Now that the Demos are in power, do you suppose we'll finally get to hear about the great economy we've been experiencing for the past several years???
If GWB found a cure for cancer, you know what the headlines would be??
"George W. Bush Forces Oncologists onto Welfare Rolls!"
"Staggering Unemployment for Cancer Docs: W to Blame."
Personally, I can't stand the man. I hate what he's done and allowed to be done to my country. He's on the road to giving 20 million + lawbreakers a pass! But, come on!! Can we at least have NEWS with some honestly? Does it take a Democrat in the White House before the MSM will report with honestly and integrity??
Apparently so.
Sad.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
The New Vietnam
The liberals seem determined to turn the part of the War on Islamic Fascism that is in Iraq into the same failure they managed to create in Vietnam when I was a kid.
With the publication of the Iraq Commission Report, they may have finally achieved their ends. Once more, America is seen as weak, cowardly and unable to finish what we start.
Pull out of Iraq? How about we start the pull out with the oldest war first: Europe. Is there any reason important to AMERICAN security for us to continue to occupy Europe?? Same for Japan. Let these people use their own blood and treasure to defend themselves.
There's an argument to be made for staying in Korea, what with the Evil Troll playing with nuclear weapons and such but why do we still have bases in Okinawa? The Japanese people are more than willing to fight their own battles. I say we let them. I'm fairly certain Hiroshima and Nagasaki taught them lessons about Imperialism they won't soon forget. Letting them have a military once again would help the rest of the world deal with the Evil Troll, who is in their backyard.
The American military didn't lose the war in Vietnam, Walter Cronkite did. Ever heard of the Tet Offensive? Most people paying attention at that time have. You also probably think we lost that battle with the Viet Cong. Wrong. We demolished them. Killed huge numbers of their fighters. Greatly reduced their ability to wage war against us. We decidedly won. However, since ole Uncle Walter didn't like the war, it was reported in this country as a total loss and failure. Soon thereafter, we abandoned our allies in South Vietnam to the Communist thugs who moved in and killed millions of people.
Now, they want to do the same thing in Iraq: abandoning our allies to the tender ministrations of their fascist, radical neighbors. Millions will die and it will be our fault. Again.
With the publication of the Iraq Commission Report, they may have finally achieved their ends. Once more, America is seen as weak, cowardly and unable to finish what we start.
Pull out of Iraq? How about we start the pull out with the oldest war first: Europe. Is there any reason important to AMERICAN security for us to continue to occupy Europe?? Same for Japan. Let these people use their own blood and treasure to defend themselves.
There's an argument to be made for staying in Korea, what with the Evil Troll playing with nuclear weapons and such but why do we still have bases in Okinawa? The Japanese people are more than willing to fight their own battles. I say we let them. I'm fairly certain Hiroshima and Nagasaki taught them lessons about Imperialism they won't soon forget. Letting them have a military once again would help the rest of the world deal with the Evil Troll, who is in their backyard.
The American military didn't lose the war in Vietnam, Walter Cronkite did. Ever heard of the Tet Offensive? Most people paying attention at that time have. You also probably think we lost that battle with the Viet Cong. Wrong. We demolished them. Killed huge numbers of their fighters. Greatly reduced their ability to wage war against us. We decidedly won. However, since ole Uncle Walter didn't like the war, it was reported in this country as a total loss and failure. Soon thereafter, we abandoned our allies in South Vietnam to the Communist thugs who moved in and killed millions of people.
Now, they want to do the same thing in Iraq: abandoning our allies to the tender ministrations of their fascist, radical neighbors. Millions will die and it will be our fault. Again.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The Da Vinci Code
So, what’s with all the fuss and bother over “The Da Vinci Code”? Why are so many people so upset over a piece of fiction?? Are the Illerati so sure of the ignorance of the common man that they think we can’t tell the difference between fact and fiction?
I’ve read the book. Twice, the second time in preparation of seeing the movie when it comes out. I’m looking forward to the movie. If they haven’t messed with the plot too much, it should be a good one. And, once again, a work of FICTION.
Of course, there are people out there who think Oliver Stone’s “JFK” was based on reality. As PT Barnum may have said, “There’s a sucker born every minute”. Fortunately, most of the people I know are informed and intelligent enough to realize that what you see in the movies and on TV is, for the most part, completely untrue. Fiction. A story. A tall tale. You get the picture.
I’ve been trying to figure out what this book reminds me of. It occurred to me last night. It reminds me of “Chariots of the Gods”. You remember, that book from the ‘70s that purported to ‘explain’ the ‘mysterious’ by suggesting that the phenomenon were caused by visitations from being from outer space. The author took familiar places, events and art works, mixed them together with a good story, and claimed to have a valid explanation.
The Da Vinci Code does the same thing. It takes familiar places, events and art works and blends them into a fiction escapade. It has just enough ‘truth’, mostly of place and art work, to seem tantalizingly real. It makes for a wonderful book but I don’t think most people have problems telling fiction from reality to the extent that they think anything suggested in the book is real. Sure, you can visit the Louve and see the pyramids and the art works mentioned in the book. You can go to the churches mentioned in Briton but no one really expects that, if they dug in the right place, they would find the body of Mary Magdalene!!
I find the hullabaloo from Christain leaders actually quite insulting. They’re assuming that I’m too stupid to tell the difference between fact and fiction. Thanks, I don’t need the obvious pointed out to me by self-appointed ‘experts’.
The other thing about this whole bru-ha-ha that bothers me is the people so upset of this book that haven’t bothered to read it. If you’re going to blather on and on about how heretical a book is, you should at least read it for yourself. Otherwise, you are basing your opinion on hearsay and possible misinterpretation by others who may be playing to their own agendas. Why take those risks when you can easily go directly to the source??
In addition, if seeing a movie can make you seriously question the religion of your fathers and lead to your abandoning it, maybe you shouldn’t have been there in the first place!
In the end, it all comes down to the ability to differentiate between fact and fiction. Think you’re up to the challenge? Read the book.
I’ve read the book. Twice, the second time in preparation of seeing the movie when it comes out. I’m looking forward to the movie. If they haven’t messed with the plot too much, it should be a good one. And, once again, a work of FICTION.
Of course, there are people out there who think Oliver Stone’s “JFK” was based on reality. As PT Barnum may have said, “There’s a sucker born every minute”. Fortunately, most of the people I know are informed and intelligent enough to realize that what you see in the movies and on TV is, for the most part, completely untrue. Fiction. A story. A tall tale. You get the picture.
I’ve been trying to figure out what this book reminds me of. It occurred to me last night. It reminds me of “Chariots of the Gods”. You remember, that book from the ‘70s that purported to ‘explain’ the ‘mysterious’ by suggesting that the phenomenon were caused by visitations from being from outer space. The author took familiar places, events and art works, mixed them together with a good story, and claimed to have a valid explanation.
The Da Vinci Code does the same thing. It takes familiar places, events and art works and blends them into a fiction escapade. It has just enough ‘truth’, mostly of place and art work, to seem tantalizingly real. It makes for a wonderful book but I don’t think most people have problems telling fiction from reality to the extent that they think anything suggested in the book is real. Sure, you can visit the Louve and see the pyramids and the art works mentioned in the book. You can go to the churches mentioned in Briton but no one really expects that, if they dug in the right place, they would find the body of Mary Magdalene!!
I find the hullabaloo from Christain leaders actually quite insulting. They’re assuming that I’m too stupid to tell the difference between fact and fiction. Thanks, I don’t need the obvious pointed out to me by self-appointed ‘experts’.
The other thing about this whole bru-ha-ha that bothers me is the people so upset of this book that haven’t bothered to read it. If you’re going to blather on and on about how heretical a book is, you should at least read it for yourself. Otherwise, you are basing your opinion on hearsay and possible misinterpretation by others who may be playing to their own agendas. Why take those risks when you can easily go directly to the source??
In addition, if seeing a movie can make you seriously question the religion of your fathers and lead to your abandoning it, maybe you shouldn’t have been there in the first place!
In the end, it all comes down to the ability to differentiate between fact and fiction. Think you’re up to the challenge? Read the book.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Send 'Em Home!!
Why is it a given that we cannot deport the 12 million or so illegal aliens in this country? Why can’t we? If we simply enforce laws already on the books, the illegals would have no choice but to go home!
Enforce laws against employing illegal aliens. With no jobs, most would find living here quite unpleasant. They’re here to make money to send back home. If there’s no money, there’s no reason to be here.
In addition, make citizenship a requirement for education, health care, housing, licensing of any sort, union membership, bank accounts, utility accounts, all the necessary parts of modern life. Sure, one can live ‘off the grid’ but there’s only so much room in the depths of the forest!
And when someone applies for any of the above and they’re illegal, not only are they denied what they’re applying for, they should be turned in to the police. These people are breaking the law! If the first thing they do in our country is to break several of our laws, why should we want them here in the first place???
And, of course, they do NOT vote in our elections!!
Please notice that all of the above refers to ILLEGAL aliens. Legal immigrants are wonderful. My great-grandparents were legal immigrants from Germany. I have no problem with someone who wants to come here, work hard and make a better life for themselves and their families! But do it LEGALLY!!
Don’t call me a ‘racist’. That’s a copout. If you have legitimate reasons for your differing opinions, please state them. The moment someone starts calling me names, I know I’ve won the argument. Townhall.com communist Mike Adams defines racism thusly:
Racism – is a pathological tendency to interject race into situations where it is not relevant, merely for personal gain.
Racist – one who interjects race into situations where it is not relevant, merely for personal gain.
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/mikeadams/2006/04/10/193113.html
I find it very hard to argue with that!!
The United States, as a country, has the right to decide who can and who cannot come here to live. Think of a country as a big club. There are membership requirements for any club be it the high school chess club, the PTA, the Elks, the Masons, Mensa, etc. These requirements do NOT make any of these organizations racist, elitist or evil. It means that one has to WANT to join more than one want the money required for dues or the time it takes to qualify for membership. Something you acquire easily and for free is generally worth the money and effort put into acquiring it. This is the best place to live on earth. Just ask all those Mexicans! It is only right to make entry dependent on something besides being able to sneak over the border.
As Americans, we’re very generous about letting in new members to our ‘club’. We accept huge numbers of legal immigrants every year, welcoming the peoples of the earth to come here, work hard, and make a better life.
Just don’t ask us to give away membership for free!!
Enforce laws against employing illegal aliens. With no jobs, most would find living here quite unpleasant. They’re here to make money to send back home. If there’s no money, there’s no reason to be here.
In addition, make citizenship a requirement for education, health care, housing, licensing of any sort, union membership, bank accounts, utility accounts, all the necessary parts of modern life. Sure, one can live ‘off the grid’ but there’s only so much room in the depths of the forest!
And when someone applies for any of the above and they’re illegal, not only are they denied what they’re applying for, they should be turned in to the police. These people are breaking the law! If the first thing they do in our country is to break several of our laws, why should we want them here in the first place???
And, of course, they do NOT vote in our elections!!
Please notice that all of the above refers to ILLEGAL aliens. Legal immigrants are wonderful. My great-grandparents were legal immigrants from Germany. I have no problem with someone who wants to come here, work hard and make a better life for themselves and their families! But do it LEGALLY!!
Don’t call me a ‘racist’. That’s a copout. If you have legitimate reasons for your differing opinions, please state them. The moment someone starts calling me names, I know I’ve won the argument. Townhall.com communist Mike Adams defines racism thusly:
Racism – is a pathological tendency to interject race into situations where it is not relevant, merely for personal gain.
Racist – one who interjects race into situations where it is not relevant, merely for personal gain.
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/mikeadams/2006/04/10/193113.html
I find it very hard to argue with that!!
The United States, as a country, has the right to decide who can and who cannot come here to live. Think of a country as a big club. There are membership requirements for any club be it the high school chess club, the PTA, the Elks, the Masons, Mensa, etc. These requirements do NOT make any of these organizations racist, elitist or evil. It means that one has to WANT to join more than one want the money required for dues or the time it takes to qualify for membership. Something you acquire easily and for free is generally worth the money and effort put into acquiring it. This is the best place to live on earth. Just ask all those Mexicans! It is only right to make entry dependent on something besides being able to sneak over the border.
As Americans, we’re very generous about letting in new members to our ‘club’. We accept huge numbers of legal immigrants every year, welcoming the peoples of the earth to come here, work hard, and make a better life.
Just don’t ask us to give away membership for free!!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
We're from Microsoft and we're here to help!
I’m the lead IT professional for a small business here in the Cleveland area. It’s my job to assist users in their daily dealings with their Personal Computers, amongst other things. I also program in Access 2000, VBA, C#, SQL Server Reporting Services and do some network tweaking. Lots to handle.
I received a call from the “Helpful” people at Microsoft yesterday. She wanted to know what Microsoft could do to assist my small business with our software needs. I promptly suggested that they stop changing everything every time they released a new Operating System (OS).
“What do you mean by that?”
“Every time you release a new OS, you rearrange where everything is and how one accesses basic features. The productivity of my users decreases markedly for the next 6 months as they re-learn how to use their computers. This also applies to new versions of Office. Quit ‘rearranging the deck chairs’!!
“Your productivity goes down?”
“Yes! Most of my users are the sorts who only know ‘point here and double-click’. When you change the ‘here’, they be come very confused and it can take them months to adjust. That’s why we never upgraded to Windows XP and I am dreading the change to Vista. We will delay upgrading to Vista as long as we possibly can.”
She really didn’t seem to get my point. Microsoft’s propensity for making unnecessary changes to basic functions in their OS and Office products is the reason many small businesses and individual users have resisted upgrading to their most current products. I have a computer that runs Win XP only because that’s what my laptop came loaded with. If I’d been able to opt for Win 2000, I would have done so.
And now there’s Vista. From what little I’ve seen of it, it is once again a radical change, similar to the difference between Win 3.1 and Win 95 back in the 90s. My poor users at work will be totally lost!! Many of them are still running Win 98 on their home machines!
What really makes me mad is the arrogance exhibited by Microsoft. They just arbitrarily decided to change the way the whole world uses the Personal Computer. That’s how much respect they have for their users. Every new OS requires the relearning of where things are. They inconvenience everyone to their profit. How much money will be lost to this new OS in reduced productivity?? The small business I work for runs on a very tight margin. They cannot afford to have everyone take half again as long to do every computer task for 3 to 6 months as they relearn how to use their computers!!
I’d like to see businesses, large and small, get together and refuse to upgrade! If no one buys the product, maybe they will have to rethink their lack of respect for their customers. Of course, since new computers come with the OS pre-loaded, that will require the delaying the purchase of new computer equipment. Think the computer manufacturers will like that?? I’m betting not.
I received a call from the “Helpful” people at Microsoft yesterday. She wanted to know what Microsoft could do to assist my small business with our software needs. I promptly suggested that they stop changing everything every time they released a new Operating System (OS).
“What do you mean by that?”
“Every time you release a new OS, you rearrange where everything is and how one accesses basic features. The productivity of my users decreases markedly for the next 6 months as they re-learn how to use their computers. This also applies to new versions of Office. Quit ‘rearranging the deck chairs’!!
“Your productivity goes down?”
“Yes! Most of my users are the sorts who only know ‘point here and double-click’. When you change the ‘here’, they be come very confused and it can take them months to adjust. That’s why we never upgraded to Windows XP and I am dreading the change to Vista. We will delay upgrading to Vista as long as we possibly can.”
She really didn’t seem to get my point. Microsoft’s propensity for making unnecessary changes to basic functions in their OS and Office products is the reason many small businesses and individual users have resisted upgrading to their most current products. I have a computer that runs Win XP only because that’s what my laptop came loaded with. If I’d been able to opt for Win 2000, I would have done so.
And now there’s Vista. From what little I’ve seen of it, it is once again a radical change, similar to the difference between Win 3.1 and Win 95 back in the 90s. My poor users at work will be totally lost!! Many of them are still running Win 98 on their home machines!
What really makes me mad is the arrogance exhibited by Microsoft. They just arbitrarily decided to change the way the whole world uses the Personal Computer. That’s how much respect they have for their users. Every new OS requires the relearning of where things are. They inconvenience everyone to their profit. How much money will be lost to this new OS in reduced productivity?? The small business I work for runs on a very tight margin. They cannot afford to have everyone take half again as long to do every computer task for 3 to 6 months as they relearn how to use their computers!!
I’d like to see businesses, large and small, get together and refuse to upgrade! If no one buys the product, maybe they will have to rethink their lack of respect for their customers. Of course, since new computers come with the OS pre-loaded, that will require the delaying the purchase of new computer equipment. Think the computer manufacturers will like that?? I’m betting not.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Adulthood arrives
It occurred to me last night while I wasn't sleeping that I finally feel like an Adult. I purchased my own home 3 1/2 years ago. That didn't to it. I have a great driving record and very low insurance rates as a result. Still not. But yesterday I realized that after I get all the incorrect information off my credit report, I'll have A-1 credit! After years and years of struggling to get out from under the stupidity committed in my 20s, I am finally able to buy and finance anything my income would support! I can finally buy a new car if I want. No more beaters!! Of course, that would involve $300+ a month car payments that I'm absolutely not interested in making as long as the van continues to run dependably but I could if I wanted to! What freedom!
A word of advise from someone who's 'been there': NEVER file a joint tax return with someone who owes money!! It took me 15 years to clean up someone else's tax mess off my credit. And he never did pay those back taxes. They just got too old to collect.
Seattle just won over Jacksonville. They're going to the Super Bowl. They should be playing my Colts but Peyton failed in the clutch again. This should have been our year. Damned Steelers!!
Maybe next year... (I'm a Cleveland Indians fan, too. I'm getting used to saying that every September as well!) :-)
A word of advise from someone who's 'been there': NEVER file a joint tax return with someone who owes money!! It took me 15 years to clean up someone else's tax mess off my credit. And he never did pay those back taxes. They just got too old to collect.
Seattle just won over Jacksonville. They're going to the Super Bowl. They should be playing my Colts but Peyton failed in the clutch again. This should have been our year. Damned Steelers!!
Maybe next year... (I'm a Cleveland Indians fan, too. I'm getting used to saying that every September as well!) :-)
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