow the beast from within come out. I thought this was a mistake. Second, some of the special effects weren't necessary in some action sequences. Overall, this wasn't a bad film, but it was lost without its original director.

Star Trek

There are certain cults who scare the hell out of me: Trekkies, Dungeons and Dragons players, and those who spend way too much time playing World of Warcraft. When I was in college, I wanted to use the power of telepathy to let those Dungeons & Dragons players in the game room realize I was just there to play a few games of Galagga. I didn't want to be cast with some evil spell or heaven forbid, they think of me as The Grim Reaper. These alternate realities I truly believe are their realities. Anyway, I'll give you my take on Star Trek.

Director J.J. Abrams and his team pulled off some amazing special effects, set designs, and brilliant cinematography. I will say some of the lighting in certain settings was too glossy and unnecessary. Trekkies, I'm sure are pissed after watching this film. Although I was a casual fan of the original series by Gene Roddenberry, I knew certain events didn't take place and Abrams revised some of the original script. For example, Spock is much older than his counterparts but not in this film. I also questioned some of the interpersonal relationships and family history. This also might've strayed from the original storylines. Otherwise, this was a great film and thus far, leads the way for early summer film releases.

Blood Games

This was probably the most overly stereotypical film I've ever seen. It's hard for me to fathom the writers wanted the viewers to take this one seriously. Intentionally or not, this film intertwined The Bad News Bears, Deliverance, and Missing in Action. An athletic set of tomboys square off against a rowdy redneck baseball team. The rednecks, albeit their uncordination, are already reveling in their drunken debauchery. Its town folk are missing teeth, yelling and squealing like pigs, and appear to be ready to stage a mob attack on the gals. The girls easily win the game and the lead redneck for the other team, Ray who coincidentally is celebrating his birthday, receives some harsh advice from his Vietnam Vet dad.

The girls' coach has some unfinished business to attend with Ray's father. This is when all hell breaks loose. The rednecks continue their squarely actions like hitting each other upside the head with beer cans. Reaching the film's climax, there are actually some graphic violent moments that surprised me. I was torn at certain points on who to root for: The tomboys who are conflicted on whether they should continue focusing on their bawlin' baseball skills or find good men in their lives or the comical rednecks who can win at something. This was a corny movie that helped me gain more appreciation for so many other films.

2009-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Dumb leads the Dumber

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is a disaster. Recently, he made national headlines for refusing to accept federal stimulus money. His argument is his state already has too much debt on its hands and doesn't need any more. Today, he went on Conservative talk radio host, Austin Rhodes' show, to say well, absolutely nothing. Typical. If you want to torture me, send me to a townhall filled with Conservative speakers who spend more than an hour talking.

Sanford predictably received softball questions from Rhodes. Now, he claims he only rejects 10 percent of the stimulus money. You know, he doesn't want any more scrutiny or embarassment by those who are keeping an eye on him. He echoed at least four times how his state's top priority is paying off its debt. Funny though how he didn't provide one example of outrageous spending or where he wants cuts to take place. Anyone want to take a guess where his cuts might be directed? Since the state heavily relies on tourism and big tax breaks for businesses who decide to set up their sweatshops there, you don't need to be a policy geek or follow every detail about his opposition to his state's budget to know where he stands.

You heard President Obama talk about the road to nowhere in South Carolina during the Presidential campaign, most notably a school that still operates and was built back in the mid 1800s. Each time a train passes nearby, teachers have to stop while their rooms shake from the vibrations. This is just one of many examples of infrastructure and road construction that needs to take place.

Try driving in the state's largest city, Columbia. On some roads, you're having to dodge potholes that look like large meteors landed on these roads. The biggest revelation is how reckless Sanford is with spending.

The National Tax Foundation reported for every federal dollar South Carolina receives, it spends $1.30. Fiscal responsibility? It's no wonder Sanford didn't provide any specifics on his state spending problem.

2009-04-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today, My Brother Talked to Me

Enter an imprisoned mind. Sights and sounds overwhelm your synapses. Everything is moving too fast. You want to tell someone, but you can't. This is the world of autism.

My brother Matt was one of the first out of 250 autistic individuals worldwide who began using facilitated communication. This invention by two Australian scientists was a major breakthrough. Naysayers believe the handler is the one typing out the thoughts. However, Matt has typed out some very intimate information pertaining to relatives' names that his handler wouldn't know, correctly multiplied high numbers without a calculator, and has expressed how he felt at the present time.

Matt is my polar opposite. He loves country living (visits to my grandmother's farmland in Nebraska), country music, and dreadfully sides with my mother's parents as a Republican. Just before last year's Presidential election, he typed out, "I like McCain. Obama wants too much money." Alright, bro, that's a common misperception by Republicans.

Here is a brief article on today's breaking news for identifying a chromosome that is believed to trigger autism. This is encouraging news, but unfortunately, there's more to what might cause this disorder. After you read this brief excerpt, there's an interesting column written by Jim Carey about vaccination injury that has been proven in a court of law to cause autism. The consensus in the autism community believes this disorder is gene-environment based. By no means is Carey, his wife and former goofy co-host of MTV's Singled Out, trying to scare people into not taking vaccines. Their argument is "one size doesn't fit all." You don't administer an adult dosage to an infant. Also, they argue the vaccine schedule should be spread out more. Finally, there were 13 mandatory vaccines listed in 1983. That number is now at 36. It seems the CDC and Big Pharma are in a happy marriage. Here are the two articles:

PHILADELPHIA, PA.; April 28, 2009 (WPVI) -- Three new studies, including the largest ever conducted on the genetics of autism, have identified genes which contribute to the disorders.
One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases, while another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Significantly, both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood. The study leader, Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, used automated genotyping tools that scan the entire genome of thousands of individuals. The researchers found that children with ASDs were more likely than healthy controls to have gene variants on a particular region of chromosome 5. Hakonarson's second study also used genetic scans to identify copy number variations, deletions, or duplications that increase the risk of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The gene discoveries correspond with evidence gathered from functional magnetic resonance imaging that children with autism may have reduced connectivity between brain cells. Anatomy studies have also found that children with autism may have abnormal development of the brain's frontal lobes. Doctors hope the gene findings will not only open the doors to better understanding the brains and behaviors involved in autism, but to more targeted treatment and therapy. Autism Speaks assisted in the research, both with funding, and with access to the DNA of thousands of children affected by autism. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one out of every 166 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder.

(The author of this article should make a retraction. The number is now 1 out of every 150 U.S. children. What it also fails to mention is in 1987 it was 1 out of every 10,000.)

Link for Jim Carey's column

I wrote an article nearly two years ago on many issues Carey addresses. It's too lengthy and I believe it might have been copied and pasted to a previous entry on here.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-carrey/the-judgment-on-vaccines_b_189777.html

2009-04-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Let Me Rock

Interactivity is fun. I can be a pain in the ass sometimes, and Robin can attest to that. She has Sirius radio in her car and inevitably one song is played on it just about every time I'm riding in the car with her. First, I enjoy what I feel to be a damn good job harmonizing with this band's lead singer. Second, I love miming with the lyrics for this song. For example, one lyric I misunderstood one word in it. I still enjoy improvising with my version: "Like a twister, I was born to walk alone." So, I twirl my forefinger and finish with using my two forefingers to imitate someone walking. All this occurs while singing along. This makes me feel like a teenie bopper again. By far, this is my favorite band to use these hand gestures and besides, ya' never know when you might be driving down the road with someone who is hard of hearing. My interaction (hand gestures -- pointing to the side of my head and pressing my hand against my chest for the heart and singing along) easily lasts through the duration of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTiwCez6Zs

Alright. I respect my actions can be annoying. Initially, Robin corrected me, "It's like a drifter, not like a twister." "Yeah, but let's go with twister. It sounds much better." The song continues. "You're so fucking crazy." "What? You've gotta' add some flavor to it." Unfortunately, her patience begins running thin. "Alright. I'm changing it." "No. I'll stop." I stop singing along while getting in an occasional mime or two. About 30 seconds later, I tone it down a few decibels and begin singing again. "P.J.," she yells. "Alright. I'll stop," I repeat. Damn it. Just let me rock.

In high school, I practiced tennis and practiced tennis some more. I was your typical naive American teen with a dream: Become a rock star or professional athlete. Obviously, neither came to fruition. I did love music and wanted to learn how to play some of my favorite grunge songs at the time on guitar. So, I went to a guitar instructor who taught a mutual friend of mine at the time. This friend now professionally plays for a rock band who has gained many props. Google "Dead Confederate."

O.k. I completely expected this guitar instructor to have at least three earings in each ear and several tattoos. Nope. He turned out to be a square. Nice guy, just a square. He basically dissed the 90s sound, saying it's a takeoff from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and a few other bands. Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Chet (not his real name).

He wanted me to learn the basic chords like G-Major, D-Minor, etc. However, I wasn't paying this guy to learn some silly lullaby songs; I was paying him to rock. I wanted to ride the bicycle by taking off the training wheels already. So, he jumped ahead and had me practice a few songs. I did o.k. but never practiced after our sessions. I was hoping he would magically transform me into a rock star by our mere one-hour, one day a week time frame.

This lasted only for approximately a month-and-a-half. He was a nice guy who loved Pink Floyd (I can stand a few of their songs along with The Moody Blues but not many). I also livened the mood when we met, since this guy was dry as toast. He was also a computer nerd who had to stop our sessions a few times to explain to some kid over the phone how to work a certain software program. All and all, he was a nice guy but lame. That was the end of my brief attempt to become a rock star. Once again, you do all the work and just let me rock.

2009-04-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Christopher Hitchens destroys Ken Blackwell

I'm comfortable debating many people on topics I know, but Christopher Hitchens isn't one of them. I had a few college professors who I felt I was smarter than and still do today. One nut, an English professor, tried to make the nonsensical argument that poetry should have a singular interpretation. I think he took offense to my rebuttal and consequently, my grade was lowered one down from where it should've been ("B"). Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJNsWN-QGW8

2009-04-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

I Dream of Janeane! Well, not exactly

Here are some personality traits I look for in the ideal woman: sarcastic and silly sense of humor, cynical, and down-to-earth. Janeane Garofalo fits these descriptions, but I have a rule of thumb for tattoos. If it takes you more than 5 minutes to explain each tattoo on your body, you've already lost me. I can understand one or two. However, I don't want to be staring at some fire-breathing dragon or goofy Chinese caricatures that you use to try and make yourself appear to be this benevolent, spiritual person. Janeane has too many but to her credit, she's lost that frumpy physical appearance she had for awhile.

I'm not picky when it comes to women. There are two things in life I refuse to share: my remote control and women. I like women who are sinewy and voluptious. Last night, Garofalo assessed the tea baggers much better than I did on yesterday's post with Keith Olbermann. Enjoy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#30255102

O.k. You should've probably known the right wing mouthpieces would respond to this critique. As usual, they play the McCarthy card and dismiss her as an out-of-touch celebrity. Pay close attention to what Garafalo has to say to some more sheep one month before our invasion of Iraq. "We're not racists. I didn't see any signs using race at the rally I attended." The Republican Party's positions on policies pertaining to equal rights have historically been associated with a nihilist.

Garafalo cites a few publications, notably not those major newspapers constantly dubbed as liberal like The New York Times and The Washington Post by right-wingers. The McClatchy Newspaper Washington, D.C. bureau and journalists like Jeremy Scahil and Amy Goodman were also ahead of the curve. Perhaps, more people should view Garafalo as an American and not merely a know-nothing entertainer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3MjivZU2w4&feature=related

2009-04-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Stop Throwing Away My Lipton, Fake Paranoia, and Upcoming Post on Ridiculous Bans on Smoking

Perfectly good tea bags were thrown away yesterday. Anti-tax protestors rebelled like it was The Boston Tea Party even though the majority is taxed with representation. I'm sure there were some well-meaning Libertarians who follow the likes of Ross Perot and Ron Paul. However, the vast majority seemed to simply use ignorance and are wanting to deregulate and continue the failed tax cut policies we implemented over the past eight years.

My assessment of the majority of these people are this: they dismiss you if you don't adhere to their beliefs and call you names like "stupid" and "idiot," love stockpiling their homes with guns they don't need, and want you to subscribe to their narrow, religious views. My tax return was the best yet this year. A recent Gallup poll showed the most amount of Americans supporting this tax structure since the 1950s. Besides, why would you complain when 95 percent of those are getting breaks?

The signs held yesterday were absurd, "No to Socialism" (We're the one industrialized nation who uses very little socialist policies -- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, public safety, and public buildings. So, you can assume they don't know what Socialism is. "Born to Live, Taxed to Death." Compare how you're taxed to a European country. The bottom line is this: These same people are going against their own economic interests. They wanted us to sit back and do nothing about this economic crisis. Currently, we're seeing signs the economy is turning around.

It's laughable Conservative talking heads feel they're targeted over this latest memo released by the Department of Homeland Security. The Southern Law Poverty Center reported that Hate Crimes increased by 54 percent in 2008. In no way, does this report target those idiots like The Boss Limbaugh and other cooks who simply spew hot air on their radio programs. This memo targets those who have or are potentially forming militia groups. Yes, they're looking at recruiting veterans who are already vulnerable after returning from overseas. It's also a lie when they say Veterans are targeted.

Many of these people are the same kids who got everything from their parents growing up. They're not used to not getting their way. Now, they're pissed and we see like a spoiled child, just how immature and irrational they act.

2009-04-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #1

I lack musical talent. All I have to offer is a halfway decent singing voice and on many occasions, its not good. My father's side of the family has some very talented musicians.

This week marks the 15th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's suicide. While I wasn't a big fan of Nirvana, I appreciate what he and his two bandmates offered to identify with this generation -- willingness to break away from societal norms, emphasizing individualism, and occasionally yelling to release that inner rage of solitude that existed for so long. I chose to do this through writing. Even if you're a casual fan of Nirvana, I saw a very interesting documentary several years ago questioning whether Cobain's death was indeed a suicide.

My grandmother gave me a gift certificate to a music store. I was indifferent to music, but this album caught my attention with a bare-chested man folding his arms with a burning cross in the background. It symbolized to me how all the ills of society were burning on that cross, while a man possesses the inner strength to reach out to others with benevolence. That certainly seemed to be the theme of the music. To this day, they still along with U2, sound like no one else to me. I'll give you a hint who this is: you'll find the band name on this blog's sidebar. Several hundred poems, one published along with a short story, brief stint in journalism, and trying to juggle the ambivalent thoughts that prevent me from continuing a novel can all be attributed to these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvBFbtQ1NwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=velIlLxxnb8

2009-04-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Trigger Happy Conservatives and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #2

Conservatives have a difficult time pretending to be grown-ups. I'm baffled by this recent wave of resistance they're spewing over the 2nd amendment. The Obama administration and Congress is seeking to ban assault rifles. However, you wouldn't know it by their actions. A caller to our local baffoon, Austin Rhodes, invoked his fear by saying he had problems finding amunition anywhere for his assault rifle. He ended by saying he wanted to purchase a few hundred rounds. This hardly sounds like a guy who simply wants to hunt deer.

Why do people feel such an urge to own guns in this country? There are countless examples of manufacturing defects and people who completely lose their minds that use guns for all the wrong reasons. It would be nice to have a complete ban and leave the guns to our police and military. Sorry, Rep. Michelle Bachmann. Your recent insanity over peacefully taking up arms against our government makes you an accessory to the potential deadly crimes that inevitably will transpire.

#2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61R0LO9Sa0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSBY7O0-mc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XSJjzheHs8

2009-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Master-bators invade Augusta again and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #3

There are certain competitive games that shouldn't be classified as sports -- billiards, bowling, any card game, trashy car racing, and yes, golf. Put these games on ESPN Ocho (Dodgeball film reference). The Augusta National golf course is a picturesque scene I've been very grateful to see firsthand. You won't find grass finely manicured, beautiful colors of azaleas, pine, and old oak trees. But aside from nature's beauty, you see golf competitors and spectators acting like 10-year-olds. Though there's no scientific poll out, I'm willing to guess many in attendance are heirs to fortunes. They're some of the most dim-witted people I've come across. Southern Hospitality abounds this time of year, since you're spending your money to the natives.

Our goofy mayor who likes to begin many non-government proceedings with a prayer, because he can, offered the key to the city to a true humanitarian, Fuzzy Zoeller. This is the same douchenozzle who had this to say about Tiger Woods' win at the tourney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ufpU3X-t4w

#3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9b8aICpyEg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBBBg3Ue2ug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9Dq1I1yM4

2009-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Personal top 5 bands of the 90s -- #4

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmej68ut3KA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urW9aQNwX34&feature=related

2009-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMEqVAt7s8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-58-36lSqG4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vk0wTbzyLg

2009-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

I'sa like this, how 'bout you?

Next week, I'll relive my top 5 favorite bands from my generation, the 90s. Speaking of the 90s, I haven't heard these guys in quite some time. It's nice to see there are a few plugs of them live. This harkens back to my days as a terrible radio DJ during my first year of college. Think Howard Stern in Private Parts before he revolutionized the "shock jock" wave of DJs. I look back and believe I would get under people's skin just a tad, as I've become more and more outspoken. Tell me what you think about these two vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7luK_mQrOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5I7apl4s-0

2009-03-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Uncomfortable Realities We Often Ignore

Hubert Selby Jr. is one of my favorite writers. Known for his gratuitous imagery, exploring the mind's stream of consciousness, its self-deception, and humanizing the inhumane, he writes about characters who are shunned by society. This music video features a montage of clips from a very intense dramatic film, Requiem for a Dream. Adapted from Selby's novel, director Darren Arnofsky delivers a very stark, surreal set of images that captivates individuals' desires and addictions. I vomitted after watching this movie the first time. Yes, it was that intense. Ironically, Selby did the same after he read The Room once he completed writing it.

This artist is one of the true musical geniuses of our time. He is the great-great nephew of Herman Melville and uses his music industry's monicker after Melville's most famous character. This is one of my favorite tracks Moby has recorded. Enjoy.

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

2009-03-25T08:08:00.001-07:00

Southern Sloppies

One of the symptoms I've noticed about the South is how spineless people are when calling you out on mistakes. Yes, I'm venting on my lunch hour. Here's a typical example. When working as a journalist, my boss came up to me one day and said, "Someone called and said you need to make a correction on your Development Authority article. The second to the last paragraph is inaccurate." O.k. I responded by saying this was what was said at the meeting. "It doesn't matter." "Well, who called in to make the complaint?" "It doesn't matter. We're going to have to run a retraction for the next issue." Translation: If you don't like the message, blame the messenger.

The South is completely opposite from New England and other places I've worked and lived in. In New England, people are considered rude for how blunt they are. I don't consider someone's uninhibited honesty as a sign of rudeness. This way, I'm not having to guess for future endeavors what I need to do to correct past mistakes or accomodate this person's requests. Bottom line, don't be a pussy if you have a problem with someone. Have some balls or pussy control to be up front and express your qualms.

Yesterday, some jackass at our main account was completely disorganized. I knew today exactly whom made the complaint. Naturally, I received the proverbial, "We provide them a service. It doesn't matter who said it. Just monitor what you're doing." This guy who made the complaint had his work station completely dishoveled, so I couldn't completely fix his mess he created. Plus, I made a sarcastic comment to him one day when he was trying to be pushy with me. This tells me a lot about the Southern culture as a whole. Yes, I make mistakes but don't call me out on them. This observation can also be applied to the sloppy, reckless Conservative pundits.

2009-03-23T18:39:00.001-07:00

Comparing my brackets to the Prez.

It's very cool to see how down-to-earth President Barack Obama is. Yes, I've been a harsh critic over his decision to support school vouchers, since a relative is strongly involved with spearheading her state's teacher's union. I understand both sides of the argument. Unions can and have impeded progress in some areas. However, they're necessary and needed, particularly in the South where they don't exist. First, public schools are more prone for kids to embrace diversity. Second, private schools have proven to be too insular and those who have outstanding academic success end up flunking out in college because their social skills are limited to those like them. Finally, unions are safety nets for teachers who confront rogue administrators who wish to rid good teachers for frivalous reasons. That said, I'm grateful Barack has tirelessly worked to help rebuild and restore our country. Even his critics can agree that he is hard at work.

I'm competing against my best friend and 40 other employees at my company in an office pool. My friend and I agreed whomever loses will buy new cases of tennis balls for the rest of the year (inexpensive). I threw in a mere $5 on our office pool. This hasn't been my best year, and I'm jealous my friend has been nearly flawless through the first two rounds of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. Barack has also done very well thus far. For a little fun, I thought I'd give you a comparison of how I've fared compared to our Prez.:

Here's mine:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=2334133

President Obama's:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=2813746

Alright. You can laugh at my picks and yes, I had a terrible start last year as well. However, my Final Four teams are still in play. I highly doubt many have taken Gonzaga to get to where I've got them going. It's risky, but they've played lights out since their loss to Memphis. They're very well balanced, have great perimeter shooters, and a few guys down low who are capable shut down defenders. If I lose, let's take it out on the basketball court. (my perfect redneck voice impersonation) Come out, come out, wherever you are. I think this was from Deliverance, but everyone I ask isn't sure.

2009-03-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Con-Servatives blame Obama's handling of economy on March Madness?

Con-Servatives really need to get off the plantation and get their hands dirty from time to time with the rest of us. Yesterday, it was laughable watching a Tennessee Senator blame Obama's handling of the economy for participating in the March Madness tournament selection picks. If anyone has taken part in this, it takes no more than 30 minutes to fill out your brackets. No, Mr. President. You're a public servant. You must work. Work. Work. You can't eat, drink, sleep, piss, shit, until our country looks like Pleasantville.

And what about these Conservatives these days? I love how Keith Olbermann dubs Rush Limbaugh as Boss Limbaugh. Fortunately for Republicans as a whole, you have some intellectuals who are critical of The Boss who include David Frum. My head continues spinning on who I should be called today, "Socialist, Marxist, Communist, McCarthyist." They don't even know what these terms mean let alone having some democratic process like unions. We're not staring down the barrel of a gun when we let our dissenting voices out. Well, perhaps Texas is the exception.

The point of this blog and what I've said repeatedly is the GOP is the "Until it Happens to Me Party." They will continue using extreme policy positions to thwart common sense. When they begin suffering from misfortunes, that's when they want the rest of us to enter the picture and give them handouts. It seems we've given them quite a few handouts these past eight years.

2009-03-17T09:08:00.001-07:00

My tradition continues

I've taken part in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament since I was 6. Yes, that was the age when I made my first basket a mere few feet away from the basket. Instantly, I became hooked on the game of basketball. My height helped me gain an advantage over those my age and some older. The strengths to my game were outside shooting and defense. Today, I still enjoy watching others duke it out on the court.

Last year, I was extremely lucky when picking Kansas to win it all. All Memphis had to do was make a few free throws down the stretch and foul the ball handler who received an inbounds pass with less than 10 seconds remaining and this pick would've been all for naught. Luckily, Mario Chalmers drained a three and the Jayhawks prevailed in overtime. This year, I see a lot of similarities in Louisville to that Kansas team, so I've got Rick Pitino's team winning it all.

The same can be said about pundits you see on cable news networks. My advice is don't listen to the ESPN analysts. I was hopeful that Creighton (attended basketball camp there in Omaha, Neb.) was going to be the last team in based on this bracketology expert, Joe Lunardi. He was practically wrong on every team that he believed would be selected as the last ones. I've seen just about every one of the teams in this field play this year, so I can make informed decisions based on matchups. It's funny how the ones who usually win their office pools or other contests don't even follow the game. I think those who enjoy the college hoops game tend to overanalyze.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you're not wearing green, I'm gonna' virtually pinch ya'. Some prefer wearing the orange.

2009-03-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Skip from my Lou Holtz my darlin' and Proof Reality T.V. isn't Real? OMG! LOL!

My family lived about 10 minutes away from the University of Notre Dame for nearly 10 years. I grew up as a huge Fightin' Irish football and basketball fan. My dad took me to the games, and I remember the rise the Irish took to football supremacy. Dating back to the Gerry Faust administration, the Irish had some mediocore seasons to say the least. There was one memorable game when quarterback Steve Beurlein nearly led the Irish to an improbably upset over Michigan. They came up a little short and so did Faust's tenure with the team. The South Bend Tribune's sports section had a glaring headline, Oust Faust. Sure enough, the university fired Faust and hired a feisty up and comer, Lou Holtz.

The team began recruiting some legendary players like Tim Brown, Raghib "Rocket" Ismael, and Tony "Tony, Toni, Toney has done it again and you can't go wrong with Uncle Ben's" Rice. Holtz was known for persistently pacing back and forth on the sideline and occasionally suffering from nervous twitches that had him picking grass off the field. The Irish quickly became a national powerhouse and finally, won a national championship over West Virginia in 1988.

Today, Lou Holtz serves as a sentimental college football analyst for ESPN. If you're a betting man, don't put your odds on Holtz' picks. I know he loves pepping up the underdog, but his expectations are unrealistic. I have a soft spot in my heart for Lou, but he needs to stick to football. Recently, he was seen palling around with Sean Hannity on Hannity's America. If you suffer from any mental deficiencies, you can expect to have a few more if you believe what Hannity tells you. Here's Herr Keith Olbermann's analysis of Lou and Hannity on their silly thoughts about global warming:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29498957

Keep it Real

A few old friends and seemingly self-proclaimed entertainment experts used to criticize my choice to watch World Wrestling Entertainment's Monday Night Raw. "Huh, huh, you have to be gay to watch men in tights. You know it's fake." My sharp tongue replies, "You just don't see the true entertainment value behind wrestling. It offers great parodies of people we meet each and every day." I provide a few examples and they responded with a deer in the headlights look.

Here's why I've returned to watching Monday Night Raw. Take Randy Orton's character. It takes great non-verbal skills i.e. facial expressions to pull off his cerebral and callous actions. Lately, his character suffers from IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder). It's a disorder where the character suffers bouts of uncontrollable rage and thus, he doesn't take responsiblity for his brutal actions, most notably Vince McMahon's family for hospitalizing them. You also have an egotistical, primadona in Chris Jericho. He mocks the audience for their lack of contributions to society and lately, has called on all the washed up WWE legends to challenge him to a match. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat came out and was quickly dismantled by Jericho. Wrestling entertainment offers more than skillful athleticism; it also offers great comedy.

The Village Voice's Michael Musto is drop down hilarious. However, he just looks like a guy who has a snotty streak to him. If I met him out somewhere, I'd ask him what he finds most intriguing or provocative in the latest pop culture news. Ten minutes later, I'd probably leave. Hell, I might as hell play you the entire Olbermann show from last night. My favorite line he used was directed at The View's Elizabeth Hasselbeck, "Her priorities are so far up her hoo hah, Barbara Walters can't find them." He also used a term I never heard before, "douchenozzle." Eventually, if the time is right, I hope to use this term. Here's his take on the latest shenanigans from ABC's The Bachelor:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29499036

2009-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

You ain't nothin' but a Slumdog
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal makes a mockery of himself, GOP

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal had a transparent message he wanted to deliver after Barack Obama's brilliant address to the joint session of Congress -- I want to be your next Commander-in-Chief in 2012. His road to Hell might've been paved with good intentions, but he looked and acted like a complete jackass. Let's start with those forceful smiles. The average person knows he's not happy to represent a clueless political party. Second, it's easy to use government as a scapegoat when you don't have any concrete solutions. He spent this time using broad strokes to commend the American people and bash government. Third, the only health care reform his party could accomplish is catering even more to the insurance companies. Finally, invoking the response to Hurricane Katrina and government is the worst thing he could've done. That was the most reprehensible inaction our federal government ever did in our nation's history. Chris Matthews shouldn't have to explain why he muttered "Oh, God" while Jindal moseyed around the corner to face the cameras. Jindal looked like a fool and should be shamed. Here is desperation at its finest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAXvnJ972RE

2009-02-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Your Reaction

A picture is worth a thousand words is a common cliche. I want to get your reaction to one of my favorite tracks off Radiohead's In Rainbows album. Frame by frame you see a story unfolding. This is a compelling video that isn't as narrowly interpreted as you might perceive per the message at the end. This song has some great melodic hooks and really hones in on Thom Yorke's great vocal range. Read and examine the lyrics and perhaps a second viewing might change your perspective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdrCalO5BDs

2009-02-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Purity of seeing the world through a child and Look Out! Here comes Jimmy Justice

I'm reminded of the great poetic works of William Wordsworth. His writings focused on how life comes at us full circle. Naturally, we're born with a blank slate. We learn through the innocence of not knowing what is good and bad and safety versus danger. Eventually, our experiences corrupt who we were at that stage of childhood purity. Wordsworth emphasized how we should look at the child to learn through our experiences. Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitgerald and adapted for a screenplay, this is essentially how I perceived the theme of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

There have been few films in my lifetime that have made me cry and this was one of them. It's an epic emotional tale seen and told through one man's experiences. The audience might be immersed with the man's unnatural phenomenon, but one should observe how he approaches everything with no pretentions. He absorbs what is presented to him with a blank slate. So, I think this song by VNV Nation is symbolic on the rest of us and the rest of the characters in this film:

Secluded Spaces

It seems so long ago now
That I was sitting here
Taking in everything
Taking in everything
I stopped to look around me
As far as I could see
Across this precious land
Shadows painted by the sun

I don't think I remember
How long I waited here
Watching everything
Watching everything
My thoughts began to wander
Then I realized
Every moment I had lived
Everything that I had seen
Pass like this moment now
Pass like this moment now

Its clear to me as now
Is the moment when I knew
That I can let go
Its time to let it go
With it came the feeling
Strange I'd waited for it
I think all my life

A thousand words brace for it
From my very soul
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone

Here comes Jimmy Justice

MSNBC did a profile series on "Video Vigilantes." One videotaped public safety officials' abuses and another on prostitution. Jimmy Justice cracked me up. His no-nonsense, combative approach had me hysterically laughing. Here are some of his encounters on display:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyACkTTn8Ho&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=052S1yg-zR0&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-tcjc87hw&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJMITfyd3I8&feature=channel

2009-02-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

The Inside on Daily Dirty Talk

Shiva' Me Timba-Land. By now, I'm sure many of you have seen and heard the Chirstian Bale meltdown while shooting a scene last July for Terminator: Salvation. I seriously believe everyone was tuckered out, since these guys have a limited budget and on time constraints to finish production. However, I will appease all my McCarthy, anti-Hollywood Angry Right friends (why do they always say in Congress, "I'd like to yield the rest of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Mississippi?" I'd say I'd like to yield my time to the idiot from Mississippi who will spend 15 minutes bitching about problems and presenting no solutions to them.).

I'd love to take Bale out for dinner. Here's how I think it would go down. Bale would be very particular about what he orders, say poached salmon that he demands to be lightly sauteed. I'd excuse myself and say I need to go to the restroom when I approach our waiter. I'd tell him to sautee the hell out of that salmon and slip him a 20. Bale would then go on a vicious tirade, "I said lightly sauteed." The waiter interjects by saying, "Yes, I'm sorry sir. I'll be more than happy to get you another one." Bale barks back, "Oh, you already f***ed this one up and I've waited for 45 minutes. I don't have time for you and won't be coming back here."

If I had a small child, I'd simply say that Batman is trying to save Gotham City when asked why he's yelling and you hear so many bleeps. Bale might be a nice guy who has some anger management issues and once again, he could've been stressed out after a long day. O.k. In case you've missed it, here's a heavily edited remix clip with Barbara Streisand interjecting?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82WCj8AbfsE

I know Valentine's Day is approaching. Everyone's minds seems to be on the economy and the stimulus package. Here's my gift to the single women out there. I'll drop trou and show you my stimulus package between my legs. In all seriousness, this is another silly holiday that emphasizes consumerism. Couples should be celebrating their unions together 365, 24/7.

Anyone still wondering why my beautiful face isn't on here, don't worry. It's on the way with one of my friends who has the camera phone that can upload the pic. Patience is a virtue. Before parting, Rupert Murdoch seemed to out himself, how he handles his phony News Corp., and all his suboridnates. The way Fox Noise reports the news it wouldn't surprise me if this was a Freudian slip.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29061993

2009-02-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite cover songs

I've never been a fan of cover bands. While in college, I saw a few and even after a good buzz settled from a pitcher or two from beer, I used to say, "Man, they killed that song." There are a few exceptions. I don't mind when bands take time out to cover some great songs from the past. Here are a few I like. Obviously, if you've read any past entries or via profile, you know one of these bands is one of my all-time favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecgSFef4ov4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc8hzb0daK8

2009-02-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Watching Republicans make excuses and Harvey Milk still is ahead of our time

This week, I've watched Republicans debate, well, about nothing. I've seen some on the Senate floor debate literally spend 15 minutes talking about absolutely nothing. News outlets have it right. Republicans are bitching about spending in this bill and argue we should just give all this money in the form of tax cuts to the American people. The average American knows more about how to use it than we in Congress do. That sounds enticing, but how did tax cuts work the first time?

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Coburn is one of those who offers little substance. He provided an amendment that strips away Community Development Block Grants. I have several problems with this. Thinking back to my days as a pion journalist, the one main attraction for a community was its recreation facilities. Literally, everyone I spoke to who attended a baseball tournament from out-of-state said this facility offered the best baseball fields of any other they visited.

On the flipside, I understand Coburn's argument. The communities will just waste away the money on useless projects that don't stimulate the economy. O.k. What problems are we facing right now? Obesity rates and juvenile delinquency are rapidly rising. So, I think this small portion of a large pot is conducive for the quality of life in communities. Ask military brats who lived in Germany what they thought about it. I'm willing to bet you they won't complain to you about a lack of recreation and things to do.

The Democratic Senator from Hawaii and forgive me for not remembering his name, argued about the provision in this bill. If you strip away any construction on swimming pools, then you intentionally or unintentionally take away pools for Veterans, those at Trauma Centers, and those used for Coast Guard training. It seems to me Republicans are more concerned about their interests ONCE AGAIN, then those the American people voted on back in November. Finally, I'm for much more spending to get this economy going again. The concessions made for Republicans have too much for short-term in the form of tax cuts. Rome wasn't built overnight and neither will more efficient energy grids if we don't start somewhere.

'Milk'

This was another stirring biopic, but Sean Penn's performance wasn't as captivating as Phillip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal as Truman Capote. However, they're two different films and this takes nothing away from Penn. This biopic focuses on a gay man who struggles to find his purpose in life. For most of it, he hides his homosexuality and witnesses atrocities to the gay community.

Once settled in San Fransisco, he and his partner set up a small business. Naturally, some don't greet them with open arms. Milk becomes increasingly active with those in and around his business. His bold actions lead him to pursuing a life in politics.

Waves of resistance from bigot-ridden groups are who Milk fights. He tells those in the gay community to "come out of the closet and let your voices be heard." His famous opening before gatherers was, "My name is Harvey Milk and I'm here to recruit you." Interspersed with archival footage and compelling events in this film, this is another one I highly recommend. You'll understand why there should be more Harvey Milks out there today resisting discrimination laws like California's Prop 8.

There's a great website I found when traveling the blogosphere. We exchanged an e-mail one time when I had some questions leading up to California's Supreme Court ruling gay marriage is legal. Unlike myself, she was born and raised in Georgia and lived in Newt Gingrich's area. She covers City Hall there and breaks down complex government rules, ordinances, and statutes to their simplest forms. Basically, she knows her shit. You can see how San Fransisco has evolved or devolved since Harvey Milk worked as a Supervisor by checking out thesweetmelissa.com. Guys, she looks good too!

2009-02-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

The other tragic September 11th you might not know about

Well, it's another week my company laid our small crew off. Sales are absolutely horrendous and production has flatlined at our primary account. I had to kid when I said to a few colleagues, "You mean I have to go down to that unemployment office and deal with those scuzzy scumbags?" There were two things I've decided to do on my week off: re-read portions of Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine and watch two films I've put off for so long, Good Night, and Good Luck and Syriana. After reviewing Klein's accounts and viewing Syriana, this all hits at the heart of what I'm so fervently against -- GREED.

Here are some excerpts Klein recounts from Sept. 11, 1973:

General Augusto Pinochet and his supporters consistently referred to the events of September 11, 1973, not as a coup d' etat but as "a war." Santiago (Chile) certainly looked like a war zone: tanks fired as they rolled down the boulevards, and government buildings were under air assault by fighter jets. But there was something strange about this war. It had only one side.

From the start, Pinochet had complete control of the army, navy, marines and police. Meanwhile, President Salvador Allende had refused to organize his supporters into armed defense leagues, so he had no army of his own. The only resistance came from the presidential palace, La Moneda, and the rooftops around it, where Allende and his inner circle made a valiant effort to defend the seat of democracy. It was hardly a fair fight: though there were just thirty-six Allende supporters inside, the military launched twenty-four rockets into the palace. (p. 75)

Note: This was also spearheaded by Milton Friedman who persuaded Pinochet to adopt "pure capitalism" and President Richard Nixon's Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who also supported Pinochet's overthrow to open up American companies to operate in Chile and its increasing efforts to adopt free trade. Chilean students who studied at a Catholic University in their home country had transferred to the United States to adopt Friedman's "pure capitalist" theories. Some studied at McGill University in Chicago (also the institution that conducted torture lab experiments on unsuspecting volunteers) and the University of California at Berkley. They were dubbed the "Chicago Boys" and "Berkley Boys." Thousands who were Allende supporters were promptly taken to football stadiums and executed on Sept. 11, 1973.

The Aftermath

In 1974, inflation reached 375 percent -- the highest rate in the world and almost twice the top level under Allende. (p. 79)

Immediately after Friedman's visit, Pinochet fired his economic minister and handed the job to Sergio de Castro, whom he later promoted to finance minister. De Castro stacked the government with his fellow Chicago Boys, appointing one of them to head the central bank. (p. 74)

Freed of the naysayers, Pinochet and de Castro got to work stripping away the welfare state to arrive at their pure capitalist utopia. In 1975, they cut public spending by 27 percent in one blow -- and they kept cutting until, by 1980, it was half of what it had been under Allende. Even The Economist, a free-market cheerleader, called it "an orgy of self-mutilation." De Castro privatized almost five hundred state-owned companies and banks, practically giving many of them away, since the point was to get them as quickly as possible into their rightful place in the economic order. He took no pity on local companies and removed even more trade barriers; the result was the loss of 177,000 industrial jobs between 1973 and 1983. By the mid-eighties, manufacturing as a percentage of the economy dropped to levels last seen during the Second World War. (p. 82)

Pinochet held power for seventeen years, and during that time he changed political direction several times. The country's period of steady growth that is held up as proof of its miraculous success did not begin until the mid-eighties -- a full decade after the Chicago Boys implemented shock therapy and well after Pinochet was forced to make a radical course correction. That's because in 1982, despite its strict adherence to Chicago doctrine, Chile's economy crashed: its debt exploded, it faced hyperinflation once again and unemployment hit 30 percent -- ten times higher than it was under Allende. The main cause was the piranhas, the Enron-style financial houses that the Chicago Boys had freed from all regulation, had bought up the country's assets on borrowed money and run up an enormous debt of $14 billion. (p. 85)

Syriana

Ironically, this film provides narratives of a CIA agent, energy analyst, royal prince, attorney for a recently merged oil company, and two recently laid off Pakistani migrant workers. All of their work tended to intersect each other in an increasingly demanding time for oil addiction, deregulation, and privatization. Human lives were expendible in some circumstances to maximize the oil company's profits, even despite allegations the merger was illegally handled.

After watching this film, it reaffirmed that we have our own problems in our country spreading terrorism. Defense Secretary Robert Gates reports only 4 to 5 percent of those released from Gitmo have engaged in terrorist propaganda, debunking the mythical figure of 61 former detainees by ex-Vice President Dick Cheney. All these past and recent past actions are a wakeup call for how we need to treat the rest of the world. It's safe to say that many Muslims don't just simply hate the West for their religious and idealogical beliefs; they turn to radical Islamic schools and institutions when they've said enough is enough with being occupied by an American presence.

2009-02-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

My Super Bowl and 'Slumdog' tops my new rankings

From the Appalachian Mountains in the great state of North Carolina where it all began to the flat plains in Nebraska and ending in the sweltering heat and humidity of Georgia, I've had many fond memories of traveling to tennis tournaments. This is one sport I know. Sure, I stopped playing during my freshman year of college, but I obviously had the goal to one day make it to the highest level. After watching this year's Australian Open, these guys have the complete pedigree -- conditioning, uncanny footwork, blistering serves and groundstrokes, mentally unflappable, and impeccable shot selections. The first two listed, conditioning and footwork, are what separates the good players from the great.

I woke up after a great dream followed by a nightmare. Seriously, this was my first dream I had where I was in a threesome with two hotties. Very nice. It dramatically shifted when I found myself stuck or feeling imprisoned. I couldn't make it back home and was stuck with my dad's side of the family. There were some important tasks I had to attend to at home, and I needed to get back. My mind and body were numb. I couldn't do anything about my situation. So, I woke up around 6:45.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were in the middle of the third set. I was delighted (hear this word from executives a lot) to wake up in time to see the rest of this awesome match. Nadal is one of the best counterpunchers I've ever seen. He's able to track down the ball from the other side of the court and hit outright winners. Federer has a scorching serve with great placement and is a great all-court player. These guys played some unbelievable points.

Once again, Nadal prevailed over Federer. He denied Federer a record-tying 14th Grand Slam title and has won 13 out of their 19 meetings. Nadal has that one intangible to beat Federer at the baseline. If there's one thing Federer needs to do, it's attacking the net more frequently. Nadal is too good of a ball striker to play with him at the baseline. If Federer hits the ball deep and low with a slice, he could shorten the points. This also plays into why Nadal appears to be the fitter of the two.

Slumdog Millionaire

This is a definite must-see film. The cinematograpy was captivating in this coming-of-age tale of hardships and triumphs. There were some very intense moments in this. Overall, this was just a brilliant story complemented by great filmwork and all who contributed.

2009-01-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

History Repeating Itself? My Rants on Latest Republican Tomfoolery

I'm a parent (No, I'm not. Mainly, I don't want my potential kids raised around these bumkins here.) who succumbs to my child's whims. I take him grocery shopping and he pitches a fit when he sees a cereal he wants. "No, that has too much sugar," I reply. Immediately, he begins screaming his lungs out. "O.k.," responding to shut him up. This is my analogy for yesterday's House Republicans.

The $819 billion economic stimulus package was passed, but all 188 Republicans voted no. Is this script familiar? Every Republican voted against FDR's Social Security proposal. LBJ's Medicare program received the same result. Both historic periods show Republicans began compromising. This time, I'm not so sure about it, particularly after watching how Republican Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor proposed a completely contradictory stance on the bill.

Cantor and fellow Republicans desperately tried to revise the bill. Minority Leader John Boehner opposed the bill before it was even written. We saw numerous Republicans complain this bill has too much going into infrastructure and road work. They said this probably won't create many jobs. Yesterday, Cantor proposed an alternative measure and said only a small percentage is being allocated to roads and funding. It should be doubled. Contradiction?

Now, I think if the name of our President was still George W. Bush, Republicans would've backed this. Accomplished economists on both philosophical spectrums said there isn't enough being spent on this including Paul Krugman. This is a well-balanced bill that gives tax credits to average Americans despite Republicans complaining about that -- i.e. it should go to financial institutions who reward incompetent executives who were responsible for this mess with bonuses. Consumer spending can only begin when wages are raised and jobs are created. This bill opens the door for both.

Some concessions were made for Republicans, most notably withdrawing $200 million for contraceptives and family planning. How does this stimulate the economy? I've heard average dopes asking this question. Well, it provides resources to agencies severely underfunded, educates would-be-parents on safe sex, and most notably reduces health care costs. Sarah Palin's state is a great example of practicing irresponsible sex. We have all these boner ads out now, and I'm still waiting for the birth control ad. You can have a young man and woman high five each other when she learns she's not pregnant after a drunken one-night stand leaving a bar. Besides, how does a parent explain to a child what Cialis is and does?

Personally, I'm not immune from this Depression. Our company is shut down again next week. This is just a month removed after we were all laid off for two weeks after the week of Christmas. All of us are hard workers and don't deserve to receive that pink slip. I realize conditions might get worse before they get better and we could see this crisis last for several more months.

2009-01-25T15:12:00.001-08:00

Rating the acclaimed movies I've seen or plan to see

1. The Reader -- Kate Winslet is amazing in this film. Outstanding script.
2. The Wrestler -- One of the most innovative and visionary directors of our time Darren Arnofsky will deliver another surreal film. I've yet to see it, but I'm confident this will be a great one.
2. Gran Torino -- This is one of Clint Eastwood's greats.
4. Revolutionary Road -- An average film that's regurgitated many classic novels and scripts from the past.

2009-01-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

How far we've come and a goofy association

Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We're less than 24 hours away from celebrating history by swearing in the first African-American President. I confess I was a little choked up watching and listening those who joined King's Civil Rights Movement. These brave, selfless individuals helped pave the way for a more tolerant society and their contributions are invaluable.

I think President-elect Barack Hussein Obama made profound statement when he said and I'm paraphrasing (hopefully not out of context), This is something our children should take for granted but not those who came before them. I've watched and listened to the widow of Ralph David Abernathy and South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn who reiterated we still have work to do. Clyburn said we're imperfect, but we can strive to make this a more perfect Union.

Those of us who didn't live through the years leading up to 1965 can really grasp how divided we were. Imagine having firehoses spraying you down with such force you're knocked off your feet, gnarly dogs biting you, forced to use poor, unkempt facilities, and treated with disrespect and condescension. It's only been a little more than 40 years and look how far we've come. This has me believing that America is a place where dreams and possibilities are endless.

Connection to the most hilarious movie I've seen this year

I watched a very corny horror movie on FearNet a few days ago, Christmas Evil (or also known as You Better Watch Out). This film portrays a man who has an epiphany about a dream he had when he was six-years-old. As his life moves into a downward spiral, he regresses into his childhood fantasy of believing Santa Claus can bring good riddance to those good and extreme measures for those who are bad.

It was hilarious watching his actions. He would wake up in a Santa suit, turn on a popular Christmas tune, and begin to mimic all the actions he had seen and read through mythology Santa does. He also spies on his neighbors. One young boy he catches looking at a Penthouse magazine he places in the bad book lists: "Picks his nose," "Poor body hygiene," and "Has impure thoughts." After watching this film, I decided for some strange reason to look it up on Wikepedia. It turns out the starring character is the father of Fiona Apple. Immediately, I thought about one of my favorite swanky tunes and first album of hers.

Personally, Apple was unfairly treated by music snobs, particularly those at Spin magazine. She truly was a prodigy who released a beautiful debut album filled with roots in jazz and pop. This song has now been stuck in my head for a few days. I've also highly respected her love for poetry, which I was heavily involved in when this album was released. Her lyrics complement some brilliant compositions. I'm deciding to let this song out for all to hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVpHFLF2gNY

2009-01-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

America will give President Bush the proverbial middle finger tonight

President Bush delivers his farewell address to a nation tonight that has suffered what seemingly is irreparable damage -- an economy that is teetering toward Depression territory, Iraq occupation, broken health care system, sour international relations, Guantanamo Bay (or as fat ass Rush Bimbaugh has called it, Club Gitmo), Abu Ghraib, torture that has led to several potential terrorists' release due to inadmissable evidence from their shattered mental state, and escalating violence in the Middle East. But, as President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have said, it's the "angry left" who perpetuated these problems, right? Sean Penn calling for this administration to be in "fucking jail" -- oh, he's responsible for our financial meltdown. Susan Sarandon speaking out over our reckless environmental practices -- she's responsible for this administration's stubborn, nepotistic, and incompetent behaviors. That is, if you believe the administration's cheerleading pundits over at Fox Noise who occasionally join the rest of us out of Fairyland. President-elect Barack Obama, in my opinion, faces unprecedented challenges that will take years to fix.

I'm highly steamed about all these problems. Firsthand, I work in the manufacturing industry and naturally, it's tanking. One of my hopes is rebuilding a strong middle class. The more people feel empowered, the less likely crimes and apathy will occur. By the way, how were conditions during the Clinton years? People who still resent him for his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky might want to redirect their thinking on Clinton's overall effectiveness. Our country is served best with policy geeks like Clinton and Obama opposed to a President who will spend time during press conferences talking about clearing brush and catching bass back on his ranch in Crawford, TX.

What really has also struck my ire is Sarah Palin's blame-everyone-but-me attitude she has recently taken in a few interviews. She even went as far as saying bloggers contributed to negative views of her and the campaign. Well, that's flattering, but I think when you present all style and no substance, you've dug up your own hole. She is the poster child for the Republican Party over these last eight years.

You'll hear tonight how much the President enjoyed working with his appointees (many who are fellow frauds), waking up to new challenges each day, facing criticisms that Obama will receive, and helping to secure America's strength and resolve in the world i.e. mentioning we haven't been attacked again since 9/11 despite it happening on his watch. Those are all great sentimental statements that obviously come from a self-delusional, mental midget. He might also play the blame game again. Bottom line, we should remember that we lived in a time when we had the worst President in our history serving us.

2009-01-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

I was that guy in Marley & Me and who will win tonight's big game?

Marley & Me is a great reflection of a couple coping with a rambunctious labrador. It presents a very light-hearted tone with plenty of comical moments. Owen Wilson plays a newspaper reporter turned columnist. There's one scene that caught my attention. Wilson is having a piece reviewed by his editor. The editor has that stern look on his face, while perusing through it. This was no different from the tension I used to have. Wilson began saying he could've written it differently.

I was a reporter for vastly smaller newspapers and did a little freelance work. The worst is having your work turned down. It can be dissected into rubbish, and you feel like the biggest idiot on the face of the Earth. There were times I struggled with flow and transitions. For Wilson, he received praise by his editor.

It was hysterical when Wilson had to cover very mundane topics he complained about. One I recalled was zoning laws. Yep. That struck a familiar memory. Hard news reporting sucks most of the time. You're assigned to cover local government meetings where little to no action is taken and expected to take away something remotely interesting from them. I wish I had to do it all over again where I would've started at a larger newspaper and work my way into a full-time reporter. Hell, reporting on a gas leak downtown would've been more interesting than many stories I had to cover. Showing I have a personality which many reporters lack, I would've loved to become a columnist. There needs to be a more humanistic approach to reporting. This is why you're seeing their circulations going down the tubes due to modern technology -- 24 hour cable news, internet, blogs, etc.

Overall, I enjoyed this film and recommend it. It has heart. Many perceive Marley is the center of attention, but there's a lot more that goes on in this.

National Title Game

My best friend and I leaned towards Oklahoma at the beginning of the season to win the National Championship. Now, the majority of the country believes Florida will win and rightfully so. They have a more dynamic offense and present a lot of speed on both sides of the ball. However, I feel Oklahoma will prevail with persistent pressure on the edges and pressure former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow into making some uncharacteristic mistakes.

Go Sooners and Big 12. I'm sick of hearing my friends talk like the South is the end all be all of football. I realize Texas, Florida, and Georgia produce great talent, but Nebraska and its surrounding areas prove they can play just as well if not better. I'm hoping this is the case tonight.

Great NFL playoff games are on tap this weekend as well. Enjoy it now football fans. We're coming to the end once again.

2009-01-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Endless Roads

That familiar gusty wind smacked my face as my dad and I walked out of Omaha, Nebraska's Eppley Airport. It was this same wind that greeted me when I walked to school, played football on flat fields with friends from school, atop a hill with three tennis courts where I hit more than a thousand strokes, and the cold accompanying it that fights my lungs. Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "A good traveler is one who has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." My dad should've been given a sword, sheep skin, and a horse for his rogue behavior. He rushed to the rental car area, while I lagged behind puffing on a much needed cigarette.

The scenery separates this great land from others I've lived or travelled in. Small blankets of snow covered the prairie fields. Alfalfa grass is near the highway. Rows of wheat and corn fields have been cut with the finest precision for the harvest season has ended. The roadway is flat with an occasional hill that complements the approaching hills in the prairies before reaching the Sandhills region. As some might see this as monotany, I view it as one of nature's purest last resorts. It's unfettered and controlled by the very few fortunate enough to see its resources provide for countless families.

My nose was filled with congestion. It hit me earlier in the day when we had just stepped onto the train at Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport. Naturally, my dad wanted to wait til we were closest to our destination to stop for taking a piss and buying cold medicine. It was like I was five years old again. "Come on, let's go," he barked. "Stay with me." O.k., Genghis Khan.

We finally stopped at a K-Mart in Grand Island, where several family members once lived there and a few who still do. I bought two Dasani bottle waters and unbeknownst to me, the fucking water was turned to ice. I shook one of the bottles to drain what little water I could get out of it.

My nose still drained like a river upon arriving at my dad's oldest brother's home in a very desolate, remote town of under 200 people. Some of my second cousins were inside running around with blaring voices. One of these distant relatives stood out. I had a chilling conversation with his mother who is the oldest cousin on my dad's side.

Adam has the same enthusiasm for sports and tireless energy I had at his age of 15. His physical features are similar -- braces, tall and scrawny, and short blonde hair. He loves playing basketball, as I did at his age but has a tougher time at it. His mother told me Adam's life is a hellish one, stricken with intense anxiety and thoughts of suicide.

As one of many teachers in our family, I sulked when she told me she hopes Adam just passes all of his classes. Recently, she had to place him on Lexapro. The only signs I saw from my recent family reunion in June '08 and that night was Adam's hurried speech. He talks about Nebraska's football team, basketball, and other topics like someone will interrupt him if he doesn't quickly deliver his musings. After hearing about Adam's problems, I wanted to tell him how I coped; I just didn't care about what anyone thought. Find something creative and stick with it. Be different and question everything. Work on something you truly want to do. I couldn't muster the strength to tell him this.

I sat down with Adam and talked with him. Instead of imposing how I coped with loneliness and bouts of alienation at his age, I mainly listened to what he said. He told me he struggles with his Physical Science class. I responded by giving him advice that he has to continually practice to conquer this subject. "Everything in life has problems where you can find solutions. This is how science is. You'll find the solutions, but you have to keep practicing at it. That's how I got through it." He shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "Yeah." We finished with talking about basketball and some basic fundamentals I told him to use to succeed -- play tough defense by raising your arms straight up to block your opponent's view of a good shot and go for rebounds when the opponent shoots the ball.

The next day, my dad and I visited my grandmother at her care provided home in an apartment-type setting. From our last visit two years ago, I yearned for one thing -- soft serve vanilla ice cream in a cone. I had about three. We approached her room with a "Hillary for President" sticker on her door.

My dad wasted no time showing recent family photos. At one point, she began sobbing. Her younger sister who recently passed away was shown to her. They were separated for years fighting for farm land that my grandfather owned. The dispute arose because their relative, Angelo, an Italian immigrant, settled in Nebraska and first owned the land. Before my great aunt passed away, they made amends. I still believe to this day this is why she might've passed away with peace.

Once again, my grandmother told me how our family first settled in Nebraska with more details I heard for the first time. Angelo was the youngest in his family, so he couldn't inherit the family land in Genoa, Italy. He and his cousin decided to leave. On the night before leaving, they flipped a coin to determine which America they would settle in, North or South. It landed for North, so they settled in New York City. Angelo married but his wife refused to travel West where "she didn't want to be scalped by those damn Indians." Perhaps in an act of determination, Angelo did what he thought he needed to do to survive and eventually prosper. He left her and moved to Nebraska. Since he didn't recognize divorce, like Hemmingway's ex, she didn't get a red cent of his inheritance after his death. This just sounded completely cold-hearted, but Angelo was described as a very loving and caring man.

Concluding this brief vacation, I met up with my better or worse half, Chelsa. She recently moved to Springfield, Missouri with her goober fiancee. He only returns a day or two a month, because he works at an ethanol plant 10 hours away in Indiana. Chelsa told me she's now a grandmother. What? She said this guy's 15-year-old daughter just had a kid. Great. This guy sounds like a winner.

She drove me back to her mother's home where we would watch The Strangers and Wanted. As a fellow horror fan, she enjoyed The Strangers. My kindred rebellious cousin who moved away from Iowa as an exotic dancer and taxi driver told me she is looking for work. I provided her simple advice that she needs to personally visit employers in her area, instead of applying with no face online and hoping someone will return her follow-ups. She shocked me when she received a call from who she said was her girlfriend.

"Yeah, I'm bisexual," she said.

I asked to see a photo from one. Wow. She provided two. One showed this woman's long, flowing brown hair and the other was a photo of well, everything. I began using perverse language to convey what I would do to her lesbian girlfriend. We both chuckled.

Who knows what 2009 will offer? I will think about Adam, my grandmother, and hoping Chelsa does what she does best, performing arts. Each one has lived with struggles and were able to overcome them. I hope Adam finds that one goal he can strive to achieve, grandma will socialize with her neighbors instead of holing up in her room all day, and Chelsa leaves this dope who is two years older than me and doesn't have his shit together. These endless roads are what we travel on. I don't set my sights on one particular destination.

2008-12-24T08:39:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-19T08:15:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

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."

2008-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-25T14:21:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-11-23T19:02:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-11-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-11T14:32:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

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/

2008-11-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-10-31T09:12:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-27T13:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-22T09:12:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-10-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

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."

2008-10-18T07:21:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

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=

2008-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

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.