Frank's Fortress of Solitude

Dragon Dictation

2010-10-08T17:05:00.001-07:00

One of my colleagues at work just recently purchased an iPad for her birthday. She brought it to work and she was so excited about it.

While showing it to me, she brought up the fact that she loves to write and she wished that there was some kind of application to where she could just speak and have the application dictate for her. Then I remembered this application that I downloaded several months ago but haven't really used called Dragon Dictation which is what I'm currently using right now for this blog post.

This application is a voice recognition software that dictates what you say and is speech to text technology. I'm also, I guess, testing it as I don't know its limitations. How long can it record? Does it parse sentences into paragraphs? Does it use punctuation?

And I can only imagine how looks how it looks, just like Capt. Kirk on Star Trek! Captain's Log, star date whatever - and that's where technology is right now.

I am just amazed what one can do with technology today - things that were simply science fiction just 30 to 40 years ago!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Eric Cartman Performs Poker Face

2010-10-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Economics of Star Wars

2010-09-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

Vader Yoga

2010-09-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Doggie Heaven

2010-09-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

"If I have any beliefs about immortality it is that certain dogs I know will go to heaven, and very very few people." ~ James Thurber

Thought Of The Day

2010-08-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” - Albert Einstein

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Al Franken's Address To The American Constitution Society

2010-06-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, Al Franken addressed the American Constitution Society about the Supreme Court. The reason I post his address is because I don't think most people truly understand how radically conservative the Supreme Court has become.

This is a much larger issue than who controls the White House or Congress. The decisions that the Supreme Court can not be as easily changed as some policy or executive order by a president or a law enacted by Congress. For the most part, Supreme Court rulings only have two paths to being changed... 1) the Supreme Court could overrule a past court's ruling; 2) a Constitutional Amendment has to be passed - which would require 2/3 vote from each house in Congress AND 3/4 ratification from the states.

Anyway, here is Al Franken's address (it's long, but well worth the read...)

Thank you, Judy, for that introduction, and for your work on behalf of working Americans.

Thank you to Caroline Fredrickson for your leadership and for inviting me to speak here tonight.

Thank you all for being here tonight, and for the good work you do to defend the Constitution and the American values it represents.

It is an honor to address this convention.

Speakers at past ACS gatherings have included Supreme Court Justices, Attorneys General, other cabinet secretaries, federal judges, and distinguished legal scholars.

So tonight I guess we'll finally get an answer to the question: "What do Stephen Breyer, Laurence Tribe, and Al Franken have in common?"

Other than: "They were all in the front row when the Dead played the Garden back in '71."

Tonight, we celebrate the rise of a new generation of progressive legal scholars and jurists.

Look to your left. Look to your right.

Odds are, at least one of the three of you will someday be filibustered by Senate Republicans.

Speaking of which, I'd like to give a special shout-out to all the filibustered nominees we have here with us tonight.

The Republican obstruction that is standing between you and the work you've agreed to do for your country is unacceptable. And we will continue to fight it.

In particular, I want to recognize Dawn Johnsen, who should be the head of the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice. What Republicans have done to keep you from doing that important job is flat out wrong.

And I want to recognize Goodwin Liu, who should be sitting on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals right now, and who deserves an up-or-down vote.

When I joined the Senate, I was thrown right into the fire as a member of the Judiciary Committee, where, by the way, I enthusiastically voted for Goodwin.

On my fifth day in office, I found myself taking part in the confirmation hearings for now-Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Just like I am tonight, I was one of the few non-lawyers in the room, but I didn't mind.

You see, I did some research, and it turns out that most Minnesotans aren't lawyers, either.

But that doesn't mean they aren't directly affected every day by what happens on the Supreme Court, and in our legal system.

I don't think you need to be a lawyer to recognize that the Roberts Court has, consistently and intentionally, protected and promoted the interests of the powerful over those of individual Americans.

And you certainly don't need to be a lawyer to understand what that means for the working people who are losing their rights, one 5-4 decision at a time.

Tonight, I'd like to talk about how we got to this sad moment in American legal history - because it didn't happen by accident.

Conservative activists - led by the Federalist Society - have waged a remarkably successful battle to re-shape our legal discourse, and thus our legal system.

And they're not done yet.

I should acknowledge up front that this story is kind of a downer.

But there's good news: the ending has not yet been written. And I really believe that, if we pay attention to how things got so bad, we'll learn how to make them better.
---

Federalist Society members have long believed that, if you change the way you talk about the law, you can change the law.

They are right.

If you listen to the U.S. Senate talk about judicial nominees, you'd be forgiven for thinking that originalism was a time-honored American value, one of the things we fought the British to protect.

But ironically enough, originalism - like the designated hitter - only dates back a few decades.

Indeed, as Cass Sunstein has pointed out, it was Robert Bork who first popularized the notion that the Constitution should be interpreted according to what we believe was the "original understanding" of its authors.

Just to clarify: That's not Robert Bork the Founding Father. That's Robert Bork the 20th century conservative legal activist.

Originalism isn't a pillar of our Constitutional history. It's a talking point.

During his confirmation hearing, John Roberts broke out another conservative talking point. He said: "Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules; they apply them." And he promised: "I will remember that it's my job to call balls and strikes and not to pitch or bat."

How ridiculous. Judges are nothing like umpires.

You know who agrees that judges are nothing like umpires? The guy who came up with the umpire analogy in the first place.

In 1886, in State v. Crittenden, a Louisiana Supreme Court Justice ruled that "a trial is not a mere lutte" - lutte is a French term for a wrestling match, as this analogy dates back to when baseball was a just a cult phenomenon - "a trial is not a mere lutte between counsel, in which the judge sits merely as an umpire to decide disputes which may arise between them."

So, when it comes to this analogy, I guess I'm an originalist.

But this kind of bamboozlement is effective. You hear Senators of both parties rush to condemn judges who might "legislate from the bench."

The end result is that people like Goodwin Liu - a brilliant, thoughtful, passionate young legal mind with a terrific life story and character references from the likes of Ken Starr - get tagged as dangerous radicals.

Look, say what you will about Ken Starr, but he's not the sort of guy who pals around with dangerous radicals.

Well. Not left-wing radicals.
---

The Federalist Society has changed the way we talk about judges - and the way we talk about justice.

Justice Souter once said: "The first lesson, simple as it is, is that whatever court we're in, whatever we are doing, at the end of our task some human being is going to be affected."

Conservatives would like us to forget this lesson.

They've distorted our constitutional discourse to make it sound like the Court's rulings don't matter to ordinary people, but only to the undeserving riff-raff at the margins of society.

So unless you want to get a late-term abortion, burn a flag in the town square, or get federal funding for your pornographic artwork, you really don't need to worry about what the Supreme Court is up to.

The ACLU has a long and proud history of defending the First Amendment, and while I haven't seen polling on this, I'd bet that most Americans are fairly pro-First Amendment. But, thanks to a generation of conservative activism, the ACLU is now best known as "those guys who hate Christmas."

By defining the terms of constitutional debate such that it doesn't involve the lives of ordinary people, conservatives have disconnected Americans from their legal system. And that leaves room for lots of shenanigans.
---

By controlling the conversation, the Federalist Society has moved the Supreme Court sharply to the right.

"Including myself," Justice Stevens said in an interview with the New York Times, "every judge who's been appointed to the court since Lewis Powell has been more conservative than his or her predecessor. Except maybe Justice Ginsburg. That's bound to have an effect on the court."

And, indeed, the Roberts Court has overturned two principles I believe are deeply ingrained in our Constitution, in our legal tradition, and in our American values.

First: Judicial restraint.

As I have noted repeatedly - and in an increasingly exasperated tone of voice - over the last few years, Justice Thomas has voted to overturn federal laws more often than Justice Stevens and Justice Breyer combined.

They haven't just been activists in their decisions, but also in their process.

In both Citizens United and Gross, the Court answered questions it wasn't asked, reaching beyond the scope of what they accepted for appeal to overturn federal laws the conservative wing didn't like.

I mean, I don't speak Latin. But unless stare decisis means "overturn stuff," then maybe it's time for conservatives to stop calling other people "dangerous radicals."

Second, and more importantly: They've overturned the principle that the law should be a place where ordinary people can turn for relief when wronged by the powerful.

At the front entrance to the Supreme Court building here in Washington, beneath the words "EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW," there's a set of 1,300-pound bronze doors.

Countless Americans have flowed through those doors to see the place where that principle is protected.

Now those doors have been locked to the public. Things have changed.
---

Supreme Court jurisprudence involves weighing competing interests.

Most Americans are familiar with cases in which the Court has had to balance individual rights against some compelling state interest.

It's easy to feel disconnected from these cases. Even though the government has awesome power - enough to take away your freedom, or even your life - the degree to which that power is deemed to supersede your individual rights doesn't really enter into the daily lives of most Americans.

But there's more than one kind of power.

If you have a credit card, if you watch TV, if you file insurance claims, if you work - in other words, if you participate in American daily life at all - then you interact with corporations that are more powerful than you are.

The degree to which those corporations' rights are protected over yours, well, that's extremely relevant to your life.

And in case after case after case, the Roberts Court has put not just a thumb, but a fist, on the scale in favor of those corporations.

A fist with brass knuckles. Which weigh a lot. Because they're brass.

It's important to recognize that, for some conservative legal activists, this is the whole point. Do they want to undercut abortion and immigration and Miranda rights? Sure. But those are just cherries on the sundae.

What conservative legal activists are really interested in is this question: What individual rights are so basic and so important that they should be protected above a corporation's right to profit?

And their preferred answer is: None of them. Zero.

More than a century ago, in Lochner, the Court held that a state cannot intervene to protect the interests of an individual entering into a work relationship with an employer.

In other words, the Court held that employees should have to fend for themselves against the same powerful corporations they rely on for a paycheck.

Last month, Rand Paul, the Republican Senate candidate down in Kentucky, got into some hot water for suggesting that we really shouldn't have used the law to force private businesses to stop discriminating against African-Americans, that the market would have eventually handled it.

My question was: In what year would the market have gotten around to doing that? 1965? 1967? 1987? 1997?

Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act deals with the workplace, because your rights at work are civil rights.

And without legal protection, workers would have no leverage to secure those basic rights: the right to organize and bargain for better wages, the right to a safe work environment, the right not to get fired because of who you are.

It's a nightmare for progressives, but a dream for powerful economic elites and their legal activist allies: a return to Lochner, to a system of corporate authoritarianism where business giants hold all the cards and workers have to hope that the market will someday provide them with basic rights.
---

Those elites are well on their way.

The Roberts Court has systematically dismantled the legal protections that help ordinary people find justice when wronged by the economically powerful.

In Stoneridge, it stripped shareholders of their ability to get their money back from the firms that helped defraud them.

In Conkright, it gave employers more leeway to deny workers their pension benefits.

In Leegin, it made it harder for small business owners to stop price fixing under the Sherman Act. Now, the burden is on them--small business owners--to show that price fixing will hurt competition.

In Iqbal, it made it harder for everybody to get their day in court.

In Exxon, it capped punitive damages resulting from the Exxon Valdez oil spill because, get this, having to own up to your mistakes creates "unpredictability" for corporations. Which, by the way, means that BP's liability may be capped because the Court doesn't want to cause an unpredictable impact on its future profitability.

In Rapanos, it cut huge swaths of wetlands out of the Clean Water Act. Wetlands that had been covered for 30 years.

You know what has a lot of wetlands? Minnesota. No, really. You know what else has a lot of wetlands? The Gulf Coast.

I could spend a long time talking about how these cases were wrongly decided. But I'm not an academic - and these aren't academic issues.

These decisions affect real people. They hurt real people.

Jamie Leigh Jones is a real person who went to work for KBR, then a Halliburton subsidiary. When she arrived in Iraq in July of 2005, she immediately complained to her supervisors about sexual harassment in her barracks, which housed over 400 men and only a handful of women.

KBR just mocked her. Then, four days after she got to Iraq, she was drugged and gang-raped by several of her co-workers. When she woke up, she struggled to the infirmary and had a doctor administer a rape kit, which KBR promptly lost.

Then, Jamie was locked in a shipping container under armed guard and prohibited from any contact with the outside world.

Because of the Court's decision in Circuit City, KBR had been able to force new employees like Jamie to sign a contract requiring that any future disputes be arbitrated in secret and not in open court.

So Jamie Leigh Jones spent four years fighting for her right just to get her day in court after her employer put her in a dangerous situation, ignored her concerns, and kept her hostage in a shipping container after she was gang-raped.

Lilly Ledbetter is a real person who worked as a manager at a Goodyear tire plant in Gadsden, Alabama. Towards the end of 20 years of service there, she noticed that her male co-workers had gotten more and better raises. By 1998, when she took early retirement, she was earning several hundred dollars less per month than her male counterparts. So she sued.

But the Court decided to give Goodyear maximum leeway to avoid responsibility for pay discrimination, thanks to the most unbelievable loophole you can imagine. The law requires that discrimination claims be brought within 180 days. The Court decided that this meant within 180 days - from the time Goodyear started discriminating against Lilly, not the most recent discriminatory check.

And Lilly lost out on a chance to recoup years of wage increases that were illegally withheld just because she's a woman.
---

Now, the judiciary is just one branch of our system. I was proud to pass legislation giving victims like Jamie Leigh Jones their day in court. And I was thrilled to see that the very first bill President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

But even as it has closed the door on ordinary Americans looking for justice in the legal system, this Court has made it harder for the political system to address these injustices.

In Citizens United, the Roberts Court overstepped its procedural bounds so that it could graciously provide corporations with First Amendment rights and, by the way, open the door to foreign entities deciding our elections.

But, again, as bad a piece of jurisprudence as that decision was, even worse could be the ramifications it will have on the lives of real people.

Well into the 1960s, oil companies didn't want to stop putting lead in gasoline despite the fact that they knew how dangerous it was.

But Congress passed the Clean Air Act anyway. And the percentage of children with elevated levels of lead in their blood dropped 84 per cent over the next quarter century.

And around that same time, our car companies still didn't want to put seat belts in cars, even though they knew it would save lives.

But Congress passed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act anyway. And by the year 2000, the fatality rate from car accidents had dropped 71 per cent.

Both laws passed just a couple of months before midterm elections.

Does anybody think either would have stood a chance if Standard Oil and GM had been able to spend millions of dollars in those campaigns?

In Citizens United, the Court didn't just abdicate its duty to subject efforts to impair our political process to strict scrutiny. It served as an accomplice to such an effort.

Not satisfied with giving corporations a leg up on individuals under the law, the Roberts Court is trying to prevent the American people from fighting back.
---

Bummed out yet? Well, we're finally in a good position to fight back.

It took the conservative legal movement decades to produce this activist Supreme Court. We're still in our first decade. But already the American Constitution Society has established itself as a major force in our legal system.

And while we often continue to struggle to get our nominees confirmed and our message heard, we have a President who understands that our legal system is broken when it favors the powerful over the powerless, and I know for a fact that I'm not the only Senator ready to take action.

So let's talk about what we can do.

Right now, I'm co-sponsoring legislation called the DISCLOSE Act that would force the heads of corporate-sponsored advocacy groups to appear in their ads, require corporations to tell their shareholders what they're spending political dollars on, prohibit corporations from who receive taxpayer dollars from telling taxpayers how to vote, and keep foreign-controlled corporations out of our elections.

It's a start.

But it's important to recognize that Citizens United is really the first major shot fired in a coming battle over information, a battle that extends beyond paid political advertising.

For instance, I'm very concerned about media consolidation. If we care about public debate, then it matters who runs our media companies.

The trend is towards vertical integration of the companies who produce the programs Americans rely on for information, and the companies who run the pipes through which Americans receive those programs.

Executives at both Comcast and NBC Universal swear that they're not interested in corporate control of programming. I used to work at NBC; I know better. And I'm very worried about this merger.

We should also be very worried about efforts to undermine the free flow of information on the Internet.

Right now, a blog loads just as quickly as a corporate webpage. An email from your mother comes through just as smoothly as a bill notification from your bank. An independent bookstore can process your order as quickly as Barnes and Noble.

But top telecommunications companies have declared their interest in offering "prioritized" Internet service for companies who can pay for it. This could lead to the creation of a high-speed lane for wealthy corporations and transform the Internet from an open playing field into yet another place where powerful economic elites have a bigger megaphone than the rest of us.

Some of the same people who were instrumental in the Federalist Society's effort to change our legal system are now working to help corporations increase their control over the flow of information.

If you control the flow of information, you can control the conversation around important issues. If you can control the conversation, you can change this country.
---

But we can't be satisfied with stopping conservatives and their corporate clients from controlling the narrative when it comes to our legal system.

We have to fight back with our own.

In our narrative, the legal system doesn't exist to help the powerful grow more powerful - it exists to guarantee that every American is entitled to justice.

In our narrative, we defend our individual rights and liberties against corporate encroachment just as fiercely as we defend them against government overreach.

In our narrative, judicial restraint actually means something - for starters, how about ruling only on the case you're presented?

In our narrative, even if those big bronze doors have to remain closed for security reasons, the door to our legal system should be open to everyone, because what happens in our legal system matters to everyone.

If you followed my career before I got to the Senate, you know that I'm a big believer in speaking truth to power, and in the power of telling the truth.

To legal scholars and lovers of our constitution, the truth about what's happened over the last 30 years is at the heart of our struggle to restore balance to our courts and wisdom to our laws.

But I gotta be honest with you: That's not why I'm here tonight. And I think you know that, or you would have invited a lawyer.

I'm here tonight because, for the people I represent in Minnesota and for regular working people all over the country, that truth is at the heart of their struggle, too.

Their struggle to earn a fair wage at a job that treats them well. Their struggle to live their lives free of corporate intrusions into their privacy. Their struggle to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Their struggle to find justice when they're wronged.

I know how important it is that our legal system support individuals in that struggle. And so do you. But most people don't. And we have to change that.

The American Constitution Society has a role to play in the national conversation around our Constitution and our laws. And not just within the walls of a debating society.

Ordinary Americans have to understand what's at stake for them in all this. And that means someone has to bring them into the debate.

It is my hope that you will. And it is my great honor to stand with you in that fight.

Thank you.

Great Movie Mash-Ups

2010-05-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lewis Black: "Glenn Beck Has Nazi Tourette's"

2010-05-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Back in Black - Glenn Beck's Nazi Tourette's

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

The DudeGyver: MacGyver / Big Lebowski Mash Up

2010-04-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Someone Blows Their Nose & You Want To Keep It?

2010-04-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

This morning when I went out to the backyard to water our newly planted bushes, I came upon a strange, yellow substance in the mulch. There were two, half-dollar sized patches of this odd, yellow, cotton-like substance. It turns out that these patches were colonies of “slime mold.” Actually, slime mold is not a mold at all, it’s not even a fungus – rather it is made up of colonies of microorganisms belonging to the Kingdom of Protista. Luckily, it turns out that this substance is not harmful to plants and will typically go away when environmental conditions are dryer (which wouldn’t typically be an issue if I weren’t watering the new bushes daily.) Needless to say, I went ahead and shoveled this goo up and tossed it in the trash. Hopefully, that will be the last I see of that disgusting stuff.

iPhone Inbox

2010-04-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

It's simply amazing how many emails I receive each and every day... luckily I have my iPhone to help me keep up with them throughout the day!

Badass Dog Takes On A Cop Car

2010-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

So apparently I have had nothing better to do with my spare time today but surf the web for strange and amusing videos to watch. I must say that this one had me laughing out loud. I couldn’t even begin to imagine either one of my dogs attempting such a feat. Reminds me of Cujo!

Elementary Students Performing Scarface (Yes, that Scarface)

2010-03-30T16:09:00.001-07:00

Don’t get me wrong, I love Scarface! Al Pacino is great in it - he just goes completely over the top! On the other hand, I do find it pretty disturbing and alarming (albeit humorous in an abnormal way too) that very young children would be performing Scarface at an elementary school.

Squirrel - Mission Impossible

2010-03-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

This video is just too cute! I don't know who would go to all the trouble to make this obstacle court for a squirrel... nonetheless, I am entertained!

Sue's Corner - Sneaky Gays

2010-03-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

TV Theme Medley

2010-03-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is so entertaining! I think I’ve watched this video and re-watched it seven times in row! This musician, Fredrik (quite a cutie), is absolutely remarkable and exceptionally talented to create and perform such an amusing and impressive video of so many great TV themes! This is such a enjoyable video; hope you enjoy it too!

The full list of all 22 TV themes performed:

Two and a Half Men
The Simpsons
O.C
Naruto
Family Guy
Married with Children
Cheers
That 70's Show
Big Love
Freaks and Geeks
Malcolm in the Middle
X-Files
Firefly
The Office
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Scrubs
True Blood
Charles in Charge
The Big Bang Theory
How I Met Your Mother
Mission Impossible
Friends

Hovercraft Plane Thingy... I Want!

2010-03-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

WOW! This is absolutely incredible! If this only goes for $13,000, I'm gonna trade my car in for TWO of them! So, if anyone cares to know what I want for my birthday, Christmas, whatever - this is it!!!

Phantom Menace In Review

2010-03-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Near this end of this literally painful day (migraine, hospital, etc,) I came upon a Star Wars: Episode I review by Mr. Plinkett via Ain't It Cool News. While this guy has an unusual sense of humor (acting as a crazed psychopath,) his review is actually pretty entertaining. If you are a life-long Star Wars fan who was frustrated or disenchanted with the Star Wars prequels, you’ll definitely enjoy this review of the Phantom Menace.

X Marks The Spot

2010-03-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

I discovered this YouTube video of another underwear commercial from suggested links that YouTube recommended from the Banana Underwear video. Ok, I guess I understand that underwear advertising is supposed to have some inherent sexual insinuations – I get that. But damn… this Calvin Klein underwear commercial is downright raunchy! I can’t believe that something like this can be advertised so openly. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a great commercial – very enjoyable; I’m merely astounded at what advertisers can get away with in this day and age!

When I Grow Up...

2010-03-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

I discovered this funny picture/story by way of my mom who forwarded it to me earlier this week. I found it to be pretty funny!

A first grade girl handed in the drawing below for a homework assignment...

After it was graded and the child brought it home, she returned to school the next day with the following note:

Dear Ms. Davis,
I want to be very clear on my child's illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint. I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This drawing is of me selling a shovel.

Mrs. Harrington

Banana Anyone?

2010-03-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

This video caught my interest for a variety of reasons… anyway; the latest in men's underwear is coming out of Australia. AussieBum's new line of eco-friendly briefs and boxers is not only green, but is the world's first undies made from bananas. No kidding – this is true! How is this true? Well, the underwear is made from the weave of the bark from the banana tree, organic cotton, and lycra.

Is it just me, or does anyone else have an odd craving for a banana after enjoying that video?!

Handsome Men's Club

2010-03-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

If you stuck around to watch Kimmel's post-Oscar special, you were in for a treat. If not, well, you're still in for a treat... Here's the silly clip of Jimmy Kimmel's Handsome Men's Club.

Defying Gravity

2010-03-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

[Glinda:]
Don't be afraid.

[Elphaba:]
I'm not...
It's the Wizard who should be afraid...
Of me!

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...

Quick get on!

[Glinda:]
What?

[Elphaba:]
Come with me. Think of what we could do - together.

I'm Limited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been, Glinda,
Dreams the way we planned 'em

[Glinda:]
If we work in tandem

[Both:]
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity

[Elphaba:]
They'll never bring us down...
Well? Are you coming?

[Glinda:]
Elfie, you're trembling!
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this...

[Elphaba:]
You too - I hope it brings you bliss

[Both:]
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend...

[Elphaba:]
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately -
Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me -

Tell them how I
Am defying gravity!
I'm flying high
Defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

[Citizens of Oz:]
Look at her, shes wicked!
Get her!

[Elphaba:]
...bring me down!

This is truly an exceptional show (for those who are not familiar with it!) Jimmy and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to see this musical last year. It was amazing! The story is based on the Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches, Elphaba (better known to people who are familiar with the Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda. Wicked is the back-story of the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda… their rough beginning and rivalry (especially around a common love-interest) that develops into a strong friendship. The story comes to a major climax near the end of the first act (during this song, "Defying Gravity") when Elphaba realizes that the Wizard of Oz and his government are corrupt and she will have nothing to do with it! (It is at this point that the Wizard tarnishes her publicly as “wicked” and an evil witch, even though it is really the other way around in this story.)

This song has been exceptionally encouraging for me lately with regards to work, or as I like to call it, hell. I try my best to focus having things perfect and right, and when others suffer from mediocrity (at best) or just unadorned apathy, it really brings me down! When things need to be addressed and corrected immediately, it seems that there is a remarkable lack of urgency and will from others to comply.

This song helps me recognize that I must to do my best, even though others may not follow suit. I need to stop playing by their rules. I need to trust myself and my instincts and do what I know is right despite the fact that others simply do not care. I need to stop allowing the indifference of others to influence my outlook, and I must only focus on me and what I can do. That is all I can ask of myself… that is all that I truly require. Perhaps there is hope that I will one day free myself from my shackles of anguish and the place I know as hell, my job.

It's Just Chick-Fil-A

2010-03-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

I took this picture on the way home from work two days ago. A new Chick-Fil-A was about to grand open, and people were camping outside days before! Don't get me wrong - I enjoy some Chick-Fil-A from time to time (that is before I became a vegetarian few weeks ago) - but this is absolutely insane! This isn't the opening of a new Star Wars movie, it's just Chick-Fil-A!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter

2010-03-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

I don't even know how I came upon this ridiculous YouTube video, but after watching it, my interest was peaked. And sure enough, I found the book, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter online. Being a pervasive history buff and a huge vampire fan (for the exception of all of that Twilight crap), I am obligated to read this now! Thanks weird YouTube video for playing on my unusual fascination with the bizarre. I guess I need to make my way to Borders sometime today or tomorrow.

Weird Science News

2010-03-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

I read some pretty crazy science related stuff today on my lunch break at work...

So apparently, one of the most common weed-killers in the world, atrazine, causes chemical castration in frogs and could be killing off amphibian populations worldwide. Even more so, 10 percent of adult, male, atrazine-exposed frogs developed into females that copulated with other males and produced eggs. WTF! How the hell is that even possible!?

Also, that huge earthquake that just recently hit Chile… well, it shortened days on Earth… by about 1.26 milliseconds! Perhaps even more impressive, it moved the Earth’s axis of rotation by about 3 inches too… one earthquake did this!

Bill Murray Talks "Ghostbusters III" With David Letterman

2010-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing for years now that there is supposedly going to be a "Ghostbusters III" movie... for years now! Recently, as in this year, the chatter on the internet about this possible trilogy has been been getting much louder and appearing to be much more of a realistic. Hell, it's even already on the IMDB website for release in 2011. And then just last night on David Letterman, we hear from Bill Murray...

Celtic Thunder - Hallelujah

2010-02-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

I just recently downloaded Celtic Thunder’s new album, “It’s Entertainment!” To my amazement, one of the songs they perform on this new album is, “Hallelujah!” (And Keith Harkin is still a hottie!) This is my 3rd post that the song “Hallelujah” has been featured on (the first post from 10/10/06 and the second post from 5/23/08.) This song has always had a special place in my heart. Certainly it speaks to the darkness, the sorrow, and the tragedy that reside there and the hope and faith of overcoming it, but it’s more than just that. It speaks to all that I have been blessed with as well.

One of the things that has always fascinated me about the story of King David was how tragically flawed his character and thus many of his actions were. David was God’s anointed - God’s favored one – yet David commits horrible sins against God in sleeping with another man’s wife, and then essentially having that other man killed. Although David suffers greatly for his sins, God doesn’t lose favor with David – he remains king, and his bloodline will eventually include the Christ. I find it very comforting that no matter how much of a disappointment we may be, God still loves us for who we are – imperfect beings.

Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)

Though I certainly don’t deserve it, and I am fully aware that I’m not as grateful as I should be for it, but God has truly blessed me with a very rewarding life, more so than most in this world. My greatest, reoccurring sin and flaw is that I don’t place God above all things in my life – I’m too concerned and caught up in my own affairs. And though I do try to change this each morning as I start the day, the monotony of daily life brings me back to being too focused on me, and only in hindsight as I reflect on my day before I go to bed do I realize that I’ve failed miserably once again. Nonetheless, God continues to bless me each and every day.

I certainly have trouble with the second part of Christ’s commandment too, much for the same reason – I’m too focused on my own life. I don’t let the people I love the most know how I feel nearly as much as I should because I don’t think to do it – I’m too busy – too busy with me.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

I try to remember this prayer each day, but it somehow manages to get lost through day – and again only in hindsight at the end of the day to I realize that it escaped me. And still even though I definitely am not worthy of it, God continues to bless me each and every day.

So yes, there is one word I always have when I feel scared, feel despondent, feel fantastic, feel wonderful, feel things are too good to be true, feel things can’t get any worse, feel ashamed, feel like a failure, or feel broken – “Hallelujah!”

WorldMeters

2010-02-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Roger Ebert posted an interesting link via Twitter just a few minutes ago. He posted a link to WorldMeters, which is essentially a site that has real time statics of all kinds of things world-wide. This is so fascinating. I’m completely mesmerized. All of the statics are mind-blowing, but my attention is principally focused on the population statics at the moment. I find it absolutely incredible that there have already been nearly 22 million births world-wide year-to-date (and it’s still only February!) That’s nearly the population of the state of Texas! I can’t stop staring at this! Mind-boggling!

One Of The Reasons I Love Comics

2010-02-25T17:05:00.000-08:00

So I just read that Marvel Comics is searching for a young, hot actor to play the classic hero, Captain America. Marvel released their “wish list” to the press on the “young, hot” actors they are considering for the role.

Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl)

John Krasinski (The Office)

Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights)

Mike Vogel (Cloverfield)

Michael Cassidy (Smallville)

Patrick Flueger (The 4400)

Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy)

President Obama Orders A Command Performance From The Cast Of Glee

2010-02-22T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting Glee story by way of Cory Monteith on Twitter... an excerpt from an article today by writer Michael Ausiello...

Being the president’s wife apparently has its perks.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that First Lady Michelle Obama has invited the cast of "Glee" to perform at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 5 — and, barring any last-minute glitches, they’re gonna do it!

Rumor has it Mrs. O and her daughters are big fans of the show. And since a White House gig is an offer that’s pretty darn hard to refuse, Glee’s producers did some lickety-split schedule rejiggering in order to honor the request.

All in all, not a bad stretch for the Glee club: Glee The Music Volume 1 just debuted at No. 1 on the UK album charts.

Cat Gives A Massage

2010-02-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

This is too cute!

Happy Birthday...

2010-02-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

Very exciting! I just noted (tweeted) via Twitter about 15 minutes ago that Levar Burton and I share the same birthday, Feb 16... just minutes later, Levar Burton sent me a direct message wishing me a Happy Birthday! I'm totally star-struck right now!!!

Happy Birthday Levar!

Glee Has Made Me A Gleek

2010-02-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago, Jimmy discovered a new tv series… “Glee.” He watched it on hulu.com, as we don’t have cable or satellite tv, and he was hooked instantly. He insisted that I needed to watch it, but I pushed back and absolutely refused. I didn’t want to start watching another new tv show just to become addicted to it too. Not having cable already makes it hard enough to keep up with the shows I’m already hooked on (i.e. Dexter, House, Heroes, 30 Rock, Family Guy, Real Time with Bill Maher, Smallville, Lost, etc…) So I certainly didn’t want to add yet one more show that would be difficult to keep up with regularly. It’s really hard to wait for an entire season to end and finally get on DVD before watching a single episode for that season.

While Jimmy was away this week at his Texas Music Educators Association meeting in San Antonio, I was bored and finally relented. I was instantly captivated just after the first episode. This show is amazing! Each episode is written so well – while each episode has quite a bit of comedy, they’re each extremely moving too. The music is fantastic – so incredibly diverse. Each character is absolutely brilliant!

It’s hard to say which my favorite character is, because I love them all so much… but if I had to pick just one, I’d think I’d go with Jane Lynch’s character of Sue Sylvester! She’s just sooooo bad and over-the top… constantly has me cracking up! She continuously has me laughing out loud over her quick-witted comments, her sincere disgust with decency, and her ruthless nature!

My next favorite character would probably by Cory Monteith’s character of Finn Hudson. In addition to be a bona fide cutie, he’s an awesome singer who’s into classic rock (my favorite.) While his character isn’t very intelligent, he makes up for it being truly genuine and sweet! Some of my favorite songs that he performs include: REO Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” ; Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” ; Queen’s “Somebody to Love” ; The Pretender’s “I’ll Stand By You” ; The Rolling Stone’s “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”

Chris Colfer’s character of Kurt Hummel is very endearing to me. Both Kurt and his father have known that Kurt was gay since he was very young, and although he and his father don't have much in common, they have a close relationship and each is willing to sacrifice for the other. He does an amazing job singing my favorite song Wicked which is really high, especially for a guy to sing – “Defying Gravity.”

Mark Salling’s bad-boy character of Noah “Puck” Puckerman is fun to watch. Yes, he is very sexy – especially when he has his shirt off! Though he doesn’t have very many solos in the show, he does an awesome job singing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

One of the most amazing voices in the show comes from Lea Michele’s character of Rachel Berry. Although she is very awkward, self centered, and a total outcast, she is incredibly talented, and she knows it too! Some of my favorite songs that she performs includes: Celine Dion’s “Taking Chances” & Diana Ross’s “Endless Love”

Another remarkable voice comes from Amber Riley’s Mercedes Jones. She has such a fun character – such a diva! She has a hot temper and a voice to match! She belt’s out Dreamgirls’ “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” so unbelievably well that you’ll find yourself saying “Jennifer Hudson who?”

Sure I could go on and on about the rest of the cast because they are amazing too, but I’ll save that for another time. If you haven’t seen this show, I can assure you that it is awesome and I highly recommend it! I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites (if it’s not already!)

Johnny Weir STILL = Super HOT

2010-02-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

It was Johnny Weir's skating ability (or was it because he is f-ing hot… can’t remember) that first drew my attention to him back in 2006 during that year’s Winter Olympics. I also certainly enjoy his personality - he says whatever is on his mind, regardless of how controversial or quirky it might be!

Here’s a snippet of a recent interview (and he’s still pretty f-ing hot!)

"I know that for the men's population of the Unites States, figure skating is a 'gay' sport and that's a misconception. There are so many straight athletes in figure skating. But I think it's the music and the costumes that turn most men off. Because they want to see, well, they want to see spandex-ed men hitting each others' ass and throwing a ball. It's very different."

The New Dune Movie Could Be 3-D

2010-02-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

That new Dune director sure gets around! Last week in an interview, Pierre Morel told how he loved the novel as a teenager, read it at least 10 times and intended his film to be faithful to the book. But now he's spilling even more details about his plans—and those plans could include 3-D!

In an interview with IGN, Pierre Morel talked about how he was intimidated by the project, and that he had to "erase the image that David Lynch did" in order to proceed. But he also said that—

"I'd love it to be 3-D, of course. It's the kind of movie that has the scope to be 3-D. Will they do it in 3-D? I'd push for that, but I don't know. As a viewer, I've just been watching Avatar with my kids twice in the theater already and had a blast. It's an amazing experience."

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Anything For Love : The Literal Video

2010-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Similar to the last "literal" music video that I posted from YouTube on Billy Jean, here's another one that's pretty funny too! This would be the "literal" video to Meat Loaf's "Anything For Love." (I think the Billy Jean one was a bit more humorous, but this one is still funny nonetheless!)

Darth Vader Beats Cancer

2010-02-05T21:05:00.001-08:00

Star Wars actor David Prowse has announced that he has made a full recovery from prostate cancer.

Speaking to The Mirror, the 74-year-old said that his cancer has gone into remission, following a year of intensive radiotherapy treatment in London.

"I've won the fight and I'm feeling better than ever. Everyone was shocked by how well it all went," he said.

Prowse explained that he was diagnosed early after a worker for the Prostate Cancer Support Association urged him to get a blood test.

The former bodybuilder is best known for his portrayal of the masked Darth Vader in George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy, though the character's voice was provided by James Earl Jones.

As an avid Star Wars fan and speaking for all of us who are fanboys, we are certainly happy that the Force was with him!

Billie Jean : The Literal Video Version

2010-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

I've discovered several "literal" music video parodies on YouTube... this one of "Billy Jean" is pretty funny!

Friday's Historic Q&A Put Into Perspective By SNL

2010-02-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

"On Friday President Obama appeared before House Republicans in a historic televised Q & A and performed so well,after wards GOP Aids said that allowing cameras to roll like that was a mistake. Come on Republicans,are you on such a Scott Brown high you thought you could take down Barack Obama by debating him? You realize debates are why he is President, right? Seriously, all you do is complain how Obama is all talk and then you invite him to a forum that is literally all talk. That's like saying lets see how tough Aquaman is once we get him in the water. I'm not saying you were out classed but the whole thing was like the scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark when the guy charged at Indiana Jones with the sword and he just shot him."

Kermit's X-Ray Reveals A Harsh Reality

2010-01-29T16:45:00.001-08:00

After a recent doctor's visit, Kermit's x-ray appears to have revealed a congenital condition that we all knew existed, but he always refused to believe!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

New Toy?

2010-01-26T18:41:00.001-08:00

I encountered this amazing device this past weekend. It's the Dyson AirBlade! You place your wet hands in the device, and it blows high speed currents of air on both sides of your hands to dry them quickly!

I own a Dyson vacuum, and it is awesome! The Dyson brand really has their act together when it comes to ingenuity and design!

Anyway, back to the AirBlade... I was absolutely impressed with how quickly it dried my hands! Very innovative! I instantly had to show Jimmy and told him I wanted one for the house...

Tragically, I discovered that a Dyson AirBlade will cost some $1500! My heart was broken, and I was devastated!

Oh well... No new toy for now... Just need to try my luck with the lottery!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Futon Finally Fixed

2010-01-22T17:28:00.001-08:00

This is what has become to our futon during the peak of the dogs' seperation anxiety. They tore the cover to shreds! The futon also constantly slips down due to the dogs always jumping on and off it as the window behind the futon is their favorite spot to view the front yard when Jimmy and I are gone during the day.

Just in today from the Internet, a Futton Gripper, which supposedly will prevent the futon from slipping in the future. We'll see how effective it is in the coming days and weeks.

New cover now on the futon in conjunction with the new futon gripper... Hopefully the dogs are over their need to destroy it!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

In My Case, Only Hindsight Is 20/20

2010-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

So I finally had my eyes checked today for some new glasses and new contacts. The last time I visited the optometrist was early in 2007.

My eye sight has never been particularly good, and today’s visit certainly confirmed that! When I had my glasses off, I was asked to read the smallest line on the eye chart that I could clearly see. I couldn’t see any lines. In fact, I knew that the top of the eye chart was a big “E,” but I couldn’t even see that! It appeared to be a very blurry “8.”

It turned out that my vision had not really deteriorated much over the last 3 years, but nonetheless, it had a bit. Hopefully when it stops getting worse, I can simply opt for laser corrective surgery and be done with glasses and contact altogether.

I went ahead and chose very similar Oakley frames to the Oakley’s I’ve owned for the last 3 years. I’ve found them to be extremely light-weight and more comfortable than others I’ve had in the past. My current glasses already have an anti-reflective coating, but I also went ahead and added the photochromic transitional coating to the new frames too.

After the eye dilation, I had to run home asap to preemptively take some Frova to prevent the migraine that I was going to inevitably get after having a bright light in my eyes!

Vox Populi

2010-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Vox Populi – The Voice of the People – The Essence of Democracy!

de⋅moc⋅ra⋅cy [di-mok-ruh-see]
–noun, plural -cies.
1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.
2. a state having such a form of government: The United States and Canada are democracies.
3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.
4. political or social equality; democratic spirit.
5. the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.

The Supreme Court is holding a rare Thursday session today:

The Supreme Court will meet in an unusual session on Thursday to issue opinions, raising the possibility that a closely watched campaign finance case could be handed down.

The high court normally schedules its sessions months in advance, and does not say in advance which opinions will be issued.

The decision will presumably be Citizens United v. FEC. The decision will determine whether it is constitutional to ban corporations from running electioneering ads in the period right before an election, which currently banned under McCain-Feingold. In arguments, however, the case evolved into a question of whether the entire ban on direct corporate donations to candidates (in place since 1972 under the Federal Election Campaign Act) is constitutional.

And judging how the case has been argued and the questions the justices have asked, it appears that the Supreme Court is going to side with corporations, transforming our democracy instantly. Campaign finance reform as relates to corporations will be dead, and the voice of the people will be silenced. As if it isn’t already absolutely grotesque, corporations will now have even a stronger hold on our government. They will truly “own” our country and our “representatives.”

Worst of all… most people will never know this! Our sorry excuse of news media in this country is more concerned about John Edwards’ affair and love-child with his mistress than covering this case and what the implications of the impending decision will have on our democracy. Excessive corporate power and greed is the foundation of our current economic situation. And the media doesn't cover this, perhaps because corporations own them too. That's the problem!!!

Here’s a quick excerpt from Tony E. Hansen on the power of corporations prior to this decision (not even taking into consideration how much more power they will have after the Supreme Court decision)

Why are Americans so willing to let large, gluttonous corporations run the country or willing to give those corporations incentives that small businesses do not get? The United States was founded upon principles of individual liberty and representative power. Yet, we implicitly protect the ability of companies to make decisions about our lives without them being accountable to those decisions or caring what the consequences are if we let them get too big. We are willing to give incentives to the largest of these in order to somehow generate business and presumably jobs. Yet, by giving these larger entities advantages over small businesses (e.g. tax breaks, build parking lots, or advertising their name on public arenas), we crowd out competition and virtually help to monopolize the market away from meaningful chances to have local businesses that can compete with these larger entities.

We are collectively willing to argue about trivial political issues or the “correct” candidate in Washington. Yet, many of the issues today are embedded in corporations with supra-national interests (which incidentally can fund campaigns far better than the average middle-class American). We get excited and entice large corporations that are “too large to fail” rather than local workers interests or the small businesses that keep local downtown areas functioning. Campaigns are rife with irony from corporate foundations about a so-called need for low taxes and proper business climate while the corporation continues to move jobs to foreign markets and the corporations turn downtowns into ghost towns.

If one thinks about this, we seem willing to trade our representation rights for “the invisible hand” of corporate influences. Have we been duped into thinking that we can control these entities through the election of Manchurian candidates? Seemingly, these candidates have there hands in the cookie jar from the corporations. (Think of how energy policy and financial deregulations were written by the companies that were to be supposedly governed.)

We are no longer investing in ourselves but instead we have been and are steadily funding our global competitors by helping them build manufacturing sectors, information technology, transportation systems and a middle class. As a prime example, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis shows the result of mostly unelected, elite power rings getting rich through decisions that avoid investing in their community. While they move out the resources, move out the jobs, evade their share of taxes, or build foreign factories, the infrastructure and middle class within the United States literally collapses around us since the investments (that we used to keep domestically) are going foreign. They mask the problem as government mismanagement, but instead, domestic governments have been pursued by corporations to build for foreign corporations (rather than local business) and to provide them with tax abatements rather than to encourage existing local development or to provide basic government services. We have let them shape the debate about health care, financial derivatives, energy policy and labor issues in terms that best fit their interests and their agendas rather than the public good.

The time is now to reclaim our government from interests that do not invest in our country or our society. We need to break up the largest corporations because we can not let a potential corporate giant failure mean catastrophic depression for the rest of us.

Cindy McCain Joins the NOH8 Campaign

2010-01-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Today the NOH8 campaign protesting California's Proposition 8 announced a new high-profile Republican supporter: John McCain's wife, Cindy McCain. NOH8 is a photo project in which subjects are photographed wearing white, against a white background, with their mouths taped shut and "NOH8" painted on their faces. McCain's daughter Meghan McCain, a vocal proponent of marriage equality, posed for NOH8 last summer.

The NOH8 website posted the following note, along with McCain's photo, expressing the campaign's surprise and appreciation that she decided to join the cause.

In the year since we've started the NOH8 Campaign, we've been surprised at some of the different individuals who have approached us showing their support. Few, though, have surprised us more than Cindy McCain--the wife of Senator John McCain and mother to vocal marriage equality advocate Meghan McCain. The McCains are one of the most well-known Republican families in recent history, and for Mrs. McCain to have reached out to us to offer her support truly means a lot. Although we had worked with Meghan McCain before and we were aware of her own position, we'd never really thought the cause might be something her mother could get behind.

Aligning yourself with the platform of gay marriage as a Republican still tends to be very stigmatic, but Cindy McCain wanted to participate in the campaign to show people that party doesn't matter - marriage equality isn't a Republican issue any more than it is a Democratic issue. It's about human rights, and everybody being treated equally in the eyes of the law that runs and protects this country.

One Of My Favorite iPhone Apps

2010-01-19T19:55:00.001-08:00

RedLaser is an amazing iPhone App! You to scan a UPC barcode, then RedLaser instantly searches for the lowest local and online prices. Genius!

I downloaded the RedLaser App a couple months ago, but only recently really began using it. The app itself cost me $1.99, but has already saved me $30 on just one purchase!

My dogs (my baby boys) love Greenies! I was paying over $30 for each box, but RedLaser found a website selling them for only $22! Sure, it's only $8 savings per box, but my dogs go through at least 2 boxes a month, so the savings certainly add up very quickly!

If you own an iPhone, I highly recommend the RedLaser App! I promise that you'll love it!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Mass Backwards

2010-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

So for anyone keeping up on politics, tonight’s the night of the Massachusetts special election to fill the late Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy’s seat. Democrat Martha Coakley, originally thought to have this Senate seat in the bag just weeks ago, is expected to lose to Republican Scott Brown.

So why is this of any importance to anyone not living in Massachusetts? If (when) Coakley loses, it will mean an end to the Democrats’ short 60 seat hold in the Senate, making it possible for Republicans to complete obstruct nearly everything in the Senate with a filibuster. Democrats fear that this could endanger the health care bill.

Leave it to John Stewart to put this into proper prospective – "If this lady loses, the health care reform bill that the beloved late senator considered his legacy, will die. And the reason it will die... is because if Coakley loses, Democrats will only have an 18 vote majority in the Senate, which is more than George W. Bush ever had in the Senate when did whatever the fuck he wanted to."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Mass Backwards

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Egg in the Basket

2010-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

I made this for the first time today after work for dinner. It's called an "egg in the basket," and it was fantastic! I don't know if I'll ever want an egg any other way!

Top Three Movies and TV Shows in 2009

2010-01-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

These are the top three movies and TV series I watched in 2009, not necessarily movies or TV shows that came out in 2009.

Top Three Movies:

C.R.A.Z.Y.
This film is centered on the character of Zachary Beaulieu growing up in Québec of the 1960s and 1970s. He is the second-youngest son of a pretty conservative father and a mother who thinks that he possesses a gift to cure people. Being raised with four other brothers, Zac struggles to define his own identity, and deal with the conflict between his emerging sexuality and his intense desire to please his strict, temperamental and conservative father.

Assassination of a High School President
Wanting to be a respected high school reporter, Bobby Funke's sets out on tracking down and publishing a story on a set of stolen SATs. After he suspects the school president for the crime, Funke becomes one of the most popular kids at St. Donovan's High. Funke wins the respect of everyone at the school. As Funke's popularity grows so do his suspicions. He begins to wonder if the president really stole the SATs or if he's just a pawn in a conspiracy.

Constantine’s Sword
The title page of this film shows the shadow of a cross, with "No war is holy" written across the cross. Constantine’s Sword is the story of James P. Carroll's journey to uncover the roots of war. Carroll, a former Catholic priest whose father, Joseph Carroll, was a famous Air Force general, implies that there has been a relationship between religiously inspired violence and war, beginning with the adoption of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in 312 AD. Constantine was convinced that he had won a battle because he had followed the instructions of a vision, to inscribe a sign of the cross on the shields of his soldiers. This was also the first time in the young history of Christianity that the cross became a symbol of Christianity. In Carroll's view, this event marked the beginning of an unholy alliance between the military and the Church.

Top 3 TV Shows:

30 Rock
This show is comedy series that takes place behind the scenes of a fictional live sketch comedy series depicted as airing on NBC. The name "30 Rock" refers to the address of the GE Building where NBC Studios is located, 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Jericho
The storyline of this show centers on the residents of Jericho, a small, rural Kansas town, in the aftermath of nuclear attacks on 23 major cities in the United States.

Dexter
This follows the day to day events of Dexter Morgan's life, a forensic blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, who also happens to be a serial killer in his free time. He was taught by his adoptive father, Harry, only to kill those "who deserve it"; mainly, other killers who have escaped the traditional legal system or were never suspected in the first place. It shows him balancing an everyday life with his secret identity all while keeping up a facade of normalcy.

MADATOMS - Are You The Next GOP Candidate for President?

2010-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Very funny - www.madatoms.com

8-Bit Lebowski

2009-12-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

"Mr. Treehorn treats objects like women, man. "

"Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules. "

"Let me tell you something, pendejo. You pull any of your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you, stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger 'til it goes click."

New Sound Machine

2009-12-02T17:58:00.001-08:00

Jimmy got me a Sound Machine! I love it! It makes going to sleep so very relaxing. I especially enjoy the "rain" setting.

I frequently have issues with waking up several times throughout the night and not being able to fall back to sleep. The Sound Machine makes it really easy to fall right back to sleep with soothing sounds.

If you don't have one, I highly recommend getting one; they're pretty inexpensive!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Family Guy - Something Something Something Darkside Full Trailer

2009-11-28T15:15:00.001-08:00

OMG! I can't wait!!! Yay!!!

Separation of Church & State

2009-11-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

"But because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured--perhaps deliberately, in some quarters less responsible than this. So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again--not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me--but what kind of America I believe in.

I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute--where no Catholic prelate would tell the President (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote--where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference--and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who might appoint him or the people who might elect him.

I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish--where no public official either requests or accepts instructions on public policy from the Pope, the National Council of Churches or any other ecclesiastical source--where no religious body seeks to impose its will directly or indirectly upon the general populace or the public acts of its officials--and where religious liberty is so indivisible that an act against one church is treated as an act against all.

For while this year it may be a Catholic against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been, and may someday be again, a Jew--or a Quaker--or a Unitarian--or a Baptist. It was Virginia's harassment of Baptist preachers, for example, that helped lead to Jefferson's statute of religious freedom. Today I may be the victim--but tomorrow it may be you--until the whole fabric of our harmonious society is ripped at a time of great national peril.

Finally, I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end--where all men and all churches are treated as equal--where every man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice--where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind--and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their works in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.

That is the kind of America in which I believe. And it represents the kind of Presidency in which I believe--a great office that must neither be humbled by making it the instrument of any one religious group nor tarnished by arbitrarily withholding its occupancy from the members of any one religious group. I believe in a President whose religious views are his own private affair, neither imposed by him upon the nation or imposed by the nation upon him as a condition to holding that office."

- John F. Kennedy

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

In the United States, we live in a nation of law, not religion. I am deeply saddened and truly ashamed as a Catholic myself on how the Catholic Church (specifically the Conference of Catholic Bishops) has decided to thrust itself into the arena of making public policy. Whether it is with regards to abortion (as in this video), gay rights (in which they have stated that they will cease to feed and support the poor if gay marriage is granted as a right), etc…

Today on Thanksgiving, I am certainly thankful for all that God has bestowed upon me… my entire family, my home, my employment, my health, ect… I am also thankful that I live in a nation that is governed by law, not religion. I would like to remind the Catholic Bishops that we no longer live in the dark ages of feudal Europe. They have no place in making public policy; their place is in the church, not the Congress, the White House, or the courts!

I suggest that if Bishops truly wish to make public policy, then they should honestly run for public office. They should tell the voters exactly how they would govern… that they would govern on what the church demands of them first and foremost, and then they would govern for the people. If this is what they want, then they should run for office.

Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Faciam

2009-11-10T10:22:00.001-08:00

Oh, how I do truly cherish days long ago when life was much less complicated. I wish I had just a few more carefree days.

It does seem that each day (specifically at work) that I must live by this motto - "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" ("I will either find a way or make one.")

Often I'm asked (both with my current and previous employers), "What do you do on a daily basis?" Well, this is honestly the best and most accurate response - I either find a way or make one.

I just wish there was a break from this every once and a while. It just seems that so many forces are constantly in motion, purposely trying to make things much more complicated than necessary!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Funny Graph Songs

2009-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Here's one more example of people having too much free time! Below are representations of some songs in the form of graphs, venn diagrams, and charts. Very amusing! (You can click each picture to make it a bit larger if you're having difficulty reading the pictures.)

Crossing The Rubicon

2009-11-07T21:19:00.001-08:00

Back during the times of the Roman Republic, law prohibited the Rubicon river from being crossed by any Roman Army legion. The river was considered to mark the boundary between a Roman province of Gaul to the north and Italy to the south; the law thus protected the republic from an internal military threat. When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army in 49 BC to make his way to Rome, he broke that law and made armed conflict inevitable. It was at this time that Caesar supposedly uttered the famous phrase, "alea iacta est" ("the die is cast").

The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has survived to refer to anyone committing themselves irrevocably to a risky and revolutionary course of action – "passing the point of no return".

Over the last couple weeks, I have suffered from migraines nearly every other day, awakening a very personal recognition of my own mortality and the frailty of life. I guess approaching the age of thirty has also been a large influence recently on my self-awareness that my days are certainly finite. I find myself frequently examining the times in my life that I crossed my own personal Rubicons - passing my own points of no return.

While I try to live my life without regrets, and I wouldn't change a thing in my life, I do wonder what would be different if I had made different choices during my life. What kind of butterfly-effect would a different decision in my past have on my present and future?

How many more Rubicons will I cross? What will be the outcome of future decisions when faced with a "point of no return" situation?

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

WTF Is Up With These Damn Prescription Costs

2009-10-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is the medicine I take to stop a migraine currently in progress. I'd say that it is effective about 95% of the time in stopping a migraine dead in its tracks! This is pretty amazing for migraine medication!

In 2002, this prescription cost me $50 for 18 pills (about $2.78 per pill.) Yesterday, when I had this prescription re-filled, it cost me $85 for 9 pills (about $9.44 per pill!) WTF is up with that?!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Loved by the Sun - Tangerine Dream

2009-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have seen the mystics play there
Once or twice but I knew they had a reason
Enchantment plays it's cards all right
Hand in hand with the working of the seasons

Legends can be now and forever
Teaching us to love for goodness sake
Legends can be now and forever
Loved by the sun, loved by the sun
Loved

Two and two go so close together
Whether there is hope that is torn apart
In the words of all that's singing
Hand in hand the beginning is at the start

Legends can be now and forever
Teaching us to reach for goodness sake
Legends can be now and forever
Loved by the sun
Loved by the sun
Loved

Who sings of all of love's eternity
Whose shines so bright
In all the songs of love's unending spells

Only lightning strikes all that's evil
Teaching us to love for goodness sake
Hear the music of love eternal
Teaching us to reach for goodness sake
Legends can be now and forever
Teaching us to love for goodness sake

Sweet songs of youth, the wise, the meeting of all wisdom [x4]
To believe in the good in man. [x3]

Both this song and this movie (Legend, for you youngsters who are not familiar with the 80’s) have always epitomized the word and definition of “fantasy” for me. This is one of those movies that I saw at an extremely impressionable age, and it has forever made its vestige upon me (as so many other movies – Star Wars, The Lost Boys, Indiana Jones, The Goonies, Superman, Fright Night, Ghostbusters, The Exorcist, The Never Ending Story, etc .)

When I read a “fantasy” book or go watch a “fantasy” movie, it is the movie (and this song) that immediately comes to mind and stands as a unit of measurement upon which all “fantasy” media is measured in my mind. The movie and song are absolutely iconic and will always bring me back to younger, more care free days.

Tim Curry’s portrayal of Darkness is simply remarkable! He scared the crap out of me! Despite what some might argue, I personally believe that his portrayal of Darkness is his best work as a villain (yes, even more than Pennywise in It… though I absolutely loved his Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers – great character, but I digress!) I have yet to see a movie that captures the classical representation of a devil-like character visually the way this movie does!

The battle between good and evil is so perfectly captured in this movie… especially for a six year old who sees this movie and is beginning to comprehend the limitless radiance of love and what is means to be good, versus the incredibly dark and frightening depths of “evil.” Sometimes differentiating the distinction between good and evil in this day in age isn’t quite as simple as the imagery of unicorns, the sun, fairies (and hot guys) versus the devil, goblins, and darkness.

Sweetie Bird

2009-10-14T17:37:00.001-07:00

This sweetie is Dante, although we also call him Pancho! I'd love to bring him home, but he's pretty expensive ($650), and most importantly, Jimmy won't let me get him. He doesn't love animals the way I do. :-(

Besides the money, I'd also be concerned that I wouldn't be able to properly care for him. These birds require a lot of attention, and I don't know if we can give him the time he deserves. I'd also be afraid that the dogs may try to or accidentally hurt him.

I guess I'm also concerned on who would care for him when I'm gone (dead.) Jenday Conures can live up to 30 years! You may not be able to tell from the picture because he has grown quite a bit, but he's still a baby! He hatched in July! He's got a long life ahead of him!

At some point I'd love to get a bird because I've never had one and think it would be exciting!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

The Island - Celtic Thunder

2009-10-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

They say the skies of Lebanon are burning
Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat
They're showing pictures on the television
Women and children dying in the street
And we're still at it in our own place
Still trying to reach the future through the past
Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone

But hey, don’t listen to me
This wasn’t meant to be no sad song
We’ve heard too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the mornin' dew comes fallin'

I want to take you to the island
Trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We’ll make love to the sound of the ocean

They're raisin' banners over by the markets
White washing slogans on our ship yard walls
Witch doctors praying for a mighty showdown
No way our holy flag is gonna fall

Up here we sacrifice our children
To feed the worn out dreams of yesterday
And teach them dying will lead us into glory

But hey, don’t listen to me.
‘Cus this wasn’t meant to be no sad song
I’ve sung too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you
Till the mornin' dew comes fallin'

I want to take you to the island
Trace your footprints in the sand
And in the evening when there’s no one around
We’ll make love to the sound of the ocean

Now I know us plain folks don’t see all the story
And I know this peace and love's just copping out
And I guess these young boys dyin' in the ditches
Is just what being free is all about
And how this twisted wreckage down main street
Will bring us all together in the end
And we’ll go marching down the road to freedom
Freedom
Freedom

I really don’t have anything in particular to comment about this song… I just think it sounds beautiful and gives me an excuse to post something about this hottie, Keith Harkin.

Jimmy, Mary, and I are going to go see Celtic Thunder in concert in Dallas on November 16th! Can’t wait! It’ll be exciting! I’ve been extremely impressed with the music, the singing, and the show overall thus far from their current three albums.

Here’s a clip from the Celtic Thunder DVD interview with Keith.

Tea and a Movie

2009-10-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

Typically before watching any movie at home, I like to make some Irish Breakfast Tea to enjoy with the movie. I usually finish the tea very early on in the movie, and I find myself craving more tea throughout the movie... At which point I either have to pause the movie and go downstairs and make some more, or I simply just endure the craving. Neither choice is very appealing to me.

Then today, I noticed something I haven't used in a while... The vacuum-pumped thermos (s-mart's top of the line) that Mary got me for my birthday years ago. Epiphany! Why not make a ton of tea, store it in the thermos, and bring it upstairs to the movie! Genius! It's the little things in life!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Apollo and Ares Graduated!

2009-10-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

So my boys finally graduated from the entire training program last night, completing the Advanced Education Class. The next step for them would be to take a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Test and become certified by the AKC (American Kennel Club.)

Both Apollo and Ares are pretty close to being ready to take this exam; they each just have one major thing to work on before attempting the test… supervised separation. This means that they need to be able to stay with a stranger with both Jimmy and I out of sight and essentially be cool. During this supervised separation they are not allowed to bark, whine, howl, pant excessively, strain their leash, lung, or pace. Needless to say, both dogs have some separation anxiety issues, especially Apollo! So once we can get their out-of-sight stays (a stay command in a different room from you where they cannot see you) longer in duration, they should both be ready to go.

The CGC Test itself is pretty comprehensive! Dogs must achieve a 100% on the exam to pass it and become certified. There are 10 parts to the exam.

Accepting a friendly stranger – The dog must not bark, growl, show any signs of aggression, jump, lung, be out of control in any way, and must not break their sit.
Sitting politely for petting – Again, the dog must not bark, growl, show any signs of aggression, jump, lung, be out of control in any way, and must not break their sit. The must also not hide behind their owner or fight with the leash to avoid petting.
Appearance and Grooming – They must be clean and allow the tester to examine their front feet and ears, and brush them. The dog must not be overly excited, struggle to avoid the brush, pull feet away, chew on hands or brush, or show any signs of resentment, aggression, or shyness.
Out for a walk (Heel) – The dog must be able to walk with attention paid to their owner, making left, right and u-turns without pulling on the leash. The dog must not sniff the floor excessively or require harsh leash corrections.
Walking through a crowd – The dog must not pull on the leash, lung, jump, hide behind owner, bark, growl, require harsh leash corrections, or show any signs of shyness or aggression.
Sit and Down on Command / Stay in Place – The dog must sit, lie down, and stay on command. They must not get up, change positions, go to owner or move excessively.
Coming when called – Dog must come on command.
Reaction to another dog – The dog must not attempt to go to the “distraction dog,” jump on the “distraction dog,” or cross over owner to get to “distraction dog.” The dog must sit calmly by owner’s side without breaking sit, barking, growling, being inattentive, require harsh leash corrections, or show signs of shyness or aggression.
Reaction to distractions – The dog should not attempt to run, bark more than once, lung, growl, attempt to attack distraction, or not respond to owner’s directions.
Supervised Seperation – The dog must not bark, whine, howl, pant excessively, strain leash to get away, lung, jump, or pace.

If at any time the dog urinates or defecates during the test, they automatically fail the test. The dog may miss only one item and may try it over once at the end of the test to try to get it right once more. They must score 100% to pass! It's the last item, number 10, that we're still working with Apollo and Ares on. They just get so upset when we leave them!

So what are the benefits to CGC Certification? Some animal control agencies use the CGC test as guidelines when dealing with dog problems. Medical facilities may use the certification as a screening tool for therapy dogs. Many property managers consider it when making housing rules regarding pets, and some 4-H groups use it as a dog training program for children. Any dog who passes the test earns a certificate and tag from the AKC, while proudly adding the title ‘CGC’ after their name.

Happy Birthday John Lennon!

2009-10-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

John Lennon would be turning 69 years old today. Obviously he will always be remembered for his career as a Beatle. Since the Beatles did revolutionize the music world, this is a certainly fitting way for him to be remembered, but his passion later in life became that of peace!

He used his celebrity to endorse peace; he sacrificed his image and risked looking like a nut for peace; he gave his time, money, and efforts to enhance peace! Did “he” accomplish peace? No. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not an endeavor worth pursuing.

President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize, and of course the conservatives wasted no time criticizing him! The top criticisms: we are fighting in two wars and his presidency is too young to have had any meaningful impact on peace.

I agree completely – we are at war currently in two countries, however these are not new wars, or even wars that this president has started. Wars take a long time to wind down, and troop presence takes even long to draw down. Hell, we’re still in Germany and Japan, and I think we won that war nearly 65 years ago! Whatever the outcome in Iraq and Afghanistan, I guarantee you will be there for a long time if we still can’t manage to get the hell out of Germany! All that aside though, I do agree that if there are no major changes to our policies with Iraq and Afghanistan in the next couple years, then the president will certainly be proving these critics right!

Secondly, yes… his presidency is young, but not necessarily too young to have had any major impact on peace. For the first time ever, Palestinians are actually taking the US more seriously on our efforts for peace in the Middle East. For the first time ever, Russia appears to be on the verge of assisting the US with Iran – there are even talks of a new alliance between NATO and Russia.

The fact is that there is not world peace. There may never be world peace. But again, just as with John Lennon’s efforts… even though it is difficult and possibly impossible, peace is an endeavor worth trying for. President Barack Obama will not bring world peace, but he has given the world something it hasn’t had in a very, very long time. Hope! Hope of peace.

According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize should be awarded "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." I certainly believe that the president has done this and is deserving of the Nobel prize; however that most certainly doesn’t mean peace is right on the horizon. He will need to continue and grow on the hope he has brought to the world. Hope alone will not bring peace.

“All we are saying… is give peace a chance!” We’re still working on in John! Happy Birthday John!

This One's For You Matthew Shepard

2009-10-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Matthew Shepard was a student at the University of Wyoming who was murdered near Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. His murder understandably shocked the nation and spurred activism against anti-gay violence.

Finally, 11 years later, the Matthew Shepard Act, or the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, passed in the US House of Representatives yesterday! It is widely believed that it will easily pass the Senate and be on its way to the President’s desk soon. If signed by President Barack Obama, the act will expand the original 1969 United States federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Some conservatives who opposed the act originally did so fearing that this act would muzzle free speech regarding homosexuality. They were afraid that making comments stating that homosexuality is immoral would be construed as inciting violence against them.

Just for these conservatives (who are all of a sudden defenders of free speech – hell must have frozen over) the act as passed contains the following provision, “Nothing in this Act…shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution.”

“A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Quiet Night With The Boys

2009-10-08T18:10:00.001-07:00

Finally completed a pretty rough week at work and have the next two days off. I am pooped! Currently home alone with Apollo and Ares. Apollo seems very intrigued by his shadow, and Ares is making his never-ending rounds around the house over and over again.

I've decided to sit back and take it easy tonight - continue watching my new He-Man series (which I'm still completely impressed with) and a relaxing drink (a Mexican Martini with a red Sierra Mist variation.)

I downloaded a new app for the iPhone which appeared to be promising, yet has left me slightly disappointed. I downloaded an RSS Reader thinking it would be an easy way to keep up with my favorite blogs; however sites (i.e. Myspace and Facebook) are so damned protective with their RSS feeds. So be it then! I guess my new app will only help keep up with blogs from more traditional blog platforms.

Speaking of blogs, it's sad to see that some of my favorite blogs seem to have been abandoned... Which I don't have a lot of room to complain as I certainly haven't kept up with my blog the way I used to years ago (I'm trying to correct that now though.)

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Like A Bird Without Wings - Celtic Thunder

2009-10-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Normally on past blogs, I would play the song first, list it lyrics, and then comment on it. This time around I’m going to comment on the song first to get you in the same frame as reference and mind set as the blog post, then I’ll have a spot to play the song and review the lyrics! I’m also composing the blog this way to upset anyone with OCD! :-P

I’m on year 9 of retail management, mostly of consuming of retail in consumer electronics, and only over last year switching to the pet industry. I’ve come in contact with all kinds of people over these last 9 years – stupid, intelligent, dumb, interesting, mean, etc. Over the last year in the pet industry I've had the opportunity to meet all kinds of new pets each and every day, mostly dogs. All of this being said… I can unequivocally state for a fact that the average dog is by far kinder, more generous and compassionate than the average human. If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then dogs are better off than a lot of humans.

This is where this song comes into play. The writer of the song probably had a child’s relationship to his/her parent in mind. I look at it a little more literally. Taken word for word, this song accurately describes a dog’s relationship to his/her parent (human pet parent that is.) I don’t know where I heard this quote from, but it is so true – "A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself."

Dogs love us so much! No one is happier to see you when you get home or sadder when you leave! If you ever wanted to know what unconditional love felt like, adopt a dog! I know that I sometimes have self-esteem issues, but my dogs my whole life have always been a source of clear unconditional love – when I’m sad, when I’m scared, when I’ve done wrong, when the world feels like it’s falling apart, when I’ve been a dick, when I’m sick, when I’m angry, when I just don’t know what to make of things – my dogs have always loved me just the same. So I dedicate this song to all of my pets past and present. Thank you for being such a cherished gift!

I love you Ares & Apollo!
So, now that I’ve stated what I get out of this song and what it means to mean (because I love my doggies sooooo much,) let me comment just a bit about the group performing this song. The group is called Celtic Thunder, a group of five men from Ireland and Scotland. They are a pretty awesome group. I highly recommend checking out one of their CD’s! You will enjoy! And btw, I will be seeing them in concert on November 16th! Yeah!

[Chorus:]
Like a bird without wings
That longs to be flying,
Like a motherless child
Left lonely and crying.
Like a song without words,
Like a world without music,
I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me.

I get so lonely, when you’re away
I count every moment, I wait every day,
Until you’re home again
And hug me so tight
That’s when I know
Everything is alright.

[Chorus]

You’re my guardian angel
My light and my guide
Your hand on my shoulder
And you by my side.
You make everything beautiful,
You make me complete.
Everything in my world
I lay at your feet..

Like a church with no steeple,
Where *a* bell never rings.
In a town without people,
Where no voice in the choir ever sings.
If a boat on the ocean
Would be lost with no sail,
Then without your devotion
Surely all that I dreamed of would fail.

Like a song without words
Like a world without music,
I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me

I wouldn’t know what to do
I’d be lost without you
Watchin’ over me

By The Power Of Grayskull

2009-10-03T18:51:00.001-07:00

I was (and many would argue still am) a child of the 80's. One of my most favorite cartoons was the classic He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series. I've seen literally every single episode at least 10 times, own the entire series, and used to own nearly all of the characters' toys by Mattel (before my mom tossed them out.) Hell, I used to even have Castle Grayskull and Snake Mountain!

What's new now is that I've recently purchased the complete series box set of the 2002-2003 "fresh take" on the classic He-Man story. Of course it has the exact same name as the original series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

Not to knock the original series, which I absolutely love even to this day, but this newer 2002-2003 series has blown me away. It has all of the same characters, is still very true to the original concept, has amazing action sequences, slightly more mature plot and story lines, and pretty good art work.

Let me go a little more in depth on the art work. The characters are drawn more realistically. For example, Prince Adam is a young kid, but when he transforms into He-Man, he then becomes a huge, muscular hulk of a man. In the original series, the only noticeable difference between Prince Adam and He-Man was a deeper voice and a sun tan. For that matter, all of the characters in the older series had essentially the same body build and size. This just isn't so in this new series. Characters come in all shapes and sizes which is way more entertaining to watch, especially in the many action sequences!

I could go on and on about all of the wonderful surprises I've duscovered with this new series, but I won't, at least not right now. If you were a fan of any kind of the original He-Man series, I highly recommend that you check out this newer series! It is truly awesome, and I highly doubt you'll be disappointed!

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

New iPhone App

2009-09-29T14:20:00.001-07:00

I just downloaded a new app for my iPhone, BlogPress, which will hopefully help me begin blogging more frequently in the future.

The app appears to have a great interface with the blogger.com network, even allowing picture posts and video posts via YouTube.com, but it doesn't seem to easily allow URL attachments. I guess I'll just have to play with it more.

-- Posted from Frank's iPhone

Another Great Excerpt From Real Time With Bill Maher

2009-07-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here's another Bill Maher monologue... when did comedians become better at giving us the news than anchors?! Btw: Jimmy, JD, and myself were fortunate to catch his stand-up act at UT a few weeks ago! He was absolutely hilarious! If you're not watching Real Time, you don't know what you're missing!

Fantastic Excerpt From Real Time With Bill Maher

2009-06-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

No intro needed... this video says it all!

Trek Yourself

2009-04-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Recession F-Bombs

2009-03-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Click the picture below for a great story on the increasing prevalence of the F-word in our currently troubled economic times.

Click Here

Flight Patterns

2009-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, I still plan to blog about the topics I stated in the previous blog, but this video was just too cool to pass up. The following video is an animation depicting the flight patterns of all flights over the U.S. in a 24 hour period of time.

Year of Change

2009-03-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Despite the horrible and terrifying state of the economy (locally, nationally, and globally,) last year was a pretty good year for me. It was my “Year of Change.”

Some of the decisive changes include…

Change of address as I purchased a new home with the love of my life!
Change of free time (primarily to my new doggy, Apollo!)
Changed my shitty job into a great job!
Change of transportation (i.e. I have a new car!)
Change of leadership (I now have an awesome, new president!)

So, for the most part, my “Year of Change” was all for the better! I’ll be posting more detailed blogs on each of these changes in the next few days (or weeks if I become lazy!)

Star Wars Election Humor

2008-11-05T16:34:00.001-08:00

Even though the election is now over, this is still some pretty funny stuff here! Political junkies who happen to be Star Wars fans (or for that matter Star Wars fans who are political junkies) will especially get a kick out it.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Hallelujah

2008-05-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

One of my friends on Facebook posted this song a few days ago; I highly recommend viewing it as it is truly awesome! Here’s the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=T2NEU6Xf7lM (sorry, YouTube disabled the embed feature for this video, so I can’t just embed it to this blog as I would have liked.) The fourth guy to sing, Kurt Nilsen (the one in the jean jacket, kinda weird looking too) has a truly amazing voice!!!

I wrote a blog on this song in the past, Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah (should you care to read.) I wouldn’t say this is my most favorite song as I don’t think I could ever narrow any of my favorites to just one above all; they each have some special meaning to me, but this one certainly is very special to me!

There’s something about this song that touches me like no other. The song elicits my darkest moments and fears, yet also draws on my most optimistic and hopeful sentiments. An excerpt from my original post on this song:

“It’s seems as if this song has played at each of the darkest times in my life, either simply in my mind or I’d actually heard it that day. So when I listen to it now, it serves as a vivid reminder as to the darkest places my heart has resided, while at the same time serving as a constant reminder that the while I may get lost there at times, the Lord always resides there too within me and in those who love me, ready to help me face whatever turmoil lies ahead.”

It still amazes me how much this song truly means to me, both in reminding me of dark times past and inspiring me of wonderful possibilities.

Keith Olbermann Rocks!

2008-05-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I got these wonderful clips from Ron. Enjoy!!!

St. Patrick's Day (or is it?)

2008-03-17T14:29:00.001-07:00

Irish bishops move St. Patrick's Day 2008 over conflict with Holy Week

Dublin, Jul 19, 2007 / 10:42 am (CNA).- Religions celebrations for St. Patrick's Day will come two days early in Ireland next year to avoid a conflict with Holy Week.

St. Patrick's Day is usually celebrated March 17, but Ireland's bishops have shifted the feast day, in honor of the national saint, to Saturday, March 15, reported The Associated Press.

Church authorities reportedly spent weeks debating where to move the feast day because March 17, 2008, falls on the second day of Holy Week next year.

The liturgical norms would require the feast day to be moved to the earliest available date after Easter, which would be April 1. But church officials said the Vatican approved the March 15 date in order to minimize conflict with the scheduled civic events.

While religious celebrations honoring St. Patrick are affected, religious and secular authorities stressed this would not change secular festivities. The St. Patrick's Festival Committee in Dublin confirmed that next year's parade would be March 17 as usual. In addition, Monday, March 17, will remain an official day off of work in Ireland.

This marks the first time the date has been changed since 1940. The next conflict with Holy Week is not expected until 2160.

Beati Pauperes Spiritu

2008-03-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” – Matthew 5:3

I’ve pondered the meaning of this Beatitude and what it means for my life for quite some time. To be poor in spirit is to recognize that all we have is God’s gift: our very existence, our families, our health, our talents, our situations in life, even our successes. I often find that I give myself way too much credit for my accomplishments and successes, rather than humbly thank God for giving them to me.

Lent is coming to end; Easter is just two weeks away. I’m planning on receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation sometime before this next Sunday, Palm Sunday… the beginning of Holy Week. Typically when I examine my conscience prior to Confession, I use the Ten Commandments as a guide; however this time, I plan to use the Beatitudes enumerated by Christ as my guide. After all, the Beatitudes are at the heart of Christ's preaching and are His guidelines for one to receive the Kingdom.

Ohio – Bowling For Soup

2008-03-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

She said she needed a break
A little time to think
But then she went to Cleveland
With some guy named Leland
That she met at the bank.
There’s nothing wrong with Ohio
Except the snow and the rain.
I really like Drew Carey
And I'd love to see
The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

So when you’re done
Doing whatever
And when you're through
Doing whoever
You know Denton county
Will be right here waiting for you.

Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
Before you lose your accent
And forget all about
The Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And I've got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks
North of here anyway.

I think I made a mistake
It's not that easy to take
She went to make a deposit
Then she cleaned out her closet
Guess I'll sit here and wait
For her to come back home
(I wish she'd come back home)
It shouldn’t take very long
(So long, so long)
I bet she misses the sunrise
and Mrs. Baird's fruit pies
(but I could be wrong)

So when you’re done
Doing whatever
And when you're through
Doing whoever
You know Denton county
Will be right here waiting for you.

Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
I bet you missed your exit
And drove right on through the Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And I've got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks north of here anyway

Troy Aikmen wants you back
Willie Nelson wants you back
NASA wants you back
And the Bush twins want you back
Pantera wants you back
And Bluebell wants you back

I got a premonition
I'm taking a petition
And the whole state's gonna sign

Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
Before you lose your accent
And forget all about
The Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And I’ve got every slow dance saved

Come back to Texas
It's just not the same
Since you went away
Before you lose your accent
And forget all about
The Lonestar state
There's a seat for you at the rodeo
And I've got every slow dance saved
Besides the Mexican food sucks
North of here anyway.
Besides the Mexican food sucks
North of here anyway
Besides the Mexican food sucks
North of here anyway, yeah.

I’ve wanted to do a posting on this song for a really long time now, and I feel it appropriate now to do so due to the overwhelming attention that Texas has received during this presidential campaign. (Ohio too, but as this song suggests, Texas is better! Haha!)

Before I get to the great significance of Texas in this year’s presidential primary and general election, I’d like to talk a bit about Texas, my home. I was born a Texan, I grew up in Texas, and despite its numerous issues, I dearly love Texas. I would never move anywhere else. This is where I was born; this is where I’ll die.

Because of the large size of Texas and its unique history, the regional affiliation of Texas is often debated. Historically and culturally, it has very close ties to the South; however, due to Texas's history as a Spanish colony, its border with Mexico, and its large Latino population, Texas can also be considered a Southwestern state. All the same, while most residents recognize these categories, many claim an independent identity superseding regional labels. Texas is like its own country onto itself.

Anyway, now back to the elections and Texas… During almost every presidential primary (the election to nominate a candidate for a particular party), Texas is so far down the list on the election calendar that we don’t get to make a decisive impact on the primary elections. By the time we vote, the candidates are already chosen… but not this year. This year, everything is different.

So I just got home from my precinct’s Democratic Party Caucus Convention to caucus for Barack Obama. Just to give you a little history on state precinct caucuses in Texas… Typically a precinct caucus only consists on average of about 5-15 voters. Most people don’t participate in them because it can be time consuming. Our Democratic Party Caucus for my precinct had 600-800 voters tonight!!! This is completely unheard of and utterly unprecedented!!! The Republican Party Caucus only had about 10 people. Haha!!!

Tonight's Unprecedentedly Large Caucus at Precinct 350

(I wish I could have taken more pics, but there were just too many people bumping into me and every time my camera phone slightly moved, the pictures taken would be blurred.)

What I saw tonight at the caucus (and at the early voting polls in the primary) was the systematic destruction of the corrupt Republican rule in Texas. I think the Republicans have a great deal to be concerned about during the general election this November. Texas has been a stronghold for Republicans for quite awhile, but it may actually vote Democrat in this up-coming presidential election for the first time in several decades, crushing any hope that Republicans have at winning the White House.

This election is clearly a referendum on President George W. Bush. People are absolutely disgusted at the state of the Union and rightfully hold him responsible for it. He may have single handedly set back the Republican Party for the next several decades. Not only is the Republican Party poised to lose the White House, but I anticipate they will suffer massive losses nation-wide in other elections.

Seeing how Texas will truly be a competitive state in the upcoming general election, candidates will actually have to campaign here for a change. So my message to Barack Obama, who will most likely be the Democratic Party nominee… “Come Back To Texas!”

Heeeeere's Johnny!

2008-03-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

Jack Nicholson rocks! Even though I truly love this endorsement video, but I’m still supporting Barack Obama. If you haven’t seen it already, take a gander… it’s great!

Late Nite Political Laughs

2008-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that Letterman, Leno, & SNL would be leading in some of the best interviews and appearances with presidential candidates? The times have definitely changed. It appears that issues and policy aren’t nearly as important to Americans as personality and humor. Honestly, I don’t know if that’s good or bad. At least Americans are engaged (though in an odd manner) in the politics of the country.

Always On My Mind – Michael Bublé

2008-03-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I'm so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl, I'm sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your
Sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
Satisfied

Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

This last Thursday evening, Jimmy took me to a Michael Bublé concert at the Frank Erwin Center. This show was absolutely amazing! Michael Bublé has a phenomenal voice, he’s extremely funny, and he’s quite attractive. If you’ve never been to one, I highly recommend going! It was awesome!

Anyway, one of the songs Michael Bublé performed was this one. So fellow Texans, please don’t crucify me as if I committed some cardinal sin by not putting up Willie Nelson’s version of this song!

Every time I hear this song, it reminds me quite a bit about myself. Even though I’m pretty vocal about numerous things (and very articulate at that), I’ve always struggled considerably in affirming the way I feel about others, especially those who
I care about the most. I certainly don’t tell my family and friends enough that I care and love them. I do, very much so. I just don’t profess it to them the way they truly deserve.

As much as I do this to others, I know I give a good dose of this to Jimmy as well. I don’t tell him how much he means to me nearly enough. I don’t tell him enough how he’s the person who has been the most significant, positive influence in my life. I don’t tell him enough how he brightens my life. I don’t express to him sufficiently that I’m always excited to be in his presence and am grieved when I’m not. I don’t tell him enough how truly and deeply in love I am with him. I certainly don’t tell him adequately that he’s the best part of my life. I don’t tell him enough that he’s always on my mind!

My Drink

2008-02-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

The Irish Car Bomb is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it also happens to be my alcoholic beverage of choice. The ingredients are quite simple and widely available. Oddly enough, beer lovers and haters will almost certainly enjoy it alike! It has a very bitter-sweet taste that I absolutely LOVE!

3/4 pint Guinness stout

1/2 shot Bailey's Irish cream

1/2 shot Jameson Irish whiskey

Add the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don't drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse.

Return Of The Crazy Quizzes

2008-02-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you?

Congratulations! You're Haldir!
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

Coming Soon To A Theater Near You!

2008-02-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Marvel Comics has a nice assortment of comic book movies coming to the big screen in the near future. Here are some of them that I’m particularly excited about!

Iron Man (2008)

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Punisher: War Zone (2008)

X-Men Origins: Magneto (2009)

Thor (2009)

Spider-Man 4 (2009)

Silver Surfer (2009)

The Avengers (2009)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Captain America (2009)

What Hurts The Most - Rascal Flatts

2008-02-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don’t bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I’m not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I’m ok
But that’s not what gets me

[Chorus:]
What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin’ to do

It’s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I’m doin’ It
It’s hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I’m alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin’ with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

[Chorus x2]

Not seeing that loving you
That’s what I was trying to do

So I’m nearing the end of my annual post-inventory vacation. I don’t ever really do anything particularly interesting on these vacations as they’re really not planned far in advance. The purpose of these vacations is simply some down time to recuperate from the very labor-intensive physical inventories that my managerial position oversees immediately following the holiday season.

Now all that being said, on these vacations I typically just sleep in late, sit around the apartment, and watch dvd’s or tv. One of my favorite channels is the History Channel. So many wonderful programs on that channel (yes I’m a nerd!)

While I was watching the History Channel today, an episode of Mysteries of the Bible came on featuring the story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, whose older brothers sold into slavery… as a slave, he was sent to Egypt and eventually became one of the top advisors to Pharaoh. Before being an advisor to Pharaoh, Joseph spent several years in prison on false accusations of sleeping with his master’s wife.

Anyway, to the point... one of the historians on the show talked about how Joseph was completely broken while in prison. He quoted a teaching from Chasidic Rabbi Menachem Mendel who taught, “The only whole heart is a broken one.”

“The only whole heart is a broken one.” What a profound statement! This song by Rascal Flatts, "What Hurts the Most," certainly reminds me quite vividly of a time in my life when I felt broken beyond repair. I think at that time, had someone told me that “the only whole heart is a broken one,” I would have definitely thought them be on some kind of hallucinogenic drug. Grief is love not wanting to let go. How could painful grief make one’s heart whole?

Author David Wolpe offers an interesting answer to this question: “No awake spirit can move through this world without enduring a broken heart. There is nothing real that makes life painless. Accepting the pain of living, knowing one's heart will - and should - be broken, is the beginning of wisdom.” This reminds me of the book, Gospel Days by Sister Joan Chittister where she states, “Grief is a sign that we loved something more than ourselves. . . . Grief makes us worthy to suffer with the rest of the world.”

In retrospect, I can affirm the truth of the statement, “the only whole heart is a broken one.” I certainly would not want to experience that broken pain and grief again, but I do feel like a more complete and better person because of it.

The Great Debate

2008-02-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

What a great debate tonight at the University of Texas at Austin! Overall, this was a great night for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Although we had the opportunity to actually hear a debate on policy and issues which is very rare in a debate, I think it was pretty clear that both candidates are essentially in agreement with 95% of the issues. Their primary difference is the manner in which they plan to implement their similar ideas.

I am still a very adamant Obama supporter, but as a long time supporter of the Democratic Party, I am still a very big fan of the Clintons. I have no malice or harsh feelings towards Hillary Clinton; I think she’s a wonderful candidate and very deserving of the Office of the President. I simply feel that Barack Obama is our best choice.

I think that all of the bitter hatred that most Republicans and conservatives have for Hillary Clinton are completely baseless and without merit. Their hatred of her began with her “standing by her man” and forgiving her husband’s marital mistakes… acting as a true “Christian.” They slammed her in unison in the early nineties when she attacked one of their major lobbies, the healthcare lobby.

All that said, the fact of the matter is… Republicans hate her, whether it’s fair or unfair. If she were president, she’d have even more divisive partisanship working against her than Bill Clinton did… and that’s hard to imagine. How can she get all of these wonderful ideas passed through Congress when Republicans will be united against her every minute of every day? How can she pass universal healthcare? How can she end the war in Iraq? How can she help fix the economy? The sad answer is that Republicans will do everything in their power to obstruct everything she tries to implement. She may possess the experience in fighting Republicans, but that’s not what we need. We don’t need more division, we need national unity.

Not only does Barack Obama preach and promote hope, he has the ability to overcome this divisive partisanship. He not only appeals to Democrats and independents, but also to many Republicans. The Republican Party is not united right now. This gives him the unique ability to bring a lot of them over to his side on critical issues. It gives him the ability to end the last few decades of a divided country. When Democrats and Republicans can finally put aside this vicious, divisive partisanship, I think that we truly have a hope of actually solving the major issues facing our nation and world. This is a hope that has been absent entirely too long.

I Support Barack Obama

2008-02-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Why I support Barack Obama: The divisive partisanship that I’ve been witness to my entire life has made me very cynical to genuineness of our republic. Barack Obama is the first and only candidate in my life time that appears to have risen above the partisan fray and can actually bring the country together in a manner that has been lost for decades. Above all, he gives me hope for the future of this country and this world.

I'm trying to raise about $100 for the Barack Obama for President campaign. If you wish to help, please visit my fundraising site at:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/lordvalek
Any contribution of any size would be greatly appreciated.

The Early Vote

2008-02-20T20:12:00.001-08:00

I’d like to consider myself a pretty active voter. Being such, I always try to participate in early voting when it is offered. The reason I like early voting is the speed at which I can get in and out… there are typically no lines. This was certainly not the case today!

Today marks the 2^nd day of early primary voting in the state of Texas. As I stood in line, I was first off quite amazed that I was in a line to begin with, but even more surprised that nearly 75% of the people in line were 1^st time voters. I was just completely astounded!!!

Not only that, but out of the 45+ people in line, only one of them voted in the Republican primary. Yes, Austin is a liberal oasis in the big red state of Texas, but even that is pretty sad for the Republican Party.

Rock Star Politician

2008-02-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

As many people are well aware, I am a pretty enthusiastic Barack Obama supporter. Anyway, I got a huge kick out of this yesterday when I saw this on Hardball with Chris Matthews!

The Worst

2008-02-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

What makes a president great? This is the question of many historians and political scholars. To me, presidential greatness is clear and decisive moral leadership in the face of national crisis and an open-mindedness and willingness to question traditional values and try new ways of doing things. A great president must be progressive! No great leader in the history of the world was great because they took their people backwards; rather it’s their willingness to evolve and progress!

At a time of national crisis, Pierce and Buchanan, who served in the eight years preceding the Civil War, and Johnson, who followed it, were simply not up to the job. Stubborn, narrow-minded, unwilling to listen to criticism or to consider alternatives to disastrous mistakes, they surrounded themselves with yes-men and shaped their policies to appeal to retrogressive and conservative political forces. Even after being repudiated in the midterm elections of 1854, 1858 and 1866, respectively, they ignored major currents of public opinion and clung to flawed conservative policies. Whose presidency does this bring to mind?

Harding and Coolidge are best remembered for the corruption of their years in office and for channeling money and favors to big business. They slashed income and corporate taxes and supported employers' campaigns to eliminate unions. Members of their administrations received kickbacks and bribes from lobbyists and businessmen. "Never before, here or anywhere else," declared the Wall Street Journal, "has a government been so completely fused with business." Again, whose presidency does this bring to mind?

Nixon is mostly associated today with disdain for the Constitution and abuse of presidential power. Obsessed with secrecy and media leaks, he viewed every critic as a threat to national security and illegally spied on U.S. citizens. Nixon considered himself above the law. Whose presidency does this bring to mind?

George W. Bush embodies the failures, corruption, and unlawful natures of the entire sum of the worst presidents in American history. I don’t know how it could be possible for history to look at Bush as anything but the worst and most disastrous president.

Star Trek Quiz

2008-02-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Your results:
You are Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard		80%
Will Riker		70%
Data		66%
Spock		62%
Geordi LaForge		60%
Mr. Scott		60%
Uhura		55%
Chekov		50%
Mr. Sulu		50%
James T. Kirk (Captain)		50%
Worf		45%
Beverly Crusher		45%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		45%
Deanna Troi		40%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		35%

A lover of Shakespeare and other
fine literature. You have a decisive mind
and a firm hand in dealing with others.

Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Test

New For 2008

2008-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

I realize that it is now February, so I’m a bit late for the common “New Year’s” resolutions. Speaking of which, I hope that anyone who has made any “New Year’s” resolutions are still holding steadfast on their personal commitments! I have a lot of respect for those who want something better for themselves, and then put for the commitment and sacrifice to make it actually happen! It’s certainly not easy. So I commend those still working on it, and I hope those who have stumbled a bit over the last month with their resolutions don’t lose hope and keep trying!

I do have a few resolutions myself, however I apparently won’t be starting them at the beginning of the year. Rather, I plan on starting them at the beginning of Lent which starts this Wednesday, February 6th. Here are a couple of my top personal resolutions in no particular order:

Get back in shape: I used to be pretty damn physically fit. That’s not the case anymore. I’ve been just plain lazy for about a year and half, and it shows… not to mention I can certainly feel it too! I don’t have nearly the amount of energy I used to. The good thing about this resolution is that I know with just a little discipline, this shouldn’t take too long to accomplish.
Stop Wasteful Spending: Sounds like Republican rhetoric (even though Bush has wasted more than any ruler in the history of the world), but it’s something I need to do. I am quite impulsive, and sometimes it hurts me in the long run financially. I waste money on a wide array of things from eating-out a lot, buying crap I really don’t need, etc. I foresee this being the toughest resolution for me to maintain.

Off the topic of resolutions and into other news, Jimmy and I are in the process of having a new house built. Currently it is scheduled for completion in late May or early June. We’re extremely excited about it! I can hardly wait!!! These next few months are going to be excruciating as I want to get the hell out of this little apartment!

This is essentially what our house will look like.

It's a pretty large house, at least by my terms it is. It's about 2515 square feet.

Here is a floor plan of the first and second floors of the house. (You may need to right-click the following two pictures and select "View Image" to get a better view of the text descriptions of each of the rooms on the floor plans.)

This website has more info on the house (virtual tour / interactive floor plan): http://centexhomes.com/Austin/355136_Plan.html

To go with the new house, we've selected some new furniture for some of the rooms.
This is the Breakfast Area furniture.

This is the Formal Dining furniture.

And this is the furntire for the Upstairs Living Area.

Very Interesting

2008-01-25T04:25:00.000-08:00

One of my friends posted this on myspace yesterday, and I thought it was absolutely brilliant!

Shift happens .... are you ready?

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Clay Aiken - Mary Did You Know?

2007-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

This past Sunday marked the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Church’s New Year, so I only find it fitting to post a song proper of the season. I don’t know that I have a particular Christmas song I would designate as my favorite, as I truly enjoy many; however, I find that this song moves me in a way not like other Christmas songs.

Like many Christmas songs, this song is about the birth of Christ. What charms me most about this song is it’s foretelling of who Christ is and the anticipation and joy of His arrival, which personifies the purpose of the Advent season. It is a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Christ… it is a divination of who the Christ is and the miracles of His glory.

I love all of the biblical references to the Gospel and especially the last one to the Book of Exodus. That's all I really have to say. I just really love this song!

Where Did We Go Wrong?

2007-11-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

Veteran’s Day has just past, it makes me wonder about those who gave their lives in service to our country. Before his crucifixion, Christ told his disciples that there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for his friends (John 15:13). I think this verse is quite serving for our heroes.

Then I thought of some our first heroes; the ones who gave their lives for the birth of our free and democratic society. What would they think our country now? Would they approve of the way that conservatives have hijacked the democracy, turning it and our “free market” into a truly fascist regime where citizens are no longer in control of?

Democracy - Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.

Fascism - A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

Now be perfectly honest with yourself. Which of these more accurately describes our current government? If you say “Democracy,” I strongly recommend that you try getting your info on current events from any other source than Fox News and then join the rest of us in a place I like to call reality!

It’s true. We have elections. But who do we get to vote for… people we want, or people that special interest groups, lobbyists, and big business want?

Who has more (any) influence on our elected officials… us, or special interest groups, lobbyists, and big business?

Who determines our national agenda… us, or special interest groups, lobbyists, and big business?

How come we entered into a war with virtually no debate? Is it because conservatives have suppressed all opposition through fear, terror, and belligerent nationalism?

What happens to any kind of Congressional oversight on anything the administration does? They are met with “executive privilege” (something that is only supposed to be used for national security). They are met with a president and vice president who believe they are above the law and constitution. This is a president that uses fear, torture, and war to usurp power. He would like us to give up our rights and freedoms in turn for his protection. How does this not describe a dictator?

Before I start on a rampage on Christian conservatives, I feel it necessary to articulate the fact that I hold no contempt or ill-will to Christians in general. I myself am a Roman Catholic Christian, and I strongly feel that most Christians really want to do what is right not just for themselves, but others as well… to truly be good disciples of Christ. I just feel that many Christians in America have been led astray by “false-prophets” who have hijacked religion in our country and have turned it into hate rather than love… people like Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Ted Haggard (just to name a few)… people who have used the good will and trust of Christians to gain political authority and power for their own personal agendas and profit. These people have damaged Christianity in our country so badly that it hardly resembles Christianity anymore. So, my anger for this is directed to those leaders who have and still misuse Christianity, and even their followers who are too stubborn to think for themselves and come to the realization that have been led so far off course from Christ’s teachings.

I have nothing but pity for the highly pervasive amount of ignorance that many conservative hypocrites have who claim to be “moral” Christians. I honestly don’t know what morals and values that they think are “Christian.” Perhaps these “Christians” don’t realize that there is more to the Bible than just the Old Testament… there is something uniquely Christian in the Bible called the Gospels. These are the teachings and values of Christ… the most important part of the Christian Bible.

I know of a lot of so-called “moral” Christians who do nothing but quote the Old Testament. While I agree that the Bible is holy scripture, most of it is written by flawed humans who themselves are not without sin and bias. Yes, they had divine influence, but nonetheless, they are flawed human beings. That being said, the gospels are certainly more vital for true Christian values as it has the teachings from Christ, God in human form. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to quote or live by anything in the Bible, it’s going to be the actual word of Christ, God… and maybe not so much on prophets who or more or less flawed middle men who interpret God’s word. I’d personally rather live by the teachings that God himself in human form taught.

Take health care… conservatives are against universal health care. They believe that only the privileged should have the right to good health; the poor and middle class that can’t afford health care for themselves and their children are just plain out of luck.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’” (Matthew 19:23,24) “Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:25) “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) This teaching is so important that it is in three of the four gospels.

Many of these privileged people always talk about “self responsibility.” They think that people deserve their lot in life. If you’re rich, it is because you are a “responsible” person who worked hard and deserve your wealth; if you’re poor, it’s because you lack responsibility and are too lazy to work. They don’t understand the nature of socioeconomics at work in our society.

When you can devote a great deal of time to your child’s development, specifically with respect to their education, your child is much more likely to take school work more seriously and actually get something out of their education. It even helps when you can send your child to a private school where they can get more one on one time with teachers. Higher education is also great when the student doesn’t have to worry about the cost because their parents can pay for it.

Now take a poor family (or even middle class.) Many of these parents work more than one job because one job simply isn’t enough to pay for housing, food, clothes, and even some kind of health care. When parents work more than one job, they don’t get the opportunity to spend as much time as privileged people do with their children. The kids don’t receive the same parental involvement with their education… not because their parents don’t care, but because their parents are working overtime to shelter, feed, and clothe their family. So for the few of these children who do still manage excel in school, what’s the likelihood that they will not have to work to put themselves through college… thus taking their focus off of higher education and on to their job that’s supporting their life.

This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg on some of the serious socioeconomic issues that widen the divide between the rich and the poor. I always thought that “family values” was a major issue for the so-called “moral” Christians. Perhaps keeping families together isn’t a moral value… I forgot, the so-called “moral” Christians believe that “family values” is hating homosexuals… I must have missed Christ’s condemnation of gays somewhere in the gospel, and how gays are destroying families. By the way, why is it that the most conservative parts of the country have the highest divorce rates, pre-marital sex rates, and abortion rates? Hypocrites?

As a Christian, one of the morals I learned is that nothing belongs to us. Not even wealth, no matter how much you feel you earned it. Everything belongs to God. We are simply stewards of His creation (the world and everything in it), which brings me to another value that many so-called “moral” Christians miss out on: the environment and immigration.

What is virtuous about polluting our planet? What is moral about placing corporate monetary gain over the survival of the planet? What is Christian about destroying God’s creation? It seems that conservatives would rather hate Al Gore than admit that we’re destroying the planet.

Why are conservatives so scared of immigrants? Most of these conservatives are wasps, White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, none of which is indigenous to this part of the world. Most Americans are descendants of immigrants; people who came to the New World and brutally and immorally forced out the prior occupants, the Native Americans. Now that these immigrants have settled down for several generations, they somehow feel justified in preventing other immigrants from coming over. How is this double standard moral? Again, we are but stewards of God’s creation, not owners! How is it moral to have such hatred for immigrants?

Today George W. Bush said about the Congress: “Their majority was elected on a pledge of fiscal responsibility, but so far it is acting like a teenager with a new credit card.” How is it moral to spend some $1.2 TRILLION on the president’s unnecessary war, but we can’t spend $50 billion on children’s health care, on rebuilding New Orleans and hurricane disaster areas, and education. How is it moral to spend so much money on death, but deny money on life? This unnecessary war is going to cost EACH American family of four approximately $21,000! How is this a “family value?”

My last gospel reference is directed to the so-called “moral” Christians, the Republican Party, the vice president, president: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27,28)

It just seems to me that we have allowed our great country, the world’s beacon of freedom, hope, and democracy, to become a fascist and dangerous world empire. I can’t believe that this is what our founding fathers intended for us… I can’t believe that this is what the many heroic service men and women have given their lives to protect. Where did we go wrong? How do we begin the recovery process back to democracy? Is that even possible anymore?