I have been posting at the new site starhawk.net but I still have to make a few changes and move the archives over.
All new posting will appear there from here on out, I hope.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/09/2003 02:03:00 PM
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Beta Testing
There is still a lot of work to do but if anyone wants to go over and bang on the new site at starhawk.net, feel free.
Any constructive advice would be wonderful.
My mother used to always clean up the apartment before the cleaning lady would get there. She said it had to be clean enough to let someone else see. I never understood her when I was a kid but the new web site is about to that point, I hope.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/08/2003 09:31:00 PM
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Timeout
Stay with me while posting gets light.
I am going to have to make an effort to get the MT site looking at least as bad as this one so there might not be much here for the next few days. I will try to at least post something but we will see. Sometimes I can work miracles when I focus on something but it is not something I do all that often.
Listening To: say it with Love - Moody Blues
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/08/2003 07:39:00 PM
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Arnold's Strategery
Time to stick my neck out a little and not get it chopped off.
I think Arnold is holding back.
He didn't want to wait until Saturday to file but because he declared on Wednesday it gives the Dems a chance to find someone to run against him.
Now he wants to appear weak until the filing date is past. He doesn't want the Dems to go ballistic and make Feinstein run against him.
His TV appearances today were window dressing. He is trying to make the powers that be overconfident. To what extent it is working it is hard to tell. Most of them flipped out when he declared. There are signs that it is working with some pundits. Let's see where he is and what he is saying by this time next week.
Arnold didn't get where he is by being dumb. I would no more underestimate him than GWB. The Dems do so at their peril.
It should be an interesting few days.
An interesting and probably dirty election.
Listening To: The Load Out and Stay - Jackson Browne
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/08/2003 12:54:00 PM
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Renaissance Fair
It seems a little early to be writing about the Ren Fair in the midst of this heat wave but I just got my order of advance tickets for this event that happens every year on October and November weekends.
Maybe by posting this I will finally get my photo essay from last years fair done.
Anyhow.
This is year is something special. Two friends of ours back east are driving down as part of their honeymoon. To celebrate we decided to treat them (and us) to something we have thought about doing for several years but never wanted to shell out the money for. It is called the King's Feast
The King's Feast Package includes admission to the festival, and an all you can eat 6 course Black Angus Beef meal with a world class dessert, premium wine ,... and a limited edition commemorative pewter mug and a 2 hour variety show hosted by the Duchess Spendalot.
If you didn't guess by the Duchess's name the Ren Fair while very low tech is a easy place to spend a lot of money.
Actually when you consider what the pewter mugs sell for and admission to the fair, the feast is not a bad deal at all.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/07/2003 11:15:00 PM
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Kate Blew it
One of the nice things about blogging is you get the chance to write whatever you want and make an ass of yourself in front of the entire internet.
Kate didn't make an ass out of herself but she sure blew a call when she posted Ten Reasons Arnold won't run yesterday.
She has been on a roll recently but it just goes to prove, you can't win 'em all.
Listening To: Rocket Man - Elton John
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/07/2003 10:44:00 PM
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Texas Politics
Stoney at Rebel Yell is saying some nice things about me. I am certain I don't deserve it but I am encouraged to live up to my billing. I can't imagine how Glenn does it day after day.
Anyhow I was driving home today from a brief job of fixing an application I did a few months ago listening to our locally owned (one of the few) radio station KSEV.
The afternoon drive guys had went to Albuquerque to interview our wayward lawmakers. They reported that not only did these spoiled brats not want to be interviewed for the folks back home but they were downright rude about it.
The latest on their goal is apparently to hold out until Sept. 15 when it might be too late to make any changes for the 2004 election.
There is a lawsuit being filed in Harris county that might be able to compel one of them to return but right now that is a long shot. A suit would have to be filed in the district of each one.
The real reason behind all this nonsense is an effort to save the seat of congressman Martin Frost who is a leader in the house. The redistricting plan will affect his chances of holding that seat so the Dems are ignoring the oath of office they took for partisan purposes.
Listening To: Alive and Well and Living In - Jethro Tull
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/07/2003 09:27:00 PM
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Hot Stuff
It hit 104 in Houston today, a record.
Looks like another record Friday.
Europe is roasting too.
For some reason we are not hearing much about global warming however, quite odd.
Listening To: Over The Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/07/2003 09:20:00 PM
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Busy August
Not normally a big news month this August is shaping up as a busy one.
Right now the spotlight is on Arnold but Kobe is taking up a lot of news time also.
Right on the horizon waiting to blow both of them away is the capture of Saddam.
Of course we will be cursed with more terror attacks also.
Listening To: Don't Look Back - Boston
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/06/2003 11:57:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Howard Beale: I want you to go to the window, open it, stick your head out and yell: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
Network - 1976
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/06/2003 11:53:00 PM
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August 6
On this day in 1945 a plane named the Enola Gay flew over the city of Hiroshima.
A new age had begun.
Listening To: 409 - The Beach Boys
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/06/2003 11:47:00 PM
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Arnold
I just watched the Tonight show, which is something I rarely do and saw Arnold declare himself as a candidate for Governor.
He didn't sound half bad.
He made a good move by preemptively listing all the bad things that Gray Davis might say about him.
That is always a good move, admit your a womanizer which he didn't do but he did.
He said, Davis will say I am a womanizer.
He didn't admit it but he brought the issue up so if Davis does all it will get is a big yawn.
I predict he will be hard to beat.
Tomorrow there will be dems getting into the race. That will be the end for Davis.
Jay set up a press room in the back and Arnold is holding forth with every LA journalist not in Eagle Co.
Arnold gave two movie quotes during the show. One was from of his movies, the other was from one of my favorites.
Listening To: Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/06/2003 02:47:00 PM
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Strange Headlines
These are some excerpts from an article headlined Returning Marines critical of Iraq plan.
'Thank you's' the company heard proved to them the war President Bush sold as a quest to destroy weapons of mass destruction was good because it ousted a cruel and ruthless dictator.
Masterson recalled getting thanks even from an Iraqi who believed his wife and child had been killed by an American shelling -- so-called ''collateral damage'' in the march to Baghdad. He also heard it from a man who said his daughter had been raped and murdered by men loyal to Saddam Hussein.
'You were sitting there thinking, 'Wow, I am really doing something important. I am part of a grand scheme to do something good,' McGee said.
There were some critical comments too but the body of the article was a lot more balanced then the headline suggests.
Mostly they were just glad to be home and who can blame them for that.
Listening To: Love Her Madly - The Doors
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/06/2003 11:05:00 AM
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Paris Wifi
I was on Mike Wendland's site and came across this story. Since Wifi has been a continuing theme here I thought I should report it even if it is about the French.
This story on NPR touts the new Wifi system which might be extended throughout Paris's Metro.
A more detailed story however indicates that the frogs might blow it after all.
It seems that during the first three month's only 1,700 people have used the system which was free. In the second stage they are planning to charge about $11 per hour for access.
Mike's Wifi Truth #1:
Eventually free access points will be in enough places that no one will even consider paying for it.
The French are going to spend a lot of money find out truth number one for themselves. It couldn't happen to a nicer people.
Listening To: Trouble in Paradise - Bruce Springsteen
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/05/2003 10:35:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Davy Crockett: Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling. Republic is one of those words that makes me tight in the throat - the same tightness a man gets when his baby takes his first step or his first baby shaves and makes his first sound as a man. Some words can give you a feeling that makes your heart warm. Republic is one of those words.
The Alamo - 1960
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/05/2003 08:44:00 PM
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Texas Politics
Lt. Gov. Dewhurst writes about why the lawmakers still hiding out in New Mexico are hypocrites. He makes the case about why Texas should be redistricted and how the Dems are just crying sour grapes.
My feeling is that they are derelict in their jobs and should be replaced.
Listening To: Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/05/2003 08:29:00 PM
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Decisions, decisions
My new, still in testing blog has comments in it. I have not installed comments here because I didn't want to deal with it.
Let me clarify, it is not because I can't deal with it, in fact I can deal with it very well. I dealt with it for nine years when I ran a public BBS system. I also dealt with it on CompuServe where I was a section leader in the Multi-player Games forum for a number of years. I just didn't feel like doing it.
I may leave it in as a test this time.
Of course then we have a bigger problem.
What happens if you throw a party and no one comes?
Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I have never thrown a party where no one came.
The closest I came was my going away party from Columbus where a lot of people turned around when they saw the police car in my driveway.
The cops didn't stay till the end of the party and left with just a warning to keep it down.
Listening To: Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/05/2003 04:04:00 PM
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Learning Movable Type
Which is what I am doing at the moments I can actually log into it.
Today I forgot my password so I had MT send me a new one. The only problem with that was that I had entered the address incorrectly. Luckily I did remember my domain's password so I was able to retrieve the mail that had bounced with the new password.
Listening To: Year of the Cat - Al Stewart
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/05/2003 03:56:00 PM
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That's some cease fire
If you think that things are ok in Israel since the cease fire go over to Meryl's and educate yourself on what is really going on.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/04/2003 10:44:00 PM
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Who I am NOT
I just registered with Blogstreet (see sidebar) and when I clicked on it, at the very bottom were references to books written by Starhawk.
I am not THAT Starhawk. SHE can be reached at starhawk.org.
Aside from some ancestral similarities we have nothing in common, though I do own one of her books.
Listening To: The Hangman's Knee - The Jeff Beck Group
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/04/2003 03:47:00 PM
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Good News - Bad News
The bad news is that I didn't get that job in Dallas I had been working on the last week or two.
The good news is I managed while waiting for word to make all my donations to the blogs I sponsored during Blogathon.
Listening To: Light up or Leave Me Alone - Traffic
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/03/2003 11:20:00 PM
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More from Diana
I am continuing to follow the changing attitudes of Diana Moon.
Diana was one of the first blogs I read and along with Meryl inspired me to start my own.
She really has gone into uncharted areas though.
I've spoken with a lot of people recently, all of them supporters of the war. We've all developed tremendous misgivings. Every day, every new American death, every ambush, and I feel those doubts grow. Am I not supposed to blog about that?
From what did she and her friends develop misgivings?
Perhaps they all thought that we would march into Baghdad and the people would be cheering in the streets?
That would have been nice but that only had a 10 to 20 percent chance and only if we had gotten Saddam during the war.
No one likes seeing american boys getting killed but this what happens in war.
This is what war is all about and if they supported it, as they say they did, they should have realized that this could happen.
These are not the kind of people you would find drinking latte at Starbucks.
They are animals.
They are vicious, depraved killers.
They won't go easily.
We are going to have to root them out and put them somewhere where they can't hurt others.
My own preference would be six feet under but I suppose we are too civilized for that.
It is going to be a messy business but we will get it done.
In contrast I am pretty upbeat about Iraq because I think things could be going a lot worse, a whole lot worse.
Things may still go a whole lot worse but it looks like we have a handle on the situation and it is improving.
Diana also has some strange ideas about National Defense.
I think that true national defense consists of getting our education system together, because if we had a crack K-12 system we would create our own cognitive elite instead of having to import it from abroad.
Where do I start?
I will grant that our K-12 school system, especially in our major cities is a mess. Howard Dean is not going to change that. If Bush could get a voucher program through congress it would go a long way to moving in the right direction.
The school system is not national defense however.
In some ways it is more important than national defense but it has taken us a long time to let it get as screwed up as it is and it is a problem that we are not going to solve overnight.
Fixing the school system, not just K-12 but the colleges also is going to be a major factor in the future direction of this country.
Real national defense is concerned with breaking things and killing people.
For this Howard Dean would be a disaster.
The world is a messy place, to quote Rush's Undeniable Truth of life #6: Ours is a world governed by the aggressive use of force.
This is not something Howard Dean understands.
Saddam understands this, so does Bin Laden. Every two bit dictator knows this.
The mullahs in Iran and the generals in North Korea understand this.
The Chinese understand this, that is why they are continuing to build missiles that can reach Taiwan.
When Dean was on Meet the Press last, he didn't have a clue. When Russert asked him about the military he gave some lame answer about his advisors. Who are these advisors?
Let's hope that Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is not one of them. I recently watched her on TV and was amazed that a woman from California could think herself an expert of military matters just because she was elected to congress.
She is the kind of person, and so is Dean, who would overule generals on tacitcal metters that they have no business being involved in.
Bush at least seems to have enough sense to let the generals do their jobs.
The final problem I have with this post of hers is this idea of a "cognitive elite".
We have plenty of "cognitive elites" already.
What we need is basic citizens who know how to read.
Who know enough to be productive members of society.
Who know who the Founding Fathers were and what they did.
We need people who know what is in the constitution.
We need people who know that the purpose of the bill of rights is to limit what government can do.
We need people who can work together to build a better America for our children and our children's children.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/03/2003 07:09:00 PM
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Another Web Quiz ala Harry Potter
I'm from Gryffindor!
Hogwart's Sorting Hat Quiz
made by The Genki Gang
Link Via: View from the back window of My Pickup Truck
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/03/2003 04:20:00 PM
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New Webring
Thanks to a heads up from Lair even though it is one I would probably not be in.
You can find it on the right sidebar (only sidebar).
It is for unemployed Bloggers.
This is one Webring I hope to be able to get off of, the sooner the better.
Listening To: Out of The Frying Pan (and into the fire) - Meat Loaf
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/03/2003 12:01:00 AM
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Quote of the Day
John Kinsella: Is this heaven?
Ray Kinsella: It's Iowa.
John Kinsella: Iowa? I could have sworn this was heaven.
[John starts to walk away]
Ray Kinsella: Is there a heaven?
John Kinsella: Oh yeah. It's the place where dreams come true.
[Ray looks around, seeing his wife playing with their daughter on the porch.]
Ray Kinsella: Maybe this is heaven.
Field of Dreams - 1989
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/02/2003 11:16:00 PM
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Thinking of Life and Death
I just was flipping through the channels and happened across Field of Dreams and ended up watching the last 90 minutes or so.
What a great movie.
I actually cried during the last scene where Ray gets to play catch with his long dead father.
I am not sure why. I got to play catch with my father many times when he was alive.
How many?
Not enough, not nearly enough.
Enjoy life and the people you love while you can because you never know if this time that you see them or speak to them might be the last.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/02/2003 03:08:00 PM
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Moving Day soon
Thanks to Dean I now have an MT setup to play with. I will probably mess with it this week and move over next week when I am sure it is working ok and I am comfortable working with it.
Listening To: Suzanne - Leonard Cohen
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/01/2003 08:46:00 PM
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UN votes for Peacekeepers in Liberia
The vote was 12-0 with 3 abstentions from guess who?
If you guessed France, Germany and Mexico, go to the head of the class.
Listening To: Legend - Poco
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/01/2003 03:28:00 PM
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Still Job Hunting 2
According to my headhunter these people have still not decided and they want the person to start Monday. Unbelievable.
Also out of work are Vicki and the Roverpundit. Bloggers and technical people in general are being hit hard during this downturn.
This could have its root cause in outsourcing.
Link via Glenn
Listening To: I've Seen All Good People - Yes
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/01/2003 03:02:00 PM
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Thanks Lair, I think
I decided today to check my ftp site which as you know has not been working at all.
All of a sudden today it was working fine.
It might have something to do with the fact they are now employing the fine blogger Laurence of Amish Tech support.
It might not but thanks anyway Lair.
Listening To: House of Four Doors - Moody Blues
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/01/2003 02:51:00 PM
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Still Job Hunting
I finally had my tech interview over the phone yesterday and I am supposed to find out today. No one has called yet so I am assuming the worst.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 8/01/2003 10:08:00 AM
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Diana, we thought we knew you
Ever since Diana has returned to blogging she has posted things very much at odds with her previous attitudes or so it seems to me.
Since she is no longer answering her emails, at least the ones I send, which she used to, I can not say what is up with her or even if it is the same person doing the posting as the postings I read in the old Letter from Gotham.
Now she has really gone off the deep end claiming she is going to vote for Dean.
I find this very strange because in my previous discussions with her I got the impression that she was concerned with national defense and Dean would be a disaster for defense. Another reason I suspect a ghost blogger has taken over her identity.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/31/2003 11:48:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Pippo Popolino: Don't be frightened, Francesca. I'm scared enough for all of us.
Casanova' Big Night - 1954
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/31/2003 11:22:00 PM
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Only in California
I read that there were already 123 people who took out papers to run for Governor in the recall election.
What the hell is the damn ballot going to look like?
Page 1 - Should Gray out be recalled?
Page 2,3,4 - who do you want to replace him in alphabetical order?
If my name was Aacme I would stand a good chance of winning.
Heck with 123 people in the race anyone with a known name could win.
Mickey Mouse could win.
Come to think of it he would probably be a big improvement.
Listening To: Shine on you Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9) - Pink Floyd
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/31/2003 11:00:00 PM
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And you thought Iraq was dangerous
When I saw this article on Drudge about Marines attacked by gang members I was thinking "Iraq?"
No, it turns out is was San Diego.
Listening To: Determination - Todd Rundgren
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/31/2003 12:52:00 AM
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My worst fear
This article could, might be one of my worst fears becoming reality.
Hopefully not but if this mystery disease is something man-made we could be in for real trouble.
Link via Drudge
Listening To: God Bless the Child - Billie Holliday
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/31/2003 12:38:00 AM
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Job Hunting
I had a call Monday from a headhunter about a job I was submitted for in Dallas.
Originally they wanted someone to start on the 27th.
I was told they were running behind (no kidding), but they wanted to know if I could start on the 4th IF I was selected.
I said yes.
The client has not said anything since and there are only 2 days left in the week.
I hate people who are not professional.
Listening To: Windy - The Association
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/30/2003 10:09:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
In case you hadn't noticed I am doing Bob Hope quotes this week. You have to imagine Hope delivering this line to know how it is really meant.
Potter: Brave men run in my family.
The Paleface - 1948
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/30/2003 10:07:00 PM
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Moving
I am about to take up the offers of all the nice fellow bloggers who offered to help me move to MT.
Keep on eye on this space and as soon as I get settled and moved and tested I will let you all know.
That of course is going to totally ruin my standing in the ecosystem where for some reason I suddenly jumped to the ranks of Slithering Reptiles, opps never mind it looks like that was short lived and I am back with the Crawly Amphibians.
Still, after moving I will likely be with the Insignificant Microbes
Listening To: Happy - Bruce Springsteen
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/30/2003 09:56:00 PM
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Drinking
I had some email about my recent posts on drinking. I don't do as much drinking as I used to. If I did I would never have time to write about it.
It seems a lot of people don't drink as much as they used to especially when they are away from home.
If I am drinking JD I never drink more than five shots. I don't know for sure but I would be willing to guess that would put me over 0.8 on the breath scale.
I should find out how many beers you can have, does anyone know?
This is certainly something that was easier to do when I lived in NYC. No matter how many I had I could always get a cab home for under 10 bucks.
Where I live now if I get crocked in downtown Houston or the west side it would cost me 50 or 60 for a cab home.
At that price it makes sense to rent a room for the night.
The only trouble is finding and getting to a decently priced motel.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/29/2003 09:32:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Chester: Am I dead?
Duke: I can't tell, you always look that way.
Road To Utopia - 1946
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/29/2003 05:05:00 PM
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Doing without France
I stopped in my local liquor store and talked with the manager a while. I wanted to know the difference between two Merlots from the same vineyard in Australia, one was $15+ while the other was under $6. We chatted awhile and I asked him what he would recommend that was under $10 and not French, which got a grin from him.
He walked me over a few aisles and grabbed a bottle of Santa Alicia reserve a Chilean Merlot. Not bad stuff and at under $6 per bottle quite a bargain.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/28/2003 10:13:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Turkey Jackson: I hope she didn't hear that. The dead have a way of coming back you know.
Jeff: Get out, when they're dead they're dead.
Turkey Jackson: Not Aunt Lucy, she was a republican.
Road to Morocco - 1942
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/28/2003 10:46:00 AM
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Thanks for the Memories
Bob Hope died today at the age of 100. He mastered every entertainment medium he went into. He spent decades giving up his Christmas vacation to entertain troops overseas often in dangerous spots that a lot of today's prima donnas wouldn't dream of going near.
His 1966 Christmas show from Vietnam was watched by 65 million people, the largest audience of his career.
He was one of the best hosts the Oscars ever had.
He was a master ad libber.
He was a gentleman.
Since I still can't get to my ftp site I can't post this mp3 but I will try to make it available somewhere.
Listening To: Thanks for the Memory - Bob Hope & Shirley Ross
Update:
More coverage and videos at Fox
Two Hope Mp3's I have
More tributes from Susanna and LT Smash
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 10:53:00 PM
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Back to normal
I got three hours sleep this morning which wasn't enough and I had to lay down later after the planting incident.
The planting incident was where the wife and I went out to plant some passion flower vines we bought last week around two oak trees. Things were going pretty well until as I was bring two bags of mulch over my wife suddenly jumped up and moved about twenty feet from where she was working. She looked at me and said "run". I looked around and didn't see anything to run from so I waited till she walked very quickly over to and past me when I joined her. She was brushing her shirt as we walking and finally enlightened me with one word "bees".
We walked back to the house and directly to our bathroom where she knew I had a stash of Benadryl in case I am attacked by fire ants. It turns out she was stung about 8 times but everything seems ok. We went back out an hour later and though we can't see the hive we think it is about 30 or 40 feet up a tree behind a dead branch.
That finished our planting for the day and the Benadryl made her sleepy. Since she was laying down I lay down also and woke myself an hour or so later not knowing exactly where or when I was. That is my typical reaction when I take mid day naps like this.
I tried to impress on her that if she had appended the word "Bees" to the word "Run" I would have reacted faster. For some reason she didn't appreciate this advice.
Listening To: You Keep Me Hanging On - Vanilla Fudge
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 12:27:00 PM
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Aftermath
I am kind of burned out after last night even though I could only make it till 5am CDT.
I might not post again till much later in the day but I just wanted to say once again congratulations to everyone invloved in Blogathon.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 08:51:00 AM
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Blogathon Update Final
To catch up to where and what everyone blogged about.
Kevin talks about the First Test tube baby turning 25. Budget cuts hurting Autism services and 10 things we didn't know last week.
Lair has posted some of the lost chapters.
Meryl is protesting the number of posts and states that their group is just shy if 15k. Great work. The Hulk makes an appearance.
Joni finished her story about her Cancer surgery.
Michele is glad it was over.
I think everyone was glad it is over but once again great job by all involved.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 04:48:00 AM
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Blogathon Update 26
Kevin talks about a Kiss concert
Lair has posted video called Frisky Kitty.
Meryl is damned tired and so am I. Meryl this link is for you.
Joni continues about her Cancer surgery.
Michele is breaking out the booze.
I am going to bed. Good job all
Listening To: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning - Carly Simon
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 04:17:00 AM
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Blogathon Update 25
Kevin is reminding people about the Bonfire of the Vanities. I guess you send him your Worst post. I never heard of that before. It must be getting late for him though, he posted it twice. I IM'ed about so he will fix it before anyone else sees it but it did happen.
He replaced the Double post with another about Autism.
Lair has posted video number 31. He also has a new picture that needs a caption.
Meryl has some news from Israel.
Joniis still fighting her laptop and is too tired to go and get coffee.
Michele doesn't believe that any of us are still up,
I am starting to flag myself and may not make it but then I am surprised I got this far.
I just went outside for a bit, maybe the fresh air did me in.
It is a very dark night but mild. I could here trains in the distance and dogs.
Listening To: Young Man Blues - The Who
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 03:48:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 25
Kevin is reminding people about the Bonfire of the Vanities. I guess you send him your Worst post. I never heard of that before. It must be getting late for him though, he posted it twice. I IM'ed about so he will fix it before anyone else sees it but it did happen.
Lair has posted video number 30
Meryl has a list of aches and pains. It must be the Blogathon.
Joni continues about her cancer and the doctor she used doesn't sounds like a prize either.
Michele talks about an Islanders game and REO. I noticed she turned off her IM so she must be getting tired.
Listening To: In your Wildest Dreams - The Moody Blues.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 03:21:00 AM
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Blogathon Update 24
Well the wife finally went to bed. I guess its just me and the dogs. Cancel that the dogs are gone too, traitors.
Kevin is posting about WalMart.
Lair has posted video number 29.
Meryl got a call from LT Smash in Iraq.
Joni is getting serious and talking about her cancer.
Michele has a guest post about the 60's.
Listening To: Rhapsody in Red - Queen
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 02:58:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 23
Kevin has few words about autism, his charity.
Lair has posted video number 28.
Meryl says that the contributions for their group has topped 14k, an amazing number.
Joni is talking dirty about her laptop and dialup connection.
Michele is showing men's fashions from a bygone era.
Listening To: You Don't Bring me Flowers - Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond
I could have sworn I pulled that off the hard disk a while ago.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 02:31:00 AM
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Blogathon Update 22
I surfed around and bloggers are raising money for the darnest things. This one is raising money for rat rescue :sheesh:.
Kevin says the next person who pledges $20 should get to name the challenge winner.
Lair is back in the picture on his web cam looking pretty much like a zombie. He lists 10 TV pilots that never made it.
Meryl is talking about music and Alice Cooper, not that they are separate things. She also mentions Mountain whose lead guitarist is so big that his guitar looked like a toy when he was playing it, He made good music though. I never saw Mountain though they were around Ohio State a lot when I started there. I did catch him a few years later with West, Bruce and Laing, which was not a bad group either.
Joni met her goal for money and set a new one. She is talking about cats again but since she is raising money for a cat shelter that's ok.
Michele relates the first CD she bought was Dark Side of the Moon. It was my first CD also. She is also talking about Crystal Ship a group I remember well that used to do live covers of Doors tunes.
Listening To: I know you're out there Somewhere - The Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 01:56:00 AM
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Blogathon Update 21
Kevin is taking up Meryl's challenge.
Lair is taking up Meryl's challenge.
Meryl has a post about American anti-semitism.
Joni is getting a little tired I think.
Michele is thinking of going to one sentence posts next year,
I am smoking the same cigar. Good ones last longer.
Listening To: The End - The Doors
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 01:28:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 20
Kevin sounds like he is gathering his second wind.
Lair is on Chapter 27 has already moved through his second wind
Meryl has posted a challenge to capture Saddam with five items.
Joni wants us to wake up another blogger and says she is having trouble staying up late. At least I am not alone. Actually I am doing better than I thought I would.
Michele is taking up Meryl's challenge.
I am lighting up a decent cigar, no cheap shit this time.
Listening To: 3/5 of a mile in 10 Seconds - Jefferson Airplane
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 12:55:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 19
Looking through some other blogs I happened on BlueCalx which has some great pix of waterfalls. It also has some chemical posts for things like Psilocybin and Methamphetamine. I guess they are not wasting time with coffee.
Kevin directs us to Cambloggers who he notes do note seem as chipper as earlier. Liar's cam shows nothing at all. Maybe he is blogging from and undisclosed location.
Lair is on Chapter 26 moving right along.
Meryl has gone to stream-of-consciousness time. I told her that odd things would happen if she posted something I wrote but she wouldn't listen.
Joni is posting Mp3's along with lyrics.
Michele sounds like she could use a little of whatever blueclax is doing. So could I actually.
Listening To: Going to the Chapel - Dixie Cups
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 12:35:00 AM
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BODY:
Still crazy after all these years
I am sitting here eating celery and smoking cheap cigars wondering why I am still awake.
Liberia
This story convinces me that we should not send troops to Liberia. They will just get shot up. Bad idea. Let's get shot up where we at least have an idea what we are doing and why we are there.
Listening To: Message in a Bottle - The Police
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/27/2003 12:25:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 17
Kevinhas some more MT code. He also wonders why Lair seems to be missing some chapters. So do I and others. I doubt it has anything to do with Texas education but since I didn't go through it I can't say for sure.
Lair is on Chapter 24 and questioning guest posts of his team-mates. I guess he hasn't since my guest post yet.
Meryl meanwhile ,er, well she has a guest post by yours truly as promised. She also is still going strong with French insults as is Lair. I will have to keep her up with IM's and email from here on.
Joni is talking about different coffees now. I hope she isn't making the Irish ones or she will never make it.
Michele has a story about Leo Sayer.
Listening To: Call Me - Blondie
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 11:40:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 16
Kevin ended the day with Linux sucks. He starts it by asking for more sponsors.
Lair is on Chapter 23 of his pretzel cooking series. I am getting hungry.
Meryl has lost the ability to send email though she can still receive. She loves fried potatoes.
Joni is talking about Milkshakes. What is this with everyone about food that I can no longer eat?
Michele keeps chugging along.
Eight hours or so left. The hardest part.
Listening To: Cheeseburger in Paradise - Jimmy Buffett
Food again, even Winamp is torturing me.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 10:33:00 PM
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Break Time
One of the advantages of not blogging myself in Blogathon is that I can pull myself away and do others things.
Right now I have to break away and turn on the cartoon network to watch Samurai Jack and .Hack//Sign with my daugther.
They are great shows.
I love the fact that though she is a teenager we still can watch cartoons together.
It probably won't last much longer so I better enjoy it while I can.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 10:16:00 PM
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Blogathon Update 15
Kevin has his take on Gary Condit running for Governor. Yes you heard that right.
Lair is on Chapter 21 of his cooking series.
Meryl has a post on relationships and needs something caffeinated,
Joni posted a picture of a great looking hamburger, which I love, and a place in Houston to get one, no address yet. A nice recipe too for Salmon and Taragon sauce.
Michele sounds like it is starting to get to her. Nice picture of a Ouija board. I had one of those once.
Listening To: Redemption Song - U2
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 09:19:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogathon Update 14
I went and sponsored another blog. Kevin is Blogging for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. He is currently offering MT Template tricks that I hope to use in the not too far future.
Lair is on Chapter 19 of his cooking series.
Meryl is posting a Harry Potter takeoff.
Joni has a cheese soup recipe and is promising a story on her fight with cancer.
Michele has a guest post from Bill Quick.
I am rapidly falling behind on keeping up with these 5, I hope I don't lose my sense and sponsor someone else. I still have to do a guest post for Meryl.
Listening To: Nights in White Satin - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 06:53:00 PM
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Blogathon Update 13
Lair is up to chapter 14 of his cooking video.
Meryl is talking about ID cards for Saudi women.
Joni is still on her Las Vegas story. It is a long one and split into at least 5 parts at this point. I am surprised she didn't save this until later but it is good reading.
Michele has a guest post from a soldier in Iraq.
Listening To: The Only Living Boy in New York - Simon and Garfunkel
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 06:04:00 PM
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Blogathon Update 12
Lair has descended into what I think is bad taste in his latest caption contest.
Meryl is keeping track of the pledges of the group and they have topped 13k, amazing.
Joni blogging about a very personal incident between her and her significant other.
Michele is onto the top songs of 1967,which I don't agree with.
She also talks about MAD magazine. I have not seen MAD in ages.
Listening To: The Joker - Steve Miller
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 05:33:00 PM
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BODY:
Breaking News
Philippine Soldiers sieze Austrailian Ambassador and others.
More here.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 05:01:00 PM
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Blogathon Update 11
Lair is now up to chapter 12. Talk about missing tapes.
Meryl has Jane Finch doing a guest blog so she can get something to eat.
Joni is talking about Pumpkin Bread.
Michele has some pictures of 8 track tapes and portable players. I can relate to this because I have some 8 tracks and a real Panasonic tape deck somewhere.
Listening To: Wasted Time - Eagles
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 04:24:00 PM
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BODY:
Glad I am not blogging this for money
I took this test to see where I would have come out.
There's a 40 % chance that I'll survive the 'thon.
Will you survive the Blogathon?
Listening To: Money - Pink Floyd
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 04:20:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 10
Lair goes directly to chapter 9 of making pretzels without posting 7 or 8. He took a test that says he has a 100% chance of surviving the Blogathon. Not at this rate.
Meryl is going through her referer log.Always good for a laugh.
Joni has moved back to cat pix.
Michele has a 70% chance to survive the Blogathon which is probably why she hasn't made a 5pm post yet.
Listening To: Cool for Cats - Squeeze
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 04:00:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 9
Lair blogging on the Hunting for Bambi fraud. Wow did everyone , Bloggers and big Media get taken in by that one.
Meryl has started to run down. Probably the fault of the IM software and my email messages. I am sure she will catch her second wind though.
Joni has moved from cat pix to cat poetry. Not hard to guess that she is blogging for a cat shelter.
Michele has a quiz on her pop culture theme.
Listening To: Fashion - David Bowie
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 03:32:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogathon Post 8
It started to rain and even though the power has blinked twice more I am still here, as are our Blogathon heroes.
Lair is busy greasing his face pans.
Meryl has gotten a hold of some instant messaging software (be afraid).
Joni is posting Cat pix and Lemon Bar recipes.
Michele is deep into music. Deep Purple and Smoke on the Water.
Good thing I only sponsored four blogs, any more and I would be going nuts.
Listening To: Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 02:56:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogathon Post 7
I walked outside and was greeted with the sounds of Thunder and the sight of lightning which convinced me that perhaps mowing was not what I should be doing today.
Michele has the top songs of 1984.
Meryl has a list of rejected Blogathon themes.
My UPS just beeped. I might be knocked offline. If my power goes good luck to you all.
Listening To: All You need is Love - The Beatles
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 02:37:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 6
Check out Lair's latest video post for his hilarious confrontation with fresh butter.
I think I have to go mow now.
Listening To: The Spy - The Doors
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 02:19:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 5
Well I am back from my WalMart trip.
Joni has a pretty good joke about a salesman.
Listening To: There's a Kind of Hush - Herman's Hermits
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 12:34:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 4
Michele is giving an 80's quiz, Lair is doing movies on how to make homemade Pretzels and I have to run out to WalMart.
Listening To: Ashes To Ashes - David Bowie
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 12:07:00 PM
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Blogathon Post 3
I need to mention that Joni is blogging at this URL .
Listening To: Easter Parade - Al Jolson
(yes my collection is a bit eclectic)
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 12:02:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Today's quote comes from Meryl who is trying to fulfill a the desire of a sponsor who offered her, Michele, and Laurence a donation for each French insult they posted during Blogathon. If you have any good ones pass them on.
In certain public indecencies the difference between a dog and a Frenchman is not perceptible.
Mark Twain
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 11:39:00 AM
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Blogathon Post 2
I should also mention Kevin who is answering tech questions. Especially since I just asked him one.
Listening To: The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/26/2003 11:35:00 AM
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Blogathon Post 1
I have decided to direct all my posts today on what the blogathoners are doing. I won't be as regular as them since I have to mow the lawn and several other things but I will try to stay up a little later than normal.
Michele is talking about her VIC 20. I never had one but I remember it well since my first real job on microcomputers was translating code written for the examples on a PC book so that they would run on everything else that existed. A bunch of us met at my boss's basement. Iwas doing mostly the Atari conversions but I did work with the Vic a little. I don't miss it at all. My first computer was a Compaq with 2 256k floppy drive and 1mb Ram, of which 640k was usable. Later on I added at 10mb Hardcard which made it state of the art. I don't miss that machine much either.
I will be available on AIM, at least during the evening hours, my AIM id is Starhwk.
Listening To: Mood for a Day - Yes
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/25/2003 12:02:00 PM
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Blogathon
Tomorrow is the big day. If you have not already donated(sponsored) someone in the Blogathon, DO IT.
I will online part of the time cheering them all on. As of now I am sponsoring the group of Michele, Meryl and Laurence. I am also sponsoring Joni.
Check them all out tomorrow and cheer them on.
I will be available on AIM, at least during the evening hours, my IM id is Starhwk.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/24/2003 10:22:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Piggy: We did everything just the way grownups would've. Why didn't it work?
Lord of the Flies - 1990
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/24/2003 10:06:00 PM
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We also killed a kid
That is a title of Diana's latest post. It is one of the most odd posts I have ever read on her blog. In an ideal world no one would shoot 14 year olds. In an ideal world 14 year olds would not shoot at you. What does she expect our soldiers to do when they have this kid shooting a AK-47 at them, offer him an ice cream cone?
Welcome to the real world kiddo, teens with guns can kill.
She also seems to think that we could have/should have taken them alive. There are some people how would rather not be taken alive. It is easy to understand why, they probably thought we would turn them over to Iraqis who would treat them the same way they treated so many of their countrymen.
Listening To: Another Day - Paul McCartney
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/24/2003 08:15:00 PM
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From bad to worse
I took the computer back to the place I bought it from.
Good News: The power supply is fine
Bad News: The mother board is toast
Good News: The computer is still under warranty
Bad News: That mother board is no longer made
Bad News: Because it is no longer made they think they will have to reformat the drive.
Bad News: The 512mb memory module is toast too
Good News: The memory is still under warranty
Bad News: I told them to try putting in another drive and format that.
Good News: 40gb drives are cheap
Bad News: The kid will be very mad if they re-format "her"drive"
Good News: As long as it is in the shop I told them to add more memory and a CD-RW for which they may wave the installation charge.
Bad News: I am not sure how I am going to pay for any of this.
Good News: I didn't wreak the car driving back in the rain.
I hate days like this. It makes me wish I were a gypsy.
Listening To: Gypsy - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/24/2003 10:48:00 AM
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BODY:
As if I don't have enough problems
I woke up this morning and noticed that the computer in the den that I share with the kid wasn't on. No problem just turn it off and back on. Nothing. This is not what I want to deal with at 6am. Sent some email to a friend more knowledgeable that I and we have agreed that it is either the motherboard or the power supply. I hope it is the power supply.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/24/2003 10:44:00 AM
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Local boy makes it big
Blogdom's own Steven den Beste has a post in the Opinion Journal today about why "We won't back down".
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/23/2003 09:55:00 PM
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Guerilla War
A had a discussion with my FiL the other day when he suggested that Iraq was becoming just like Vietnam.
"It is nothing like Vietnam. It is more like Germany after WW2, do you remember that?"
(I wasn't around then but he was)
"I don't remember anything like this after WW2"
My guess is either that they didn't put much in the press about it then. John has a post on a group called the werewolves who killed allies and German collaborators in the aftermath of WW2.
It is good to remember this because it shows that this type of thing that we are encountering in Iraq is not all that uncommon.
Listening To: For Crying out Loud - Meat Loaf
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/23/2003 08:37:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Dr. Emil Reingold: Mickey and Mallory know the difference between right and wrong; they just don't give a damn.
Natural Born Killers - 1994
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/22/2003 04:21:00 PM
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Beer
Last weekend there was a party at Dean's place. In the discussion and postings about the party Dean extolled a friend of his who couldn't attend but arranged to pay for a case of his favorite beer Anchor Steam. I was intrigued and vowed to try this brew that I had never tasted. I went to the Kroger yesterday and was not surprised that they did not have anything like that. Luckily a local liquor discounter named Spec's had opened a store near me and they did indeed have products of the Anchor brewing company.
They also managed to sell me a product of a local Houston brewer named Saint Arnold. I am drinking that now, the brew is named Lawnmower and while I was not mowing the lawn today( not yet anyway), I have just returned from doing some yard work and it is quite refreshing as I dry off.
Update later on the Anchor Steam, which is a fairly expensive brew.
Update: This Anchor Steam is pretty good stuff, even the wife liked it.
Listening To: The Man who Sold the World - David Bowie
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/22/2003 12:07:00 PM
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Blogathon
It is almost time for this years Blogathon which starts July 26.
This is an amazing event, a great and innovative use of blogging and a way to raise money for organizations that really need it.
As I did list year I am sponsoring Meryl and Lair who this year are blogging for the same charity.
In addition I am sponsoring Joni who is blogging for a local charity.
I urge you if you can to sponsor these or any other bloggers for any amount you can afford. Even if you can't sponsor go to their sites during the Blogathon and support them. That means a lot too, especially when you are staying up all night making a post every 30 minutes.
Listening To: Rush
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/21/2003 11:12:00 PM
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BODY:
More Wifi
It looks like the big players, at least some of them, want to give users of other services access to each others hot spots. While Cometa is falling behind on their plans to build 20,000 hot spots. You can read about it here and here.
As I have said before I think that eventually these pay services are going to be overwhelmed by the free hotspots that are popping up all over the place. To facilitate that process I have added a link on the sidebar to the Free hotspot web site.
The interesting thing is that some of the locations where the pay sites would do well are already covered by free hotspots.
Where the pay sites have an advantage is big secluded places like airports.
Current Song: Conquistador - Procol Harum
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/21/2003 08:20:00 PM
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BODY:
Happy Birthday Central Park
There are many things I would change about the city I grew up in but Central Park has never been one of them. The creation of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux is 150 years old today. It is a treasure not only to New Yorkers but to the entire country. I say this in spite of the fact that I almost lost my life there on at least two occasions, but that is another story.
I have hiked most of its trails, biked around the drive on numerous occasions, boated on the lakes, sailed model boats at another lake, played softball, (totally pulling my leg during one game), played chess, rode the carousel, climbed rocks, visited the old zoo, the new zoo and the children's zoo, played Frisbee, jogged around the reservoir and seen so many concerts big and small that I couldn't begin to count them all.
Once I even skated in the Wollman rink which I thought was just for concerts at some point.
I even took a hansom cab through the park years ago.
You used to be able to hear Shakespeare for free, I hope they still do that.
It sounds like I spent a lot of time at the Park and I did even though I didn't live or work near it till I was in my late twenties.
On the west side is the Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium (which I was very found of). By walking directly across the park you get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Macy's day Thanksgiving day Parade starts at the Museum of Natural History and goes down Central Park West alongside of the Park.
The NY Marathon ends in Central Park.
There is so much more and times in Central Park I could talk about but I hate long posts and I am sure you get the idea.
The city had a celebration on Saturday but as with the birthdays of Presidents I prefer to celebrate on the actual day rather the days that the pols find convenient.
Happy Birthday Central Park
Current Song: I'm just a Singer in a Rock and Roll Band - Moody Blues
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/21/2003 04:10:00 PM
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Liberal Bias in the Media
If there ever was a case to demonstrate liberal bias in the media this story would certainly stand out as a prime example. The article details the non-story of Americans who have decided to move to Canada. Why is this a non-story you might ask? The article is 25 paragraphs long but the real story emerges only in part of paragraph 17.
But every year since 1977, more Canadians have emigrated to the United States than vice versa -- the 2001 figures were 5,894 Americans moving north, 30,203 Canadians moving south.
We have an entire article devoted to people leaving the US for Canada when not only has this been happening for years but the number of people moving to the US from Canada is over five times as many.
Don't expect to see the liberal media do a story on the vastly larger number of Canadians moving south because it doesn't fit into their template.
These media zombies are so anti-american it just makes me sick.
Current Song: Legend of a Mind - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/20/2003 10:38:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.
Winston Churchill
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/19/2003 09:59:00 PM
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BODY:
Three Shirt Day
There are few things I like less than working in the yard when in is in the 90's but feels like it is over 100. there were things to get done however and it will probably be just as hot until September. I first had some spraying to do. Mealy bugs are the current problem du jour (can't let those pesky French words into our lexicon now can we. (detour to this article about how the French are trying the ban the word email from general usage in their country. If this is not a sign of a dying culture I don't know what is. I can not understand why they don't get it but I guess we just have to shake our heads and say "That's the French")
Now where was I.
Oh yes Mealy bugs. I still can't post pictures but just follow the link which really makes them look a lot worse than they are. I sprayed a couple of their target plants then went on to clearing some brush and trees. Carted all those to a pile for later burning and returned to the house for drying out and shirt number 2.
Next job was the gas trimmer. About twenty minutes of that was enough to go for a third shirt. I did make the garden look a nicer. I wish I could show you a picture but when the 2 garden gals from Wal Mart delivers my mower a few weeks ago they both loved it.
Current Song: Bridge over Troubled Water - Paul Simon & Paul McCartney
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/19/2003 09:30:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
The spread of freedom is the best security for the free. It is our last line of defense and our first line of attack. And just as the terrorist seeks to divide humanity in hate, so we have to unify it around an idea. And that idea is liberty.
Tony Blair - July 17,2003
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/18/2003 09:17:00 PM
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BODY:
WTC Memorial
Another positive sign in the creeping progress of rebuilding the WTC is the submission of 5200 proposals for memorial. The proposals will be reviewed by a 13 (stupid number) member panel and narrowed down to 5 finalists who will be given money to further develop their ideas.
Let's do a little math here. How long does it take to evaluate a proposal Let's say an hour for arguments sake. At that rate they will have the five finalists in something like two and a half years providing they don't take any vacations.
I did say this was a positive sign didn't I?
At least the process is moving along.
As a sign of the times I like this quote at the end of the article.
Applicants had to mail their designs to a warehouse where they were checked for anthrax, chemical agents and explosives before being shipped to a second, undisclosed location where the jury will review them.
Current Song: Walk On By/Say a Little Prayer/San Jose medley - Dionne Warwick & Burt Bacharach
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/18/2003 08:12:00 PM
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BODY:
Good Day on Wall Street
I left the house to take the family to town and the Dow was up 64. By the time we got back the market had closed up 137. A very good sign. We have been having what is called a trading range however the highs always seem higher in recent weeks. Unemployment was down too this week another good sign.
Next week things could breakout even higher.
Current Song: Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin (like you didn't know that)
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/17/2003 10:15:00 PM
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BODY:
Blair to Congress
The transcript of Tony Blair's speech today can be found here
Current Song: Roxanne - The Police
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/17/2003 09:55:00 PM
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BODY:
Not fun
I get up in the morning and check email. Then I check the job boards. Make calls to all my headhunter leaches friends.
The cell phone rings. Aha someone calling me back.
"Hello"
"I think you have a wrong number, what number did you dial?"
"Right number wrong person."
"No sorry, this is not a Dentist office"
The regular phones rings. I run to the other room to get it.
"Hello"
"No I don't want to change my phone service"
Some days are like that.
Current Song: Hey Paula - Paul and Paula
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/16/2003 10:29:00 PM
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BODY:
That didn't last long
It seems that even though I have all the skills for the job some of them are 10 years old and they want someone with more recent skills. Which is a good lead in for the quote of the day.
Current Song: The Other Side of Life - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/16/2003 10:29:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Scarlett: I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tommorrow.
After all ... tomorrow is another day.
Gone with the Wind - 1939
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/16/2003 09:09:00 PM
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BODY:
More men in Iraq?
I keep hearing this refrain from the would be presidents (Joe from Conn. said it today) and others but it seems to me that we would just be suppling more targets.
What they really should have is 24/7 predators over all US troop bases and convoys. I wonder why this is not the case.
Current Song: Angel of the morning - Merrilee Rush
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/16/2003 09:04:00 PM
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BODY:
The Real Lies about Iraq
Here are the real lies we were told about Iraq. I know we all have short memories but it is good to remember what the know-it-alls were saying before we went in.
Remember also what these fools were saying before we toppled the Taliban, how it was a graveyard for the Russians and it would be for us too. Didn't happen did it.
By the way I think we might have just today lost as many men as we did during the entire Desert Storm campaign
Current Song: I've got to get a Message to you - The Bee Gees
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/16/2003 04:51:00 PM
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BODY:
Possibilities
After spending much of the day emailing and searching out job opportunities as far away as Virginia I got a call about a possible job in Houston, out of the blue, from an old contact of mine. The bad part is I will have to wear a pager for the first time in my twenty year career which is something I have always avoided but it is better than being unemployed. Keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe the song that just popped up is a good sign.
Current Song: Back on the Chain Gang - The Pretenders
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 11:04:00 PM
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BODY:
There is some good news tonight
Just so I don't end the evening on a totally down note, there is this item from Pakistan where it looks like they are starting to make nice for a change.
Oh and the really important stuff, the AL comes from behind to win 7-6.
Current Song: Moondance - Van Morrison
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 10:35:00 PM
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BODY:
A.N.S.W.E.R. Lives
In case you thought you have heard the last from our friendly left wing friends, here is their listing of future events.
1) July 27: Mobilize for Peace in Korea
2) August 1-3: Speakout at STRATCOM - No new weapons of
mass destruction
3) August 23: 40th anniversary of the 1963 March on
Washington
4) September 13: Worldwide Day of Action Against Corporate
Globalization and War
5) September 13: Millions for Reparations
Other upcoming actions initiated by the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition:
1) September 25-28: International Days of Protest Against
Occupation and Empire
2) October 25: International March on the White House and
Pentagon
3) Summer 2004: Mass Actions at the Democratic National
Convention (July, Boston) and the Republican National
Convention (August/September, New York)
So what they want basically is for us:
Roll over for the dictator/murderer in North Korea
Stop making weapons to defend ourselves
Cripple corporate america
Give away billions of dollars in reparations
Sure that makes sense to me - NOT!
In case you do not know what the letters stand for:
Act Now to Stop War and End Racism
Current Song: ABC - Jackson Five
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 09:58:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Jareth: You remind me of the babe.
Goblin: What babe?
Jareth: The babe with the power.
Different Goblin: What power?
Jareth: The power of voodoo.
Goblin: Who do?
Jareth: You do.
Goblin: Do what?
Jareth: Remind me of the babe.
Labyrinth - 1986
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 05:57:00 PM
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BODY:
Support F.I.R.E.
In line with the previous post I encourage everyone to link to and support F.I.R.E. This is the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and if I were a lawyer I would beg to help them because I think they are on a mission that is of vital importance to the survival of the country and our college system.
They have gotten involved at Cal Poly as well as at other campuses.
Current Song: Nashville Cats - Lovin' Spoonful
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 05:44:00 PM
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BODY:
The Real Danger to Free Speech
One of the recurring themes in this journal has been the dangerous assault on free speech at our nation's universities. These are the places where students should be exposed to all opinions instead brain dead administrators are killing free speech in favor of political correctness.
Here is an article on the Cal Poly affair by Stewart Taylor.
The Emperor Misha chimes in here.
Also at the Emperors is this link of contacts at Cal Poly which I encourage everyone to use.
Current Song: Volunteers - Jefferson Airplane
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 05:01:00 PM
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BODY:
Dodged the bullet
It has stopped raining here. All we got was a severe rainstorm. Galveston however got pretty shaken up but now Claudette seems to be weakening
Current Song: Nostradamus Parts 1 & 2 - Al Stewart
Note: It is a long song
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 04:57:00 PM
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BODY:
Ballou replies and gets fisked
Emily gives a good fisking of Michael Ballou. He is the one you might recall who instructed his students to write kill the president. I never did understand his reasoning but it turns out he does indeed have agenda, which is, no surprise, left wing. Rather than me go through everything just go to Emily's site and read it all.
Current Song: Nostradamus Parts 1 & 2 - Al Stewart
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 12:16:00 PM
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BODY:
It's raining less
One of the benefits of getting our house north of Houston rather than closer to town. There is still a lot of thunder outside so I expect it will get wetter before it gets dryer.
My daughter came to me all concerned yesterday, wanting me to put on the Weather Channel because someone online from school had told her a tornado was coming this way. I checked on the link above and turned the TV to the channel before I assured her that her friend was mistaken.
By the way I have had satellite reception all morning except for a few very brief lapses. Rain and clouds don't hurt the signal that much. Storms with a lot of lightning will mess it up but if the power goes out it will be a moot point.
Update: The lights in here just blinked. Love that UPS.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/15/2003 10:47:00 AM
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BODY:
It's raining
Welcome Claudette.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/14/2003 09:01:00 PM
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BODY:
Roadblock to peace
The brits have informed Sharon that they will continue to deal with Arafat. In this story Straw says they will continue to deal with the elected leader of the Palestinian people as will the EU.
The brits were so good on Iraq why don't they get that Arafat is part of the problem not part of the solution.
Current Song: My Music - Loggins & Messina
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/14/2003 08:55:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogs in the Media
Good Op-ed here about blogging. I don't agree did the final quote though:
In the end, a blog is just a blog, but a newspaper -- cradled caffeinated in a morning lap curled barefoot into the seat of a porch rocker -- is a read.
.
I don't read newspapers, the writer who writes for one is certainly biased in that direction. We will find that blogs are a read indeed. Sometimes preferable to newspapers.
Current Song: Brass in Pocket - The Pretenders
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/14/2003 12:40:00 AM
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BODY:
Freedom of Speech
There is a story in Drudge about the movie Buffalo Soldiers. The director is quoted :
"Here in the UK no one gets upset, but over there, where the President is fighting these military campaigns in the name of democracy, the first casualty seems to be freedom of speech, the cornerstone of any democracy." - BUFFALO SOLDIERS Director Gregor Jordan
This jerk knows nothing of free speech no matter how good a director he may be. Let's get this clear, the first amendment prohibits the government from restricting free speech. It does not mean that if you say something that pisses people off they cannot make their ire known, that is their free speech rights and idiots like Tim Robbins and the Dixie Chicks should realize that while they are free to say anything they want it may have consequences.
Current Song: Puff the Magic Dragon - Peter Paul & Mary
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 11:48:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
This is a picture of a ground cover rose named Magic Blanket. It is part of Jackson and Perkins
Garden Ease collection which will also be featured tomorrow if I get this picture to post. I believe these are the only own root roses that J&P sells and we have done well with them. This is the first year that the magic Blanket has bloomed for us. As you can see the rose is on the ground and this is how it is supposed to grow. It is very good for covering slopes and banks of which we have neither so currently it is trying to cover our driveway.
Update: Well that doesn't seem to have worked. I guess that there is something at geocities that prevents this from doing what I want, back to the drawing board.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 11:05:00 PM
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BODY:
Mookie Riffic
Rachael has written me that she didn't mean to remove me from her sidebar and the fact that she changed commenting facilities is why my comments were lost. She is a high school sophomore in Va. I hope she keeps posting because my own daughter is starting high school this year and I will need to know as much as I can about what goes on there. This is actually my second round with a teenage daughter. I managed to live through my step-daughter's teenage years even though we were not married then and she turned out pretty well. I can only hope that is has better prepared me for the next several years.
She is also a Mercedes Lackey fan which is a great thing to be in my book.
Current Song: Things I could be - James Gang
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 10:35:00 PM
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BODY:
More Wifi
True Believers say WiFi will endure . Led by Intel no less. Intel recently annoced that it was supporting 802.16 or WiMax which will broadcast the Internet everywhere. Intel is also building wifi into all their new laptop and has come out with a new chip set. This could be a big blow to Cisco which bought Wifi leader Linksys not too long ago.
In building on my post of a few says ago there is a this website WiFifreespot.com which is keeping track of where all the free sites are. There will be more of these in the days to come. Free internet is the future. Among the free spots in Houston are listed Holiday Inns, Best Western's and a Dairy Queen. A Diary Queen?
Current Song: Sing Sing Sing - Benny Goodman
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 01:45:00 PM
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BODY:
Another New Link
I have been meaning to add Merde in France for a long time and I finally got around to it today. This is a great place to get further reasons why its not a bad idea to not buy French anything. If you have any seconds thoughts about how messed up things are in France read this blog for a few days. Side by side in English and French.
Current Song: Within you, Without You - George Harrison
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 01:09:00 PM
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BODY:
On a more hopeful note
We now have reports of demonstrations continuing in Hong Kong. Read the stories here, here and here.
Some people on TV said that this could be the start of something like what happened to the USSR. I doubt it but we can always hope.
Current Song: Lost in a Lost World - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 01:04:00 PM
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BODY:
More on Dead reporter in Iran
Now finally after myself and other bloggers have made postings on it (the latest being Liar) the mainstream press is finally getting around to it. MSNBC reports that Khatami is ordering a probe into it. Didn't this guy just offer to resign? Can anyone guess how far this is going to go?
Current Song: Isn't Life Strange - Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/13/2003 12:39:00 PM
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BODY:
You win some you lose some
It seems that Dawn has decided to add me back into her sidebar. Dawn is a great read, soon to me mom again and I urge everyone to check her out,er read her blog I mean but I guess she wouldn't mind you checking her out either.
On the other hand Rachael of Mookie Riffic apparently didn't like some comments I made about her statement that "they just help me prove that America isn't as great a place as people think.", based on one book she read that was very critical of all things US and had some stats to support that which seemed very dubious. She not only removed me from her sidebar but my comments are gone also.
I will give both ladies credit for not making a big deal out of it and so neither will I. I is a beautiful day out, hot of course, and I intend to enjoy it while I can, before another lady named Claudette arrives here in the next day or so and makes life miserable for everyone in the area.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/12/2003 05:57:00 PM
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BODY:
Reporter Dead in Iran
I related in this link, how a female Canadian reporter was arrested and beaten for taking pictures outside of an Iranian prison. Now Fox News and Susanna are reported that she has been declared brain dead. It seems she was beaten to death by the Iranians. What I can't understand is where is the outrage from the news media that usually follows the death of a reporter? All the networks should be all over this the way they were with Danny Pearl. If the major media does not pickup this story and run with it they are a disgrace.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/11/2003 09:20:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia.
Charles Schultz
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/11/2003 09:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Saddam and bin Laden
LGF points to this article about links between the two that others have been saying don't exist. The original link was from Glenn who says:
Read the whole thing. Those who know Judge Merritt -- a lifelong Democrat and a man of unimpeachable integrity -- will know just how significant this is.
Sounds like some people should be apologizing to President Bush but don't hold your breath for that.
Current Song: Ballad of Billy the Kid - Billy Joel
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/11/2003 08:49:00 PM
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BODY:
Crawly Amphibian
I know this is probably a mistake but I have moved up in the Blogosphere Ecosystem to 1274th into the category of Crawly Amphibian. That does not mean I am getting more hits but I was getting tired of being a Flippery Fish. By traffic I came in at 484, not bad.
Current Song: Caravan - Todd Rundgren
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/11/2003 08:42:00 PM
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BODY:
Housekeeping
You may not have noticed it but I have been adding names to my blogroll here and there. Today I added Dean Esmay who has done and is doing great work helping people move off of Blogspot.
Current Song: Solitary Man - Neil Diamond
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/11/2003 01:32:00 PM
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BODY:
Looking back
Michele looks back at her posting prior to and after 9/11. She makes a very good observation that some of the politicians in this country have not gotten even yet. She has been changed by that event, changed in a permanent way. I agree I have changed also. My view of the world has changed and my feeling of security has been altered probably for the rest of my life, well at least for years to come.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/10/2003 11:21:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
President Whitmore:We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!" We're going to live on! We're going to survive!
Independence Day - 1996
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/10/2003 11:17:00 PM
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BODY:
Iran
Lots going on but we have not heard half of it. There may be as many as 4,000 Iranians under arrest who may live or not. Students called off the protests and then three of their leaders were arrested, beaten and hauled off by armed thugs. Next time the students will know be and be armed themselves.
Also on the Iran front, troops have crossed over the border with Iraq and are at least 20 miles inside Iraq. I have never seen a better opportunity to carpet bomb the whole lot of them. It probably won't happen but I can hope.
Also a Quebec woman has been arrested, beaten and is reportedly in a coma after taking pictures outside a prison. I have no idea who this brave soul is but we should all pray for her.
There is a lot of scary stuff going on in the world right now. I think we should all pray for ourselves too. I think the president is doing the right thing. We must fight because if we don't surely we will die. I know if they ever come for me I won't go quietly.
Current Song: Don't Let the Sun catch you Crying - Gerry and the Pacemakers
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/10/2003 07:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Return of Diana
Letter from Gotham is back at this URL. Check her out, welcome her back and update your blogrolls, I have already updated mine.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/09/2003 10:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Bill Cole: The next time you're going to do anything or say anything or buy anything, think it over very carefully. When you're sure you're right, forget the whole thing.
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House - 1948
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/09/2003 10:05:00 PM
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BODY:
A good Dentist visit
I called up my dentist yesterday to get a cleaning which I was supposed to have last week but cancelled because I thought I would be working but that job was put on hold. My stars must have been in alignment because the woman said she could take me at 2pm or I would have to wait until august, I took the available slot only to have them call me up and ask me to come a little later since they were running late (that was nice of them). I got there at 2:30, they took me right away, the dentist looked at me and said I looked ok which was the first time in 3 years I have had a dentist say that to me.
Current Song: Houses of the Holy - Led Zeppelin
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/09/2003 04:12:00 PM
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BODY:
Boy I wish I was working instead of...
I went to Lowes and got some cinder blocks. Luckily I got as many as I could fit into the car because after putting a bunch out Star still managed to get under the well house and would not come out. Finally I resorted to opening a can of dog food to lure him out, which thankfully worked. I bought 11 full size and 7 half size cinder blocks and used everyone except one.
I think I finally have them right now but the dogs are out testing it at the moment. They seem to find spots when I am not looking so I have to go out and check again.
Well that seemed to work, no spots to squeeze through. Now I have to run the big dogs and hope they can't move or undermine any of my hard,sweaty work.
Current Song: Nights in White Satin - The Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/09/2003 08:00:00 AM
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BODY:
Mystery and problems
When we moved into this house we got water from a well in the back yard when had a broken down well house built falling down around it. We tore it down and built a bigger one around it that my wife was going to use for potting and other garden related things, cost $1500+. The pressure was very poor and we were told that to drill another well would cost 3 or $4,000. About that time we found out that we could get city water and paid about $1600 to run a pipe from the street to the well house and hook up to the house line (No wonder I am broke).
The well house is now using mostly for storage and is surrounded by cinder blocks so the dogs can't get under it. Yesterday I saw an orange tabby under the well house and tried to get it out but after sticking its head out once I have not seen it again. The dogs however have much better senses than I do and last night one of the big dogs managed to get under the well house in search of something and then couldn't get out. This morning my smallest dog took the plunge under there and couldn't get out. Today I have to get some more cinder blocks. I have no idea if the cat is still under there but there might be snakes or rats ( I hate both) under it so I am not going to look very hard.
Something raided my roses last night and I can't figure out what since some of the blooms that got taken off were covered with deer netting.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/08/2003 11:02:00 PM
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BODY:
Iran
As you may recall I have been saying that there are things going on in Iran. Tomorrow we will find how much is really going on and how the Mullahs react.
Read Sheila's take on Iran and follow the link to an Iranian Girl.
There are already a lot of young people in jail, some have already died, more will die before the mullahs surrender power. If Iran becomes free it could prove to be the tipping point in creating an entire new mid east dynamic.
Current Song: Strange Brew - Cream
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/08/2003 09:31:00 PM
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BODY:
WiFi Warchalking
If you are interested in Wifi hotspots, as I am, check out the Warchalking website. The idea grew out of signs that hobos used to make so that other hobos would know where they could find places to sleep and eat. They started out several years ago with a group of signs showing hotspots but now I think it is evolving into a database and clearing house for free hotspots. I would draw some in front of my house but I am so far from the road that the signal would be very weak. Also I am sure I would have a rep from the homeowners assn. calling on me real soon.
Just looking at what they have so far it is obvious that most metro areas are or will be filled with FREE hotspots. For that reason Mickey D's and any others trying to charge for Internet access are doomed to failure.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/08/2003 09:20:00 PM
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BODY:
Expanding WiFi hotspots
Interesting story here about Mickey D's offering Wifi at some of their resturants. It says that they plan on charging $4.95 for 2 hours but as an intro will offer it free with the purchase of a value meal. I predict they will never make money at $4.95 but if they continue to offer it with the purchase of a value meal, which I think they will find is the only way to do it, it will be fine. I can see popping open my laptop to check email but to spend 2 hours in the golden arches trying to do actual work, no way.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/08/2003 01:16:00 PM
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BODY:
Meet the Press tape
I sat through the entire thing and managed to do it on only one shot of JDsb.It was pretty much as I expected. Carl Levin is one of the most partisan people in congress and he didn't miss a chance. Funny I never noticed it before but his eyebrows slant upwards and in. It kind of makes his whole face look like a steeple. Andrea was biased as ever. Tim makes you think he is even handed, Andrea can't pull that off.
The funniest moment of the show was during the panel discussion when Bob Novak suggested that the Fed should have dropped the rate 50 bais points. Andrea is married to Alan Greenspan and quickly said "Well I can't make any comment on that."
The good thing about watching it on tape was that I was able to fast forward through parts.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/07/2003 01:25:00 PM
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BODY:
I got my Meet the Press
I managed to tape it it when it was re-broadcast late last might on CNBC. When I found out that Andrea Mitchell was sitting in for Tim and that the vile Carl Levin was one of the guests I knew I would have to get something to get me through the tape. I went down to the local store and bought some cigars and a bottle of JD Single barrel. Did you know that the actual number of the barrel the bottle comes from is imprinted on the neck label? Good stuff but at $35 per bottle a bit pricey for me. I hope it doesn't take much to get me through the program.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/06/2003 09:50:00 PM
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BODY:
I Want my Meet the Press
The worst thing to happen today was no Meet the Press. All for a Tennis final, sheesh, its not like the World Series or maybe it is if you are into tennis. Actually I like tennis and wish I had someone to play with if for no other reason then I need some kind of exercise. So instead I spent another few hours with my new mower trying to figure how the dang grass can grow so fast. It looks like deer or something big ran into the deer netting around the main rose bed and knocked down half of it. Luckily I have it set up so that if falls in and over the roses so that can't get at them. I still have not figured out how to get my ftp working but I will, someday.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/05/2003 08:27:00 PM
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BODY:
Harry Potter
I finished the book about 2 days ago around 2:20am.It is ok but not earth shattering. Don't get me wrong I did like it especially since my other reading materials these days are things like C# Essentials.
It does not seem to grab me like some other books I have read in the same genre. One thing I did notice that there are remarkable similarities between it and the Belgariad series by David Eddings which I like a lot more and generally regard as a much better series.
In both series the heroes are orphans where their parents were killed by the ultimate bad guy or his agent. Both are involved in a prophecy where they are destined to battle the ultimate bad guy to the death.
Both are teenagers who are pretty self absorbed with themselves (like all teens) and are constantly complaining about why they should be thrust into their predicaments.
Maybe Eddings is just a better writer than Rowlings. I have read the Belgariad series several times but doubt I will re-read Harry Potter anytime soon.
Current Song: Fun, Fun , Fun - The Beach Boys
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/05/2003 07:54:00 PM
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Ecosystem
According to the ecosystem where I am firmly set into the category of Flippery Fish I have two new blogs linking to me which I thought I should check out.
The first is About Face which must be hiding the link somewhere because I can't find it anywhere.
The other is Mookie Riffic where I found the link even though she neglected to put a 'break' after the URL so I ended up sharing a line with another blog.
Not that I am complaining mind you since I will accept any links that keep me from falling into the ranks of the Slimy Molluscs.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/05/2003 06:10:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Reiter: I'm a graduate of Civil Engineering from the University of Bonn.
Amon Goeth: Ah, an educated Jew... like Karl Marx himself. Unterscharfuehrer!
Hujar: Jawohl?
Amon Goeth: Shoot her.
Reiter: Herr Kommandant! I'm only trying to do my job!
Amon Goeth: Ja, I'm doing mine.
Schindler's List - 1993
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/05/2003 02:56:00 PM
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Barbarism
Bigwig has a series of posts on one of the first camps liberated towards the end of World War 2. It is strong stuff that everyone should read but be prepared. Even Patton according to the post was sickened by what he saw there.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/05/2003 02:30:00 PM
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New Whittle
Bill Whittle has a new post named Trinity. Is it long, of course it is, but I read the whole thing, broken into two parts because he found a limit to what Movable Type could handle in one post. Meryl thinks he needs an editor.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/04/2003 08:06:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Mary Matthews: Oh, that's silly. No woman could ever run for President. She'd have to admit she's over 35.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/04/2003 10:12:00 AM
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Michele also has a good July 4th post.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/04/2003 10:04:00 AM
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This is copied from Mrs. du Toit but it is also available on the sidebar.
The Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:
Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton
Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean
Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark
Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/03/2003 05:28:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Tracy Lord: You're too good for me, George. You're a hundred times too good. And I'd make you most unhappy, most. That is, I'd do my best to.
The Philadelphia Story - 1940
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/03/2003 02:37:00 PM
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Better Blogger
Note just in passing that Blogger now has enough smarts to know when I mess up my HTML and prompts me to fix it, which it did on the last post. I guess something good has come out of the Google purchase.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/03/2003 02:33:00 PM
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9/11 Sites
The 12th Man has a list of 9/11 sites which you should check out just incase you have forgotten that we are at war and why.
Link via Meryl who is once again looking for sponsors for her Blogathon effort. Go and sign up, I did.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/02/2003 09:53:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Eleanor of Aquitaine: In a world where carpenters get resurrected, everything is possible.
The Lion in Winter - 1968
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/02/2003 01:37:00 PM
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She's Back
Dawn Olsen is back with a newly designed page, check her out.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/02/2003 11:47:00 AM
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Majority of Women now Pro-Life
This is going to rile a lot of pro-choice groups. The great thing is that this study was done by one them. No longer can they claim that the majority of women are on their side. Look for major denial from the usual suspects. This is really no surprise since this has been the trend during recent years which has caused the abortion groups to get more shrill and desperate which has wonderfully has caused them to lose more support.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 7/01/2003 07:37:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
All this week's quotes will be from Kate Hepburn, in case you have not noticed already.
Rose Sayer: Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above.
The African Queen - 1951
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/30/2003 08:16:00 PM
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Light Blogging Alert
Since my daughter has already finished it and my wife is several hundred pages ahead of me I am taking the opportunity of her being online to read some of the latest Harry Potter book.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/30/2003 04:07:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Amanda Bonner: What I said was true, there's no difference between the sexes. Men, women, the same.
Adam Bonner: They are?
Amanda Bonner: Well, maybe there is a difference, but it's a little difference.
Adam Bonner: Well, you know as the French say...
Amanda Bonner: What do they say?
Adam Bonner: Vive la difference!
Amanda Bonner: Which means?
Adam Bonner: Which means hurrah for that little difference.
Adam's Rib - 1949
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/29/2003 05:06:00 PM
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He just won't go away
Once again we have to read what our former president Bill Clinton thinks about something. Chances are like the song that is playing we will have to put up with this until the day he dies.
Current Song: Bad Company - Bad Company
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/28/2003 08:03:00 PM
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Another New Toy
I spent most of the afternoon using my new mower to cut the grass down to size. I did about half the yard.
Before that I took my other new toy back to Microcenter because it wouldn't work on my USB port. It did work on their's so I guess I am stuck with it. I will have to try in on another computer.
Current Song: Oh Well - Fleetwood Mac
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/27/2003 10:15:00 PM
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New Toy
I bought a new toy yesterday when I was in Microcenter loading up on their bargain books. It is called a jumpdrive. It is a USB flash drive made by Lexar but with a twist. It doesn't have any memory itself but I can insert the memory sticks I use in my camera (or two other types of memory) and read them as if it was another hard drive. It was only $20 and seemed like a good deal. I will let you know if it doesn't work.
Current Song: King of Pain - The Police
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/27/2003 09:21:00 PM
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SBC and Pictures
I was just checking on my SBC web space that came with my DSL account as an alternative to store pictures until I can figure out why my ftp is not working. I talked, well chatted really with their online service where I found out that it can't do what I want it to do. What it does is create an album that I can link to, what a waste. So just so I would be using the thing I created an album for all my pictures from my trip to NYC in May, about 124 of them taking up 100mb. Right now I am looking at it and it seems to have crashed after only 20mb. I hope there is an alternative to SBC when my contract runs out in January.
Current Song: Songs from the Wood - Jethro Tull
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/27/2003 01:02:00 AM
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Guns and things
I had one of my monthly computer user group meetings today so I didn't get back home till quite late.
Prior to that I stopped at the head hunter who asked me to come down and fill out some forms only to find out that the final decision on this position would not be made until Friday.
I had some time to kill (pun intended) between the two so I exited the parking lot we refer to as the Katy freeway and stopped by a gun shop for about 45 minutes. So much to see and such a hard choice to make. I think I know what I want to get for a carry gun but they didn't have it in black which is what I want. I know they make them in black because my local pawn shop had a black one. I have not been getting used things (like cars) for a while but guns seem bit different so I might reconsider.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/26/2003 11:31:00 AM
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Quote of the Day
This was supposed to be yesterday's quote of the day but Blogger seems to have eaten it somehow.
Somehow liberals have been unable to acquire from life what conservatives seem to be endowed with at birth: namely, a healthy skepticism of the powers of government agencies to do good.
Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1927-2003)
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/25/2003 09:11:00 PM
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Hot Stuff
The temp. with the heat index has been around 105 the last few days. Love that Houston weather. I live about 30 miles north of Houston and usually it is a few degrees hotter in my back yard. Thankfully due to the generosity of Microsoft and other software and hardware vendors I have an almost inexhaustible supply of T-shirts of which I have been using between two and three every day.
Current Song: She Came in Through the Bathroom Window - The Beatles
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/25/2003 08:25:00 PM
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Moving right along
I might find out if I have a new job tomorrow, I am keeping my fingers crossed.
What I have not been able to do still is upload any pictures to my ftp site even though I broke down and called tech support. Unluckily I called late, got right through but the person I was talking to was not real sharp.
I also might be offered a job in Dallas for a few months so throwing caution to the wind I blew out one of my last remaining credit cards and bought a new riding mower for $1050. When you almost step on a dog you really need to get the lawn mowed.
Current Song: Candy's Room (Live) - The Boss
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/25/2003 02:31:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Sy Parrish: Nobody takes a picture of something they want to forget.
One Hour Photo - 2002
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/25/2003 02:31:00 PM
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Happy Hannukah!
For a happy holiday smile check out Adam Sandler's Hannukah Song.
Link from the Israeli Guy
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/24/2003 11:08:00 PM
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At some point this will have a picture but my ftp site is not being cooperative for a change.
Gratuitous Garden Pic
This is a picture I took this morning of the Eutin in my main rose bed in the backyard. We bought this last year from Chamblee's which has given us some great roses mail order in the last few years. It doesn't have any fragrance but sure looks good at times like this and is a repeat bloomer. We had some trouble with this entire bed last year but over the winter the wife had a great idea about covering the entire bed in deer netting. So far it is working pretty well. The plant is supposed to get only 3 feet high which means it is now about a big as it will get. It was introduced in 1940 by Kordes, a well known German rose hybridizer.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/24/2003 10:12:00 PM
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More Housekeeping
I started playing with Blogger to republish my archives in a monthly format. I think I got it working but the index page doesn't work so I just have them listed in the sidebar.
Current Song: Madmen across the Water - Elton John
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/24/2003 09:49:00 PM
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Scary story
John at the Right Wing News relates a true story about a conversation he had. It is so scary yet so real. If you ever wonder how people can believe the BS that the Dems shovel out read this. An uneducated citizen is our country's greatest danger.
Current Song: Little Richard Medley - Delaney & Bonnie & Friends
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/24/2003 08:55:00 PM
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Future Blogger
Go give a big congrats to Ellen for delivering the newest addition to the blogosphere.
Current Song: Le Deserteur - Peter, Paul and Mary
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/23/2003 10:34:00 PM
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Starhawk breaks boycott
Yes it is true. I was in my favorite adult beverage store and saw a bottle of good Remy Martin that was so cheap that I bought it before I remembered it is a product of France. I am going to open in right now and enjoy it. Heck as cheap as they were selling it the boycott must be having some effect.
Current Song: In My Room - The Beach Boys
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/23/2003 09:02:00 PM
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Should have been a Superstar
One of the biggest losses the music business has had was Jim Croce who died from non self inflicted injuries at the height of his career. I don't think he had anywhere to go but up and could have been a superstar of the first degree.
Current Song: Big, Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/23/2003 08:56:00 PM
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Housekeeping
I have been doing some housekeeping and I found out something very interesting. It seems I didn't post any garden pictures during the month of May. I didn't realize it but I guess it took me a while to recover from my trip to NYC which if you didn't know was to see the unveiling of my father's headstone. I intend at some point to make these all accessible as well as all the Quote's of the Day but that is a bigger job.
I also added some links to the sidebar.
Current Song: Beware of Darkness - George Harrison
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/23/2003 04:42:00 PM
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Watering
I watered some the roses today because they were the ones we planted recently and they had been nibbled by something. Having done that it is of course now raining.
Job Hunting
I had to drive into Houston today, not downtown but in the city limits, and I got calls from two headhunters as I was driving. One about a job in Dallas the other wanted to know about how good I was with Crystal Reports, as I was trying to not hit the car in front of me. I drew a blank until I got to a red light. I really hate working with Crystal in a big way and I have in the past so I know what I am talking about but in these days a job is a job.
Current Song: Radar Love - Golden Earring
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/22/2003 10:36:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Gordon Gekko: It's not a question of enough, pal. It's a zero sum game, somebody wins, somebody loses. Money itself isn't lost or made, it's simply transferred from one perception to another.
Wall Street - 1987
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/22/2003 10:30:00 PM
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Blogshares
One of these days I will figure out this Blogshares games, but not today. I was over reading Laurence's site where he was offering to give away shares in Amish so I decided to spend some time figuring it out.I have been interested in the market since I was a kid but this still makes little sense to me. Eventually since there were no shares available in Freedom Lives I issued 2,000 more at the current price of $39 to see what would happen. What happened was someone bought the shares very shortly after I issued them and now the price is over $100. Not bad since I bought mine at 0.40 but I can't figure out how it is supposed to work.
In a real market when you increase your outstanding shares by 40% the price should go down not triple. I wish my IRA's would do that.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/21/2003 09:52:00 PM
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Gratuitous Garden Pic
For some reason the FTP started working again today. I have only been doing software for 20 years so I have no idea what is going on but either I fixed something or they did.
Anyhow here is a picture of the king of my garden Sir Thomas Lipton.
The Lipton is a Rugosa which are known for being very hardy. After our success with this one I bought 4 or 5 more different Rugosas the next year, all of which died. This one however is eight feet high by eight feet wide. It is a repeat bloomer and is fragrant.
We took some cuttings the year before last and had good results but all the babies save one were deer food. If we ever get a greenhouse we will probably take more since we obviously have lots of raw material to work from.
On second thought it might be ten feet wide. Somewhere in there is a bird's nest too.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/21/2003 09:12:00 PM
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Name Change
As I have said before I am planning to move to my own domain at some point in the future, probably as soon as I start working again. I am working on a redesign and possibly a name change. Anyone wanting to makes suggestions feel free to e-mail or IM me.
Current Song: Pulling Mussels from a Shell - Squeeze
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/21/2003 09:08:00 PM
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Harry Potter
The mailwoman brought our copy of Harry Potter today direct from Amazon.
The kid is busy on Furcadia so she is reading it while she plays, nothing like multi-tasking. I remember when the first to books were going great guns she didn't want to read it because everyone else at school was. I bought it anyway and read her the first one. I got as far as the part where all the letter to Harry were coming into the house through every opening they could find and she was hooked, so was I actually. By the time the third one came out she grabbed it before I could open it, same thing with the last one.
Blogshares
I really have no idea how this game is supposed to work but the value of this blog is going up like I wish my real stocks would. There are no shares available at the present time and those which I bought at $0.40 are now worth $39.35. I guess I will figure it out someday.
Current Song: After the Love - Culture Club
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/21/2003 03:33:00 PM
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Only Bad choices
I went out back and noticed that the grass was getting pretty high, except for the little bit I managed to trim with the push mower before I almost passed out from the heat.
I have to choose this week between fixing my old mower cheaply ($600), fixing it the right way ($800) or buying a new one (at least $1100),
There are no good choices since I can't afford any of them.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/21/2003 08:18:00 AM
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Happy Birthday
I knew it was coming up but not exactly when. I checked the day before yesterday and I am pleased to report that I started this blog exactly one year ago today. It has been an amazing year in the world and I am still not sure where the blog is going. I am still enjoying doing this so I guess it will continue for a while.
I added an Amber Alert ticker to the site. I am not sure about the placement but I couldn't fit it on the sidebar.
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 10:57:00 PM
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Quote of the Day
Ann: If it were raining hundred dollar bills out, you'd be looking for a dime you lost somewhere!
Meet John Doe - 1941
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 10:25:00 PM
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Are Conservatives Stupid
I have often wondered about this. Not if they are but why liberals think they are. I noticed this usually after talking to my sister who is as liberal as they come after living in NYC her whole life and going to college in Boston. Post on this topic at the Weekend Pundit from a link at Rebel Yell which I found on the Acidman
Current Song: Just Like this Train - Joni Mitchell
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AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 09:58:00 PM
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Useless Web Service
I just walked outside to enjoy the night air and sit for a while only to find it raining. Retreating into the house I sat down at the computer to check the Weather channel which showed clear skies in the Houston area.
Current Song: Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 09:27:00 PM
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BODY:
WTC Rebuild
In case you are wondering if anything is going on the answer is yes.
First they have decided to tear 130 Liberty down because of damage it sustained on 9/11. Actually the damage was fixable but the building is now infested with mold and that is not as easy to fix as brick and mortar.
There is also a little bit of a disagreement as to who will be in charge between Libeskind and the leaseholder Silverstein. There are groups that are rallying around to save Libeskind's vision of how the site should look.
Some of the proposed changes might make it look like this.
Opps ,still can't upload to my ftp site so you will have to go to the story to see the pictures.
Current Song: The City - Fleetwood Mac
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 09:17:00 PM
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BODY:
Local blogger makes the big time
Houston's own Laurence Simon makes the print media in Salt Lake City on his findings on Sen. Hatch's Web site. The only thing that pisses me off is that they didn't give a link to Amish Tech Support which they obviously could have since they linked to Hatch's site.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/20/2003 04:48:00 PM
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BODY:
EU and Aids
The old saying is "Put your money where your mouth is". That is exactly what GWB did with his AIDS pledge. He shifted the attention to the EU where Bono and Geldof think the EU should match our 1 billion pledge. It seems that the EU can't hack it because of "budget problems". We all have budget problems.
I love this quote:
Lucy Matthew, director of Data Europe, said: "Europe's leaders don't want America to dictate the world's agenda, but they're unwilling to pay the price of leadership themselves on this. They can't accept the sheer gravity of the Aids emergency because collectively they don't want to pay the bill.
Bush has showed them up for what they are, all talk and no action.
Current Song: One - U2 (No I didn't plan it that way, just lucky I guess)
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/19/2003 10:15:00 PM
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BODY:
Music
I case you are wondering I don't pick the songs that are playing. I let Winamp pick them from the 3700+ mp3's and my entire CD collection which I fed into the computer. Got to do something with all those gigabytes.
Current Song: You Cried Wolf - Todd Rundgren
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/19/2003 10:04:00 PM
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BODY:
Deadly Force
I was driving to the post office early today and I heard on the radio that in Texas you may use deadly force to protect property.
I didn't remember that from my CHG course so I emailed my instructor even though I am sure it is in my book somewhere but i was lazy and didn't want to go look for it.
She emailed me back that yes you can do that in Texas but it is not advisable since it is getting harder and harder to defend in court and you will be in court if you kill someone for stealing your stuff.
I got to get down to the range soon, it has been a while and I am getting rusty. I am certain that Rachel and especially Kim would not approve if they knew how long it has been since I last went through a few boxes of shells.
Current Song: Within you without you - The Beatles
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/19/2003 09:46:00 PM
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BODY:
Fire
It seems like there are more Iranian protesters setting themselves on fire. I never understood it when they were doing it in Nam during the 60's and I undertand it less now. If they like to play with fire so much they should be setting Mullahs on fire.
Still no ftp
It looks like I won't be posting any pictures tonight. I am not going to worry about it and I am certainly not going to call tech support and stay on hold for 10-30 minutes(if I am lucky). I am going to do something else and hope it gets better by itself.
I think I will just turn the music up and enjoy it.
Current Song: The Voice - The Moody Blues
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/19/2003 09:37:00 PM
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BODY:
Nice Day
I had a nice relaxing day with the kid and wife. We drove around to a few places, looked at some things we might be able to afford some day when I start working again had lunch out and enjoyed a typically warm Texas afternoon.
Then I came home and tried to start my mower. It started ok but it seems to have forgotten how to self propell itself. There is nothing fun about trying to mow an acre with a push mower in 90 degree weather,
Current Song: Layla
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/19/2003 09:30:00 PM
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BODY:
Back
I have been having various computer problems both on my end and while trying to load pictures to my ftp site. I fixed my end and I will try the ftp soon.
Its not like I don't have enough other problems that are turning my head to mush, I needed a few more.
Current Song: Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/18/2003 09:26:00 PM
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BODY:
Anti-Semitism
Good post and links from Meryl and a good oped by Mayor Rudy in the Times, which means you have to register to read it.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/18/2003 08:51:00 PM
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BODY:
More on Iran
In the National Post and in the New York Post
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/18/2003 11:03:00 AM
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BODY:
Another Mover
Silflay hraka has moved to Movable type and a new domain. Sidebar will be updated soon.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/17/2003 11:51:00 PM
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BODY:
Kittens do the Darnest things
I guess he was looking for food. He seems to have the right idea on where food can be found.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/17/2003 11:51:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
This is a close up of the Ballerina we picked up a few years ago on a trip to the Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham. It is a Hybrid Musk that is supposed to get 5 to 6 feet in height. Ours is only about 4 1/2 but it has been munched on by the deer once or twice. It is a repeat bloomer but does not have any scent.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/17/2003 08:53:00 AM
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BODY:
He's Back.
The Vodkapundit, Stephen Green is back and he agrees with me that we might see some bloodshed in Iran before long.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/16/2003 10:28:00 PM
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BODY:
More Misc.
I started a garden journal to track what I do. I almost started a blog to keep track of it but decided to hold off on that until I see if I can keep up with the journal, heck it is hard enough just to keep up with the blog.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/16/2003 10:09:00 PM
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BODY:
Odds and Ends
I called my mother and told her to buy a mega-millions ticket. If that is not getting desperate what is.
My daughter agreed to feed the cats of a friend of hers who lives in the subdivision. They have lots of cats both indoors and out. I took her over there to get a run down on what she had to do, at which point we found out that not only did they have cats but a bird, a couple of fish, 5 chickens, 2 pigs and a turkey. I thought our 4 dogs and 2 cats was bad, it only shows how wrong you can be,
I have this product called liquid fence that I bought in order to deter the deer and other varmints from munching on the roses. I sprayed it on everything so of course it rained. I sprayed the next day and it rained again. The weather report says we will actually have rain for the next few days so I stopped spraying. The rain should be good for the roses as long as they don't get eaten.
I went shopping at Lowes today and didn't buy anything. I found out I could replace my entire garage door for $340 installed. I was quoted over $200 to fix the old one. Another $200 will buy me a new opener also installed. For a nifty $1100 I can buy a new ridding mower which certainly seems to make more sense than fixing the old John Deere for $800. I wish I was working because this all would make more sense in that context.
I called an electrical contractor about replacing a outlet that is shorting and was quoted $100. The local paper gave me the number of a handy man who will be here day after tomorrow to fix it for $35.
The kid stayed up last night or so she told me. She said she gave up trying to get to sleep at 4:30. She is so much like me sometimes it is scary.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/15/2003 06:37:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
Martin Luther King Jr.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/15/2003 06:32:00 PM
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BODY:
Iran
Things are happening in Iran pretty much the way I predicted many months ago (no I don't have a link to it, trust me). Leaders in Iran are blaming the US for stirring up the protests. I have no doubt that we do have covert operations ongoing in Iran, if we don't the CIA is even more useless that many think. If the mullahs and their regime was liked however nothing we or anyone else could say or do would make any difference.
As I predicted the mullahs and their followers have started to beat protesters, which will not work. At some point very soon there is going to be a blowup and a few (hopefully) or many Iranians will end up dead. This will trigger bigger and more violent protests that could lead to bringing the government down. Someone over there understands this because some of the radicals that had invaded the college dorms have been arrested. If they are able to keep the violence level down and let the protesters let off some steam things might blow over for a while. If people start getting killed we are going to start hearing calls for the US to intervene, ok not the US but the UN certainly.
In the end Iran's terror regime will fall, two down one to go.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/14/2003 09:40:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
In the gardening biz a lot of times it is easy come easy go. I took this picture yesterday of this Prairie Sunrise rose which we planted just last week. I was very surprised that it was pink since the earlier picture I had posted from the plant at the nursery was apricot. Two things could be possible, perhaps it changed color as the bloom aged which is not uncommon in roses, or perhaps it was a sport which is a lot less common. A sport is basically a genetic mutation. Almost all roses are propagated from cuttings and therefore should be genetically identical to the plant from which the cutting came. Sometimes it does not turn out that way and if the new rose breeds true in later cuttings you have a sport, a new type of rose, very cool. I will have to wait a while to find out however since something decided to invade the garden and nibble on this one and its neighbor. It looks like it will survive but not by much.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/14/2003 09:10:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Atticus Finch: If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.
To Kill a Mockingbird - 1962
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/14/2003 12:57:00 PM
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BODY:
Hillary Book Sales
It seems to me we have heard a lot about the books' first days sales but nothing about the second and third day, is it possible that sales have fallen off a cliff?
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/13/2003 10:56:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
Usually roses look a lot better the second or third year after planting. That is not to say that they can't give you nice blooms the first year. As an example take this Antoine Rivoire that we planted just a few months ago. It is an older Hybrid Tea shrub rose dating back to 1895.
It is a repeat bloomer and has a tea scent.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/13/2003 09:06:00 PM
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BODY:
I did it again
The kid tells me that everytime I water it rains. I watered all the fruit trees today and all the roses in the back and guess what, it is pouring, perhaps she knows what she is talking about.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/12/2003 01:23:00 PM
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BODY:
A True Loss
During the Sixies when I was growing up in NYC we watched the evening news every night, we watched channel 4, we watched Huntley and Brinkley.
I grew up with David Brinkley and he has always been the TV person I have most respected. I never spent much time watching Sunday morning shows until he started This Week.
He was at his best during the numerous Conventions and Elections that he covered better than anyone since.
I love this quote.
One favorite topic was an announcement by the IRS on how they planned to collect taxes in the wake of a nuclear war.
"It says in areas of the country hardest hit, delinquent taxpayers will be given a little extra time. Otherwise, taxes will be collected as usual," he said.
RIP David Brinkley
Current Song: Reeling in the Years
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/12/2003 10:07:00 AM
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BODY:
JD
It rained last night so I don't have to water anything today.
I checked monster and all the other places I look to find work.
I guess the only I thing to do is troll the web for a while. Looking over my referer logs I backtracked to this intertesting site concerning collectable bottles and other things relating to Jack Daniels. If you are into it there is some pretty interesting stuff here. I might even start collecting when I start working again. I already have a bunch of JD bottles and shot glasses so I won't be starting from nothing.
This eventually led me to the official site for the Jack Daniels distillery. I have been meaning to add this to my sidebar as part of my favorites for a while, maybe today.
Current Song: nothing (I guess that was yesterday's thing)
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 08:33:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
This rose is a Wenlock. It is an english type rose created by David Austin. It has a strong Damask scent and normally grows to about 4 feet in height. In warm climates, like Houston, It becomes a rambler or smaller climber. This one grows on an arbor and is the oldest surviving rose in our main bed. It is about 7 or 8 feet high.
I keep trying to grow another rose on the other side of the arbor but so far I have had three failures, I am working on the fourth now.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 08:04:00 PM
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BODY:
Hardball
As much as I have issues with Chris Matthews he sometimes does things I like. One of these is putting dems on the spot about something or other and trying to get a non-spin answer. With John Edwards it was "Was Clinton a good president". No matter that Chris asked 3 or 4 times Edwards would not answer the question without trying to spin it. Today it was Loretta Sanchez, congresswoman from California. The question "Has Gray Davis been a good Governor". He asked at least 3 or 4 times and she was unable to give the answer without trying to spin it. I hope they keep it up because this inability to answer will doom the Dems in the long run.
Current Song: Dig a Pony
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 05:11:00 PM
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BODY:
I could make a million
If I could teach my dogs to dig where I wanted them to dig. I am constantly amazed at the amount of dirt they can move without much effort. I just came back from filling in a hole that one or both of them dug underneath a large oak tree. With the outside temperature feeling like 100 this is not what I wanted to do most but I don't want to lose a large tree somewhat older then myself. I poured in 4 bags (160lbs.) and could fit another one or two if I had them on hand.
Current Song: Let it be
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 04:54:00 PM
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BODY:
Another Great day for the market
Dow is getting close to 9200. Hopefully the market is telling us something good.
I would settle for a decent job at this point
Current Song : Something
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 04:41:00 PM
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BODY:
Recall Gray
Lots of stuff on the recall which may happen in Ca., like this one from Blogs of War which focus mostly on if Arnold will run or not.
I hope he does, it will be the best thing to happen to that state in a while.
Current song : Hey Jude
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 04:34:00 PM
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BODY:
Changes to Blogger
New look and feel over here at blogspot. At first I thought I would not be able to post at all but now all the buttons have finally appeared.
I changed my archives from weekly to monthly. I hope that doesn't mess up anyone but it will be alot easier for me to back them up if I ever leave this services.
Current Song : Hello, Goodbye
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/11/2003 04:31:00 PM
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BODY:
Give me that great old Music
I have been sitting here reading blogs and listening to Beatles mp3's for the last hour or so. Luckily I have about 477 of them so I am not bored yet. The Beatles are the greatest, yes I grew up in the 60's , so sue me.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/10/2003 10:45:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
Hard to tell unless you look at it closely but it is in full bloom in this picture. The Green Rose is a China rose that dates to before 1845.It is a repeat bloomer that we picked up on a trip serveral years ago to the Antique Rose Emporium.It is supposed to get between 3 and 4 feet in height but ours is struggling.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/10/2003 10:38:00 PM
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BODY:
Finding Nemo
We found Nemo today at our local theater for only $3.50 per seat,(eat your heart out). Not a bad movie at all. Steve should have stayed in this business and given Apple to someone else to screw up.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/09/2003 11:05:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Mitch: What do you want?
Melanie Daniels: I thought you knew. I want to go throughout life jumping into fountains naked.
The Birds - 1963
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/09/2003 11:05:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
Peace, a fragrant yellow rose smuggled out of occupied France during WWII, was introduced worldwide when Berlin fell on April 29, 1945. It was named Peace to commemorate the end of the war. It's the most popular rose grown today.
It is actually not really yellow but tinged with pink(see below).
I am not sure if the above history is true but I have heard it before so it might be.
This one is planted on one side of the front door to my house. The wrong place since it is not getting enough sun to thrive. We might try transplanting it this winter but those things are always risky.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/09/2003 08:29:00 PM
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BODY:
More moving in Blogdom
This is the address of Tony's new home. I don't know if he is still calling it "I am always right", but I have updated the blogroll as if he is.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/09/2003 05:02:00 PM
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BODY:
Pedophile
Great story about three eighth graders who have helped the FBI catch Pedophiles, or so I first thought. It does make sense if you are trying pretend you are a teenager to be able to type like one. I know from watching my own that I would have a hard time typing like one and I spent years making sure my typing style could be disguised, but that's another story.
Then I read further and read some of the girls comments.
"They, like, don't know anything," said Mary, 14, giggling.
and
"They're, like, do you like Michael Jackson?" said Karen, 14, rolling her eyes at just how out of it adults can be.
I thought no one talked like that who didn't live in the Valley and these girls are from the Baltimore area.If this has spread from west to east we are all doomed ,DOOMED YOU HEAR ME!
It was all for a good cause however.
Thanks to the girls, Bald said, the FBI has gathered such valuable information as: never begin a chat with "hello"; never use proper grammar in instant messages; and "pos" stands for "parent over shoulder."
POS, I didn't know that one. Great now I have something else to look for next time I am a POS.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/09/2003 04:35:00 PM
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BODY:
Birds
I was sitting outside trying to get a plan together to get through the next month or year or so.
I was admiring how the area I was sitting was pretty cool even with the sun directly overhead. The two oak trees shaded me nicely. Just the sounds of birds. One or two landed on the tree above me. A couple more joined them. They were little birds but they had pointy and undoubtedly sharp beaks, A few more flew over then one then another. I was starting to feel like a character in a Hitchcock movie. Suddenly I notice a small little bird sitting on the branch directly over my head. I notice the branch appears to be dead and it is over , directly over my head. The little bird took off and moved to another tree, the branch moved visibly, I moved back to the house.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/08/2003 10:57:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
I forgot to mention it but last weekend my plum tree got raided by either deer, birds or two legged villians. I have no idea which. It is funny because I wanted to harvest some the evening before but my wife said they were not ripe yet. Maybe not but something took every fruit save three from the tree. Oh well there is always next year.
If case you don't believe I had tons here is a picture I took several weeks ago.
This is what the tree looked like when it was in bloom.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/08/2003 10:40:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
I love this quote. It says a lot about my adopted state.
Kathy Morningside: Of course he had a gun. This is Texas! Everybody has a gun. My florist has a gun!
Miss Congeniality - 2000
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/08/2003 10:31:00 PM
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BODY:
Weekend Work
The Wife was off this weekend so naturally we spent a lot of time in the garden. We planted two roses today, the last two for this season I am sure. This is pretty late but I just had not settled on where to put these two. Everything was going swimmingly until this evening when one of my two in house dogs decided to tear into the other smaller dog. We have no reason why but it seems to be just the way this dog is. I think we will have to get him fixed or put up another kennel in the back for just him, or both.
Someone in Humble won the big lottery payoff last night, That is pretty close but all I really want is a new job. Ah Well maybe this week.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/06/2003 09:51:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
You may not remember this movie and it you have not seen it you should,
This is from Robert Mitchum who was pretty good in it, IMHO.The rest of the cast was top notch including Sean Connery in his pre-bond days. Come to think about it I think half of Hollywood was in it in some role or another.
Brigadier General Norman Cota: I don't have to tell you the story. You all know it. Only two kinds of people are gonna stay on this beach: those that are already dead and those that are gonna die! Now get off your butts! You guys are the Fighting 29th!
The Longest Day - 1962
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/06/2003 09:42:00 PM
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BODY:
D-Day
Rachel has a post complete with pictures. Check it out and be thankful we have men willing to risk their lives so that we can remain free.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/06/2003 09:13:00 PM
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BODY:
Just when you thought it was safe to go out
I bet you thought that now that Iraq is over, at least the first part, that things would get back to normal. Guess again.
Thanks to our wonderful friends at A.N.S.W.E.R. we have another march to look forward to on July 4 in Philly.
Why you ask?
the Bush administration plans to carry out regime change, either through invasion or stepped up covert operations, against all those who attempt to retain nominal sovereignty over their own land and natural resources. Syria, southern Lebanon, Palestine, North Korea, Cuba, Zimbabwe, Iran and other countries are slated for aggression.
I think they could have added that all those countires oppress and torture those who differ with them but why quibble.
I have no problem with that list. I think the world would be a much better place with those regimes gone.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/05/2003 03:29:00 PM
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BODY:
Jihad on Blogger
Dean has decided to take matters into his own hands and offers to help anyone wanting to flee from Blogspot by setting them up with Movable Type. He is offering his services FREE of charge.
It sounds like a great offer and anyone who already is leaning in that direction,like me, should take him up on it.
Trackback
Update: I am not sure how this Trackback thing is supposed to work but I will try to fix it at some point.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/04/2003 11:15:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Hilario: Even if we had the guns, we know how to plant and grow, we don't know how to kill.
Old Man: Then learn, or die!
The Magnificent Seven-1960
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/04/2003 09:53:00 PM
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BODY:
Gratuitous Garden Pic
I was finally able to access my ftp site again today so I uploaded a picture for today and tommarow. This the Graham Thomas, a large Yellow rose first bred by David Austin.It varies in height from 5 to 10 feet and can get up to 8 feet wide.It meets a lot of my rose requirements. It is big, it is fragrant and it is a repeat bloomer. This is a picture is from the first bloom cycle this year. I have two of these and they are both in bloom today again. Hopefully the deer will stay away and i will get more pictures tomarrow.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/04/2003 09:43:00 PM
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BODY:
Post Iraq Stress Syndrome
I think that is what I and a lot of bloggers have. I also have job and computer/network problems but I think for a lot of us we got all keyed up for the war and now we are in letdown mode. Lets get our acts together now, the world hasn't ended (though "24" has, for the season), Iraq has not blown up and the Dow is over 9000. Things could be a lot worse. Here's hoping they don't become so.
That has to be the most hopeful I have been all day. Sorry I can't find the links, I am not sure how long the DSL will stay up this time, I read this morning about problems in Pakistan and a few days ago it was terrorists with WMD. All very chilling things. I still don't have a job, also a very chilling thing.
Let's all GET OVER IT.
Hardball on MSNBC already has since the top story today was Mrs. Clinton's new book. I don't know if I heard it correctly but it seemed to me that Chris refered to BC as her former husband. Does he know something we don't? I will have to check during the rebroadcast.
On MSNBC's half hourly news bite the top tow stories were Sammy Sosa and Martha Stewart.
Actually Chris was pretty funny tonight. He asked the question was BC harming the american public by lying and getting others, including the Mrs. to lie for him. First Lisa Caputo couldn't go there, he asked her several times but all she could do was spin away and try to make the subject something else. Next he asked the same question to Red Katrina of the Nation and got pretty much the same results. We now have a new way to tell a real leftist.
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TITLE:
AUTHOR: michael S
DATE: 6/01/2003 11:31:00 PM
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BODY:
Quote of the Day
Britt: Nobody throws me my own guns and says run. Nobody.
The Magnificent Seven - 1960