Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Finn is blogged out
He just linked me this and won't post it, so I have to. It's about 3 mintues of video showing how shitty the Army is. Lying to kids and threatening them. The push is on to get more poor kids to fight the rich mans wars.
Proof
The Reds get caught red handed screwing with the minds of frightened Americans. A handy graphic that lays out their strategery (no, that wasn't a spelling error, just trying to keep it real). If there's any doubt in you now that they played us like banjos because we were so high strung, then you're a moron.
Sorry, but it's true.
Sorry, but it's true.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Cowards Beget Cowards - A Dispatch From A Not Too Distant Future
If there's one thing you can count on in this "post 9/11" world, it's that using fear as a tool to gently manipulate people is the best way to accomplish whatever deviant little plan you can come up with. Just try and remember to always wrap your ideas in the cloak of "security". I mean, there's virtually no end to the possibilities of what you can accomplish. Even that which would totally contradict the rational persons sense safety and privacy becomes commons place the second you deftly apply the "terror deterrent" brand.
Yes, countermand years of paranoid tales of control and domination faster than you can say "Nineteen Eighty-Four". Case in point: The mere thought of your Aunties being blown to bits will make the even the most intrusive high powered lens pointed at you seem somehow reassuring, and therefore totally worth the inconvenience.
But, if your intended populous seems somewhat resistant to your constant harping about this bad person and that, then simply do what ever good over-seer does and simply force change down their throats. I'm sure they'll all thank you in the end. However, if they don't, make sure to only use level 5 on their shock collars, as level six and above may result in them losing any memory of what they did wrong in the first place.
Yes, countermand years of paranoid tales of control and domination faster than you can say "Nineteen Eighty-Four". Case in point: The mere thought of your Aunties being blown to bits will make the even the most intrusive high powered lens pointed at you seem somehow reassuring, and therefore totally worth the inconvenience.
But, if your intended populous seems somewhat resistant to your constant harping about this bad person and that, then simply do what ever good over-seer does and simply force change down their throats. I'm sure they'll all thank you in the end. However, if they don't, make sure to only use level 5 on their shock collars, as level six and above may result in them losing any memory of what they did wrong in the first place.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Little Wanker *Updated*
So it would seem that the British PM took a beating politically in the election yesterday. I guess supporting an illegal war against poor people somehow proved distasteful for the British people as a whole. Too bad that kind of thinking man's approach to politics never crosses the pond.
PRI had this great piece on The World about the elections in Great Brittan (Listen here) and it started to make me think this old American version of "Democracy" could benefit from some old world Parliamentary banter. GW and the Reds wouldn't have run off with the the last one if the real voices of the people were heard, not just the interest groups like the Swifties.
Speaking of Public Radio (well, at least public for now), there was another piece that got my thinking about the state of the union. This report focused on the latest trend to create religious law schools around the country. I'll say it again... religious law schools.
They're the ones calling it a culture wars folks, not the progressives. So if it's war they want... well, you get the idea.
UPDATE- My good buddy vuduvgn linked to this hard hitting news piece that does an excellent job illustrating my first point, though I really wish he would stop trying to alleviate my crushing sense of doom with giggles all the time.
PRI had this great piece on The World about the elections in Great Brittan (Listen here) and it started to make me think this old American version of "Democracy" could benefit from some old world Parliamentary banter. GW and the Reds wouldn't have run off with the the last one if the real voices of the people were heard, not just the interest groups like the Swifties.
Speaking of Public Radio (well, at least public for now), there was another piece that got my thinking about the state of the union. This report focused on the latest trend to create religious law schools around the country. I'll say it again... religious law schools.
They're the ones calling it a culture wars folks, not the progressives. So if it's war they want... well, you get the idea.
UPDATE- My good buddy vuduvgn linked to this hard hitting news piece that does an excellent job illustrating my first point, though I really wish he would stop trying to alleviate my crushing sense of doom with giggles all the time.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Beer & Passion
I came across these TV spots that New Belgium Brewing has made. It's nice when you see moving images and get so moved you are ready to pack up and go do what you see in the commercial. These are great! Music, except the Jousting one, is by Devandra Banhart.
Bert and Ernie Are Dead
I realize it's been far too long since I've done my duty to this here blog, but it seems that either my life was too busy, or my blood wasn't boiling enough to give you faithful readers a piece of my mind. Well, that's all about to change.
It's like I've been reborn today. Yes, reborn with a giant ten-foot-long stick up my butt. Sorry to be so crass, but I'm haven't fumed this much since the last time I ordered double beans with my Chimichanga (different fumes, I know). What's gotten me so damn angry is, well, what always gets me angry... the Red takeover.
It was obvious after this last election that these guys were going to be playing for keeps, trying to establish "a permanent Republican majority" and what not, but what wasn't so obvious was how far these zealots were willing to go. Now, setting up franchises in media outlets across the country to spin your personal brand of lies as truth is a well worn trick of the old "Reds" and it would seem the new Reds are quite willing to emulate that technique by consolidating media outlets run by right wing mouthpieces. No surprise there. But was is surprising and what has failed to raise the ire of the last bastions of people wanting unbiased news based on fact, is the fact that the Reds are now making big moves to co-opt the CPB. That's right The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the same guys who taught most of us to count simply by bouncing neon puppets around while singing. The guys who actually spend the time to vet all the stories on their newscasts to banish any appearance of bias. These are the guys who actually care about us because they are us, the public.
Or at least, they were.
It seemed like I was always getting those emails from friends and family members that said that PBS' budget was under fire once again from the right. If you actually read the news now and then you'd realize that this was not the case, it was simply an urban legend to rile up some libs. But what's interesting to me is how pissed people were that this institution might be messed with in any way, shape or form. It's what's really happened that has left many dazed and confused.
In a move that shows how shameless these people really are about spreading their views at the expense of all others, the CPB will soon become the new FOX News (sort of). But the best part is, 48% of the country will end up footing the bill for something that would enrage them, had an email been sent to them asking them to sign a petition. Their killing us with our own swords people! And the truth bending is only going to get worse.
So, if you thought what happened when Buster traveled to Vermont was bad, just wait until those puppets start signing about how great it is to join the Army and Bert and Ernie are put out to pasture because they don't "represent traditional family values." The thought police are hard at work folks. It's time to stop being ashamed of being progressive and "liberal" and start freakin' out and screaming about this stuff before it's too late.
Leave the emails at home and go buy the biggest megaphone you can find!!!
It's like I've been reborn today. Yes, reborn with a giant ten-foot-long stick up my butt. Sorry to be so crass, but I'm haven't fumed this much since the last time I ordered double beans with my Chimichanga (different fumes, I know). What's gotten me so damn angry is, well, what always gets me angry... the Red takeover.
It was obvious after this last election that these guys were going to be playing for keeps, trying to establish "a permanent Republican majority" and what not, but what wasn't so obvious was how far these zealots were willing to go. Now, setting up franchises in media outlets across the country to spin your personal brand of lies as truth is a well worn trick of the old "Reds" and it would seem the new Reds are quite willing to emulate that technique by consolidating media outlets run by right wing mouthpieces. No surprise there. But was is surprising and what has failed to raise the ire of the last bastions of people wanting unbiased news based on fact, is the fact that the Reds are now making big moves to co-opt the CPB. That's right The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the same guys who taught most of us to count simply by bouncing neon puppets around while singing. The guys who actually spend the time to vet all the stories on their newscasts to banish any appearance of bias. These are the guys who actually care about us because they are us, the public.
Or at least, they were.
It seemed like I was always getting those emails from friends and family members that said that PBS' budget was under fire once again from the right. If you actually read the news now and then you'd realize that this was not the case, it was simply an urban legend to rile up some libs. But what's interesting to me is how pissed people were that this institution might be messed with in any way, shape or form. It's what's really happened that has left many dazed and confused.
In a move that shows how shameless these people really are about spreading their views at the expense of all others, the CPB will soon become the new FOX News (sort of). But the best part is, 48% of the country will end up footing the bill for something that would enrage them, had an email been sent to them asking them to sign a petition. Their killing us with our own swords people! And the truth bending is only going to get worse.
So, if you thought what happened when Buster traveled to Vermont was bad, just wait until those puppets start signing about how great it is to join the Army and Bert and Ernie are put out to pasture because they don't "represent traditional family values." The thought police are hard at work folks. It's time to stop being ashamed of being progressive and "liberal" and start freakin' out and screaming about this stuff before it's too late.
Leave the emails at home and go buy the biggest megaphone you can find!!!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Bike to Work
I know that riding your bike to work is not possible for everyone, but definitely viable for some. I encourage those who can to do it. My commute is only 3.5 miles each way with one hill in between. Not bad. Riding is a very invigorating way to start the day. Myself and some others are going to try to put on a Bike to Work day in Nevada County. The national day for Bike to Work is Friday, May 20th, 2005. You can learn more at Bike to Work. I started a to put out the word and encourage locals to ride, check it out here.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Come the Rapture, can I have your car.
Cause i'll be here. To quote Karen from Will and Grace, "it's funny because it is blasphemous."
"These are perilous times for people of faith," she said, "not in the sense that we are going to lose our lives, but in the sense that it will cost you something if you are a person of faith who stands up for what you believe in and say those things out loud."
We have diversity of color but no diversity whatsoever of faith or policy. I guess Bush is now supporting Delay now too. Drunk with power I say, drunk with power. They will get their comeuppance when all is said and done. Do away with the filibuster, eh? Sure, that may be good for you now, but when the tides turn, what then? We'll put judges in that outlaw marriages between men and women, lower the drinking age to 5, raze the suburbs and burn the cars...
I started racing again. I raced last Wednesday afternoon, got 4th out of 16 or so finishers. 38 minutes of pain, average heart rate was 188, max was 197. I'm good for another round this week, bring the pain. Erin and I rode the Chico Mildflower on Sunday. 62 miles, 2000ft of climbing, 4 hours, 40 minutes. Erin rode like a champ, steady climbing, some attacking, it was awesome. We had a faster overall speed this year than last year, and last year was all flat. Yea Erin!
I'm kinda bored with politics right now, it's warm, i'm commuting on the bike to work, flowers are out, beers must be drunk.
"These are perilous times for people of faith," she said, "not in the sense that we are going to lose our lives, but in the sense that it will cost you something if you are a person of faith who stands up for what you believe in and say those things out loud."
We have diversity of color but no diversity whatsoever of faith or policy. I guess Bush is now supporting Delay now too. Drunk with power I say, drunk with power. They will get their comeuppance when all is said and done. Do away with the filibuster, eh? Sure, that may be good for you now, but when the tides turn, what then? We'll put judges in that outlaw marriages between men and women, lower the drinking age to 5, raze the suburbs and burn the cars...
I started racing again. I raced last Wednesday afternoon, got 4th out of 16 or so finishers. 38 minutes of pain, average heart rate was 188, max was 197. I'm good for another round this week, bring the pain. Erin and I rode the Chico Mildflower on Sunday. 62 miles, 2000ft of climbing, 4 hours, 40 minutes. Erin rode like a champ, steady climbing, some attacking, it was awesome. We had a faster overall speed this year than last year, and last year was all flat. Yea Erin!
I'm kinda bored with politics right now, it's warm, i'm commuting on the bike to work, flowers are out, beers must be drunk.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
No deaths!? Little death...
After the deaths of Terry Schiavo and the Pope it seems like there is nothing in the news to scream about.
This is regarding the memo that circulated around our Congressional Republicans to address the Schiavo case: "Martinez, R-Florida, said in a written statement that he discovered Wednesday that the memo had been written by an aide in his office.
"It is with profound disappointment and regret that I learned today that a senior member of my staff was unilaterally responsible for this document," Martinez said.
He said he accepted the resignation of the staffer who drafted and circulated the memo. "This type of behavior and sentiment will not be tolerated in my office," he said."
Anyone want to join me in calling BULLSHIT!!!
I got back on the singlespeed this week. It's been a month since I rode it last. Cleaned up the bottom bracket and adjusted the fork, rode to work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A whopping 3.5 miles each way! I did ride it Tuesday and Wednesday night though for about 2 hours each night, 20 some miles, 2k of climbing, etc. I forgot how frigging tired that thing can make ya. Punishing. It's an awesome descender, but climbing is hell. Hell, I tell you, hell. I might have to spin on the trainer tonight to flush some of the poisons I built up over the past few days.
Sea Otter may not happen for me, no same day registration for Sunday...
This is regarding the memo that circulated around our Congressional Republicans to address the Schiavo case: "Martinez, R-Florida, said in a written statement that he discovered Wednesday that the memo had been written by an aide in his office.
"It is with profound disappointment and regret that I learned today that a senior member of my staff was unilaterally responsible for this document," Martinez said.
He said he accepted the resignation of the staffer who drafted and circulated the memo. "This type of behavior and sentiment will not be tolerated in my office," he said."
Anyone want to join me in calling BULLSHIT!!!
I got back on the singlespeed this week. It's been a month since I rode it last. Cleaned up the bottom bracket and adjusted the fork, rode to work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A whopping 3.5 miles each way! I did ride it Tuesday and Wednesday night though for about 2 hours each night, 20 some miles, 2k of climbing, etc. I forgot how frigging tired that thing can make ya. Punishing. It's an awesome descender, but climbing is hell. Hell, I tell you, hell. I might have to spin on the trainer tonight to flush some of the poisons I built up over the past few days.
Sea Otter may not happen for me, no same day registration for Sunday...
Monday, April 04, 2005
Pope Snow
It looks like it's been about 2 weeks since I last posted.
Some things have happened since then. I raced the Cool mountain bike race. I got 9th out of 19 starters in the 30-39 sport class. I was 2 1/2 hours behind second place. My excuse? The critical error was when I moved my saddle back about 5mm the day before the race. During the second lap I had the feeling of a muscle being pulled, the sensation ran from my left "love handle" down my ass to just above my knee. Live and learn.
Terry Schiavo died in that time. During the 14 days between when her feeding tube was pulled and the day she died, 12 US soldiers died in Iraq and Afghanistan. We didn't hear much about those fellas did we? This "culture of life" propaganda is such hypocritical horseshit. It's not a culture of life. Sure abortions are bad and the GOP doesn't want abortions, but it really seems like they could care less about the rest of us. And, the only reason they gave a damn, or rather appeared to give a damn, about Terry Schiavo is because they thought it may be a good political move. They were wrong, but the media has already forgiven them for it.
The Pope died. Doesn't mean much unless you are Catholic. He thought war was bad and so is birth control...
We saw Kinsey, the movie, last night. Highly recommended. It was a very interesting delve into American sexuality and in general our perceptions of sex, what is right, wrong, fun, absurd and how our sexuality affects our social and emotional life. The movie answered age old questions like: "Is it normal for my boyfriend to want to touch my anus while we are having sex?" For me, on of the parts of the movie that really hit me was the story of a lesbian woman. She started off with a husband, kids, etc. Got a job and slowly fell in love with a co-worker. She didn't know how to deal with it and no one to talk to about it. She "took up drinking," her husband left her, she alienated her children and her life basically fell apart. She effectively ruined her life because of love. It was a very sad and incredibly powerful story that was put in the movie to validate Kinsey's life work. Go see it with someone young and someone old.
We went skiing. Took a Monday off to celebrate my birthday and went up to do an Angora Lake ski tour. Great weather, about 12" of fresh snow and high avalanche danger.
We woke up Monday morning with 6" of fresh snow in town.
We spent about two hours breaking trail in 12" of fresh snow.
We were rewarded with great views when we got to Angora Lookout.
We continued West on Angora Ridge.
We dropped down the the basin just shy of Angora Lake, then switchbacked our way up to Angora Lake with a nice view of Angora Peak.
Coming back down that section we had switchbacked proved a little difficult for our skill level.
It cleared up quite a bit for our return trip over Angora Ridge. Click here for a panoramic view.
Some things have happened since then. I raced the Cool mountain bike race. I got 9th out of 19 starters in the 30-39 sport class. I was 2 1/2 hours behind second place. My excuse? The critical error was when I moved my saddle back about 5mm the day before the race. During the second lap I had the feeling of a muscle being pulled, the sensation ran from my left "love handle" down my ass to just above my knee. Live and learn.
Terry Schiavo died in that time. During the 14 days between when her feeding tube was pulled and the day she died, 12 US soldiers died in Iraq and Afghanistan. We didn't hear much about those fellas did we? This "culture of life" propaganda is such hypocritical horseshit. It's not a culture of life. Sure abortions are bad and the GOP doesn't want abortions, but it really seems like they could care less about the rest of us. And, the only reason they gave a damn, or rather appeared to give a damn, about Terry Schiavo is because they thought it may be a good political move. They were wrong, but the media has already forgiven them for it.
The Pope died. Doesn't mean much unless you are Catholic. He thought war was bad and so is birth control...
We saw Kinsey, the movie, last night. Highly recommended. It was a very interesting delve into American sexuality and in general our perceptions of sex, what is right, wrong, fun, absurd and how our sexuality affects our social and emotional life. The movie answered age old questions like: "Is it normal for my boyfriend to want to touch my anus while we are having sex?" For me, on of the parts of the movie that really hit me was the story of a lesbian woman. She started off with a husband, kids, etc. Got a job and slowly fell in love with a co-worker. She didn't know how to deal with it and no one to talk to about it. She "took up drinking," her husband left her, she alienated her children and her life basically fell apart. She effectively ruined her life because of love. It was a very sad and incredibly powerful story that was put in the movie to validate Kinsey's life work. Go see it with someone young and someone old.
We went skiing. Took a Monday off to celebrate my birthday and went up to do an Angora Lake ski tour. Great weather, about 12" of fresh snow and high avalanche danger.
We woke up Monday morning with 6" of fresh snow in town.
We spent about two hours breaking trail in 12" of fresh snow.
We were rewarded with great views when we got to Angora Lookout.
We continued West on Angora Ridge.
We dropped down the the basin just shy of Angora Lake, then switchbacked our way up to Angora Lake with a nice view of Angora Peak.
Coming back down that section we had switchbacked proved a little difficult for our skill level.
It cleared up quite a bit for our return trip over Angora Ridge. Click here for a panoramic view.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
community in the time of technology
I've been wondering for some time what my first post would be. Scanning the news of the day for atrocities against which I could rally, policy strategies and decisions over which I could rage in disbelief, anything of the abundance I feel is available to me right now to be furious about. I think I felt absolutely overwhelmed by my limitless choices. However, then I discovered (as I sometimes do) something that was a bit more inspiring to me that I wanted share. Something that provided a sense of soothing instead of boiling. That something was an article devoted to one of my favorite websites. A website started 10 years ago in San Francisco now spanning something like 19 cities on which an individual in Bangalore can find an abode in Chicago, where a person wanting a job with a soulful nonprofit can find a way to make a difference. The site offers just about anything for anyone and the great part is that it simply was started and exists today for the sole purpose of building a community of connection using this fantastic tool called the internet. Imagine that. Evidently, Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist, repeatedly turns away buyout offers and refuses to include advertising on the site because he wants to remain true to his belief "in the community-building potential of the internet". I assume that EVERYONE knows about craigslist, and maybe they do, but it felt better to me today to pass on information that was about being successful while also being helpful and (gasp) ungreedy. It felt better to me because that's the kind of stuff, however great or small, that I want to focus on. By making what I believe in bigger, breathing oxygen into it, the fires burning in our world become smaller. At least for me. At least for the moment.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Picking Up The Slack *Updated*
My little blogging buddies are a bit busy with life and all of it's wonders right now, so I figure I'll do my best to rage against the machine for them.
This week has seen the system work, and for that, I can't be as angry at the world as usual. Darn!
The courts have upheld the Republic by letting painful family matters stay just that, painful family matters, not political ping-pong balls. Though the fall out from this will be felt in some form I'm sure. What form that is is totally up in the air. If I had my way, it would be one more thing that further erodes this falsehood that the Reds occupy the moral high ground alone and unchallenged.
I heard this great thing on NPR tonight as I was driving to my accountant to file my taxes (Godspeed war-mongers, here's a few bucks less to kill the poor with!). A Christian evangelist was talking about how back in the sane old days of our founders, religious leaders in our country begged the framers to stay out of the churches legislatively, and how now the current crop of Bible thumpers are begging the courts, legislators, etc. to allow the icons of Christianity to seep into the halls of our capitol and dictate our laws and freedoms.
The point this man made that I hadn't realized was that the church defines blasphemy as "to make secular that which is sacred". So, that would mean that every single Bible toting yahoo out there yelling about our Godless Government is once again violating the core tenants of their faith. Do these morons even go to church? Or they only good for photo-ops, yelling at distressed family members of brain-dead women and threatening sixteen-year-old girls getting an abortion because their church-going, redneck, family member raped them and got them pregnant?
I just wish we could go back to the good old days when people let the government do governmental stuff and the church do churchy stuff and never the twain did meet. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not in favor of a Godless world, but faith is a deeply personal process that isn't easily broadcast to a diverse populous. For that reason alone it makes sense to leave any tenants of a specific faith outside of the bodies that represent "the people". That means no more Ten Commandments in our courthouses, no more Bibles in our jury deliberation rooms. I mean, come on people, leave God alone. Doesn't anyone ever think that God needs a break from us screwing up our lives and then begging for absolution in the next breath. It's a full time job, and one that doesn't need any armchair quarterbacking from the unwashed.
Oh well, I guess until the mid-term elections I'm going to always be a bit pissy thinking about the Reds calling the shots. At least the whole Social Security thing has died a very public death. I guess there's always hope.
UPDATE- Well, I may have spoke too soon once again. Let's just hope the courts don't do anything stupid. For the record, I say that not because I favor one side or the other, I just think it would be a mistake for the courts to do anything different they what they've already done. We need some judicial consistency right now.
This week has seen the system work, and for that, I can't be as angry at the world as usual. Darn!
The courts have upheld the Republic by letting painful family matters stay just that, painful family matters, not political ping-pong balls. Though the fall out from this will be felt in some form I'm sure. What form that is is totally up in the air. If I had my way, it would be one more thing that further erodes this falsehood that the Reds occupy the moral high ground alone and unchallenged.
I heard this great thing on NPR tonight as I was driving to my accountant to file my taxes (Godspeed war-mongers, here's a few bucks less to kill the poor with!). A Christian evangelist was talking about how back in the sane old days of our founders, religious leaders in our country begged the framers to stay out of the churches legislatively, and how now the current crop of Bible thumpers are begging the courts, legislators, etc. to allow the icons of Christianity to seep into the halls of our capitol and dictate our laws and freedoms.
The point this man made that I hadn't realized was that the church defines blasphemy as "to make secular that which is sacred". So, that would mean that every single Bible toting yahoo out there yelling about our Godless Government is once again violating the core tenants of their faith. Do these morons even go to church? Or they only good for photo-ops, yelling at distressed family members of brain-dead women and threatening sixteen-year-old girls getting an abortion because their church-going, redneck, family member raped them and got them pregnant?
I just wish we could go back to the good old days when people let the government do governmental stuff and the church do churchy stuff and never the twain did meet. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not in favor of a Godless world, but faith is a deeply personal process that isn't easily broadcast to a diverse populous. For that reason alone it makes sense to leave any tenants of a specific faith outside of the bodies that represent "the people". That means no more Ten Commandments in our courthouses, no more Bibles in our jury deliberation rooms. I mean, come on people, leave God alone. Doesn't anyone ever think that God needs a break from us screwing up our lives and then begging for absolution in the next breath. It's a full time job, and one that doesn't need any armchair quarterbacking from the unwashed.
Oh well, I guess until the mid-term elections I'm going to always be a bit pissy thinking about the Reds calling the shots. At least the whole Social Security thing has died a very public death. I guess there's always hope.
UPDATE- Well, I may have spoke too soon once again. Let's just hope the courts don't do anything stupid. For the record, I say that not because I favor one side or the other, I just think it would be a mistake for the courts to do anything different they what they've already done. We need some judicial consistency right now.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Welcome gigi
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome the first female member of the Deluded family... gigi. She's a highly educated mental health professional from Chicago, so don't even try to mess with her head ya'll. I don't expect her voice will be the last one of the fairer sex to be added. I figure vuduvgn won't be far behind this move to bring some harmony and wisdom to our testosterone fueled raging.
Anyway, in this place, and from this day forth, let us not be judged by our sex, but by our willingness to advance the cause of freedom (and by the number of links to really obscure articles about Norway).
As always, please feel free to leave your comments for our authors. Feedback is always welcomed when putting our hearts out there at great peril of getting trampled, or worse, ignored. Was what guilt inducing enough for ya?
Anyway, in this place, and from this day forth, let us not be judged by our sex, but by our willingness to advance the cause of freedom (and by the number of links to really obscure articles about Norway).
As always, please feel free to leave your comments for our authors. Feedback is always welcomed when putting our hearts out there at great peril of getting trampled, or worse, ignored. Was what guilt inducing enough for ya?
Monday, March 21, 2005
Holy F**king S**t!!! - A Finx Cautionary Rant *Updated*
Okay, so this weekend I had intended to write an entry about all of the slimy and questionable abuses of the majority that the current Red regime is guilty of, and then this happens.
Where does it end? When do these people feel like they need to stop and leave us alone to live our lives according to our own beliefs and decision making processes. Not to mention that "Republicans" used to support states rights and the separation of powers. So what's happened to dissolve all of that? Why the sudden change in the way our legislative and judicial branches interact?
Because folks, this is a Christian Jihad. These people want to draft legislation, nominate judges, and enforce laws that support their narrow view of how you should live and die. Culture of life my ass. How about the newspapers ending their censorship and publishing photos of all of the dead babies caused by collateral damage during the Iraq war that all these "Christian soldiers" in Congress supported. The hypocrisy is so thick that if the citizens of this country can't see that this is the beginning of the end of the way our democracy has functioned for over 200 years, then they don't deserve the liberties that true Americans fought and died to protect.
Excuse the force and tenor of my words, but it is a dangerous time for us all in this country. The day when our liberties can be curtailed because the Reds feel they've found a great campaign issue, is the day that the thinly veiled premise that these people serve us, gets torn asunder because they feel they now feel they've established a strangle-hold on our Democracy.
This is not a banana Republic, this is not a rubberstamp form of democracy, this is not a one party state, this used to be the "United" "States" of America. Between their plans to rid themselves of filibuster blocks and their fervent support to re-sign the "Patriot" Act permanently into law, we are at risk of losing all hope of having a balanced system.
Make no mistake, they want a one party system, they want to allow corporations and Churches to decide what's good for your health and well being, they want to appoint judges to create what they think is a Christian paradise. They don't want anyone to get in their way. They are abusing our system, distorting it's liberties, to create a more controlled an enslaved public.
Think I'm crazy? So would I if I had read this five years ago. Take what you want from this, but do me the favor of doing some reading on these issues. I believe any thinking person will find some disturbing trends, no matter what your beliefs are.
UPDATE- After some further reading on this subject I've found this little tidbit (the actual wording of the law is here for review) that shows just how full of shit George W Bush is, and how dispassionate the new brand of "conseravtives" are. As long as you're not poor, you deserve life.
MORE
Where does it end? When do these people feel like they need to stop and leave us alone to live our lives according to our own beliefs and decision making processes. Not to mention that "Republicans" used to support states rights and the separation of powers. So what's happened to dissolve all of that? Why the sudden change in the way our legislative and judicial branches interact?
Because folks, this is a Christian Jihad. These people want to draft legislation, nominate judges, and enforce laws that support their narrow view of how you should live and die. Culture of life my ass. How about the newspapers ending their censorship and publishing photos of all of the dead babies caused by collateral damage during the Iraq war that all these "Christian soldiers" in Congress supported. The hypocrisy is so thick that if the citizens of this country can't see that this is the beginning of the end of the way our democracy has functioned for over 200 years, then they don't deserve the liberties that true Americans fought and died to protect.
Excuse the force and tenor of my words, but it is a dangerous time for us all in this country. The day when our liberties can be curtailed because the Reds feel they've found a great campaign issue, is the day that the thinly veiled premise that these people serve us, gets torn asunder because they feel they now feel they've established a strangle-hold on our Democracy.
This is not a banana Republic, this is not a rubberstamp form of democracy, this is not a one party state, this used to be the "United" "States" of America. Between their plans to rid themselves of filibuster blocks and their fervent support to re-sign the "Patriot" Act permanently into law, we are at risk of losing all hope of having a balanced system.
Make no mistake, they want a one party system, they want to allow corporations and Churches to decide what's good for your health and well being, they want to appoint judges to create what they think is a Christian paradise. They don't want anyone to get in their way. They are abusing our system, distorting it's liberties, to create a more controlled an enslaved public.
Think I'm crazy? So would I if I had read this five years ago. Take what you want from this, but do me the favor of doing some reading on these issues. I believe any thinking person will find some disturbing trends, no matter what your beliefs are.
UPDATE- After some further reading on this subject I've found this little tidbit (the actual wording of the law is here for review) that shows just how full of shit George W Bush is, and how dispassionate the new brand of "conseravtives" are. As long as you're not poor, you deserve life.
MORE
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
News clippings
Been a little too busy lately to post here, hopefully after the race this Sunday i'll have more time. I found a few things in the paper that I though were worth posting here.
If you think hunting with a gun is considered cheating, check out these brave souls.
"We don't believe anyone should be taking unilateral steps or make unilateral changes that increases tensions." -Whitehouse Spokesperson Scott McClellan.
You gotta be fucking kidding me. I think Scott forgot the critical "except of course, for us, the USA." Fuck you Scott.
Sweet God, it's good to hear some good news. Looks like the first step of allowing gay marriages in California has been taken. It's about time someone's rights were taken into account and people were given the freedoms they deserve.
I love the headline on this one "GOP stays firm on education cuts." No beating around the Bush, the GOP doesn't give a damn about your kids. Better get those vouchers warmed up, cause your public school kiddie ain't going to amount to much. It's funny that they are cutting programs, effectively making a generation of unskilled laborers. But because of NAFTA and GAT, all the jobs these people would have are being sent overseas because labor is cheaper. Well, they could always enlist into the military and fight the wars for the rich. And, if they make it back in one piece they will have some money to play with, they can either buy a new car or pay for two years of college. Doesn't seem like a winning situation for the poor, does it?
If you think hunting with a gun is considered cheating, check out these brave souls.
"We don't believe anyone should be taking unilateral steps or make unilateral changes that increases tensions." -Whitehouse Spokesperson Scott McClellan.
You gotta be fucking kidding me. I think Scott forgot the critical "except of course, for us, the USA." Fuck you Scott.
Sweet God, it's good to hear some good news. Looks like the first step of allowing gay marriages in California has been taken. It's about time someone's rights were taken into account and people were given the freedoms they deserve.
I love the headline on this one "GOP stays firm on education cuts." No beating around the Bush, the GOP doesn't give a damn about your kids. Better get those vouchers warmed up, cause your public school kiddie ain't going to amount to much. It's funny that they are cutting programs, effectively making a generation of unskilled laborers. But because of NAFTA and GAT, all the jobs these people would have are being sent overseas because labor is cheaper. Well, they could always enlist into the military and fight the wars for the rich. And, if they make it back in one piece they will have some money to play with, they can either buy a new car or pay for two years of college. Doesn't seem like a winning situation for the poor, does it?
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
It's Not All Bad, Right?
In a nod to the subtitle of my old (and somewhat short-lived) blog, I'm using the above title to denote the fact that every once in a while, something good does happen on this troubled little planet of ours.
Take for example that yesterday my good friends Shelton and Carmalita Johnson became the proud parents of Miles Shelton Johnson, who apparently came out eyes wide open and didn't cry for a second. I'm telling you, this is one brave kid. If I were being born into this world all over again, I'd do the same thing I did the first time... put it off as long as I could.
I think this kid knows something. He's feeling good about things for some unknown reason. Maybe we've got ourselves a future President on our hands? Who knows. What I do know is that I think I'd like to learn from this kid in his one day of life on this planet. I want to be fearless like him and face the changes of this world with eyes wide open.
Good luck Miles, I'm right behind you little guy.
Take for example that yesterday my good friends Shelton and Carmalita Johnson became the proud parents of Miles Shelton Johnson, who apparently came out eyes wide open and didn't cry for a second. I'm telling you, this is one brave kid. If I were being born into this world all over again, I'd do the same thing I did the first time... put it off as long as I could.
I think this kid knows something. He's feeling good about things for some unknown reason. Maybe we've got ourselves a future President on our hands? Who knows. What I do know is that I think I'd like to learn from this kid in his one day of life on this planet. I want to be fearless like him and face the changes of this world with eyes wide open.
Good luck Miles, I'm right behind you little guy.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Santorum / Epic
NEWSFLASH: SANTORUM NOT PURE EVIL.
Looks like this fag-basher has a spot in his heart for the poor. He even criticized Bush's budget plan. Read about it here. (Sorry about the login.)
Yesterday instead of skiing I went for a bike ride. The Cool race is coming up in two weeks and I have needed to put some long days in. Yesterday ended up being 6 hours, 43 miles with 5880 of climbing.
I wasn't commited to such a long ride from the start, I gave myself the choice to do a big ride or a smaller ride. At one and a half hours I felt pretty good still, no sweating, no big ouputs of work and my legs didn't complain one bit, so I went for the big ride. From Nevada City, Round Mountain, South Yuba, Malakoff Diggins, Missouri Bar, South Yuba again, Round Mountain again, and back to Nevada City, all very beautiful.
The daffodils were blooming in Lake City, right in front of the metal daffodil sculpture. There was a great view of Grouse Ridge from near Malakoff Diggins.
I feel pretty rough today, but better than I should feel. Hopefully this has helped me. I've been overtraining a bit and am trying to mix it up so that I have time to recover. So far this year I have put in more miles than this time last year. I hope all this translates into good results at the races.
Looks like this fag-basher has a spot in his heart for the poor. He even criticized Bush's budget plan. Read about it here. (Sorry about the login.)
Yesterday instead of skiing I went for a bike ride. The Cool race is coming up in two weeks and I have needed to put some long days in. Yesterday ended up being 6 hours, 43 miles with 5880 of climbing.
I wasn't commited to such a long ride from the start, I gave myself the choice to do a big ride or a smaller ride. At one and a half hours I felt pretty good still, no sweating, no big ouputs of work and my legs didn't complain one bit, so I went for the big ride. From Nevada City, Round Mountain, South Yuba, Malakoff Diggins, Missouri Bar, South Yuba again, Round Mountain again, and back to Nevada City, all very beautiful.
The daffodils were blooming in Lake City, right in front of the metal daffodil sculpture. There was a great view of Grouse Ridge from near Malakoff Diggins.
I feel pretty rough today, but better than I should feel. Hopefully this has helped me. I've been overtraining a bit and am trying to mix it up so that I have time to recover. So far this year I have put in more miles than this time last year. I hope all this translates into good results at the races.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Technophobic at last
For years I've been on the cutting edge of this thing called technology. Every time there's some new fangled gadget or gizmo, I'm there within a month or so, snatching it up with eager hands. And over the years, I've noticed that the pace at which these little wonders are unleashed on the world is accelerating. Not to mention the fact that once you own one of them, the newer, better one isn't far behind. It's a pace that shows no sign of slowing. In fact, it seems that the whole approach to modern life these days is about the next thing being better than what you just bought. The endless void of the "ownership society".
I've recently had a first hand encounter with the annoying reality that technology, nay, tech companies, over-promise what they can do to simplify my life. In their world, I (the consumer), buy their product and happily accept whatever mishaps go along with buying something so new that their own engineers probably just finished testing it the day before it was released. But in my world, I have to spend all of my time, and a great deal of money, trying to keep said product from deleting all of my settings and info at slightest hint of a solar flare.
What's even better is that some products offer ways for you to "backup" your data on one of their servers so that when your device inevitably fails, you will be able to reset it with your data, safe and sound. What's not said though is how all of your data is ripe for the picking of any industrious hacker with a grudge and a whole lot of spare time. Take the recent ChoicePoint unpleasantness, or how about the Paris Hilton snafu? Do these things inspire confidence in consumers everywhere?
But for some reason we just keep buying. Even as the quality and service of the products we purchase goes into the crapper, we don't seem to mind. Even as we are increasingly restricted on how we are allowed to use things we bought with our hard earned money, we keep downloading.
As with may things in this country I ask "Where's the outrage?". You'd figure if people in the US are stereotyped as mindless consumers that don't care for politics because they're too busy buying stuff, they might finally revolt if the stuff they buy is nothing but half-baked shit, right? Where are the boycotts? Where are the slews of class action lawsuits meant to keep corporations in line? If lawmakers have their way, we will all be enslaved to corporate copyright laws, with no legal recourse if any version of "tort reform" passes or mandatory digital rights management goes into effect.
These wondrous gizmos are supposed to help capture and enrich our lives, not steal away our time and money, while leaving us open to theft from others. I love the idea of technology, I just don't care for the current implementation, in any form.
On a personal note, I have to single these folks out and say, don't buy the palmOne Treo 650 unless you want to receive the free ulcer that comes with it.
I've recently had a first hand encounter with the annoying reality that technology, nay, tech companies, over-promise what they can do to simplify my life. In their world, I (the consumer), buy their product and happily accept whatever mishaps go along with buying something so new that their own engineers probably just finished testing it the day before it was released. But in my world, I have to spend all of my time, and a great deal of money, trying to keep said product from deleting all of my settings and info at slightest hint of a solar flare.
What's even better is that some products offer ways for you to "backup" your data on one of their servers so that when your device inevitably fails, you will be able to reset it with your data, safe and sound. What's not said though is how all of your data is ripe for the picking of any industrious hacker with a grudge and a whole lot of spare time. Take the recent ChoicePoint unpleasantness, or how about the Paris Hilton snafu? Do these things inspire confidence in consumers everywhere?
But for some reason we just keep buying. Even as the quality and service of the products we purchase goes into the crapper, we don't seem to mind. Even as we are increasingly restricted on how we are allowed to use things we bought with our hard earned money, we keep downloading.
As with may things in this country I ask "Where's the outrage?". You'd figure if people in the US are stereotyped as mindless consumers that don't care for politics because they're too busy buying stuff, they might finally revolt if the stuff they buy is nothing but half-baked shit, right? Where are the boycotts? Where are the slews of class action lawsuits meant to keep corporations in line? If lawmakers have their way, we will all be enslaved to corporate copyright laws, with no legal recourse if any version of "tort reform" passes or mandatory digital rights management goes into effect.
These wondrous gizmos are supposed to help capture and enrich our lives, not steal away our time and money, while leaving us open to theft from others. I love the idea of technology, I just don't care for the current implementation, in any form.
On a personal note, I have to single these folks out and say, don't buy the palmOne Treo 650 unless you want to receive the free ulcer that comes with it.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Who said avalanche?
Your fearless leader.
There was an avalanche up here last weekend. A lady died. What did I learn from that? Be careful, stay off those Northern to Eastern slopes that are greater than 30%. I almost lead us up one last night that was about 45%, but then I saw the breaks and slides higher up and thought better of it.
Last night was the monthly full moon snowshoe hike that I lead. Can you believe it? People are naive enough to follow me around in the woods, at night!
We started with six of us, including a 13 year old girl. We cruised up Bowman Lake road, off to Fuller Lake and out to an overlook where we could see Signal Peak, Hwy 80 and the valley around Spaulding Lake.
Here is a pic of a few of the folks that joined me last night. They include Dave, Erin and Adam.
There was an avalanche up here last weekend. A lady died. What did I learn from that? Be careful, stay off those Northern to Eastern slopes that are greater than 30%. I almost lead us up one last night that was about 45%, but then I saw the breaks and slides higher up and thought better of it.
Last night was the monthly full moon snowshoe hike that I lead. Can you believe it? People are naive enough to follow me around in the woods, at night!
We started with six of us, including a 13 year old girl. We cruised up Bowman Lake road, off to Fuller Lake and out to an overlook where we could see Signal Peak, Hwy 80 and the valley around Spaulding Lake.
Here is a pic of a few of the folks that joined me last night. They include Dave, Erin and Adam.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Commuting / Communion
I'm exhausted.
Erin and I skied about 10 miles on Monday. I rode to work Tuesday and then rode about three hours that night. I rode to work again today. That was borderline "a chore." Coming up Red Dog Road was incredible strenuous today.
My commute to work goes along the Cascade Canal, a dirt double track that runs almost flat for 5 miles. At one point there is a great view of Nevada City, the hills West of that and then, about 90 miles across the valley to the snow covered mountains near Clearlake. A great view, a great way to start the day.
There is a great article in the new DirtRag about Wilderness. It's an arguement on how Congress did not intend to exclude bicycles, it's just they were not around when the Wilderness act was created. Check it out.
"Over the last decade, mountain bikers have become some of the nation's most sophisticated and savvy outdoors advocates, forming organizations that represent the interests of 45 million cyclists through more that 450 local advocacy organizations. Think of all of the energy currently harnessed to limit the impact of Wilderness on cycling if it could be used to fight for expanding Wilderness areas. The natural alliance between mountain bikers and groups like the Sierra Club and Wilderness Society would open up a whole new realm of lobbying for Wilderness support. It would be a new ball game and Team Wilderness would be stronger than ever."
And now for the Communion thing. Just when I was starting to like the Pope again... he was saying stuff like war is wrong, we need peace, etc. Good stuff man, good stuff. You go Pope! Then he went and said that gay marriage is evil.
I'm sure to not vote for him again.
Erin and I skied about 10 miles on Monday. I rode to work Tuesday and then rode about three hours that night. I rode to work again today. That was borderline "a chore." Coming up Red Dog Road was incredible strenuous today.
My commute to work goes along the Cascade Canal, a dirt double track that runs almost flat for 5 miles. At one point there is a great view of Nevada City, the hills West of that and then, about 90 miles across the valley to the snow covered mountains near Clearlake. A great view, a great way to start the day.
There is a great article in the new DirtRag about Wilderness. It's an arguement on how Congress did not intend to exclude bicycles, it's just they were not around when the Wilderness act was created. Check it out.
"Over the last decade, mountain bikers have become some of the nation's most sophisticated and savvy outdoors advocates, forming organizations that represent the interests of 45 million cyclists through more that 450 local advocacy organizations. Think of all of the energy currently harnessed to limit the impact of Wilderness on cycling if it could be used to fight for expanding Wilderness areas. The natural alliance between mountain bikers and groups like the Sierra Club and Wilderness Society would open up a whole new realm of lobbying for Wilderness support. It would be a new ball game and Team Wilderness would be stronger than ever."
And now for the Communion thing. Just when I was starting to like the Pope again... he was saying stuff like war is wrong, we need peace, etc. Good stuff man, good stuff. You go Pope! Then he went and said that gay marriage is evil.
I'm sure to not vote for him again.
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