4/30/2010
Books of 2010: Short Story Edition-- Old Man and the Sea
I read "Old Man and the Sea," by Ernest Hemingway, this morning. It was nice to read something short, after Atlas Shrugged. I don't know what I am doing reading things that could actually be considered "Literature." Maybe next I need read some more cheesy Sci-Fi...
ummmmm... I give it 9/10.
ummmmm... I give it 9/10.
CRY HIPPIE! CRYYYYYYY!
Says my brother: "I'm sure that the trees would be quite moved were they sentient, able to hear, and able to understand human language..."
And the rocks are ALLLLLIIIIIVVE!!!!
If environmentalists want to be taken seriously, they aren't doing a very good job.
From Big Hollywood
Books of 2010: Atlas Shrugged
I finished "Atlas Shrugged," by Ayn Rand on Wednesday, 10 days after I started it. If you haven't read it, you should--not so much for Rand's philosophy (which, like all philosophies, has good and bad points about it), but for her vision of how the end of America comes. The story was very good, and very frightening.
I was talking to my roomate about it, and he said "So it's scary because you could see it happening?"
I replied, "NO. It's scary because you can see it happening. It is happening."
The apathy of society. The moral relativism. The rising welfare state. The blind handouts to other nations. Taking from the producers to support the consumers, while asking nothing in return. All of these things are happening today, and Atlas Shrugged shows what happens when these ideas are carried out to their (il)logical conclusion.
10/10, and you should read it, or read it again.
I was talking to my roomate about it, and he said "So it's scary because you could see it happening?"
I replied, "NO. It's scary because you can see it happening. It is happening."
The apathy of society. The moral relativism. The rising welfare state. The blind handouts to other nations. Taking from the producers to support the consumers, while asking nothing in return. All of these things are happening today, and Atlas Shrugged shows what happens when these ideas are carried out to their (il)logical conclusion.
10/10, and you should read it, or read it again.
A Shaun of the Dead Haiku
This was so great that I had to pass it along:
From SayUncle:
From SayUncle:
Oh my god. Zombies!!!!I love that movie. And Hot Fuzz. And I can't wait for the next one those guys make.
We need to get some weapons.
Crap. We’re in England.
A Lutran Joke
A strongman was giving a show down at the big circus. He made a pinhole in a lemon, squeezed a cup of juice out of it, and yelled to the crowd, "I'll give $1000 to the man who can squeeze out another drop!" All of the burly men in the audience came up, and none of them could get anything else out of that lemon. Then, a shrived old man hobbled up, took a hold of the lemon, and squeezed another cup and half out of it. The strongman and the crowd were amazed! "How did you do that," they asked, and "What in the world do you do to be able to do that?" He replied, "Oh, ya, sure, I'm da treasurer down at da Lutran Church."
4/29/2010
Anytime is a Good Time
And any excuse is a good excuse! It's snowing up a storm, and has been all day, and looks like it will the rest of the week. And I've only got a few of my Christmas Ales left. So raise a glass with me, for the memory of nice weather that was last week--and celebrate the coming of winter!
Not a great picture, but what ya gonna do, huh?
D-U-N with Senior Design
After tweaking around with the stupid projector and finally just rednecking it, we just finished giving the final presentation and handed in the report. It went better than I would have expected--the instructor for the course is a pretty hardcore old Electrical Engineer, but our two advisers were there to temper his grouchiness. Here's a picture of our final machine, ready for the next group to come and wire it up:
Looks pretty slick, eh? Now I never have to look at it again.
Looks pretty slick, eh? Now I never have to look at it again.
4/28/2010
Awesome...
The Governor of Texas shot a coyote while jogging to protect his dog. He carries a ".380 Ruger pistol" (probably an LCP) with a laser. Sweet, huh?
Just the fact that the Governor is a man who is willing to defend himself says a lot. I'd probably vote for him.
From SayUncle
Just the fact that the Governor is a man who is willing to defend himself says a lot. I'd probably vote for him.
From SayUncle
Rain
It's raining today, and looks like it will be for the next week.
I love Jesse Cook's music, especially the slower songs when you just need to sit and look out the window at the rain. Sometimes, as my Uncle says, it's good to "start out slow and just taper off." Have a good day!
I love Jesse Cook's music, especially the slower songs when you just need to sit and look out the window at the rain. Sometimes, as my Uncle says, it's good to "start out slow and just taper off." Have a good day!
4/27/2010
It's the End of the World as We Know it, and I Feel Fine
Senior design is due in two days, yet I am not worried about it. Yesterday I spent all afternoon reading "Atlas Shrugged." I don't know if I am actually close to being done with it, or I am ignoring it.
I suppose I'll find out in a couple more days, eh?
I suppose I'll find out in a couple more days, eh?
4/26/2010
Defiance
So Tam has a post up about Obama calling for the young vote to come out again for the coming November elections. Over at The Smallest Minority Kevin had a post a few days ago about how terrible public schools are, about how many youngsters don't have any idea who even won WWII.
I am a 22 year old college student. I went to public school. I am going to a public university. However, I REFUSE TO BE LABELED BY ANYONE, CONSERVATIVE OR LIBERAL. You want to talk about the young vote and it's mindless support of Democrats? You want to talk about public schools and how the children are being brainwashed? Screw you. I am not a mindless puppet, a product of the modern machine.
I voted in the 2008 elections. I voted in the 2009 elections. I voted in the 2007 eletions. In 2008, I did not vote for Obama. To my eternal shame I voted for John "RHINO" McCain. So screw you, Obama, for labeling me as part of your herd, and screw you, Republicans, for letting us all down in 2008 with your selection. I know who won WWII. Studying history, especially the air war in WWII, is a hobby of mine. So screw you, all who assume me to brainwashed. I hope to make you eat your assumptions.
I hope you are now paying attention. I am a God-fearing, gun-toting, book-reading, small government American, no matter my age, and no matter your flimsy profiling.
I am a 22 year old college student. I went to public school. I am going to a public university. However, I REFUSE TO BE LABELED BY ANYONE, CONSERVATIVE OR LIBERAL. You want to talk about the young vote and it's mindless support of Democrats? You want to talk about public schools and how the children are being brainwashed? Screw you. I am not a mindless puppet, a product of the modern machine.
I voted in the 2008 elections. I voted in the 2009 elections. I voted in the 2007 eletions. In 2008, I did not vote for Obama. To my eternal shame I voted for John "RHINO" McCain. So screw you, Obama, for labeling me as part of your herd, and screw you, Republicans, for letting us all down in 2008 with your selection. I know who won WWII. Studying history, especially the air war in WWII, is a hobby of mine. So screw you, all who assume me to brainwashed. I hope to make you eat your assumptions.
I hope you are now paying attention. I am a God-fearing, gun-toting, book-reading, small government American, no matter my age, and no matter your flimsy profiling.
4/24/2010
Saturday Explosion
I haven't done this in a while (this is the first Saturday I've had free in long time), so it's time for an explosion. A famous explosion.
4/23/2010
Pictures for future reference: a Yew Tree and a Screw
...
I may link back to this from time to time, when the situation (or my anger level) demands it. Can you see where I'm going? If so, good for you, I'm not too clever for my own good. If not, well, then screw yew.
Books of 2010: Give Me Liberty
While I was in Philadelphia over spring break, I bought a book at the Constitution Center called "Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries," by Naomi Wolf. It was an interesting read.
To start off, Naomi Wolf is much more liberal (or "progessive") than I am. She is actually kind of on the near opposite end of the spectrum from me. That said, she is very concerned about the deterioration of American politics. While I disagree with most of her politics, I do not disagree with most of her convictions. What I like is how she can look past her politics and just say: "It's ok if we disagree. But if we don't even present our arguments, nothing will improve."
A couple of interesting things from the book. First is a story of her going to a protest in NYC at the Chinese Consulate. There were two groups protesting two different things, but they had to share a permit and a bullhorn, and were walled off behind partitions a block away from the consulate. So much for free speech.
Then there were a couple of quotes that stand out to me, that I would like to present without comment:
and she quotes from Natan Shansky, who was in a Soviet Gulag for many years:
There was a little bit of lefty mindlessness whenever it talked about the 2nd Amendment; they said it "protects the right to own guns, at least in certain circumstances." Ummm... SHALL NOT be infringed? That sounds like it applies to all circumstances to me. Also, Naomi is a big supporter of direct democracy, and I can see where she is coming from, but I am not sold. Seems like it would be too easy for a majority to run amok, and historically they seem to be awfully good at getting dictators into power. I think if the constitutional republic was good enough for the founders, it is good enough for me, and I would welcome anyone else's view on this... but I digress.
It was a fairly interesting read, and it was nice to hear from "the other side of the aisle" with a respectful tone, with much to agree with. I give it 7 1/2 cannonballs out of 10. Now I am on to "Atlas Shrugged."
To start off, Naomi Wolf is much more liberal (or "progessive") than I am. She is actually kind of on the near opposite end of the spectrum from me. That said, she is very concerned about the deterioration of American politics. While I disagree with most of her politics, I do not disagree with most of her convictions. What I like is how she can look past her politics and just say: "It's ok if we disagree. But if we don't even present our arguments, nothing will improve."
A couple of interesting things from the book. First is a story of her going to a protest in NYC at the Chinese Consulate. There were two groups protesting two different things, but they had to share a permit and a bullhorn, and were walled off behind partitions a block away from the consulate. So much for free speech.
Then there were a couple of quotes that stand out to me, that I would like to present without comment:
The media marked has no incentive to listen to you or reflect your real concerns. So stop paying attention to the puppet show that now passes for debate. You need to be the pundit.
and she quotes from Natan Shansky, who was in a Soviet Gulag for many years:
Stability is perhaps the most important word in the diplomat's dictionary. In its name, autocrats are embraced, dictators are coddled, and tyrants are courted.The last part of the book is a "User's Guide" for organizing groups, writing letters to newspapers and politicians, protesting, petitioning, and other grassroots things people can do.
There was a little bit of lefty mindlessness whenever it talked about the 2nd Amendment; they said it "protects the right to own guns, at least in certain circumstances." Ummm... SHALL NOT be infringed? That sounds like it applies to all circumstances to me. Also, Naomi is a big supporter of direct democracy, and I can see where she is coming from, but I am not sold. Seems like it would be too easy for a majority to run amok, and historically they seem to be awfully good at getting dictators into power. I think if the constitutional republic was good enough for the founders, it is good enough for me, and I would welcome anyone else's view on this... but I digress.
It was a fairly interesting read, and it was nice to hear from "the other side of the aisle" with a respectful tone, with much to agree with. I give it 7 1/2 cannonballs out of 10. Now I am on to "Atlas Shrugged."
4/22/2010
Fly Away in My Space Rocket
If you don't laugh with extreme incredulity, I don't want to be your friend.
I debated if this actually fits the "music" label, 'cause it's that bad.
I debated if this actually fits the "music" label, 'cause it's that bad.
Old Verse of the Moment: Once to Every Man and Nation
Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
--James R. Lowell, in 1845 to protest the war with Mexico. Music later added to become the hymn known as "Once to Every Man and Nation."
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.
--James R. Lowell, in 1845 to protest the war with Mexico. Music later added to become the hymn known as "Once to Every Man and Nation."
Earth Day
KurtP has the goods. He won my "best post of the day award."
And more Earth Day goodness at Free In Idaho!
And more Earth Day goodness at Free In Idaho!
4/21/2010
Pie in the Face of Expectations
The Tea Party has endorsed a Democratic congressional candidate in Idaho, Rep. Walt Minnick. According to the article, he wants to "repeal and replace the health-care bill, eliminate wasteful spending, [and] secure our borders." Also, he "was the only member of the Idaho delegation to accept an invitation to sit down with a Boise Tea Party group in person."
I am passing this along just to rub it in the face of the MSM, who is generalizing the Tea Party so hard that I wince, and the Republicans, who are already starting to act smug about all the votes they are going to get this November.
And the fact that I just said that marks another step of my fall into being a true Libertarian...
Found from the Gormogons, who are truly a bountiful source of political and cultural wisdom.
I am passing this along just to rub it in the face of the MSM, who is generalizing the Tea Party so hard that I wince, and the Republicans, who are already starting to act smug about all the votes they are going to get this November.
And the fact that I just said that marks another step of my fall into being a true Libertarian...
Found from the Gormogons, who are truly a bountiful source of political and cultural wisdom.
Five Iron Frenzy--Giants
I don't know why I have only been posting weird music lately. You can think of it as me "expanding your horizons" or somesuch.
Five Iron Frenzy--Giants
The person who put together this video says: "NOTE: This is NOT an anti-Obama video. It is aimed toward corrupt politicians in general and all those who are trying to slowly take over America from the inside, 'gaining dominance with every stride.'"
...
Whatever. Six of one and half-dozen of another.
Lyrics:
...
Even if it only lives on in my heart.
Five Iron Frenzy--Giants
The person who put together this video says: "NOTE: This is NOT an anti-Obama video. It is aimed toward corrupt politicians in general and all those who are trying to slowly take over America from the inside, 'gaining dominance with every stride.'"
...
Whatever. Six of one and half-dozen of another.
Lyrics:
When no one looks the clouds come rolling in,And, in case you don't read the Wikipedia article, Five Iron Frenzy was a Christian Ska band. And in case you don't know, SKA ISN'T DEAD!
And under darkened skies the buildings groww big teeth and eyes.
They breathe and walk through unending doors,
Eating restaurants, and barber shops, and hardware stoors.
With catch phrases and jingles stealing,
Steel and concrete lies,
The corridors of Babylon are craning for the skies.
Who's behind the curtain anyway,
Who pulls the levers and tells the lies?
Giants roam the land today,
Gaining dominance with every stride.
Oh don't you cry for the mom and pops,
Nothing but dry eyes for integrity's demise.
Hulking machines grind as whistles blow,
Corporate Darwinism crushes everything below.
Advances in effeciency increasing productivity,
Are narrowing the margin for liberty.
Who's behind the curtain anyway,
Who pulls the levers and tells the lies?
Giants roam the land today,
Gaining dominance with every stride.
Little girl:
"This house is haunted by the ghost of Adam Smith,
The wealth of nations and the further death on innocence
To rule the world, the desire of every man
The earth is shaking, There are giants in the land."
See the blood red sun is rising,
On the broken carnage of the darkest days.
Giants locked together arm in arm,
Pushing all the meek out of the way.
Who's behind the curtain anyway,
Who pulls the levers and tells the lies?
Giants roam the land today,
Gaining dominance with every stride.
...
Even if it only lives on in my heart.
4/20/2010
AN EVIL LOOP OF THE 90'S!
Borepatch had a post that reminded me of a Smash Mouth song, so I went to Youtube... now I am trapped listening to 90's dance music.
SOMEONE SAVE ME!
SOMEONE SAVE ME!
4/19/2010
THAT'S not a good sign.
There were just 7 cop cars, an ambulance, and a fire truck outside our neighbor's house. They came out with him in handcuffs and an evidence baggie.
Overheard an ambulance driver saying that he's been to this house "quite a few times." And I have noticed some very strange people coming in and out at weird times of the day.
I feel all New Media-y and... stuff. Too bad I don't know what the deal was.
Overheard an ambulance driver saying that he's been to this house "quite a few times." And I have noticed some very strange people coming in and out at weird times of the day.
I feel all New Media-y and... stuff. Too bad I don't know what the deal was.
Wind Waker Soundtrack: Ideal for Senior Design
I am working on the report for senior design and listening to the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker soundtrack.
You can watch an epic ending. Just watch the first little bit, the rest isn't as awesome:
And that, my friends, is how to deal with evil. Stab a freakin' Master Sword into it's forehead. Booyah!
...
I wish I could stab senior design in the forehead...
You can watch an epic ending. Just watch the first little bit, the rest isn't as awesome:
And that, my friends, is how to deal with evil. Stab a freakin' Master Sword into it's forehead. Booyah!
...
I wish I could stab senior design in the forehead...
Will the Madness Ever End? Tech Sights for my 10/22
I got my new Tech Sights on Saturday, which was a good thing to distract me from the evil test I took. They are adjustable military-style sights, and look good on my 10/22:
The hardest part was getting the old front sight removed from the dovetail. I was scared of hitting it too hard, and so wound up banging on it and banging it up more than if I had just hit it. C'est la vie!
The rear sight simply screws in to the top of the receiver in the ore-drilled holes. It is a peep sight, with two different "peeps" for different ranges. Just flip it back and forth as needed.
The front sight. I am thinking of painting the little post white or orange; it was a little difficult to see against a dark background (a muddy hillside).
And the sight picture. I did no adjusting, and it was already minute of golf ball. I ought to sit down and really zero it in, but that isn't nearly as interesting or fun as shooting at golf balls. They bounce all over the place!
I really like my new sights: they are of sturdy metal construction and are very easy to shoot with. They make it easy for you to spend money on your gun, which seems to be a recurring problem with me.
Oh, yeah:
No one paid me for any of this review. I wouldn't mind getting paid to do reviews, but no one has offered yet. Those are my pictures, and these are my words, freely spoken without coercion or regret. I hope that is enough for you, FTC.
I really like my new sights: they are of sturdy metal construction and are very easy to shoot with. They make it easy for you to spend money on your gun, which seems to be a recurring problem with me.
Oh, yeah:
No one paid me for any of this review. I wouldn't mind getting paid to do reviews, but no one has offered yet. Those are my pictures, and these are my words, freely spoken without coercion or regret. I hope that is enough for you, FTC.
Truth in Generalization: From an Email.
Now, this list makes broad generalizations. I realize that. It still made me say, "Yup. Yup. Yup." to each item on the list.
From an email I got.
If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
From an email I got.
Just what I always wanted
When I was little, I remember thinking to myself, "Self, I can't wait until I get older and get to take an 8 hour test on a Saturday, right around the time that senior design is due and finals are coming up. That sounds like a lot of fun!"
All of my wishes have come true.
I was a really stupid little kid.
All of my wishes have come true.
I was a really stupid little kid.
4/17/2010
4/16/2010
These are my people... Americans
The embed doesn't work (the code is kinda funky...) here's the link to a great video. MSM tries to cram a black man into a pigeonhole, and he laughs it off!
From RobertM
From RobertM
Job Creation
Job Creation:
Ur doin it rong
Ur doin it rong
Just hours after Congress passed an $18 billion bill to restore unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, President Barack Obama made it the law of the land.
Crazy German Excavator Tricks
See what happens when they decide to use their powers for awesome, instead of rolling over Poland?
4/14/2010
More on Teleprompters
In case you want to be the president, and are living on a desert island with no taxpayers, here is how to make your own teleprompter!
I love Make Magazine's channel... I've been watching their videos for the past hour.
I love Make Magazine's channel... I've been watching their videos for the past hour.
Take a Break
I am going to sit here, eat my spaghetti (with sauce that I pimped out with extra sausage and onions), garlic toast (because anything with butter will be better with cheese and garlic), and one of my Christmas beers (it snowed yesterday, ok?). I am going to listen to techno on Pandora. I am going to troll the interwebz to see what I can find. I am not going to do anything productive for a while. So don't even ask.
Firearms Freedom Act Update II
The lawsuit for Montana is going forward. The Missoula newspaper has the scoop.
The federal government's argument looks to be something like this:
That is, nonsensical and ridiculous, and will probably turn out to be slightly nefarious. I like all these antagonistic words.
The federal government's argument looks to be something like this:
That is, nonsensical and ridiculous, and will probably turn out to be slightly nefarious. I like all these antagonistic words.
4/13/2010
4/12/2010
Read it, but don't Blame Me
The first 7 chapters of Larry Correia's next universe are up on his blog.
It is, quite frankly, awesome, and if you have any inkling of appreciation for Science Fiction, Magic, and/or Alternate History, you owe it to yourself to read it.
Don't blame me if you get hooked, though. The full book isn't due out until 2011. Larry's like some sort of evil drug dealer.
It is, quite frankly, awesome, and if you have any inkling of appreciation for Science Fiction, Magic, and/or Alternate History, you owe it to yourself to read it.
Don't blame me if you get hooked, though. The full book isn't due out until 2011. Larry's like some sort of evil drug dealer.
Why the Climate Change Folks Make Me Uncomfortable
A post over at Borepatch got me thinking again (dangerous, I know), and I went back to a website called Minnesotans for Global Warming. As I was reading that blog, I found this arcticle:
Update: I fixed the link; sorry 'bout that.
A seven month old baby has miraculously survived being shot after the parents killed themselves and their two year old son, citing fears over a lack of government action on global warming.Here is a big reason why I don't fall for the Climate Change Hysteria. It is a religion, a religion that does not believe in the value human life. I honestly don't know how else to say it, or even what else to say.
Francisco Lotero, 56, and Miriam Coletti, 23, are said to have shot their young son in the back, killing the toddler instantly.
Neighbours called the police, after complaining of a stench coming from the house.
Update: I fixed the link; sorry 'bout that.
4/10/2010
Blech.
Today I have a four-hour test that starts in an hour, and then I'll work on my senior design project all afternoon. In short, I will be at school all day on a SATURDAY. Next Saturday I have an eight-hour test.
*Moan*
Update: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"
Update 2:
It almost looks like it could be something. About bloody time--it's due in three weeks!
*Moan*
Update: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"
Update 2:
It almost looks like it could be something. About bloody time--it's due in three weeks!
4/09/2010
Takin' Back Our Country
From another email from the same old crotchety guy (he's really not that bad):
Let's help them pack, alright.
Filmed in good 'ol Mesa County, CO, my home! I'll have to ask him if he knows this lady or not.
Update: He writes me back: "Very first time I've heard or seen her. Nice voice, probably too old for you."
Ha Ha.
Let's help them pack, alright.
Filmed in good 'ol Mesa County, CO, my home! I'll have to ask him if he knows this lady or not.
Update: He writes me back: "Very first time I've heard or seen her. Nice voice, probably too old for you."
Ha Ha.
Random Gripe of the Day
From an email of an old crotchety guy I know:
And in that same vane, someone recently said (I think it was the Smallest Minority awhile back, possibly in some comments) that all the Democrats need to do to win the next elections is grant amnesty to the illegals, and they have another however million more votes.
I hate politics, too.
Remember, to be politically correct, illegal aliens are now known as "undocumented democrats"I hate being politically correct.
And in that same vane, someone recently said (I think it was the Smallest Minority awhile back, possibly in some comments) that all the Democrats need to do to win the next elections is grant amnesty to the illegals, and they have another however million more votes.
I hate politics, too.
Dressed to Kilt
On April 5th, in New York, a charity called "Dressed to Kilt" (hosted by Sean Connery) put on a fashion show to showcase Scottish fashion. The theme was "anything goes," and boy did it. for example, Al Roker:
Not everyone had on kilts--some of them just had tartan. Some were really classy, and some were fairly scandalous.
Also in the show were several veterans who were injured in Afghanistan:
Looks like a good time was had by all!
Not everyone had on kilts--some of them just had tartan. Some were really classy, and some were fairly scandalous.
Also in the show were several veterans who were injured in Afghanistan:
Looks like a good time was had by all!
4/08/2010
A Little Bit of Theology
I often try to reconcile my views on religion with my views on government--the balance of freedom versus the fact that I believe some things are just plain wrong. I have a longer post that I am mulling over that may get put up here sometime, but for now I leave you with a little bit of theology:
God is ultimately a libertarian. He wants you to make the right choice, He stands behind you when you make a choice, and ultimately, he will judge you for your choice. He calls you to love others, no matter their choices, but he never, and this is where Christians go wrong so often, never calls on us to force our choices on to others. Here is where it gets tricky...
God is ultimately a libertarian. He wants you to make the right choice, He stands behind you when you make a choice, and ultimately, he will judge you for your choice. He calls you to love others, no matter their choices, but he never, and this is where Christians go wrong so often, never calls on us to force our choices on to others. Here is where it gets tricky...
Books of 2010: Patriots
Well, I was reading a non-fiction book, and, as I am wont to do, I had to take a break. Luckily, I found an old David Drake book at the store on Monday called "Patriots," first published in 1996. It is a story based on the Green Mountain Boys of the Revolutionary period of American History, but set... IN SPACE!!!!
It was a very quick read, and not too exceptional. Cheap entertainment. Not a whole lot of character development or universe building, but it was fun to try and figure out who in the story represented who in history.
If you happen to run across it at a used bookstore, grab it, but I wouldn't recommend paying full price.
I give it 6.5 out of 10. Or two thumbs sideways, but slanted slightly upward. Or whatever.
It was a very quick read, and not too exceptional. Cheap entertainment. Not a whole lot of character development or universe building, but it was fun to try and figure out who in the story represented who in history.
If you happen to run across it at a used bookstore, grab it, but I wouldn't recommend paying full price.
I give it 6.5 out of 10. Or two thumbs sideways, but slanted slightly upward. Or whatever.
4/07/2010
Best Line in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Say it with a Sean Connery accent:
"...goose-stepping morons like yourself should try reading books instead of burning them."
Take that Nazi dogs!
4/06/2010
Firearms Freedom Act Update
It's up to 6 states now: MT, SD, WY, UT, TN, and now AZ! Watch as the green states spread! I know that this really doesn't have much in the way of power, but the more states realize that they don't need to be controlled under all circumstances by D.C., the better off we will be, I think.
Tea party protests are one good thing, but having an entire state government protest sends an even bigger message.
Now, as Emperor Gregor and I like to say: We'll see what happens...
Tea party protests are one good thing, but having an entire state government protest sends an even bigger message.
Now, as Emperor Gregor and I like to say: We'll see what happens...
Open Question
A friend of mine is looking to get a .22 rifle for one of his sons, who is going through hunter safety right now. He wants single shot gun, but all of my experience and knowledge is with semi-autos or lever actions. Does anyone out there in the wide, wide world of the internet know what a good single-shot .22 rifle for a 13 year old is?
4/05/2010
A Conflict Question
I spent a couple minutes over at the HuffPo just now, and I had to basically run away screaming at the blatant ignorance of the facts and general spouting of hatred toward my core beliefs.
This made me wonder: because this country is so multi-faceted, with people who disagree with each other so strongly on many foundational issues (such as the way we are governed), is it even possible for us to go on?
This is something that I am going to have to think about for a while...
This made me wonder: because this country is so multi-faceted, with people who disagree with each other so strongly on many foundational issues (such as the way we are governed), is it even possible for us to go on?
This is something that I am going to have to think about for a while...
Happy Day After Easter!
I was away from my computer yesterday, so happy day after Easter!
My church had a before service brunch, then we did the service (the pastor told those twice-a-year Christians what for, striking just the right balance between salvation and damnation). After the service, there were leftovers and the little old church ladies wouldn't let me get away without leftover muffins. With about 50 leftover muffins. It was ridiculous the amount of muffins there were.
Then in the afternoon I went out to my friends' ranch, and we had a good time shooting holes in stuff. I mounted some sling mounts on my 10/22; next I want to get one of these. I'm still contemplating doing an Appleseed shoot in May, we'll see what happens.
Now I am back to the real world and need to work on my Advanced Fluids homework. Don't worry, I'm not going to break the fun barrier today.
My church had a before service brunch, then we did the service (the pastor told those twice-a-year Christians what for, striking just the right balance between salvation and damnation). After the service, there were leftovers and the little old church ladies wouldn't let me get away without leftover muffins. With about 50 leftover muffins. It was ridiculous the amount of muffins there were.
Then in the afternoon I went out to my friends' ranch, and we had a good time shooting holes in stuff. I mounted some sling mounts on my 10/22; next I want to get one of these. I'm still contemplating doing an Appleseed shoot in May, we'll see what happens.
Now I am back to the real world and need to work on my Advanced Fluids homework. Don't worry, I'm not going to break the fun barrier today.
4/03/2010
The A-Team
I saw the first trailer a few months ago, and I was kinda iffy on it. But there's a new one out, and I think it gives a much better impression:
Mr. T's not in it, but I guess I can get over it.
Mr. T's not in it, but I guess I can get over it.
A Horrible Billboard
I finally took a picture of this billboard that is in town here:
In case you can't read it, it says: "HIV doesn't discriminate. Pass it on."
I don't know how that one got past the editor, but it is about the most terrible message I've ever seen on a billboard.
In case you can't read it, it says: "HIV doesn't discriminate. Pass it on."
I don't know how that one got past the editor, but it is about the most terrible message I've ever seen on a billboard.
4/02/2010
Want Want Want
Over at Thinkgeek they have a poster:
Award for Most Awesomnest thing I've seen on the internet all day! Enemy propaganda!
4/01/2010
When You Prayed Beneath the Trees
A hymn for Holy week: specifically Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
When you prayed beneath the trees,-Christopher Idle
It was for me, O Lord;
When you cried upon your knees,
How could it be, O Lord?
When in blood and sweat and tears,
You dismissed your final fears,
When you faced the soldiers’ spears,
You stood for me, O Lord.
When their triumph looked complete,
It was for me, O Lord;
When it seemed like your defeat,
They could not see, O Lord!
When you faced the mob alone,
You were silent as a stone,
And a tree became your throne;
You came for me, O Lord.
When you stumbled up the road,
You walked for me, O Lord;
When you took your deadly load,
That heavy tree, O Lord;
When they lifted you on high,
And they nailed you up to die,
And when darkness filled the sky,
It was for me, O Lord.
A Drinking Joke
A Texan walks into a bar in Ireland and clears his voice to the crowd of drinkers. He says, “I hear you Irish are a bunch of hard drinkers. I’ll give $500 American dollars to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of Guinness back-to-back.”
The room is quiet, and no one takes up the Texan’s offer. One man even leaves.
Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left shows back up and taps the Texan on the shoulder. “Is your bet still good?” asks the Irishman.
The Texan says yes and asks the bartender to line up 10 pints of Guinness. Immediately the Irishman tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them all back-to-back.
The other pub patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement. The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and says, “If ya don’t mind me askin’, where did you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?”
The Irishman replies, “Oh… I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first.”
The room is quiet, and no one takes up the Texan’s offer. One man even leaves.
Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left shows back up and taps the Texan on the shoulder. “Is your bet still good?” asks the Irishman.
The Texan says yes and asks the bartender to line up 10 pints of Guinness. Immediately the Irishman tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them all back-to-back.
The other pub patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement. The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and says, “If ya don’t mind me askin’, where did you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?”
The Irishman replies, “Oh… I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first.”
The Expendables
Lets see. An action movie with Jason Stratham, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, and more.
Even if the poster has some cheap photoshopping:
It still looks entertaining:
And I'm a sucker for flying boats. We'll see how it turns out!
from Big Hollywood.
Even if the poster has some cheap photoshopping:
It still looks entertaining:
And I'm a sucker for flying boats. We'll see how it turns out!
from Big Hollywood.
A Few of My Favorite Things: Everyday Carry
Now some people go for the big brick-like things, the ones that can do almost everything. Some people use the ones that are easy to carry, that you can have in your pocket all the time and not even notice. What follows is my choice for everyday carry; I realize that there are different philosophies, and that what is a good choice for one is bad for another. What is it?
...
...
I carry around a Casio fx-115 ES calculator every day. I actually own a couple of them--and between my roommate, neighbors, and me there are 5 in this duplex. It is an amazing little thing--it can do simple calculus (within bounds), has an equation solver (for up to 3rd order equations), can do complex numbers very easily (good for electrical engineering classes), has a "natural display" for easier viewing, and, best of all, it is non-programmable and so legal on the eight-hour Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (covers everything since kindergarten!) that I have to take next month.
It's beat up--I've been using it since sophomore year. It sure can't do all the stuff that my TI-83 can do--let alone one of them newfangled TI-89's. Some of the controls are weird. But it is what I like, what I am used to, and what I am good with. It is this engineer's everyday carry of choice!
Oh, and happy April 1st!
...
...
I carry around a Casio fx-115 ES calculator every day. I actually own a couple of them--and between my roommate, neighbors, and me there are 5 in this duplex. It is an amazing little thing--it can do simple calculus (within bounds), has an equation solver (for up to 3rd order equations), can do complex numbers very easily (good for electrical engineering classes), has a "natural display" for easier viewing, and, best of all, it is non-programmable and so legal on the eight-hour Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (covers everything since kindergarten!) that I have to take next month.
It's beat up--I've been using it since sophomore year. It sure can't do all the stuff that my TI-83 can do--let alone one of them newfangled TI-89's. Some of the controls are weird. But it is what I like, what I am used to, and what I am good with. It is this engineer's everyday carry of choice!
Oh, and happy April 1st!
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