Friday, March 31, 2006
Vacation
Ignoring the obvious problem that I have no money to spend on a vacation, I am still trying to plan a get way in first 2 weeks of July. People keep suggesting that I go on a cruise. It sounds like a excellent idea to me, relaxing, I love boats, it would be a real getaway.
Ive also thought about just getting in my car and going. I discovered this neat bridge-tunnel thing in Virginia. Ive thought about going down there just to cross it, check out the area, stop by DC on the way back, do all the touristy stuff I should have done when I interned there.
The driving idea has the drawback of not being relaxing, which is a vital part of this trip. The cruise has the drawback of costing a lot (doing my best to ignore that part). Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Ignoring the obvious problem that I have no money to spend on a vacation, I am still trying to plan a get way in first 2 weeks of July. People keep suggesting that I go on a cruise. It sounds like a excellent idea to me, relaxing, I love boats, it would be a real getaway.
Ive also thought about just getting in my car and going. I discovered this neat bridge-tunnel thing in Virginia. Ive thought about going down there just to cross it, check out the area, stop by DC on the way back, do all the touristy stuff I should have done when I interned there.
The driving idea has the drawback of not being relaxing, which is a vital part of this trip. The cruise has the drawback of costing a lot (doing my best to ignore that part). Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Mexican Flag
I got a question for all the people waving the Mexican flag at these Criminal Immigration protests (i prefer criminal to illegal, because after all thats what were talking about. Criminals, they broke the laws of the United States in the manner in which they entered it). If they are so proud of their Mexican heritage, why aren't they still there? If Mexico means so much more to you then the U.S., if you proud of Mexico, why did you leave there? Obviously it is because their is more opportunity for you and your children here.
I have no problem with legal immigration. It is backbone of this country. But if your're first act in this country is to break its laws, then as unPC as it is to say I have no choice but to say, Go Home!
I got a question for all the people waving the Mexican flag at these Criminal Immigration protests (i prefer criminal to illegal, because after all thats what were talking about. Criminals, they broke the laws of the United States in the manner in which they entered it). If they are so proud of their Mexican heritage, why aren't they still there? If Mexico means so much more to you then the U.S., if you proud of Mexico, why did you leave there? Obviously it is because their is more opportunity for you and your children here.
I have no problem with legal immigration. It is backbone of this country. But if your're first act in this country is to break its laws, then as unPC as it is to say I have no choice but to say, Go Home!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Islanders Season?
Well, it looks as though, baring a miracle, that the Islanders season is just about over. I am hoping at the very least we can finish off with a entertaining run, including 3 wins against the Rangers, starting tonight. I hate to be the "next year" type of fan, and the fact that I have held out hope this long, is probably evidence that im not that type. However, next year, its the beginning of a new era. Milbury will be gone, hopefully Yashin will be gone. A new coach, new GM, new team.
Well, it looks as though, baring a miracle, that the Islanders season is just about over. I am hoping at the very least we can finish off with a entertaining run, including 3 wins against the Rangers, starting tonight. I hate to be the "next year" type of fan, and the fact that I have held out hope this long, is probably evidence that im not that type. However, next year, its the beginning of a new era. Milbury will be gone, hopefully Yashin will be gone. A new coach, new GM, new team.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Quotes
I am a big fan of the wisdom that can be found in a quote. I tend to ignore the contention that I may use them out of context because I find that the biggest value of a quote, is that if it really is that kind of pearl of wisdom, it doesnt matter that it isn't being used in context. That the use makes the context. Such as one I have been stuck on lately. "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present and future" by Abraham Lincoln. PersonallyI find the context of its original use, though also relevant, irrelevant when discussing how fitting it is to consider the line in current affairs. I find it hard to ignore the relevance or value or the quote in this new age, war on terror. It is not a conventional war, that will be won in conventional ways. Al Qeada isn't going to surrender. Their will be no treaty, no cease fire. Pretending this is that type of war will only halt our cause.
To Be Continued...
I am a big fan of the wisdom that can be found in a quote. I tend to ignore the contention that I may use them out of context because I find that the biggest value of a quote, is that if it really is that kind of pearl of wisdom, it doesnt matter that it isn't being used in context. That the use makes the context. Such as one I have been stuck on lately. "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present and future" by Abraham Lincoln. PersonallyI find the context of its original use, though also relevant, irrelevant when discussing how fitting it is to consider the line in current affairs. I find it hard to ignore the relevance or value or the quote in this new age, war on terror. It is not a conventional war, that will be won in conventional ways. Al Qeada isn't going to surrender. Their will be no treaty, no cease fire. Pretending this is that type of war will only halt our cause.
To Be Continued...
Friday, March 24, 2006
Mac OS X
Apple released the first version of Mac OS X this day in 2001. Happy Birthday OS X.
Apple released the first version of Mac OS X this day in 2001. Happy Birthday OS X.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Liberal Media Bias part 1 zillion
Three Christian peace activists were rescued by British Special Forces. It says so in a article by Reuters. Except if you just read the headlines. There is they were freed. As if there savage captors let them go. No British Special Forces RESCUED them. Let us give credit where credit is due. Worse yet, the organiztion the activists were with, called it a release as well. And give no mention of the British Special Forces. None.
Three Christian peace activists were rescued by British Special Forces. It says so in a article by Reuters. Except if you just read the headlines. There is they were freed. As if there savage captors let them go. No British Special Forces RESCUED them. Let us give credit where credit is due. Worse yet, the organiztion the activists were with, called it a release as well. And give no mention of the British Special Forces. None.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Red Dawn
I am going to break with Right Wing tradition and complain about some aspects of Red Dawn. The 80s flick in which a veritable whos who of the 80s/early 90s depicts life for a group of high school students who rebel against a Communist invasion (the USSR, Cuba, and some South American Commies). In the end several are killed off, while a few return to the general population. First of all, its not particularly well acted. A lot of reactions seemed forced and fake (which i suppose all acting is, but good acting isnt supposed to look that way).
The premise of the movie is interesting but seeminly poorly executed. Are we really supposed to believe it was THAT easy to conquer most of mainland USA? Or that so FEW Americans fought back? I also have trouble believing that these South American countries that spend so much of there militaries time putting down there own people have resources available to try to conquer America even though I believe if they did have the resources, they would have tried to under the scenario in question (no NATO, a desperate USSR leading the way, little likelihood of European reinforcements for the US).
Im sorry it just doesnt work for me. I put just shy of good bad movie standing. Worth one watch, but thats about it.
I am going to break with Right Wing tradition and complain about some aspects of Red Dawn. The 80s flick in which a veritable whos who of the 80s/early 90s depicts life for a group of high school students who rebel against a Communist invasion (the USSR, Cuba, and some South American Commies). In the end several are killed off, while a few return to the general population. First of all, its not particularly well acted. A lot of reactions seemed forced and fake (which i suppose all acting is, but good acting isnt supposed to look that way).
The premise of the movie is interesting but seeminly poorly executed. Are we really supposed to believe it was THAT easy to conquer most of mainland USA? Or that so FEW Americans fought back? I also have trouble believing that these South American countries that spend so much of there militaries time putting down there own people have resources available to try to conquer America even though I believe if they did have the resources, they would have tried to under the scenario in question (no NATO, a desperate USSR leading the way, little likelihood of European reinforcements for the US).
Im sorry it just doesnt work for me. I put just shy of good bad movie standing. Worth one watch, but thats about it.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Pres. Bush Press Conference
I know a lot of Republican grimace at the Presidents awkward language moments that pop up in press conferences, but just the same I think he needs to do them more regularly. He needs to engage the press more. Most of them aren't going to write positive pieces about him anyway, but in a press conference he has a better opportunity to state his case, with on live TV. I didn’t get to see the one he held today but from what I have read, he rather then just answered question, engaged in more of a dialogue with the press. I think that is something he needs to do more of as well. He has the facts on his side; he might as well use them. And that is the best way to use them.
I know a lot of Republican grimace at the Presidents awkward language moments that pop up in press conferences, but just the same I think he needs to do them more regularly. He needs to engage the press more. Most of them aren't going to write positive pieces about him anyway, but in a press conference he has a better opportunity to state his case, with on live TV. I didn’t get to see the one he held today but from what I have read, he rather then just answered question, engaged in more of a dialogue with the press. I think that is something he needs to do more of as well. He has the facts on his side; he might as well use them. And that is the best way to use them.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Iraq
At the 3 year anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq I want to take this time to thank all those served in the liberation of Iraq, as well as the family members on the homefront. You removed a vile dicatator and helped found a new democracy where it is in needed the most, in the heart of the Middle East. All in all a good cause if you ask me.
At the 3 year anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq I want to take this time to thank all those served in the liberation of Iraq, as well as the family members on the homefront. You removed a vile dicatator and helped found a new democracy where it is in needed the most, in the heart of the Middle East. All in all a good cause if you ask me.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Chafee
Sen Chafee, why oh why do you still bother with R next to your name? You are not fooling anyone. The Senator from Rhode Island, has said that he might consider backing Sen Feingolds Censure of the President. All the while the NRSC continues its absurd tunnel vision support for him versus primary challenger, Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey. Well the Mayor has got my support.
Sen Chafee, why oh why do you still bother with R next to your name? You are not fooling anyone. The Senator from Rhode Island, has said that he might consider backing Sen Feingolds Censure of the President. All the while the NRSC continues its absurd tunnel vision support for him versus primary challenger, Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey. Well the Mayor has got my support.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
It Won't Be Easy...
But the Isles will not give up on this season. Now Zhitnik and Asham are out for basically the rest of the season. The good news is they played really well, and basically thrashed the Devils after having lost both of them. However it will be rough. I have faith that if Dipi can keep up his play, they have a real chance.
But the Isles will not give up on this season. Now Zhitnik and Asham are out for basically the rest of the season. The good news is they played really well, and basically thrashed the Devils after having lost both of them. However it will be rough. I have faith that if Dipi can keep up his play, they have a real chance.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Power Rankings Cont
So almost every NHL Power Rankings i look at lists the Isles as the third worst team in the league. They are only 7 pts out of the playoffs, since about a week or two before the Olympics, they have been playing well. They got several key wins, and since Brad Shaw took over are over .500. since they playoffs they only let up more then 2 goals in one game. Despite Milbury giving up on the season, the players clearly havent. Yet still every power ranking has them at the bottom, so my question is, what qualifies someone to compile power rankings? I mean do these sports outlets pull people off the street? Do you actually have to watch the sport to do it? Depending on my free time later tonite I am going to compile a Power Rankings for the NBA. Why not, i couldnt possibly do worse then the people who do them for hockey.
So almost every NHL Power Rankings i look at lists the Isles as the third worst team in the league. They are only 7 pts out of the playoffs, since about a week or two before the Olympics, they have been playing well. They got several key wins, and since Brad Shaw took over are over .500. since they playoffs they only let up more then 2 goals in one game. Despite Milbury giving up on the season, the players clearly havent. Yet still every power ranking has them at the bottom, so my question is, what qualifies someone to compile power rankings? I mean do these sports outlets pull people off the street? Do you actually have to watch the sport to do it? Depending on my free time later tonite I am going to compile a Power Rankings for the NBA. Why not, i couldnt possibly do worse then the people who do them for hockey.
Power Rankings
One of the these days I want to a Power Rankings for basketball. I know I don't know anything about basketball, nor have I watched in years, but based on my readings of Hockey Power Rankings you dont actually have to watch or know anything about the game to do it, so why not? More to come...
One of the these days I want to a Power Rankings for basketball. I know I don't know anything about basketball, nor have I watched in years, but based on my readings of Hockey Power Rankings you dont actually have to watch or know anything about the game to do it, so why not? More to come...
Friday, March 10, 2006
Buffy
10 years ago Buffy premiered on the WB. Happy Birthday Buffy, hopefully we havent seen the last of you!
10 years ago Buffy premiered on the WB. Happy Birthday Buffy, hopefully we havent seen the last of you!
Tribute Songs
Im compiling a list for a future entry on the greatest tribute songs of all time. So far Ive got a handful of songs I am considering and I am hoping to get some suggestions, if anyone has any, please let me know
Im compiling a list for a future entry on the greatest tribute songs of all time. So far Ive got a handful of songs I am considering and I am hoping to get some suggestions, if anyone has any, please let me know
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Vets Rights
Man we really need to do more for our veterans just look how this one turned out, cant even spell!
Man we really need to do more for our veterans just look how this one turned out, cant even spell!
End of the Milbury Error
Today is the NHL Trade Deadline (at 3pm EST) Already, with the Islanders only 7 pts out of a playoff spot with 20+ games to go, Mike Milbury the Isles outgoing GM has waved the White Flag sending away one our best players, Mark Parrish, along with Defensemen Brent Sopel to the Kings for prospects. Im sure as the day progresses there will be more disasterous trades. But thats it, hes done messing up this team, we get a new GM who will hopefully bring back glory days to the Islanders. Really this is wrapping up the end of the Don Maloney Error. Don Maloney a former Rangers Captain, was the GM who hired Milbury in the first place. Days after being fired by the Islanders, the Rangers hired him back. Good Riddance to both of them!
Today is the NHL Trade Deadline (at 3pm EST) Already, with the Islanders only 7 pts out of a playoff spot with 20+ games to go, Mike Milbury the Isles outgoing GM has waved the White Flag sending away one our best players, Mark Parrish, along with Defensemen Brent Sopel to the Kings for prospects. Im sure as the day progresses there will be more disasterous trades. But thats it, hes done messing up this team, we get a new GM who will hopefully bring back glory days to the Islanders. Really this is wrapping up the end of the Don Maloney Error. Don Maloney a former Rangers Captain, was the GM who hired Milbury in the first place. Days after being fired by the Islanders, the Rangers hired him back. Good Riddance to both of them!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Different World
I read the letters to the editor section of Newday every day. Inevitably I come across a letter blasting Pres. Bush for this that and the other thing. I always come away with the same thought "What world are these people living in?" They see a country being torn apart. Rights being taken away left and right. I just keep thinking, if it was as bad as they seem to think, they wouldnt be able to say these things in public. Think about the things that have been said about the President since he came to office. He is regularly compared to Hitler. The vicious attacks on him never seem to stop. Obviously some of this is part in parcell with being President. The President will always be under attack, but the nature of these attacks seems to be gaining in viciousness daily. By the time he leaves office theyll be telling stories of how he ate puppies and babies in the oval office while sending our troops to slaughter the marching penguins.
We all need to calm down, take a deep breathe and really consider the world around us before we speak. God knows I need to some times.
I read the letters to the editor section of Newday every day. Inevitably I come across a letter blasting Pres. Bush for this that and the other thing. I always come away with the same thought "What world are these people living in?" They see a country being torn apart. Rights being taken away left and right. I just keep thinking, if it was as bad as they seem to think, they wouldnt be able to say these things in public. Think about the things that have been said about the President since he came to office. He is regularly compared to Hitler. The vicious attacks on him never seem to stop. Obviously some of this is part in parcell with being President. The President will always be under attack, but the nature of these attacks seems to be gaining in viciousness daily. By the time he leaves office theyll be telling stories of how he ate puppies and babies in the oval office while sending our troops to slaughter the marching penguins.
We all need to calm down, take a deep breathe and really consider the world around us before we speak. God knows I need to some times.
Patriot Act
Despite much uproar and cries that we will be taken away in our sleep, the Patriot Act has been renewed. It was renewed because at the end of the day, despite all that uproar no one could actually point to a gross violation of civil rights occuring as a result of the Patriot Act. And more importantly it helps keep us safe. Its one more brick in the wall to help protect us. Its not the one and only golden bullet to keep us safe, but its a step in the right direction.
Despite much uproar and cries that we will be taken away in our sleep, the Patriot Act has been renewed. It was renewed because at the end of the day, despite all that uproar no one could actually point to a gross violation of civil rights occuring as a result of the Patriot Act. And more importantly it helps keep us safe. Its one more brick in the wall to help protect us. Its not the one and only golden bullet to keep us safe, but its a step in the right direction.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Today I Did
In our lives, if we are fortunate, when we are young we meet someone and just know that someday well tell our friends, our kids, our grandchildren, “I knew him when…” In the fall of 2003, while taking part in the SUNY Brockport internship program in D.C. I met someone like that. Joe Sullivan.
He called himself President in his AIM screen name. I’d like to be able to tell you that after talking to him I found it was a inside joke, or that he really wanted to be president some day. But the truth is we never spoke much. We spoke every so often, and he gave me and another intern in the program a ride home from the bar when we had a few too many. That was probably the extent of our social interaction.
After the program ended I kept him on my buddy list. He always seemed to have a entertaining or enlightening away message. Some times it was a quote from a movie, some times it was a quote from one of Pres. Reagans speechs. When President Reagan died, he waited in line to pay his respect. When he came back he had a away message that was one of the sadder messages I have encountered in away message “Today I saw my hero for the first time, in a coffin.” I wanted to cry.
Today, upon hearing the news of Joes death, I did.
In our lives, if we are fortunate, when we are young we meet someone and just know that someday well tell our friends, our kids, our grandchildren, “I knew him when…” In the fall of 2003, while taking part in the SUNY Brockport internship program in D.C. I met someone like that. Joe Sullivan.
He called himself President in his AIM screen name. I’d like to be able to tell you that after talking to him I found it was a inside joke, or that he really wanted to be president some day. But the truth is we never spoke much. We spoke every so often, and he gave me and another intern in the program a ride home from the bar when we had a few too many. That was probably the extent of our social interaction.
After the program ended I kept him on my buddy list. He always seemed to have a entertaining or enlightening away message. Some times it was a quote from a movie, some times it was a quote from one of Pres. Reagans speechs. When President Reagan died, he waited in line to pay his respect. When he came back he had a away message that was one of the sadder messages I have encountered in away message “Today I saw my hero for the first time, in a coffin.” I wanted to cry.
Today, upon hearing the news of Joes death, I did.
