For God's sake, VOTE!
If you support President Bush, VOTE!
If you support John F Kerry, VOTE!
If you support Ralph Nader, VOTE!
If you care about this country and believe in the system we call American Democracy, the single most important thing you can do is VOTE!
If you vote for the winner, you have a right to complain if you feel betrayed.
If you vote for the loser, you have a right to complain because you warned us.
If you don't vote and complain, your mouth should be sewn shut with a guitar string.
VOTE!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
A Simple Prayer
(with apologies to St. Francis)
Dear Lord,
Please let George W. Bush win this election. But if you see fit not to, please give me the strength to keep foghting for what I believe in in the dark days that may come.
Amen
Dear Lord,
Please let George W. Bush win this election. But if you see fit not to, please give me the strength to keep foghting for what I believe in in the dark days that may come.
Amen
Monday, November 01, 2004
Curiouser and Curiouser
Given that I average less than 100 visitors a day, I'm at a loss to explain how I just went from Adorable Rodent to Large Mammal in the TTLB Ecosystem -- overnight.
However, not being raised by morons nor as a moron, despite the blog's title, I shall refrain from examining the complimentary equine's dental records.
Update:
Hmmmm.... Apparently the TTLB Ecosystem is based on links. I was unaware of this -- I was under the impression that it factored actual traffic into the mix.
This may explain why I'm so high on the list. I was futzing around in Site Meter, checking out the hits and page views, and on a whim clicked on the "Referred By" link. I was amazed at how many other blogs link to me. M@'s comment also bears witness to this. Apparently there are a whole lot of bloggers out htere who have decided that I write well enough for them to post a link to my blog -- many of them without bothering to tell me, and some of them with considerable clout -- "Playful Primates" in some cases. So while I may not be a poplular blog among readers, apparently I've found recognition among other bloggers. I can't say this is new to me.
Remember back in high school how important popularity was? I remember. I remember how everyone wanted to talk to the popular kids, sought out their friendship, strove to be associated with those people, invited to the same parties, whatever. Does that sound anything like being instalaunched, or being high on the TTLB, or having tons of hits?
I was never a popular kid. I was never the one everyone WANTED to be seens with, whose friendship was a status symbol. But here's the weird part. I WAS friends with the popular kids. they liked me, they got along with me. Almost everyone did -- they just never considered it a big deal. Being seen talking to me never was a sign that you'd arrived, because, well, I'd talk to anyone. I wasn't popular, but I was well liked.
This reminds me a lot of this recent revelation about my blog. There's one big difference between then and now.
Now I'm OK with the distinction.
However, not being raised by morons nor as a moron, despite the blog's title, I shall refrain from examining the complimentary equine's dental records.
Update:
Hmmmm.... Apparently the TTLB Ecosystem is based on links. I was unaware of this -- I was under the impression that it factored actual traffic into the mix.
This may explain why I'm so high on the list. I was futzing around in Site Meter, checking out the hits and page views, and on a whim clicked on the "Referred By" link. I was amazed at how many other blogs link to me. M@'s comment also bears witness to this. Apparently there are a whole lot of bloggers out htere who have decided that I write well enough for them to post a link to my blog -- many of them without bothering to tell me, and some of them with considerable clout -- "Playful Primates" in some cases. So while I may not be a poplular blog among readers, apparently I've found recognition among other bloggers. I can't say this is new to me.
Remember back in high school how important popularity was? I remember. I remember how everyone wanted to talk to the popular kids, sought out their friendship, strove to be associated with those people, invited to the same parties, whatever. Does that sound anything like being instalaunched, or being high on the TTLB, or having tons of hits?
I was never a popular kid. I was never the one everyone WANTED to be seens with, whose friendship was a status symbol. But here's the weird part. I WAS friends with the popular kids. they liked me, they got along with me. Almost everyone did -- they just never considered it a big deal. Being seen talking to me never was a sign that you'd arrived, because, well, I'd talk to anyone. I wasn't popular, but I was well liked.
This reminds me a lot of this recent revelation about my blog. There's one big difference between then and now.
Now I'm OK with the distinction.
Hope for Spain
The Feared Redhead's sister and her husband are among the in-laws who returned recently from the wedding in Spain where my Father-in-law received the Stogie which I will hopefully be smoking tomorrow night. So while we were visiting them in Portland this weekend, they mentioned in passing that I would like spain because of the popularity there of Scotch whisky and Cuban cigars. Of course I had to make a crack about "And Socialist Prime Ministers who all but surrender to terrorists." They had an interesting response.
Apparently just this topic came up while they were in Spain, and the general concensus among the Spaniards they know is one of disgust over what has happened. Apparently, from their talks with the family friends, very few Spaniards actually changed their vote because of the Madrid bombings. They were told that voter turnout is usually pretty low in Spain, but that after the attacks, a large number of spaniards who normally don't vote did, and most of these people voted for the current Socialist PM.
What I'm hoping for is that this will be a wake-up call for Spain, and that Right-minded Spaniards will make sure that they get out and vote in droves next time. So while I'm still quite scornful of Spain's current government, I believe I should rethink my disappointment in the Spanish people overall.
Apparently just this topic came up while they were in Spain, and the general concensus among the Spaniards they know is one of disgust over what has happened. Apparently, from their talks with the family friends, very few Spaniards actually changed their vote because of the Madrid bombings. They were told that voter turnout is usually pretty low in Spain, but that after the attacks, a large number of spaniards who normally don't vote did, and most of these people voted for the current Socialist PM.
What I'm hoping for is that this will be a wake-up call for Spain, and that Right-minded Spaniards will make sure that they get out and vote in droves next time. So while I'm still quite scornful of Spain's current government, I believe I should rethink my disappointment in the Spanish people overall.
The Die is Cast
Saturday morning, while the Feared Redhead was at work and before it was time to get ready to head to Portland for a family visit, I spent an hour or two at the local GOP offices, doing volunteer work as a phone caller. We were calling people who had already indicated suuport for the President. It was a pretty straightforward series of questions and reminders relating to Oregon's Vote-by-mail system: Have you received your ballot? If not, you need to go to the elections office and vote there. If so, have you voted yet? If not, it's too late to mail the ballot, you need to drop it off at a county-approved election drop location. If so, we hope you support the President.
One of the issues that our FAQ sheet addressed is people who respond, "I already voted, why are you still calling?" We were to explain to the person that our calling list is based on the most recent available information from the elections office, and that if we're still on their list, they may want to call and make sure their ballot has been received. I thought this was good information, and a great way to turn what could be an annoying call into a useful call for the people we call.
So Sunday night upon returning home, I checked our messages, and sure enough, 2 of the 4 messages were from the GOP. This despite the fact that we dropped our ballots off at a drop box this time last week. I'm sure you can guess what my first order of business was on my lunch break today.
Thankfully, the nice lady at the Elections office confirmed receipt of our ballots. and by nice, I mean nice. It's been my experience that for the most part, the people at the elections office are the nicest, most helpful government officials with whom I've ever dealt. I wonder if it has to do with appreciating the importance of performing this particular civic duty. Just a thought.
So anyway, our ballots are in. So all you Eugene-area liberals who have been harassing us, do your damnedest. It's too late now to change my vote -- as if you ever could have.
One of the issues that our FAQ sheet addressed is people who respond, "I already voted, why are you still calling?" We were to explain to the person that our calling list is based on the most recent available information from the elections office, and that if we're still on their list, they may want to call and make sure their ballot has been received. I thought this was good information, and a great way to turn what could be an annoying call into a useful call for the people we call.
So Sunday night upon returning home, I checked our messages, and sure enough, 2 of the 4 messages were from the GOP. This despite the fact that we dropped our ballots off at a drop box this time last week. I'm sure you can guess what my first order of business was on my lunch break today.
Thankfully, the nice lady at the Elections office confirmed receipt of our ballots. and by nice, I mean nice. It's been my experience that for the most part, the people at the elections office are the nicest, most helpful government officials with whom I've ever dealt. I wonder if it has to do with appreciating the importance of performing this particular civic duty. Just a thought.
So anyway, our ballots are in. So all you Eugene-area liberals who have been harassing us, do your damnedest. It's too late now to change my vote -- as if you ever could have.
An Uncle's Observation
Taebo, Pilates, Step Aerobics, Military PT -- when it comes to a good workout, none of them can compare to taking an 18-month old boy Trick-or-Treating.
'Nuff said.
'Nuff said.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Life is Good
Original Post (1:20 PM PDT, October 25, 2004):
The In-laws made their weekly phone contact with the Feared redhead last night, and had a bit of news that has me smiling.
They just got back recently from a trip to Spain (I know, I'm not fond of current Spanish politics either, but they have old family friends their and were attending a wedding. The Spaniards are gracious people, even if their current government lacks cojones) and England.
At the wedding, the guests all received a reception gift. My father-in-law saved his and brought it home, and is going to send it to me. The gift was a Cuban cigar. Again, not a fan of the politics in its country of origin, "but a good cigar is a smoke", to borrow from Kipling.
There was one moment of horror as they discussed shipping arrangements with T.F.R., who told them that a padded envelope should provide sufficient protection. *Cue movie sound effect: deep, slow-motion sound of me screaming, "NnnnnOooo.....!!!!!"* Suffice it to say, I swiftly put paid to that bit of misinformation.
So today in class, I was thinking of that cigar, and then remembered the other lovely gift I recently received from T.F.R. -- namely, the bottle of Laphroaig 10-Year. And it dawned on me that it won't be long before I'm reclining on the back porch, a dram of the Water of Life in one hand, and a cheroot in the other.
The beatific smile that crept across my face, well, you should have seen it.
Update (2:06 PM PST, October 31, 2004):
The cigar arrived on Thursday. Not just any Cuban cigar -- a Cohiba.
Let the eating out of hearts commence.
I do hope November 2nd provides me a good reason to enjoy it.
The In-laws made their weekly phone contact with the Feared redhead last night, and had a bit of news that has me smiling.
They just got back recently from a trip to Spain (I know, I'm not fond of current Spanish politics either, but they have old family friends their and were attending a wedding. The Spaniards are gracious people, even if their current government lacks cojones) and England.
At the wedding, the guests all received a reception gift. My father-in-law saved his and brought it home, and is going to send it to me. The gift was a Cuban cigar. Again, not a fan of the politics in its country of origin, "but a good cigar is a smoke", to borrow from Kipling.
There was one moment of horror as they discussed shipping arrangements with T.F.R., who told them that a padded envelope should provide sufficient protection. *Cue movie sound effect: deep, slow-motion sound of me screaming, "NnnnnOooo.....!!!!!"* Suffice it to say, I swiftly put paid to that bit of misinformation.
So today in class, I was thinking of that cigar, and then remembered the other lovely gift I recently received from T.F.R. -- namely, the bottle of Laphroaig 10-Year. And it dawned on me that it won't be long before I'm reclining on the back porch, a dram of the Water of Life in one hand, and a cheroot in the other.
The beatific smile that crept across my face, well, you should have seen it.
Update (2:06 PM PST, October 31, 2004):
The cigar arrived on Thursday. Not just any Cuban cigar -- a Cohiba.
Let the eating out of hearts commence.
I do hope November 2nd provides me a good reason to enjoy it.
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Today I Am A Blogger
As I don't have a computer at home, most of my blogging is done at work. But this weekend we're visiting the Feared Redhead's sister and her husband, and I'm blogging from their house. So I finally get to do something I've been wanting to do since the CBS/Memogate days. I'm blogging in my pajamas.
I feel like I should be Bar Mitzvah'ed or something.
I feel like I should be Bar Mitzvah'ed or something.
Shut Up and Act, Reprise
More fodder supporting my opinion that those whose careers are to recite the wrtten thoughts of others, but with feeling, should not be our primary sources of advice on matters requiring independent thought:
First, Woody Harrelson was here in Eugene to promote his new film "Go Further", a paean to Ken Kesey (a local native and neo-hippie saint) and his Merry Pranksters. Let's not get me started on the fact that Eugene has seen fit to erect a statue of Kesey downtown, depicting him reading a book to two young children. Too late, I'm started. What the hell is the book in Kesey's hand supposed to be -- The Electric Acid Kool-aid Test??????
*Deep Breath*
Anyway, of course the local TV station intervewed Woody. I really can't recall much of the specifics of what he said, it was pretty much standard fare for your more ecologically radical leftist personae. Nothing new, and nothing very well aerticulated. What struck myself and the Feared Redhead was just how appropriate it was that the news mentioned that Harrelson is a big proponent of the use of hemp, since it seemed apparent from his slurred speech and disjointed sentence structure that he's definitely practicing what he preaches.
Kesey would be proud.
Secondly, thanks for the memory to Debbie Schlussel via John Kerry for President? You Must Be Joking:
Apparently, in a recent interview with a French publication (go figure), Nobel Laureate Patrick Swayze was using his clout as an expert on Middle East affairs to criticize President Bush's handling of Iraq. Swayze's credentials?
“I know a great deal about the Middle East because I’ve been raising Arabian horses,” he said.
No, I'm not kidding. I wish I was.
Schlussel really delivers some zingers:
"Does consuming wontons at a Chinese restaurant make you an expert on Sino-American relations?
Patrick Swayze thinks so."
"Swayze’s just like every other annoying, liberal Hollywood airhead who thinks they understand the Middle East because, like Swayze, they raise Arabian horses, ate falafel once, or bought a Moroccan necklace at Kitson. They “understand” and sympathize with those who hate us because, after all, they once used an Arabic waterpipe instead of a bong to get high.
Swayze, a pan-Arabist, encompasses the “I’m not a doctor but I play one on TV” ethos."
Usually I get annoyed when celebrities pull this. But given what a has-been Swayze is, I'm more inclined to just find the thing sadly amusing.
First, Woody Harrelson was here in Eugene to promote his new film "Go Further", a paean to Ken Kesey (a local native and neo-hippie saint) and his Merry Pranksters. Let's not get me started on the fact that Eugene has seen fit to erect a statue of Kesey downtown, depicting him reading a book to two young children. Too late, I'm started. What the hell is the book in Kesey's hand supposed to be -- The Electric Acid Kool-aid Test??????
*Deep Breath*
Anyway, of course the local TV station intervewed Woody. I really can't recall much of the specifics of what he said, it was pretty much standard fare for your more ecologically radical leftist personae. Nothing new, and nothing very well aerticulated. What struck myself and the Feared Redhead was just how appropriate it was that the news mentioned that Harrelson is a big proponent of the use of hemp, since it seemed apparent from his slurred speech and disjointed sentence structure that he's definitely practicing what he preaches.
Kesey would be proud.
Secondly, thanks for the memory to Debbie Schlussel via John Kerry for President? You Must Be Joking:
Apparently, in a recent interview with a French publication (go figure), Nobel Laureate Patrick Swayze was using his clout as an expert on Middle East affairs to criticize President Bush's handling of Iraq. Swayze's credentials?
“I know a great deal about the Middle East because I’ve been raising Arabian horses,” he said.
No, I'm not kidding. I wish I was.
Schlussel really delivers some zingers:
"Does consuming wontons at a Chinese restaurant make you an expert on Sino-American relations?
Patrick Swayze thinks so."
"Swayze’s just like every other annoying, liberal Hollywood airhead who thinks they understand the Middle East because, like Swayze, they raise Arabian horses, ate falafel once, or bought a Moroccan necklace at Kitson. They “understand” and sympathize with those who hate us because, after all, they once used an Arabic waterpipe instead of a bong to get high.
Swayze, a pan-Arabist, encompasses the “I’m not a doctor but I play one on TV” ethos."
Usually I get annoyed when celebrities pull this. But given what a has-been Swayze is, I'm more inclined to just find the thing sadly amusing.
Hope for the Future
Thanks for the Memory to Blogs for Bush:
The above link to B4B is to an essay in their "Thank you President Bush" thread written by Ian Schwartz. It's a very well-written and heartwarming essay.
What's most heartening is the first line of the essay:
I am a 16 year old attending a Catholic High School in Baltimore, Maryland.
Sixteen freaking years old and he's already showing more political astuteness and more eloquence than many people twice his age.
Oh, and he has his own blog.
If this is the caliber of young person coming through the pipes right now, I am suddenly a little less nervous about the odds of my retirement years being spent in a free country.
The above link to B4B is to an essay in their "Thank you President Bush" thread written by Ian Schwartz. It's a very well-written and heartwarming essay.
What's most heartening is the first line of the essay:
I am a 16 year old attending a Catholic High School in Baltimore, Maryland.
Sixteen freaking years old and he's already showing more political astuteness and more eloquence than many people twice his age.
Oh, and he has his own blog.
If this is the caliber of young person coming through the pipes right now, I am suddenly a little less nervous about the odds of my retirement years being spent in a free country.
Just in Time for Halloween:
Skeletons in Lurch's Closet
Update:
Thanks for the Memory to the Jawa Report:
The Swifties are releasing their info tomorrow:
STOP THE MADNESS- LEARN THE TRUTH
MARCH ON WASHINGTON
TO STOP JOHN KERRY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2004
1 PM * Naval Archives
2 PM STEPS OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Join the thousands of veterans, active duty
and every day warriors in a
MARCH FOR TRUTH
(Original Post, 1:46 PM PDT, October 29, 2004):
Thanks for the Memory to Blogfather Rusty at the Jawa Report. He's following rumors that the Swift Boat Vets are about to release a final "October Surprise", and promises an update as the news breaks.
In the meantime he links to a Bullpen interview with Swiftie supporter Troy Jenkins regarding coordination between the VC and anti-Vietnam Protest Literature, particularly that associated with VVAW (guess who?). Very interesting stuff.
I really have tried to avoid saying much about Kerry's service record, since I'm not a vet. But this also has to do with activities after his enlistment, and with his overall fitness to command the defense of a nation he may have betrayed. Even without the myriad of issues on which I disagree with the senator. this is enough in my eyes to disqualify him as POTUS.
Update:
Thanks for the Memory to the Jawa Report:
The Swifties are releasing their info tomorrow:
STOP THE MADNESS- LEARN THE TRUTH
MARCH ON WASHINGTON
TO STOP JOHN KERRY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2004
1 PM * Naval Archives
2 PM STEPS OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Join the thousands of veterans, active duty
and every day warriors in a
MARCH FOR TRUTH
(Original Post, 1:46 PM PDT, October 29, 2004):
Thanks for the Memory to Blogfather Rusty at the Jawa Report. He's following rumors that the Swift Boat Vets are about to release a final "October Surprise", and promises an update as the news breaks.
In the meantime he links to a Bullpen interview with Swiftie supporter Troy Jenkins regarding coordination between the VC and anti-Vietnam Protest Literature, particularly that associated with VVAW (guess who?). Very interesting stuff.
I really have tried to avoid saying much about Kerry's service record, since I'm not a vet. But this also has to do with activities after his enlistment, and with his overall fitness to command the defense of a nation he may have betrayed. Even without the myriad of issues on which I disagree with the senator. this is enough in my eyes to disqualify him as POTUS.
Stampede!
Today was a typical blustery, windy, often rainy Oregon day. Very typical for this time of year here. But something caught my eye at one point as it was windy but not rainy.
the street in front of our house runs in the same direction as the wind happened to be blowing at that moment. As the empty street suddenly filled with a wave of fall leaves, all rolling and tumbling and jostling each other down the street, and then gone, it reminded me of an old western movie where the cattle drive comes to town. Yup, pardner, it wasright out of "The Cowboys", and I expected to see John Wayne's ghost following the leaves down the street on a horse, whistling and yelling "Heeyah!" as he rode. Maybe, just maybe, I did.
the street in front of our house runs in the same direction as the wind happened to be blowing at that moment. As the empty street suddenly filled with a wave of fall leaves, all rolling and tumbling and jostling each other down the street, and then gone, it reminded me of an old western movie where the cattle drive comes to town. Yup, pardner, it wasright out of "The Cowboys", and I expected to see John Wayne's ghost following the leaves down the street on a horse, whistling and yelling "Heeyah!" as he rode. Maybe, just maybe, I did.
Friday, October 29, 2004
He'd Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Now that the shouting is over and everyone has had a chance to either gloat or tell people to shut up already about the curse, I thought I'd finally blog about the World Series.
As I've sai in comments elsewhere, if you're a baseball fan, and not a Yankees or Cards fan, you HAD to be happy with the outcome of this series. This was baseball history. I grew up a baseball fan, and to a lesser extent, a fan of the red sox. no, they weren't my team, but they were the only AL team I'd root for. ee, for me, it's about the game.
My father instilled in me a love of baseball. He started perhaps, for his own mental health, a bit too early -- a mistake I plan to repeat. When I was but 4 or 5, he would take me to Eugene Emeralds games. They were back then a Phillies farm team. He had seasons tickets.
By the middle of the second, I'd be ready for pop, candy, and popcorn. He'd trek to the concessions stand, sacrifice a half an inning getting me treats. By the end of the fourth I was ready to go home. The fact that I was never abused as a child is a testament to my father's longsuffering.
As was the fact that he perservered, and eventually won me over. He coached my sister's little league softball team. He announced my high school's games. He weatched games with me on TV, and when we could go, he especially loved watching the game in person. Not being athletic, I never played, but he taught me to watch. He taught me that there was more to see than the battery. He taught me the subtle nuances of fielder positioning based on inning, score, runners, hitter, and count.
In baseball, and in life, my father was teacher, supporter, example, and especially, friend. In fact he was my best friend. As close as my other dear friends are, none has ever been the source of love, acceptance, and support htat my father was. In July of 2001, I stepped into his RV to find him dead. It was the worst day of my life.
So there I sat all this past week, watching the Boston Red sox win the world Series. God, who thought they'd ever utter those words? I sat there with a pregnant wife, who thanks to my enthusiasm and this Series is now a baseball fan herself, and who carries a future fan. We watched, hearts in mouths, game by game, inning by inning, past all the false alarms raised by the cards, as the Sox strode inexorably towards their goal. Trhilled, wanting to believe our eyes, but not trusting our hearts, for fear they'd break if it wasn't true. and then it happened. A short hopper to the mound, a cautious pitcher carrying the ball halfway to first to avoid another Bill Buckner moment, an underhanded toss, and it was over. The words generations of Red sox fans, hell, BASEBALL fans, have waited so long to utter: The Red Sox are World Champions!
And then it dawned on me. My father never ever in his life saw the Red Sox win the Series. And as much as he loved this sport, he dearly would have loved this week. As much as I love my wife, the one person in this world I wanted to be there wasn't. Not over the phone, not in the same room. And so, for a moment, the joy was tempered with sadness, and yes, I admit shedding tears. But they did not drown out the joy. I continued to celebrate, but now I celebrate for my father too. He would have been cheering just as loudly.
As I've sai in comments elsewhere, if you're a baseball fan, and not a Yankees or Cards fan, you HAD to be happy with the outcome of this series. This was baseball history. I grew up a baseball fan, and to a lesser extent, a fan of the red sox. no, they weren't my team, but they were the only AL team I'd root for. ee, for me, it's about the game.
My father instilled in me a love of baseball. He started perhaps, for his own mental health, a bit too early -- a mistake I plan to repeat. When I was but 4 or 5, he would take me to Eugene Emeralds games. They were back then a Phillies farm team. He had seasons tickets.
By the middle of the second, I'd be ready for pop, candy, and popcorn. He'd trek to the concessions stand, sacrifice a half an inning getting me treats. By the end of the fourth I was ready to go home. The fact that I was never abused as a child is a testament to my father's longsuffering.
As was the fact that he perservered, and eventually won me over. He coached my sister's little league softball team. He announced my high school's games. He weatched games with me on TV, and when we could go, he especially loved watching the game in person. Not being athletic, I never played, but he taught me to watch. He taught me that there was more to see than the battery. He taught me the subtle nuances of fielder positioning based on inning, score, runners, hitter, and count.
In baseball, and in life, my father was teacher, supporter, example, and especially, friend. In fact he was my best friend. As close as my other dear friends are, none has ever been the source of love, acceptance, and support htat my father was. In July of 2001, I stepped into his RV to find him dead. It was the worst day of my life.
So there I sat all this past week, watching the Boston Red sox win the world Series. God, who thought they'd ever utter those words? I sat there with a pregnant wife, who thanks to my enthusiasm and this Series is now a baseball fan herself, and who carries a future fan. We watched, hearts in mouths, game by game, inning by inning, past all the false alarms raised by the cards, as the Sox strode inexorably towards their goal. Trhilled, wanting to believe our eyes, but not trusting our hearts, for fear they'd break if it wasn't true. and then it happened. A short hopper to the mound, a cautious pitcher carrying the ball halfway to first to avoid another Bill Buckner moment, an underhanded toss, and it was over. The words generations of Red sox fans, hell, BASEBALL fans, have waited so long to utter: The Red Sox are World Champions!
And then it dawned on me. My father never ever in his life saw the Red Sox win the Series. And as much as he loved this sport, he dearly would have loved this week. As much as I love my wife, the one person in this world I wanted to be there wasn't. Not over the phone, not in the same room. And so, for a moment, the joy was tempered with sadness, and yes, I admit shedding tears. But they did not drown out the joy. I continued to celebrate, but now I celebrate for my father too. He would have been cheering just as loudly.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Playing My Ace Card
Thanks for the Memory to Way Off Bass:
Orson Scott Card is one of the best Science Fiction writers currently writing. One of the reasons for this is that he knows his stuff when it comes to Science Fact. The other is that he doesn't let his knowledge get in the way of good storytelling.
Along with being an excellent writer and a highly intelligent man, OSC is also unabashedly libertarian/conservative in his political views, despite being a registered Democrat. Happily for us, he combines all of these qualities by writing as a columnist for a website called the Ornery American. Recently my friend Cameron at Way Off Bass pointed out two very excellent essays by Mr. Card.
The first is called Dumb Science,Kerry's Religion and touches on issues of faith, science, and politics. Very good stuff.
The second, and the one both Cameron and I believe to be the most important of the two, is The Death of Shame. It touches on issues I've highlighted on this blog, namely the willingness of the Left to engage in the very kinds of unethical behavior that they decry in others, and their willingness to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Card expresses the outrage and frustration many of us in the middle and on the right feel over this, far more eloquently than my halting efforts. I encourage you all to go read this essay, before you go to vote, and think about it when you watch the events that unfold in the days leading up to the election.
UPDATE:
Ace of Spades HQ has more information on how the Democrats plan to live up to Card's accusations. If this is true, then one has to ask oneself, what is a higher priority to the Democrats: the good of this country, or their own power? And where does the line between free speech protected dissent and blatant sedition get crossed? They seem intent at BEST to edge as close to it as possible.
Orson Scott Card is one of the best Science Fiction writers currently writing. One of the reasons for this is that he knows his stuff when it comes to Science Fact. The other is that he doesn't let his knowledge get in the way of good storytelling.
Along with being an excellent writer and a highly intelligent man, OSC is also unabashedly libertarian/conservative in his political views, despite being a registered Democrat. Happily for us, he combines all of these qualities by writing as a columnist for a website called the Ornery American. Recently my friend Cameron at Way Off Bass pointed out two very excellent essays by Mr. Card.
The first is called Dumb Science,Kerry's Religion and touches on issues of faith, science, and politics. Very good stuff.
The second, and the one both Cameron and I believe to be the most important of the two, is The Death of Shame. It touches on issues I've highlighted on this blog, namely the willingness of the Left to engage in the very kinds of unethical behavior that they decry in others, and their willingness to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Card expresses the outrage and frustration many of us in the middle and on the right feel over this, far more eloquently than my halting efforts. I encourage you all to go read this essay, before you go to vote, and think about it when you watch the events that unfold in the days leading up to the election.
UPDATE:
Ace of Spades HQ has more information on how the Democrats plan to live up to Card's accusations. If this is true, then one has to ask oneself, what is a higher priority to the Democrats: the good of this country, or their own power? And where does the line between free speech protected dissent and blatant sedition get crossed? They seem intent at BEST to edge as close to it as possible.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Gut Check Time
Thanks for the Memory to Drudge via Vultures Row:
Update:
Blogs for Bush links to the Drudge Article, and also has related news.
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX WED OCT 27, 2004 12:42:01 ET XXXXX
ABCNEWS HOLDS TERROR WARNING TAPE
**Exclusive**
In the last week before the election, ABCNEWS is holding a videotaped message from a purported al Qaeda terrorist warning of a new attack on America, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
The terrorist claims on tape the next attack will dwarf 9/11. "The streets will run with blood," and "America will mourn in silence" because they will be unable to count the number of the dead. Further claims: America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda.
You can read the rest over at Drudge.
Well, the terrorists can't make it any blunter, can they? They hate George Bush, they want anyone but Bush in office. So what do they do? They try to pull a Spain on us, and blackmail us into defeating Bush.
Just to note, for once I have some respect for the MSM. According to Drudge, "ABCNEWS strongly denies holding the tape back from broadcast over political concerns during the last days of the election." Whatever their reasons for holding back the tape, they were right to do so. If they planned on airing it prior to 11/02, I retract my respect. Airing the tape rpior to the election does exactly what the Terrorists wanted -- offers us an ultimatum.
So what's it going to be, America? Do we cave in, and show the terrorists that all they have to do is threaten us, and we'll give in to their demands, or do we grow a spine and tell them where to shove it? It's gut check time. Are we Free men, or are we serfs to the demands of murderous mullahs?
My response? Well, I'll borrow from a far more praiseworthy American:
I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
Update:
Blogs for Bush links to the Drudge Article, and also has related news.
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX WED OCT 27, 2004 12:42:01 ET XXXXX
ABCNEWS HOLDS TERROR WARNING TAPE
**Exclusive**
In the last week before the election, ABCNEWS is holding a videotaped message from a purported al Qaeda terrorist warning of a new attack on America, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
The terrorist claims on tape the next attack will dwarf 9/11. "The streets will run with blood," and "America will mourn in silence" because they will be unable to count the number of the dead. Further claims: America has brought this on itself for electing George Bush who has made war on Islam by destroying the Taliban and making war on Al Qaeda.
You can read the rest over at Drudge.
Well, the terrorists can't make it any blunter, can they? They hate George Bush, they want anyone but Bush in office. So what do they do? They try to pull a Spain on us, and blackmail us into defeating Bush.
Just to note, for once I have some respect for the MSM. According to Drudge, "ABCNEWS strongly denies holding the tape back from broadcast over political concerns during the last days of the election." Whatever their reasons for holding back the tape, they were right to do so. If they planned on airing it prior to 11/02, I retract my respect. Airing the tape rpior to the election does exactly what the Terrorists wanted -- offers us an ultimatum.
So what's it going to be, America? Do we cave in, and show the terrorists that all they have to do is threaten us, and we'll give in to their demands, or do we grow a spine and tell them where to shove it? It's gut check time. Are we Free men, or are we serfs to the demands of murderous mullahs?
My response? Well, I'll borrow from a far more praiseworthy American:
I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
Scotland the Brave
Thanks for the Memory to my mom.
According to Britain's Ministry of Defense, 850 British soldiers, mostly from the Black Watch, are joining the party in the Sunni Triangle.
According to the Reuters article, the plan is for the Scots to take over for American troops already there, freeing up the US forces for a major push on Fallujah.
As a military history buff and one with Scottish ancestry, I'm proud of the friendship between the United States and Great Britain, and I wish the Regiment good luck in Iraq. stay safe, lads, and may the terrorists learn from bitter experience just why your enemies nicknamed you the "Ladies from Hell".
According to Britain's Ministry of Defense, 850 British soldiers, mostly from the Black Watch, are joining the party in the Sunni Triangle.
According to the Reuters article, the plan is for the Scots to take over for American troops already there, freeing up the US forces for a major push on Fallujah.
As a military history buff and one with Scottish ancestry, I'm proud of the friendship between the United States and Great Britain, and I wish the Regiment good luck in Iraq. stay safe, lads, and may the terrorists learn from bitter experience just why your enemies nicknamed you the "Ladies from Hell".
Tonight on a Very Special
Blogs for Bush (not Blossom, sorry):
Matt Margolis interviews Richard Miniter, author of "Shadow War."
This is an important interview, good food for thought if you care about the War on Terrorism.
Matt Margolis interviews Richard Miniter, author of "Shadow War."
This is an important interview, good food for thought if you care about the War on Terrorism.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
See? B.S.
Thanks for the Memory to Drudge via Ace of Spades HQ.
I really, honestly thought that my days of blogging on stories in which CBS news combines blatant political partisanship with really lousy journalism techniques was over. Honestly, I did. I figured, heck, they're probably still as partisan as ever, but getting burned as badly as they did on Memogate, they've learned to be a bit more judicious in how they act upon it.
How naive of me.
This time the "Big Story" being touted by CBS is the 350-400 tons of high explosives missing from Iraq. The slant to the story was that this is proof that the US is losing control of Iraq, that we were lax with security, and that the world is in greater danger because we dropped the ball. The Kerry campaign even took advantage of it and criticized the Bush administration for letting this happen.
But there are a couple of issues with the story that CBS conveniently omitted. First of all, the explosives have been missing since April of 2003. They've already been reported on. Secondly, the explosives were already gone by the time the first American troops ever arrived at the munitions dump for the first time during the invasion. They were already gone -- how were we supposed to have guarded them before we were there?
So yeah, that's poor reporting. But assuming it had been a good story, it is newsworthy -- how does that make it partisan?
Well, according to breaking news at Drudge, CBS planned to hold the story until October 31st in order to minimize the response time allowed the Bush camp: Jeff Fager, executive producer of the Sunday edition of 60 MINUTES, said in a statement that "our plan was to run the story on October 31, but it became clear that it wouldn't hold..."
See, the LA Times decided to run the story, and CBS essentially got scooped. They couldn't hold off on the story, so they ran with it.
And now, Ace links to Garfield Ridge, who is reporting that the document that alleges the missing explosives may be fake.
Hmmm.... Dubious documents, incomplete reporting, blatant political machinations.... yup: This is CBS.
I really, honestly thought that my days of blogging on stories in which CBS news combines blatant political partisanship with really lousy journalism techniques was over. Honestly, I did. I figured, heck, they're probably still as partisan as ever, but getting burned as badly as they did on Memogate, they've learned to be a bit more judicious in how they act upon it.
How naive of me.
This time the "Big Story" being touted by CBS is the 350-400 tons of high explosives missing from Iraq. The slant to the story was that this is proof that the US is losing control of Iraq, that we were lax with security, and that the world is in greater danger because we dropped the ball. The Kerry campaign even took advantage of it and criticized the Bush administration for letting this happen.
But there are a couple of issues with the story that CBS conveniently omitted. First of all, the explosives have been missing since April of 2003. They've already been reported on. Secondly, the explosives were already gone by the time the first American troops ever arrived at the munitions dump for the first time during the invasion. They were already gone -- how were we supposed to have guarded them before we were there?
So yeah, that's poor reporting. But assuming it had been a good story, it is newsworthy -- how does that make it partisan?
Well, according to breaking news at Drudge, CBS planned to hold the story until October 31st in order to minimize the response time allowed the Bush camp: Jeff Fager, executive producer of the Sunday edition of 60 MINUTES, said in a statement that "our plan was to run the story on October 31, but it became clear that it wouldn't hold..."
See, the LA Times decided to run the story, and CBS essentially got scooped. They couldn't hold off on the story, so they ran with it.
And now, Ace links to Garfield Ridge, who is reporting that the document that alleges the missing explosives may be fake.
Hmmm.... Dubious documents, incomplete reporting, blatant political machinations.... yup: This is CBS.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Repeating the Cycle
I finally got back on my bike and rode to work this morning. Usually I spend all summer doing it, but this year, I was normally so exhausted in the morning from taking care of the Feared (and hyperemetic) Redhead, I was too pooped to pedal. But one of my bachelor coworkers, who worked with me at the old job and is in training with me at the new, decided to splurge with his first paycheck and buy himself a bike, so I agreed to commute with him. Besides, it's a really good idea -- I want to get in shape so I can live long enough to see the expected little one grow up. So here are the stats from our first morning:
Distance: 4.4 miles
Average Speed: 10.5 mph
Time of Ride: 25 minutes 43 seconds
I am now officially out of shape. But it's a start. the challenge will be buying theright gear to stay dry and warm once winter really arrives. I'm still a little numb, but I'm glad I did it. Biking is the one form of exercize I actually enjoy.
Distance: 4.4 miles
Average Speed: 10.5 mph
Time of Ride: 25 minutes 43 seconds
I am now officially out of shape. But it's a start. the challenge will be buying theright gear to stay dry and warm once winter really arrives. I'm still a little numb, but I'm glad I did it. Biking is the one form of exercize I actually enjoy.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Winging It
So I dropped the Feared Redhead off at work this morning, and as the car door opened, I heard what has become for me the definitive sound of fall, and had to blog on it. It's a sound I grew up with, but went without for 12 years living in San Diego. Then I moved back to Oregon, and that first fall back, the sound came to my ears again and I realized you could experience 12 years of longing in the same instant that you experience its fulfillment. What is this magical sound, you ask? Why, of course, it's the honkers. The Canadian Geese are on the move.
Every fall they migrate south, every spring the migrate north. Here in Oregon, it stays warm enough yet never gets too hot for a few to stay year round, or to linger later than the majority of their brethren, but for the most part, the seasons of change bring the sound of huge flights of them all engaging in an avian call-and-response chorus as they wing their way urgently overhead. It's a paradoxical sound, one that is both melodious and cacaphonous, sad and joyful. In the same voice it speaks of the wistfull farewell to summer and to green northern climes, and the enthusiastic expectation of sunny lands to the south. And it is, as I have said, the sound of fall. The wind that brings the geeses wings brings also a hint of chill.
Fall is the time of such paradoxes, a time of trade-offs. Gone are the bright summer days with their seemingly endless sunshine, here instead is the crisp air and the clean smell of rain. Gone is the ubiquitous warmth that mocks the need for excess clothing, here instead is an excuse to nestle in as close to your lover as you can. Here in Oregon, our falls are not as spectacular as back east, because the deciduous trees do not have the same monopoly. In exchange, we are comforted by the knowledge that once the leaves have fallen, it will still be green. The flowers are gone, but the harvest is in. And while we may not be able to enjoy as many outdoor activities as we did over the summer, there is a whole new set of things to do. It's not as liberating a season, but it is much cozier.
And so when I finish here today and step back outside, I'll listen again for the sound of the honkers, and I'll wave them a farewell for the winter. I'll still be here when they come back in the spring.
Every fall they migrate south, every spring the migrate north. Here in Oregon, it stays warm enough yet never gets too hot for a few to stay year round, or to linger later than the majority of their brethren, but for the most part, the seasons of change bring the sound of huge flights of them all engaging in an avian call-and-response chorus as they wing their way urgently overhead. It's a paradoxical sound, one that is both melodious and cacaphonous, sad and joyful. In the same voice it speaks of the wistfull farewell to summer and to green northern climes, and the enthusiastic expectation of sunny lands to the south. And it is, as I have said, the sound of fall. The wind that brings the geeses wings brings also a hint of chill.
Fall is the time of such paradoxes, a time of trade-offs. Gone are the bright summer days with their seemingly endless sunshine, here instead is the crisp air and the clean smell of rain. Gone is the ubiquitous warmth that mocks the need for excess clothing, here instead is an excuse to nestle in as close to your lover as you can. Here in Oregon, our falls are not as spectacular as back east, because the deciduous trees do not have the same monopoly. In exchange, we are comforted by the knowledge that once the leaves have fallen, it will still be green. The flowers are gone, but the harvest is in. And while we may not be able to enjoy as many outdoor activities as we did over the summer, there is a whole new set of things to do. It's not as liberating a season, but it is much cozier.
And so when I finish here today and step back outside, I'll listen again for the sound of the honkers, and I'll wave them a farewell for the winter. I'll still be here when they come back in the spring.
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