Sunday, January 30, 2005
Hiatus
Sorry. Had a bad week. Very little sleep. Not much coherent thinking. Then there was a special badge available for a limited time in CoH. That took the whole weekend. No time left for petty stuff like the Iraqi elections. By the way congratulations to them.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Roe V Wade
Today was the 32nd anniversary of Roe V Wade. For 32 years now we have been putting up with one of the worst US Supreme Court decisions ever. And to top it off, it doesn't even do what the Pro-Choicers think it does. Roe does not grant an absolute right to abortion.
1) The decision relies on a right to privacy supposedly guaranteed by the US Constitution. The word privacy doesn't even appear in the constitution. The idea of a constitutional right to privacy never even appears until a Supreme Court case in 1965. ( or in other words it was invented by the same Court that decided Roe) Roe was a bad decision built upon a bad decision.
2) The Court claimed that there is a penumbra (or shadowy outline) around the Bill of Rights that some how bestows a right to privacy. However this right seems to be very limited in scope. In fact it seems to deal almost exclusively with sexual matters. It grants rights to contraception, abortion, sodomy, homosexuality and sex toys, but apparently nothing else. As far as I can tell the right to privacy has never been cited in a case dealing with anything but sex.
3) The Founding Fathers literally spent months parsing and arguing about the exact wording of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. For instance the word "slave" never appears in the Constitution. They deliberately used the term "other peoples" so that no one could argue later that the Constitution institutionalized slavery. Surely if they intended for there to be a right to privacy they would have said so.
4) Abortion was illegal, and considered to be murder when the Constitution was written. Surely if the Founders had intended to create a right to abortion they would have done so explicitly, instead of waiting for someone nearly 200 years later to "discover" it.
5) After creating this right to privacy, the Justices immediately limit it. The decision divides pregnancy into the three trimesters. In the first trimester they said that there is an almost unlimited right to an abortion. In the second trimester they acknowledge the fact that some fetuses will be viable, and says that there are competing interests (the woman's right to privacy and the government's interest in protecting innocent life) that must be weighed. However it is clear that some limitations on the right to abortion can be made in the second trimester. In the third trimester, Roe acknowledges that the government has significant interests that might out weigh those of the mother.
6) Further decisions after Roe have expanded the right to abortion so much that the governmental interests in Roe are all but extinct. The worst of these is the "health and welfare" clause. This is used to justify all abortions, including those of nine month fetuses. Every limitation of abortion passed by a legislature, including parental notification, has been overturned based on this clause.
7) As medical science has improved, making fetuses viable earlier and earlier in pregnancy, the justifications in Roe look more and more flimsy.
8) Despite what you hear from the radical left, even when Roe is finally overturned, it will not make abortion illegal. It will simply return the issue to the States. Each State will then be allowed to make abortion legal or illegal, just like they did for almost 200 years.
One day we will wake up to the horror of what we have done. Abortion as birth control is monstrous and inhumane. Our descendents will look back at us with the same shame and condemnation that we look back with at our ancestors and their institutions of slavery and discrimination. The first step is to appoint to the Court Justices that interpret the Constitution rather than re-write it. Here's hoping that our current president does a better job of this than his father did.
1) The decision relies on a right to privacy supposedly guaranteed by the US Constitution. The word privacy doesn't even appear in the constitution. The idea of a constitutional right to privacy never even appears until a Supreme Court case in 1965. ( or in other words it was invented by the same Court that decided Roe) Roe was a bad decision built upon a bad decision.
2) The Court claimed that there is a penumbra (or shadowy outline) around the Bill of Rights that some how bestows a right to privacy. However this right seems to be very limited in scope. In fact it seems to deal almost exclusively with sexual matters. It grants rights to contraception, abortion, sodomy, homosexuality and sex toys, but apparently nothing else. As far as I can tell the right to privacy has never been cited in a case dealing with anything but sex.
3) The Founding Fathers literally spent months parsing and arguing about the exact wording of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. For instance the word "slave" never appears in the Constitution. They deliberately used the term "other peoples" so that no one could argue later that the Constitution institutionalized slavery. Surely if they intended for there to be a right to privacy they would have said so.
4) Abortion was illegal, and considered to be murder when the Constitution was written. Surely if the Founders had intended to create a right to abortion they would have done so explicitly, instead of waiting for someone nearly 200 years later to "discover" it.
5) After creating this right to privacy, the Justices immediately limit it. The decision divides pregnancy into the three trimesters. In the first trimester they said that there is an almost unlimited right to an abortion. In the second trimester they acknowledge the fact that some fetuses will be viable, and says that there are competing interests (the woman's right to privacy and the government's interest in protecting innocent life) that must be weighed. However it is clear that some limitations on the right to abortion can be made in the second trimester. In the third trimester, Roe acknowledges that the government has significant interests that might out weigh those of the mother.
6) Further decisions after Roe have expanded the right to abortion so much that the governmental interests in Roe are all but extinct. The worst of these is the "health and welfare" clause. This is used to justify all abortions, including those of nine month fetuses. Every limitation of abortion passed by a legislature, including parental notification, has been overturned based on this clause.
7) As medical science has improved, making fetuses viable earlier and earlier in pregnancy, the justifications in Roe look more and more flimsy.
8) Despite what you hear from the radical left, even when Roe is finally overturned, it will not make abortion illegal. It will simply return the issue to the States. Each State will then be allowed to make abortion legal or illegal, just like they did for almost 200 years.
One day we will wake up to the horror of what we have done. Abortion as birth control is monstrous and inhumane. Our descendents will look back at us with the same shame and condemnation that we look back with at our ancestors and their institutions of slavery and discrimination. The first step is to appoint to the Court Justices that interpret the Constitution rather than re-write it. Here's hoping that our current president does a better job of this than his father did.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Insomnia
Insomnia sucks. I've been getting about 5 hours a night, but only at about 2 hours at a time. I get tired in the afternoon, but it doesn't matter if I take a nap or not..I still don't get sound sleep that night.
Oh well. It's Friday.
Oh well. It's Friday.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Holy Trinity
I spent an hour after working trying to explain the concept of the trinity to a friend of mine who is a Jehovah's Witness. At one point I used an analogy of a man traveling through time to meet an earlier version of himself, and then a third version showing up. By the end of the conversation I had almost convinced myself, let alone him.
In conclusion there is the father, Jehovah..big "G" God. Next there is an aspect of himself he created called the Holy Ghost. This he uses to converse with mortal man. Third there is Jesus, an aspect of himself created to fulfill the Mosiac covenant, redeem mankind and create the new covenant.
Like the time traveller meeting two earlier versions of himself, all three are at once individuals and at the same time one being. It's an inexact analogy, but it suffices.
In conclusion there is the father, Jehovah..big "G" God. Next there is an aspect of himself he created called the Holy Ghost. This he uses to converse with mortal man. Third there is Jesus, an aspect of himself created to fulfill the Mosiac covenant, redeem mankind and create the new covenant.
Like the time traveller meeting two earlier versions of himself, all three are at once individuals and at the same time one being. It's an inexact analogy, but it suffices.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Pres. Jeb Bush?
I have always thought Jeb was the best of the bunch. At one time it was generally acknowledged that he would be the second Bush to run for president. For whatever reason, George ran first and won. Now many people are saying that Jeb can never be elected, because Americans will reject a dynasty. I sure hope that that is not true, because I certainly approve of Jeb much more than his father or brother. I'm glad to see that I am not the only one. (link)
I am on record as desiring a Condi/Hillary match up, but maybe a Jeb/Hillary match up would be just as good.
And until he went to Mexico and pandered to the hispanic vote, I was a big fan of George S. Bush (Jeb's son) also. Hopefully he was just being young and foolish.
Say what you will about the Bush family, at least they didn't make their first fortune as drug smugglers, and then game the stock market in ways that are now illegal like the Democratic dynasty the Kennedys did.
Ask me to tell you the real story behind John and the PT109 incident someday.
I am on record as desiring a Condi/Hillary match up, but maybe a Jeb/Hillary match up would be just as good.
And until he went to Mexico and pandered to the hispanic vote, I was a big fan of George S. Bush (Jeb's son) also. Hopefully he was just being young and foolish.
Say what you will about the Bush family, at least they didn't make their first fortune as drug smugglers, and then game the stock market in ways that are now illegal like the Democratic dynasty the Kennedys did.
Ask me to tell you the real story behind John and the PT109 incident someday.
Medium
OK. The verdict is in. NBC has created yet another late night program I enjoy. And just at the right time also, because I'm starting to get bored with ER. (although last week's episode was pretty good) So let's see I watch West Wing (NBC), the three Law & Orders (NBC), the occasional ER (NBC), The Great Race (CBS) and now Medium (NBC).
A long time ago I noticed that I couldn't stand the news casts of CBS and ABC, and I only watch local news on NBC and Fox. I knew people who only watched news on the ABC affilate or the CBS affiliate at the time. I have always wondered if there is a reason why people tend to favor one or the other and why. I know it doesn't have to do with the newscasters, because they frequently migrate among the stations, and at least one of them has been on all three local network affilates and at least one of the independents.
Whatever the reason, I am clearly an NBC type of guy.
A long time ago I noticed that I couldn't stand the news casts of CBS and ABC, and I only watch local news on NBC and Fox. I knew people who only watched news on the ABC affilate or the CBS affiliate at the time. I have always wondered if there is a reason why people tend to favor one or the other and why. I know it doesn't have to do with the newscasters, because they frequently migrate among the stations, and at least one of them has been on all three local network affilates and at least one of the independents.
Whatever the reason, I am clearly an NBC type of guy.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
TANG/Swift Boat Vets
CBS gets a story from someone generally acknowledged to be a nutcase about President Bush's Texas Air National Guard service. Do they investigate or denigrate publically the source? No. Do they investigate the story? Kinda. Do they run the story? You betcha, and they use easily identified forgeries to do so.
CBS gets a story from a bunch of decorated Vietnam heroes about Senator Kerry's Vietnam service. Do they investigate or publically denigrate the source? You betcha, they do both. Do they investigate the story? Not really. To this day Sen. Kerry has not released all of his military records like Pres. Bush did. Do they run the story? Briefly, only after the story has spread through out the internet, and spend most of the time attacking the Swift Boat Vets.
And we are expected to believe there is no bias?
CBS gets a story from a bunch of decorated Vietnam heroes about Senator Kerry's Vietnam service. Do they investigate or publically denigrate the source? You betcha, they do both. Do they investigate the story? Not really. To this day Sen. Kerry has not released all of his military records like Pres. Bush did. Do they run the story? Briefly, only after the story has spread through out the internet, and spend most of the time attacking the Swift Boat Vets.
And we are expected to believe there is no bias?
Social Security
OK first of all it's not a retirement program, it's an insurance program. It's full name is Social Security Insurance (SSI). It's not meant to be the source of your retirement income. It was designed to provide for those people who lived longer than their money held out in retirement. When it was instituted, you were still expected to provide for your own retirement. Now most people expect SSI to pay for their retirement.
When it was begun less than 10% of the population lived long enough to collect SSI. The retirement age would have to be raised into the mid 80's at least for it to reflect the same expectations as when it was instituted. And the people who did collect SSI usually collected it for a very short time. Today people collect SSI for 20, 30 and even 40 years. And as medical science advances, life expectancies keep increasing. When SSI was instituted, SSI taxes were very low. By the time I retire (I turn 40 this year) only two or three people will be paying into the program for every person collecting. How high are their taxes going to have to be to support the program?
SSI is a pass through program. There is no money there, just a lot of useless IOUs. All of the money put into the system is immediately paid out in benefits. Any money left over is raided by Congress. SSI has no assists beyond its power to tax the American worker.
If you are reading this and you are under 60, I hope to hell you are planning for your own retirement. If you are in your 20's, start NOW. Start putting 10% of your income into a money market or at least an annuity. It'll be tough, but if you do you will be able to retire in comfort. If you don't, start developing a taste for cat food.
When it was begun less than 10% of the population lived long enough to collect SSI. The retirement age would have to be raised into the mid 80's at least for it to reflect the same expectations as when it was instituted. And the people who did collect SSI usually collected it for a very short time. Today people collect SSI for 20, 30 and even 40 years. And as medical science advances, life expectancies keep increasing. When SSI was instituted, SSI taxes were very low. By the time I retire (I turn 40 this year) only two or three people will be paying into the program for every person collecting. How high are their taxes going to have to be to support the program?
SSI is a pass through program. There is no money there, just a lot of useless IOUs. All of the money put into the system is immediately paid out in benefits. Any money left over is raided by Congress. SSI has no assists beyond its power to tax the American worker.
If you are reading this and you are under 60, I hope to hell you are planning for your own retirement. If you are in your 20's, start NOW. Start putting 10% of your income into a money market or at least an annuity. It'll be tough, but if you do you will be able to retire in comfort. If you don't, start developing a taste for cat food.
Friday, January 14, 2005
USC Football
Matt Leinart has decided to return to USC. (link)
That's great news. It's not everyday that you get a chance to win three national championships in a row, or two Heisman trophies. (only one person has won two) USC is immediately the pre-season #1, and a favorite to win the national championship in 2006. He will still get a chance to play in the NFL after next year, and he would never get this opportunity again.
Fight on!!!
That's great news. It's not everyday that you get a chance to win three national championships in a row, or two Heisman trophies. (only one person has won two) USC is immediately the pre-season #1, and a favorite to win the national championship in 2006. He will still get a chance to play in the NFL after next year, and he would never get this opportunity again.
Fight on!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Law and Order
One of the things I like about Law and Order is the regular turnover of the actors on it. It accentuates the writing and characterization as the true stars.
Tonight the Asst. D.A. called Serena had her last episode. Everything was fine until the last minute. Fred Thompson's character had just fired her, and then they drop a bombshell, and have her ask if it is because she is a lesbian.
AFAIK her sexuality had never been a part of the show for the entirety of her run, so why did they feel the need to interject it that way in literally the last moments her character was on the show? It was jarring and unnecessary. Man I hate when shows I enjoy do stupid things like that.
Tonight the Asst. D.A. called Serena had her last episode. Everything was fine until the last minute. Fred Thompson's character had just fired her, and then they drop a bombshell, and have her ask if it is because she is a lesbian.
AFAIK her sexuality had never been a part of the show for the entirety of her run, so why did they feel the need to interject it that way in literally the last moments her character was on the show? It was jarring and unnecessary. Man I hate when shows I enjoy do stupid things like that.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Randy Moss Pt. 2
I have just learned of a tradition that the Packer fans have of mooning the visiting players' buses. That puts Randy's actions this week in a different light. He was just giving back to the Packer fans what they give out in a sense of playfullness. It would have helped defuse the situation if Randy had mentioned this at the time. Instead he was beligerent and profane. I still think he is a jerk but he gets a pass on this one.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Waterlogged
It has rained so much here in SoCal that the earthworms are crawling out of the lawn and onto my sidewalk. I know this happens in other places, but I have been living in this area since 1987, and this is the first time I have ever seen it happen here. Well so much for our drought.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Randy Moss
I sure hope no kids are using him as a role model. Unfortunately they probably are.
First he shows us what teamwork is all about by walking off the field while the rest of his team is still trying to win a game.
Then today he shows us how to react to a touchdown, by pretending to pull down his pants and moon the crowd.
Thanks Randy, you're a real class act.
Just caught his post game interview. Definitely reinforced my opinion of him with his atitude and by deliberately using profanity on live television. Hell, it was so bad even J.B. criticized him, and J.B. has always stood up for Randy and Terrell whenever they acted stupid.
First he shows us what teamwork is all about by walking off the field while the rest of his team is still trying to win a game.
Then today he shows us how to react to a touchdown, by pretending to pull down his pants and moon the crowd.
Thanks Randy, you're a real class act.
Just caught his post game interview. Definitely reinforced my opinion of him with his atitude and by deliberately using profanity on live television. Hell, it was so bad even J.B. criticized him, and J.B. has always stood up for Randy and Terrell whenever they acted stupid.
Unbelievable
I just saw something fairly funny in an ironic sort of way. Chris Matthews was interviewing Al Franken about Rush Limbaugh and his success. And both of them sat there straight faced talking about how Rush's success is due to his bloviating and catering to the anger of his listeners. Now I'm no dittohead, but I am I the only one who sees the irony here? These two are the poster children for anger and bloviating!
Matthews at one time was a very good interviewer and commentator before he let his anger consume him, and Franken apparently was funny at one time before he went over the edge. Now these two are marginalized caricatures of their former selves. I bet both of them read the Democratc Underground, and consider it a valuable source for material.
Matthews at one time was a very good interviewer and commentator before he let his anger consume him, and Franken apparently was funny at one time before he went over the edge. Now these two are marginalized caricatures of their former selves. I bet both of them read the Democratc Underground, and consider it a valuable source for material.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
NFL Playoffs
I used to be a rabid football fan. I was a fan of the Rams from the first time I understood what football was. And I became a fan of the Rams when I lived overseas in England, so it wasn't like it was a hometown type of thing. (my brother is a fan of the Steelers)
The first disappointment for me was the death of Carrol resembling, and the theft of the Rams from the resembling family by Georgia Frontiere. Then she moves them back to St. Louis so she can be a large fish in a small pond, instead of the small fish in a large pond she was out here. I sincerely wish she would be hit by a bus.
My second favorite team was the Raiders, so you can understand how happy I was when they moved to L.A.. Then Al Davis ruined Marcus Allen's career and took the team back up north. I hope he gets hit by the same bus that takes out Frontiere.
Then I became a fan of fantasy football. Now I spend the season rooting for specific players, and don't really care about the teams. It just so happened this year that I had Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and Jeff Wilkins and they won me my ESPN league. So I was able to enjoy the Rams games most of the time.
The playoffs started today, and I watched the Rams-Seahawk game. It was just like old times. I really enjoyed the game, and rooted for the Rams shamelessly.
It kind of felt like meeting up with your old high school flame and hooking up with her. ( I imagine)
I hope the Jets-Chargers game is as much fun.
The first disappointment for me was the death of Carrol resembling, and the theft of the Rams from the resembling family by Georgia Frontiere. Then she moves them back to St. Louis so she can be a large fish in a small pond, instead of the small fish in a large pond she was out here. I sincerely wish she would be hit by a bus.
My second favorite team was the Raiders, so you can understand how happy I was when they moved to L.A.. Then Al Davis ruined Marcus Allen's career and took the team back up north. I hope he gets hit by the same bus that takes out Frontiere.
Then I became a fan of fantasy football. Now I spend the season rooting for specific players, and don't really care about the teams. It just so happened this year that I had Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and Jeff Wilkins and they won me my ESPN league. So I was able to enjoy the Rams games most of the time.
The playoffs started today, and I watched the Rams-Seahawk game. It was just like old times. I really enjoyed the game, and rooted for the Rams shamelessly.
It kind of felt like meeting up with your old high school flame and hooking up with her. ( I imagine)
I hope the Jets-Chargers game is as much fun.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Earthquakes
We just had two earthquakes. The first was pretty minor, but the second was fairly significant...as I live practically on top of the San Andreas fault, that can be worriesome. If this was not a local quake it must have been pretty big for it to feel the way it felt here.
The L.A. news channels aren't reacting so it was probably local. I wonder how long the aftershocks will last.
The L.A. news channels aren't reacting so it was probably local. I wonder how long the aftershocks will last.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
National Champs
USC wins! That's two national championships (one outright this year and one split last year) in a row and a real chance for three next year. USC has 16 players returning out of their 22 starters. Their best running back and Heisman trophy finalist Bush was only a sophomore, so he'll be back. Their second best running back White was a sophomore, he'll be back. Their best receiver Smith was a sophomore, so he will be back, and their Heisman winning quarterback Leinart was only a junior, so he might be back.
Fight on!
Fight on!
Republic Vs Democracy
One of my biggest annoyances is that everyone refers to our country as a democracy. It's not, it's a republic, and it's an important distinction. In fact I believe our country has become too democratic and moved too far away from the republican ideals that formed our nation. The best example is the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment changed the way in which U.S. Senators were elected. Prior to the amendment the Senators were chosen by the States, after it they were elected by popular vote. If I was ever elected president, my first move would be to introduce an amendment to repeal the 17th Amendment.
Walter Williams is disturbed by the evolution of our nation from a republic towards a democracy also. (link)
Walter Williams is disturbed by the evolution of our nation from a republic towards a democracy also. (link)
Monday, January 03, 2005
Back to Work
I went back to work today after two weeks off. It was a little scary at first. When the alarm went off, I turned it off and rolled back over. It was 30 seconds are so before I sat up in bed and realized what I had done. That was extremely close.
It actually felt a little good to be back. I really enjoy teaching when I get the chance, it's just all of the paper pushing and discipline problems that get me down. I don't think I am really cut out to teach 7th graders, they're way too squirrely for me. I am putting in for a transfer to the new high school that is opening next year. Government is my passion, and I can't wait until I get to teach it again.
Oh well, I'm teaching West Africa now. Can't wait for all of the Niger/nigger jokes.
It actually felt a little good to be back. I really enjoy teaching when I get the chance, it's just all of the paper pushing and discipline problems that get me down. I don't think I am really cut out to teach 7th graders, they're way too squirrely for me. I am putting in for a transfer to the new high school that is opening next year. Government is my passion, and I can't wait until I get to teach it again.
Oh well, I'm teaching West Africa now. Can't wait for all of the Niger/nigger jokes.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
California Liberals Run Amok
Because the California legislature is dominated by leftwing liberal wackos we have the worst State government in the country.
Take this newest example. Children between the ages of 14 and 18 now need parental permission to use a tanning booth. (link) But you can get an abortion without your parent's knowledge, let alone permission.
If I ever have children, the first thing I'm doing is moving out of the State.
Take this newest example. Children between the ages of 14 and 18 now need parental permission to use a tanning booth. (link) But you can get an abortion without your parent's knowledge, let alone permission.
If I ever have children, the first thing I'm doing is moving out of the State.
Fantasy Football Pt 3
Well I am out of contention in my college bowl game pool, but I won my ESPN league! Man this is sweet, considering all the grief I took when I tried to draft Boston and Boldin when they were on injured reserve.
Dead Pool 2005
My picks for the DeadPool 2005:
1) Pope John Paul II - the Pope
Surely they can't keep this guy going much longer can they?
2) Margaret Thatcher - former British PM
Sadly, she's not looking too good
3) Gerald Ford - former President of the US
Ex presidents get good medical care, but he's starting to press the odds
4) Bill Clinton - former US President
You don't actually think he's going to listen to his doctors do you?
5) Bob Dylan - singer
He's on his farewell tour
6) Elizabeth Taylor - actress
The shock of Michael's conviction will do her in
7) Jerry Orbach - actor (replaced with Arthur C. Clarke)
Jerry just needed to hold on 3 more days...Clarke lives in Sri Lanka and is old..Sri Lanka is not going to be the most healthy place to live next year
8) Eddie Albert - actor
Old very old
9) Nancy Reagan - former first lady
Nothing to live for now that Ronnie is gone. Will die of a broken heart
10) Robert Downey Jr - actor
Can you say overdose?
11) AL Davis - owner Oakland Raiders
Wishful thinking here...I'll never forgive him for ruining Marcus Allen's career
12) Nick Nolte - actor
Overdose or drunk driving
13) Robert Byrd - US Senator
old, very old
14) Ray Bradbury - Sci Fi writer & inventor
old..it'd be a shame though
15) Kim Jong Il - dictator of North Korea
I just hope he's not already dead.......
1) Pope John Paul II - the Pope
Surely they can't keep this guy going much longer can they?
2) Margaret Thatcher - former British PM
Sadly, she's not looking too good
3) Gerald Ford - former President of the US
Ex presidents get good medical care, but he's starting to press the odds
4) Bill Clinton - former US President
You don't actually think he's going to listen to his doctors do you?
5) Bob Dylan - singer
He's on his farewell tour
6) Elizabeth Taylor - actress
The shock of Michael's conviction will do her in
7) Jerry Orbach - actor (replaced with Arthur C. Clarke)
Jerry just needed to hold on 3 more days...Clarke lives in Sri Lanka and is old..Sri Lanka is not going to be the most healthy place to live next year
8) Eddie Albert - actor
Old very old
9) Nancy Reagan - former first lady
Nothing to live for now that Ronnie is gone. Will die of a broken heart
10) Robert Downey Jr - actor
Can you say overdose?
11) AL Davis - owner Oakland Raiders
Wishful thinking here...I'll never forgive him for ruining Marcus Allen's career
12) Nick Nolte - actor
Overdose or drunk driving
13) Robert Byrd - US Senator
old, very old
14) Ray Bradbury - Sci Fi writer & inventor
old..it'd be a shame though
15) Kim Jong Il - dictator of North Korea
I just hope he's not already dead.......
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Gay Bar
OK. The lyrics suck. But the lyrics of most modern songs suck. Get past that. Listen to the music. I love the music to this song. The guitar riffs just hit that spot. Everytime I listen to that song my toes start tapping. Pretty song my head starts banging. Seriously...if this was a real song, with real lyrics it would instantly jump to the top of my favorite list. If you haven't hit the link yet, go now. I mean it. Chances are I'll be listening to it also.
W.E.B. Griffin
I have just finished reading Griffin's newest book By Order of the President. It was everything I expect from a Griffin book, and an enjoyable read.
I have read most of Mr. Griffin's books. I have read the Honor Bound series, the Brotherhood of War series, the Corps series and the Men at War series. (the only stuff of his I don't read is the cop stuff, the Badge of Honor series)
I have noticed a couple of patterns that run through the works. The first is that the protangonist is always wealthy, and very successful with women. The second is that there is an estrangement between the protangonist and a normal family life, usually through death.
There is usually a tie to Germany, specifically to a city called Marburg. In the later works there is also a tendency to associate the protangonist with a Latino background.
As I said I do enjoy his books , and in fact have read most of them a half dozen times. I do wish he would hire a better copy editor, and if and when his books are reprinted he would go back and make some minor continuity changes to correct some inconsistencies. They're distracting if you are actually paying attention.
I have read most of Mr. Griffin's books. I have read the Honor Bound series, the Brotherhood of War series, the Corps series and the Men at War series. (the only stuff of his I don't read is the cop stuff, the Badge of Honor series)
I have noticed a couple of patterns that run through the works. The first is that the protangonist is always wealthy, and very successful with women. The second is that there is an estrangement between the protangonist and a normal family life, usually through death.
There is usually a tie to Germany, specifically to a city called Marburg. In the later works there is also a tendency to associate the protangonist with a Latino background.
As I said I do enjoy his books , and in fact have read most of them a half dozen times. I do wish he would hire a better copy editor, and if and when his books are reprinted he would go back and make some minor continuity changes to correct some inconsistencies. They're distracting if you are actually paying attention.
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