Analysis of the debate
The only thing I have to say is that Joe Lockheart (of the Kerry campaign) said that if 2000 was about the sigh, 2004 will be about the President's smirk. He better be careful, I saw Kerry smirking a lot too.
Overall: I think I would have preferred it if CSI were on... dull dull and more dull. The company that I watched it with was great. If I hadn't been hanging with fine folks like Miss O'Hara, Blake, RickP, and others... well, I would have found something else to watch a long time ago.
Next time, I want to create a list of key words for a drinking game. Shots every time we hear things like "resolve" or "I've only had one stance on the war in Iraq." Shots could be vodka, whiskey, espresso, or double buck.. take your pick. :) I think it will make the end result much more entertaining.
We will be back same Kitty-time, same Kitty-channel for the remainder of the debates. Hope y'all can join us!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
*shudder* I hated this toy
You're My Little Pony!! Sweet and innocent and
happy, you make people want to spew burrito
chunks. Even a Care Bear could kick your ass.
What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I really really really hated My Little Pony. My 1980's toys included He-Man, She-Ra, Jem, Barbie, and every THING Star Wars (all of which were properly destroyed by myself and/or my brother).
A purr to Cherry.. who is also a My Little Pony.
You're My Little Pony!! Sweet and innocent and
happy, you make people want to spew burrito
chunks. Even a Care Bear could kick your ass.
What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I really really really hated My Little Pony. My 1980's toys included He-Man, She-Ra, Jem, Barbie, and every THING Star Wars (all of which were properly destroyed by myself and/or my brother).
A purr to Cherry.. who is also a My Little Pony.
Scratches Recieved. Scratches Given.
From Samwise:
Kitty litter? No, I'm sorry - I'm a clean kitty. You don't like what I have to say (as stated in the comments on your blog) and that's fine. I don't expect everyone to agree. But I wasn't about to let the statements about the draft bill go un-challenged.
But what I think bothered several of your readers on this topic was the qualifier at the top of your blog "Don't shoot the messenger." That gives you the freedom to say anything but accept no responsibility for your words. When you don't like how a discussion is going, you can say "But I'm only telling you what I read!"
If you are going to put something out there for everyone to read - stand behind it. And if you are proven wrong (as several alert readers to this blog have told the Empress), suck it up and say your are wrong. Or take your kitty toys and go home and stay in a little bubble. I have admitted mistakes a few times. Crow is not a tasty dish let me tell you.
If CBS had done the latter (though they should have checked the validity first) with memo-gate, it might not have been such a big issue.
Also, a great many on both sides 'shoot first, never ask questions.' I've seen a good number of left-leaning blogs that call the right just as many names as say... those at the Emperor Misha's (love the frothing puppy insult generator.. source of alot of amusement). I've hurled a great many of them here. Raise the questions, think for yourself but be prepared for passionate, disjointed and on occasion intellectual responses.
Sincerely,
The Empress of all she surveys (which is currently the corner of her office)
From Samwise:
To Samwise:Thanks for the preening you've given me and for the kitty litter you left behind
on my blog.It is reassuring to find people that can rationally debate an issue.
You and Sandor have my respect for that.But to clarify, I don't believe that we should all share the same opinions - what a boring world that would be! Nor am I fruitcake that enjoys wearing aluminium foil hats. I just enjoy raising issues and using the grey matter for what it was intended ... thought. I never claim to be right all the time, even though it is an undeniable gift of Scorpios to be correct!
Kitty litter? No, I'm sorry - I'm a clean kitty. You don't like what I have to say (as stated in the comments on your blog) and that's fine. I don't expect everyone to agree. But I wasn't about to let the statements about the draft bill go un-challenged.
But what I think bothered several of your readers on this topic was the qualifier at the top of your blog "Don't shoot the messenger." That gives you the freedom to say anything but accept no responsibility for your words. When you don't like how a discussion is going, you can say "But I'm only telling you what I read!"
If you are going to put something out there for everyone to read - stand behind it. And if you are proven wrong (as several alert readers to this blog have told the Empress), suck it up and say your are wrong. Or take your kitty toys and go home and stay in a little bubble. I have admitted mistakes a few times. Crow is not a tasty dish let me tell you.
If CBS had done the latter (though they should have checked the validity first) with memo-gate, it might not have been such a big issue.
Also, a great many on both sides 'shoot first, never ask questions.' I've seen a good number of left-leaning blogs that call the right just as many names as say... those at the Emperor Misha's (love the frothing puppy insult generator.. source of alot of amusement). I've hurled a great many of them here. Raise the questions, think for yourself but be prepared for passionate, disjointed and on occasion intellectual responses.
Sincerely,
The Empress of all she surveys (which is currently the corner of her office)
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
PC hits private enterprise
One of my favorite stores, Target, has announced it will no longer allow the Salvation Army Bell Ringers around its doors at Christmas time because of it's 'no-solicitation EVER' policy. They now say that it must be fairly applied or else they could run the risk of a lawsuit.
Uhhhhhhhh......
*scratches her head* Perhaps those more intelligent can help me understand something...
Target, a private business which probably owns the property it built the store on, is worried because it makes one exception for a Christian non-profit that maybe groups like Hamas will demand equal time to fundraise? Did I miss something? I thought that a private organization could decide who could come in and out as it pleased. But we live in a world where the morality of Johns run things.
One of my favorite stores, Target, has announced it will no longer allow the Salvation Army Bell Ringers around its doors at Christmas time because of it's 'no-solicitation EVER' policy. They now say that it must be fairly applied or else they could run the risk of a lawsuit.
Uhhhhhhhh......
*scratches her head* Perhaps those more intelligent can help me understand something...
Target, a private business which probably owns the property it built the store on, is worried because it makes one exception for a Christian non-profit that maybe groups like Hamas will demand equal time to fundraise? Did I miss something? I thought that a private organization could decide who could come in and out as it pleased. But we live in a world where the morality of Johns run things.
Moonbats on parade
I like a good conspiracy theory. My brother and I would sit around and cook them up for fun. It stretches the imagination and sometimes makes sense of things that otherwise are... incomprehensible (like the USDA Food Pyramid or that the gay marriage hub bub is because wedding planners and divorce lawyers need more business).
But thanks to another Alliance member, I have become aware of Blog War 2004. Apparently, an Aussie with the blog The Samwise Polemic has some questions as to the validity of the terrorist attacks. He's not denying that Nick Berg, Paul Johnson and others are dead. He's wondering if the killers are really Middle Eastern terrorists.
In a statement of reason in an otherwise sea of swirling insults, epithets, and curses, Sandor at the Zoo counters the arguments that the beheadings are the work of the CIA and other tin foil theories.
The position of the Empress's Court is that there are terrorists who are abducting people from the streets in Iraq and holding them hostage in an effort to impact policy. It isn't just America they are targeting. The Italians, the Koreans, the Bulgarians, and the French have also been targeted and they are ending up just a dead. The French women abducted were aid workers... not contractors or military personnel. And it wasn't about getting the French out of Iraq - the terrorists demanded that Muslim girls be allowed to wear a hijab to school. It isn't about getting the US out of Iraq. If we left, it would continue. They would just switch demands.
Mosques on every corner. Calls to prayer over your cell phone become mandatory. Forget wearing your Manolos, girls - you can't see them under a burqa. No reason to spend the money. Wait - you won't have access to money because it will be in your closest male relatives account. I think Margaret Atwood picked the wrong religion to make fun of in "The Handmaid's Tale." Sounds more and more like an Islamist state to me. (I know - the general theme was to point out extreme fundamentalism.)
There is evil in the world today. To say other wise is to be delusional. You cannot negotiate with evil. It/they don't want to negotiate. They want your complete and total surrender.
I like a good conspiracy theory. My brother and I would sit around and cook them up for fun. It stretches the imagination and sometimes makes sense of things that otherwise are... incomprehensible (like the USDA Food Pyramid or that the gay marriage hub bub is because wedding planners and divorce lawyers need more business).
But thanks to another Alliance member, I have become aware of Blog War 2004. Apparently, an Aussie with the blog The Samwise Polemic has some questions as to the validity of the terrorist attacks. He's not denying that Nick Berg, Paul Johnson and others are dead. He's wondering if the killers are really Middle Eastern terrorists.
In a statement of reason in an otherwise sea of swirling insults, epithets, and curses, Sandor at the Zoo counters the arguments that the beheadings are the work of the CIA and other tin foil theories.
The position of the Empress's Court is that there are terrorists who are abducting people from the streets in Iraq and holding them hostage in an effort to impact policy. It isn't just America they are targeting. The Italians, the Koreans, the Bulgarians, and the French have also been targeted and they are ending up just a dead. The French women abducted were aid workers... not contractors or military personnel. And it wasn't about getting the French out of Iraq - the terrorists demanded that Muslim girls be allowed to wear a hijab to school. It isn't about getting the US out of Iraq. If we left, it would continue. They would just switch demands.
Mosques on every corner. Calls to prayer over your cell phone become mandatory. Forget wearing your Manolos, girls - you can't see them under a burqa. No reason to spend the money. Wait - you won't have access to money because it will be in your closest male relatives account. I think Margaret Atwood picked the wrong religion to make fun of in "The Handmaid's Tale." Sounds more and more like an Islamist state to me. (I know - the general theme was to point out extreme fundamentalism.)
There is evil in the world today. To say other wise is to be delusional. You cannot negotiate with evil. It/they don't want to negotiate. They want your complete and total surrender.
Elena returns!
The Brief Tale of Ralph and a criticism of Jane Austen adapted movies may be found over at her blog.
She is being good and blogging after work... *whistles innocently and glances around the room*
Ohhh... you mean me? Well.. um.. I could think of worse things to do .. than read a blog or two.
The Brief Tale of Ralph and a criticism of Jane Austen adapted movies may be found over at her blog.
She is being good and blogging after work... *whistles innocently and glances around the room*
Ohhh... you mean me? Well.. um.. I could think of worse things to do .. than read a blog or two.
Shameless Plugs
The Empress has to give props to blogs she likes. The blogs she reads at least several times a week are listed in her Favorites up there at the top. And a new one to add to the list:
Jericho & Tanner
Mike Jericho looks like Nate. Considering they sound alot alike, we may have found some seperated twins! See for yourself under his pictures. Scroll to the right.
In the comments section of Jericho and Tanner, Mike asks:
Pink Kitty, what I want to know is, when are you going to seize power away from the unworthy paws of humans? I will be your ruthless servant, and will swiftly dispatch those that you hiss at.
Where is my list?! I have a list... Elena, do you know where my list is? To his other question, the overthrow of the government followed by the installation of the Empress as supreme ruler is going on right now. One step at a time. Just like the furry Empress (my cat), you pay lots of attention for a while then wander away. It lulls the other person into a state of contentment and confusion.
And the coronation will be one kickin' party, let me tell ya.
Though I would take an LP win in the Presidency as well.
The Empress has to give props to blogs she likes. The blogs she reads at least several times a week are listed in her Favorites up there at the top. And a new one to add to the list:
Jericho & Tanner
Mike Jericho looks like Nate. Considering they sound alot alike, we may have found some seperated twins! See for yourself under his pictures. Scroll to the right.
In the comments section of Jericho and Tanner, Mike asks:
Pink Kitty, what I want to know is, when are you going to seize power away from the unworthy paws of humans? I will be your ruthless servant, and will swiftly dispatch those that you hiss at.
Where is my list?! I have a list... Elena, do you know where my list is? To his other question, the overthrow of the government followed by the installation of the Empress as supreme ruler is going on right now. One step at a time. Just like the furry Empress (my cat), you pay lots of attention for a while then wander away. It lulls the other person into a state of contentment and confusion.
And the coronation will be one kickin' party, let me tell ya.
Though I would take an LP win in the Presidency as well.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Party Pink Kitty Style!
As Elena would say. The lovely Miss O'Hara has posted the invitation and instructions on her site site.
Blake is riding to the rescue and saving us from the problems we had with the yahoo chat. He will be tidying up his bachelor pad and having us all over at his place (bookmark for your convenience).
Debate starts at 9pm Eastern.. that's 8pm for us Central zone types. Miss O'Hara will be there around 8:30 Eastern.. and I will log in after Survivor. 2 people are being voted out this week! Snagging that from Pearl Islands there Burnett.. and possibly a tribe swap? It is starting to sound like Meatloaf's "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that." Remember the song how it builds and adds more instruments, vocals until it sounds like an orchestra and choir are with him?
How many twists and surprises can we cram into one episode?
As Elena would say. The lovely Miss O'Hara has posted the invitation and instructions on her site site.
Blake is riding to the rescue and saving us from the problems we had with the yahoo chat. He will be tidying up his bachelor pad and having us all over at his place (bookmark for your convenience).
Debate starts at 9pm Eastern.. that's 8pm for us Central zone types. Miss O'Hara will be there around 8:30 Eastern.. and I will log in after Survivor. 2 people are being voted out this week! Snagging that from Pearl Islands there Burnett.. and possibly a tribe swap? It is starting to sound like Meatloaf's "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that." Remember the song how it builds and adds more instruments, vocals until it sounds like an orchestra and choir are with him?
How many twists and surprises can we cram into one episode?
Being intellectual and stuff
As Elena can attest to: I love books. I don't often read them but I love them anyway. There are books everywhere in my house. In whatever new place I move into, one room will be dedicated as a study/library/office so all of my books have a home on a shelf and not in a box.
So, that goes without saying I love amazon.com. I've been shopping there since it opened in 1997. I like to read the guides other readers put together in the "so you'd like to..." feature. MrSherlockHolmes put together several lists based on Adler's list in "How to read a book" (one which I have and have yet to get around to....)
On list 1, he recommends purchasing a Bible:
After a certain number of years, a copyright can move into public domain if an extension is not filed for. The copyright for Mickey Mouse would have expired long ago if Disney did not keep extending it.
The King James Version is all well and good, but like reading Shakespeare.. I don't want it in front of me all the time.
Amazon.com: So You'd Like to... read the greatest Western books of all time (Part 1 of 5)
As Elena can attest to: I love books. I don't often read them but I love them anyway. There are books everywhere in my house. In whatever new place I move into, one room will be dedicated as a study/library/office so all of my books have a home on a shelf and not in a box.
So, that goes without saying I love amazon.com. I've been shopping there since it opened in 1997. I like to read the guides other readers put together in the "so you'd like to..." feature. MrSherlockHolmes put together several lists based on Adler's list in "How to read a book" (one which I have and have yet to get around to....)
On list 1, he recommends purchasing a Bible:
Of course this spot (#1) would have to go to the Word of God, or the Bible. I recommend the King James Version 1611. There are so many versions out in the market today, and the funny thing is many of them are copyrighted. It baffles me how men can copyright the Word of God. Stick with the KJV.I don't think publishers like Zondervan (home of the NIV) copyright the Bible to try to put God in a box or say they know something He doesn't. It is about the work that went into translating the Bible from its original languages.
After a certain number of years, a copyright can move into public domain if an extension is not filed for. The copyright for Mickey Mouse would have expired long ago if Disney did not keep extending it.
The King James Version is all well and good, but like reading Shakespeare.. I don't want it in front of me all the time.
Amazon.com: So You'd Like to... read the greatest Western books of all time (Part 1 of 5)
Monday, September 27, 2004
Can you tell...
It was really busy at work this afternoon???
Right Wing News - Top 10 John Kerry pictures
To be fair, some George Bush gems
It was really busy at work this afternoon???
Right Wing News - Top 10 John Kerry pictures
To be fair, some George Bush gems
Who to unleash the Empress’s wrath upon?
Telemarketers!
I know – they are just doing a job so I try not to be terribly rude to them on the phone. How do I feel when I get some jerk on the phone at work chewing my rear end out because he can’t get in to this school and he feels entitled and that we owe him something for the wrongs of the world?? Honestly….
But, here’s the newest one I’ve heard – a fake voice mail that you think is a wrong number. I was checking messages at my dad’s store and had one that said something like:
Telemarketers!
I know – they are just doing a job so I try not to be terribly rude to them on the phone. How do I feel when I get some jerk on the phone at work chewing my rear end out because he can’t get in to this school and he feels entitled and that we owe him something for the wrongs of the world?? Honestly….
But, here’s the newest one I’ve heard – a fake voice mail that you think is a wrong number. I was checking messages at my dad’s store and had one that said something like:
“Hi Angela. It’s Michelle. I just dropped Frank off at the airport and he wanted me to tell you about those stocks you asked about. Let me get the paper – hold on. ::rustle rustle:: They are [some letters] and [some more letters]. Oh and this one [even more random letters]. He said they were good buys and will help you get started in the market. Call [some dumb phone number] for more information. Talk to you soon!”What the….? I guess I wasn’t that angry, just bemused. Wouldn’t that be a fun job? Reading the same script over and over and over. What do they do if they get a real person on the other end? They can’t ask for Angela because it’s likely that it isn’t Angela on the other end.
“Hi this is Michelle. Frank wanted me to tell you…”This is why caller ID is one of the greatest inventions ever.
“But I don’t know anyone named Frank.”
“That’s ok – Frank is my boss and he wants people to know about this amazing…”
“But, how do I know your boss isn’t a flake and has something I want to hear.”
“Ma’am, that’s what I’m trying to tell you. We have an amazing opportunity to…”
“To take my money. Is that it?”
“Well, uh… you can buy these stocks in an IPO for a new company…”
“Crook! Cheat! Swindler!”
::Empress Kitty wakes up:: Oh pooh.
Friday, September 24, 2004
God bless....
You're Lili St. Cyr!
Bonus points if you know what movie I referenced with the title...
What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
A purr to the lovely Miss O'Hara
You're Lili St. Cyr!
Bonus points if you know what movie I referenced with the title...
What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
A purr to the lovely Miss O'Hara
Media Bias and Philosophy
TheTedChronicles suggested that I expand my mind and read indymedia.org.
I did.
Here’s what I found…
4 lead stories that read like something I saw in a book on the history of the Communist movement. Workers taking over the factories, government involvement in the economy, and the word “womyn.”
Indymedia’s coverage of the RNC protest did NOT cover the physical assault of the counter-protesters (video available here and here). What it said of the Protest Warriors:
They were "provoking members of APOC anti-imperialist contingent in arguments, inciting violence. Police have stepped in, trying to keep them in check."
Yet the accounts I read of those in attendance were that the PW’s were attacked first – both verbally and physically for just trying to participate. Since you or I were not in New York City, we really won’t know which side is completely in the right (pardon the word choice).
Reading through the comments on the forum, I found names of authors such as “smash the right” and “socialist.” And you are implying this is a independent, un-biased news source? And Dan Rather is a good journalist.
The only item of note I found on their site was an audio interview with a Protest Warrior who was probably caught off guard and not prepared to do interviews. Therefore, the man came off sounding like a backwater hick.
Not having the time and not being a regular reader of the site, did indymedia cover the attack of Episcopal priests – who were behind the roped off area – by the anti-abortion crowd? Did they support the woman who was physically dragged from a John Kerry event? They had plenty of compliments for those that snuck into the RNC.
For examples of real media bias, why don’t you visit the Media Research Center? I had a blog entry about them just a few days ago. Don’t even try to claim that mainstream media, CNN, and MSNBC are open-minded news sources. I find it incredibly amusing that the left has a hissy fit about 1 channel (Fox) but says nothing about the others… oh… that would be because they agree with the others.
See this keen statement:
“I’m a big supporter of President Clinton. And if there wasn’t such a thing as the Constitution, I’d vote for him a third time.”
— Former NBC News reporter Star Jones, now a co-host of ABC’s The View, at a June 21 party promoting Bill Clinton’s book, as quoted in the June 22 USA Today.
That Constitution… it’s just something in the way.
Sparring partners
The [other] Pink Kitty had some very polite things to say about yours truly on her blog… me being a weirdo notwithstanding. :) I’m not weird. I’m eccentric.
She asked me some questions that I would like to respond to:
Do I like old-school country music? Yes. Johnny Cash is the man. Bluegrass music (a la what you heard in O Brother Where Art Thou?) makes ya feel good. A lot of country music looks like pop music (Shania, Keith Urban for example). Now, I like the both of them but there are times when I don’t want to hear something over-produced and all happy. It needs to be about the music and the song.
Is my degree really a placemant? Not really. Neither one of them have served me any professional good. I’ve yet to hold a job where the minimum qualification was a bachelor’s degree, let alone a Master’s degree. Both are in a drawer in my room. As much as I spent on this most recent degree, I’ve yet to see any Vanderbling from it. And I doubt I ever will. I will probably run off and start my own business first. Ideas welcome.
And I do like vodka. I have a great collection of mixers and other spirits I inherited when my dad passed and recently expanded my wine collection after visits to some small wineries in Virginia and East Tennessee on my vacation. Drinking isn’t a sin. Drinking in excess is just plain irresponsible and can lead some pretty bad consequences that are sin (killing someone in an accident for example). You have to know your limits and your family history. My family has a history of alcoholism. I have maybe 1 drink a month. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been completely lit like a Christmas tree. Elena and Duke Diva don’t drink but they don’t stare at me when I decide to order a glass of wine at dinner. They won’t let me drive though. Being friends – being responsible.
To borrow from Aristotle, there is a golden mean. Everything should be in moderation – to deny oneself or over-indulge is a vice.
Now onto a more intellectual response to the discussion of religion ThePinkKitty (TPK) and her sister, The Ted Chronicles (TTC) have opened:
To the issue of re-dedication, I first accepted Christ when I was 11. Without any support at home, church, or at the Christian school I attended, I fell by the wayside and became an agnostic by the time I was 17. After visiting a non-denominational church in Colorado, I saw that church didn’t have to be oppressive and full of back-stabbing idiots. When I was 24, after some of the lowest periods of my life to that point, I poured my heart out to God as He was the only one left around to listen to me. My life didn’t change but I felt better. I joined a church and felt like I really belonged, which came in really handy when my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 months later. I read Job and Jonah a lot during that time. At the visitation for her funeral, three women from my small group – who never met my mom – came to support me. I’ve tried to imagine how I would have made it through if I hadn’t fallen down before God in August 1999. I think I probably would be dead from the stress of dealing with the estate (and now estates of my dad and grandmother). At the very least emotionally dead if not physically. Without prayer and the support of a church family (there is a reason why we call each other brother and sister in Christ), I wouldn’t have made it through. Enough about me…
TPK states that she believes in God, was baptized, tries to live a moral life and wonders if I think she is a heathen. Since I don’t know TPK personally, I can’t say whether or not she’s a heathen. The decision as to whether or not you are a Christian is between you and God. How I know is how you (in the generic sense) you live your life. Do you say one thing yet live in another way? I’m sure there are times when my own behavior would cause people to say “No, she isn’t a Christian.”
Just as intolerant, hateful idiots have co-opted religion for personal gain, they’ve stolen philosophy and political thought as a mask for violence. As you stated, you have to make up your mind for yourself. See if what is coming from the pulpit is lining up with Scripture – taken in its proper context.
Now TTC, why am I not worth your time? Seems a bit dismissive and premature to me. Regarding your faith: to deny that any god exists means you are an atheist. An agnostic says they don’t know and that it is impossible to know. How in the world can you make a decision about the here-after when you are dead? To say such implies that you think there is something after this life. If so, is it good or bad? Is it pleasurable or punishment?
Is there a heaven? A hell? Do we have a soul?
Do we become something else? Wandering around as we work of karma? Is this life a one-shot deal?
The major difference between Christianity and all other major religions is that no work is required for salvation. The change in a Christian’s life is the fruit of their relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit working through them. Belief that Jesus Christ died for you, that he is the Son of God, and that you repent of your sin (whole-heartedly) is what is required for being a Christian. How we treat others and how we live is a response to the grace from God for the forgiveness of our sins and for the continued blessings we receive.
Yes, there are people who say they are Christian and don’t act like it at all. I grew up with these people at the prep school I attended. They were a large part of my decision to say to hell with organized religion in my late teens. They are mean, hateful people. But do you condemn the hateful people who co-opt Islam (terrorists), Judaism, Hinduism (the nationalists in India who advocate attacking Christians and other religious minorities)? I’ve found in a lot of discussions about religious bigotry, they only cite Christians and fail to show other instances of it globally – it is just Christians that are bad.
.
Now, years later, I am still skittish about attending a denominational church service. But I am slowly opening up to it, particularly looking into liturgy and orthodoxy. There is a trend of thought in non-denominational churches that unless it is a “praise and worship” song, they shouldn’t sing it in their service. Our own musical director catches some heat for choosing to use a “great hymn of the faith” such as “Great is thy faithfulness” after a bit of tweaking to make it a little more contemporary. I find a lot of value in those great hymns that have stood the test of time and speak from generation to generation. It goes hand in hand with post-modern thought; they are deconstructing the church musical history.
Group prayer like you find in the Episcopal Church (where Duke Diva and I went to church while on vacation – leader reads a part and the congregation responds) is another way to pray and think about God, as well as interact with a community of believers.
Now, y’all tend to have more to say when I talk about Queer Eye for the Straight Guy than the times I actually take the time to write something… - hint hint- I look forward to hearing others on this topic.
Pink Kitty: 23 and not stupid...
The [other] Pink Kitty had some very polite things to say about yours truly on her blog… me being a weirdo notwithstanding. :) I’m not weird. I’m eccentric.
She asked me some questions that I would like to respond to:
Do I like old-school country music? Yes. Johnny Cash is the man. Bluegrass music (a la what you heard in O Brother Where Art Thou?) makes ya feel good. A lot of country music looks like pop music (Shania, Keith Urban for example). Now, I like the both of them but there are times when I don’t want to hear something over-produced and all happy. It needs to be about the music and the song.
Is my degree really a placemant? Not really. Neither one of them have served me any professional good. I’ve yet to hold a job where the minimum qualification was a bachelor’s degree, let alone a Master’s degree. Both are in a drawer in my room. As much as I spent on this most recent degree, I’ve yet to see any Vanderbling from it. And I doubt I ever will. I will probably run off and start my own business first. Ideas welcome.
And I do like vodka. I have a great collection of mixers and other spirits I inherited when my dad passed and recently expanded my wine collection after visits to some small wineries in Virginia and East Tennessee on my vacation. Drinking isn’t a sin. Drinking in excess is just plain irresponsible and can lead some pretty bad consequences that are sin (killing someone in an accident for example). You have to know your limits and your family history. My family has a history of alcoholism. I have maybe 1 drink a month. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been completely lit like a Christmas tree. Elena and Duke Diva don’t drink but they don’t stare at me when I decide to order a glass of wine at dinner. They won’t let me drive though. Being friends – being responsible.
To borrow from Aristotle, there is a golden mean. Everything should be in moderation – to deny oneself or over-indulge is a vice.
Now onto a more intellectual response to the discussion of religion ThePinkKitty (TPK) and her sister, The Ted Chronicles (TTC) have opened:
To the issue of re-dedication, I first accepted Christ when I was 11. Without any support at home, church, or at the Christian school I attended, I fell by the wayside and became an agnostic by the time I was 17. After visiting a non-denominational church in Colorado, I saw that church didn’t have to be oppressive and full of back-stabbing idiots. When I was 24, after some of the lowest periods of my life to that point, I poured my heart out to God as He was the only one left around to listen to me. My life didn’t change but I felt better. I joined a church and felt like I really belonged, which came in really handy when my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 months later. I read Job and Jonah a lot during that time. At the visitation for her funeral, three women from my small group – who never met my mom – came to support me. I’ve tried to imagine how I would have made it through if I hadn’t fallen down before God in August 1999. I think I probably would be dead from the stress of dealing with the estate (and now estates of my dad and grandmother). At the very least emotionally dead if not physically. Without prayer and the support of a church family (there is a reason why we call each other brother and sister in Christ), I wouldn’t have made it through. Enough about me…
TPK states that she believes in God, was baptized, tries to live a moral life and wonders if I think she is a heathen. Since I don’t know TPK personally, I can’t say whether or not she’s a heathen. The decision as to whether or not you are a Christian is between you and God. How I know is how you (in the generic sense) you live your life. Do you say one thing yet live in another way? I’m sure there are times when my own behavior would cause people to say “No, she isn’t a Christian.”
Just as intolerant, hateful idiots have co-opted religion for personal gain, they’ve stolen philosophy and political thought as a mask for violence. As you stated, you have to make up your mind for yourself. See if what is coming from the pulpit is lining up with Scripture – taken in its proper context.
Now TTC, why am I not worth your time? Seems a bit dismissive and premature to me. Regarding your faith: to deny that any god exists means you are an atheist. An agnostic says they don’t know and that it is impossible to know. How in the world can you make a decision about the here-after when you are dead? To say such implies that you think there is something after this life. If so, is it good or bad? Is it pleasurable or punishment?
Is there a heaven? A hell? Do we have a soul?
Do we become something else? Wandering around as we work of karma? Is this life a one-shot deal?
The major difference between Christianity and all other major religions is that no work is required for salvation. The change in a Christian’s life is the fruit of their relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit working through them. Belief that Jesus Christ died for you, that he is the Son of God, and that you repent of your sin (whole-heartedly) is what is required for being a Christian. How we treat others and how we live is a response to the grace from God for the forgiveness of our sins and for the continued blessings we receive.
Yes, there are people who say they are Christian and don’t act like it at all. I grew up with these people at the prep school I attended. They were a large part of my decision to say to hell with organized religion in my late teens. They are mean, hateful people. But do you condemn the hateful people who co-opt Islam (terrorists), Judaism, Hinduism (the nationalists in India who advocate attacking Christians and other religious minorities)? I’ve found in a lot of discussions about religious bigotry, they only cite Christians and fail to show other instances of it globally – it is just Christians that are bad.
.
Now, years later, I am still skittish about attending a denominational church service. But I am slowly opening up to it, particularly looking into liturgy and orthodoxy. There is a trend of thought in non-denominational churches that unless it is a “praise and worship” song, they shouldn’t sing it in their service. Our own musical director catches some heat for choosing to use a “great hymn of the faith” such as “Great is thy faithfulness” after a bit of tweaking to make it a little more contemporary. I find a lot of value in those great hymns that have stood the test of time and speak from generation to generation. It goes hand in hand with post-modern thought; they are deconstructing the church musical history.
Group prayer like you find in the Episcopal Church (where Duke Diva and I went to church while on vacation – leader reads a part and the congregation responds) is another way to pray and think about God, as well as interact with a community of believers.
Now, y’all tend to have more to say when I talk about Queer Eye for the Straight Guy than the times I actually take the time to write something… - hint hint- I look forward to hearing others on this topic.
Pink Kitty: 23 and not stupid...
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Uppin' the Intellectual Quotient
and your morning time-waster...
A purr to Matt.
and your morning time-waster...
| Which British Literary Period are you? Medieval 1066-1500--The time of Arthur and his knights, and Chaucer. Friendship and loyalty are important to you.
|
| Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
A purr to Matt.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS!
There is only one - ONE - I tell you! And that Pink Kitty is me!
Pink Kitty
I was going to say all sorts of things (as Elena can attest to when I called, shrieking in laughter - "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" as she said) but will say only this:
I was 23.. and stupid at that point in my life. I thought my writing at that point would change the world.. or that I could change the world. I made some horrible decisions in that year before I re-dedicated my life to Christ. I've made some since but I can safely say that I have survived the last few years because of God's grace and providence.
And I prefer to get my news from WorldNetDaily or Fox rather than idymedia.com.
There is only one - ONE - I tell you! And that Pink Kitty is me!
Pink Kitty
I was going to say all sorts of things (as Elena can attest to when I called, shrieking in laughter - "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" as she said) but will say only this:
I was 23.. and stupid at that point in my life. I thought my writing at that point would change the world.. or that I could change the world. I made some horrible decisions in that year before I re-dedicated my life to Christ. I've made some since but I can safely say that I have survived the last few years because of God's grace and providence.
And I prefer to get my news from WorldNetDaily or Fox rather than idymedia.com.
What Women Want
Again, the left claims to speak for all women:
We all know that the left speaks for all women - because since we have ovaries we are absolutely incapable of making up our own freaking minds and determining that:
And my black pants aren't covered in cat hair! Thanks Kitty.
OK - one more:
Again, the left claims to speak for all women:
“You and Olympia Snowe, the other Senator from Maine, are known as moderate Republican women. You have no place in this convention. The platform does not seem to speak to a lot of women in this country. It’s anti-abortion, it does not expand stem cell research, on other social issues in which women have some interest, for example, gay unions, is formally opposed to that. Do you think that this platform and this party is doing enough to reach out to moderate women across the country?”Mr. Brokaw, could you be a little more negative? I think something is missing - like Republicans want to joing Evil Glenn in blending puppies or something.
– NBC’s Tom Brokaw to Senator Susan Collins on his 4pm EDT MSNBC show Brokaw in New York, August 31.
We all know that the left speaks for all women - because since we have ovaries we are absolutely incapable of making up our own freaking minds and determining that:
- Abortion is murder. Research has shown that women who have abortions are at increased risks for cervical cancer. They also do not tell the women about the emotional/psychological consequences of post-abortion trauma.
- What women care about stem cell research and why? I think I missed the big press release that this was central to the female side of the planet.
- The best estimates put the gay population at 10% but statisticians agree that's over-inflated and that the real number is somewhere between 2% and 5%. That means, possibly, 1% of women could marry their lesbian lovers. Perhaps what he means is that women should be open to their husbands leaving them for their gay lovers.
And my black pants aren't covered in cat hair! Thanks Kitty.
OK - one more:
“We wonder in this day and age if a 47-year-old married father of two who realizes he is gay could make such an announcement without being forced to leave political office. And we wonder also, will the day come, ever, when he could?”Leave it to CNN to muddle the issue. The fact that Gov. McGreevy of New Jersey is gay isn't why he is leaving office. It could be that:
– CNN’s Miles O’Brien on August 12, filling in as anchor of NewsNight with Aaron Brown.
- He hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law and mailed the tape to his own sister to supress any questions about his fundraising. He pled guilty to that and 17 other federal crimes.
- He funnelled state money into his own pocket and that of friends and family. He also took the state helicopters out almost 300 times - some for personal reasons.
- Currently under investigation for improper fund raising. Former staffers are also under investigation. They didn't decide to act on their own, you know.
- Abuses of power carried out through the Attorney General's Office. (And they want to accuse GWB of the same thing without pointing this out? Pot calling kettle - line 2).
- Hiring his gay lover when it was against the law. Not because he was gay but because he was a foreign national in a senstive US security post. So when he couldn't get the homeland security gig, McGreevey basically hired him as a consultant to do nothing for $110,000. Now THAT'S a good job. And the guy never even showed up for work. Yeesh.
- Raising taxes, raising spending, lowering bond rating.
Band-Geeks of the world unite!
Doesn't that look like something the marching band would wear? This and other insanely un-fashionable items available at: ModestApparel.com
Yes, I get the point: they don't want to dress like Britney and Christina. But... does that mean you have to wear something akin to a trash bag or 1970's slip cover to be modest?
I thought my nice french blue button down shirt and new navy slacks were modest and looked good.
*edited title.. for no reason at all*
Doesn't that look like something the marching band would wear? This and other insanely un-fashionable items available at: ModestApparel.com
Yes, I get the point: they don't want to dress like Britney and Christina. But... does that mean you have to wear something akin to a trash bag or 1970's slip cover to be modest?
I thought my nice french blue button down shirt and new navy slacks were modest and looked good.
*edited title.. for no reason at all*
If you love me, you'll hit me
This story relates that an Iranian woman went to court to ask that her husband only beat her once a week as opposed to every day.
*scratches her head*
To the court's credit, they found him guilty and told him to stop beating her. His reply:
"If I do not beat her, she will not be scared enough to obey me," the husband said.
Alright, I admit it: I don't get the logic. Maybe it's because I live in the heathen West and have been indoctrinated with feminist propaganda that says it's not alright for me to be beaten by my husband - or anyone else for that matter.
[PC-whine] But I don't understand the culture.. I'm not being sensitive to the ideas of Islamists that are different from my own Western and Judeo-Christian values that are just as valid. [end whine]
Maybe I don't see being scared as a way of life or a way to obey my future husband. I would hope that he would see physical abuse as abhorrant and contrary to the way God wants us to conduct relationships, particularly in marriage.
Ultimately, it's just sad that, particularly in Islamic cultures, men feel threatened by women that they have to resort to physical abuse and repressive legal structures to keep them in check.
Some would say that I'm picking and choosing my sources or singling out parts of the Koran that support my position when the same can be said of Christianity. True, there are abusive men in Christianity who would twist Scripture to their own purpose but their message is completely opposite to the message of Jesus Christ. However, recent studies have shown evangelical Christian men are less likely to be abusive than nominal Christians or non-Christians (though after an hour of searching I cannot find the article that I read on it *grumble*). I've yet to see any information that leads me to believe that Islam shares a similar message of peace, joy, and hope.
a purr to Drudge.
This story relates that an Iranian woman went to court to ask that her husband only beat her once a week as opposed to every day.
*scratches her head*
To the court's credit, they found him guilty and told him to stop beating her. His reply:
"If I do not beat her, she will not be scared enough to obey me," the husband said.
Alright, I admit it: I don't get the logic. Maybe it's because I live in the heathen West and have been indoctrinated with feminist propaganda that says it's not alright for me to be beaten by my husband - or anyone else for that matter.
[PC-whine] But I don't understand the culture.. I'm not being sensitive to the ideas of Islamists that are different from my own Western and Judeo-Christian values that are just as valid. [end whine]
Maybe I don't see being scared as a way of life or a way to obey my future husband. I would hope that he would see physical abuse as abhorrant and contrary to the way God wants us to conduct relationships, particularly in marriage.
Ultimately, it's just sad that, particularly in Islamic cultures, men feel threatened by women that they have to resort to physical abuse and repressive legal structures to keep them in check.
Some would say that I'm picking and choosing my sources or singling out parts of the Koran that support my position when the same can be said of Christianity. True, there are abusive men in Christianity who would twist Scripture to their own purpose but their message is completely opposite to the message of Jesus Christ. However, recent studies have shown evangelical Christian men are less likely to be abusive than nominal Christians or non-Christians (though after an hour of searching I cannot find the article that I read on it *grumble*). I've yet to see any information that leads me to believe that Islam shares a similar message of peace, joy, and hope.
a purr to Drudge.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Good thing I'm a Sig
WorldNetDaily: Chirac: Time for global tax
Because I'm going to start shooting. I need the practice. Baby blue caps better watch out.
The ever-intelligent Mr. Chirac suggested that there be a global tax on individual firearm purchases to end poverty. Somehow, I think there would be a bit of an uprising in the US if that would happen. Despite Dean's assertion that we have to get away from God and guns (race and gays also listed) in the South.. that just will not happen. If it does, it's because we elected some boneheads to office who really don't agree with our personal politics but we voted for them anyway.
It is yet another attempt to hurt the US economically.
And ElCorridor had this to say in the comments section of fark.com:
What kind of teeth would that tax agency have? If I didn't pay, what would they do?
Send me a strongly-worded letter?
Fart in my general direction?
Now, go away with all of your UN k-nnnnniiggets, or I shall taunt you a second time-a!
WorldNetDaily: Chirac: Time for global tax
Because I'm going to start shooting. I need the practice. Baby blue caps better watch out.
The ever-intelligent Mr. Chirac suggested that there be a global tax on individual firearm purchases to end poverty. Somehow, I think there would be a bit of an uprising in the US if that would happen. Despite Dean's assertion that we have to get away from God and guns (race and gays also listed) in the South.. that just will not happen. If it does, it's because we elected some boneheads to office who really don't agree with our personal politics but we voted for them anyway.
It is yet another attempt to hurt the US economically.
And ElCorridor had this to say in the comments section of fark.com:
What kind of teeth would that tax agency have? If I didn't pay, what would they do?
Send me a strongly-worded letter?
Fart in my general direction?
Now, go away with all of your UN k-nnnnniiggets, or I shall taunt you a second time-a!
Mapping things out
The History Channel had a special on a couple of weeks ago about maps and map making. It was critical to monarchs of the past to have accurate maps as they planned future wars. The same is true today: our troops use maps in addition to GPS to negotiate their way through hostile territory.
After the 2000 election, we are now divided: Red States and Blue States. Red States are known by those in Blue States as "flyover states" because it's that huge part of the country between New York and California.
Now you can see where the money comes from:
The City Maps
The History Channel had a special on a couple of weeks ago about maps and map making. It was critical to monarchs of the past to have accurate maps as they planned future wars. The same is true today: our troops use maps in addition to GPS to negotiate their way through hostile territory.
After the 2000 election, we are now divided: Red States and Blue States. Red States are known by those in Blue States as "flyover states" because it's that huge part of the country between New York and California.
Now you can see where the money comes from:
The City Maps
Would it be any other way?
Sig Sauer P226. Greatest gun ever! Feel special.
Beautiful and reliable but can still scare the
living bejesus outta anyone.
What handgun are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
It's a bit bigger than my Sig.. but it's still a Sig.
A purr to Erik.
Sig Sauer P226. Greatest gun ever! Feel special.
Beautiful and reliable but can still scare the
living bejesus outta anyone.
What handgun are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
It's a bit bigger than my Sig.. but it's still a Sig.
A purr to Erik.
Monday, September 20, 2004
If only...
Not like 9/11 or Sadaam had anything to do with us going into Iraq. Just GWB - he was bored and decided to start a war. They would be deployed elsewhere.. ? Just where is that? Germany? France? They could use another good butt-kicking. But if Gore was in office, he wouldn't have had to deploy them anywhere.
He would have closed the bases and left them unemployed. He would have also destroyed the economies of those towns dependant on military bases.
Dear MoveOn member:Even if you are already registered, register again! We want you on the books twice. Is this Boss Tweed country? Sounds more like the Mob than a political organization...
If only 538 more Floridians had voted for Al Gore in 2000, we wouldn't be in Iraq. 130,000 of our brave men and women would be safer, deployed elsewhere. 37,000 reservists would still be here at home.
Together, we can change our country's course on November 2nd, but only if every one of us votes.
Shockingly, when we checked public voter files in a couple of key states, up to 30% of MoveOn members were not yet registered to vote -- even though almost all of us think we are. Luckily, there's a simple solution to this problem: Register. Yes, you. Right now. Even if you're already registered, it's better to play it safe than be sorry on November 2nd.
Not like 9/11 or Sadaam had anything to do with us going into Iraq. Just GWB - he was bored and decided to start a war. They would be deployed elsewhere.. ? Just where is that? Germany? France? They could use another good butt-kicking. But if Gore was in office, he wouldn't have had to deploy them anywhere.
He would have closed the bases and left them unemployed. He would have also destroyed the economies of those towns dependant on military bases.
And I think a fair number of churches said "no" as it would violate their non-profit status or something. And in Tennessee, it is almost too late to register. You have to register 30 prior to the election. God help us if a (possible liberal fantasy) of instant registration happens.President Bush has pulled out all the stops in registering likely Republican voters, even going as far as asking churches to turn their membership directories over to his campaign. We only have a few more days to catch up.
Too often, people show up at their polling place on election day only to find out that they're not actually registered to vote. By then, it's too late. Don't let that happen to you.
*sigh* Translation, we are going to load the un-washed and un-educated masses into a van and rip into GWB on the way to the polls and talk about the great John Kerry.We know this election will be incredibly close. The numbers from the 2000 election tell the story:
Official Bush margin in Florida 537 votes Gore margin in New Mexico 365 votes Margin of victory in IA, NH, OR and WI Fewer than 8,000 votes in each Eligible 18-24 year olds who didn't vote 15.2 million Total eligible voters who didn't vote 56.8 million Bringing enough new voters to the polls will win this election for John Kerry.
Oompa Loompa Domp-pa-de-do
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa domp-pa-da-dee
If you are wise you will listen to me
What are you at when you can't face the facts?
An anchor and network that stays at #3
Why don't they try simply telling the truth?
Admitting they are trying to steal votes in the booth
You'll get no... Kerry for President.
[I don't like the look of it for CBS.]
Oompa Loompa domp-pa-da-dee
If you are not a socialist hack, you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompas domp-pa-dee do
*apologies to Roald Dahl. Picture from frontpagemagazine.com*
Dan Rather really does look like an oompa loompa.
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa domp-pa-da-dee
If you are wise you will listen to me
What are you at when you can't face the facts?
An anchor and network that stays at #3
Why don't they try simply telling the truth?
Admitting they are trying to steal votes in the booth
You'll get no... Kerry for President.
[I don't like the look of it for CBS.]
Oompa Loompa domp-pa-da-dee
If you are not a socialist hack, you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompas domp-pa-dee do
*apologies to Roald Dahl. Picture from frontpagemagazine.com*
Dan Rather really does look like an oompa loompa.
No - no bias here
From resident Communist for Kerry hottie, Che.
Nothing to see. Keep moving.
(It may be difficult to see due to the shrinking of the image but it says "The only bush I trust is my own.")
*edited to add* See the whole story from the Politbureau. Better pictures there, too. See Satan in the background?
From resident Communist for Kerry hottie, Che.
Nothing to see. Keep moving.
(It may be difficult to see due to the shrinking of the image but it says "The only bush I trust is my own.")
*edited to add* See the whole story from the Politbureau. Better pictures there, too. See Satan in the background?
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Please check for valuables before exiting the cab
A purr to The Nashville Scene's Late Edition
A poor Vandy-boy lost his digital camera memory card. Now, it's on a blog with witty comments by the finder of said memory card.
I Found Some Of Your Life
Bookmark and enjoy. It will be going on for the rest of the year and well into 2005.
A purr to The Nashville Scene's Late Edition
A poor Vandy-boy lost his digital camera memory card. Now, it's on a blog with witty comments by the finder of said memory card.
I Found Some Of Your Life
Bookmark and enjoy. It will be going on for the rest of the year and well into 2005.
I'm Home I'm Home I'm Home!
I know my loyal subjects have missed the Empress. She has returned from caring for the far reaches of her empire (Williamsburg, VA) and her love of classical liberalism restored (lectures on Jefferson and Henry will do that).
The Empress is well rested and slow to unpack.. we will do that Sunday after laying out in the sun to even up the car tan.
The Real Empress Kitty is well, having been cared for by Elena and Bama Girl. She's not hungry, nor starved for attention. She purred her welcome back to me... and then walked off. She left a present for the other girls too... a dead mouse she brought inside just before I left. Elena, if you haven't blogged about this in my absence, you are falling down on the job.
It wasn't dead when I left. I tried to catch it (supressing all of my girly nature to jump up on a chair and scream) but it darted under the sofa and wouldn't come out. Kitty found it again after I was gone.
More details to follow. I missed everyone and am glad to be home.
I know my loyal subjects have missed the Empress. She has returned from caring for the far reaches of her empire (Williamsburg, VA) and her love of classical liberalism restored (lectures on Jefferson and Henry will do that).
The Empress is well rested and slow to unpack.. we will do that Sunday after laying out in the sun to even up the car tan.
The Real Empress Kitty is well, having been cared for by Elena and Bama Girl. She's not hungry, nor starved for attention. She purred her welcome back to me... and then walked off. She left a present for the other girls too... a dead mouse she brought inside just before I left. Elena, if you haven't blogged about this in my absence, you are falling down on the job.
It wasn't dead when I left. I tried to catch it (supressing all of my girly nature to jump up on a chair and scream) but it darted under the sofa and wouldn't come out. Kitty found it again after I was gone.
More details to follow. I missed everyone and am glad to be home.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Do they poll people in the US about who should be...
the next German Chancellor? Why run around the globe and ask about who should be the next US president...? Because globally you will find more socialists and anti-war activists in like with Kerry that's why.
I was going to say more about this but.. I'm tired, recovering from a bee sting and pissed at the real Empress for bring a mouse inside the night before I leave on vacation.
*sigh* Drama.
FT.com / US / US Elections 2004 - Global opinion favours Kerry over Bush, says poll
the next German Chancellor? Why run around the globe and ask about who should be the next US president...? Because globally you will find more socialists and anti-war activists in like with Kerry that's why.
I was going to say more about this but.. I'm tired, recovering from a bee sting and pissed at the real Empress for bring a mouse inside the night before I leave on vacation.
*sigh* Drama.
FT.com / US / US Elections 2004 - Global opinion favours Kerry over Bush, says poll
Owie...
Big Brother in Room 101 takes some of the unintelligent life at the Democratic Underground to task for being... unintelligent. Unleash the rats!
Good times to be had by all (some nsfw language but also has a picture of a giant puppet). Any idea as to why they use puppets? Is there a metaphor I'm missing?
Next PW event I go to, I need to go as a Communist for Kerry with a giant puppet. That would be funny.
Room 101: You Say You Want a Revolution?
Big Brother in Room 101 takes some of the unintelligent life at the Democratic Underground to task for being... unintelligent. Unleash the rats!
Good times to be had by all (some nsfw language but also has a picture of a giant puppet). Any idea as to why they use puppets? Is there a metaphor I'm missing?
Next PW event I go to, I need to go as a Communist for Kerry with a giant puppet. That would be funny.
Room 101: You Say You Want a Revolution?
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Another useful study
In another important use of research funds, a new study revealed that travelers spent more time in traffic jams and that costs money. They also told us that drives in Anchorage Alaska spent the least amount of time in traffic.
Could that be because very few people live in Anchorage? Hmmm?
Nashville-Davidson, Tenn. was ranked 24 with 41 hrs annually spent in traffic. We are in the high end for medium sized cities. If you are coming in from the north side of town (where I doubt they sat their equipment up), you could spend 41 hours a month in traffic.
The next study will tell us water is wet, the sun is hot, and ribs are tasty.
In another important use of research funds, a new study revealed that travelers spent more time in traffic jams and that costs money. They also told us that drives in Anchorage Alaska spent the least amount of time in traffic.
Could that be because very few people live in Anchorage? Hmmm?
Nashville-Davidson, Tenn. was ranked 24 with 41 hrs annually spent in traffic. We are in the high end for medium sized cities. If you are coming in from the north side of town (where I doubt they sat their equipment up), you could spend 41 hours a month in traffic.
The next study will tell us water is wet, the sun is hot, and ribs are tasty.
Monday, September 06, 2004
Someone went to Mardi Gras
*shudder*
Anyway, the fromer Mrs. Trump has a new show called "Ivana Man" where an older woman will get the hook up to a younger man.
Here's the sentance that REALLY troubled me:
*shudder*
Anyway, the fromer Mrs. Trump has a new show called "Ivana Man" where an older woman will get the hook up to a younger man.
Here's the sentance that REALLY troubled me:
Ivana Trump has made clear she, too, prefers the company of younger men, telling the Daily Mail British tabloid: "I cannot be with an older man. They're too set in their ways. ... I prefer to be a baby-sitter than a nursemaid."A baby-sitter... Well, you know.. maybe Ivana should stop looking for a man that she has to baby on one end of the age spectrum or the other, she might be a bit happier. It seems to me that it would strip a man of his masculinity. I don't know about other women, but I do like men that are men.. and masculine.
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Possible new direction for government action
Bill Nye the Science Guy was in MSNBC discussing Hurricane Frances. He kept saying things about the hurricane concerned him “as a taxpayer and voter.” I'm glad to hear that he pays his taxes and that he gets out to the polls.
The next Governor of Florida should run on a no-hurricane platform.
Because we all know the government can change the weather.
Bill Nye the Science Guy was in MSNBC discussing Hurricane Frances. He kept saying things about the hurricane concerned him “as a taxpayer and voter.” I'm glad to hear that he pays his taxes and that he gets out to the polls.
The next Governor of Florida should run on a no-hurricane platform.
Because we all know the government can change the weather.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Protests as the musical Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem Evita
Requiem Evita
Evita, Evita, Evita, Evita
----
(Che:)
Oh what a circus, oh what a show
Argentina has gone to town
Over the death of an actress called Eva Peron
----
(Peron:)
Argentinos, Argentinos
We're all workers now
Fighting against our common enemy
Poverty, social injustice
Foreign domination of our industries
Reaching for our common goals
Our independence, our dignity, our pride
(Eva:)
I am only a simple woman
Who lives to serve Peron in his noble crusade
To rescue his people
I was once as you are now, and I promise you this
We will take the riches from the obligarchs
Only for you, for all of you
And one day, you too will inherit these treasures
(All:)
A new Argentina, the chains of the masses untied
A new Argentina, the voice of the people
Cannot be, and must not be denied
(Che:)
How annoying that they have to fight elections for their cause
The inconvenience, having to get a majority
If normal methods of persuasion fail to win them applause
There are other ways of establishing authority
(Che:)
Tell me before I seek worthier pastures
And thereby restore self-esteem
How can you be so short-sighted
To look never further than this week or next week
To have no impossible dream?
(Eva:)
Allow me to help you slink off to the sidelines
And mock your adieu with three cheers
But first tell me who'd be delighted
If I said I'd take on the world's greatest problems
From war to pollution, no hope of solution
Even if I lived for one hundred years
(Che and Eva:)
There is evil, ever around
Fundamental system of government
Quite incidental
-------------
Pictures: communistsforkerry.com
Lyrics: Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem aeternum dona Evita
Requiem Evita
Requiem Evita
Evita, Evita, Evita, Evita
----
(Che:)
Oh what a circus, oh what a show
Argentina has gone to town
Over the death of an actress called Eva Peron
----
(Peron:)
Argentinos, Argentinos
We're all workers now
Fighting against our common enemy
Poverty, social injustice
Foreign domination of our industries
Reaching for our common goals
Our independence, our dignity, our pride
(Eva:)
I am only a simple woman
Who lives to serve Peron in his noble crusade
To rescue his people
I was once as you are now, and I promise you this
We will take the riches from the obligarchs
Only for you, for all of you
And one day, you too will inherit these treasures
(All:)
A new Argentina, the chains of the masses untied
A new Argentina, the voice of the people
Cannot be, and must not be denied
(Che:)
How annoying that they have to fight elections for their cause
The inconvenience, having to get a majority
If normal methods of persuasion fail to win them applause
There are other ways of establishing authority
(Che:)
Tell me before I seek worthier pastures
And thereby restore self-esteem
How can you be so short-sighted
To look never further than this week or next week
To have no impossible dream?
(Eva:)
Allow me to help you slink off to the sidelines
And mock your adieu with three cheers
But first tell me who'd be delighted
If I said I'd take on the world's greatest problems
From war to pollution, no hope of solution
Even if I lived for one hundred years
(Che and Eva:)
There is evil, ever around
Fundamental system of government
Quite incidental
-------------
Pictures: communistsforkerry.com
Lyrics: Evita
Just had to say
Kelly sent me a very nice, thoughtful response to the post on doing what's right even if people disagree. I'm very impressed, humbled, and very appreciative. I don't agree with everything he said, but that is the point of debate. To learn, to grow, and possibly win converts.
Heh.
The disscussion will continue. Education for all! (That comes right after the Royal Belly Dance Initative) *smiles*
Kelly sent me a very nice, thoughtful response to the post on doing what's right even if people disagree. I'm very impressed, humbled, and very appreciative. I don't agree with everything he said, but that is the point of debate. To learn, to grow, and possibly win converts.
Heh.
The disscussion will continue. Education for all! (That comes right after the Royal Belly Dance Initative) *smiles*
Last night was a fun night with Miss O'Hara's gang from Xanga and our buddy Blake from Nashvillefiles blog. We watched the convention and discussed it as it went along. The wonders of technology. Plans for virtual parties for the debatesand election night.
What I liked about the speech:
The theme of nothing will hold us back.
It was a very strong, well-delivered speech. It reminded me of his address to the nation after 9/11.
The video preceding his speech. The emotional impact of 9/11 has faded - how we felt; how we came together from across the country to help. I remember seeing the long lines at Red Cross centers around the country; construction workers driving to NYC and Washington help.
Possibility of tort reform and limits on medical liability suits.
Hints at reformation of tax code (maybe flat tax? value added tax), social security
Acknowledging that most Americans do not receive their higher education from 4 year colleges. They get them through technical programs and community colleges.
Support of Israel.
Support of military and military families - hoooah!
Self-deprecating humor
What I didn't like
More governement programs targeted at education and health care.
Said he wanted to reduce government spending yet his record is such that he would make even the most liberal spender proud.
His occasional digs at Kerry could backfire.
One sentance in Spanish - is that pandering?
While it may seem that there are more likes than dislikes in my analysis, my dislikes are pretty close to my heart. He's swelled the size of government to levels never seen before. Once a program gets in, it will likely never be closed. How are we going to pay for all of the new programs proposed in the last few years as well as the new ones AND have permanent tax cuts?
I know I'm not voting for Kerry. Whether I vote for GWB or Michael Badnarki (the LP candidate) remains to be seen.
WorldNetDaily: Text of President Bush's acceptance speech
What I liked about the speech:
The theme of nothing will hold us back.
It was a very strong, well-delivered speech. It reminded me of his address to the nation after 9/11.
The video preceding his speech. The emotional impact of 9/11 has faded - how we felt; how we came together from across the country to help. I remember seeing the long lines at Red Cross centers around the country; construction workers driving to NYC and Washington help.
Possibility of tort reform and limits on medical liability suits.
Hints at reformation of tax code (maybe flat tax? value added tax), social security
Acknowledging that most Americans do not receive their higher education from 4 year colleges. They get them through technical programs and community colleges.
Support of Israel.
Support of military and military families - hoooah!
Self-deprecating humor
What I didn't like
More governement programs targeted at education and health care.
Said he wanted to reduce government spending yet his record is such that he would make even the most liberal spender proud.
His occasional digs at Kerry could backfire.
One sentance in Spanish - is that pandering?
While it may seem that there are more likes than dislikes in my analysis, my dislikes are pretty close to my heart. He's swelled the size of government to levels never seen before. Once a program gets in, it will likely never be closed. How are we going to pay for all of the new programs proposed in the last few years as well as the new ones AND have permanent tax cuts?
I know I'm not voting for Kerry. Whether I vote for GWB or Michael Badnarki (the LP candidate) remains to be seen.
WorldNetDaily: Text of President Bush's acceptance speech
Thursday, September 02, 2004
More captions
Jeff at Protein Wisdom has captioned a pair of photos from last night. Don't say that the Empress is not fair and balanced with her ribbing.
Dr. Lecter? Dr. Lecter?
It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.
protein wisdom's Republican National Convention coverage, 14
Jeff at Protein Wisdom has captioned a pair of photos from last night. Don't say that the Empress is not fair and balanced with her ribbing.
Dr. Lecter? Dr. Lecter?
It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.
protein wisdom's Republican National Convention coverage, 14
Scratches to the Post
Kelly O’Conner kell writes:
The point of Prager’s statement was that quite often what is right is not what is popular. Why? Because it takes guts, gumption, and generally a moral center to say “I am going to do what’s right – no matter the cost.”
That comes out of the Judeo-Christian tradition and has been sadly lost of the rise of post-modernism and secularism. To whom much is given, much is expected.
Was it wrong for the British to stop women from throwing themselves on funeral pyres of their husbands (sometimes forced onto it) in India? Or do you not have any respect for human life?
Both China and India are finally taking a stand against the use of ultrasound technology – telling doctors to not reveal the sex of the child because of the higher rates of abortions of girls. Or is it wrong to try and change long held beliefs that boys are better for your family?
Or the lady who outed Enron. That seems to be a favorite liberal whipping post. Was that right?
Or the fact that Americans hold fund raising drives for disasters around the world. Will there be bake sales in Paris for the victims of the hurricanes in Florida – like there were for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey?
But, I would suppose that to you, none of the good work is important because Abu Ghraib happened or that George Bush had the balls to say there is evil in the world. Never mind that more women are guaranteed seats in Iraqi government than serve in the US Congress.
Was it a good thing or not to remove from power a dictator that had pursued WMD's, had them in his possession (everyone else in the world thought so, too), ignored UN resolutions, sponsored terrorism in Israel if not elsewhere, and abused his own people? Yes or no.
Evil is here. It is all around us. Just because you refuse to name it or excuse it as a “cultural difference” doesn’t mean you’ve vaporized it into thin air. Like oh.. honor killings or female circumcision – we need to respect those differences between cultures. Let’s remove the ability for a woman to have any kind of pleasure from sex at all because women are more prone to sin than others.
Is Western Civilization perfect? No. But there is a respect for human life, the rule of law, and accountability of the government that you just don’t find in places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Syria, Libya, etc…
History has shown that free countries with democratic goverments tend not to attack each other. Those with zealous despots like Hussein do. In fact, he did so off and on during his entire tenure in office - Iran and Kuwait. But, we should have stayed out and let Saudia Arabia save Kuwait.
But next time there is trouble, I’ll ask our government to stay out of it. We will go back to our pre-WWI days of isolationism. Wait… if we did that, wouldn’t that sink the global economy I keep hearing about? Aren’t we all connected now? Ohhh.. you just want our military to go home. That potential troop pull out in Germany is expected to cost thousands of local jobs. Impact on the economy?
When the General in South Korea threatened to pull out last year after North Korea threw a hissy fit and more South Korean protests, the South Korean government was a bit more balanced. The head of the Defense Ministry spoke of the impact to the economy of the region as well as the message it would send to other foreign powers. The US backed off its plan as well as from pressuring North Korea – per the request of South Korea. And then the liberal media complains that we aren't paying attention to the North Korean threat.
Which is it? You can't have it both ways. So we are damned if we do; damned if we don't. Do the right thing and at least be damned for trying to improve the lives of people.
Kelly O’Conner kell writes:
or..."We know what is best for you Goddless savages and we are going to save your soul whether you want it or not!"Oohhhhh… um…. no.
Is that your point?
The point of Prager’s statement was that quite often what is right is not what is popular. Why? Because it takes guts, gumption, and generally a moral center to say “I am going to do what’s right – no matter the cost.”
That comes out of the Judeo-Christian tradition and has been sadly lost of the rise of post-modernism and secularism. To whom much is given, much is expected.
Was it wrong for the British to stop women from throwing themselves on funeral pyres of their husbands (sometimes forced onto it) in India? Or do you not have any respect for human life?
Both China and India are finally taking a stand against the use of ultrasound technology – telling doctors to not reveal the sex of the child because of the higher rates of abortions of girls. Or is it wrong to try and change long held beliefs that boys are better for your family?
Or the lady who outed Enron. That seems to be a favorite liberal whipping post. Was that right?
Or the fact that Americans hold fund raising drives for disasters around the world. Will there be bake sales in Paris for the victims of the hurricanes in Florida – like there were for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey?
But, I would suppose that to you, none of the good work is important because Abu Ghraib happened or that George Bush had the balls to say there is evil in the world. Never mind that more women are guaranteed seats in Iraqi government than serve in the US Congress.
Was it a good thing or not to remove from power a dictator that had pursued WMD's, had them in his possession (everyone else in the world thought so, too), ignored UN resolutions, sponsored terrorism in Israel if not elsewhere, and abused his own people? Yes or no.
Evil is here. It is all around us. Just because you refuse to name it or excuse it as a “cultural difference” doesn’t mean you’ve vaporized it into thin air. Like oh.. honor killings or female circumcision – we need to respect those differences between cultures. Let’s remove the ability for a woman to have any kind of pleasure from sex at all because women are more prone to sin than others.
Is Western Civilization perfect? No. But there is a respect for human life, the rule of law, and accountability of the government that you just don’t find in places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Syria, Libya, etc…
History has shown that free countries with democratic goverments tend not to attack each other. Those with zealous despots like Hussein do. In fact, he did so off and on during his entire tenure in office - Iran and Kuwait. But, we should have stayed out and let Saudia Arabia save Kuwait.
But next time there is trouble, I’ll ask our government to stay out of it. We will go back to our pre-WWI days of isolationism. Wait… if we did that, wouldn’t that sink the global economy I keep hearing about? Aren’t we all connected now? Ohhh.. you just want our military to go home. That potential troop pull out in Germany is expected to cost thousands of local jobs. Impact on the economy?
When the General in South Korea threatened to pull out last year after North Korea threw a hissy fit and more South Korean protests, the South Korean government was a bit more balanced. The head of the Defense Ministry spoke of the impact to the economy of the region as well as the message it would send to other foreign powers. The US backed off its plan as well as from pressuring North Korea – per the request of South Korea. And then the liberal media complains that we aren't paying attention to the North Korean threat.
Which is it? You can't have it both ways. So we are damned if we do; damned if we don't. Do the right thing and at least be damned for trying to improve the lives of people.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
A Virtual Party
Since we cannot be in NYC for the convention as we were not blessed enough to be selected as delegates, Miss O'Hara and I have decided to throw a virtual convention party tomorrow night.
If you have Yahoo Instant Messenenger, you are welcome to join us! Leave your yahoo IM name in the comments field and we'll get you on the buddy list.
I will try to be online (pink_kitty_post) around 7:30 central tomorrow night. I'll set up a conference room (it's an invite only thing) where we can chat and watch the speech together.
GeorgeWBush.com :: Party for the President Event
Since we cannot be in NYC for the convention as we were not blessed enough to be selected as delegates, Miss O'Hara and I have decided to throw a virtual convention party tomorrow night.
If you have Yahoo Instant Messenenger, you are welcome to join us! Leave your yahoo IM name in the comments field and we'll get you on the buddy list.
I will try to be online (pink_kitty_post) around 7:30 central tomorrow night. I'll set up a conference room (it's an invite only thing) where we can chat and watch the speech together.
GeorgeWBush.com :: Party for the President Event
The Empress's Spy
Reconnaissance is the name of the game
Blake infiltrated the rally last night. More excellent commentary and pictures there but this one deserves the captions of...
"I'm a little teapot, tall and thin. Here is my handle and I sent my spout to France as a good will offering." Or maybe...
"Oh geez.. the Swiftboat Vets again... Oww... "
Harold Ford Jr. (an up and coming star in the TN Democratic Party) looks very thoughtful.
"I can run for President in 12 years."
Now it's your turn. Post your captions in the comments.
Reconnaissance is the name of the game
Blake infiltrated the rally last night. More excellent commentary and pictures there but this one deserves the captions of...
"I'm a little teapot, tall and thin. Here is my handle and I sent my spout to France as a good will offering." Or maybe...
"Oh geez.. the Swiftboat Vets again... Oww... "
Harold Ford Jr. (an up and coming star in the TN Democratic Party) looks very thoughtful.
"I can run for President in 12 years."
Now it's your turn. Post your captions in the comments.
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