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12.30.2008
Liberty: A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions
A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions
by the late Harry Browne
1. I resolve to *sell* liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each
prospect, rather than *preaching* to people and expecting them to suddenly
adopt my ideas of right and wrong.
2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is
to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that they're wrong.
3. I resolve to *listen* when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can
help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.
4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals
someone may seek -- a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less
divisive society -- and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved
by government, but will be well served in a free society.
5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that
lead people to seek government help. I don't have to approve of their subsidies
or policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of
helping them find a better way to solve their problems.
6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point:
how much better off the individual will be in a free society.
7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American.
Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we
have. To speak only of America's defects will make me a tiresome crank.
8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very
small government -- not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.
9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things
steal time and attention from the work that must be done.
10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the
first libertarian someone has encountered, and it's important that he get a
good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is
unattractive.
11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion may be an
opinion I once held. If *I* can grow, why can't I help *him* grow?
12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no
one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our
quest for a free society.
13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use
character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real
benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people
free -- and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals
will bring.
14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However
anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a better person than my
enemies.
-- Harry Browne
by the late Harry Browne
1. I resolve to *sell* liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each
prospect, rather than *preaching* to people and expecting them to suddenly
adopt my ideas of right and wrong.
2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is
to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that they're wrong.
3. I resolve to *listen* when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can
help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.
4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals
someone may seek -- a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less
divisive society -- and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved
by government, but will be well served in a free society.
5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that
lead people to seek government help. I don't have to approve of their subsidies
or policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of
helping them find a better way to solve their problems.
6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point:
how much better off the individual will be in a free society.
7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American.
Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we
have. To speak only of America's defects will make me a tiresome crank.
8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very
small government -- not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.
9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things
steal time and attention from the work that must be done.
10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the
first libertarian someone has encountered, and it's important that he get a
good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is
unattractive.
11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion may be an
opinion I once held. If *I* can grow, why can't I help *him* grow?
12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no
one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our
quest for a free society.
13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use
character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real
benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people
free -- and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals
will bring.
14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However
anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a better person than my
enemies.
-- Harry Browne
Truth - One Year Ago Today
On December 30th, 2007 Michael Gagnon almost single handedly wiped out a family I know heading home to their residence in Maryland.
After drinking himself into a stuporous 0.254 blood alcohol level, Michael Gagnon left the party at the Rodeo Bar and Grill for no good reason. His family had three rooms rented at the Holiday Inn that the Rodeo Bar and Grill shares a parking lot with, and he could have stayed there quite easily but didn't.
But Gagnon really wanted some Taco Bell. So, despite the fact that there were designated drivers at the party, he left the party to go and get it, hopping into his brother’s black 2005 Ford F350 pickup truck that they used for construction work and heading on down the road to the nearest Taco Bell.
You have to be pretty drunk when people working at Taco Bell notice that you’re too plastered to drive. But that’s exactly what happened as Michael Gagnon drove through the drive thru.
Only Michael Gagnon knows what was going through his head at the time, but he missed the turnoff for the interstate to head back to the party and continued along until he saw, swerved towards and drove onto the wrong on-ramp.
He might even have gotten away with the maneuver if the on-ramp that he drove onto wasn’t, in fact, an off-ramp! Gagnon drove about four miles down the wrong way on the highway before he smashed into the minivan head on that my friend Danny Griffin was driving his family home in.
Eyewitness accounts say that both drivers tried to avoid a head-on collision, but that the passenger door was basically ripped off it’s hinges as the full-size Ford pickup truck ran into the minivan.
As the minivan was ripped open, an assortment of stuffed animals, toys, luggage, gift wrap and baby blankets flew over the highway, along with several of the children who were riding in the minivan.
The injuries were pretty much what you would expect. Broken bones. Massive head trauma. Death. Less than 10 minutes after Michael Gagnon left his little party, he had managed to kill the majority of a family.
Who did Michael Gagnon kill? Mother Bethany Griffin. 10-year-old Jordan Griffin. 8-week-old Vadie Griffin. 10-year-old Haley Burkman and 7-year-old Lacie Burkman. Three families forever hurt.
And for what? All because HE HAD TO DRINK. All because people have this artificial need to drink whenever they go out. We've all been there. We've all seen it. How many more people are going to die unless YOU do something about it? Don't drink and drive. And if you know someone who is about to drive when they shouldnt, do something about it. When you don't, you are responsible.
Quit being so dumb and get a clue.
How many people live for the weekend to get their beer? Pathetic. How many people have pictures of themselves on facebook or myspace at a bar smashed? It's a mindset of the culture that breeds this and you perpetuate by keeping it going. I'm not prude when it comes to alcohol, and I'm certainly not against partying or drinking establishments, but if this wasn't a wake up call, I don't know what is. Does anyone care anymore?
Angry forever.
.
12.29.2008
Sports -: Lions Free
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Detroit Lions went 0 and 16, and fired Head Coach Rod Marinelli. I don't care. They cheated me for 8 seasons as a season ticket holder (yes I know it's my fault), and I'm done.
I will now root for one of my 3 AFC Teams (Steelers, Raiders, Patriots). I can never root for the Pack, Bears, or Vikings...let alone Philly or the Cowboys. That's just absurd. But I will now root for the AFC, as the LIONS are dead to me. I said, dead to me.
I have no hope for them, I have no faith. I shall watch them from afar, and that is fine with me. I am not a fair weather fan, I am not a front runner, I am not a sore loser. I am beaten and down for the count. I have accepted defeat, shall lick my wounds and move on. They don't need me, and I don't need them. The divorce will be final in March when I don't renew my tickets. Screw them.
I'm Lions Free, just as some of my friends have been slowly doing over the years. They were smart, I was not. I had fun tailgating with LOCAL 1957, but it's over.
Goodbye Lions...alas you hardly knew me.
I will now root for one of my 3 AFC Teams (Steelers, Raiders, Patriots). I can never root for the Pack, Bears, or Vikings...let alone Philly or the Cowboys. That's just absurd. But I will now root for the AFC, as the LIONS are dead to me. I said, dead to me.
I have no hope for them, I have no faith. I shall watch them from afar, and that is fine with me. I am not a fair weather fan, I am not a front runner, I am not a sore loser. I am beaten and down for the count. I have accepted defeat, shall lick my wounds and move on. They don't need me, and I don't need them. The divorce will be final in March when I don't renew my tickets. Screw them.
I'm Lions Free, just as some of my friends have been slowly doing over the years. They were smart, I was not. I had fun tailgating with LOCAL 1957, but it's over.
Goodbye Lions...alas you hardly knew me.
Truth: Waiting Room
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So today I'm in a waiting room ( I hate the word WAITING, as it reminds of me waiting), and there are 5 chairs. Not bad you say? Well there were 9 people waiting. So 4 people had to stand. I'm comfortable, just diving into my mobile device...when I look up and see 2 children and 2 women standing there pouting. So I get up to give them my seat, then I stand for the next 15 minutes. Me no happy.
12.27.2008
A.D.D. Rumblings No. 122708
1. I am not a clean freak by any means when it comes to the inside of my car. However, I don't let things pile up for weeks on end. I don't have things falling out when I open the door. I put the trash in the side bin, and I empty it out when I'm at the gas station. Some people I know, the insides of their cars are like a tornado hit them. I wonder what it says about these lazy dirty sloths to have their cars such a lifeless wreck of wretched banana peels, countless coffee cups, and fries from April scattered about?
2. There is no doubt in my mind that the 9 volt battery is part of a conspiracy between the battery companies and other companies. I always have a C or a D battery lying around. I can confiscate AAA's from the remote. However, when I need 9 volt, they are nowhere to be found. Do I take one from the smoke detector? Heck when I go to the store they are even sometimes out of them. It's time to revolt against the 9 volt!
3. I've noticed that any girl between the ages of 17 and 25 talk extremely nasal, and like a Valley Girl. They draw out their words, and accentuate the drama. For SURE, and say the word LIKE a hundred times. I went to order something at the drive thru and this girl was talking just like that over the speaker. I was gonna like stick my hand like through the speaker and like ring her neck.
5. That which does not kill you, only makes you stronger is something I hear more and more lately. I don't know about this. I think if it doesn't kill you, it kills you slowly or chips away at you. It might increase your immunity, but I think it slowly kills you. Every time you just die a little more inside.
4. I love Panetone.
6. Is there anything more annoying than professional athletes who laugh after messing up a play or dropping a ball. I don't really ever see this in hockey, but I see it in baseball, basketball, and football. I really really hate this. You messed up, get angry. Don't laugh about it. Geezus, at least show you care. (reminder I don't talk sports with chicks, please move on to the next question if you have breasts).
[This blog is brought to you by the word muse and the number 402]
7. Never have a regret about something in your past, because at the exact moment is where you wanted to be at the time. Hmmm? Not sure about this. Are you exactly where you want be right now? If you are, well thank you for reading this. Do you think you'll regret after you are done reading this? If so, that wasn't very nice.
8. I remember when IKEA first opened, and all the sheep that waited in line to go there. I remember girl friends taking weekend trips to Toronto just to go shopping at IKEA. Someone shoot me. There stuff really isn't that good. Some of it is nice, but it's very cheap to me. It reminds me of Walmart stuff only with color. Ligonberries are tasty though.
9. OK I'm really Jonesin for a vacation to a very warm climate. I need some sun. I'm a delicate flower wilting away without sun. I think we should go to the Cayman Islands for about 4 days. Monday through Thursday is fine for cheaper rates. I can look this up and pass the information to you so you can order the tickets. Thank you in advance.
10. I don't have faith often, but I do have hope. I hope things will change, but I have no faith that they will. That sounds pretty negative, but I don't think it is. I need concrete evidence that shows things are going my way. I can't just wish it or expect it, or even play the odds. There is a fine line between hope and faith, and I'm having a hard time finding faith in things. I hope I'm wrong.
.
2. There is no doubt in my mind that the 9 volt battery is part of a conspiracy between the battery companies and other companies. I always have a C or a D battery lying around. I can confiscate AAA's from the remote. However, when I need 9 volt, they are nowhere to be found. Do I take one from the smoke detector? Heck when I go to the store they are even sometimes out of them. It's time to revolt against the 9 volt!
3. I've noticed that any girl between the ages of 17 and 25 talk extremely nasal, and like a Valley Girl. They draw out their words, and accentuate the drama. For SURE, and say the word LIKE a hundred times. I went to order something at the drive thru and this girl was talking just like that over the speaker. I was gonna like stick my hand like through the speaker and like ring her neck.
5. That which does not kill you, only makes you stronger is something I hear more and more lately. I don't know about this. I think if it doesn't kill you, it kills you slowly or chips away at you. It might increase your immunity, but I think it slowly kills you. Every time you just die a little more inside.
4. I love Panetone.
6. Is there anything more annoying than professional athletes who laugh after messing up a play or dropping a ball. I don't really ever see this in hockey, but I see it in baseball, basketball, and football. I really really hate this. You messed up, get angry. Don't laugh about it. Geezus, at least show you care. (reminder I don't talk sports with chicks, please move on to the next question if you have breasts).
[This blog is brought to you by the word muse and the number 402]
7. Never have a regret about something in your past, because at the exact moment is where you wanted to be at the time. Hmmm? Not sure about this. Are you exactly where you want be right now? If you are, well thank you for reading this. Do you think you'll regret after you are done reading this? If so, that wasn't very nice.
8. I remember when IKEA first opened, and all the sheep that waited in line to go there. I remember girl friends taking weekend trips to Toronto just to go shopping at IKEA. Someone shoot me. There stuff really isn't that good. Some of it is nice, but it's very cheap to me. It reminds me of Walmart stuff only with color. Ligonberries are tasty though.
9. OK I'm really Jonesin for a vacation to a very warm climate. I need some sun. I'm a delicate flower wilting away without sun. I think we should go to the Cayman Islands for about 4 days. Monday through Thursday is fine for cheaper rates. I can look this up and pass the information to you so you can order the tickets. Thank you in advance.
10. I don't have faith often, but I do have hope. I hope things will change, but I have no faith that they will. That sounds pretty negative, but I don't think it is. I need concrete evidence that shows things are going my way. I can't just wish it or expect it, or even play the odds. There is a fine line between hope and faith, and I'm having a hard time finding faith in things. I hope I'm wrong.
.
Love Mail Hate Mail 122708
Love Mail
-dino, your stupid stuff has brought me so much joy this year....keep up the good work...i luv u...merry christmas
-Thanks for all the laughs, tunes and thought provoking blogs Dino. I wish you and yours an awesome and peaceful 2009, my friend.
-You are right. I do love you. My husband calls you my Italian "other half". My husband is not Italian. :-) He doesn't always understand the Italians. I enjoy your humor, your banter and your over all opinionated self. Keep it up. You have a reader for life in me.
-Thank you for making me laugh EVERY day!
-Looking forward to you and your blog in 2009! Yes, I adore and love you! Cheers
HATE MAIL
- You just now discovered the show HOUSE? I've been calling you HOUSE for 2 years. Hopefully you understand.
-dino, your stupid stuff has brought me so much joy this year....keep up the good work...i luv u...merry christmas
-Thanks for all the laughs, tunes and thought provoking blogs Dino. I wish you and yours an awesome and peaceful 2009, my friend.
-You are right. I do love you. My husband calls you my Italian "other half". My husband is not Italian. :-) He doesn't always understand the Italians. I enjoy your humor, your banter and your over all opinionated self. Keep it up. You have a reader for life in me.
-Thank you for making me laugh EVERY day!
-Looking forward to you and your blog in 2009! Yes, I adore and love you! Cheers
HATE MAIL
- You just now discovered the show HOUSE? I've been calling you HOUSE for 2 years. Hopefully you understand.
12.26.2008
Truth: The Joy of Regifting
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Got an ugly tie for Christmas? Got an overload of fruitcake? A can of Simoniz you can't seem to use? Well instead of returning and wasting your time going to the store with the other sheep...Send your stuff to me. I'll take it.
12.23.2008
Truth: Instant Messaging
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm not one to use chatting services very much, but I do have them. I'm on several, but prefer gtalk/gmail over any of the rest. But when you've been on the internet for over 15 years you tend to gain accounts here and there from other services.
I really want to have all my clients in one place, and I want it portable with me. I don't need it on my phone, I use FRING for that. I want it with me for obvious reasons to contact people without calling them. Sometimes I just need to know who to start for my fantasy football team and instant messaging works perfect for that.
There are several services out there that put all your instant messaging clients in one place. I've used TRILLIAN for my desktop for a few years now and it does the job. Now I'm using MEEBO. I have AIM, MSN, YAHOO, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, MYSPACE instant messaging all in one place. The best part is it is web based and you can even pop out the window.
If you want an account you can go there and sign up for free..or I can send you an invite.
I really want to have all my clients in one place, and I want it portable with me. I don't need it on my phone, I use FRING for that. I want it with me for obvious reasons to contact people without calling them. Sometimes I just need to know who to start for my fantasy football team and instant messaging works perfect for that.
There are several services out there that put all your instant messaging clients in one place. I've used TRILLIAN for my desktop for a few years now and it does the job. Now I'm using MEEBO. I have AIM, MSN, YAHOO, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, MYSPACE instant messaging all in one place. The best part is it is web based and you can even pop out the window.
If you want an account you can go there and sign up for free..or I can send you an invite.
12.21.2008
Truth: Face the Facebook
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Facebook released this information on their site:
General Growth:
More than 140 million active users
More than half of Facebook users are outside of college
The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older
User Engagement:
Average user has 100 friends on the site
2.6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
More than 13 million users update their statuses at least once each day
More than 2.5 million users become fans of Pages each day
Applications
More than 700 million photos uploaded to the site each month
More than 4 million videos uploaded each month
More than 15 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each month
More than 2 million events created each month
More than 19 million active user groups exist on the site
International Growth
More than 35 translations available on the site, with more than 60 in development
More than 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
Platform
More than 660,000 developers and entrepreneurs from more than 180 countries
More than 52,000 applications currently available on Facebook Platform
140 new applications added per day
More than 95% of Facebook members have used at least one application built on Facebook Platform
Also worth noting is the data on mobile users released last month which revealed that the company has 15 million active mobile users using their site, having grown from just 5 million at the beginning of the year.
General Growth:
More than 140 million active users
More than half of Facebook users are outside of college
The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older
User Engagement:
Average user has 100 friends on the site
2.6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
More than 13 million users update their statuses at least once each day
More than 2.5 million users become fans of Pages each day
Applications
More than 700 million photos uploaded to the site each month
More than 4 million videos uploaded each month
More than 15 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each month
More than 2 million events created each month
More than 19 million active user groups exist on the site
International Growth
More than 35 translations available on the site, with more than 60 in development
More than 70% of Facebook users are outside the United States
Platform
More than 660,000 developers and entrepreneurs from more than 180 countries
More than 52,000 applications currently available on Facebook Platform
140 new applications added per day
More than 95% of Facebook members have used at least one application built on Facebook Platform
Also worth noting is the data on mobile users released last month which revealed that the company has 15 million active mobile users using their site, having grown from just 5 million at the beginning of the year.
12.20.2008
My Favorite Christmas Movies
A Christmas Story
A Christmas Carol
Christmas Vacation
Scrooged
It's a Wondeful Life
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Polar Express
Home Alone & Home Alone 2
A Charlie Brown Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Christmas Carol
Christmas Vacation
Scrooged
It's a Wondeful Life
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Polar Express
Home Alone & Home Alone 2
A Charlie Brown Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12.19.2008
My Favorite Christmas Song
There are too many to list, but I really love the Bare Naked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan singing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Take a listen when her voices kicks in the second stanza. It's like the angel comes down from the top of the tree and smacks you in the face for not believing in Christmas.
Egg nog anyone?
Take a listen when her voices kicks in the second stanza. It's like the angel comes down from the top of the tree and smacks you in the face for not believing in Christmas.
Egg nog anyone?
12.17.2008
Love Mail Hate Mail 121708
Love Mail
You are soooooooooooooooo funny!!!!You make my day sometimes...wish their were more people like u on myspace...
Hate Mail
Jerk
You are soooooooooooooooo funny!!!!You make my day sometimes...wish their were more people like u on myspace...
Hate Mail
Jerk
12.15.2008
Love Mail Hate Mail 121508
Love Mail
I need your address so I can ship myself to you...
it will come c.o.d... can ya afford it???
Hate Mail
You are so cocky and pompous
I need your address so I can ship myself to you...
it will come c.o.d... can ya afford it???
Hate Mail
You are so cocky and pompous
12.14.2008
A.D.D. Rumblings No. 121408
1. I don't have a problem with women drinking beer. However I have a problem with seeing a woman holding a beer. It really bothers me and always has. I don't know why exactly, but it's a huge turn off to see a woman holding a beer. Stop it.
2. I was told that Monica Belluci is a skank. It's not true. I'm positive of it.
3. You always hear how shady Chicago politics are. The latest with the 3rd governor in the last 30 years getting into trouble is just a glimpse of what it's all about. The difference between Chicago politics vs. Detroit politics is things get done in Chicago. In Detroit nothing gets done because it's all so personal between the politicians. Morons.
5. The windchill in Fargo, North Dakota today was minus 35. Can someone explain the point of living there? Seriously, it can't be fun. It can't be easy. The thought of it makes me sick. Paging Mr. Heat Miser...paging Mr. Heat Miser.
4. Is Saturday Night Live really that funny? Their opening skits are pretty much predictable are they not? Take the lead news story of the week on the news, then get their main characters to dress up like them. Rinse, lather, repeat.
[ This blog is brought to you by the word prescience and the number 365.29 ]
6. OK people...enough with sending me Detroit Lions jokes. Yes I'm a season ticket holder and that itself is a joke. However don't send me jokes because you think about me when you see a Lions joke. I've seen them all, and I've probably created a few of them as well. Instead send me sympathy cards, therapy coupons, and a new team to root for. Feel my pain.
7. What do you do when you have to cross the river of decision? Swimming is appropriate when you know for sure what you’re doing and there is no point waiting. Building a bridge is more expensive, is time consuming and requires more effort. Waiting means not to stop your life, but simply to recognize the right time for choosing your route. Then again you could wait still want to do it because by the time the water goes down your motivation to cross the river might be lost. What do do?
8. OK so we are officially in a nationwide recession. What are you doing to deal with the recession? There is a movie theater near where I live that is constantly packed. The local bar is usually packed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Those people are most likely not cutting corners. Do you participate in the recession or do you just keep on keeping on not paying attention to your coinage?
9. Are you considered crazy if you talk to yourself out loud all of the time? Are you considered crazy if you have conversations between yourself and yourself all day long? [I read this one outloud to myself just see if I would respond. I did.]
10. If someone says they are doing the best they can, is that good enough?
.
2. I was told that Monica Belluci is a skank. It's not true. I'm positive of it.
3. You always hear how shady Chicago politics are. The latest with the 3rd governor in the last 30 years getting into trouble is just a glimpse of what it's all about. The difference between Chicago politics vs. Detroit politics is things get done in Chicago. In Detroit nothing gets done because it's all so personal between the politicians. Morons.
5. The windchill in Fargo, North Dakota today was minus 35. Can someone explain the point of living there? Seriously, it can't be fun. It can't be easy. The thought of it makes me sick. Paging Mr. Heat Miser...paging Mr. Heat Miser.
4. Is Saturday Night Live really that funny? Their opening skits are pretty much predictable are they not? Take the lead news story of the week on the news, then get their main characters to dress up like them. Rinse, lather, repeat.
[ This blog is brought to you by the word prescience and the number 365.29 ]
6. OK people...enough with sending me Detroit Lions jokes. Yes I'm a season ticket holder and that itself is a joke. However don't send me jokes because you think about me when you see a Lions joke. I've seen them all, and I've probably created a few of them as well. Instead send me sympathy cards, therapy coupons, and a new team to root for. Feel my pain.
7. What do you do when you have to cross the river of decision? Swimming is appropriate when you know for sure what you’re doing and there is no point waiting. Building a bridge is more expensive, is time consuming and requires more effort. Waiting means not to stop your life, but simply to recognize the right time for choosing your route. Then again you could wait still want to do it because by the time the water goes down your motivation to cross the river might be lost. What do do?
8. OK so we are officially in a nationwide recession. What are you doing to deal with the recession? There is a movie theater near where I live that is constantly packed. The local bar is usually packed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Those people are most likely not cutting corners. Do you participate in the recession or do you just keep on keeping on not paying attention to your coinage?
9. Are you considered crazy if you talk to yourself out loud all of the time? Are you considered crazy if you have conversations between yourself and yourself all day long? [I read this one outloud to myself just see if I would respond. I did.]
10. If someone says they are doing the best they can, is that good enough?
.
12.13.2008
Just a hunch on the auto loan-bail-out...
The southern republicans were just posturing and punishing the UAW for supporting their opponents so much finanically in the past election. Then President Bush will come in like the white knight and save the day, and thus for the most part his legacy. Improving his approval ratings (like it really matters) and not sending the country in a depression. So sayeth me.
12.11.2008
Love Mail Hate Mail 121108
Love Mail
smiling ... just marry me already would you dino!!
Hate Mail
Secretly I think you are socialist in libertarian clothing.
smiling ... just marry me already would you dino!!
Hate Mail
Secretly I think you are socialist in libertarian clothing.
The Principles of Corruption
I picked this up from professor Larry Sabato, out of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. I often read his stuff in my quest to uncover more truth. In light of the governor of Illinois just getting arrested this is a good read. By the way, is there anything more shady than Chicago politics? 3 Governors arrested!
The "Principles" of Corruption
1. Corruption has no ideology, no partisan coloration. Throughout human history, corruption has been a constant, occurring to varying degrees in every kind of nation-state government, and society. As we will show, both Democrats and Republicans participate in corrupt practices, some of them widespread. Given the nature of competitive politics, when one side adopts a corrupt activity, succeeds at it, and gets away with it, the technique is legitimized and rationalized for use by the other side. Corruption can become so accepted that it is simply a "custom" of politics, often unquestioned by candidates, officeholders, or occasionally even by the press. Illegal activities in New York's Tammy Hall, Chicago's Daley machine, and Maryland contractors' payoff system for Governors Spiro Agnew (Republican) and Marvin Mandel (Democrat) are but three prominent examples. Another application of this unprincipled principle is that a change of power from one party to another may simply involve a change in machines, with no decrease in the level of corruption. ("Meet the new boss," sang an old rock group, "same as the old boss.") Some of the current practices of incumbent congressmen and the political consulting industry ... demonstrate other instances of ingrained, corrupt custom.
2. While corruption is inevitable and a constant, its precise manifestations are ever changing. [O]utright bribery was once the preferred modus operandi of corruption in America, and a lengthy line of scandals can be traced to it. Credit Mobilier, Teapot Dome, Abscam (a late 1970s law enforcement sting operation in which a phony "Arab sheik" gave some congressmen money in exchange for their official help), and a hundred major embarrassments over the centuries in New Jersey, Louisiana, West Virginia, and sister states. Similarly, elections were often stolen as a matter of course, and appeals to bigotry and racism were standard on the campaign trail, especially in the South. [S]ome of these corrupt methods, and certain strains (such as election fraud) ... may be poised for a comeback. But none of these practices is as widespread today as fifty or a hundred years ago. Instead, new ways and means of corruption have been found, many of them designed to fit loopholes in the election laws or adapted to the dazzling new technologies of election campaigns.
3. Corruption flourishes in secrecy and wherever the people and the press tolerate it. Cockroaches and dirty campaigners love and live in the dark shadows. When their activities are undisclosed, the corrupters go about their business unimpeded. When the news media decline to explore and investigate suspicious practices, they fail in their most basic responsibilities. When the electorate learns of such practices via the press or other means and tolerates corruption (if only through inaction such as neglecting to punish the perpetrators at the polls), the voters contribute to an environment that nurtures corruption.
4. A system of government or politics can be at least as corrupting as human nature itself. We have studied politicians in close proximity for years, and as much as it may disappoint the cynics, we have not found politicians to be venal as a class. While there are a number of individual exceptions, most professional politicians, especially those already in public office, want to do good or seek to do the right thing, if doing good is an option that does not result in their political demise. However, if the "normal and customary" practices of campaigning engaged in both parties are seedy, and if a candidate believes "everybody's doing it, and if I don't do it, I may lose," then most politicians will suspend their ethical codes. They will willingly accept a distasteful means that ensures what they regard as the good and essential end of their continued power. In other words, otherwise ethical people are put at a disadvantage by a corrupting system and almost forced to do unto others as they are being done to. Strict ethicists will correctly argue that the truly honorable person would not stoop to conquer, whatever the provocation. Yet reasonable reformers must keep in mind that the professional politician has a "power gene" in his or her genetic code that overrides all usual inhibitions to achieve victory or maintain power--and genetic engineering, however advanced it may become, will never be able to change that reality.
5. Any crusade to eradicate corruption is naive and doomed to failure, but corruption can be controlled and limited. The political mind is ingenious and the stakes high, and ... given our First Amendment freedoms of speech and association in the United States, there can never be an airtight statutory solution to [political corruption]. In fact, as the Corrupt Practices Act and the Federal Election Campaign Act show, almost every attempt to revise and "improve" the election laws is guaranteed to create new, unforeseen loopholes that will be exploited in time, bringing discredit upon those very same high-minded reforms. Instead, sunshine is the most powerful disinfectant for corruption, and the exposure can force corrupt custom to change by turning the socially or politically acceptable into the unacceptable, utilizing the awesome power of public opinion.
The "Principles" of Corruption
1. Corruption has no ideology, no partisan coloration. Throughout human history, corruption has been a constant, occurring to varying degrees in every kind of nation-state government, and society. As we will show, both Democrats and Republicans participate in corrupt practices, some of them widespread. Given the nature of competitive politics, when one side adopts a corrupt activity, succeeds at it, and gets away with it, the technique is legitimized and rationalized for use by the other side. Corruption can become so accepted that it is simply a "custom" of politics, often unquestioned by candidates, officeholders, or occasionally even by the press. Illegal activities in New York's Tammy Hall, Chicago's Daley machine, and Maryland contractors' payoff system for Governors Spiro Agnew (Republican) and Marvin Mandel (Democrat) are but three prominent examples. Another application of this unprincipled principle is that a change of power from one party to another may simply involve a change in machines, with no decrease in the level of corruption. ("Meet the new boss," sang an old rock group, "same as the old boss.") Some of the current practices of incumbent congressmen and the political consulting industry ... demonstrate other instances of ingrained, corrupt custom.
2. While corruption is inevitable and a constant, its precise manifestations are ever changing. [O]utright bribery was once the preferred modus operandi of corruption in America, and a lengthy line of scandals can be traced to it. Credit Mobilier, Teapot Dome, Abscam (a late 1970s law enforcement sting operation in which a phony "Arab sheik" gave some congressmen money in exchange for their official help), and a hundred major embarrassments over the centuries in New Jersey, Louisiana, West Virginia, and sister states. Similarly, elections were often stolen as a matter of course, and appeals to bigotry and racism were standard on the campaign trail, especially in the South. [S]ome of these corrupt methods, and certain strains (such as election fraud) ... may be poised for a comeback. But none of these practices is as widespread today as fifty or a hundred years ago. Instead, new ways and means of corruption have been found, many of them designed to fit loopholes in the election laws or adapted to the dazzling new technologies of election campaigns.
3. Corruption flourishes in secrecy and wherever the people and the press tolerate it. Cockroaches and dirty campaigners love and live in the dark shadows. When their activities are undisclosed, the corrupters go about their business unimpeded. When the news media decline to explore and investigate suspicious practices, they fail in their most basic responsibilities. When the electorate learns of such practices via the press or other means and tolerates corruption (if only through inaction such as neglecting to punish the perpetrators at the polls), the voters contribute to an environment that nurtures corruption.
4. A system of government or politics can be at least as corrupting as human nature itself. We have studied politicians in close proximity for years, and as much as it may disappoint the cynics, we have not found politicians to be venal as a class. While there are a number of individual exceptions, most professional politicians, especially those already in public office, want to do good or seek to do the right thing, if doing good is an option that does not result in their political demise. However, if the "normal and customary" practices of campaigning engaged in both parties are seedy, and if a candidate believes "everybody's doing it, and if I don't do it, I may lose," then most politicians will suspend their ethical codes. They will willingly accept a distasteful means that ensures what they regard as the good and essential end of their continued power. In other words, otherwise ethical people are put at a disadvantage by a corrupting system and almost forced to do unto others as they are being done to. Strict ethicists will correctly argue that the truly honorable person would not stoop to conquer, whatever the provocation. Yet reasonable reformers must keep in mind that the professional politician has a "power gene" in his or her genetic code that overrides all usual inhibitions to achieve victory or maintain power--and genetic engineering, however advanced it may become, will never be able to change that reality.
5. Any crusade to eradicate corruption is naive and doomed to failure, but corruption can be controlled and limited. The political mind is ingenious and the stakes high, and ... given our First Amendment freedoms of speech and association in the United States, there can never be an airtight statutory solution to [political corruption]. In fact, as the Corrupt Practices Act and the Federal Election Campaign Act show, almost every attempt to revise and "improve" the election laws is guaranteed to create new, unforeseen loopholes that will be exploited in time, bringing discredit upon those very same high-minded reforms. Instead, sunshine is the most powerful disinfectant for corruption, and the exposure can force corrupt custom to change by turning the socially or politically acceptable into the unacceptable, utilizing the awesome power of public opinion.
12.08.2008
Anyone see a problem here?
This is from the Washington Post
Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials.
The long-planned shift in the Defense Department's role in homeland security was recently backed with funding and troop commitments after years of prodding by Congress and outside experts, defense analysts said.
There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.
What do you think?
Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security
The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials.
The long-planned shift in the Defense Department's role in homeland security was recently backed with funding and troop commitments after years of prodding by Congress and outside experts, defense analysts said.
There are critics of the change, in the military and among civil liberties groups and libertarians who express concern that the new homeland emphasis threatens to strain the military and possibly undermine the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old federal law restricting the military's role in domestic law enforcement.
What do you think?
12.06.2008
A.D.D. Rumblings No. 12608
1. Anyone ever hear of pickleball? Pickleball is a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis, and badminton. I don't believe any testosterone is required to play. Sounds like a drinking game to me.
2. While shoveling a mile of snow today, I was thinking what the benefits of doing so were. I still haven't come across any. I don't feel better when it's done. I don't enjoy doing it. I don't look forward to doing it either. What's the point? I'm shoveling the snow today..then all of a sudden these 2 atv's come flying down the street with snow plows on them. Now that's motivating!
3. I have the Beyonce dance for ALL THE SINGLE LADIES almost perfected. I'll probably shoot a video and post it for you. You can tell me how I did.
5. I hear that oregano oil provides health benefits. Anyone ever try this or heard about this? I'm going to research it and check it out. For the record I put oregano in everything. Officer really, that's a bag of oregano I swear!
4. Lately I've come across some guy friends owning cats. What is going on here? Can you say WUSS? It's embarrassing. The terrorists are winning that's for sure.
6. Hey so much for that Obama change. It's all Clintonites and Neo-cons running the show. Told ya! Told ya! Don't say I didn't tell ya, but I told ya. Make sure you vote for me next time instead of just paying lip service. Slappys!
[This blog is brought to you by the word cowardice and the number 385.13]
7. Myspace vs. Facebook. I'm on both and have had major problems with hackers and phishers on both. Facebook I didn't like at first. In fact I didn't care for it until the came out with the 2.0 version. Now it's light years ahead of myspace in just about every aspect, with the exception of adding friends. The ability to port over external links from my blog, or youtube, or whatever is great. The application interface with twitter alone is worth it. Myspace is just to slow and cumbersome. You pretty much have to reach out and touch people to get a hold of them. Facebook, it's all right there in a feed and so much easier. It's far and above better for mobile purposes as well. I'll write more about it soon, but facebook is winning. It's the fastest growing site on the web and it's easy to see why.
8. Do you ever wonder why the media latches on to a certain story over others? Like the case of missing Caylee in the Casey Anthony case. There are hundreds of these stories out there, yet the find one or two and run with it. I hate to minimize the severity of these events, but the media sensationalizes these things somewhat. Why?
9. My comfort food is conchiglie pasta cooked with ricotta cheese. Once a year I'm lucky to get this. Someone make this for me now. I need some comfort. However please don't over cook the ricotta, I can't eat soggy food. I'm a freak about that.
10. If a person violates a moral code, but is still a very good citizen/person in every other aspect of his life, what does this make that person? Do you immediate judge that person completely for that action or just that action alone? Do you think that person is any less of a person for having those moral wrongdoings in his/her life?
2. While shoveling a mile of snow today, I was thinking what the benefits of doing so were. I still haven't come across any. I don't feel better when it's done. I don't enjoy doing it. I don't look forward to doing it either. What's the point? I'm shoveling the snow today..then all of a sudden these 2 atv's come flying down the street with snow plows on them. Now that's motivating!
3. I have the Beyonce dance for ALL THE SINGLE LADIES almost perfected. I'll probably shoot a video and post it for you. You can tell me how I did.
5. I hear that oregano oil provides health benefits. Anyone ever try this or heard about this? I'm going to research it and check it out. For the record I put oregano in everything. Officer really, that's a bag of oregano I swear!
4. Lately I've come across some guy friends owning cats. What is going on here? Can you say WUSS? It's embarrassing. The terrorists are winning that's for sure.
6. Hey so much for that Obama change. It's all Clintonites and Neo-cons running the show. Told ya! Told ya! Don't say I didn't tell ya, but I told ya. Make sure you vote for me next time instead of just paying lip service. Slappys!
[This blog is brought to you by the word cowardice and the number 385.13]
7. Myspace vs. Facebook. I'm on both and have had major problems with hackers and phishers on both. Facebook I didn't like at first. In fact I didn't care for it until the came out with the 2.0 version. Now it's light years ahead of myspace in just about every aspect, with the exception of adding friends. The ability to port over external links from my blog, or youtube, or whatever is great. The application interface with twitter alone is worth it. Myspace is just to slow and cumbersome. You pretty much have to reach out and touch people to get a hold of them. Facebook, it's all right there in a feed and so much easier. It's far and above better for mobile purposes as well. I'll write more about it soon, but facebook is winning. It's the fastest growing site on the web and it's easy to see why.
8. Do you ever wonder why the media latches on to a certain story over others? Like the case of missing Caylee in the Casey Anthony case. There are hundreds of these stories out there, yet the find one or two and run with it. I hate to minimize the severity of these events, but the media sensationalizes these things somewhat. Why?
9. My comfort food is conchiglie pasta cooked with ricotta cheese. Once a year I'm lucky to get this. Someone make this for me now. I need some comfort. However please don't over cook the ricotta, I can't eat soggy food. I'm a freak about that.
10. If a person violates a moral code, but is still a very good citizen/person in every other aspect of his life, what does this make that person? Do you immediate judge that person completely for that action or just that action alone? Do you think that person is any less of a person for having those moral wrongdoings in his/her life?
12.05.2008
Sloppy Seconds?
In their infinite wisdom again, the NHL did something that's a bit silly. They suspended Dallas Star (and former Red Wing) Sean Avery for 6 games for speaking his mind. His and my ex girlfriend actress Elisha Cuthbert is now dating Calgary Flame Dion Phaneuff. Avery called her "SLOPPY SECONDS". The NHL suspended Avery for those disparaging remarks.
The NHL deems it sexist and derogatory to women, which if it is, then fine..he should be suspended. I don't think it personally, but I could be wrong. Is it really that bad what he said?
Chris Pronger can lop off heads with is stick and get a game or two. This guy has an axe to grind with his ex, and the NHL basically says hey man..take 2 weeks off and go get some sun. Go relax and have fun.
Do you see the problem here? Again the NHL is clueless, and dumb. They again do something that doesn't help the sport. Why not fine him and have him donate the money to some battered or abused women's shelters. Do stuff like that. Nooooo...they just slap him on the wrist.
Part of it has to do with who he is. He's a punk for the most part and no one really likes him. A weird cat to say the least. A higher profile player may not have had anything done to him. Mark Messier once dated Madonna...does that make her sloppy 42nds for ARod?
Should be cool when the Flames and Stars meet in February!
12.04.2008
Truth: My Christmas List
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Ok you've asked for it repeatedly, now here it is:
1. Whirled Peas
2. A new dress shirt
3. White t-shirts v-neck or crew cut
4. The Detroit Lions to move to Los Angelas
5. 1968 Ferrari Dino
6. Lamborhini Countach
7. Hummer H2 black or white
8. Moto Guzzi Grisso
9. Ducatti Monster
10. Vespa 1967
11. 1970 Cadilliac Eldorado
12. 1967 Tempest
13. The New George Foreman Grill
14. Green Tea packets, decaf
15. White athletic socks
16. Red Wings Tickets
17. Peaches
18. My patent for the clap on clap off bra
19. The recession to end
20. Obama to bring change instead of Clinton III
21. Waverunner
22. Softball bat that works for me
23. My sister to sell her house after 3 years on the market
24. Good jobs for my friends out of work
25. Panetone
26. A vacation to the Keys or Carribean
27. My taxes lowered
28. More sunlight
29. DOS Rebel SLR
30. An IPOD or mp3 player
31. A fishing boat
32. A weekend in Toronto
33. A case of Pinot Grigio
34. A case of Pinot Noir
35. New jeans…the ones I have are a mess
36. A mountain bike, I want to bike more
37. Less gray hair
38. More hair on my head.
39. 3 68” Plasma TVs
40. New Flooring for the living room
41. A Chicago weekend
42. A pet skunk
43. Concert tickets…to see someone cool
44. All my vhs tapes converted to dvd
45. All my audio cd’s converted to mp3’s
46. A wine cellar
47. A block of Provolone
48. The Ove Glove
49. A punching bag
50. A widescreen laptop with webcam and stuff
Ok that's all for now...there's more, but I really don't have the capacity to recieve anymore than this for this year. Feel free to send your gifts at anytime.
1. Whirled Peas
2. A new dress shirt
3. White t-shirts v-neck or crew cut
4. The Detroit Lions to move to Los Angelas
5. 1968 Ferrari Dino
6. Lamborhini Countach
7. Hummer H2 black or white
8. Moto Guzzi Grisso
9. Ducatti Monster
10. Vespa 1967
11. 1970 Cadilliac Eldorado
12. 1967 Tempest
13. The New George Foreman Grill
14. Green Tea packets, decaf
15. White athletic socks
16. Red Wings Tickets
17. Peaches
18. My patent for the clap on clap off bra
19. The recession to end
20. Obama to bring change instead of Clinton III
21. Waverunner
22. Softball bat that works for me
23. My sister to sell her house after 3 years on the market
24. Good jobs for my friends out of work
25. Panetone
26. A vacation to the Keys or Carribean
27. My taxes lowered
28. More sunlight
29. DOS Rebel SLR
30. An IPOD or mp3 player
31. A fishing boat
32. A weekend in Toronto
33. A case of Pinot Grigio
34. A case of Pinot Noir
35. New jeans…the ones I have are a mess
36. A mountain bike, I want to bike more
37. Less gray hair
38. More hair on my head.
39. 3 68” Plasma TVs
40. New Flooring for the living room
41. A Chicago weekend
42. A pet skunk
43. Concert tickets…to see someone cool
44. All my vhs tapes converted to dvd
45. All my audio cd’s converted to mp3’s
46. A wine cellar
47. A block of Provolone
48. The Ove Glove
49. A punching bag
50. A widescreen laptop with webcam and stuff
Ok that's all for now...there's more, but I really don't have the capacity to recieve anymore than this for this year. Feel free to send your gifts at anytime.
12.03.2008
12.02.2008
Truth: Weather or not...
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Whether or not the weather is good or bad the local news, well even the national news inevitably do the same stories every friggin day. Why do they spend money sending out camera crews and covering the same stories over and over?
Here comes the snow. So what can we expect? The reporter standing on the side of the road looking at traffic commenting how cold it is. We then go over to the hardware store were people are running to get snow shovels. Then we hear how snow blower sales are up this time of year. Oh and let's stop this driver and ask him how the road conditions are? Then my favorite, they always stop a salt truck driver and ask him how many hours he has worked and if he is tired.
I'm Captain Obvious reporting live by the side of the road where ice is slippery.
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