Yesterday's travesty at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater was just that: a travesty. First, I heard the Second Amendment nut jobs saying that if all the movie-goers had had a weapon that none of this would have happened. I wonder how that would have worked out? I'm sure the shoot-out at the OK Corral would have looked tame, in retrospect. Then it turns out that James Holmes, the gunman that is being glorified by the media, obtained all of his weapons legally. After all, he had no criminal background.
With that said, yes, it would seem that the screening to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals worked on the front-side of this story, but I'm not sure why American citizens need semi-automatic weapons. Yes, he also bought pistols and a shotgun, but I believe we can accept that this damage was done by the semi-automatic weapon, an AR-15 assault rifle, he bought--legally.
On a final note, as I've been surfing through the news channels on television, and on the Internet, all I can see is news about the Aurora shooter. Some say that they shouldn't focus on the shooter, but on the victims. So far, it seems to be all about the shooter. I'm always fearful of a "copycat," who may want a piece of the spotlight.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Monday, July 02, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
I blame George W. Bush
Conservatives are crying their eyes out today after the Supreme Court upheld Obamacare's primary mandate stating each American must have health insurance by 2014 or face a tax. The highlight was that seemingly conservative Chief Justice John Roberts joined the liberal majority (5-4) in upholding the most polarizing portion of Obama's legislation; he even crafted its opinion!
Now, I cannot confess to have any love lost on Chief Justice Roberts. He is a George W. Bush appointee, after all, who came with high conservative backing during his nomination and confirmation to the Court. I thought Republicans were surely going to win a victory in the healthcare reform battle, with people like Roberts sitting on the bench, but boy was I (and many other people) wrong. Even CNN and Fox News incorrectly reported that the mandate had been overturned this morning.
It just goes to show that sometimes a Bush appointee can join with Clinton and Obama appointees when the stakes for our nation are highest.
Now, I cannot confess to have any love lost on Chief Justice Roberts. He is a George W. Bush appointee, after all, who came with high conservative backing during his nomination and confirmation to the Court. I thought Republicans were surely going to win a victory in the healthcare reform battle, with people like Roberts sitting on the bench, but boy was I (and many other people) wrong. Even CNN and Fox News incorrectly reported that the mandate had been overturned this morning.
It just goes to show that sometimes a Bush appointee can join with Clinton and Obama appointees when the stakes for our nation are highest.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
7,000 Years
The nation of Egypt has waited "7,000 years for today," according to one Egyptian. According to him it has taken over 7,000 years for Egypt to go from an autocratic state, ruled by pharaohs, who in part drew their power from the gods themselves, to an elected despot, who represents another zealous faction swearing allegiance to another religious dogma. (That's a whole other concern.)
The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsi, declared that he was the candidate to represent all of Egypt. While those are commendable goals, he mustn't forget that his nation is formally ruled by a military council that garnered its power at the collapse of Egypt's previous president, Hosni Mubarak. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has dissolved parliament, at the behest of the nation's supreme court. It's rule is seemingly unhindered by recent developments.
It is my hope that Egypt can find true democracy through the majority's voice. The majority spoke last year when it rose up against then-President Mubarak and declared that it would no longer accept the rule of its nation's oligarchy. Mubarak has since found himself indicted, tried, found guilty and sentenced to life for his crimes against those who rose up against the government.
Whether the oppression came from a self-appointed, pseudo-dictator, like Mubarak, or the self-appointed military apparatus that rules firmly today, Egypt must rise out of the ashes of its own history to find its path into the future.
The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsi, declared that he was the candidate to represent all of Egypt. While those are commendable goals, he mustn't forget that his nation is formally ruled by a military council that garnered its power at the collapse of Egypt's previous president, Hosni Mubarak. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has dissolved parliament, at the behest of the nation's supreme court. It's rule is seemingly unhindered by recent developments.
It is my hope that Egypt can find true democracy through the majority's voice. The majority spoke last year when it rose up against then-President Mubarak and declared that it would no longer accept the rule of its nation's oligarchy. Mubarak has since found himself indicted, tried, found guilty and sentenced to life for his crimes against those who rose up against the government.
Whether the oppression came from a self-appointed, pseudo-dictator, like Mubarak, or the self-appointed military apparatus that rules firmly today, Egypt must rise out of the ashes of its own history to find its path into the future.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Parasites
I'm not a dog person. I never really liked dogs, but I can tolerate them. They just seem too needy and overly pleasing compared to my sloth-like, hedonistic values. They must always know their place. And that place is at least 100 feet from me at all times. Last year, in the spring I think, my parents got a dog. Now mind you, they have had dogs in the past. Of course, 90% of them ended up ran-over in the middle of the highway, but not this new dog. She's blessed.
This little furry dog, that probably weighs ten pounds, is the pride-and-joy of my parents. It is the child they never had. They dote, they spoil, they indulge this horrid thing. The irony is that my mother is the one who used to criticize her own aunt for the same actions. But now, they are one in the same. It's like the two musketeers of well fed rat-dogs.
This dog, of course, lives in the house. She eats her weight in cat shit each day. My mother says she is fickle, because she doesn't eat her over-priced, designer dog food. (Mother, though, overlooks the previous stated fact about the kitty snacks.) In fact, this dog eats anything that goes into her mouth, with the exception of dog food. I've seen her devour used toilet tissue, Kleenex, anything in the garbage basically.
Then, there's the humping. I didn't realize this, because I'd never seen it before, but female dogs are humpers. This dog humps anything with or without a pulse. I'm an exception. Mom says is shows she is dominate over all she surveys. She surveys me and goes the other way. I'm not mean to her, perse; I just set limits. I suppose I am the surrogate alpha. She has tried the crawling on her belly, eyes lowered routine with me, but I'm not buying it. She's selfish. Unyielding. As am I. I will persevere.
Am I jealous? You bet. This dog has received attention that I was denied as a child. My mother's kisses and acceptance was all being saved for this dog. I've surmised that it may be her way of compensating for grandchildren she has never had. Perhaps, if she had small kids to love, then the dog I so unlovingly call Cujo, may take a backseat. But somehow I doubt it. Even my father takes her on long, tethered walks that I never got as a boy. It's absurd!
I did once tell mom that if this dog--and I--survived her and Dad, not to fear. Whichever of them goes last--Mom or Dad--would get the pleasure of taking the dog with them into eternal bliss. A companion for the ages. I'm a good son, goddamnit!
This little furry dog, that probably weighs ten pounds, is the pride-and-joy of my parents. It is the child they never had. They dote, they spoil, they indulge this horrid thing. The irony is that my mother is the one who used to criticize her own aunt for the same actions. But now, they are one in the same. It's like the two musketeers of well fed rat-dogs.
This dog, of course, lives in the house. She eats her weight in cat shit each day. My mother says she is fickle, because she doesn't eat her over-priced, designer dog food. (Mother, though, overlooks the previous stated fact about the kitty snacks.) In fact, this dog eats anything that goes into her mouth, with the exception of dog food. I've seen her devour used toilet tissue, Kleenex, anything in the garbage basically.
Then, there's the humping. I didn't realize this, because I'd never seen it before, but female dogs are humpers. This dog humps anything with or without a pulse. I'm an exception. Mom says is shows she is dominate over all she surveys. She surveys me and goes the other way. I'm not mean to her, perse; I just set limits. I suppose I am the surrogate alpha. She has tried the crawling on her belly, eyes lowered routine with me, but I'm not buying it. She's selfish. Unyielding. As am I. I will persevere.
Am I jealous? You bet. This dog has received attention that I was denied as a child. My mother's kisses and acceptance was all being saved for this dog. I've surmised that it may be her way of compensating for grandchildren she has never had. Perhaps, if she had small kids to love, then the dog I so unlovingly call Cujo, may take a backseat. But somehow I doubt it. Even my father takes her on long, tethered walks that I never got as a boy. It's absurd!
I did once tell mom that if this dog--and I--survived her and Dad, not to fear. Whichever of them goes last--Mom or Dad--would get the pleasure of taking the dog with them into eternal bliss. A companion for the ages. I'm a good son, goddamnit!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Mexican Candidate
Forget the "Manchurian Candidate," at one time a Mexican Republican was running for president!
A lot has been made of Barack Obama's birth certificate. Birthers run this issue into the ground in the 2008 presidential election, and of course, since it is a new election cycle, they are coming out of the wood-work and insane asylums again to discredit the president. The only thing is that former Michigan governor, Jorge, I mean George Romney, who was the father of Mitt Romney, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. It gets better. George Romney was a candidate for the 1968 Republican nomination. What could be more precious?
Now, I suppose 1968 was a gentler time for politics (NOT!). People didn't ask for piddly things, like birth certificates back then. (What Republican would let the Constitution get in their way, after all?) The only time I have ever heard of someone being required to produce a birth certificate was when a black man decided to run for the highest office in the land.
In the end, I suppose it is best that Jorge Romney lost the Republican nomination to "Tricky Dick" Nixon! It kept the process honest. (Ha! Ha!)
A lot has been made of Barack Obama's birth certificate. Birthers run this issue into the ground in the 2008 presidential election, and of course, since it is a new election cycle, they are coming out of the wood-work and insane asylums again to discredit the president. The only thing is that former Michigan governor, Jorge, I mean George Romney, who was the father of Mitt Romney, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. It gets better. George Romney was a candidate for the 1968 Republican nomination. What could be more precious?
Now, I suppose 1968 was a gentler time for politics (NOT!). People didn't ask for piddly things, like birth certificates back then. (What Republican would let the Constitution get in their way, after all?) The only time I have ever heard of someone being required to produce a birth certificate was when a black man decided to run for the highest office in the land.
In the end, I suppose it is best that Jorge Romney lost the Republican nomination to "Tricky Dick" Nixon! It kept the process honest. (Ha! Ha!)
Illinois Rant
I don't think this video needs an introduction! Okay, okay. I'll introduce it: Illinois Republican lawmaker Rep. Mike Bost goes insane on the floor of the Illinois' House.
Friday, May 04, 2012
Allergies continue
Since my last post about my allergies, I have had little relief. Apparently, I am susceptible to oak and grass pollen, which have been in great abundance here lately. Today, I had had enough and decided to go get my old stand-by pick me ups: Rocephin and Decadron in the tuckus.
Already I feel 100% better. My nose is clear. I am not coughing anymore. My chest feels open with my lungs full of air. I feel a better now than I have in weeks. My voice even sounds better and I can hear again! The benefits of these drugs outweigh the possible side-effects, for me at least. :)
Already I feel 100% better. My nose is clear. I am not coughing anymore. My chest feels open with my lungs full of air. I feel a better now than I have in weeks. My voice even sounds better and I can hear again! The benefits of these drugs outweigh the possible side-effects, for me at least. :)
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Tanning Mom is the real Coppertone girl!
Suddenly, my tan isn't looking so good! Thanks Tanning Mom for ruining my summer!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
98th annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
For some reason I really connected to this video that compared Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, and the President's dog, Bo.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Iron Lady
I recently watched the movie, The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I was very taken with the movie. Partly, because of Streep's wonderful performance and how well her make-up was done to show an aged Thatcher. The movie portrays a modern Margaret Thatcher as her memories flash back to earlier episodes of her life, through her battle with dementia.
For me, the most poignant part of the movie is the very beginning. It shows Thatcher, who has escaped from her home under the nose of her personal bodyguards, to buy a pint of milk. Dressed in an overcoat and headscarf, her celebrity goes unnoticed by the other customers and Indian cashier, as she is asked to fork over an outrageous 49p for the milk. She looks overwhelmed by her surroundings as she walks down the sidewalk carrying her blue plastic grocery bag.
Sure, there are probably lots of liberties taken in the creation of this movie; however, I think it makes a very important statement about a world leader who was instrumental in many world events! Of course, Meryl Streep helps. :)
For me, the most poignant part of the movie is the very beginning. It shows Thatcher, who has escaped from her home under the nose of her personal bodyguards, to buy a pint of milk. Dressed in an overcoat and headscarf, her celebrity goes unnoticed by the other customers and Indian cashier, as she is asked to fork over an outrageous 49p for the milk. She looks overwhelmed by her surroundings as she walks down the sidewalk carrying her blue plastic grocery bag.
Sure, there are probably lots of liberties taken in the creation of this movie; however, I think it makes a very important statement about a world leader who was instrumental in many world events! Of course, Meryl Streep helps. :)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Allergies!
Yesterday, I made the mistake of sitting outside for an extended period of time. Of course, that was more than enough time for my nose to be filled with pollen, which caused me to have a very bad night! I'm still reeling from the effects.
My eyes are itchy, my head is exploding, my nose is running, my throat is scratchy, I feel like I could puke, I have no physical energy, and even my back hurts! (What's up with that?) Spring and fall always bring these symptoms to me. I don't know what else to do, when it comes to treating these symptoms. I have an air purifier in my bedroom, that is supposed to remove allergens. I think it does a pretty good job, but it can't remove everything. On the pharmaceutical side I have been taking a plethora of drugs. I am currently taking Prednisone 10mg, Singulair 10mg, Flonase 50mcg, and Allegra 180mg. Last night, I added 400mg of Advil to the list. I thought about Benadryl, but that may be redundant, since Allegra is an antihistamine. I may take Benadryl tonight; it will help me sleep.
I don't know what else I can throw at it! I won't be going outside unless I absolutely have to, that is for sure.
My eyes are itchy, my head is exploding, my nose is running, my throat is scratchy, I feel like I could puke, I have no physical energy, and even my back hurts! (What's up with that?) Spring and fall always bring these symptoms to me. I don't know what else to do, when it comes to treating these symptoms. I have an air purifier in my bedroom, that is supposed to remove allergens. I think it does a pretty good job, but it can't remove everything. On the pharmaceutical side I have been taking a plethora of drugs. I am currently taking Prednisone 10mg, Singulair 10mg, Flonase 50mcg, and Allegra 180mg. Last night, I added 400mg of Advil to the list. I thought about Benadryl, but that may be redundant, since Allegra is an antihistamine. I may take Benadryl tonight; it will help me sleep.
I don't know what else I can throw at it! I won't be going outside unless I absolutely have to, that is for sure.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Pimpin' ain't easy!
When I read the charge levied against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of aggravated pimping, I literally burst out laughing. It is almost like a joke. Even now, my fingers are filled with laughter, as I type!
Only in France...
Only in France...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Dick Cheney's Brand New Heart
After living for over 71 years without a heart, former Vice President Dick "Tin Man" Cheney finally got his gift from the wizard yesterday: a sopping, beating, blood-filled, human heart. He is finally free of his heart facsimile!
(Image: http://vicepresidents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/cheney-tin.png)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The Terrorist & the Wolf
When an American soldier mows down civilians in a foreign land, it is the duty of the United States government to give him to the people he has offended, in a very meager attempt at atonement.
It doesn't matter what the circumstances were behind it. He acted outside the scope of his mission, and he must pay the price, according to the local laws and customs of the country in which he commits the offence. As many people are aware, being an American doesn't give us carte blanche or a "do-over-card." People died; families were destroyed. If they want to take him to a desolate soccer field and use his head in a game of army-jeep-polo, so be it.
In the words of one my favorite movies, "Feed [him] to the wolves. Let [him] see what they are like."
It doesn't matter what the circumstances were behind it. He acted outside the scope of his mission, and he must pay the price, according to the local laws and customs of the country in which he commits the offence. As many people are aware, being an American doesn't give us carte blanche or a "do-over-card." People died; families were destroyed. If they want to take him to a desolate soccer field and use his head in a game of army-jeep-polo, so be it.
In the words of one my favorite movies, "Feed [him] to the wolves. Let [him] see what they are like."
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mitt Horror Voting Show
Apparantly, Democrats are causing some havoc in the Michigan open primary. They are cutting down Mitt Romney by voting for his rival, Rick Santorum. It would be very funny (not for Mitt), if he lost his native state of Michigan in today's primary.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Awry Emailing
You have to be careful when you "reply all" to an email. I replied all to an email, from my iPhone, that I thought was just going to my co-workers, and it had my bosses Cc'd, which I didn't see until I was reading the email later.
Of course, I ripped someone that will see the email. Oh well, I was heavily drugged at the time I sent it (due to being sick). I hope that is a viable excuse. Perhaps, they will take it as constructive criticism, or even me taking the initiative.
I am after their job, after all!
Of course, I ripped someone that will see the email. Oh well, I was heavily drugged at the time I sent it (due to being sick). I hope that is a viable excuse. Perhaps, they will take it as constructive criticism, or even me taking the initiative.
I am after their job, after all!
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Vegas Night
Mitt Romney wins the state of Nevada's Republican Caucus.
I am beyond shocked. Now if there had been two Mormon candidates in the election, and Romney won, I would be even more shocked!
I am beyond shocked. Now if there had been two Mormon candidates in the election, and Romney won, I would be even more shocked!
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