When teachers begin to attack the base
Of their own culture, its ideas and traditions,
Beyond mere criticism to full assault,
Poisoning its art with lethal theory
And deconstructing its literature, religion and history
In the light of an immaculate, elite morality
Born of the utter denial of its own darkness,
One could argue that the end is in sight:
What culture can survive such self-rejection
From the ranks of its tutors, curators and professors,
Teaching students to despise their own culture?
And I, for one, will grieve deeply
At the coming loss of the Western world,
Now hissing in the acid of its own self-loathing.
We shudder in shame at our founding fathers,
And once where we celebrated our common-wealth
We mourn the vision of our forebears' genocide,
Believing our foundations were laid in crime.
Colonial nations have no right to be
Proud or successful through the losses of others,
And thus implicitly forfeit their right
To exist. So be it. Let us curse our culture
As criminal and reap the punishment we deserve:
Enervation, corruption, dissipation, despair.
But as they say, every downside has an up.
And although I know it will improve nothing -
Once our criminal culture has been crippled
By its own self-holy hatred of its past
And the resulting power-vacuum filled
By the new-world's next colonising empire -
It will at least be quite diverting to see
The post-enlightened professors who hate
Religion, ritual, tradition and everything
Else about the West, cowered and kneeling
Under rifles towards Mecca, and the gender feminists,
After years of shrieking at the Western Patriarchy
For all its anxiety-inducing freedoms,
Happily barefoot in shawls and burkhas,
Content and relieved once more to be told
To shut-up and get back to the kitchen.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time is Running out for Dumbfuck career politicians
In many and varied ways, Americans are tapping out the international distress signal to each other since Washington, D.C. isn't listening.
To all except the most zealous supporters of the Democratic Party, the intentions of the party in power have become clear in less than a year. It's also clear that there's not much we citizens can do about it until the 2010 elections. For now, we hunker down and watch the train wreck in slow motion. This is not defeatism. For now, it's reality.
Meanwhile, the noise surrounding the decline of the U.S. economy has taken on a contradictory surrealism of sorts. On the flip side, Law & Order actor Sam Waterston, a certified liberal, narrates a financial firms TV ad wherein he suggests that the recession is showing signs of being over. He mentions "green shoots" and hints that now's the time to jump back into the market. Of course, it's all qualified with maybes and could Be's. Most of us are not seeing short shoots by a long shot.
The president has recently declared himself concerned about the federal deficit. It rings as hollow as if Willie Sutton had said, "I've stopped robbing banks, even though I know that's where the money is and I still like saying 'stick em' up.'" The national debt will climb boldly through the foreseeable future. It's no longer the elephant in the room. It is the room.
Meanwhile, to divert our attention, NYC will pitch the big tent that's host a three-ring international show trial. The media circus will keep people entertained for months while the dollar shrinks and inflation stirs. It will be a perversion of Bob Hope's honorable gift to the U.S. military across many holidays and continents: Use a show to take their minds off the war.
Those Americans who align themselves with the GOP have watched their elected officials awaken to the warning signs many of us saw back during the election. Now Senator Lindsey Graham offers sound-bite criticism in his questioning of Attorney General Eric Holder, a man he once voted to confirm. Graham thinks the NYC terrorist trial is a bad idea. Like Detective John McClane, who in the movie Die Hard finally manages to alert the police to a hostage situation by dropping a terrorist's body on a patrol car from several stories up, our message to Graham is "Welcome to the party, pal." His friend John McCain, who wouldn't use candidate Obama's middle name during the campaign, is now so bold as to say the s-word: socialism. Welcome to the party, John.
In many and varied voices, Americans tapped out their S.O.S. to Democrat politicians at town hall meetings during the summer recess. Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) is the poster-boy for the overall discounting of constituents' opinions. We've written letters, waved homemade signs, phoned congressional offices, and gathered in large groups. But the train slows not.
Fact is, all that remains for the wreck to begin is for Democrats to make peace with each other, since they've had all the votes they need for a year. It's just a matter of lining them up with the proper promises, threats, and payoffs. Persuasion, Chicago-style.
Most of us probably have a friend or two who explained his or her pending vote for Obama by offering assurances that Obama would move to the center if elected and govern in bipartisan cooperation with a Republican Congress. That analysis looks silly and naïve in retrospect.
So it's neither to Republican nor Democrat politicians that many Americans are tapping out their S.O.S. We're messaging each other. Occasionally, even complete strangers. The angst felt by many for the future of the country, and for some the future that awaits children and grandchildren, grows daily. There are fewer jokes on the street about Obama than there were about Bush. For many of us, none of this has a humorous edge to it. Satire, occasionally. But humor, so little now as to be none.
Now that Joe Biden's caravans have gone to running over people and things, already killing one, it's even hard to find much that's funny about the guy assigned to ride herd on the impact of the stimulus bill. It's an impact now being felt in jobs saved and jobs created within imaginary congressional districts. Forrest Gump would be ashamed of the accounting.
It's clear that the clowns are in charge, and they're quickly giving away the circus.
So we're messaging each other, tapping out . . . _ _ _ . . . to the like-minded, regardless of any political party proclivity, any status in life or community, any vocation, any color, anything. Their name is Legion, for there are many of them. And their numbers are growing.
This should alarm the career politicians of both parties, for it makes their future much less predictable.
To all except the most zealous supporters of the Democratic Party, the intentions of the party in power have become clear in less than a year. It's also clear that there's not much we citizens can do about it until the 2010 elections. For now, we hunker down and watch the train wreck in slow motion. This is not defeatism. For now, it's reality.
Meanwhile, the noise surrounding the decline of the U.S. economy has taken on a contradictory surrealism of sorts. On the flip side, Law & Order actor Sam Waterston, a certified liberal, narrates a financial firms TV ad wherein he suggests that the recession is showing signs of being over. He mentions "green shoots" and hints that now's the time to jump back into the market. Of course, it's all qualified with maybes and could Be's. Most of us are not seeing short shoots by a long shot.
The president has recently declared himself concerned about the federal deficit. It rings as hollow as if Willie Sutton had said, "I've stopped robbing banks, even though I know that's where the money is and I still like saying 'stick em' up.'" The national debt will climb boldly through the foreseeable future. It's no longer the elephant in the room. It is the room.
Meanwhile, to divert our attention, NYC will pitch the big tent that's host a three-ring international show trial. The media circus will keep people entertained for months while the dollar shrinks and inflation stirs. It will be a perversion of Bob Hope's honorable gift to the U.S. military across many holidays and continents: Use a show to take their minds off the war.
Those Americans who align themselves with the GOP have watched their elected officials awaken to the warning signs many of us saw back during the election. Now Senator Lindsey Graham offers sound-bite criticism in his questioning of Attorney General Eric Holder, a man he once voted to confirm. Graham thinks the NYC terrorist trial is a bad idea. Like Detective John McClane, who in the movie Die Hard finally manages to alert the police to a hostage situation by dropping a terrorist's body on a patrol car from several stories up, our message to Graham is "Welcome to the party, pal." His friend John McCain, who wouldn't use candidate Obama's middle name during the campaign, is now so bold as to say the s-word: socialism. Welcome to the party, John.
In many and varied voices, Americans tapped out their S.O.S. to Democrat politicians at town hall meetings during the summer recess. Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) is the poster-boy for the overall discounting of constituents' opinions. We've written letters, waved homemade signs, phoned congressional offices, and gathered in large groups. But the train slows not.
Fact is, all that remains for the wreck to begin is for Democrats to make peace with each other, since they've had all the votes they need for a year. It's just a matter of lining them up with the proper promises, threats, and payoffs. Persuasion, Chicago-style.
Most of us probably have a friend or two who explained his or her pending vote for Obama by offering assurances that Obama would move to the center if elected and govern in bipartisan cooperation with a Republican Congress. That analysis looks silly and naïve in retrospect.
So it's neither to Republican nor Democrat politicians that many Americans are tapping out their S.O.S. We're messaging each other. Occasionally, even complete strangers. The angst felt by many for the future of the country, and for some the future that awaits children and grandchildren, grows daily. There are fewer jokes on the street about Obama than there were about Bush. For many of us, none of this has a humorous edge to it. Satire, occasionally. But humor, so little now as to be none.
Now that Joe Biden's caravans have gone to running over people and things, already killing one, it's even hard to find much that's funny about the guy assigned to ride herd on the impact of the stimulus bill. It's an impact now being felt in jobs saved and jobs created within imaginary congressional districts. Forrest Gump would be ashamed of the accounting.
It's clear that the clowns are in charge, and they're quickly giving away the circus.
So we're messaging each other, tapping out . . . _ _ _ . . . to the like-minded, regardless of any political party proclivity, any status in life or community, any vocation, any color, anything. Their name is Legion, for there are many of them. And their numbers are growing.
This should alarm the career politicians of both parties, for it makes their future much less predictable.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Should Lebron Give Up the Number 23
In what could be the sneaker marketing move of the century, LeBron James announced in a post-game interview last night that to honor Michael Jordan, he’ll not wear the same jersey number.
Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, hung Michael Jordan’s 23 jersey in the Heat’s arena, paying tribute to a player who never even played for them. Riley contends that Jordan is hands down the best player ever and that his jersey should be hung league-wide. James, whose Cavs beat the Heat last night, maintains the same theory, saying that no player should wear 23, and the league should retire Jordan’s jersey, a la the Jackie Robinson treatment. In the same interview, he said he planned to wear 6 next year, which he wore in the Olympics in 2008, and to start a petition saying that no player should ever wear 23 again.
The show of respect by LeBron is not only humbling, but it has very interesting marketing implications for Nike, LeBron and Jordan Brand. In this Sneaker Synopsis, we look at the possible inspirations and outcomes of the move to the number 6.
You’ll recall that in 2007, Kobe Bryant wore a new number without switching teams. His change to 24 from 8 had numerous explanations. A very popular explanation is that the move to 24 was meant to one-up MJ’s 23. Consider the possibility that this is true and it puts a very new spin on the Kobe vs. LeBron battle that dominates NBA talk–Kobe competes while LeBron gives tribute.
Is LeBron looking to pay tribute to MJ only, or to further separate himself, as a player, in the span of history? Any player who has ever worn 23 has drawn comparisons to the great one, coming up short every time. With all his potential, could LeBron ever really be content with being remembered as “the other 23?”
Reasons for the switch to the number 6 vary. From an on-court perspective, LeBron reached his here-in peak in 2008, when he won a gold medal with Team USA in the number 6 uniform. But the number is more than just related to his own performances–”My second-favorite player was Julius Erving, and he wore No. 6,” James said. “I wore 32 in high school because Dr. J wore it at first. My first child was born on Oct. 6, it’s my Olympic number, my second child was born in June.” It’s clear that the reasons for the number 6 are numerous, but it is impossible to assume that Nike, marketing and the LBJ brand don’t play some part in this.
If LeBron changes numbers, a new logo will have to be created to replace the LJ23 Crown logo currently used. Associated branding must also be changes on all goods, which are multi-million dollar products for Nike and James. A new logo and number means LBJ fans “have to” replace their old gear.
It also means a new marketing approach for King James. With Kobe’s signature line expanding, and the recent acquisition of D-Wade by Jordan, things are getting crowded at the top. From a marketing perspective, Nike must appropriately place all of its stars along a pricing scale. Clearly, LeBron is at the top, with Kobe trailing closely and Kevin Durant further down. With a load of Wade marketing expected for Jordan Brand this year and his approaching first signature silhouette, a number change for LeBron is a great reason to “reintroduce” one of the most marketable players ever and re-saturate the airwaves with a new campaign.
The number change seemingly arose out of thin air last night, but carries major implications. Also, consider that we don’t even know where LeBron will be playing. A potential new team means there could be even more reasons to buy new gear. Stay tuned for more updates though March, when the deadline for a jersey number change is due to the NBA.
Marketing move or genuine MJ tribute? As much talk as there has been about LeBron to NY, perhaps there will be some new chatter about LeBron teaming up with D Wade in MIA? What do you feel are the reasons LeBron will or will not switch numbers for 2010 and on?
Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, hung Michael Jordan’s 23 jersey in the Heat’s arena, paying tribute to a player who never even played for them. Riley contends that Jordan is hands down the best player ever and that his jersey should be hung league-wide. James, whose Cavs beat the Heat last night, maintains the same theory, saying that no player should wear 23, and the league should retire Jordan’s jersey, a la the Jackie Robinson treatment. In the same interview, he said he planned to wear 6 next year, which he wore in the Olympics in 2008, and to start a petition saying that no player should ever wear 23 again.
The show of respect by LeBron is not only humbling, but it has very interesting marketing implications for Nike, LeBron and Jordan Brand. In this Sneaker Synopsis, we look at the possible inspirations and outcomes of the move to the number 6.
You’ll recall that in 2007, Kobe Bryant wore a new number without switching teams. His change to 24 from 8 had numerous explanations. A very popular explanation is that the move to 24 was meant to one-up MJ’s 23. Consider the possibility that this is true and it puts a very new spin on the Kobe vs. LeBron battle that dominates NBA talk–Kobe competes while LeBron gives tribute.
Is LeBron looking to pay tribute to MJ only, or to further separate himself, as a player, in the span of history? Any player who has ever worn 23 has drawn comparisons to the great one, coming up short every time. With all his potential, could LeBron ever really be content with being remembered as “the other 23?”
Reasons for the switch to the number 6 vary. From an on-court perspective, LeBron reached his here-in peak in 2008, when he won a gold medal with Team USA in the number 6 uniform. But the number is more than just related to his own performances–”My second-favorite player was Julius Erving, and he wore No. 6,” James said. “I wore 32 in high school because Dr. J wore it at first. My first child was born on Oct. 6, it’s my Olympic number, my second child was born in June.” It’s clear that the reasons for the number 6 are numerous, but it is impossible to assume that Nike, marketing and the LBJ brand don’t play some part in this.
If LeBron changes numbers, a new logo will have to be created to replace the LJ23 Crown logo currently used. Associated branding must also be changes on all goods, which are multi-million dollar products for Nike and James. A new logo and number means LBJ fans “have to” replace their old gear.
It also means a new marketing approach for King James. With Kobe’s signature line expanding, and the recent acquisition of D-Wade by Jordan, things are getting crowded at the top. From a marketing perspective, Nike must appropriately place all of its stars along a pricing scale. Clearly, LeBron is at the top, with Kobe trailing closely and Kevin Durant further down. With a load of Wade marketing expected for Jordan Brand this year and his approaching first signature silhouette, a number change for LeBron is a great reason to “reintroduce” one of the most marketable players ever and re-saturate the airwaves with a new campaign.
The number change seemingly arose out of thin air last night, but carries major implications. Also, consider that we don’t even know where LeBron will be playing. A potential new team means there could be even more reasons to buy new gear. Stay tuned for more updates though March, when the deadline for a jersey number change is due to the NBA.
Marketing move or genuine MJ tribute? As much talk as there has been about LeBron to NY, perhaps there will be some new chatter about LeBron teaming up with D Wade in MIA? What do you feel are the reasons LeBron will or will not switch numbers for 2010 and on?
The Chase (Passion)
For anyone that wants to pursue a passion, do whatever makes you happy. I wasn’t happy, and if you’re not happy in one place it’s going to trickle down to everything else in your life. Make a change, and if you really want to do something different then work on it, figure it out and just try to do it. Owning your own business is going to be the thing of the future. If you can make money off of it then study it and figure it out because in the end, it will be a great payoff.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
LeBron James and the Browns
LeBron James has been spotted on the sideline of many football games over the past year. He has been somewhat of a regular at games featuring the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, could we soon see ‘King James’ trading his fitted cap and sneakers in for a helmet and cleats?
Last night LeBron James, an all-state wide receiver in high school, stated that with time and dedication, he could be a great football player. “If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself to the game of football, I could be really good,” he said Tuesday night, “no matter what team I was on.”
LeBron’s words quickly spread, and one person who caught wind of this was Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini. “I think he should come on down,” Mangini said.
What if James actually played in the NFL? If he played, how would this effect the recent number change discussion
Last night LeBron James, an all-state wide receiver in high school, stated that with time and dedication, he could be a great football player. “If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself to the game of football, I could be really good,” he said Tuesday night, “no matter what team I was on.”
LeBron’s words quickly spread, and one person who caught wind of this was Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini. “I think he should come on down,” Mangini said.
What if James actually played in the NFL? If he played, how would this effect the recent number change discussion
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Death of DeadStocks
Years ago, sneakerheads stored up buried treasure in the form of deadstock (unworn, unboxed) sneakers. Many Jordan collectors and SB enthusiasts alike would put classics on ice in hopes of them accumulating monumental value for resale or the ultimate neck-breaking moment years after their release. Across the world, shoe lovers would spend endless hours searching eBay and forum listings in hopes of finding an unworn pair of their holy grails.
At the height of the deadstock hype, a pair of $100 Air Jordan 3 Retros from 2001 went for as much as $800! Consumption patterns have clearly changed as sought after OG’s are seen going for similar rates to their retro counterparts. In addition, re-sellers are now taking hits by selling them for less than retail. With that said, are the days of deadstock dead?
Blogs- At the turn of the millennium, most closet sneaker heads found fellowship in the form of online sneaker forums. The days of hiding copies of Eastbay and KICKS under ones bed were over with the advent of websites like Nike Talk and ISS. Forums were a great way to discuss kicks with fellow collectors. Conversely, this dialogue created tons of hype and led to a competitive environment for showcasing pick-ups. Sneaker heads would turn to blogs for the most reliable and up-to-date release news. Blogs made it easier to find information by posting news as it released and cutting down on the silly discussion posts that often made it hard to navigate forums. Readers soon became enticed by new releases and quit chasing originals.
At the height of the deadstock hype, a pair of $100 Air Jordan 3 Retros from 2001 went for as much as $800! Consumption patterns have clearly changed as sought after OG’s are seen going for similar rates to their retro counterparts. In addition, re-sellers are now taking hits by selling them for less than retail. With that said, are the days of deadstock dead?
Blogs- At the turn of the millennium, most closet sneaker heads found fellowship in the form of online sneaker forums. The days of hiding copies of Eastbay and KICKS under ones bed were over with the advent of websites like Nike Talk and ISS. Forums were a great way to discuss kicks with fellow collectors. Conversely, this dialogue created tons of hype and led to a competitive environment for showcasing pick-ups. Sneaker heads would turn to blogs for the most reliable and up-to-date release news. Blogs made it easier to find information by posting news as it released and cutting down on the silly discussion posts that often made it hard to navigate forums. Readers soon became enticed by new releases and quit chasing originals.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
New Rule: Stop complaining about health care reform if you're not willing to reform your own health.
New Rule: You can't complain about health care reform if you're not willing to reform your own health. Unlike most liberals, I'm glad all those teabaggers marched on Washington last week. Because judging from the photos, it's the first exercise they've gotten in years. Not counting, of course, all the Rascal scooters there, most of which aren't even for the disabled. They're just Americans who turned 60 and said, "Screw it, I'm done walking." These people are furious at the high cost of health care, so they blame illegals, who don't even get health care. News flash, Glenn Beck fans: the reason health care is so expensive is because you're all so unhealthy.
Yes, it was fun this week to watch the teabaggers complain how the media underestimated the size of their march, "How can you say there were only 60,000 of us? We filled the entire mall!" Yes, because you're fat. One whale fills the tank at Sea World, that doesn't make it a crowd.
President Obama has identified all the problems with the health care system, but there's one tiny issue he refuses to tackle, and that's our actual health.
And since Americans can only be prodded into doing something with money, we need to tax crappy foods that make us sick like we do with cigarettes, and alcohol -- and alcohol actually serves a useful function in society in that it enables unattractive people to get laid, which is more than you can say for Skittles.
I'm not saying tax all soda, but certainly any single serving of soda larger than a baby is not unreasonable. If you don't know whether you burp it or it burps you, that's too big. We need to make taking care of ourselves an issue of patriotism. If you were someone who condemned Bush for not asking Americans to sacrifice for the war on terror, the same must be said for Obama and health care.
President Arugula is not gonna tell Americans they're fat and lazy. No sin tax on food on Obama's watch. And at a time when it's important to set new standards for personal responsibility, he appointed a surgeon general, who is, I'm sorry, kind of fat. Certainly too heavy to be a surgeon general, it's a role model thing. It would be like appointing a Secretary of the Treasury who didn't pay his taxes. He did?
And get this: Surgeon General Benjamin had previously been a nutritional advisor to Burger King. The only advice a "health expert" should give Burger King is to stop selling food. The "nutritional advisor" job was described as, "promoting balanced diets and active lifestyle choices" -- and who better to do that than the folks who hand you meat and corn syrup through a car window? When you have a surgeon general who comes from Burger King, it's a message to lobbyists, and that message is, "Have it your way."
Yes, it was fun this week to watch the teabaggers complain how the media underestimated the size of their march, "How can you say there were only 60,000 of us? We filled the entire mall!" Yes, because you're fat. One whale fills the tank at Sea World, that doesn't make it a crowd.
President Obama has identified all the problems with the health care system, but there's one tiny issue he refuses to tackle, and that's our actual health.
And since Americans can only be prodded into doing something with money, we need to tax crappy foods that make us sick like we do with cigarettes, and alcohol -- and alcohol actually serves a useful function in society in that it enables unattractive people to get laid, which is more than you can say for Skittles.
I'm not saying tax all soda, but certainly any single serving of soda larger than a baby is not unreasonable. If you don't know whether you burp it or it burps you, that's too big. We need to make taking care of ourselves an issue of patriotism. If you were someone who condemned Bush for not asking Americans to sacrifice for the war on terror, the same must be said for Obama and health care.
President Arugula is not gonna tell Americans they're fat and lazy. No sin tax on food on Obama's watch. And at a time when it's important to set new standards for personal responsibility, he appointed a surgeon general, who is, I'm sorry, kind of fat. Certainly too heavy to be a surgeon general, it's a role model thing. It would be like appointing a Secretary of the Treasury who didn't pay his taxes. He did?
And get this: Surgeon General Benjamin had previously been a nutritional advisor to Burger King. The only advice a "health expert" should give Burger King is to stop selling food. The "nutritional advisor" job was described as, "promoting balanced diets and active lifestyle choices" -- and who better to do that than the folks who hand you meat and corn syrup through a car window? When you have a surgeon general who comes from Burger King, it's a message to lobbyists, and that message is, "Have it your way."
Hard work is gone.
In the days of text messaging, and so called reality television shows. i have one question has our Country stop working hard. back in the day hard work was the cool thing to do, now people want hand-outs. Receiving a hand-out is fine but, you can not live on hand-outs, you will always be the government's bitch. That is why I personally choose to work hard everyday, like Rick Ross said he is hustling everyday I am working everyday. I know that 99% of work is showing up and that is the hardest part but, if you overcome that hard work is great. A honest day of hard work will give you a great sense of pride in your self, hard work also gives you a sense of accomplishment. It feels really fucking good when you oversee something getting done, last but not least hard work will give you pride. For all of you people who are down and out start something then look at your self in the mirror, and you can see the difference in your self. I know that we all need money but remember that money does not grow on trees,unless you are part of The Obama administration. We have to work to get case closed. In the end we all come from different backgrounds, but we must find a common ground or the divide will become greater. This Country was founded on the principle of hard work lets go back to it. We call can't be famous just realize that and it will be fine.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Top Ten Drunk Writers
#10 - RAYMOND CHANDLER [1888-1959]
#09 - FREDERICK EXLEY [1929-92]
#08 - HARRY CREWS [1935- ]
#07 - JACK KEROUAC [1922-69]
#06 - JACK LONDON [1876-1916]
#05 - F. SCOTT FITZGERALD [1896-1940]
#04 - EDGAR ALLAN POE [1809-49]
#03 - Tie: WILLIAM FAULKNER [1897-1962] & DOROTHY PARKER [1897-1967]
#02 - Tie: ERNEST HEMINGWAY [1899-1961] & HUNTER S. THOMPSON [1937-2005]
#01 - CHARLES BUKOWSKI [1920-94]
Does this list make you want to go to your nearest liquor store,and get some thing to drink. As i leave here is some final sober words for you to shot gun, I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.
#09 - FREDERICK EXLEY [1929-92]
#08 - HARRY CREWS [1935- ]
#07 - JACK KEROUAC [1922-69]
#06 - JACK LONDON [1876-1916]
#05 - F. SCOTT FITZGERALD [1896-1940]
#04 - EDGAR ALLAN POE [1809-49]
#03 - Tie: WILLIAM FAULKNER [1897-1962] & DOROTHY PARKER [1897-1967]
#02 - Tie: ERNEST HEMINGWAY [1899-1961] & HUNTER S. THOMPSON [1937-2005]
#01 - CHARLES BUKOWSKI [1920-94]
Does this list make you want to go to your nearest liquor store,and get some thing to drink. As i leave here is some final sober words for you to shot gun, I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.
The Death Penalty must go.
With the D.C. Sniper being killed by lethal injection today, I have one question is it worth it. Some people would say he killed people therefore he should be killed. Those people are ignoring the fact the us the tax payers are paying for the Death Penalty. To me the Death Penalty should be removed it is a total waste of money. We can keep a criminal on death roll for way cheaper. Also, I believe that criminal's want to die, so why are we giving them what they want. Throughout history it has be proven all of the world that we the United States is way behind. This is a call to arms we need to personally look at ourselves before we try to police someone else. If our house is not in order what does it say about us. That goes for all you lazy ares in the House and Senate, it is time for you to do your jobs or you will be looking for new ones. Don't be a fool start listening to what people are saying. Read between the lines, then you will see that it is all lies.
Daily Overview
11-10-2009
The Sun in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Aquarius today, putting our need to spend time alone at odds with our desire to spend time with others. It is possible to do both and benefit from the enhanced creativity and energy that is also possible with this expansive aspect.
Quote of the Day
Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.
Mark Twain
The Sun in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Aquarius today, putting our need to spend time alone at odds with our desire to spend time with others. It is possible to do both and benefit from the enhanced creativity and energy that is also possible with this expansive aspect.
Quote of the Day
Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.
Mark Twain
Monday, November 9, 2009
Bush and Obama Quiz
Obama said he is nothing like Bush. However here is a quiz that my shed some light for you.
1. President Bush was famous for lacking "intellectual curiosity," while President Obama has been called "the smartest guy ever to become President." Who reads more books: Bush or Obama?
2. Bush was often considered to be in the grip of Big Oil. In contrast, Obama is a Harvard-educated lawyer. Which industry contributed more than five times as much as the other to politicians: the oil & gas industry, or lawyers/law firms?
3. Bush's Christian faith was at the core of his political identity, and he was considered to be in the grip of the "religious right," while Obama is considered more open-minded. In fact, Obama has said, "my faith is one that admits some doubt." Which one refers to Jesus more in public speeches?
4. Bush was criticized for excessive federal spending and running up huge deficits. Bush's deficit in 2008 was the largest in history. In fact, President Obama said,
It's a little hard for me to take criticism from folks about this recovery package after they've presided over a doubling of the national debt ... What I won't do is return to the failed theories of the last eight years that got us into this fix in the first place.
Whose deficit was more than triple the size of the other's: Bush's in 2008 or Obama's in 2009?
5. While Obama criticized Bush for "a doubling of the national debt," the federal debt held by the public went from 35.1% of GDP in 2000 to 40.8% of GDP in 2008 -- an increase of 16% as of fraction of GDP. What is it expected to be in 2016 under Obama's budget plan?
6. Obama criticized Bush for Guantanamo, military tribunals, wiretaps, troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and "signing statements." Which one of these Bush practices has Obama ended?
Answers:
1. Bush. Obama started reading a book in April and had not finished it by June, putting him on a pace of no more than ten books per year. Bush read forty to ninety-five books a year while President, not counting a new and complete reading of the Bible every year. Bush scored 1206 on his SAT, putting his IQ in the 125-130 range, smarter than 95% of the population and in the company of Lincoln, Rousseau, and Thackeray. He graduated from Yale and earned an MBA from Harvard. Obama earned a law degree from Harvard, but has not released any of his academic records. Despite what you might have heard, we know nothing of his IQ, test scores, or grades from any of the schools he attended.
2. Law firms. In the 2010 cycle so far, Lawyers/Law Firms have contributed $33,779,866 (81% to Democrats), and the Oil & Gas industry has contributed $6,293,631 (34% to Democrats). In the 2008 cycle, the numbers were $233,499,989 (76% to Dems) from lawyers and $35,564,322 (23% to Dems). In all, lawyers contributed about six times more to politicians than the Oil & Gas industry.
3. Obama. Per Eamon Javers at Politico, "As president, Barack Obama has mentioned Jesus Christ in a number of high-profile public speeches -- something his predecessor George W. Bush rarely did in such settings."
4. Obama's 2009 deficit, the largest in U.S. history. It was more than three times that of Bush's record 2008 deficit. Per the Congressional Budget Office, the 2008 deficit was $455 B, and the 2009 deficit was $1,417 B. As a fraction of GDP, it was the largest deficit since 1945.
5. The CBO expects the debt held by the public to be 77.1% of GDP in 2016 under Obama's plan, or an increase of 89% as a fraction of GDP, and the highest level since 1950.
6. None.
•Guantanamo is still open and probably will be into 2010, maybe longer.
•Obama is keeping military tribunals and clandestine wiretapping programs.
•Obama plans to keep most troops in Iraq until the summer of 2010. Even then, he is talking of keeping about 50,000 troops there (compared to about 124,000 now). The number of US troops in Afghanistan increased from 37,000 in January 2009 to 62,000 by August 2009, and Obama is expected to send over 30,000 more. Total number of US troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan has increased under Obama so far (from about 184,000 in January to 186,000 in September).
•Obama has used signing statements himself.
Now after reading this what do you think, all Presidents are the same Imperial good for nothing. Learn more about politics and you will not be tricked by the dumb fucks in the media.
1. President Bush was famous for lacking "intellectual curiosity," while President Obama has been called "the smartest guy ever to become President." Who reads more books: Bush or Obama?
2. Bush was often considered to be in the grip of Big Oil. In contrast, Obama is a Harvard-educated lawyer. Which industry contributed more than five times as much as the other to politicians: the oil & gas industry, or lawyers/law firms?
3. Bush's Christian faith was at the core of his political identity, and he was considered to be in the grip of the "religious right," while Obama is considered more open-minded. In fact, Obama has said, "my faith is one that admits some doubt." Which one refers to Jesus more in public speeches?
4. Bush was criticized for excessive federal spending and running up huge deficits. Bush's deficit in 2008 was the largest in history. In fact, President Obama said,
It's a little hard for me to take criticism from folks about this recovery package after they've presided over a doubling of the national debt ... What I won't do is return to the failed theories of the last eight years that got us into this fix in the first place.
Whose deficit was more than triple the size of the other's: Bush's in 2008 or Obama's in 2009?
5. While Obama criticized Bush for "a doubling of the national debt," the federal debt held by the public went from 35.1% of GDP in 2000 to 40.8% of GDP in 2008 -- an increase of 16% as of fraction of GDP. What is it expected to be in 2016 under Obama's budget plan?
6. Obama criticized Bush for Guantanamo, military tribunals, wiretaps, troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and "signing statements." Which one of these Bush practices has Obama ended?
Answers:
1. Bush. Obama started reading a book in April and had not finished it by June, putting him on a pace of no more than ten books per year. Bush read forty to ninety-five books a year while President, not counting a new and complete reading of the Bible every year. Bush scored 1206 on his SAT, putting his IQ in the 125-130 range, smarter than 95% of the population and in the company of Lincoln, Rousseau, and Thackeray. He graduated from Yale and earned an MBA from Harvard. Obama earned a law degree from Harvard, but has not released any of his academic records. Despite what you might have heard, we know nothing of his IQ, test scores, or grades from any of the schools he attended.
2. Law firms. In the 2010 cycle so far, Lawyers/Law Firms have contributed $33,779,866 (81% to Democrats), and the Oil & Gas industry has contributed $6,293,631 (34% to Democrats). In the 2008 cycle, the numbers were $233,499,989 (76% to Dems) from lawyers and $35,564,322 (23% to Dems). In all, lawyers contributed about six times more to politicians than the Oil & Gas industry.
3. Obama. Per Eamon Javers at Politico, "As president, Barack Obama has mentioned Jesus Christ in a number of high-profile public speeches -- something his predecessor George W. Bush rarely did in such settings."
4. Obama's 2009 deficit, the largest in U.S. history. It was more than three times that of Bush's record 2008 deficit. Per the Congressional Budget Office, the 2008 deficit was $455 B, and the 2009 deficit was $1,417 B. As a fraction of GDP, it was the largest deficit since 1945.
5. The CBO expects the debt held by the public to be 77.1% of GDP in 2016 under Obama's plan, or an increase of 89% as a fraction of GDP, and the highest level since 1950.
6. None.
•Guantanamo is still open and probably will be into 2010, maybe longer.
•Obama is keeping military tribunals and clandestine wiretapping programs.
•Obama plans to keep most troops in Iraq until the summer of 2010. Even then, he is talking of keeping about 50,000 troops there (compared to about 124,000 now). The number of US troops in Afghanistan increased from 37,000 in January 2009 to 62,000 by August 2009, and Obama is expected to send over 30,000 more. Total number of US troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan has increased under Obama so far (from about 184,000 in January to 186,000 in September).
•Obama has used signing statements himself.
Now after reading this what do you think, all Presidents are the same Imperial good for nothing. Learn more about politics and you will not be tricked by the dumb fucks in the media.
The Green Trend Must go.
Nowadays, the big trend is going green, I personally fuck that all these people who say that they love the environment are liars. If it is cool to go green why are their so many cars on the road, why don't people stop eating meat. To all you fucks with I went green shirts eat a hot dick with honey mustard. If some one is the ultimate green czar it has to be me. I have not driven a car in seven years, i do not wear animal products such as leather, lip stick, and wool there are some much more. As a nation we are barley cutting the surface of this green trend. P.s. before I leave as a nation if we really care about mother earth we would go nuclear. nuclear energy is the cleanest form of energy, but if you study politics you know that answer. To all you green trend bandwagon jumpers fuck you.
Leaders, Followers, and Doers
In life there is three kinds of people: followers, leaders and doers. These groups of people are very different in each sense, also in life we all fall into a group. Therefore, the talk that we are all individuals is nice but, it is not true. For our own mental stake we need to be classified into a group, thus it makes us feel like we are part of something. Now I will take some time talking about the different groups of people. The first, group of people is followers, we all know some followers. Followers are the group of people with no back bone they need help doing everything. Followers also have problems with entitlement they feel like that they are entitled to everything. However, the forget the fact that everything needs work to work. Let me break that statement down, if you don't work you get nothing case closed. The next group of people is leaders, leaders are the people who will look like they are taking control, but they just what someone to pay some attention to them. Leaders will get things done however, a leader is the first on to be brainwashed. A leader always needs all eyes on them. The last group of people is doers. This is the category i fall into. A doers is person who is going to do anything, people don't have to ask you. You have a sense of pride and others can see that. The downfall to a doers is that they do not believe in anything, in other words they are hard-headed. Now what group do you fall into, play your role well then life will be great.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Marcus’ Jordans Cause adidas to Drop UCF Athletics
As a sneaker head, this story is likely to elicit a wide range of emotions. At a superficial level, we’re a little jealous to see Michael Jordan’s son, Marcus, wearing the ‘Rising Sun’ Air Jordan XII (12) even though we couldn't’t get them last month as expected. Take a look at the headlines, though, and you’re sure to be confused by what’s going on down at UCF’s Orlando campus.
Signed to a multi year contract with adidas, the University of Central Florida first told MJ’s ‘rising son’ that he could either drop his daddy’s kicks or face serious consequences. Since the Jordan family assets likely exceed UCF’s endowment, the lil’ Jordan kept right on going. Clearly, that didn’t sit well with Adidas.
Simple enough . . . or is it? Apparently, regional Adidas officials had told the young Jump man that he could rock his namesake kicks, a decision later repealed by executive management. The Rising Suns look awesome with UCF’s home unis, so should Adidas care that people are going to associate the team that includes Michael Jordan’s son with Jordan Brand?
Marcus even went so far as to white-out the tongue Jump man, leaving the only logos visible on his feet a small ‘23′ on each heel (dwarfed by the broad Three Stripes crossing his Speed Wrap ankle supports). This controversy begs the question, could Adidas have ever prevented Marcus from drawing that kind of attention, even in a pair of their kicks?
Signed to a multi year contract with adidas, the University of Central Florida first told MJ’s ‘rising son’ that he could either drop his daddy’s kicks or face serious consequences. Since the Jordan family assets likely exceed UCF’s endowment, the lil’ Jordan kept right on going. Clearly, that didn’t sit well with Adidas.
Simple enough . . . or is it? Apparently, regional Adidas officials had told the young Jump man that he could rock his namesake kicks, a decision later repealed by executive management. The Rising Suns look awesome with UCF’s home unis, so should Adidas care that people are going to associate the team that includes Michael Jordan’s son with Jordan Brand?
Marcus even went so far as to white-out the tongue Jump man, leaving the only logos visible on his feet a small ‘23′ on each heel (dwarfed by the broad Three Stripes crossing his Speed Wrap ankle supports). This controversy begs the question, could Adidas have ever prevented Marcus from drawing that kind of attention, even in a pair of their kicks?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Free Weights or Machines?
The simple answer is both, if you have access. Bodybuilders use both, and obviously it works for them. Here's a review to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each; plus, I've included information about alternatives to free weights and machines (your own body weight and exercise tubing).
Free Weights (Dumbbells and Barbells)
Advantages:
•You can do a variety of exercises for all the muscle groups.
•They allow for self-selected movement based on your anatomy (unlike machines which confine the movement). For example, if your shoulder joint is limited in range of movement, you can accommodate naturally to the limitation with a dumbbell.
•Free weights help build coordination because it takes skill to move and control the dumbbells. For example, if you're doing dumbbell presses, you must control the motion so that the dumbbells move straight up and not outward. If you're doing a squat, you must be able to steady yourself so that you don't fall.
•You may recruit more muscles than just the group you're focused on. Getting back to dumbbell presses, you not only use the pectorals, anterior deltoids (front of the shoulder) and triceps, but you may need other shoulder and back muscles to coordinate and hold your body steady during the exercises. Likewise, if you're doing standing front raises, you will naturally recruit muscles in your abdomen and back to steady your body.
Disadvantages:
•There is a risk of injury from dropped bars or dumbbells. A bench press with a bar can cause serious injury or even death. For this reason, always use a spotter when lifting free weights.
•If you are strong and require lots of weight, then you're going to need space to store all the dumbbells. You can get away with plates that load on bars to minimize the number of dumbbells that you need, but it's inconvenient and not much fun to continuously change weight plates while you're working out.
•It can get costly, with dumbbells costing 50 cents to more than $1 per pound.
•Free weights do require skill and knowledge, so it's a good idea to have a fitness trainer help you get started if you're a beginner.
Machines
Advantages
•They are simple to use. Just stick the pin in the weight stack and you're ready to go. If you need more weight, you just take the pin out and put it in the next weight.
•They are relatively safe (as long as you don't pick a weight that's too heavy and strain yourself). Even if you drop one, it won't land on you.
•They don't require lots of coordination. Simply push or pull on the bar or handles, and you're lifting weights.
Disadvantages
•They require lots of space.
•They are expensive.
•Each machine is typically limited to working just one muscle group, so you need lots of machines to cover all the muscle groups. The exception is the cable pulley machines. They are extremely versatile (you can do lots of exercises with them), and they are safe.
•If your body doesn't anatomically match the movement of the machine, you might injure a joint with repetitive use over time. For example, the biceps and triceps machines are limited in their range and can cause problems for the shoulder and elbow joints.
I suggest working through the gym and finding the machines and free weights that work best for you. For example, you might prefer cable rows with the machine to bent-over rows with dumbbells. Here's a list of some of the other exercises you can do with machines or free weights (listed as machine/free weight).
•pull-downs/two-arm bent-over rows
•cable upright rows/free weight upright rows
•seated chest press/dumbbell or bar press
•cable crossovers/flyes
•triceps press-downs/kickbacks
•leg press/squat
Free Weights (Dumbbells and Barbells)
Advantages:
•You can do a variety of exercises for all the muscle groups.
•They allow for self-selected movement based on your anatomy (unlike machines which confine the movement). For example, if your shoulder joint is limited in range of movement, you can accommodate naturally to the limitation with a dumbbell.
•Free weights help build coordination because it takes skill to move and control the dumbbells. For example, if you're doing dumbbell presses, you must control the motion so that the dumbbells move straight up and not outward. If you're doing a squat, you must be able to steady yourself so that you don't fall.
•You may recruit more muscles than just the group you're focused on. Getting back to dumbbell presses, you not only use the pectorals, anterior deltoids (front of the shoulder) and triceps, but you may need other shoulder and back muscles to coordinate and hold your body steady during the exercises. Likewise, if you're doing standing front raises, you will naturally recruit muscles in your abdomen and back to steady your body.
Disadvantages:
•There is a risk of injury from dropped bars or dumbbells. A bench press with a bar can cause serious injury or even death. For this reason, always use a spotter when lifting free weights.
•If you are strong and require lots of weight, then you're going to need space to store all the dumbbells. You can get away with plates that load on bars to minimize the number of dumbbells that you need, but it's inconvenient and not much fun to continuously change weight plates while you're working out.
•It can get costly, with dumbbells costing 50 cents to more than $1 per pound.
•Free weights do require skill and knowledge, so it's a good idea to have a fitness trainer help you get started if you're a beginner.
Machines
Advantages
•They are simple to use. Just stick the pin in the weight stack and you're ready to go. If you need more weight, you just take the pin out and put it in the next weight.
•They are relatively safe (as long as you don't pick a weight that's too heavy and strain yourself). Even if you drop one, it won't land on you.
•They don't require lots of coordination. Simply push or pull on the bar or handles, and you're lifting weights.
Disadvantages
•They require lots of space.
•They are expensive.
•Each machine is typically limited to working just one muscle group, so you need lots of machines to cover all the muscle groups. The exception is the cable pulley machines. They are extremely versatile (you can do lots of exercises with them), and they are safe.
•If your body doesn't anatomically match the movement of the machine, you might injure a joint with repetitive use over time. For example, the biceps and triceps machines are limited in their range and can cause problems for the shoulder and elbow joints.
I suggest working through the gym and finding the machines and free weights that work best for you. For example, you might prefer cable rows with the machine to bent-over rows with dumbbells. Here's a list of some of the other exercises you can do with machines or free weights (listed as machine/free weight).
•pull-downs/two-arm bent-over rows
•cable upright rows/free weight upright rows
•seated chest press/dumbbell or bar press
•cable crossovers/flyes
•triceps press-downs/kickbacks
•leg press/squat
Daily Overview 11-7-2009
Daily Overview
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 - Planetary Index: 4/5
Venus moves into Scorpio today, bringing an energy for depth, power, and intensity in personal relationships. You may find yourself focusing more on the emotional content of your relationships now, growing aware of the hidden messages that you are both sending and receiving.
Quote of the Day
My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.
Cary Grant
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 - Planetary Index: 4/5
Venus moves into Scorpio today, bringing an energy for depth, power, and intensity in personal relationships. You may find yourself focusing more on the emotional content of your relationships now, growing aware of the hidden messages that you are both sending and receiving.
Quote of the Day
My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.
Cary Grant
Chasing Paper.
Here is some shit that i thought up, I thought it might work. Everyday is getting harder and harder no ones their own place in this world. It makes me want to give up so Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing paper?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If i knew my place should i leave it there?
I have made up my mind even if it hurts me.
I don't care if I am right or wrong.
All of the love and the lust can't do
anything for me so should I give up
or should i just keep chasing paper?
Even if it leads nowhere,
or would it be a waste?
It is all I need so should
i keep chasing paper?
Or should I just keep chasing paper?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If i knew my place should i leave it there?
I have made up my mind even if it hurts me.
I don't care if I am right or wrong.
All of the love and the lust can't do
anything for me so should I give up
or should i just keep chasing paper?
Even if it leads nowhere,
or would it be a waste?
It is all I need so should
i keep chasing paper?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Obama and Islam
President Obama is playing out a drama on the world stage, addressing Islam as a virtual supplicant, and conceding serious issues, while getting nothing in return. Why?
The President demanded a complete freeze on Israeli settlement building, including in sections of Jerusalem, supposedly in return for some conciliatory gestures by the Palestinians and Arab states toward Israel. The demands on Israel hardened Palestinian attitudes, and the PA made a total settlement freeze a precondition for resuming peace talks. No gestures towards Israel were forthcoming from any Arab party. Instead, the Palestinians and Arab states launched a full frontal assault on Israel at the UN with the Goldstone Report as ammunition.
The President promised he would meet without preconditions with any foreign leader. For 9 months, he pressured Congress not to pass any tougher sanctions bill against Iran, while he floated his diplomatic offensive. When the mullahs stole the recent election, Obama was tongue tied, and avoided criticizing the brutal suppression of dissent, calling only for an end to violence, as if violence just breaks out like the flu. When the group of six nations meeting with Iran offered a plan for taking low enriched uranium from Iran to Russia for further enrichment (ignoring Iran's violation of prior Security Council resolutions that prohibited such enrichment at all), Iran stalled,, and blocked the deal. We have been slapped around and humiliated, which is what happens when you are taken for a weakling.
So why does the president adopt such positions bespeaking an inferior power seeking mercy from a great power?
The President demanded a complete freeze on Israeli settlement building, including in sections of Jerusalem, supposedly in return for some conciliatory gestures by the Palestinians and Arab states toward Israel. The demands on Israel hardened Palestinian attitudes, and the PA made a total settlement freeze a precondition for resuming peace talks. No gestures towards Israel were forthcoming from any Arab party. Instead, the Palestinians and Arab states launched a full frontal assault on Israel at the UN with the Goldstone Report as ammunition.
The President promised he would meet without preconditions with any foreign leader. For 9 months, he pressured Congress not to pass any tougher sanctions bill against Iran, while he floated his diplomatic offensive. When the mullahs stole the recent election, Obama was tongue tied, and avoided criticizing the brutal suppression of dissent, calling only for an end to violence, as if violence just breaks out like the flu. When the group of six nations meeting with Iran offered a plan for taking low enriched uranium from Iran to Russia for further enrichment (ignoring Iran's violation of prior Security Council resolutions that prohibited such enrichment at all), Iran stalled,, and blocked the deal. We have been slapped around and humiliated, which is what happens when you are taken for a weakling.
So why does the president adopt such positions bespeaking an inferior power seeking mercy from a great power?
Daily Horoscope: Capricorn 11-6-2009
11-6-2009
There could be a medical problem, so get an examination and head it off at the pass. These things are best dealt with as early as possible so they don't have time to get a hold in your body. When infections are just starting out is the easiest time to get rid of them.
There could be a medical problem, so get an examination and head it off at the pass. These things are best dealt with as early as possible so they don't have time to get a hold in your body. When infections are just starting out is the easiest time to get rid of them.
Daily Overview
Friday, Nov 6, 2009 - Planetary Index: 4/5
The Moon in Cancer square Saturn and opposite Pluto last night brings an emotionally charged flavor to the day. This is a good time to work on healing old family patterns and release emotions from the past that may be holding you back from being fully present in the moment.
Quote of the Day
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Mother Teresa
The Moon in Cancer square Saturn and opposite Pluto last night brings an emotionally charged flavor to the day. This is a good time to work on healing old family patterns and release emotions from the past that may be holding you back from being fully present in the moment.
Quote of the Day
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Mother Teresa
Thursday, November 5, 2009
I Love This bar.
This my take on a popular country song by Toby Keith I love this bar. I guess I have gone country like all broke people. Here goes nothing, if you don't like it Leave America.
We got sinners, we got losers
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like whores
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
We got thugs, we got punks
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just walkin' through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain't too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I've seen thongs, we got stoners
Blue-collar boys and drunk rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I've even seen dancing girls and hookers who look like Cher
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I do
We got sinners, we got losers
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thirsty hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like whores
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
We got thugs, we got punks
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars
I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just walkin' through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain't too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I've seen thongs, we got stoners
Blue-collar boys and drunk rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I've even seen dancing girls and hookers who look like Cher
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I do
NBA Should retire Jordan's number 23
Jordan's No. 23 should be retired throughout the NBA -- as hockey did with Wayne Gretzky's 99 and baseball did with Jackie Robinson's 42.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley retired Jordan's number throughout his organization -- and Jordan never even played there.
"In honor of your greatness and for all you've done for the game of basketball -- and not just the NBA, but for all the fans around the world -- we want to honor you tonight and hang your jersey, No. 23, from the rafters," This a statement from Pat Reilly in 2003.
The arguments for retiring his number throughout the NBA are many. Jordan transformed the game of basketball, inspired generations and is largely responsible for making the NBA the enterprise it is today.
What do you think? How would you feel about your team retiring No. 23? Is there another player in NBA history deserving of this honor?
Miami Heat president Pat Riley retired Jordan's number throughout his organization -- and Jordan never even played there.
"In honor of your greatness and for all you've done for the game of basketball -- and not just the NBA, but for all the fans around the world -- we want to honor you tonight and hang your jersey, No. 23, from the rafters," This a statement from Pat Reilly in 2003.
The arguments for retiring his number throughout the NBA are many. Jordan transformed the game of basketball, inspired generations and is largely responsible for making the NBA the enterprise it is today.
What do you think? How would you feel about your team retiring No. 23? Is there another player in NBA history deserving of this honor?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rant Vol 1000
I feel like I am a character in George A. Romero second film Dawn of the dead. It looks the a plague is upon us, and i am not taking about swine flu, I am taking about how the large corporations of American has the control of us. We are the walking zombies not caring about our future, because we have not really learned from the past. Until then we will always be zombies. The similarity's of Dawn of the Dead, and the current state of America is strange but, like they say art takes it's clues from life. If you do not believe take another look at the movie. Greed is going to be our downfall if we do not change.
Freedom and Responsibility
Every where you turn a person tells that freedom always comes with a price. I guess that is true, freedom is not free but what is the cost of freedom. To me the cost of freedom is responsibility, freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. Let me tell why, with freedom you have to take on more responsibility, and if you really take to the challenge of responsible, people will give you more freedom. It is common sense the people who are the freest are the most responsible. The ones who say they do not have freedom they are ducking responsibility. In the end we must stop taking about things that we can not control, and start controlling the things that you can control.
What About the Poor
The left avers that many Americans are poverty-stricken, that we need to do more to alleviate their plight, and that the primary role of government is to help them. Let us examine these claims.
'Poverty' may be viewed as harsh deprivation, such as in Biafra or the Congo. Yet nobody in America starves to death. It is true that the standard of living of illegals from Mexico is far below ours, yet even they are far better off than the inhabitants of third-world countries. Nor do the poor in America suffer as did those during the Great Depression. Consider the article "How Poor Are America's Poor? Examining the 'Plague' of Poverty in America" by Robert Rector, August 27, 2007. Using the Census Bureau definition of "poor," he shows that: 80% of poor households have air conditioning; 75% own a car; and these "poor" grow up to be an inch taller and ten pounds heavier than the GIs who stormed Normandy. Most of America's "poor" live in material conditions that were considered comfortable a few generations ago.
I would add that the monetary value of their benefits package does not include other sources of income. Many have jobs that are off the books, and income from dealing in drugs, gambling, prostitution, and fencing stolen goods. This is not to deny that there are those in dire circumstances. Rather, it is to claim that the media's description of the poor in America is inaccurate.
Then consider Dr. Rector's study on what "poverty" costs taxpayers, "Morning Bell: What The Poverty Advocacy Complex Costs You."
Over the next decade (2009-2018), President Obama will spend $10.3 trillion on welfare programs. Of this spending, $7.5 trillion will be federal spending and $2.8 trillion will be state government matching contributions to federal welfare programs.
Over the next decade, welfare spending will amount to $30,000 per person per year -- $120,000 for a family of 4 per year -- 56% of which (or $67,200) goes to the recipients.
Moreover, these direct costs do not cover the concomitant costs for enterprises. That is, many organizations apply to whole populations, although their justification is the needs of the "poor." For example, most people can afford education, but to guarantee it for the poor, there is public education for most, as well as subsidies. The same holds for establishing Social Security, Medicare, housing, health insurance, and industrial policy. There are then huge additional costs to the taxpayers and to the recipients of services who are not "poor."
All of the programs for the "poor" are forms of redistributing wealth. Support for this derives from the view that there is unfairness in life. Yet aside from criminality (which must be prosecuted), nature rewards productivity and punishes ineptitude. To deal with unfairness and happenstance, or to provide the opportunity for the poor to better themselves, private charity is best. Public charity (while imperative for emergencies) is far from local oversight and susceptible to moral hazard and fraud. Wealth distribution also derives from envy. Yet the desire to punish the rich, not to mention coveting what they have, is immoral and destructive to society as a whole.
Let us consider what would be optimal for increasing jobs and wealth in general. History (or natural law) has evolved tried-and-true techniques for doing so, such as the division of labor and the quantification of value by money (provided, of course, that private property and contracts are ensured). Herein, man utilizes land, labor, and time to provide desired products (while employing the intermediary capital goods to do so). Consequently, optimizing economics requires safeguarding our rights; furthering the time-tested methods for increasing production, distribution, and calculation (while in particular allowing entrepreneurs to experiment for profit); and letting nature take its course in weeding out failing and uncompetitive ventures. Surely this runs counter to intervention to aid the poor.
Yet the central issue is, "What is the role of government?" Most say it is to provide benefits, especially to the poor. Yet I counter that the true role of government it is to protect the freedom of the citizenry to earn their own benefits. Each of our institutions (e.g., finance, military, industry, medicine) has its essential and unique role. In no case is the role to be helpful to the poor. Our financial systems must be solvent, our military structures must protect against aggression, and our domestic systems must deal with emergencies (including harm to life and limb). Our Founders had it right: the role of government is to protect the inalienable rights of its citizenry. This includes ensuring that our cultural institutions (including charity) be free of government.
"Justice" is the cornerstone of civilization. It cannot be achieved by immorally distributing wealth or by rewarding failure. For liberty, it is imperative that people own what they have earned, rather than permit government to transfer it to others.
'Poverty' may be viewed as harsh deprivation, such as in Biafra or the Congo. Yet nobody in America starves to death. It is true that the standard of living of illegals from Mexico is far below ours, yet even they are far better off than the inhabitants of third-world countries. Nor do the poor in America suffer as did those during the Great Depression. Consider the article "How Poor Are America's Poor? Examining the 'Plague' of Poverty in America" by Robert Rector, August 27, 2007. Using the Census Bureau definition of "poor," he shows that: 80% of poor households have air conditioning; 75% own a car; and these "poor" grow up to be an inch taller and ten pounds heavier than the GIs who stormed Normandy. Most of America's "poor" live in material conditions that were considered comfortable a few generations ago.
I would add that the monetary value of their benefits package does not include other sources of income. Many have jobs that are off the books, and income from dealing in drugs, gambling, prostitution, and fencing stolen goods. This is not to deny that there are those in dire circumstances. Rather, it is to claim that the media's description of the poor in America is inaccurate.
Then consider Dr. Rector's study on what "poverty" costs taxpayers, "Morning Bell: What The Poverty Advocacy Complex Costs You."
Over the next decade (2009-2018), President Obama will spend $10.3 trillion on welfare programs. Of this spending, $7.5 trillion will be federal spending and $2.8 trillion will be state government matching contributions to federal welfare programs.
Over the next decade, welfare spending will amount to $30,000 per person per year -- $120,000 for a family of 4 per year -- 56% of which (or $67,200) goes to the recipients.
Moreover, these direct costs do not cover the concomitant costs for enterprises. That is, many organizations apply to whole populations, although their justification is the needs of the "poor." For example, most people can afford education, but to guarantee it for the poor, there is public education for most, as well as subsidies. The same holds for establishing Social Security, Medicare, housing, health insurance, and industrial policy. There are then huge additional costs to the taxpayers and to the recipients of services who are not "poor."
All of the programs for the "poor" are forms of redistributing wealth. Support for this derives from the view that there is unfairness in life. Yet aside from criminality (which must be prosecuted), nature rewards productivity and punishes ineptitude. To deal with unfairness and happenstance, or to provide the opportunity for the poor to better themselves, private charity is best. Public charity (while imperative for emergencies) is far from local oversight and susceptible to moral hazard and fraud. Wealth distribution also derives from envy. Yet the desire to punish the rich, not to mention coveting what they have, is immoral and destructive to society as a whole.
Let us consider what would be optimal for increasing jobs and wealth in general. History (or natural law) has evolved tried-and-true techniques for doing so, such as the division of labor and the quantification of value by money (provided, of course, that private property and contracts are ensured). Herein, man utilizes land, labor, and time to provide desired products (while employing the intermediary capital goods to do so). Consequently, optimizing economics requires safeguarding our rights; furthering the time-tested methods for increasing production, distribution, and calculation (while in particular allowing entrepreneurs to experiment for profit); and letting nature take its course in weeding out failing and uncompetitive ventures. Surely this runs counter to intervention to aid the poor.
Yet the central issue is, "What is the role of government?" Most say it is to provide benefits, especially to the poor. Yet I counter that the true role of government it is to protect the freedom of the citizenry to earn their own benefits. Each of our institutions (e.g., finance, military, industry, medicine) has its essential and unique role. In no case is the role to be helpful to the poor. Our financial systems must be solvent, our military structures must protect against aggression, and our domestic systems must deal with emergencies (including harm to life and limb). Our Founders had it right: the role of government is to protect the inalienable rights of its citizenry. This includes ensuring that our cultural institutions (including charity) be free of government.
"Justice" is the cornerstone of civilization. It cannot be achieved by immorally distributing wealth or by rewarding failure. For liberty, it is imperative that people own what they have earned, rather than permit government to transfer it to others.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Clown (Glenn Beck)
It may look like fun and games to the people in the stands, but this is serious business, and not just any clown can do it.
Much of what aggravates the Obama administration about FOX News is what Joe Biden would call a three-letter word: B-E-C-K.
Beck calls himself a "rodeo clown." That fits. A rodeo clown distracts the bull's attention to defend rodeo riders at risk. Beck believes the nation is at risk and he's out to distract the raging bulls, or the progressives in power.
In other cultures, matadors in tight pants use a red cape to taunt the bull into fatigue before the kill. Rodeo clowns face the bull wearing flexible, goofy-looking clothes and running shoes. When they succeed, they end up diving into the clown lounge. It's a heavy barrel of thick steel with a dense foam rubber lining inside. After the rodeo, they pound out dents made by the horns of one-ton head hunters (bulls that like chasing two-legged animals). Rodeo clowns look and act a bit like circus clowns. But when they're into their clown shtick, they keep both eyes on the bull. Despite the garb, they're really not about clowning around.
Some think Beck is a circus clown who emotes for affect as he toggles back and forth between funereal seriousness (critics say conspiratorially wacko) and Steve Martin slapstick. But he's no circus clown. And the bull's not laughing.
Beck's magazine is entitled The Fusion of Entertainment and Enlightenment. To his fans, that fits. He aims to enlighten his audience like no other political commentator of any flavor, on any channel, except Limbaugh.
It's unlikely that the White House inner circle of image-makers sees anything entertaining about Beck. It is likely, though, that the enlightenment side of Beck's shtick commands their attention and evokes their disdain. After all, he filleted and fried Green Jobs Czar Van Jones. That got the attention of New York Times Managing Editor Jill Abramson. When the legacy media had to report on the story after Van resigned she said, "We should have been paying closer attention." Somebody start a list. She also said the NYT was "a beat behind on this story." Stay a step behind the rodeo clown, Jill, and you end up rodeo kill.
Beck has been ending his shows lately with the words, "Goodnight, Mrs. Dunn, wherever you are" -- referring to White House Communication Director Anita Dunn, whose admiration of Mao Zedong Beck recently outed. Many viewers may not recognize that as a parody on Jimmy Durante's signature sign-off, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." Beck's occasional inside-the-Beck-brain humor is part of his charm to his fans.
For weeks, he's been constructing sort of a Unified Theory of Obamativity. He started charting it on a chalkboard, like Professor Jacob Barnhardt (actor Sam Jaffe) did in the 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still until Klaatu the space traveler (Michael Rennie) entered the professor's study and easily finished the equation. This week, Beck is up to three chalk boards.
His fusion of entertainment and enlightenment is working, and it's driving up his ratings.
Beck, more thoroughly than any other FOX commentator, aims to connect the dots in a complex equation representing what "fundamentally transform America" means to the Obama administration. He's not fixated on the President because he knows Obama isn't leading the parade; Obama's riding the horse that's leading the parade. The horse is socialist progressivism. Beck looks for the most revolutionary progressives where the President has placed them. The traditional cabinet seats are reserved for the party apparatchiks like Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services. She taught us how to sneeze into our sleeves. Please, Kathleen, no toilet hygiene lessons.
Long a force in American politics, the progressive movement is reshaping the Republic in ways dreamed of by progressives throughout the 20th Century, flirted with during the New Deal and the Great Society, and now running at full throttle. More thoroughly than any other commentator, Beck stresses history and context. He invites academic historians of the Progressive Movement and the Great Depression onto his daily radio and television shows. He pumps out bestselling books like a hen does eggs. In short, he's the energizer bunny in his opposition to the progressive initiatives of the 44th President of the United States and his minions.
Beck had better watch out. Once upon a time there was another popular media personality who bucked a progressive President during an economic downturn. Father Charles E. Coughlin, a Roman Catholic priest, broadcast weekly radio sermons beginning in 1926. Coughlin preached social justice based on monetary reform. He was an early supporter of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, enthusiastically backing FDR's promise to reform the country's financial system. When the change that Coughlin hoped FDR would bring didn't come, he turned sour on Roosevelt. He called him "the great betrayer and liar," and he spoke (video) against the Federal Reserve. Millions huddled around their radios to hear Coughlin's weekly program drift from religion into politics. They sent him tens of thousands of fan letters weekly. The Roosevelt administration couldn't pressure Coughlin off the air by leveraging other religions personalities against him. So,Coughlin's anti-Jewish statements seriously tarnished his historical image and sharply distinguish him from Beck. But his widespread popularity and perceived threat to a progressive President's plans make him similar to Beck (and Limbaugh), along with a handful of other conservative radio and television commentators.
Beck's self-deprecating demeanor includes 'fessing up to his past sins. So unless he's hiding a felony conviction, his detractors won't find anything to discredit him by investigating his background. They're more likely to keep leaning on the sponsors of his shows, hoping to shut him up. Meanwhile, administration officials aim to marginalize FOX News by ignoring their correspondents and personalities.
To date, Beck shows no signs of letting up. FOX shows no signs of reining him in. And Rahm-Axelrod and friends aren't likely to relent in their campaign against FOX until Beck and others tap the brakes and zombie up like the other media outlets.
Much of what aggravates the Obama administration about FOX News is what Joe Biden would call a three-letter word: B-E-C-K.
Beck calls himself a "rodeo clown." That fits. A rodeo clown distracts the bull's attention to defend rodeo riders at risk. Beck believes the nation is at risk and he's out to distract the raging bulls, or the progressives in power.
In other cultures, matadors in tight pants use a red cape to taunt the bull into fatigue before the kill. Rodeo clowns face the bull wearing flexible, goofy-looking clothes and running shoes. When they succeed, they end up diving into the clown lounge. It's a heavy barrel of thick steel with a dense foam rubber lining inside. After the rodeo, they pound out dents made by the horns of one-ton head hunters (bulls that like chasing two-legged animals). Rodeo clowns look and act a bit like circus clowns. But when they're into their clown shtick, they keep both eyes on the bull. Despite the garb, they're really not about clowning around.
Some think Beck is a circus clown who emotes for affect as he toggles back and forth between funereal seriousness (critics say conspiratorially wacko) and Steve Martin slapstick. But he's no circus clown. And the bull's not laughing.
Beck's magazine is entitled The Fusion of Entertainment and Enlightenment. To his fans, that fits. He aims to enlighten his audience like no other political commentator of any flavor, on any channel, except Limbaugh.
It's unlikely that the White House inner circle of image-makers sees anything entertaining about Beck. It is likely, though, that the enlightenment side of Beck's shtick commands their attention and evokes their disdain. After all, he filleted and fried Green Jobs Czar Van Jones. That got the attention of New York Times Managing Editor Jill Abramson. When the legacy media had to report on the story after Van resigned she said, "We should have been paying closer attention." Somebody start a list. She also said the NYT was "a beat behind on this story." Stay a step behind the rodeo clown, Jill, and you end up rodeo kill.
Beck has been ending his shows lately with the words, "Goodnight, Mrs. Dunn, wherever you are" -- referring to White House Communication Director Anita Dunn, whose admiration of Mao Zedong Beck recently outed. Many viewers may not recognize that as a parody on Jimmy Durante's signature sign-off, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." Beck's occasional inside-the-Beck-brain humor is part of his charm to his fans.
For weeks, he's been constructing sort of a Unified Theory of Obamativity. He started charting it on a chalkboard, like Professor Jacob Barnhardt (actor Sam Jaffe) did in the 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still until Klaatu the space traveler (Michael Rennie) entered the professor's study and easily finished the equation. This week, Beck is up to three chalk boards.
His fusion of entertainment and enlightenment is working, and it's driving up his ratings.
Beck, more thoroughly than any other FOX commentator, aims to connect the dots in a complex equation representing what "fundamentally transform America" means to the Obama administration. He's not fixated on the President because he knows Obama isn't leading the parade; Obama's riding the horse that's leading the parade. The horse is socialist progressivism. Beck looks for the most revolutionary progressives where the President has placed them. The traditional cabinet seats are reserved for the party apparatchiks like Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services. She taught us how to sneeze into our sleeves. Please, Kathleen, no toilet hygiene lessons.
Long a force in American politics, the progressive movement is reshaping the Republic in ways dreamed of by progressives throughout the 20th Century, flirted with during the New Deal and the Great Society, and now running at full throttle. More thoroughly than any other commentator, Beck stresses history and context. He invites academic historians of the Progressive Movement and the Great Depression onto his daily radio and television shows. He pumps out bestselling books like a hen does eggs. In short, he's the energizer bunny in his opposition to the progressive initiatives of the 44th President of the United States and his minions.
Beck had better watch out. Once upon a time there was another popular media personality who bucked a progressive President during an economic downturn. Father Charles E. Coughlin, a Roman Catholic priest, broadcast weekly radio sermons beginning in 1926. Coughlin preached social justice based on monetary reform. He was an early supporter of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, enthusiastically backing FDR's promise to reform the country's financial system. When the change that Coughlin hoped FDR would bring didn't come, he turned sour on Roosevelt. He called him "the great betrayer and liar," and he spoke (video) against the Federal Reserve. Millions huddled around their radios to hear Coughlin's weekly program drift from religion into politics. They sent him tens of thousands of fan letters weekly. The Roosevelt administration couldn't pressure Coughlin off the air by leveraging other religions personalities against him. So,Coughlin's anti-Jewish statements seriously tarnished his historical image and sharply distinguish him from Beck. But his widespread popularity and perceived threat to a progressive President's plans make him similar to Beck (and Limbaugh), along with a handful of other conservative radio and television commentators.
Beck's self-deprecating demeanor includes 'fessing up to his past sins. So unless he's hiding a felony conviction, his detractors won't find anything to discredit him by investigating his background. They're more likely to keep leaning on the sponsors of his shows, hoping to shut him up. Meanwhile, administration officials aim to marginalize FOX News by ignoring their correspondents and personalities.
To date, Beck shows no signs of letting up. FOX shows no signs of reining him in. And Rahm-Axelrod and friends aren't likely to relent in their campaign against FOX until Beck and others tap the brakes and zombie up like the other media outlets.
Hunger in America: Half of Our Kids on Food Stamps
A new study finds that nearly half of all American children will need to use the federal food stamp program to eat at some point in their childhood, with the number much higher for African American children, at a startling 90 percent. And the current recession with persistently high unemployment rates, will cause the numbers of children on food stamps to rise even higher. American children are at a high risk of encountering a spell during which their families are in poverty and food insecure as indicated through their use of food stamps. Such events have the potential to seriously jeopardize a child’s overall health.”
The alarming results showed that between the ages of 1 to 20 years, nearly half (49.2%) of all U.S. children will live in a household that receives food stamps. Broken down by race, 37 percent of white children use food stamps, compared to a whopping 90 percent of black children.
The high numbers of American youngsters experiencing food insecurity reveal the hidden face of childhood hunger in our country. Children from all walks of life, may need to resort to food stamps to eat at some point in their lives.
“Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it’s not the kind of thing people want to talk about."
The alarming results showed that between the ages of 1 to 20 years, nearly half (49.2%) of all U.S. children will live in a household that receives food stamps. Broken down by race, 37 percent of white children use food stamps, compared to a whopping 90 percent of black children.
The high numbers of American youngsters experiencing food insecurity reveal the hidden face of childhood hunger in our country. Children from all walks of life, may need to resort to food stamps to eat at some point in their lives.
“Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it’s not the kind of thing people want to talk about."
Daily Horoscope: Capricorn
Capricorn
11-03-2009
When you are certain, look toward the future; when you are not sure of your path, search for clues in your past. The past hold all the answers and knowledge we need to achieve better things in the future. Instead of sitting passively in your mind, review past situations and you will surely find one that gives insight to the current predicament
11-03-2009
When you are certain, look toward the future; when you are not sure of your path, search for clues in your past. The past hold all the answers and knowledge we need to achieve better things in the future. Instead of sitting passively in your mind, review past situations and you will surely find one that gives insight to the current predicament
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