And the Sky Full of Stars

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

So let me start back to blogging with a Happy 4^th of July wish to anyone reading. Later on today, I will be grilling some NY Strips out back. Gotta say I’m looking forward to that.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4^th.

An End to Absence

2006-07-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so I've been real slack on writing here. I apologize for that. One of the reason's I decided to start a blog was someplace to put my thoughts on politics, sports and life in general. I'll try to be a bit better in the future. Can't promise daily updates but hopefully every few days or so.

What has been going on while I was away? Well, I was previously unemployed but have since landed a job as a software tester. I've gotten two haircuts. The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup (not that I particularly care, can't stand hockey).

Things with Iran are still comical and Kim Jong 'Mentally' Il is now threatening nuclear annihilation upon the US.

May you be cursed to live in interesting times.

We come in peace

2006-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Iran President: 'We Are a Nuclear Country'

For a country bent on peaceful nuclear power generation, They sure do demand respect for being a nuclear power (para 14). Curiouser and curiouser still.

Hell Hath No Fury

2006-03-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

Like Cynthia McKinney Scorned.

Rants of a Madman

2006-03-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

Moussaoui Says He Was To Hijack Fifth Airliner

Zacarias Moussaoui is now saying he was to hijack a fifth airliner and fly it into the White House. His story has changed directions a lot since his inital incarceration. My personal opinion? Zach wants to be a martyr and is willing to say anything to achieve that end.

I think we should throw him in a cell buried a couple miles under the Bonneville salt flats. Lets not give him what he wants (death for martyrs sake) but live out the rest of his sorry existance where he can never harm anyone.

This'll make things interestin'

2006-03-24T12:54:00.000-08:00

in Charlotte next season for the Panthers. Looks like we have another viable wideout option.

Panthers sign WR Keyshawn Johnson to four-year deal

Slobo We Hardly Knew You

2006-03-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

Good Riddance To Bad Rubbish

and

http://bigpharaoh.blogspot.com/2006/03/slobodan-milosevic-found-dead-in-his.html

and thank goodness. When I used to play Roller Coaster Tycoon many moons ago, I used to named the restrooms after dictators. Like in this case, Slobodan Milososhits or something along those lines.

However, these articles have a valied point. Will we hear howls from the Europeans about how corrupt and evil the ICC is and it needs to be closed? After all, the US has only been accused or mere torturing of people at Gitmo. The ICC has 'killed' at least two members of the former Serbian government. Close the ICC now!!! Bring the UN PeaceKeeping Troops Home!!

However, I'm sure Bush is to blame for all this somehow. ;)

Some people never learn

2006-03-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

How we duped the West, by Iran's nuclear negotiator

'I told you so' just doesn't do the situation justice. Well, Europe will be in range long before America is (of their missiles at least).

Another Twist of Irony

2006-03-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Authorities Search For Answers In UNC Hit-And-Run

I find it interesting that he took his revenge out on a college campus (and one sympathetic to his cause for the most part) rather than search out the true demon in his dreams, GWB. Wonder how long before other people start 'Avenging American treatment of Muslims' also.

I find the title ironic too since the 'Answers' they are searching for are there in paragraph 3.

Second Thoughts (3-5): Well, looks like WRAL has changed the title of the article associated with this link. The new title is, 'FBI Joins Investigation Of UNC Hit-And-Run'.

Discovery Channel Advertising Irony

2006-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Thursday night was one of the Discovery Channels Theme nights. That night was Phenomathon. It mostly centered around UFOs and alien visitations. one of the shows was titled 'Outlandish Conspiracy Theories' or something like that. A segment of the show discussed how some of the aliens who are ;supposedly' visiting Earth are Reptilian in physical form. Where does the irony come in? RIght after this particular segment, a GEICO commecrcial came on with the little gecko. I thought it humorous that the little lizard was advertising on a show about big Evil, Reptilian Overlords.

Apparantly, there are people out there who think we exist in an Aliens version of The Matrix. What will people think of next.

We wuz Robbed

2006-02-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Not a single snowflake to be found. :( Meanwhile, all the folks in the northeast are getting hammered with a major winter storm. Stay warm and safe guys.

Meanwhile, I blame Global Warming (especially for the freeze warnings in Florida).

When your Social Security Check Bounces....

2006-02-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

in 30 years or so, you'll know who to thank.

Since the Dems applauded when Bush said the Senate nixed his save Social Security plan and don't have one of their own.

Irony Lost?

2006-01-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

I was watching the Final statement portion of the Alito confirmation on FOXNews yesterday (how else will I get my Chimpy W. McHitlerburton talking points if I don't) and Senator Biden (D- Delaware) commented about racism. He noted that in the old days it was overt. A prospective employer would just say something like, "We won't hire you because your black". Nowadays, its much more subtle with comments like, "We just don't think you'd fit in here."

Jump forward a couple hours later when Penn Governer Ed Rendell (D) was talking about the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas. Gov. Rendell noted he would not have voted for Thomas because he didn't think he was qualified.

Sounds like they know what they're talking about.

He said WHAT?!?!

2006-01-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

This past week, Frawch Presidente Jacques Chirac threatened nuclear fire and brimstone on any state that supported terrorist acts in beloved Parii. I assume he already has his permission slip from the UN for such action. Wouldn't want to upset Koffi so. Otherwise, he needs to consult with all his 'allies' before punching the button. WIll the NY Times give Bush favorable press if he goes out and calls the proposed Frawnch response 'unilateral'?

Interesting how one's perspective changes when ones own bacon is in the fire (or line thereof).

How bout them Panthers

2006-01-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

To be honest, after last Novembers debacle I didn't have such high hopes but boy did they come through in the clutch. Steve Smith is the MAN. He's been the most consistant guy on the team all year. Jake DelHomme seems to be peaking at the right time. Defense played strong early and then went 'bend but don't break (sorta)'. I feel a little better about the Panthers chances against the Seahawks (than I did da Bears), and it should be a great game next weekend.

On a sidenote, I have to admit that the refereeing this weekend was rather shitty. And these are supposed to be the best of the crop? Pittsburgh deserved to win after that overturned interception and I saw the Seahawks getting away with lots of holds against the Redskins. Not your garden variety holding but jersey pulled 12 inches from the body right in front of the ref who can't be bothered to toss the flag type holding. Didn't see much of the Denver game but heard it was just as bad there.

The Alito Confirmation

2006-01-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since I've posted and this seems like just as good an issue as any to weigh in on.

So the confirmation appears to be going the way I thought it would. The Dems are being single minded in there attempt to thwart and frustrate Alito and the Repubs are bending over backwards tossing softballs his way. Hope no one believes there is still a mind to be made up in the Senate. Everyone there new what their vote was gonna be once he was nominated. We just have to endure the dog and pony show. The BIG question is whether the Dems have the stones to attempt a filibuster. I think that would be wrong and could seriously backfire on them if they try. But we'll see what the future holds.

A couple of points:
1) Alitos wife, a lot is being made of her temporary departure from the hearing. Will be interesting to see how the Dems react to this because now THEY look like the browbeating thugs. A position that they normally relish in making the other side look like.

2) Saw Chuck Schumar on the Big Story yesterday proclaiming how he didn't like Alito's answer of 'I Don't recall' to some of his questions. Schumar noted that for an appointment of this importance, that wasn't a sufficient answer. I wonder what Chuckie's opinion is then on his Partys presumptive 2008 Presidential nominee (Hillary) since she used 'I can't recall' liberally during the Whitewater hearings. Just wondering.

Second Thoughts: Basically, Chuck Schumar just admitted that he can't vote yes since Alito wouldn't come out agree with everything Chuck Schumar wants.

Only 364 Shopping Days

2005-12-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

till Christmas. Better get cracking. ;)

Merry Belated Christmas everyone.

To Wiretap or not to Wiretap

2005-12-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Yep, this pretty much echoes my thoughts on the whole 'NSA is wiretapping' scandal brought about by the New York Times.

A Clarifying Moment

KOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGGGG!!!!!!

2005-12-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, thats my lame joke at a famous WIlliam Shatner line uttered to a Ricardo Montalban character.

Went to see King Kong today and was VERY impressed by how good it was. Touching in a few places (although it didn't get the waterworks going for me, just a little misty eyed) and action packed (after the first hour or so). The only part of the movie which struck me as too over the top was at the bottom of the cavern (the bug scene). But the movie is good enough, that part can be forgiven. The Lord of the Rings movies are still Jacksons best (IMHO) but this one takes a close runnerup.

One thing that struck me afterward was how hard it must be to get the audience emotionally invested in a movie where the end is already known. King Kong did it the best since Titanic.

Much, MUCH better than the 1976 version.

Trivia: Anyone else catch the tip o the hat to 'Dead Alive'? ;)

Nose to Spite Face

2005-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Jacques, hows that spiting America to support the Muslims working out for you.

The Hollywood Money Printing Machine is Broken

2005-12-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Ever since the summer, we've been hearing about how Hollywood isn't making the coin they have in years past. One of the theories as to why is that DVD sales are eating into box office receipts. Another theory is that a non insignificant portion of the population is fed up with Hollywood movies. Tammy Bruce takes a look at this with regard to the Golden Globe nominees.

As for me, I think both theories are valid. I admit I prefer my home theater setup now as I no longer have to deal with the guy that can't shut his trap for two hours, the laser pointer or 4 year olds trying to prove they are the next Carl Lewis. I also think that Hollywood has insulted about half the country and some of those people are boycotting (or as Martin Sheen would put it, Censoring) Hollywood product.

Tammy says she believes that Hollywood will feel the pinch and if I surmise correctly, should return to making movies that aren't as 'Anti-American'. In my opinion this won't happen. I think Hollywood will become more strident in their Anti-American movies. The reason why is economic. For years, Hollywood has been making more and more money from overseas markets. We all know how the 'goodwill' towards Americans is in overseas markets. Hollywood will be more than glad to produce movies aimed at that market, and it ain't us in Red State America.

Ironically, if I want see entertaining movies, maybe I'll have to start giving these guys a try.

What are the Dems to do

2005-12-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Over the past month or so, we've been treated to a chorus of 'how awful things are in Iraq' or 'What a mistake going into Iraq was' by the Dem leadership. Yet, despite how awful things are in Iraq, local citizens came out by the bushel load to take part in a democratic (not the politicol party) election. I have to wonder if any of those standing in line (and the pictures I've seen show them as loooooong) realize that their vote is a mistake that should never have been afforded to them?

And the bigger question is, how are the Dems gonna spin a very successful election as a mistake or awfulness in its most horrific form. Its amazing how a record of successful elections can be seen as a disaster. But with the Dems recent electoral record, maybe they're just trying for misery loves company.

Save Tookie?? Part Deaux

2005-12-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

So, Mike Farrell is droning on FOXnews Dayside about how he doesn't believe in the Death Penalty. Fair enough. After tomorrow, can I expect Mike Farrell to get in front of a TV camera, and ask to commute the Death Penalties of the James Byrd murderers? Will Jesse Jackson, or Jamie Fox or Snoop Dog? Should I hold my breath?

The Triangle Part II

2005-12-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I watched part II last night and it seems one of my reservations is coming true. Looks like their slowly bending the plot to make the US Navy out to be the bad guys. Well, it has been almost 10 years since Dean Devlin cast the military in a positive light in Independence Day. Guess we'll have to see what happens in part three.

Other than that, the story is holding up decently. Still better than most of the crap SciFi puts out these days (how many mutant human-shark movies can one person take).

The Triangle Part I

2005-12-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

So, I started watching this on the SciFi CHnl and so far, its a lot better than the usual SciFi Chnl fare (which is usually atrocious and only good for a laugh). Part 1 was a good setup and though I have a few reservations, I'm willing to at least watch the second one tonite (and maybe the third tomorrow night). And in case I fall asleep, got it set on the ole DVR (ain't technology grand).

Lets hope they can finish this one right and we don't have another 'Pterodactyl' turkey on our hands.

"Go To HELL!!!!"

2005-12-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Don't worry Saddam, you'll be there soon enough (say hi to the kiddies for us).

Bush, BUSH is the Criminal

2005-12-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

How long before someone blames him for this.

Second thoughts: Well, I was close.

Gov. Blanco's Papertrail

2005-12-06T05:35:00.001-08:00

So now (after 3 months) Gov Blanco rolls out a papertrail supporting her side of the Katrinna disaster/fiasco. I gotta think that if Bush had done this, Dems would be screaming "Fabrication" faster than one could say 'CYA".

LaShawn Barber weighs in

Dems determined to ignore progress in Iraq

2005-12-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

Mark Steyn with a great article.

Save Tookie???

2005-11-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

Stars Urging Clemency for Crips Co-Founder

Why don't we see headlines like 'Stars Sympathize with 4 Dead Persons Families'?

Michelle Malkin with a roundup.

Interesting that his Noble Peace Prize nomination is being used as a reason for clemency. After all, its not like its pristine reputation has been soiled by handing it out to any garden variety thug.

Honestly, you just can't make this stuff up

2005-11-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Canadian Minsters and UFO's

I particularly like the part how that bungling war criminal Bush is gonna get us in a shootin' match with them thar aliens. Ya gotta wonder how deep some peoples hatred runs.

Guess this means Farrakhan has a cabinmate on the mothership.

X Marks the SPOT

2005-11-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yea, I know, the title is cliche. You think this will add fuel to the fire about liberal bias in the media?

CNN X's the Vice-Prez

I'm wondering if people will hold CNN's feet to the fire over this. Probably not. I'm sure this was just a harmless technical glitch. Its not like someone ran an add with the scrolling word 'DemocRATS' in it or something.

All HAIL the JAVA programmers

2005-11-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

I went and joined the Triangle JAVA Users group last night. Its a local group of JAVA programmers who get together once a month for lectures, pizza and a good time. Basically, I'm just starting to learn JAVA but I figured they would be a good group to join and make a good resource if I had JAVA related questions. The speaker they had last night was Andy Hunt, who was speaking about engaging your "Right Brain" for higher productivity. It was an interesting lecture and he had some good info: Here is his blog if you wanna check out more:

http://toolshed.com/blog/

Hello World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-11-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my first Blog entry, so in a way, I'm announcing myself to the world. So:

public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello World!!");
}

;)