Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
I Don't Tan, I Rust
A tip of the toque to Troutdale Councilor Canfield:
You are 100% Oregon
Congratulations! You are a native Oregonian. Pick up your honorary singing salmon plaque at City Hall.
How Oregon are you?
Quizzes for MySpace
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Self Evident
In celebration of the Glorious Fourth, I had considered reposting this entry, in which I explain why I believe the Declaration of Independence is a more central document for informing my political beliefs than the Constitution.
Instead, I decided to just post it here and let it speak for itself:
Happy Independence Day, America.
Instead, I decided to just post it here and let it speak for itself:
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Happy Independence Day, America.
How Much Greenhouse Carbon is Emitted by Burning Heretics at the Stake?
A tip of the toque to non-blogging buddy Lurch, who sent me a link to this speech by Michael Crichton. In it, Crichton takes to task the "consensus" argument that is used so widely to justify Global Warming alarmism. It's chilling stuff (pun intended), but a must read. The money quote, in my opinion:
Indeed. But that really is what we're coming to.
Of course, any scientist can be charged as Galileo was charged. I just never thought I'd see the Scientific American in the role of mother church.
Indeed. But that really is what we're coming to.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Musical Geography Trivia Question of the Day
If the seagulls were wheeling high above the wall, what thing made what noise in what place?
We Have No Winner
Wow. For the first time ever, I've posted a Musical Geography Trivia Question that NO ONE has answered, in over two weeks.
So, without further ado:
1. Portland, Oregon
2. Sloe Gin Fizz.
3. If that ain't love, then tell me what is.
So, without further ado:
1. Portland, Oregon
2. Sloe Gin Fizz.
3. If that ain't love, then tell me what is.
Monday, July 02, 2007
R.I.P.
Beverly Sills, 1929-2007.
I remember watching and enjoying her on the Muppet Show as a kid. She made opera enjoyable, and entertaining, without cheapening it. In many ways she reminded me of Julia Child -- a sharp mind, a humble graciousness, and blazingly gifted. She will be missed.
I remember watching and enjoying her on the Muppet Show as a kid. She made opera enjoyable, and entertaining, without cheapening it. In many ways she reminded me of Julia Child -- a sharp mind, a humble graciousness, and blazingly gifted. She will be missed.
All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight
A tip of the toque to Ken at It Comes in Pints?
| what redneck are you? Your Result: hank Jr a bottle of jack and a few rowdy friends is your life. you like country music and just hanging around. you know what its like to be laid up here in a country state of mind | |
| ted nugent | |
| david allen coe | |
| hillary clinton | |
| what redneck are you? Make a Quiz | |
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rolling in the Dough
Literally for now, hopefully figuratively soon.
Sorry I haven't been posting much, but I got busy again, and with good reason/news:
As of Sunday, I stopped workingin the dish pit at El Vaquero. Instead, as of Monday, I started trainingto take over the pastry station. I'm fed to the wolves this coming Tuesday.
Sorry I haven't been posting much, but I got busy again, and with good reason/news:
As of Sunday, I stopped workingin the dish pit at El Vaquero. Instead, as of Monday, I started trainingto take over the pastry station. I'm fed to the wolves this coming Tuesday.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Bastard
His child AND the mother.
I was in tears when I found out, even though I expected this. My heart goes out to her and her family. I hope he fries.
I was in tears when I found out, even though I expected this. My heart goes out to her and her family. I hope he fries.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Look at the BONES, Man!
What picture from Monty Python and the Holy Grail are you? |
 You get the "Tim the Enchanter" picture. The almighty Tim, who can conjure up fire without the use of flint or tinder! "There are some who call me...TIM." "Death awaits you all with nasty, pointy teeth!" Take this quiz!  Quizilla Join Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code |
Saturday, June 16, 2007
So Very Wrong
A tip of the toque to Ken at It Comes in Pints?
"Baby Got Back" as interpreted by Gilbert and Sullivan
Ok, also so very funny... but STILL WRONG!
What's next, a George M. Cohen rendition of "Walk This Way?
"Baby Got Back" as interpreted by Gilbert and Sullivan
Ok, also so very funny... but STILL WRONG!
What's next, a George M. Cohen rendition of "Walk This Way?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Musical Geography Question of the Day
If you lost your heart and it didn't take no time, but that ain't all, you lost your mind:
1. Where were you?
2. What were you drinking?
3. What is that?
1. Where were you?
2. What were you drinking?
3. What is that?
No Matter What You Think of Reality TV...
If this doesn't move you, your heart is as cold and hard as the iceberg that sunk the titanic.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Musical Geography Trivia Question of the Day
If you huff and puff and you fin'ly save enough money up to take your family on a trip across the sea, where do you go?
Finally
I just got out of my final exam for my Cooking Theories/Baking class. In 90 minutes we have deep hurting cleaning of the bake shop and the Renaissance Room (our student-run restaurant), and I have one take home final in Writing, but it's gonna be a snap -- for the most part, the term is over, and I'm no longer a First Year student. Yay! Words can't describe how excited, relieved, and exhausted I am.
Some irony though:
I've hated this term... well, not hated it -- I've enjoyed the Ren Room, but the bake shop has really been a challenge. I am less passionate about and less confident in myself while baking than any other type of cooking, and while I did learn the basic skills, this term did little to change my perspective on baking. Or so I thought. Last night I found myself taking a chance I never would have dreamed of before this term.
During the evening shift at work, I overheard the chef talking to the head waitress. He was telling her which desserts were 86'ed, and it was most of them. Apparently, the pastry chef doesn't work weekends, and so on Sunday they're pretty low on options.
I had already spoken with the chef, and let him know that now that school's out, I need more hours. He's doing his best to find me shifts that don't conflict with our ability to acquire daycare for The Lad. So when he came over to the dishpit to discuss it with me further, I broached the subject: "I overheard you talking, and understand you don't have a Sunday pastry chef?"
"No, I don't"
"You know, I spent the last two months in the bake shop at school."
"I know. It's a possibility. We'll see what happens."
So there it is. I may end up wearing a pastry chef's hat at least one day a week. And the weird part is, it kind of excites me.
Hopefully I'll be posting more often now that school is out. I do rather miss blogging regularly.
Some irony though:
I've hated this term... well, not hated it -- I've enjoyed the Ren Room, but the bake shop has really been a challenge. I am less passionate about and less confident in myself while baking than any other type of cooking, and while I did learn the basic skills, this term did little to change my perspective on baking. Or so I thought. Last night I found myself taking a chance I never would have dreamed of before this term.
During the evening shift at work, I overheard the chef talking to the head waitress. He was telling her which desserts were 86'ed, and it was most of them. Apparently, the pastry chef doesn't work weekends, and so on Sunday they're pretty low on options.
I had already spoken with the chef, and let him know that now that school's out, I need more hours. He's doing his best to find me shifts that don't conflict with our ability to acquire daycare for The Lad. So when he came over to the dishpit to discuss it with me further, I broached the subject: "I overheard you talking, and understand you don't have a Sunday pastry chef?"
"No, I don't"
"You know, I spent the last two months in the bake shop at school."
"I know. It's a possibility. We'll see what happens."
So there it is. I may end up wearing a pastry chef's hat at least one day a week. And the weird part is, it kind of excites me.
Hopefully I'll be posting more often now that school is out. I do rather miss blogging regularly.
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