The Dumping Grounds

I watched dumb

2010-10-06T13:48:00.000-04:00

I watched,
dumb,
as my heart walked out the door.

Tawny blondish hair falls
in wavy curls down her back, to her
tweed coat,
plaid skirt,
brown knee high leather boots, over
porcelain skin .
As the door closed slowly, she turned,
her blue eyes struck me, her lips parted into a smile of
forgiveness.
She said not one word, but her sad eyes spoke volumes.
I knew, just then, I'd never see her again.

Through a small slit in the door,
which now stood closed,
was threaded the only
tie I'd ever have to her.

A short piece of brown and green flannel,
once a scarf that was our token,
taken from a dream
of what could never be.

It's been a long time

2010-09-09T02:15:00.000-04:00

I haven't been here in a while. A lot of things have changed for me. I'm getting divorced. I'm back in Richmond. I'm back at Famous Dave's. I'm now enrolled at VCU. And while none of these things really make me very happy, I'm trying to make the best of it. So here I am. I'm trying to write more, and I'm trying to get my shit together, so there's a solid chance that I won't be back here very often, but I'll try to make it interesting when I do come around. Even though I'm pretty sure no one ever checks back here any more. But, in case you happen to stumble across this sometime soon, I encourage you to check out the co-bloggy efforts of my friends and me during our trip to Europe.

Blame it on Scooby Doo

2008-10-15T01:51:00.002-04:00

I'm probably one of your more cynical, take it with a grain of salt, kinda guys you'll have met in a while. I have a simple theory as to why. Scooby Doo. Think about it. Whenever there was a supernatural phenomenon, a small group of teenagers, and their dog, would find some reasonable, scientific explanation for why this thing occurred. One could argue that this may have been a reflection of popular culture, mirroring the faith in science arising in that generation. Reflection this may be, but it invariably was passed from one generation to the next. I, as most of you know, am an atheist. I believe that science can, or will, explain those things that we cannot. But it goes beyond science and theology. Scooby taught me to question what my senses told me. Rather than to believe, naively, as Shaggy and Scooby, I was taught that Fred, Velma, and Daphne were the logical, sensible part of the team. Well, maybe not Daphne, she was just there to entertain Fred, but hey, maybe that's where my attraction to red-heads came from (smart AND sexy! how can I lose?). Scooby Doo taught me that looking at things critically meant that you were not the stupid stoner character in this cartoon of life. I think too, that it taught me not to get taken in by clever disguises and cheap rhetoric. These two lessons are the most important of anyone's life, and quite frankly, I'm thankful for it. So to all of you who snub your noses at Saturday morning cartoons, just remember the little life lessons embedded in all of those shows your kids are watching. Thanks Scoob, you deserve a Scooby Snack.

I Didn't Know You Could Major in Douchebaggery

2008-06-26T16:14:00.003-04:00

So today I begin my New York college career. I attended a transfer student advising and registration seminar at my new school today. Blah, blah, pretty boring. We went over how the credits get evaluated, how to register, where to find the bursar's office and the registration office, your advisor, how to officially declare your major, etc. All in all, the lecture portion was only about an hour and fifteen minutes. We arrive at room 246, which is a lecture hall with about 80 seats, get checked in, and assigned numbers that will determine how soon we get seen by an advisor. Once everyone gets settled in, there's about 60 students in this room. Our speaker dims the lights, turns on the power point and begins. "Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning and welcome! Do me a favor and turn off your cell phones, or put them on ring or vibrate. I get distracted easily and none of us want this to take any longer than necessary." At which point she pauses to allow those that hadn't already done so, to make all the racket that comes along with shutting down your phone. That done, she launches into her talk.

So of course, about half way through the seminar the cell phone belonging to the guy directly behind me begins to ring. Not your standard phone ring, but that lovely bass and electronica sound of house techno. Everyone in the vicinity bristles immediately, pursing lips and furrowing eyebrows. Myself included. And the speaker. A quick glance, and he seemed embarrassed, as he was quickly digging through his pocket to quiet his device, and the lecture continued. At which point he quietly ANSWERS HIS PHONE!!! "Hello, [and then words in a language I don't recognize]..." Everyone nearby turns around to glare at this blatantly rude person, in his blue popped collar and khakis, and yes, loafers too. Ordinarily, being a southern gentleman, I would let such an offense slide, saying later something along the lines of "Lawd, did ya see that uncultyahd gentleman ansah his phone earliah? How rude of him." But, my budding inner New Yorker was not about to let this event pass without comment. I turned to him, looked him right in the face and said, "Really? You're on your phone?" His conversation ceased immediately while his jaw dropped, and after the pause, quietly added "i gotta go" and hung up. Everyone else seemed satisfied with that and resumed their attentive poses.

Boy, did he ever give me the stank eye when he left.

I'm Moving to Brooklyn and Opening a Bike Shop

2008-06-12T20:17:00.002-04:00

Things in NYC really are different from those in the RVA. I've spent hours walking through the LES and parts of Brooklyn, not to mention all those shops in Astoria and LIC, countless hours on the train to and from those places, plus lots of time looking on-line for places that might sell me some damn cheap used bicycle parts (a la Re-Cycles). Even the places that offer used bikes don't offer used parts. I can buy a used bike, but all parts are sold new, and not very cheap. Every bike shop I've been to has told me the same thing; "used parts?! I don't know anybody that does that", all the while looking at me as if I've uncannily sprouted an additional appendage. Even this place was of no use in my quest for parts, and I've arrived at the conclusion that I need someone from Richmond to show these guys how it's done. I do believe Richmond Re-Cycles has the plan, and I think that would go over really well here. So, who wants to open a bike shop with me? Can't promise lots of loot, but it'll be fun and probably pretty ridiculous.

I did man stuff

2008-06-08T12:19:00.005-04:00

So over what I'll call my weekend, which is to say that I had two days off in a row, I did things. I hung our new, roll-up, bamboo shades in the bedroom. I sorted all of our clean clothes and we went through them and decided what to keep and what to give away. AND, I procured some wood and used a circular (read power) saw to cut it to length, to be used as a support for our new AIR CONDITIONER! (Which I also installed, with some help from the missus.) We got it just in time. Cause as you know, it's freakin' hot.

Also, I got the word that I've been accepted to Queens College for the fall semester.

N train at 11

2008-05-13T22:04:00.003-04:00

The doors of the trains all opened on the wrong side today
but the people kept walking out anyway
I tried to stop them, but they wouldn't listen
and one after another fell to their demise
In piles the bodies stacked outside the cars

and the train just moved on

to the next stop where the doors opened on the wrong side of the train
and it was my stop so
I pushed past all the people going the wrong way
to the doors that wouldn't open
and i screamed and clawed and threw myself against them

and the train just moved on

to the end of the line where the doors opened into nothing
and still they got off and i was all alone
with no one and the hiss of the brakes and one woman mopping
passing from car to car just to step off to nowhere
and as the doors closed behind her

the train just moved on

What if we changed the way we think about food?

2008-05-02T20:06:00.002-04:00

I recently made a trip to Sai Organics on 30th Ave, not too far from our apartment. There is a sign above the store that says "health food store", which made me think. Shouldn't food always be about health? Maybe health food is really just food, and the crap that we usually get at the grocery store is simply edible. Crayons are edible, poster paints are edible, so is dirt, but you probably don't want to eat it. So why should I want to eat things that contain wax and high fructose corn syrup and all the preservatives and crap that go into tires and bottles and whatever else? Some "foods" even contain polymers like edible plastics. Maybe we should not even call these things edible, but consumable. If we decide to change the way we think about the things we eat, maybe the things we have available will change too. Wouldn't it be great if you got health food at the grocery store and got regular crap foods at specialty stores for people who feel the need to eat crap?

Why do I have to pay more for what's not in my food? Because people, like myself and others, have for so long simply decided not to eat the healthier foods. But, if we all start eating better foods, the cost will come down and availability will increase. Just think about this stuff the next time you go to the grocery store. When you pick something up, read the label and decide for yourself. Is it food or simply edible? If you don't like the answer, don't eat it. Put it back on the shelf and make a better purchase. You're body may be happy you did.

True Story

2008-01-16T23:38:00.000-05:00

I woke up before my alarm clock today. Which most of you will realize, knowing what you know of me, is a feat in and of itself. Generally my alarm clock is set to a time at which no rational human being would want to arise, outside of the practiced awakenings over a period of decades, in which time one has the incredible ability to convince oneself that it is a pleasure to arise at that time. However, I have no such misconceptions about myself or the time I would rather wake, which is to say, sometime between 11 am and 2 pm. But, upon finding myself awake at this earlier time, I concluded that it would suffice to simply be in the bed, until such time as I had to arise. In this I had erred. You see, I had little foreknowledge of the delicacies of my alarm clock's disposition, and I, having awakened before it could do its singular duty, made the poor thing feel very inadequate. So it happens that at 9 am, it actually began, angrily, to chastise me. I glanced up, blearily, at this dingy-white, tissue box-shaped thing, standing there on its hind legs as it continued to loudly admonish me. Of course, I wasn't aware exactly of what it was saying, as it hails from Japan, and I, not speaking Japanese and having failed to teach it any English (in the ten or so years we've been together), came to a barrier of sorts. The tone, however was very clear. And I, not being an early rising character, felt that I should rebuke it for its insolence. Rolling myself to the foot of the bed, and reaching toward my dresser, I struck the thing on its very broad head. It is at this point that it felt the necessity to run away from me, hiding behind piles of clean clothes stacked somewhat haphazardly next to it, and I resumed my repose. Content as I was, I knew it would not be long before it would begin its bleating anew, in whatever condition it lay, and sure enough, about 9 minutes later, I heard its muffled cries from somewhere beyond my field of vision. Now, slightly perturbed that it would continue in such a manner, I felt it necessary to repeat the process, leaving it stunned yet again. (And why not? Generally I've treated it well, but it's never been so forward!) Another 9 minutes passed, and it clamored again, this time seemingly resigned to its task. And I, feeling sorry for the way in which I had cowed the machine, for it was quieter and its tone was no longer one of admonishment, I, sighing, switched its slide to the "off" position and scrabbled out of bed.

A word on bike riding in winter in NYC

2007-12-17T01:19:00.000-05:00

I started a new job recently, which is in Great Neck, on Long Island. Because I live in Astoria in Queens, I have to catch the subway train to the Long Island train to get to work. I recently decided it would be a good idea to save the 4 bucks a day it costs to ride the subway (round trip), and ride my bike to the LIRR stop on Woodside Ave, a savings of about 20 dollars a week. Sounds like a great idea. And in truth, is still a good one. The only problem I've encountered is the New York winter. It's cold. And I don't mind being cold, but it's wet, too.

Day 1:
9a.m. sunny, but cold (read, wear lots of clothes). ride bike to train station, lock bike up, go to work.

11 p.m. overcast (still cold).

2 p.m. snow.

7 p.m. freezing rain.

10 p.m. windy, but clear. bike frozen to fence. icicles dangling from various parts of bike. Spend 10 minutes in bitter cold just to get lock thawed enough to unlock bike. Parts of bike frozen in place (brakes, pedals, etc.). Carry upstairs and ride subway home, bike begins melting all over floor of subway train. Pick up free copy of The Village Voice. Allow to drip dry on The Voice in kitchen.

Day 2:
10:30 a.m. sunny, but cold. ride bike to train station. realize there's a new danger in sheets of ice flying from the roofs of passing cars. consider helmet option. arrive at train station, find new, more sheltered location in which to lock up bike.

11 p.m. leave work. light snow. feel proud and happy knowing bike is staying dry, out of weather.

12 a.m. depart for home from train station. thrilled to be doing something new. riding in snow. realize that stinging sensation on my face is indeed, not jack frost nipping at my nose, but the feeling of rock salt spewing forth from the rear tires of passing cars.

Day 3:
2 p.m. sleet and freezing rain. ride subway to train station. keep bike in house until weather improves.

A Day of Thanks

2007-11-23T02:41:00.000-05:00

Now that we've all reflected on the theft of native lands, and we fast in remembrance of the germ warfare of our forefathers , I feel I should concentrate on the meaning of this day. In 1863, under much pressure from an editor of a women's magazine, President Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official holiday (much to the chagrin of Native people all over the U.S.) Now, on this day, everyone officially gives thanks to god for giving us whatever and for providing us with this wonderful country, much to the chagrin of its native people. And by god, I of course mean the Christian god, who provides us with what we need, and gives us the excuse of "dominion over all the earth", much to the chagrin of really, pretty much of all of us. Climate change, extinct species, international warfare, in the name of national security of course.

In light of everything it seems difficult to give thanks for much. I see, on a regular basis, the effect that we've had on our planet and our people. The homeless are piling up and our seasons are warming up, but, I guess that I should give thanks for what I have. But how can I? I know that what I have is thanks to the sacrifice of those starving in Africa (and under the Hellsgate Bridge), and those working in the sweatshops of New Delhi (or in a basement on Bowery), and sometimes it seems for naught. Is my comfort really worth the price that others pay? It seems adverse, if not just out-right selfish, to give thanks for the fact that at least it's them and not me.

But hey, why am I complaining? I've got what I need... cable TV, internet, shit, I can even have my laundry picked up and done for me. So thanks, tah all y'all, for making this possible, and next time I buy something big, I'll try to save the box for ya.

When Did Halloween Become a Four-Letter Word?

2007-11-02T00:22:00.000-04:00

I've always enjoyed Halloween. When I was younger (about 4, maybe 5), my dad made me a dragon costume, complete with a beautiful papier-mâché helmet/mask thing that was absolutely fantastic. I got dressed at home, did some trick-or-treating, and then went to church for a Halloween party. Yes, a for real Halloween party, at the church. Not a fall harvest festival or any other sort of euphemistic Halloween gathering. One year, we even went to my Grandparents' church and I bobbed for apples, there were fake cobwebs and people dressed as dead things. There was a big banner that spelled out "Happy Halloween", with black and orange crepe paper streamers and everything. We played games and had a pinata full of candy, and made crafty things. We drank punch, and ate candy and shortbread cookies, and shouted boo at each other. There was even a cheesy award for best costume.

But then something happened. About fifteen years ago. The party got pooped. All of a sudden someone forgot the fun and decided Halloween was bad. Church-goers were encouraged not to celebrate Halloween because of its pagan roots. Does that mean that all those who had previously celebrated Halloween were in the wrong? Were pastors leading their flocks astray? Did scores of young trick-or-treaters later become unabashed, Satan worshiping, blood orgy enthusiasts? Or had Halloween evolved from a pagan celebration of the dead to a great excuse to get together, dress silly, and have a good time? I just can't help but think of the pumpkin picking (and carving) and silly Halloween games that gave family and friends one more reason to get together and do something fun; things that another generation may be missing out on. Why couldn't it be left at that?

What Happens When I Can't Sleep

2007-10-30T02:55:00.000-04:00

me: Who was the voice of Wakko (from the Animaniacs)? Was it Ringo? I think he kinda sounds like Ringo (Starr). (Apparently the voice and personality of Wakko was loosely based on Ringo.)

wife: I doubt it was Ringo 'cause they probably didn't want to pay what Ringo would've asked.

me: Did you know that both Ringo and George Carlin played Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine? But I think that was on PBS, so they probably did it for free or something. You know, for charity, or for the kids, or whatever.

I understand, primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary, quinary, but what's next?

wife: *sigh*

me: sextary? hextary? (I'm still not sure.) Also, if you've got the word ordinary, can something else be considered cardinary? Or is ordinary derived from a different root word than ordinal? (According to Dictionary.com they are both derived from the original Latin stem ordo, meaning order. Anyhow, I guess the etymology differs a little.)

sorry, baby, good night.

wife: good night.

*sigh* i love you.

me: i love you, too.

Right Wingers Should Embrace Bilingualism

2007-10-14T01:48:00.000-04:00

As long as CEO's and middle managers still speak English, the jobs Americans want are safe. Try explaining to a dishwasher, who speaks very little English, why it's important that he learn to speak English. I told one such individual that if he were to learn to speak English well, he could get a job earning $20 an hour or more! His jaw subsequently hit the floor. Then I told him if he learned English it'd be easier for him to get "good" papers, and perhaps even bring his family over. And, free ESL classes abound, but you can pay to have classes that will fit your schedule.

All I'm saying is this; if you continue to cater to Spanish speakers by writing signs and documents, etc., in both English and Spanish, a whole generation of people will remain locked in their working class positions. Talk about job security! You can't very well manage any sort of logistics in the US without speaking English. That means that pretty much anything past unskilled labor is pretty much out of the question. So if you're worried that Spanish speakers are coming for your middle income job, stand up for bilingualism, and make sure Spanish speakers never advance past your lazy, white ass.

Remind you of anyone?

2007-08-10T03:25:00.000-04:00

Click to Enlarge.

Able and Baker by Jim Burgess

Home Schooling

2007-06-28T02:46:00.000-04:00

We have been abandoned by heroes
who were not role models
or were one of many Mr. Smith's
in Washington

Who can look up to
steroid binges
gun fights
drug charges
DUIs
fist fights
and the like

We have been abandoned by heroes
stripped from comic book thrones
or having tripped over their own
mortal desires

What's wrong with my generation
Gee, Mommy, you tell me
it's not just Joe DiMaggio
our nation looks for anymore

Little boys and little girls
wanna grow up to be famous
home run hitting
hit single having
drug abusing
imprisoned
stars

They are the ones that have been abandoned
by heroes in their own homes
allowing commercials and consumerism
to teach them the value of love?

2007-05-31T08:03:00.000-04:00

The snows of Kilimanjaro
are melting
I guess that means God will have
to winter in Aspen

Chesterfield Seeks To Add Intelligent Design to Curriculum

2007-05-24T05:15:00.000-04:00

I was awakened, horrified to hear this story on the news. If you would like further info on how to contact the Chesterfield County School Board here it is.

Contact the School Board Superintendent:

Marcus J. Newsome, Ed.D.
P.O. Box 10
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
Phone 804-748-1411; FAX 804-796-7178

You can e-mail board members at:

ccpsschoolboard@ccpsnet.net

If you live in Chesterfield County:

go here to find your School Board rep, to find their mailbox or phone number

The Case Against Intelligent Design

2007-05-23T14:40:00.000-04:00

I just have one thing to say. If some "intelligent designer" had a hand in making us, why the hell did he give us an extra set of teeth that virtually everyone has to have removed in order to live a life without pain? Wisdom teeth? WTF?

But I jest. On a more serious note, Chesterfield County Schools are right now drawing up plans on how to include Intelligent Design into their school curriculum. This is not a theory. A theory is something that can be scientifically challenged. A theory is based on tangible facts/evidence and repeated testing and trials. There is no way that the Intelligent Design hypothesis can be tested and therefore cannot be accepted in the scientific community. We cannot teach our children myths as facts. Imagine if we continued to allow the church to teach its "scientific" findings, the earth would still be the center of the universe, with everything revolving around it. We would still be praying for cures to simple diseases and burning great minds at the stake for their heresy. No my friends, just because science has yet to explain everything, does not mean that God stepped in to take care of those gaps.

Please, contact the Chesterfield County School Board. Tell them how Intelligent Design will hurt our children's chances for higher education and give them an unrealistic view of the way the world operates. Faith is the domain of Churches and Individuals. We cannot take this sort of proselytizing in our schools. The future of your children depends on it.

What Punk Rock Has Done For Me

2007-05-22T16:45:00.000-04:00

1. 2 black eyes (1 pictured above)
2. afraid of cops
3. a pretty good tolerance for drugs and alcohol
4. 1 broken bone
5. a collection of black t-shirts (most of which are offensive)
6. been bloodied numerous times
7. lost myself
8. had my car towed numerous times
9. 1 riot
10. come home to a house full of squatters
11. awakened in ditch, to "you can't sleep here"
12. flunked out of college
13. made the daily choice to afford either beer or food (chose beer)
14. addicted to cigarettes
15. learned valuable skills such as shoplifting, lock-picking, and avoiding cops

16. met some of the best, most kind hearted people ever
17. decided that had I finished school on time I would have hated myself
18. learned that the best moral compass is from within
19. gained an interest in how to make the world a better place
20. hate money, don't care how much I have
21. become very intolerant of intolerance
22. gained a set of principals through which I view the world
23. found a sense of community and belonging
24. gained a wife
25. came to know myself and, as such, am the person I am today

Things are going great!

2007-04-28T02:44:00.000-04:00

I'll repost this website, cause I think it really hits home. Up to date as of 2/13/07.

The Queen E!

2007-04-27T11:55:00.000-04:00

Everyone's has heard that Queen Elizabeth II is coming to Virginia. Did you know you could be one of 108 people to see her and hear her give a speech at the VA Assembly (via jumbotron)? Well you can. The VA board of tourism has a free lottery, with a chance to be on the lawn at the capitol on the 3rd. The Queen will be here in Richmond on May 3, and will travel to Williamsburg on the 4th. Good job Richmond, and Virginia. I'm glad that we could be recognized for something we didn't do, that way there was no chance one of us couldda mucked it up, as per usual. If anyone would like to go without being in the lottery, there's gonna be a festival, as that's what we do. There's music all day, you can bring a lunch, just not a cooler, and I suppose there'll be food vendors around. It opens at 11 a.m., and there's a list of do's and don'ts, as you can imagine. Anyway, go here for more info.

Dear Believer

2007-04-27T02:19:00.000-04:00

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, while crying for unity and promising togetherness, ignore those, and even despise those, outside of themselves. I would say that these religions, while decrying bonds of love, have created more discord and pain than any other reason man can offer. To what end? Do you not realize that you are all standing outside the same house? Your vantage point may be different, but you’re seeing the same show. Even the apostles couldn’t quite agree on who did what or when they may have done it. Who was the first to see Jesus after he left the tomb? Mary Magdalene and Mary, his mother, as in Matthew 28, or was it Simon, as in Luke 24? Because you have all refused each other, you are all standing in darkness, you are all in the cold outside the house of god. As long as you all squabble over which truth is more correct you will be forever beyond the light of god. The truth, warmth, and light of god, is in acceptance. You are like children fighting for the same toy, not realizing until too late that you have broken it. Now no one can have it. Focus instead on your own private relationship with god, make it your own. The light of your spirit will transcend your words. If you want to be a true witness do these things:

Take care of those less fortunate than you
Treat all people with the same respect, regardless of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or social class
Focus on knowledge and understanding
Focus less on monetary gain
Stop arguing about religion and pointless spiritual debacles
Focus on your own relationship with god and the sins you are committing, because hypocrites make lousy witnesses
Build up your fellow man, not just your "fellows"

If you take less of your time to “witness” to others, begging them to pray to god and telling them to “turn or burn”, or saying things like “Salvation is only for those who throw themselves on the mercy of god and trust in Jesus Christ”, and instead do these things above, you will lead more people to your light than ever before. Would you rather shout about your faith and push people away, or quietly exemplify your faith and let others come to you?

And maybe none of this will mean anything to anyone, but I'm tired of being told to be a Christian, and I'm tired of being told this is a Christian nation. Because it's not, and I don't believe god exists. Pray if you'd like, that's your faith, and if your god works the way you say he does, he'll show me in his way at some point. Until then, stop harassing me.

2007-04-27T01:00:00.001-04:00

Discordant prophesies
joining the hearts of men
clouding their minds
ostensibly unifying
historically divisive

Since its inception
there is no peace
each new god
a revolution in kind

three windows
one scene
each on the outside
looking in

is your vantage better

Someone Pass the Diazinon

2007-03-20T13:56:00.000-04:00

The wasps
have houses of paper
seems silly to me

maybe that's why they defend them so
ardently
feverishly
desperately

when I ask them for an explanation
they tell me not to question
and veil answers in their
sweat
tear
blood
cum
shit
stained star spangled rag

And while the workers have been busy
miscarrying justice on the outside
their sixteen year old daughters
are busy smoking crystal
and
miscarrying their second child

the bored queen sits alone
giving birth to the next rx generation
masking the salt of tears with
the taste of a dirty martini
I made

Eighteen year old sons go off to war
to defend the rights of
CBSLockheedWalmartMacDonalds
to make a buck
safely stored in a paper castle
high above my head

Hand to mouth
Father to son
are we so proud of what we are

I'm holding out my hand
someone please pass the diazinon

Quoth the Professor...

2007-03-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

During Spanish class this past Thursday we were discussing the Muslim occupation of Spain and its influence on Spanish culture. During the course of this discussion we came to the rise of the Christian Monarchs and the expansion of Catholicism/Christendom at which point my professor states:

"You see, they knew exactly how to handle them. They never had to worry about terrorism. If they didn't convert, they put them to the sword. Simple as that."

So, what do you do with a 637 year old professor, who obviously feels that Islam is a blood thirsty cult that needs to be eradicated from the face of the planet, and feels the need to share this idea with others?... During class time?

Man, I hate this semester.

Who's the Dummy that decided they should be called Wisdom Teeth?

2007-02-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

I awoke Friday with a horrible pain in the left side of my face. I've known my wisdom teeth have needed to come out for a while now, but the time has yet to seem appropriate. I was going to get them taken out prior to the wedding, but didn't want to look like a chipmunk for the pictures, then there's school I don't want to/can't miss, we had our honeymoon over Xmas break and now I'm in pain. Any of you who have already been through this know what I'm talking about. I've been eating fist-fulls of ibuprofen and coating the inside of my mouth with that fantastic tasting salve, ora-gel.

Wisdom teeth are called such because you get them when you're older and, supposedly, wiser. But thank you, evolution, for instilling millions of us with teeth we can't use. The modern human jaw is too small to accommodate a third set of molars, but most of us get them anyway. You'd think that with all the improvements we've had, developed frontal lobe, walking upright, opposable thumbs, and the like, that mother nature would see to it that we got this taken care of years ago. I suppose that it is possible that our medicine advanced faster than evolution, so people that should be dying are reproducing, one would still think that with the advent of the smaller lower jaw would come with fewer teeth. But Noooo. Doesn't seem very wise to me. More like Whiz-Dumb teeth.

Anyway, I have a preliminary appointment with an oral surgeon on the 13th. I can't wait.

2007-02-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Excuse me...

You're blocking the door

Excuse me...

I'm suffocating in this room alone
and you're too strong for me to move.

My Wedding

2006-12-11T01:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in a person's life, there is an event so profound, that sharing the details of that experience would devalue the experience itself.

But, I've come to a few realizations since then.

I have someone in my life that has promised to love me no matter what. (She was previously under no obligation to do so.)
I have a family that respects me and values me and my opinions, even if they don't agree. I am not afraid to show my true self to them. (For whatever reason, they just accept it)
That yes, mother and martyr sound a lot alike for a very good reason.
Having someone to be responsible to keeps me motivated (and probably out of jail)
I can love someone more than myself
I still don't want kids
Sharing experiences is amazing (and sometimes gives you someone to help fill in the fuzzy spots)
I sleep better at night
It's harder to get up in the morning
I'm still scared that she knows me better than I do.

Strippers are boring...

2006-10-20T05:12:00.000-04:00

so I opted out of them. I had probably one of the best bachelor party events ever. We played paintball. I know this sounds like "games rednecks play", but it was totally sweet. We didn't take ourselves too seriously, which I'm sure helps to add to the fun. Ten of us just got to run around and shoot each other. It was awesome. We went to this place in Prince George County called Splat Brothers Paintball. The courses were awesome, the prices were reasonable (I assume, having never played before) and we had a blast. All in all, an awesome bachelor party event.

I love it when I find stuff like this

2006-10-13T02:00:00.000-04:00

I am an atheist. I've read the Bible more times than most Christians I've met, and I have lots of trouble with Christians preaching the concept of morality and righteousness to me or anyone else. From time to time I meet Christians, or read their thoughts as in this case, that make me realize that there are some people out there who strive to take the teachings of Christ to heart. If ever there were any who I felt exemplified Christ and his teachings it would be Bill and Ethel Gulick, the former preacher and his wife at the church my parents used to attend. This passage reminds me of them, and I hope can be an inspiration to people everywhere, not just to the followers of Christ. I came across this when looking for non-scriptural evidence of why homosexuality is wrong or damaging to homosexuals and their surroundings. (here's why...) So far I've found not much, but this I did find.

This was a discussion about why do Christians follow the homosexuality rule but not the shellfish rule (found in Leviticus).

"Do they know we are Christians by our Love?

I can only answer your question from my side of the street. I am a Christian who doesn't mind admitting that I am a sinner and a hypocrite. This doesn't bother me, because so is every other human on the face of the planet. Fortunately for me God was smart enough to know that I would shove my beliefs down other peoples throats and call them bad to make myself feel better. He was also compassionate enough to send me a Savior. That is why, when I get too caught up in my pompous self and start killing everyone with the law, I start limiting myself to the red words. You know, the ones in those red letter edition bibles, where the words of Christ are the only red words. One of the boulders that Jesus flung at the pharisees, was that it is not what goes into a mans mouth that makes him unclean. It is what comes out of it.

Jesus didn't seem to spend much time worrying about what people ate other than feeding them. I have never found one verse where he with his own words condemned a homosexual, or a prostitute or a thief or a leper blah blah blah. He did, however, condemn the spirit of the pharisee. He spoke out at the religious leaders who heaped heavy laws on the people in order to maintain their own semblance of power and control. I believe he even called them sons of Satan or something similar. The only act of violence I have ever read about carried out by him was running the money changers out of the temple. These were people who charged large sums of money to the poor folks who had to travel long distances for their required pilgrimage to the temple where the law required them to make offerings. So the ticket scalpers so to speak, set up to probably price gouge and take what little money these people had for something they believed was necessary for their cleanness in the sight of God. Again blah blah blah

In truth, I believe that I don't serve a little God, so there are no little sins. And I'll be damned if I will stand on my hind legs and chunk stones at a homosexual, a prostitute, a drug dealer, a mass murderer, or a clam eater and pretend that my sins are not equally as offensive in the light of perfection. I can quote scripture till I throw up and it won't prove a thing. Even Satan can parrot what he has heard and sound really good doing it, as a matter of fact, I think he did exactly that when he was tempting Christ.

I am saved entirely by grace and grace alone. As long as I am sucking air, I am pretty much guaranteed that I am breaking some biblical law somehow. Sooooooo, I think I will just worry about my own dirty side of the street rather than pointing out the debris that litters yours .

I never read, they will know we are Christians by our ability to prove everyone else wrong. If in reality--They will know we are Christians by our LOVE-- most of us are sorry examples a lot of the time. I honestly believe that when we hit the pearly gates, there will be some folks requesting a transfer out of heaven because they just can't associate with the likes of some of the people God let in. "

You see, in the words of Ghandi, "I like your Christ, but not your Christians". It's good to know there's a few good ones out there.

This Makes Me Feel So Much Better About Life

2006-09-17T05:41:00.000-04:00

Go here.

Dreading Tomorrow

2006-09-10T01:44:00.000-04:00

or should I say, later today, as it's 1:40 in the a.m. I get to go have a "talk" with my parents, about my sister, Jen. Mom and Jen haven't talked in years, but I talk to Jen from time to time. We're far from close, but she's my sister. Distance and the estrangement from the rest of the family have put a tremendous strain on our relationship. She's a wonderful person, and she and I both want to get to know each other. I would add "again", but the last time we really knew each other I was 8 and she was 17, and there was a lot going on. So, needless to say we've both changed a bit. Mom knows I talk to her, usually about once a year or so, but has no idea I invited her to the wedding.

Well, I suppose with all the familial feelings flying around, Mom thought it would be great to send Jen a letter. Sounds good, right? Not having her address, she sent it to Jen's in-laws' house, via registered mail. Yeah, she "wanted to make sure it got there". So someone had to sign for this letter, essentially guaranteeing that Jen would receive it. I guess she did that so if Jen didn't write her back she could hold that over her head too, along with all the other "transgressions" actually outlined in the letter. You'd think that after nearly a decade she could put all the petty B.S. behind her and just try and make good, for the sake of both of them. No, not mom.

I wasn't going to tell Mom that Jen was coming. I was hoping that Jen, and her daughter, would be able to show up at the last possible minute, sit in the back, give me a hug, congratulate us, and if any discomfort was shown, just leave. With a little luck, mom wouldn't even have the chance to say as much as "hello" to her before she could escape. Now that can't happen without my intervention. Jen was ready to come. She was going to face the possible fall out and just show up, because she wants to be there. If for no other reason, she knows it would make me happy. Now she's questioning whether she should or not. Thanks mom.

So here I am. Going to my parent's house tomorrow, 2 p.m. I've got to do something to make sure that, if Jen comes, there's no guilt trips, no pedestals, no crosses. Whatever the relationship after the wedding is of no consequence to me. I just want my wedding to be about me and Robin, but I have to get through tomorrow first.

And here she is...

2006-09-08T13:03:00.000-04:00

It's been 5 years since I've laid eyes on even a picture of my sister or her daughter. Samantha looks just like her dad, and Jen, well, she looks like Jen. I love them both, and miss them terribly.

I'm going

2006-08-27T21:14:00.001-04:00

So, there's a discussion on the 27th on the use of torture in the war on terror.
Speakers include

* Jumana Musa, Amnesty International's Advocacy Director for Domestic Human Rights and International Justice;

* Tony Lagouranis, former U.S. Army Interrogator in Iraq;

* Jameel Jaffer, ACLU staff attorney and witness at the Guantanamo military tribunals.

It's free and open to the public.
VCU student commons, Sept 27, 7pm.

"I think I need lessons"

2006-08-23T14:44:00.000-04:00

This was an actual quote heard, by me, on the tennis court today. It's not such an unusual thing, except that we were in tennis class. Yes, I'm taking tennis. It seems that J. Sargeant Reynolds is one of those places that still requires physical education credits, so I decided that tennis was a better idea than say, salt water fishing or golf. The class is, of course, made up of those who really know how to play, those, like myself, who have a basic understanding, and those who have never before seen a tennis ball, much less a court, net or racket.

Day 1. "We meet at the tennis courts on Wednesday, sign the roll, see you then."

Day 2. Learning each other's names. Being told that, "yes, you really do need to buy the book."
Run laps until someone starts singing. "I don't care what it is just sing."
Begin work on forehand swing. "Never show up the instructor." (to Peter)
Leave 40 min early.

I'm glad I've spent so much money on this class.

"When structure fails, liberty is always in peril"

2006-08-18T01:33:00.000-04:00

This hasn't quite hit front page news yet, as we've all been so absolutely gripped by JonBenet's killer coming forward, but in case anyone would like to know, the court ruled the NSA secret wiretapping program to be illegal. Here's some of the ruling from the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN, SOUTHERN DIVISION:

"Although this court is persuaded that Plaintiffs have alleged sufficient injury to establish standing, it is important to note that if the court were to deny standing based on the unsubstantiated minor distinctions drawn by Defendants, the President’s actions in warrantless wiretapping, in contravention of FISA, Title III, and the First and Fourth Amendments, would be immunized from judicial scrutiny. It was never the intent of the Framers to give the President such unfettered control, particularly where his actions blatantly disregard the parameters clearly enumerated in the Bill of Rights. The three separate branches of government were developed as a check and balance for one another. It is within the court’s duty to ensure that power is never “condense[d] ... into a single branch of government.” Hamdi v. Rumsfeld, 542 U.S. 507, 536 (2004) (plurality opinion). We must always be mindful that “[w]hen the President takes official action, the Court has the authority to determine whether he has acted within the law.” Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. 681, 703 (1997). “It remains one of the most vital functions of this Court to police with care the separation of the governing powers . . . . When structure fails, liberty is always in peril.” Public Citizen v. U.S. Dept. of Justice, 491 U.S. 440, 468 (1989) (Kennedy, J., concurring). (pgs 23-24)

The President of the United States, a creature of the same Constitution which gave us these Amendments, has undisputedly violated the Fourth in failing to procure judicial orders as required by FISA, and accordingly has violated the First Amendment Rights of these Plaintiffs as well. (pg 33)

In this case, the President has acted, undisputedly, as FISA forbids. FISA is the expressed statutory policy of our Congress. The presidential power, therefore, was exercised at its lowest ebb and cannot be sustained. (pg 36)

We have seen in Hamdi that the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution is fully
applicable to the Executive branch’s actions and therefore it can only follow that the First and Fourth Amendments must be applicable as well.51 In the Youngstown case the same “inherent powers” argument was raised and the Court noted that the President had been created Commander in Chief of only the military, and not of all the people, even in time of war. (pgs 41-42)

XI. Conclusion
For all of the reasons outlined above, this court is constrained to grant to Plaintiffs the Partial Summary Judgment requested, and holds that the TSP violates the APA; the Separation of Powers doctrine; the First and Fourth Amendments of the United States Constitution; and the statutory law. Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the final claim of data-mining is granted, because litigation of that claim would require violation of Defendants’ state secrets privilege." (pg 44)

I imagine we'll see this case come up again in an appeal, but for now, we have a case won by the people. If you'd like to read the entire decision go here (in PDF). I wonder if there is now grounds for impeachment and/or removal? Does viloation of the 1st and 4th amendment consitute a high crime or misdemeanor? Hmm...

Please, no more low rise jeans

2006-08-14T02:30:00.000-04:00

There's nothing in this world that makes a woman's butt look better than a well fitting pair of jeans. But I've noticed a disturbing trend among our nations youthful beautiful (or not) women, the rise of the low rise jeans. Believe me, the tease of seeing a woman's hips sticking ever so slightly over the top of the waist of her jeans can be incredibly sexy, but here's what's not:
I don't know who this is, so thanks for the pic Google and flickr

The ass crack shot you get from every girl bending over, squatting or even just leaning slightly forward is not attractive. And no, we don't want to see the elastic band of your teal lacy thong over the top of your overpriced ugly pre-worn stretch jeans either. It just brings more attention to the area in question. I guess I would have to say that it really reminds us of the time we worked construction during the summer to make rent and the fat sweaty guy with the hairy ass that always seemed to volunteer for the "low work". There are so many things that a woman can do to make herself sexy and attractive, and each of you should know this isn't it.

So to every drunken sorority/club girl, or their wanna be look alike, please, no more low rise jeans.

I'd vote for him

2006-08-13T18:22:00.000-04:00

Christopher Walken 2008.

Before you get too excited, this is just a fan site that is completely false and rumor has it Mr. Walken wasn't very amused. Sorry, I wish it was true too. Oh, and apprently most (or all) of the quotes are ficticious as well. This site really has no foundation in what Christopher Walken actually believes (or so we've been told).

The History Channel should have a warning label

2006-08-07T22:50:00.000-04:00

"For entertainment purposes only".

Really, if I were this unsuccessful at work, I'd be out of a job. I love to watch the History Channel and for a while I've watched Josh Bernstein not find the truth on a show entitled "Digging for the Truth". Seriously, he's sought the truth behind every historical question you can imagine thus far from the Ark of the Covenant to the Lost Colony at Roanoke Island, and so far, no truth to be found.

Every time the show ends I hear these words, "another one of the world's mysteries, still unsolved", or something similar. For whatever reason, this guy is still working. Don't get me wrong, he's got a tough job, but I didn't ask him to find the Holy Grail or Atlantis, he put that burden on himself. Why not go for a slightly easier goal, like "where's my car keys?" Or, "where did my sock go when it disappeared from the dryer?" Maybe you can even step it up a bit and ask a question like "why does route 288 run east-west and the exits are marked north and south?" (It's also even numbered, like a route that runs east-west) Granted, these may not be TV worthy, but as far as I'm concerned, neither is not finding the truth on a show obviously intended to find, I dunno, the truth.

So what's the only other occupation you can be wrong all the time and still have a job? Meteorologist. (I would've said weatherman, but that's no longer PC) Really, is it the fact that these guys are on TV that allows them to be wrong all the time and not get fired? Or maybe it's that both of these jobs are related to fortune tellers, psychic hotlines and newspaper horoscopes. Smart people know it's full of crap, but we keep checking to see if maybe, just maybe this time it'll be right. You see, they don't have to be right, we don't expect them to be, just don't get your hopes up too much, after all it's "for entertainment purposes only".

Sorry Brother

2006-07-27T01:48:00.000-04:00

I feel sorry for Bryan, my future brother-in-law, not for any fault in him. It seems that whenever he and I have time to hang out together, I end up talking at him for a good amount of time. Generally speaking, I end up talking about stupid stuff I've done while drunk, or how much partying I used to do. I don't know why, and I usually hate that guy, the "I used to party so hard, man, you shouldda seen it" guy. But for whatever reason, I become that guy when I'm hanging out with him.

But, thank you, brother, for putting up with my stupid ass drunk stories and I'll try to contain them from now on. Hopefully, in the future we'll have our own stupid stories to talk about in the future. In fact, I'm sure we will if we go on that vacation next year.

I don't know how it happens, we were just talking about our mothers and how we handle them, and some other family stuff. Maybe I secretly long for the days when I was irresponsible, or maybe I really like Bryan and want him to think I'm cool, or maybe I want him to understand how I used to be, so that I can convince him I really am right for his sister, and how much I have changed in order to be more mature for myself and my relationship. Maybe I want my new family to really understand who I am and some of the things I've gone through, so that they'll become my family for real, both in name and in practice. I've never really had that close knit family, so I think I'm just catching him up to speed, to give more insight into my own mentality and mindset, preparing the way for a real family dynamic. I look forward to it everyday.

I have to again thank Bryan, for being the first to make me feel really welcomed into the Harris (et al.) family. Every time I see him, it feels the same. Sometimes the bonds of brotherhood are easily forged.

You gotta try this

2006-07-23T02:11:00.000-04:00

The Nile restaurant. It is wonderful. Spicy, filling, and delicious. It's an Ethiopian restaurant (insert joke here), and the coffee was amazing. Turns out, they roast their own beans, and flavor it with rue and cloves. Oh, and no utensils. You eat your meal with the flatbread and your hands, in the traditional style. You should go. I'm going to try to set up a time when my fiancee, and her siblings and I can all go. The food is served to make "family style" dining really easy and is a really good time sharing with your dining companions. I recommend it to everyone.

Train crossing story

2006-07-21T10:11:00.000-04:00

or I Damn Near Died

I'll make this brief. I was on my way to meet with my mother-in-law to be when I came upon the rail crossing at Hungary Rd. I heard the sounds of a train blowing its horn. It was early morning (for me) so I didn't think much of it, but it did register as being really loud. I looked ahead and the cross gates were still in their upright position and there were no lights flashing. "I'm good", I thought to myself then I heard it again, BWAAWWWWWWNK, train horn. "Oh shit!" There was a train coming, and no signals. I slammed on brakes and managed not to die. A container of goods, from my recent move, flew from the back seat and hit me in the back of the head, spilling its contents all over the cab and out the window.

Then I realized the train was hardly moving. I wasn't in danger, except from my own emergency driving. A few minutes to collect my composure (and a few lost articles) and check to see if I had wet myself (I had not) and I was on my way.

I don't recommend it to everyone, but that impending doom feeling... better than coffee.

School Registration Starts Monday

2006-07-09T01:31:00.000-04:00

Well, I needed to make $110 tonight to pay for my edu-ma-cation. I've done that, with a little beer money left over. I can't believe the fall semester is coming up so quick. It feels like summer just got here, although I have been out of school since the 2nd week of May. I guess it just doesn't feel that long. Oh well, what is a boy to do?

Follow the Lady

2006-06-28T00:46:00.000-04:00

Almost every year is an election year for one office or another, but every two years are the biggest. There's always a House Seat up for grabs, a Senate seat every few years, and of course, the Presidential elections are a huge ordeal. But here's my question: Can a person with copious education, generally more than his or her constituents, and great affluence reflect the desires of the masses. Every election I see the same faces, especially at the Federal level. Generally speaking, these are rich white men. While it is true that I am a white male, my views put me at odds with most of those in my race and gender demographic. "I am a man of means by no means" is absolutely the case. So while I vote with the hope that every candidate I vote for has my and my district's best interest in mind, how do they know what I struggle with on a day to day basis? Our candidates in this upcoming Senate election make tons of money. Jim Webb made somewhere around 14 mil last year. Senator Allen is worth about 2.5 million in assets and holdings.

Lets face facts. The only people that can afford to take enough time off of work to campaign and actually run for election are the elites. Those in power will always stay at the top. This is the way the system works, and the rest of us schmoes are left down here trying to scratch a living from the crumbs they decide to hand down to us. We fight amongst ourselves with topics like gay marriage and flag burning, when if you decide to let these ideas go they really have ABSOLUETLY NO BEARING ON OUR LIVES. This is a game of Three Card Monte, follow the lady. Pay no attention to the slight of hand here. We all play even though we know we're going to lose.

The U.S. has to maintain a war time state in order for the rich to really mop up. Who's read 1984? An enemy must be maintained in order to reduce freedoms and increase profits. And the Bush administration has done a wonderful turn for the elite by finding an enemy that will never be defeated. This war on terror is self perpetuating. With every enemy killed another is trained to take his place. Beautiful plan.

"They no longer represent us, so is it not our obligation to confront this tyranny?" Or should we just keep our eye on the lady?

Virginia, a land of things

2006-06-26T22:44:00.000-04:00

Most of you know of our great seal of Virginia, with the Sic Semper Tyrannis and of Virtus standing over the dead tyrant. But what of the reverse side of that seal? It has three goddesses, Libertas, Ceres, and Aeternitas. Each are holding symbols of fortune, power, liberty and authority. But that's not the only thing.

State shell: Oyster
State fish: Brook Trout
State dance: Square Dance
State bat: Virginia big eared bat
State boat: Chesapeake Bay Deadrise
State dog: American Fox Hound
State drink: Milk

We even have a state fossil: the Chesapecten Jeffersonius

But the best is the salute to the state flag, in keeping with our states' rights heritage (thanks TJ)
that was adopted in 1954:

"I salute the flag of Virginia, with reverence and patriotic devotion
to the 'Mother of States and Statesmen',
-which it represents- the 'Old Dominion',
where liberty and independence were born."

You can find out more about Virginia here. And learn more about the state seals here.

Holy Cow!!!

2006-06-15T03:20:00.000-04:00

Drawn to beef? Here's why. Cows are given magnets that stay in them to keep them from passing bits of metal that may harm their sensitive rumen and reticulum. Who knew?

Dad's Day Bike Ride

2006-06-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

So, for Father's Day I think I'm going to ride my bike to my dad's house. It's only a little over 15 miles. If you'd like to map out your own trip go to MapMyRun.com. I know this is really for running routes, so the calorie calculator won't be accurate, but at least it gives you a fairly accurate distance calculator. Plus it'll give you an elevation profile. It's pretty sweet.

Keep It Short and Sweet

2006-06-09T14:49:00.000-04:00

I've learned one thing about blogging. Keep it short. If your latest post requires me to scroll more than once or twice, I'm probably going to get bored and not read any further. I suppose you could blame it on my short attention span, but I think it has more to do with subject matter. We all write about things that are relevant to our own lives which isn't necessarily relevant to others, but we like to think that others want to hear what we have to say. I do. I want to know what you are all thinking and why. But do yourself, and me, a favor, condense. Chop it down. If you don't get to your point soon, chances are neither will I.

Arrrgh! Why Can't I Sleep?

2006-06-08T04:22:00.000-04:00

I hate insomnia. I know I'm not the only one. I have to get up soon. This sucks. *sigh*

Like Zombies???

2006-06-08T01:57:00.000-04:00

If you are like me, and you love the idea of a post apocalyptic world in which zombies roam freely and humans are hunters and the hunted you'll love playing this game. It's pretty sweet, if not a little oddly set up. Urban Dead takes a little getting used too, and I recommend reading up on some of the Wiki stuff before you really get into playing. Learn how to gain XP, and check out the Map and some of its functions after you start your character to get an idea of where to go and what to look out for. Really fun, but the AP (action points) while tying to keep the game fair, slow down the action. So, about ten good minutes a day and you have to wait forever to get to play again. But oh well, it's still an awesome concept.

10-10-10

2006-06-06T21:10:00.000-04:00

Things I Love:

Pajama Pants
Sriracha
Sharp Objects
Passing cars while riding my bike
Cheesecake
Sarcasm
Indoor Plumbing
Putting Lady Liberty stamps upside down on envelopes
Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars
Optical Illusions

Things I'm Fascinated By:

How maple syrup is made
The American Revolution
White people
Non-white people
Religious People
White trash
The success of Jerry Springer
The fact that G.W. thinks he was ordained by God
The fact that other people do too
Owl digestive Process
White Jeans (sorry, had to put this in here)

Ten People who Probably won't do this:

Unholiest of Days

2006-06-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

I thought it was funny.

Your Eyes May Deceive You

2006-06-04T02:09:00.000-04:00

I was at work this evening when a couple came in. The woman was rather petite, meaning bean-pole-esque and the gentleman was rather heavyset. I watched them sit down, waiting for my cue to make the trip to the table to greet them. The man, after much huffing and puffing, manages to squeeeeeze himself into the booth. To whit he says to the woman, "is there more space over there, I think there is".

"I don't know that there is," she replies. But they switch places anyway. Fair enough. I watch as said gentleman squeezes himself into the other side of the booth, as there is no more room on this side than there was on the other.

"You see, spatially it seemed that your companion had more room, but the truth is, she's just skinnier. Sorry, you're fat," I thought, then sauntered my way over to sell this man a meal that I knew he would eat all of, but not really need. They tipped me well, and I felt bad, not for the obviously cruel thought that went through my mind, but for the man himself.

I struggle with my own weight, I like to eat, and consequently have a little extra around the middle. I know he doesn't like being fat, but he's powerless to stop himself. It's a horrible cycle that I myself have to mentally prepare myself for everyday of my life, and sometimes that demand is staggering. An alcoholic can be successful if he never drinks again, but imagine how he'd do if he had to drink everyday. This is what food-aholics have to do. Fat is very addictive as a substance, and our bodies naturally crave it, right from birth. So I'm trying. I'm riding my bike to work starting this coming Wednesday, and if all goes well, I'll continue to do so. I went on a 36 mile ride last week, and I hope to go again this week. I know what choices to make, it's just actually doing it that's hard. I know that I like to make fun of fat people, 'cause it's funny, but I make fun of everyone. This is one thing you can help, it is possible to not be fat anymore, and liposuction and gastric bypass are not the ways to better, healthier living. You have to change you.

I don't know if it'll help anyone, but there's other folks out there that know how you feel. It doesn't help everyone, but maybe it can help someone.

More Memorial Day

2006-05-31T02:12:00.000-04:00

here ya go...
the caption at the bottom reads

"the panel is composed of images of 609 coalition soldiers killed in Iraq"

Pre-emptive Strike

2006-05-26T00:44:00.000-04:00

I have to make a post in defense of Sriracha. Yes, the Chilli (that's how it's spelled on the bottle) sauce that you find at all the restaurants in the fan, has made its arrival at the home of my fiancee. She hates when I eat it. Apparently it doesn't smell very good to her, but it tastes awesome. So, before I read something by her detracting from this delicious condiment, I am going to tell all of you how wonderful it is. It adds a wonderful spicy kick while still maintaining a unique and delectable flavor. I put it on everything: sandwiches, eggs, tater tots, pretty much anytime you'd use ketchup, salsa, or tabasco, I use sriracha. It's so great and a whole 28 ounces is only $3 at Tan-A Supermarket!! Go get some.

Prepare To Get Your Historically Inaccurate Panties Twisted

2006-05-22T02:06:00.000-04:00

It's fiction. It's always been listed as fiction. Not the publisher, not the author, no one genuinely connected with it has in any way, shape or form ever suggested that it was true. I've seen The DaVinci Code week on the History Channel. I know. Even they have said "Okay, it's fiction, here's why." I don't care anymore. It's a book. If you want to read a fun book about the coming of the Anti-Christ, check out Good Omens. It's funny.

But if you are the same sort of idiot who has determined that Heavy Metal would jeopardize your soul and D&D makes kids kill people, do me a favor, go get sterilized right now, we don't need anymore of you. You are the same person who freaked out during "The Passion" frenzy and have surrounded my roommate in a prayer circle when he was just trying to go to work. Oh yeah, speaking of work, a tract is not a tip. In fact, it makes me want to go to church even less than I already do. My treasure could very well be in heaven, but that doesn't keep the lights on. So please, keep your white trash, xenophobic, war mongering, gun totin', gay bashing ideas to yourself.

By the way, to all of you without a sense of humor: the pentagram on the front door was not intended to display any genuine religious belief or alignment. I would greatly appreciate if you didn't write "Jesus Lives" on my front door. I don't write "In Mexico" on yours.

They didn't give him long to live.

2006-05-17T00:16:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, a regular couple of mine came in and had some bad news for me. The doctors found cancer in his lymphnodes and in both lungs. These folks have been very good to me and I hate to see her holding back the tears every time they come in. His biopsy, for the official word, was earlier today. I find out tomorrow if it's treatable at all.

Bikes are Fun

2006-05-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

So, I got a new bike a couple of weeks ago. I got a fantastic bike for a great price. This guy that I wait on has a wonderful hobby of getting donated bikes or a least paying very little for them and fixing them up. When he has a few, he sells them. Since he only works on kids, mountain and BMX bikes, he has a friend that works with him and sells road bikes. Generally their selection is a little outdated, but they've got some great brand name stuff. Giant, Trek, Schwinn, Raleigh, Bridgestone, and I got a great deal on a 20 year old Shogun.

So I spent some dough and some time getting it tweaked. I got a new, very comfy seat, toe straps for the clips, and then new tubes and tires. This bike is already equipped with quick releases on the front and rear, with the cool brakes that click into position which allow one to easily remove the wheels. With this in mind, I bought a Kryptonite Cable long enough to go through both wheels, the frame and around a telephone pole. I had to play with the derailleurs as the front one was out of adjustment, but overall little had to be done. I love my new bike and I ride it all the time. Thanks bike dorks, now I'm one too.

Report Card Time

2006-05-11T00:33:00.000-04:00

The semester has ended and I'm taking the summer off. I've taken 14 credits this semester and here's how I've done.

American Literature - A
Health and First Aid - A
Spanish II - B
Geology 105 - B

Not too shabby for working full time too, If I do say so myself. Even though I struggled a little this semester and got tired there towards the end, I'm looking forward to my next semester. It's been a while since I finished a whole semester of school and it feels good. Thank you Robin for inspiring me and believing in me to get me this far. I'm going to need your support in the future, too.

May Flowers?

2006-05-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

April showers bring May flowers. Well, it's May and I've got showers and no flowers. Cold and rainy, thanks spring.

Failed State Index

2006-05-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Last year, and this year the "Failed State Index" has been put out by Foreign Policy Magazine and the think tank, Fund for Peace. So, who's who in the world? 146 nations are ranked and the U.S. came in 128th (1 being the worst, 146, the best). So what criteria do these folks use to rank these states?

Mounting Demographic Pressures
Massive Movement of Refugees and IDPs (internally displaced people)
Legacy of Vengeance - Seeking Group Grievance
Chronic and Sustained Human Flight
Uneven Economic Development Along Group Lines
Sharp and/or Severe Economic Decline
Criminalization or Deligitimization of the State
Progressive Deteriorization of Public Services
Widespread Violation of Human Rights
Security Apparatus as "State within a state"
Rise of Factionalized Elites
Intervention of other States or External Actors

The score works like golf, the lower the number the better (1-10).

here's how the U.S. did:

which gives us an overall score of 34.5
Canada got a nice 23.1, putting it a 139, Finland, Sweden and Norway took 144, 145, and 146, respectively.

those at the bottom (or top, I suppose) of the list:

Sudan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ivory Coast
Iraq
Zimbabwe
Chad (tie)
Somalia (tie)
Haiti
Pakistan
Afghanistan

"Famous" Immigration Reform

2006-05-01T18:54:00.000-04:00

I have at my home, a memo from David Goronkin, President and CEO of Famous Dave's, the restaurant at which I work. It is dated April 28, 2006 in regards to Immigration Reform. It reads as follows (grab a snack, it's a little long):

As you all know, the debate about immigration reform continues and this company remains optimistic that a solution will soon be reached. The Senate reconvened on April 24, 2006 and once again began discussing the issue. From what we have learned there is still an opportunity for the Senate to pass a comprehensive immigration bell that will affect approximately 12 million immigrants and their path toward citizenship. We are working with our trade associations and other such groups to ensure that the voice of businesses that depend on immigrants is heard.

It is important that you understand that while you recently may have seen marches by immigrants and their supporters, companies like ours have been working behind the scenes with Congress to change this country's immigration laws for some time. We really believe that without immigrants our industry would not function. For us, it is not mere words. We put action behind those words. The trade associations we belong to have been working to achieve comprehensive and fair immigration reform for all immigrants. While you may not see us marching, we have been concerned and committed to this issue for many years.

Certainly, the peaceful demonstrations that have occurred so far have helped also. They have brought much needed attention to the issue. We feel that is important that you understand this company has been involved with this issue for a very long time and that we are on the same side as protesters. You should also know that many of your coworkers who are not Latino or immigrants are also concerned about this issue and stand behind the peaceful protests as well. This is not a situation where anyone is in it alone.

So far so good.

As some of you may have heard, there is going to be a "National Day of Action" on May 1, 2006 where people are being encouraged to skip work, skip school, boycott products and protest on that day. We certainly understand the motives behind the call for a "National Day of Action"; however, we ask that you wait and consider all of the facts before you decide to participate. In fact several immigrant rights group leaders are encouraging people not to take part in the protests, but instead to wait for the outcome of the Senate decision. Jaime Contreras, president of the National capital Immigrant Coalition, stated that it was premature to do the boycott and that protesters/boycotters should be careful to consider all the repercussions of protesting so soon after the April marches, because this might create a backlash.

Keep in mind, this is all in English.

We are also asking that you remember that we have customers to serve and that many of our competitors will be open on this day as well. Like we did with regard to the April 10, 2006 protest, we ask those employees that are scheduled to work on that day to please show up as scheduled. If you find that you want to attend the protest, please make sure that someone is available to cover your shift. After the march, please show up as well to cover the needs of our company.

Finally, with regard to boycotting companies on that day, we ask that you do not take part in this. We certainly hope that our customers do not boycott us, and you know as well as we know how important customers are to us. This is a difficult time for our country and we understand the reasons behind this impressive call for action. We understand this issue because we are one of the many companies who for years has been calling for immigration reform. You may not see us out there protesting with you but we have been doing a lot of the behind the scenes work that has gotten us this close to immigration reform. Please keep in mind that the protest is for immigration reform, not against your employer.

If you have any questions about this issue, please do not hesitate to contact your restaurant manager. They will be more than happy to discuss with you where our company's stand is on this issue.

In other words... Really, believe us, we've been trying. If you don't come to work, I don't know. There's plenty of other people out there protesting and stuff, they don't really need you anyway. Besides, you have a job to do. Everyone else can go, you should come in. Forget standing up for your rights, leave it for those other folks, they'll do it for you. And don't worry, if you don't come in for your shift, we'll fire you. We've already vaguely explained, in English, that this absence won't be excused. This'll cover our asses without making us look like that's what we were shooting for to begin with. Trust us, we're the large corporate entity that cares.

So let's debate.

2006-05-01T11:19:00.000-04:00

Essentially, I agree with Paul Hager here. Some of this toward the end of his address is a bit alarmist perhaps, but the essential argument is what I'm going for. So, now you should understand why it is that I feel US drug laws are unconstitutional.

But, other people feel other things are unconstitutional as well. Social Security is one. Excusing churches from being taxed is another. But, if you'd like, you can read the Constitution of the United States yourself, and make up your own mind.

New Mexican Drug Policy

2006-04-29T11:29:00.000-04:00

Today Mexico is looking to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs. I think it's a good idea. Just like prohibition in the past, drug laws have created a black market that is riddled with violence and pollutes the quality of the drugs consumed. While some may say "who cares about the quality?" one must understand why a standardized form of the drugs available must be maintained. Imagine a heroin user, used to the diesel he's been getting that's been cut many times before he ever gets it, then one day a purer batch comes in, he measures out the amount that he's used to and WHAM!, OD. Perhaps that's the price you pay for being a drug user, but I'd prefer to think that if drug use was a more socially or legally accepted form of recreation, then those that had difficulty with said use could more easily be diagnosed and treated. The US has criminalized an entire segment of its population as around 50% of inmates are in on drug charges.

The US consumes 86% of the world's illicit drugs. Marijuana is Alabama's #1 cash crop. If we continue to have the same stance toward drug use and possession that we have today, our ever present and increasing "war on drugs" will continue to increase. Just remember that only the end of prohibition brought about the end of the violence of gangsters like the Purple Gang and others. Why don't we learn from our past? Gangs and other organized crime groups are primarily responsible for a lot of our drug and violence problems. I propose that the end of drug prohibition will see a stark decrease in both deaths from drugs and the violence associated with it. Alcoholism is rampant in the US. It is a drug that kills just like any other. Tobacco use is still steady and, although becoming less accepted, is still a socially acceptable drug to use. Tobacco use takes almost as many lives as heart attacks in the US, and I'll bet a good chunk of those can be related to cigarettes as well. Drugs that kill are all around us, and these other, illicit drugs, are no exception. So why are these drugs legal and others not? We can save more lives if we regulate how these drugs are dispersed and used. Imagine the money that could be saved by keeping petty drug users out of jail. Jail isn't going to fix their problem, only education and rehabilitation will (both of which are way cheaper).

And I'm not even going to get into the idea that these Federal drug laws are most likely unconstitutional. That's another debate.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

2006-04-27T00:11:00.000-04:00

So, I post to my blog site, mostly because I find it easier to write here than in a journal. And I get some cool feedback from friendly folks that I'm really close to or will be related to in the near future, which is awesome. So I check my blog today to see if someone cool has left me their sweet idea or comment and I get this...

"Very nice! I found a place where you can make some nice extra cash secret shopping. Just go to the site below and put in your zip to see what's available in your area. I made over $900 last month having fun!"

What a load of crap. Has this happened to anyone else? I'm used to pop-ups and spam mail, that's why I have a crap e-mail address I give to things I sign up for, and one that I have for personal stuff. I didn't think I'd be getting spammed on my own blog! This is ridiculous!

I hate them. Them, the spammers. Boo.

No clever title today

2006-04-24T23:41:00.000-04:00

Since I was a child, I explored the wild of my surroundings. I've preferred to be in places that were alive with things that grew, and things that flew, and things that walked and things that ran. I've camped in national forests, hiked miles down deserted stretches of shoreline, navigated rapids, drank straight from mountain springs, and come so close to an elk I could've petted it had I had the nerve. But these things were not just alive with living things, but with the feeling of one spirit that grows from things that are allowed to be in the state of their own being.

I have lived in Richmond for years and what draws me to this city, what makes me feel at home, is that same spirit. There is this feeling here that all things, though different, coexist in this cacophonic disorder that is reminiscent of those wild experiences. All the things that make us frustrated about our city, are all the things that I love about it: washboarded and pot-holed streets, crumbling brick structures, oak trees cracking the sidewalks, birds, confused by the lights, calling at all hours of the night. The general unkempt attitude of the city, that despite all of the order and cleanliness we attempt, the chaos and disorder, that wild cacophony, is still creeping and seeping into our city and our subconscious, making me feel at home.

That brings me to the West End. I've discovered why I feel lost here. There's too much attempt at order. All the trees and shrubs are well groomed. The buildings are square and plastic (if you get close enough, they smell like new GI Joes). There's no sense of life as it lives its life. Every other Saturday brown men with machines define the boundaries of each life here. That's why I was so excited to see ducks swimming in the pool this spring, it reminds me that life can exist outside of our landscape timbers and can escape through the cracks in the cement*. Though here those cracks are filled quickly, as if by peering into these cracks one could see through the facade of perfection. I don't like it here, and the only thing that makes it bearable is the knowledge that I'll not be here much longer.

*(Also, ducks crapping in a pool in the West End is just funny to me)

I would've posted sooner, but I've been sick

2006-04-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

Easter-
O.E. Eastre (Northumbrian Eostre), from P.Gmc. *Austron, a goddess of fertility and sunrise whose feast was celebrated at the spring equinox, from *austra-, from PIE *aus- "to shine" (especially of the dawn). Bede says Anglo-Saxon Christians adopted her name and many of the celebratory practices for their Mass of Christ's resurrection. Ultimately related to east. Almost all neighboring languages use a variant of L. Pasche to name this holiday. Easter Island so called because it was discovered by Europeans on Easter Sunday, 1722.

Most of you already realise that Christianity has usurped other religious ceremonies in an attempt to convert the pagans many years ago (So I won't harp on this much). But C'mon! It's called Easter!! They didn't even try with this one. At least with Saturnalia they changed the name to "Christmas". They could've been really unimaginative and called it "Dies Resurrectiorum" (Sorry, my Latin's rusty).

I've really got no beef with the bible. I think that it contains some very pertinent moral values that should be followed to this day. My real problem is Christians. Church attendance skyrockets on Christmas and Easter, as if to say, "if I go these days, God'll forget about the others". Not Gonna Happen. God has a long memory, and last I checked knew everything. This means he knows that you could give a crap less about him on days that aren't religious high holidays.

So do yourself a favor, sleep in every Sunday, even Christmas and Easter. You're not fooling God, and you're not fooling anyone else either.

Catching Up

2006-04-13T01:19:00.000-04:00

Well, as you can tell, I now have a new computer. That being said, here's my newest post.

On the Saturday before last, after having spent the evening at Empire, my roommate and I got a ride home. We weren't quite tired (drunk) enough to sleep and there are these two bikes that have been chained, literally around, not to, a sign post on our block since we moved into our apartment last August. We decided to see if we could lift them off, as it turns out, no, but almost. So this is what happened. And we refuse to try it sober.

But now on to this week. Last night I went to see Leftover Crack at Nanci Raygun. It was an amazing show, and every time I see LOC I have a great time. Thanks to Wes for coming out even though you had homework to do, and Luke, I'm sorry you got dropped on your head so much. I got a chance to see people I haven't seen in forever, and it really felt like I was 16 again. But then I woke up this morning, and all those bumps and bruises that I shook off when I was 16 and going to shows a lot, felt a whole lot worse than they used to. Guess that's what happens when you start to get old.

booooo

2006-04-03T14:56:00.000-04:00

I'm making this post from the computer lab at my school as my computer has died. My hard drive has a physical error, so until I get a new computer or fix my old one, I'll not be posting. Robin probably will not be either. So, until then.

My new ride.

2006-03-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

So... most of you know that a few months ago someone decided to ruin my sweet bike. Which sucked and left me without my city transport. My parents, being the people that they are, got me a new bike for my birthday. Which is very cool, and I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, or anything or anyone else in the mouth for that matter. If I did, I'd become a dentist. But all that aside, I don't like my new bike. For one, it's a mountain bike style, which is okay, but makes traversing streets a bit more difficult (and I'm used to a street bike). And I say style because I don't know that I'd actually trust it to the mountains. The wide, soft, knobby tires generate lots of friction which helps quite a bit for off road biking, but on the streets just makes things harder. Two, it's a cheap bike. My folks are nice, but not rich, so they bought me a bike from Wal-Mart (cause they don't know about Re-Cycles). It's heavy as hell, which doesn't help anything. The derailleur is not prone to acting appropriately and tends to make the chain lock or slip at the most inopportune times. The bike pulls to the left, probably due to an error on the part of a Wal-Mart assembler person. Last but not least, it's too small for me. I need a 28" and this is a 26". I know that 26" is standard, but I'm not a standard size. Anyway, it'll still be fun, I'm just not sure what to do. I don't want to buy a new bike, 'cause I already have one. And I don't feel it's appropriate to get rid of this one. The frame itself isn't worth enough to put new equipment on. Maybe I'll put it in a yard sale. I don't know. So, like I said, I appreciate the gift, it was very nice and they wanted to do something really cool for me (probably my dad's idea), but I just don't know what to do.

had to be done...

2006-03-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

i've been toying with the idea of changing the name of my blog. i think this suits me even better. sorry for any problems this may cause for anyone.

I Hate My Job

2006-03-24T00:19:00.000-05:00

That's it. Really. That's what it boils down to. Chief complaint: Being good at your job and a lack of whining warrants fewer perks, higher expectations, fewer praises and more severe punishments. A.K.A. soul leaching emptiness brought to you by Famous Dave's. Thanks faceless corporate entity! But really, our clientele sucks, our management team has a combined experience level of a 14 year old virgin and can't communicate what materials with which we need to work, much less any other need that may arise from successfully running a business. I go to work everyday and stare into the blank eyes of my coworkers and sigh. Some of those faces once had the glow of vitality and maybe even happiness. No longer. Hollow expressions lie beneath the smiling facade of those who have wandered into Dave's seeking employment. Suckers! Those who can leave should do so now! Oh, how I long for the days of fewer expenditures! Soon they will come again! 10 months, I pay off my car. 13 months, no more student loan bills. Soon...yes...very soon I can leave...

I can't fucking wait.

What I'm Looking For In A Zombie Flick

2006-03-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

I've seen many zombie flicks and while exciting, have found them lacking in some aspect or another. My friend James watched Land of the Dead, and basically told me not to bother. So, depressed that George A. Romero is not doing as well as hoped, here's what I'd like to see.

a post apocalyptic world where humans have banded together in small groups to stay alive, and now have a tribal sort of existence.
because of this, modern conventions are few and far between. No electricity, no gasoline, no guns. (or very little of all or some of these)
LOTS OF ZOMBIE HEAD WHACKIN' MELEE!!! I'm talking baseball bats and pickaxes. HELL YEAH!!
people dying...lots of zombies means fewer human survivors
this leads to a whole new societal structure. I'm talking 500 years post-apocalypse, when zombies are still kicking ass and humans have had to revert to a more primitive form. But this means there's new norms and taboos too. Maybe whole groups of zombie-killers roam the land, or there's some sort of underground secret society of zombie hunters. Maybe zombie killing becomes some sort of a rite of passage for kids. I dunno... feudal japan-type society where samurai-esque warriors slice off zombie heads? Really primitive hunter gatherer types beating zombies with clubs... you get my drift.
Wreckage and carnage abound!!! To hell with guns, they're too quick and too easy. Bats and pickaxes... that's what I'm talking about.

Zombie movies are awesome, and have more potential than I feel have been tapped into. Those folks from "The Walking Dead" comics should make a movie. That'd be super cool.

Getting Married Is A Pain In My ASS.

2006-03-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

I have one caterer that apparently refuses to call me back and another that won't even send me a menu, not to mention those I can't even get a hold of. The cake bakeries are always closed and the photographer we wanted isn't available. We had to move the time from 2 to Noon just so we could have the officiant we wanted. I had to choose a BEST man!?! They're all like family to me. How could I choose? But I did.

But despite all this I love Robin so much that I'm perfectly willing to put up with all these aggravations if it means I can be her husband. I imagine there are going to be many more headaches before all this is through, I just can't wait 'til October 21.

I no longer have a girlfriend.

2006-02-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday I proposed to the love of my life. Luckily, she said yes! (I knew she would.) So I no longer have a girlfriend, I have a fiance! I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her, she's so awesome. Thank you to Valerie and Audra for helping me put things together, and to everyone else for coming (and not spilling the beans). Yesterday was the best day of my life, to date, and I look forward to many more with Future Wife. The wonderful thing is, the families on both sides seem pleased, even excited. It's so wonderful to know that I'll be joining a family that loves and respects me already, it means a lot to me, and I know it does to Robin too.

I hope I can continue to make Robin happy throughout the rest of our years. She means so much to me. She inspires me, delights me and loves me more than I've ever felt. (Plus she's totally hot!) Robin, thank you, for everything that you are. I love you. Our wedding will be here sooner than we think, but not soon enough.

Thanks George

2006-02-19T02:05:00.000-05:00

One of my regulars at my job gave me this joke. And I say "gave" because he didn't tell it to me, he handed me a piece of paper with this on it.

The Pentagon announced the formation of a new elite fighting force called the "U.S. Redneck Special Forces"

These men, clad in their own RealTree brand camo will be dropped into Iraq and will only be told 5 things about the Iraqis.

The season opens today.
There is no limit.
They taste like chicken.
They don't like beer, pickup trucks, country music or Jesus
They are "DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE" for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

I liked it, but only because I get the feeling that most rednecks already feel that the last two may already be true.

*sigh* rednecks are so dumb.

Oh, the state we live in

2006-02-13T10:33:00.000-05:00

So, the Virginia House passed a bill to prohibit same sex marriages and the VA senate passed a similar bill as well. Fortunately the bill has to be passed again this year before it goes before the voters in November, but this is atrocious. I read an article in the Washington Post that reports on the issue. I just don't understand why people just can't let others be happy. I thought the institution of marriage was about love and togetherness not division or hatred. Why don't we institute a provision where blacks and whites can't marry, oh wait, we did that a while ago. And it was a dumb idea. Someone please explain to me how this protects the institution of marriage and why it ever needed to be protected in the first place? If two people want to exchange vows they're gonna do it anyway. The state should legally recognize the unions, as it doesn't hurt anyone. I should say that the institution of marriage needs to be protected from straight couples who have been destroying it from the inside for decades now. If morality is the issue, look to Christ for your example. Didn't he hang out with sinners? Is this sin (if you consider it one) any worse than any other? Why don't we prohibit people who lie from getting married, after all, that would be a union based on dishonesty. Right? But then who would get married? Or even better, who cares!?! Why legally recognize marriages to begin with? What does the state have to do with our personal choices anyway? Weddings have long been a religious rite. It's just another way for the state to make money. RIDICULOUS.

If you'd like to find out to whom you can write or call go here. It's a great website, and not just for VA. Find your reps regardless of where you live.

The Right to be Governed

2006-02-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness are guaranteed all men, subject only to the qualification of having been born. Of these three, Liberty is the most precious, and must be guarded above the others, for without it happiness cannot be found, and that other right, life, therefore, has been restricted. One must assume that any government that would seek to end run liberty and justify this by promising happiness and life is a tyrannical one, and as such, we the people have, not only a right, but a duty, to protect our liberty even at the expense of our lives. How does a nation of people cry out for the liberties of others without first securing its own? America has lost its way and our new King surmises to find it for us. Our happiness, having been bought by our own wealth, guarantees that our government can feel free to exile liberty and extinguish life and with it happiness and secure for themselves those things we all hold dear. Proudhon has said many things about being governed, about which I cannot agree. Man cannot stand together without an idea of brotherhood, fostered by the notion that is only forged in the bonds of nationality. But to be ruled is another matter entirely. We are spied upon, incarcerated, marginalized, disenfranchised, and our minds preyed upon by the constant barrage of messages and values that we neither created nor approved. Our government assumes authority and reacts audaciously when questioned. The same as a child, when caught in a delinquent act, at first lies about and then denies the act, and only when he sees no other means of escape, tells the truth in an attempt to redeem himself.

It seems to me implausible, if not impossible, for a man in our state to be represented by a man of his own class, unless he is of the upper class already. The economic condition of these United States is such that a man of lower economic standing has no time for the business of state. Were he to involve himself in the political arena his family would suffer from want and thus not only his own liberty but even his very life is at stake. One has no other choice then, than to elect from a pool of delegates whose chief concern is the protection of themselves and their property, not the rights of the whole. This serves to reinforce established class ranks and divide the nation on the basis of wealth and, too often, color as well. It seems to me that every perfidious act, that every treacherous exploit against the citizens of the middling and lower classes has been either perpetrated or inspired by our ruling class in a deliberate attempt to divide and allow the perpetuation of this system.

Even the definition of rule and govern differ in the tone of their implications. Rule is defined as governing power, whereas, govern is to make and administer public policy. The U.S. is a republic, and as such, the representatives are responsible to the citizens. In order to preserve the liberty of the people, one must ensure we are governed, not ruled. To pronounce others unpatriotic because they do not blindly follow a leader is subversion at its worst. Free thought and free flow of information and ideas must be maintained, regardless of the cost, to ensure other liberties are retained as well. When a republic loses its right to speak freely and seeks to suppress dissidence, it is akin to depriving a man his right to oxygen. Those representatives who allow this to happen, or even worse encourage it, no longer has the right to govern, as they have become rulers themselves.

It is my hope, that these things having been said, will percolate in the minds of my fellows, and those who have been asleep, ignoring their surroundings, will awake themselves to the offenses of our current situation. And as such, these now awakened, will be motivated to do some good, and reclaim our liberties to once again have the happiness and life we are all due. Separately our voices of dissent are easy to drown out, together, a cacophony that can destroy the bonds that restrict our freedoms.

Proclaim your Piety!

2006-02-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

Tired of people not being able to tell just how religious you are? Do you sometimes wonder if you can spread the word of God in an easier fashion? Well then, there's good news! Your car is a wonderful way to spread the joy and compassion of Christ without ever having to be joyful or compassionate! When life starts to get you down you can rest assured that you are more pious than your neighbor. All you need is this scale to determine who has the most faith.

Christian bumper sticker-1 pt.
Decals (e.g. the "Jesus Fish") - 1 pt.
Offensive Christian bumper sticker (e.g. Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve) - 2 pts.
Christian license plate - 3 pts. (b/c of the recurring cost you get more points)
Pictures of aborted fetuses - 4 pts.

Give yourself and appropriate amount of points for each sticker you have, then tally them all together.

1-3 pts. Not very pious, check out this website to help increase your score. You may have voted for Bush, but you're probably just an old hippie.
4-6 pts. Not too bad, people can tell that you probably go to church on a regular basis and you those you associate with already know you're a Christian. You probably voted for Bush.
7-8 pts. Pretty Pious. In church every Sunday. Gay people make you sad and abortion makes you feel sorry for the misled women of the world. You voted for Bush in 2000, and most likely did in 2004.
9-10 pts. Fundamentalist. In church every Sunday, Wednesday and any other opportunity you can get. Not only do you have a plethora of Christian stickers, but you have tons of Patriotic stickers as well. Gay people make you angry and abortion makes you fume. Your gun cabinet is probably well armed. You repeatedly tell your office co-workers to "turn or burn". You feel that America is best served by a Christian government. (That was how it was founded after all.) You voted for Bush twice and you'd do it again.
10+ pts. Rabid Fanatic. You no longer go to church because they don't follow the Bible the way God intended. You spend more money on advertising your faith than on your car, your house, kids or maybe even personal hygiene. Abortion doctors need to be stopped, since the state won't do it maybe you should. America is a place full of heathens and you long for a country that you can go to (or establish) that is based solely on the principals of faith. Frothing Bush fan. Cowboys and bombs make you happy and there's nothing like the idea of nuking the entire middle east.

Don't worry about your actions in this life, forgiveness is just around the corner. If you only choose to follow some of the commandments, make it the good ones. And remember, if you claim Christ the loudest and most often, he'll be sure to save a special place just for you.

My birthday was freakin' sweet!!

2006-02-05T00:20:00.000-05:00

So, I think I had the best birthday I've ever had. For those of you who don't know, it was Friday, the 3rd. My beautiful girlfriend took me to eat at Olive Garden and then we went to Chuckie cheese's. She gave me a new pair of blue Chuck Taylor's. With my tickets I redeemed two things: a slinky (I always gets a slinky) and a cool helicopter toy. You pull the zip cord and the thing takes off. It's freakin' sweet. I played with it for hours, and it was only 30 tickets!!!! We left Chuckie Cheese about time all the little booger eaters started getting out of school. Later on, we went to Mexico Restaurant for dinner. I had so much fun, and I'm ashamed to admit, but I think my Girlfriend plays pinball better than I do. (Yes, that's a picture of me pouting) That's okay, I still whipped her ass in skeeball. Thank you girlfriend for the best birthday ever, next time we'll get you a helicopter toy too.

How you know she's the one

2006-02-02T01:05:00.000-05:00

So I figured out a way to determine if your significant other (SO) is the one for you. Picture yourself in a building full of Zombies. Your SO sees, or knows, that you're in the building. And without hesitation or debate dives in to save you.

So I thought about this with my girlfriend, and I know she'd do it. I can see her now, hair pulled back into a ponytail, sweat dripping from her brow. Zombie brains all over her. Golf club in one hand, and that beautiful smile on her face. We'd kiss, and it would have that awesome movie moment when the whole world stands still, then we realize we have to leave. But it's okay, 'cause now we're together and we're gonna make it.

I sure do love that girl.

A lesson for history

2006-01-17T17:20:00.000-05:00

I think that in order for our students in our schools to truly understand history we have to redefine how we teach history. Current methodology is to teach from a geographic perspective. This method, however, doesn't give the student much of a view into how the policies or actions of one country effects others. I think that we need to begin to teach in eras or time periods. For example, we need to understand that when the Spanish were conquering the Americas and trying to convert the natives, the Inquisition was going on in Europe. The Spanish inquisition meant that any who did not accept Christ were to be punished or tortured until they agreed that Jesus was the savior. This doesn't excuse their behavior, but might give some insight as to why these invaders acted the way they did. Also in Europe was the time of the Protestant Reformation. This eventually led many to find a way to escape to the "New World" and gave us the colonies of Massachusetts and eventually Connecticut, Rhode Island and others. I believe that if we began to teach in this way, our children would see the value of history. Maybe this method, too, would spark more interest as students see how our global community works together, or against, each other.

Maybe in this way we can hope to avoid intolerance and indifference, and help our nations to work together in a more progressive way.

On 9/11 and the Iraq war

2006-01-14T01:59:00.000-05:00

I know how most of the U.S. feels. 9/11 was a horrible tragedy. I agree. It was a needless loss of life and dealt a great blow to the collective psyche of our citizens. BUT... We deserved it. I'm actually surprised nothing like this happened sooner. Oh wait!! 1993, when the WTC was bombed, but surely that was a completely unrelated incident. 50 years of our foreign policy has brought this upon us. We put ourselves on a pedestal of our own making and our hubris left us vulnerable. We have totally devastated the entire continent of Africa, exploiting its people and resources for our benefit. We have invaded, expedited regime changes, exploited the peoples and lands, and turned our backs on hundreds of countries in the world. Are we so arrogant to think that we could do this without fear of retribution? We are the bullies of the world. We have made our bed and now we must lie in it or face the consequences.

I would pose to you this question: Do you really think the people of the Middle East hate freedom? Of course not. The attacks on the WTC and the pentagon were supposed to be a message to the U.S., a wake up call if you will. These people are saying, "you've had your way with us long enough, we're going to hurt you back." I don't blame them. We are the tyrant that is choking the life out of the world. Not only the people, but the planet as well. But that's a different post.

Now, the Iraq war. What a dumb idea this was. Bush has said that Dems are backtracking, saying that they wouldn't have given the go ahead if the info had been correct. The trouble with that statement is that the Senate resolution that gave Bush the authority to attack Iraq was passed in 2001 (a year and a half before the war began). The language stating that the Senate authorizes the use of force in combating anyone harboring terrorists was passed October 28, 2001. Not even two months after 9/11. Secrecy has been THE word for this administration. The death tolls are mounting. Over 2,200 dead U.S. soldiers, and we're not done yet. "Mission Accomplished"? Yeah right. 2,200, that's only 1/5 of the soldiers dead as compared to the same point on the timeline as Vietnam, congrats us. But we're constantly breeding new hatreds. The divisive language used by Bush right after 9/11 might as well have been the first shot. He wasted no time calling Iraq, Iran and North Korea an "axis of evil". How do you think they felt? How do you feel when an Arab leader calls us "infidels" or "white devils"? Iranians, whom had just elected a moderate leader, took to the streets in protest. The next election brought about a very anti-American government for Iran. But, I suppose we have to finish what we started. We need to train the Iraqi troops and make sure the systems are in place to avoid a civil war. We cannot allow those people to end up with another Saddam.

I feel sorry for those soldiers in our military who are in, have been or are going to Iraq to fight a war we didn't need. Those troops put their trust in Uncle Sam to keep them from dying needlessly, and he failed them. I do have this to say about those dying in Iraq, I'm sorry. I hope that thousands of future generations learn from you and the lives you have given. Don't trust your government to look out for you. I'm not going. I'm not going to. I'm not in the military, because I figured something like this would happen. Most of you over there couldn't have known. I support our men an women over there, but I'm angry that you have to be there in the first place. The recruiters lie. They make offers they can't deliver on, and after you have signed away your life, you are powerless to do anything else. A friend of mine, who was in the Marine Corps figured out that he was making about $0.15 a hour. You have a salary, and your job is 24-7. Your life is no longer yours. I have the luxury of sitting here and writing this because of the country I live in. We haven't fought a war to protect our freedom in decades, but still I'm free. Our wars are political power grabs or economic windfalls. I'm angry. This war is a needless sacrifice. The "sacrifice of our troops" is not the lives they've given voluntarily, but for the commands issued them by their commander-in-chief. Yes, I have the distinct feeling we went to war so that Bush could have another term, and his friends could get rich from it.

THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU.

But I don't blame George W. He's not the worst of them. I think Bush is a figure head. He is the sacrificial lamb of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and others. He's not bright enough to do this on his own. But, there had to be someone electable. I can almost see the strings, and Cheney, with his toothy grin, pulling them.

I would like to take a moment to talk about heroes. There are heroes that are still alive. Dying doesn't have to happen to make you a hero. We only hear about those who have given their lives as heroes, we need to hear more about those who have done their tour and come home. I guarantee that a lot of those folks deserve more attention than they've had. I disagree with this war. I think that those who join the military need to be warned about the potential for war in an increasingly bellicose nation. The U.S. is going to war more frequently than ever, and for very little reason.

2,415 coalition dead, 3,941 Iraqi police and military dead. approx. 30,000 Iraqi civilian deaths (men, women and children). Bush and his cronies can talk about the fact that maybe the intelligence was wrong. Oops. 36,329 people are DEAD. Oops. "Well, uh, maybe our intelligence was wrong, but we weren't." That's about 12,000 people dead per year. I wish I could be forgiven for that sort of mistake.