6. Let's Cut The Crap and Hook Up Later Tonight - Marah
5. The Wall - Pink Floyd
4. Alien Lanes - Guided By Voices
3. Bee Thousand - Guided By Voices
2. Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen
1. Abbey Road - The Beatles
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
The True Meaning of Christmas
Let us all remember at this time the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about getting a bunch of gifts and goodies, or going into debt, or running around all over creation searching for the right thing to buy. We should PRIMARILY celebrate the entrance into this world of our Lord and Savior, and Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Over 2000 years ago our Lord humbled himself, stepped out of glory and took on the low form of a helpless infant. It is this event, more than anything else, that forms the heart and soul of our Holy Day (Holiday) known as Christmas. By the way, no one should try to tell our Jewish brothers that Hanukkah means something else. No one should try to redefine Ramadan to the Muslim adherent. So, as a Christian, I resist the re-naming and redefining, indeed the de-emphasizing of Christmas into a "Winter Holiday" or simply "Xmas" or anything else. This day is, and shall ever be, a time to reflect upon how amazing it was that God himself put on the form of a human being, in order to grow to manhood and then willingly give his precious life for our sins, paving the way, once and for all, for us to be able to one day join him in Heaven. Thank you Dear Lord for what you did (and continue to do)! And to every one... have a very blessed Christmas!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Christmas Guest
The Story of the Christmas Guest
by Helen Steiner Rice
It happened one day at December's end,
Some neighbors called on an old-time friend.
And they found his shop so meager and mean,
Made happy with a thousand boughs of green.
And old Conrad was sitting with face a-shine.
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched the twine.
And he said "My friends at dawn today,
When the rooster was crowing the night away,
The Lord appeared in a dream to me.
And He said, 'I'm coming, your guest to be"
So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.
The table is spread and the kettle is shined,
And over the rafters the holly is twined.
And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear;
And listen closely so I will hear,
His steps as he nears my humble place.
And I'll open the door and I'll look on his face."
Then his friends went home and left him alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known.
For long since his family had passed away.
And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.
But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best.
So he listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound he would rise with a start,
And looked for the Lord to be at his door.
Like the vision that he'd had a few hours before.
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all he could see on the snow covered ground
Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn.
And all his clothes were ragged and worn.
But old Conrad was touched and he went to the door,
And he said, "Your feet must be cold and sore.
I have some shoes in my shop for you.
And I have a coat to keep you warmer, too."
So with grateful heart the man went away.
But Conrad noticed the time of day
And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,
And how much longer he'd have to wait.
Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more.
A bent old lady with a shawl of black,
And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.
But she asked only for a place to rest,
a place that was reserved, for Conrad's great guest.
But her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,
Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day."
So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup,
And told her to sit at the table and sup.
After she had left, he was filled with dismay,
For he saw that the hours were slipping away
The Lord had not come as He said He would,
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
When out of the stillness he heard a cry.
"Please help, me and tell me - Where am I?"
So again he opened his friendly door.
And stood disappointed as twice before.
It was a child who had wandered away,
And was lost from his family on Christmas Day.
Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,
But he knew he could make this little boy glad.
So he called him in and he wiped his tears,
And he quieted all his childish fears.
Then he led him back to his home once more.
Then as he entered his own darkened door,
He knew that the Lord was not coming today,
For the hours of Christmas, had all passed away.
So he went to his room, and he knelt down to pray.
He said, "Lord, why did you delay?
What kept You from coming to call on me?
I wanted so much Your face to see."
Then softly, in the silence, a voice he heard.
"Lift up your head - I have kept My word.
Three times my shadow crossed your floor.
Three times I came to your lowly door.
I was the beggar with bruised cold feet;
I was the woman you gave something to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street.
Three times I knocked, three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.
Of all the gifts, love is the best.
I was honored to be your Christmas guest.
My Christian Beliefs
I believe that:
(1) The Holy Scriptures, comprised of Old and New Testaments, are fully and verbally inspired by God and are therefore infallible in the original writings and completely trustworthy in all areas in which they speak. Their central salvation message and essential teachings are clear and accessible to all who follow the standard and self-evident rules of literary interpretation. They are therefore the supreme, unmediated, and final authority of faith and practice for every believer.
(2) There is only one eternal, almighty and perfect God. Within the Being of this one true God exist three eternally distinct and coequal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (The Trinity). These three Persons are the one true God.
(3) Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, who took upon Himself human flesh through the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. He who is true God became true man, uniting two natures in one person forever. Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended into Heaven where He now serves as our High Priest, our only Mediator. He will return bodily and visibly to the earth as King of kings and will judge every human being who has ever lived.
(4) The Holy Spirit is the eternal Third Person of the Triune God, through whom the redeemed are regenerated, and sanctified. He is the giver of "spiritual fruits" and gifts, and the abiding Advocate who empowers believers for godly living and service.
(5) In Adam human beings were created in the image of God (i.e., they share in a finite way the communicable attributes of God, including personality, spirituality, rationality, and morality). Through the fall of Adam that image of God in humanity has been defiled, although not eradicated. Every human being is radically corrupt and estranged from God. Human beings are condemned by God because of their descent into sin, both through their relationship to Adam and through individual choice. The desperate need of humanity is forgiveness of sins and consequent restoration of fellowship with God; yet humans remain totally unable to atone for and restore themselves.
(6) Jesus' death on the cross provided an "atonement" for the sins of humanity. In salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by His unmerited grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone. Jesus paid our "sin debt".
(7) Those who have received the free gift of salvation will be raised from the dead or raptured (snatched up from their earthly lives) to meet Christ at His Second Coming, and their bodies will be transformed into a likeness of His glorious, immortal body. Regenerated Christians will live forever in the fellowship and Kingdom of God in a new heaven and a new earth. On the other hand, eternal conscious punishment and separation from God (Hell) is the ultimate destiny of Satan, his entire group of fallen angels (demons), as well as all those humans who die unsaved.
(8) The true Christian church, which is the body and bride of Christ, is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Corporately and individually, its members strive to worship, serve, and glorify God through prayer and praise, diligent study and application of the Scriptures, evangelism, sanctified living, good works, and observance of the rites of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The ultimate mission of the church is the discipleship of all nations - not only the saving of souls (which is primary) but also the bringing of the gospel to bear on every aspect of life and thought - until the Lord returns.
Amen
(1) The Holy Scriptures, comprised of Old and New Testaments, are fully and verbally inspired by God and are therefore infallible in the original writings and completely trustworthy in all areas in which they speak. Their central salvation message and essential teachings are clear and accessible to all who follow the standard and self-evident rules of literary interpretation. They are therefore the supreme, unmediated, and final authority of faith and practice for every believer.
(2) There is only one eternal, almighty and perfect God. Within the Being of this one true God exist three eternally distinct and coequal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (The Trinity). These three Persons are the one true God.
(3) Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, who took upon Himself human flesh through the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary. He who is true God became true man, uniting two natures in one person forever. Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, and ascended into Heaven where He now serves as our High Priest, our only Mediator. He will return bodily and visibly to the earth as King of kings and will judge every human being who has ever lived.
(4) The Holy Spirit is the eternal Third Person of the Triune God, through whom the redeemed are regenerated, and sanctified. He is the giver of "spiritual fruits" and gifts, and the abiding Advocate who empowers believers for godly living and service.
(5) In Adam human beings were created in the image of God (i.e., they share in a finite way the communicable attributes of God, including personality, spirituality, rationality, and morality). Through the fall of Adam that image of God in humanity has been defiled, although not eradicated. Every human being is radically corrupt and estranged from God. Human beings are condemned by God because of their descent into sin, both through their relationship to Adam and through individual choice. The desperate need of humanity is forgiveness of sins and consequent restoration of fellowship with God; yet humans remain totally unable to atone for and restore themselves.
(6) Jesus' death on the cross provided an "atonement" for the sins of humanity. In salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by His unmerited grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone. Jesus paid our "sin debt".
(7) Those who have received the free gift of salvation will be raised from the dead or raptured (snatched up from their earthly lives) to meet Christ at His Second Coming, and their bodies will be transformed into a likeness of His glorious, immortal body. Regenerated Christians will live forever in the fellowship and Kingdom of God in a new heaven and a new earth. On the other hand, eternal conscious punishment and separation from God (Hell) is the ultimate destiny of Satan, his entire group of fallen angels (demons), as well as all those humans who die unsaved.
(8) The true Christian church, which is the body and bride of Christ, is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Corporately and individually, its members strive to worship, serve, and glorify God through prayer and praise, diligent study and application of the Scriptures, evangelism, sanctified living, good works, and observance of the rites of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The ultimate mission of the church is the discipleship of all nations - not only the saving of souls (which is primary) but also the bringing of the gospel to bear on every aspect of life and thought - until the Lord returns.
Amen
Friday, December 17, 2010
Pareidolia
Pareidolia is a phenomena that explains a lot of the paranormal. The rest can be explained as error, hoaxes, or in rare cases, demonic activity.
So what is pareidolia? Glad you asked...
Pareidolia is a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant.
Common examples include seeing images of animals or faces in clouds, or the man in the moon, and hearing hidden messages on records played in reverse. Pareidolia is a type of apophenia.
What is apophenia? Glad you asked...
Apophenia is the experience of seeing meaningful patterns or connections in random or meaningless data. The term was coined in 1958 by some dude named Klaus Conrad who defined it as the "unmotivated seeing of connections" accompanied by a "specific experience of an abnormal meaningfulness".
So when you see photos of ghosts, aliens (and flying saucers), a bigfoot, or images of Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich, just remember... pareidolia happens.
All I'm saying is, don't take all this stuff hook line and sinker. Be a little skeptical. It's good to be skeptical when it comes to outlandish claims.
Update on Sore Throat
There is no sore throat. It lasted a couple days, and slowly evolved into a mild cough which I am still dealing with somewhat, especially at night. I think the key to it was drinking chicken broth. It really seemed to help. In the past I have occasionally been plagued with sore throats that last for many days. Guess I got lucky this time.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tomorrow is Pearl Harbor day.
God bless the troops who died at Pearl Harbor back in 1941. It awakened the sleeping giant (the USA) and we have been on the job ever since! God bless our fighting soldiers!
Sore throat time again
I have a sore throat developing. It is already affecting my voice. I am going to track this one like a mutha. I will track what I take for it that works to soothe it, how long it lasts, etc. Stay tuned.
Right now its just a rawness at the top of the back of my throat. Hurts mostly when swallowing.
I am going to try chicken broth bouillon to see if that will magically fix it (yeah right).
Right now its just a rawness at the top of the back of my throat. Hurts mostly when swallowing.
I am going to try chicken broth bouillon to see if that will magically fix it (yeah right).
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Christmas memory #2,768
Larval-state Mikey “the Vance” Walk encountering “you know who” ca. 1970-71
There is something mortifying about being sat in close proximity to a large old mysterious stranger who is dressed like a hairy clown and smells like a mixture of Brylcreem and Hai Karate. It was "stranger danger" and easily triggered my fight or flight mechanism.
See, early on I made it clear that I HATED/DETESTED clowns. Santa is a glorified clown people. Let's be real. Only this "clown" supposedly had magical powers. He was absolutely terrifying.
My Mom labored under the impression that I LOVED Santa. So she would routinely try to force me to sit on his lap (shudder). [Incidentally, to this day, Santa is the only man's lap I have ever knowingly sat on.]
Here is me and mom at the mall.
Mom: Let's go see Santa.
Mikey: No Mom. I don't want to. No. No! Please! I don't wanna go! Please, no.
Mom: Well, how is he going to know what you want if you don't tell him?
[Mike thinking to himself] Since I am so scared of him... I aint getting nuttin for Christmas.
Mom: Come on. Let's go see him. It will be fun.
Mikey: No Mom, pleeaase? I will write him a letter. <-------- span="" style="font-style: italic;">It was the most brilliant intellectual counter punch a kid could come up with!
Mom: Okay. (spoken with a tone that said... well if that's the chance you want to take...)
[Mom thinking to herself] Great, I've created a little wimp.
This scenario played out in my life at one point or another approximately every year for the nine year period between 1970 and 1979. By the time I was older Mom still tried the Santa gag, but by then I was hip to the routine.
I remember eventually pondering the fact that there was a Santa at every mall, and they all look a little different. They can't ALL be him. That’s when I started to piece it together... SCAM.
You know those cutesy kids with Santa pictures? I have included one of me. Just one.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Supernatural Craziness: EVP's
Have you ever hear of EVP's? Let's learn about that...
(swiped from Wikipedia)
Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) are electronically generated noises that resemble speech, but are not the result of intentional voice recordings or renderings. Common sources of EVP include static, stray radio transmissions, and background noise. Some have claimed these sounds are of paranormal origin,[1] while there are natural explanations such as apophenia (finding significance in insignificant phenomena), auditory pareidolia (interpreting random sounds as voices in their own language), equipment artefacts, or simple hoaxes. Recordings of EVP are often created from background sound by increasing the gain (i.e. sensitivity) of the recording equipment.
(swiped from Wikipedia)
Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) are electronically generated noises that resemble speech, but are not the result of intentional voice recordings or renderings. Common sources of EVP include static, stray radio transmissions, and background noise. Some have claimed these sounds are of paranormal origin,[1] while there are natural explanations such as apophenia (finding significance in insignificant phenomena), auditory pareidolia (interpreting random sounds as voices in their own language), equipment artefacts, or simple hoaxes. Recordings of EVP are often created from background sound by increasing the gain (i.e. sensitivity) of the recording equipment.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Hollywood is Anti-Food
A recent Pugh Institute study has revealed that Hollywood celebrities do not like the taste of food. Asked about his findings Dr. Lawrence Gavel M.D. spoke candidly "They hate food." He said, adding "Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan even get nauseous when they eat, causing many of them to vomit whatever they have just eaten."
The study also found that as soon as overweight people come to Hollywood they too become anti-food.
Celebrities like Drew Carey quickly begin hating food
The study also found that as soon as overweight people come to Hollywood they too become anti-food.
Celebrities like Drew Carey quickly begin hating food
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Husband Suspects Wife Is Cheating
Local Husband Cuckolded?
Glen Fifer has reason to suspect his wife of 5 years is cheating on him. "Sometimes when I come home late from work, I notice Sheree is not at home. When I call her cell phone, she doesn't answer." So concerned is he, that he confided to his good friend at work Sasha LaBambi."Even Sasha noticed that Sheree has been cold towards me lately. It all started when I took my new job at Vixen Entertainment."
Vixen Entertainment is the largest independedent maker of hardcore pornography in the southern region of the United States. Since May when Fifer, whose performer name is Oliver Klozoff, took a position as a porn actor, he has noticed his wife acting differently.
"Sheree always told me to reach for the stars. So I quit my job at a lawn care and towing service (Mow & Tow Services), and got a sweet gig as a porn actor. I make 5 times what I made before. It is perfect for us. I had wanted to start a family. Now I don't know." said an obviously distraught Glen Fifer, "I think she is seeing someone else."
Sheree Fifer could not be reached for comment, but a close friend of the family told KTGN news that it came as a surprise that Glen entered the porn industry, as they had discussed him becoming a plumber. The friend also confided that Mrs. Fifer may currently be seeing someone else.
"I feel sorry for them. Glen really is a fantastic guy." said the unnamed family friend, who revealed that her performer name is Lexxi Flexxi.
Glen Fifer, cuckolded husband and noted porn actor
Glen Fifer has reason to suspect his wife of 5 years is cheating on him. "Sometimes when I come home late from work, I notice Sheree is not at home. When I call her cell phone, she doesn't answer." So concerned is he, that he confided to his good friend at work Sasha LaBambi."Even Sasha noticed that Sheree has been cold towards me lately. It all started when I took my new job at Vixen Entertainment."
Vixen Entertainment is the largest independedent maker of hardcore pornography in the southern region of the United States. Since May when Fifer, whose performer name is Oliver Klozoff, took a position as a porn actor, he has noticed his wife acting differently.
"Sheree always told me to reach for the stars. So I quit my job at a lawn care and towing service (Mow & Tow Services), and got a sweet gig as a porn actor. I make 5 times what I made before. It is perfect for us. I had wanted to start a family. Now I don't know." said an obviously distraught Glen Fifer, "I think she is seeing someone else."
Sheree Fifer could not be reached for comment, but a close friend of the family told KTGN news that it came as a surprise that Glen entered the porn industry, as they had discussed him becoming a plumber. The friend also confided that Mrs. Fifer may currently be seeing someone else.
"I feel sorry for them. Glen really is a fantastic guy." said the unnamed family friend, who revealed that her performer name is Lexxi Flexxi.
Glen Fifer, cuckolded husband and noted porn actor
Youth in bad purchase tragedy
Youth Goes Nuts After Bad Purchase
A local youth is barely clinging to life tonight, one day after buying a discount DVD package which turned out to be one he already owned. David Ponds, 17, of Piles Grove Illinois was admitted to Elm West Memorial Hospital early Tuesday with self inflicted burns over 95 percent of his body. His friends who witnessed his volcanic temper tantrum say it started when Ponds came back from a local Best Buy.
"He came in and said hey dudes. I got some flicks for us to watch tonight" said Adam Berril, a friend "We like to hang out and watch cheesy movies. We act like Mystery Science Theater 3000, making jokes and stuff."
What happened next surprised everyone. Upon opening the package and examining the contents, Ponds began to shake and foam at the mouth.
"He was getting pissed." said Art Faber, another friend.
He said "Holy [profanity deleted] I own this!! I already [expletive deleted] have this damned collection!" then flew into a blind rage, according to witnesses.
What he did next shocked everyone.
"He went into the shed and got a gas can, doused himself and lit himself on fire with one of those candle lighter thingies."
Ponds sustained 3rd degree burns over 95% of his body. So bad are his wounds that he will likely be in a semi-vegetative state for the remainder of his so-called life.
Added Wilt Hovind, "He had the receipt, we could have just returned it."
David Ponds, in happier times
The movie collection that set him off
A local youth is barely clinging to life tonight, one day after buying a discount DVD package which turned out to be one he already owned. David Ponds, 17, of Piles Grove Illinois was admitted to Elm West Memorial Hospital early Tuesday with self inflicted burns over 95 percent of his body. His friends who witnessed his volcanic temper tantrum say it started when Ponds came back from a local Best Buy.
"He came in and said hey dudes. I got some flicks for us to watch tonight" said Adam Berril, a friend "We like to hang out and watch cheesy movies. We act like Mystery Science Theater 3000, making jokes and stuff."
What happened next surprised everyone. Upon opening the package and examining the contents, Ponds began to shake and foam at the mouth.
"He was getting pissed." said Art Faber, another friend.
He said "Holy [profanity deleted] I own this!! I already [expletive deleted] have this damned collection!" then flew into a blind rage, according to witnesses.
What he did next shocked everyone.
"He went into the shed and got a gas can, doused himself and lit himself on fire with one of those candle lighter thingies."
Ponds sustained 3rd degree burns over 95% of his body. So bad are his wounds that he will likely be in a semi-vegetative state for the remainder of his so-called life.
Added Wilt Hovind, "He had the receipt, we could have just returned it."
David Ponds, in happier times
The movie collection that set him off
First Black Tipper
From the Beeville Edge dated October 16, 1955:
USIAH JUPITER ELLIOTT, the first black man to tip a waitress, immolated in house fire.
Beeville, Arkansas
Yesterday, history lost another luminary with the passing of Usiah J. “Tipper” Elliott, who gained local fame 40 years ago for being the first black man to tip a waitress in a restaurant.
The year was 1901 and Elliott had just entered a restaurant after finding a small parcel of cash in a sock, discarded on the street.
"He was aimin' to eats him a steak." said Bo "Gumdrop" Yantis, Usiah Elliott's grandson, "He went into dis nice restaurant and tole the man 'I gwan hab me a nice steak wif all de trimmings.'"
What happened next became local folk-lore.
Margaret McDaniel was a waitress working tables in Bellweather and Sons Cafe on Tavish Street on the east side of Arkansas that day. It was she who had the good fortune to acquire Mr. Elliott as a customer.
"He shuffled in there like a duke, ordered a steak smothered in gravy and onions, with mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas. He washed all that down with a big tanker of fresh-squeezed lemonade." Yantis recalled.
Following his meal, when it was time to pay Mr. Elliott produced the sock and began to access the elusive cash which was inside in order to pay for his meal. At some point his hand slipped and all the money flew out.
"It was a cloud of dollar bills and change dat flew out and was tinkling all ober the table." Yantis recalled "He got so flestered and worryfied, he jess run out de place. He figgered dey was enuff moneys in dat sock to cover de bill. He leff on outta dere and went and called on a lady friend."
When Mrs. McDaniel returned to the table she noted a large amount of money scattered about a wide area in and around the booth where Mr. Elliott was sitting. After counting it, she remarked to Landen E. Parker, manager of the restaurant, that the gentleman had left a large amount of money in gratuity.
After the bill was paid, the tip came to $42.74. Very generous indeed.
Sadly, less than 26 hours ago, firefighters arrived at 3456 Burnside Avenue only to discover it was fully involved. Fire marshall David Merrit describes what happened:
"We arrived at Mr. Elliott's home and discovered it had been completely gutted by tortuous flames. We are divided on whether it was accidental or arson. We think we know what happened though. After the conflagration was extinguished we found the decedent Mr. Usiah J. "Tipper" Elliott in the restroom, actually his charred remains were still perched on the commode. What? Oh sorry. Can you strike that last detail? Sure. Okay, anyway we located his charred remains within the home. Put it that way."
"See, Grandpa made his own candles out of wine bottles filled with gasoline. Then he took and puts a strip of rag up in the top." said Yantis. Authorities speculate it may have been one such incendiary devise that led to his dreadful immolation.
"I cants buleev he dead." said Yantis, his yellowy eyes glazed over with sorrow.
The county medical examiner said he had never in his 56 years of serving Rosebud County, seen a body burned as bad as Mr. Elliott's was.
Usiah Elliott in happier times
Usiah Elliott in happier timesScraffles Pays Dearly
Scraffles Pays Dearly
Pearl Nesbit
"He loved playing in the street." said Deena Gomez of San Antonio. She is talking about her neighbor's Chihuahua "Scraffles" who was found dead in the street yesterday afternoon. "When the cars would pass he would dart out and bark like crazy". Scraffles also barked at passing bikes and pedestrians. "He was an annoying little [profanity deleted]. He acted like he owned that part of the road." said Murray Toller another neighbor. "He'd run out and disappear from view. I'd always wait to hear the tell-tale thump, but all I could ever hear was his [blasphemy deleted] barking."
The contentious canine belonged to Irma and Ozvaldo Cantu. They could not be reached for comment, or to claim what remained of Scraffles.
"He must have gotten a bit too close." said Toller, smiling.
Scraffles in happier times
Pearl Nesbit
"He loved playing in the street." said Deena Gomez of San Antonio. She is talking about her neighbor's Chihuahua "Scraffles" who was found dead in the street yesterday afternoon. "When the cars would pass he would dart out and bark like crazy". Scraffles also barked at passing bikes and pedestrians. "He was an annoying little [profanity deleted]. He acted like he owned that part of the road." said Murray Toller another neighbor. "He'd run out and disappear from view. I'd always wait to hear the tell-tale thump, but all I could ever hear was his [blasphemy deleted] barking."
The contentious canine belonged to Irma and Ozvaldo Cantu. They could not be reached for comment, or to claim what remained of Scraffles.
"He must have gotten a bit too close." said Toller, smiling.
Scraffles in happier times
Local man Confused
Local Man Confuses Gopher Hole For His Own Backside
Tad Weems - Express News
Friends and family are in shock today after the strange turn of events of the previous night. According to witnesses, during a camping trip Greg Maltrow became confused after evacuating his bowels in the woods.
"We heard like this scraping sound and some mumbling. Sounded like Greg was having problems. So his wife Lorraine went in there and, sure enough, he was very confused." Said Artemis Dalrimple, a friend of the family.
Witnesses say Maltrow was on his hands and knees rubbing toilet paper over a gopher hole there in the ground. When asked what he was doing, he replied "I'm wiping my a**."
"He clearly doesn't know the difference." Said Dr. Farel Gongas a human behavior pathologist with St. Margaret Hospital. "His wife says he has also been known to try and shovel dirt into his rectum."
All experts in human behavior are baffled. But one thing is sure. Says Dr. Gongas "Greg doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground."
Greg Maltrow and daughter Amy.
"Based on recent events, this photo may have a less innocent meaning."
Greg Maltrow and daughter Amy.
"Based on recent events, this photo may have a less innocent meaning."Local Man's Home Invaded
Local Man's Home Invaded
Staff Writer
A local East side resident called 911 to report a home intuder at around 3:30 am last Thursday night. When police officers arrived they walked into a harrowing scene. The intruder later identified as Latrell Brooks was dead on arrival. He had apparently been mutilated. Investigators estimate that Brooks' time of death was actually sometime during the previous night.
"We think the resident kept him in there and tortured the hell out of him." said Police Detective Nigel Saenz. "The decedent was horrendously disfigured and mutilated." He added "There's something fishy here, but so what? This Brooks character was a human cockroach anyway."
The actual details of his injuries are unknown but sources describe it as resembling a chimp attack victim but also with hundreds of cuts and stab wounds in the chest, arms, legs, and back.
"His face looked like somebody did hatchet practice on it." Said Latrun Powell who lives across the street. "I saw em wheeling the mother [expletive deleted] outta dere, an he was drenched in blood." Another unidentified neighbor who lived right next door said "We been hearing a lot of screaming at night, but we didn't think much of it cuz this is a bad neighborhood."
Another neighbor, Antwueen Dotson, summed it up best when he said. "I guess that mother [expletive deleted] shouldn't have broke into that dude's house. I mean, whatever he was looking for, he sure found something else."
The homeowner is not expected to be charged, owing to the castle laws.
.
Latrell Brooks, the dead man, in a recent booking photo.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Let's nuke LIBERALISM!
I found a website called "Meme Patrol". It is subtitled "Debunking the Right Wing Narrative". They don't so much debunk the right wing, as spew forth the liberal left-wing wack-job POV with a good dose of snarky smartassyness. So let's go through all this crap, shall we? (my comments are in italics)
EVOLUTION IS JUST A THEORY
So is Creationism. The difference is that one theory has a fossil record, a DNA record and stacks of physical evidence; the other has a 2,000 year-old book that is full of myths, contradictions and easily disprovable statements. The large majority of Christian denominations, including Catholics and Anglicans believe that evolution is part of God's plan and does not conflict in any way with their faith. Why the press lets the Fundamentalists set the agenda is anyone's guess.
Actually there is a HUGE difference. Evolution is based in science and Creationism is based on religion. No sane person disputes the fact that evolution exists. Just not THEIR kind of evolution. Their kind of evolution really resembles a religion, complete with faith, core beliefs, dogma, high-priests (essentially), and televangelists (essentially). Also, there are no myths in the Bible. There are no doctrinal contradictions either. Really this has all been hashed out and waylaid by better people than me.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS WERE CONSERVATIVES
The truth is that the Founding Fathers were Liberals -- the Conservatives, known then as Tories, wanted to stay British. After the Revolution many of them repatriated to England, like their good buddy, Benedict Arnold.
This argument was LAAAAME! No one I know says the founding fathers were conservatives back then. At the time they were revolutionaries. But the things they stood for, and established, and believed in (unto death) certainly don't resemble the views of our modern day liberal lefty. To find views that are more closely allied to those of our founding fathers, one must look at the conservatives. WE are the ones trying to preserve what our FF's established. Not tear it all down and change it, like liberals do.
LET'S GET BACK TO THE CONSTITUTION'S "ORIGINAL INTENT"
Want to get back to the original intent of slavery? The original intent of not letting women and blacks vote? The original intent of letting state legistatures appoint U.S. Senators instead of voting for them? Good luck with that.
You just conveniently ignored the amendments. By the way, there is NOTHING in the constitution that establishes slavery. Can you find it? Didn't think so.
LOWERING TAXES ON BILLIONAIRES WILL CREATE JOBS
The bill in question will cancel the tax break billionaires already get when it expires. So, right now, billionaires are paying the lowered taxes. If it's not creating any jobs now, why would it create jobs in the future?
Gee wiz, take an economics course... by a conservative. Go ahead... see what you're missing. Let me ask you a question, and I want you to think real hard... do poor people create jobs? Hmmm... never thought of that did you?
PAYING PEOPLE NOT TO WORK
Unemployment benefits are insurance paid by employers for their employees. People who didn't want to work can't get these benefits. The real Paying People Not to Work program is the Republican plan to keep rich kids who never worked a day in their lives from having to pay taxes on their parent's estates. God forbid these "patriots" should pay taxes to the country that gave them so much for doing so little.
Maybe we should throw these ungrateful rich bastards in jail! Talk about class envy and divisiveness. Why are you so anti-wealth? Are you jealous? Why don't you work hard and try to become rich yourself instead of praying the federal government will turn totalitarian and "level the playing field" so to speak. Remember whatever the government gives you, it can also take away. Furthermore, if you want to talk about "paying people not to work" how about the millions of able bodied people that are jamming the welfare rolls and voting straight democratic? Liberals and their out-of-control spending has just about bankrupted our country!
WHERE IS GLENN BECK'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
Can he prove he was born here? That salute to the crowd looks a little German.
Aw. Glen is bothering you isn't he? By the way, he bothers many conservatives too. But not nearly as bad as the lefties.
NEW YORK MOSQUE
The Republicans would rather talk about anything than the economic mess they've left us in. The mosque is a squirrel they've released for the idiot press to chase.
The mosque is a politico-religious move on the part of Sharia activists to send a message to the rest of the Islamic world that Islam is about to claim America. If you think that it isn't about that, you have your head somewhere beside the sand.
TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK
Take it back from whom? From the voters who elected Barack Obama by a 10 million vote margin in 2008? What is it about democracy that the Tea Baggers don't like? Why does no one in the press even ask?
Tea Baggers... cute. The movement was named after the Boston Tea party not Barney Frank's (D) favorite pass-time. Anyway, We (conservatives) want to take our country back from the politically correct, morally bankrupt, intellectually confused, extremist, arrogant, class-envying, socialist, enviro-looney, left wing nut-jobs that have hijacked a perfectly good party (The Democratic party) and made it into the party for every bizarre anti-American viewpoint in existence. You want to turn America into France. It isn't working over there, and it won't work here.
THE TEABAGGER VOTE PLUS THE REPUBLICAN VOTE EQUAL DEFEAT FOR DEMOCRATS
Excuse me, lazy over-paid pundits, but Teabaggers are Republicans. None of them voted Democratic or Progressive before, so there is no net change in the number of right wing voters. Better yet, they will split the Republican vote in some contests. Don't bash the Tea Party. They are doing God's work for us.
God's work? Oh, so now you're religious? Please. Have you ever heard of the undecided vote? They are going Tea Party/conservative/republican in droves. Wake up lefties... Your Enlightened Ruler, Obama, is killing your party. On second thought don't wake up. Keep saying how wonderful Biden, Obama, Reid and Pelosi are. Yuck.
THE REPUBLICAN PLAN TO GET AMERICA BACK TO WORK
Ban gay marriages, deport cheap farm laborers, teach Creationism, post the Ten Commandments in schools and courthouses and give the rich even more tax breaks. If that doesn't create jobs, what will?
Now I'm starting to think this was written by a robot. Have you actually looked at the issues? Or is this just propaganda time? None of what you mention is being proposed as job creation measures. Republicans want to reduce the size of our bloated government, cut spending so the economy will rebound, cut taxes especially on small business owners and creators (who make up the majority of jobs, by the way), and yes securing our border is important for this country's well-being.
FETUS WORSHIP
If only conservatives felt such passion about children and adults as they do about "the unborn." The born? Who the fuck needs them? Especially if they are poor and/or non-white. Why don't those damn babies get jobs and pull themselves up by their bootstraps? The way my great-great white granddaddy did? With the help of hundreds of slaves.
Name one instance where Republicans have put forth a measure that resulted in widespread loss of life. Can't name one? Shucks! Now, lets try that with liberals. How about Roe V. Wade which has resulted in the extermination of over 50 million babies. How about the eradication of DDT, which experts estimate has indirectly caused the deaths of hundreds of millions of people in under-developed countries. How about the famous Tuskegee Syphilis experiment, where hundreds of black sharecroppers died? I could name more, but there are three.
BORDER SECURITY
Those Mexicans are taking over the southwest. They act like they own it. Oh, that's right, they used to. Until there was a big democratic vote in Mexico to give southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to the U.S. Did I say vote? Whoops! I meant when we just sent an army down there and took it. So they could learn about Democracy.
You seem a little mixed up. Actually we defeated Mexico in a war and in order to end it peacefully they AGREED to sell us the land you mentioned. The money paid for the Mexican Cession, and the Gadsden Purchase amounted to 25 million, and we paid a further 3.5 million to the people of Mexico. That is 1846 and 1853 dollars. Adjusted to current levels that is over $600 million dollars paid. We didn't take their land. They sold it to us. This stuff used to be in our history books until the liberals took it out.
TALK RADIO
There's a reason they don't call it "think radio."
There is also a reason that liberal talk shows and talk radio stations can't stay on the air (remember Air America?). The more you hear them spout their garbage, the worse the ratings get.
DEATH TAX
You mean Inheritance Tax, don't you? And exactly what did you do to earn it? You win money on a game show, guess what? It's taxed. You win the game of life, why shouldn't it be taxed? "Because Mummy and Paw Paw already paid income taxes on it," you say? They did? On that house they bought in 1966 for $50,000 and you can't wait to sell for $3.5 million? "But those poor farmers, they'll lose their farms." Fine, let's pass a law that family farmers don't have to pay inheritance taxes -- if their main job is farming and they live on the family farm. Isn't it funny that 1700 farm subsidy checks went to Manhattan addresses last year? The family CEO and the family hedge fund manager should be thankful they live in a country that lets them make so much money. They should thank that country by paying their fair share.
Most of those Manhattan Farm Subsidy money takers were liberal organizations and liberal democrats like Ted Turner, David Letterman, Scottie Pippen, Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, etc.
SOCIALIZED MEDICINE
Let's see, we can socialize war and socialize schools (I don't have kids,but I pay school taxes), we can socialize road building, we can socialize farming (how much did you get last year not to grow corn?), we can socialize football stadiums, we can socialize flood insurance (for all those poor people living in seven-bedroom beach houses), we can socialize bank and auto bailouts, we can socialize retirement, we can socialize airport expansion and access roads, we can socialize space stations, we can socialize downtown parking gargages, we can socialize oil drilling, we can socialize prisons but we can't socialize medicine. Because that would make us Socialists.
Wow, either you don't know what "socialize" means or I'm paying too much to park my car, and see a game. Seriously this is "apples and oranges". Most of the things you mentioned are not mandatory and are therefore not really "socialized". Socialized means it is government run, and you have NO CHOICE, therefore quality plummets accordingly. When we are talking about our health, I'm against that.
HEALTH AND LEGACY BENEFITS ADD $1700 TO EACH DETROIT-MAKE CAR
It's not true but how come the press never asks these questions: How much does executive pay and perks add to each car? How much does the cost of Big Three's lobbyists add to each car? How much does the cost campaign donations add to each car?
What?
SARAH PALIN
George Bush in a dress. Been there, done that.
And yet you think Nancy Pelosi is the "bees knees". Whatever.
UNIONS ARE THE REASON DETROIT'S IN THE TOILET
Who decided to build fleets of crappy cars? The union workers or the CEOs? Who decided to produce 17 million cars a year when they only sell 14 million a year? The union workers or the CEOs? Overpaid, underperforming CEOs and their board room chums killed Detroit.
There is a place for unions. But out of control unions... no way.
FOREIGN AUTO MAKERS DON'T PAY HEALTH CARE
A complete lie. They pay it in the form of taxes which in turn pays for national health care. When was the last time the Big Three paid any Federal taxes? Yet the UAW members pay their taxes.
When was the last time the government bailed out the car companies using taxpayer money? Oh yeah, that was very recent (Obama).
PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
If only Jesus had an opinion on this subject it would end all debate. Oh, yeah, he did! Here's what he had to say on the subject.
Matthew 6:5-8 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
This was a lesson, not about public prayer (which Jesus did many times), but praying with an arrogant heart. But nice to know you're reading your Bible.
THE LIBERALS ARE TURNING US INTO FRANCE!
No, we don't want no stinkin', on-time, high speed trains taking us between New York and Chicago ten times a day. We don't want no stinkin' cradle to grave health care, we don't want government to send paid nannies to help new mothers around the house, we don't want no stinkin' free higher education for everyone. We don't want to live in a place that values auto mechanics as much as they do lawyers, we don't want to live in a place with a divorce rate that is half of ours and where the food is ten times better and healthier. No, we don't want to be France. That would be horrible.
Hey if you love France so much, why don't you move there?
THE FRENCH RUN FROM BATTLES
That Napoleon. What a chicken.
First of all, Napoleon was not French. He was from Corsica and his bloodline was Italian. Secondly, the French have a reputation as lovers, not fighters.
"CRITICS SAY..."
That's what lazy reporters say when they mean, "Republicans say..."
Lame.
BONUS
Noun. Financial reward for doing a spectacularly bad job. Sample usage, "Those guys at AIG really deserve a big bonus this year!"
You mean the ones Obama gave billions of taxpayer money to? oh yeah, them.
THE GOVERNMENT NEVER CREATED A JOB
Then who's paying all those people who work at the Pentagon? At the Post Office? Down at the school your children attend for free? Who is fixing the pot holes and building roads and bridges? Who built the airport in your town, where did the money come from? Why do mayors scream when the military tries to close a base in their town? Who is Boeing building all those planes for? The fact is, the Federal government is the biggest employer in the country. Saying the government never created a job over and over and over again doesn't make it true. It just makes it a bigger lie. Especially if it comes out of the mouth of a Member of Congress who is a person with one of the eleven million, much-coveted government jobs.
First of all no sane person would ever say "the government doesn't create jobs", and I defy you to find someone quoted as saying that. What you probably heard was the correct notion that the government has created TOO MANY GOVERNMENT jobs. We need a smaller central government and a larger private sector. Plain and simple. When the government is one of the largest employers in the land, that means problems.
YOU DECIDE
The Earth is Flat vs the Earth is Round. They are opposite opinions, but they are not equal opinions. Equal time does not equal fairness. Facts are fair. To pretend a fact-free opinion deserves "equal time" is to give it undeserved credibility which is unfair.
Thanks. You just described liberal TV talk shows in a nutshell.
THE SECOND AMMENDMENT
Your Constitutional right to bear arms does not trump my Constitutional right not to get shot. It's time to repeal that ammendment and write a new one.
This shows that the Founding Fathers were much smarter than you. In every country where the general population is unarmed, it is eventually controlled by a vicious centralized totalitarian government. The best way to ensure that we can remain safe in our homes is to have the right to bear arms. By the way, which home do you think a burglar would break into first... the one where the occupants had guns, or the one with unarmed people? You want a new amendment? Here's one. Make one declaring it impossible for liberals like you to mess with the Constitution. By the way, can guns fire by themselves? So really, guns aren't the problem. Criminals are the problem. And I have a right to defend myself.
TAX REFORM
The first reform is to call it "Tax Fairness." What we need is tax fairness. As Warren Buffet says, it's insane that his secretary has to pay a higher tax rate than he does. It'd be nice if the people who made their fortunes in America paid their country back instead of trying to cheat it out of a few dollars more.
So you favor the conservative notion of a flat tax? Great! Something we can agree on.
CRIPPLING CORPORATE TAXES
If only American corporations bothered to pay them. How much did Ford, GM, GE, The New York Times and Time Inc. pay in taxes last year? Oh, yeah, zero. It seems high taxes aren't the problem at all. It's idiot CEOs and their over-compensated boards. The tax rate could be a thousand percent and it wouldn't make a difference if they don't pay it. This is a bogus Republican talking point.
Those organizations you mentioned are liberal ones. By the way, Obama gave them billions. That's your man.
GAY RIGHTS
Should gays, women and minorities pay lower taxes for having fewer rights than straight, white men?
They have all the same rights as any other American citizen. Let me ask you... should gays be treated special just because they like having sex with people like themselves? Where do we draw the line then?
EVOLUTION IS JUST A THEORY
So is Creationism. The difference is that one theory has a fossil record, a DNA record and stacks of physical evidence; the other has a 2,000 year-old book that is full of myths, contradictions and easily disprovable statements. The large majority of Christian denominations, including Catholics and Anglicans believe that evolution is part of God's plan and does not conflict in any way with their faith. Why the press lets the Fundamentalists set the agenda is anyone's guess.
Actually there is a HUGE difference. Evolution is based in science and Creationism is based on religion. No sane person disputes the fact that evolution exists. Just not THEIR kind of evolution. Their kind of evolution really resembles a religion, complete with faith, core beliefs, dogma, high-priests (essentially), and televangelists (essentially). Also, there are no myths in the Bible. There are no doctrinal contradictions either. Really this has all been hashed out and waylaid by better people than me.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS WERE CONSERVATIVES
The truth is that the Founding Fathers were Liberals -- the Conservatives, known then as Tories, wanted to stay British. After the Revolution many of them repatriated to England, like their good buddy, Benedict Arnold.
This argument was LAAAAME! No one I know says the founding fathers were conservatives back then. At the time they were revolutionaries. But the things they stood for, and established, and believed in (unto death) certainly don't resemble the views of our modern day liberal lefty. To find views that are more closely allied to those of our founding fathers, one must look at the conservatives. WE are the ones trying to preserve what our FF's established. Not tear it all down and change it, like liberals do.
LET'S GET BACK TO THE CONSTITUTION'S "ORIGINAL INTENT"
Want to get back to the original intent of slavery? The original intent of not letting women and blacks vote? The original intent of letting state legistatures appoint U.S. Senators instead of voting for them? Good luck with that.
You just conveniently ignored the amendments. By the way, there is NOTHING in the constitution that establishes slavery. Can you find it? Didn't think so.
LOWERING TAXES ON BILLIONAIRES WILL CREATE JOBS
The bill in question will cancel the tax break billionaires already get when it expires. So, right now, billionaires are paying the lowered taxes. If it's not creating any jobs now, why would it create jobs in the future?
Gee wiz, take an economics course... by a conservative. Go ahead... see what you're missing. Let me ask you a question, and I want you to think real hard... do poor people create jobs? Hmmm... never thought of that did you?
PAYING PEOPLE NOT TO WORK
Unemployment benefits are insurance paid by employers for their employees. People who didn't want to work can't get these benefits. The real Paying People Not to Work program is the Republican plan to keep rich kids who never worked a day in their lives from having to pay taxes on their parent's estates. God forbid these "patriots" should pay taxes to the country that gave them so much for doing so little.
Maybe we should throw these ungrateful rich bastards in jail! Talk about class envy and divisiveness. Why are you so anti-wealth? Are you jealous? Why don't you work hard and try to become rich yourself instead of praying the federal government will turn totalitarian and "level the playing field" so to speak. Remember whatever the government gives you, it can also take away. Furthermore, if you want to talk about "paying people not to work" how about the millions of able bodied people that are jamming the welfare rolls and voting straight democratic? Liberals and their out-of-control spending has just about bankrupted our country!
WHERE IS GLENN BECK'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
Can he prove he was born here? That salute to the crowd looks a little German.
Aw. Glen is bothering you isn't he? By the way, he bothers many conservatives too. But not nearly as bad as the lefties.
NEW YORK MOSQUE
The Republicans would rather talk about anything than the economic mess they've left us in. The mosque is a squirrel they've released for the idiot press to chase.
The mosque is a politico-religious move on the part of Sharia activists to send a message to the rest of the Islamic world that Islam is about to claim America. If you think that it isn't about that, you have your head somewhere beside the sand.
TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK
Take it back from whom? From the voters who elected Barack Obama by a 10 million vote margin in 2008? What is it about democracy that the Tea Baggers don't like? Why does no one in the press even ask?
Tea Baggers... cute. The movement was named after the Boston Tea party not Barney Frank's (D) favorite pass-time. Anyway, We (conservatives) want to take our country back from the politically correct, morally bankrupt, intellectually confused, extremist, arrogant, class-envying, socialist, enviro-looney, left wing nut-jobs that have hijacked a perfectly good party (The Democratic party) and made it into the party for every bizarre anti-American viewpoint in existence. You want to turn America into France. It isn't working over there, and it won't work here.
THE TEABAGGER VOTE PLUS THE REPUBLICAN VOTE EQUAL DEFEAT FOR DEMOCRATS
Excuse me, lazy over-paid pundits, but Teabaggers are Republicans. None of them voted Democratic or Progressive before, so there is no net change in the number of right wing voters. Better yet, they will split the Republican vote in some contests. Don't bash the Tea Party. They are doing God's work for us.
God's work? Oh, so now you're religious? Please. Have you ever heard of the undecided vote? They are going Tea Party/conservative/republican in droves. Wake up lefties... Your Enlightened Ruler, Obama, is killing your party. On second thought don't wake up. Keep saying how wonderful Biden, Obama, Reid and Pelosi are. Yuck.
THE REPUBLICAN PLAN TO GET AMERICA BACK TO WORK
Ban gay marriages, deport cheap farm laborers, teach Creationism, post the Ten Commandments in schools and courthouses and give the rich even more tax breaks. If that doesn't create jobs, what will?
Now I'm starting to think this was written by a robot. Have you actually looked at the issues? Or is this just propaganda time? None of what you mention is being proposed as job creation measures. Republicans want to reduce the size of our bloated government, cut spending so the economy will rebound, cut taxes especially on small business owners and creators (who make up the majority of jobs, by the way), and yes securing our border is important for this country's well-being.
FETUS WORSHIP
If only conservatives felt such passion about children and adults as they do about "the unborn." The born? Who the fuck needs them? Especially if they are poor and/or non-white. Why don't those damn babies get jobs and pull themselves up by their bootstraps? The way my great-great white granddaddy did? With the help of hundreds of slaves.
Name one instance where Republicans have put forth a measure that resulted in widespread loss of life. Can't name one? Shucks! Now, lets try that with liberals. How about Roe V. Wade which has resulted in the extermination of over 50 million babies. How about the eradication of DDT, which experts estimate has indirectly caused the deaths of hundreds of millions of people in under-developed countries. How about the famous Tuskegee Syphilis experiment, where hundreds of black sharecroppers died? I could name more, but there are three.
BORDER SECURITY
Those Mexicans are taking over the southwest. They act like they own it. Oh, that's right, they used to. Until there was a big democratic vote in Mexico to give southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to the U.S. Did I say vote? Whoops! I meant when we just sent an army down there and took it. So they could learn about Democracy.
You seem a little mixed up. Actually we defeated Mexico in a war and in order to end it peacefully they AGREED to sell us the land you mentioned. The money paid for the Mexican Cession, and the Gadsden Purchase amounted to 25 million, and we paid a further 3.5 million to the people of Mexico. That is 1846 and 1853 dollars. Adjusted to current levels that is over $600 million dollars paid. We didn't take their land. They sold it to us. This stuff used to be in our history books until the liberals took it out.
TALK RADIO
There's a reason they don't call it "think radio."
There is also a reason that liberal talk shows and talk radio stations can't stay on the air (remember Air America?). The more you hear them spout their garbage, the worse the ratings get.
DEATH TAX
You mean Inheritance Tax, don't you? And exactly what did you do to earn it? You win money on a game show, guess what? It's taxed. You win the game of life, why shouldn't it be taxed? "Because Mummy and Paw Paw already paid income taxes on it," you say? They did? On that house they bought in 1966 for $50,000 and you can't wait to sell for $3.5 million? "But those poor farmers, they'll lose their farms." Fine, let's pass a law that family farmers don't have to pay inheritance taxes -- if their main job is farming and they live on the family farm. Isn't it funny that 1700 farm subsidy checks went to Manhattan addresses last year? The family CEO and the family hedge fund manager should be thankful they live in a country that lets them make so much money. They should thank that country by paying their fair share.
Most of those Manhattan Farm Subsidy money takers were liberal organizations and liberal democrats like Ted Turner, David Letterman, Scottie Pippen, Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, etc.
SOCIALIZED MEDICINE
Let's see, we can socialize war and socialize schools (I don't have kids,but I pay school taxes), we can socialize road building, we can socialize farming (how much did you get last year not to grow corn?), we can socialize football stadiums, we can socialize flood insurance (for all those poor people living in seven-bedroom beach houses), we can socialize bank and auto bailouts, we can socialize retirement, we can socialize airport expansion and access roads, we can socialize space stations, we can socialize downtown parking gargages, we can socialize oil drilling, we can socialize prisons but we can't socialize medicine. Because that would make us Socialists.
Wow, either you don't know what "socialize" means or I'm paying too much to park my car, and see a game. Seriously this is "apples and oranges". Most of the things you mentioned are not mandatory and are therefore not really "socialized". Socialized means it is government run, and you have NO CHOICE, therefore quality plummets accordingly. When we are talking about our health, I'm against that.
HEALTH AND LEGACY BENEFITS ADD $1700 TO EACH DETROIT-MAKE CAR
It's not true but how come the press never asks these questions: How much does executive pay and perks add to each car? How much does the cost of Big Three's lobbyists add to each car? How much does the cost campaign donations add to each car?
What?
SARAH PALIN
George Bush in a dress. Been there, done that.
And yet you think Nancy Pelosi is the "bees knees". Whatever.
UNIONS ARE THE REASON DETROIT'S IN THE TOILET
Who decided to build fleets of crappy cars? The union workers or the CEOs? Who decided to produce 17 million cars a year when they only sell 14 million a year? The union workers or the CEOs? Overpaid, underperforming CEOs and their board room chums killed Detroit.
There is a place for unions. But out of control unions... no way.
FOREIGN AUTO MAKERS DON'T PAY HEALTH CARE
A complete lie. They pay it in the form of taxes which in turn pays for national health care. When was the last time the Big Three paid any Federal taxes? Yet the UAW members pay their taxes.
When was the last time the government bailed out the car companies using taxpayer money? Oh yeah, that was very recent (Obama).
PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
If only Jesus had an opinion on this subject it would end all debate. Oh, yeah, he did! Here's what he had to say on the subject.
Matthew 6:5-8 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
This was a lesson, not about public prayer (which Jesus did many times), but praying with an arrogant heart. But nice to know you're reading your Bible.
THE LIBERALS ARE TURNING US INTO FRANCE!
No, we don't want no stinkin', on-time, high speed trains taking us between New York and Chicago ten times a day. We don't want no stinkin' cradle to grave health care, we don't want government to send paid nannies to help new mothers around the house, we don't want no stinkin' free higher education for everyone. We don't want to live in a place that values auto mechanics as much as they do lawyers, we don't want to live in a place with a divorce rate that is half of ours and where the food is ten times better and healthier. No, we don't want to be France. That would be horrible.
Hey if you love France so much, why don't you move there?
THE FRENCH RUN FROM BATTLES
That Napoleon. What a chicken.
First of all, Napoleon was not French. He was from Corsica and his bloodline was Italian. Secondly, the French have a reputation as lovers, not fighters.
"CRITICS SAY..."
That's what lazy reporters say when they mean, "Republicans say..."
Lame.
BONUS
Noun. Financial reward for doing a spectacularly bad job. Sample usage, "Those guys at AIG really deserve a big bonus this year!"
You mean the ones Obama gave billions of taxpayer money to? oh yeah, them.
THE GOVERNMENT NEVER CREATED A JOB
Then who's paying all those people who work at the Pentagon? At the Post Office? Down at the school your children attend for free? Who is fixing the pot holes and building roads and bridges? Who built the airport in your town, where did the money come from? Why do mayors scream when the military tries to close a base in their town? Who is Boeing building all those planes for? The fact is, the Federal government is the biggest employer in the country. Saying the government never created a job over and over and over again doesn't make it true. It just makes it a bigger lie. Especially if it comes out of the mouth of a Member of Congress who is a person with one of the eleven million, much-coveted government jobs.
First of all no sane person would ever say "the government doesn't create jobs", and I defy you to find someone quoted as saying that. What you probably heard was the correct notion that the government has created TOO MANY GOVERNMENT jobs. We need a smaller central government and a larger private sector. Plain and simple. When the government is one of the largest employers in the land, that means problems.
YOU DECIDE
The Earth is Flat vs the Earth is Round. They are opposite opinions, but they are not equal opinions. Equal time does not equal fairness. Facts are fair. To pretend a fact-free opinion deserves "equal time" is to give it undeserved credibility which is unfair.
Thanks. You just described liberal TV talk shows in a nutshell.
THE SECOND AMMENDMENT
Your Constitutional right to bear arms does not trump my Constitutional right not to get shot. It's time to repeal that ammendment and write a new one.
This shows that the Founding Fathers were much smarter than you. In every country where the general population is unarmed, it is eventually controlled by a vicious centralized totalitarian government. The best way to ensure that we can remain safe in our homes is to have the right to bear arms. By the way, which home do you think a burglar would break into first... the one where the occupants had guns, or the one with unarmed people? You want a new amendment? Here's one. Make one declaring it impossible for liberals like you to mess with the Constitution. By the way, can guns fire by themselves? So really, guns aren't the problem. Criminals are the problem. And I have a right to defend myself.
TAX REFORM
The first reform is to call it "Tax Fairness." What we need is tax fairness. As Warren Buffet says, it's insane that his secretary has to pay a higher tax rate than he does. It'd be nice if the people who made their fortunes in America paid their country back instead of trying to cheat it out of a few dollars more.
So you favor the conservative notion of a flat tax? Great! Something we can agree on.
CRIPPLING CORPORATE TAXES
If only American corporations bothered to pay them. How much did Ford, GM, GE, The New York Times and Time Inc. pay in taxes last year? Oh, yeah, zero. It seems high taxes aren't the problem at all. It's idiot CEOs and their over-compensated boards. The tax rate could be a thousand percent and it wouldn't make a difference if they don't pay it. This is a bogus Republican talking point.
Those organizations you mentioned are liberal ones. By the way, Obama gave them billions. That's your man.
GAY RIGHTS
Should gays, women and minorities pay lower taxes for having fewer rights than straight, white men?
They have all the same rights as any other American citizen. Let me ask you... should gays be treated special just because they like having sex with people like themselves? Where do we draw the line then?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Music that moved me - Vol. 4
This isn't music really. But they are RECORDS. These were particularly enjoyable to me as a lad. I listened to these until they were completely scratched up.
Music that moved me - Vol. 3
I found many treasures among my Dad's records. I loved these particular ones a lot when I was a kid! My brothers and sister, and I played these to death! When bored, these were the "go-to" records.
Why doesn't God heal amputees? responses
A while back I saw a video that asked "Why doesn't God heal amputees?". The maker of the video thought he was VERY clever indeed. He thought he had released some real stumpers. Infact, he boasts that these questions can't be answered. Wrong. You can read the answers after the video. First take a look at the video...
Q1: Why doesn't God heal amputees?
A: You mean, make the leg grow back? And you accuse us of being un-scientific. Obviously God COULD do that, but he never has. I’m pretty sure he never will. If all Christian amputee’s limbs magically grew back, everyone would immediately convert, wouldn't they? Do you really think God is just a cosmic vending machine? Put in a prayer coin and out comes a miracle? He is well above that. There is a matter of faith involved here, that you would never allow yourself to understand. Furthermore, all answered prayer is in accordance with the will and purpose of God. You cannot fully understand the mind of God any more than your pet can fully understand your mind.
Q2: Why are there so many starving people in the world?
A: Because Satan is the God of this world, and this is NOT Heaven. There is suffering on Earth because there is also evil on Earth.
Q3: Why does God demand the death of so many innocent people in the Bible?
A: The verses that you mentioned are not binding on all mankind at this time. At one time they were binding on the Hebrews. God chose a certain group of people; The Hebrews. The Old Testament records the spiritual journey of these people. It was through this line (the Jews) that God brought forth the eventual savior of humankind. Along the way God chastised, punished, rewarded and blessed these people. We as non-Hebrews (gentiles) are under the new covenant which was created by the death of Christ. It is referred to as the age of grace. We are not bound by the Hebrew laws (which could be pretty severe), but are set free from that through Christ’s shed blood.
Q4: Why does the Bible contain such anti-scientific nonsense?
A: That is a bit like asking, why do Science textbooks have such anti-religious nonsense? It is a loaded question. The Bible is a book about God revealing himself to mankind. It is as scientific as it NEEDS to be.
Q5: Why is God such a huge proponent of slavery in the Bible?
A: He isn’t. He is a huge proponent of obedience.
Q6: Why do bad things happen to good people?
A: See the answer to question 2.
Q7: Why didn’t any of Jesus miracles in the Bible leave behind any evidence?
A: He left behind a religion with over 3 billion adherents, and you ask for evidence of his existence? Besides, you would only explain such evidence away.
Q8: How do we explain the fact that Jesus has never appeared to you?
A: He does, every time I open my Bible. Also, there is the Holy Spirit. His presence can be felt.
Q9: Why would Jesus want you to eat his body and drink his blood?
A: It was a lesson in becoming one with him. That is why it is called communion. It is figurative. Amazingly this criticism has been leveled at Christians since ancient times by those ignorant of venerated Christian practices. Ancient Rome was particularly disgusted by the "incestuous cannibals" call Christians.
Q10: Why do Christians get divorced at the same rate as non-Christians?
A: Christians divorce for vastly different reasons than non-Christians. Non-Christian marriages often split due to incompatibility, or "irreconcilable differences". Christian marriage seldom split because of that. Studies show that Christian marriages break up mostly due to adultery, abuse (all forms), and abandonment. Also, Christians never cease being human. As humans we feel jealousy, make mistakes, make poor decisions, hurt each other sometimes, have financial difficulties, etc. Also, Christians are NOT sinless. And sometimes sin carries consequences. Like, perhaps, hurting your spouse beyond repair.
Q1: Why doesn't God heal amputees?
A: You mean, make the leg grow back? And you accuse us of being un-scientific. Obviously God COULD do that, but he never has. I’m pretty sure he never will. If all Christian amputee’s limbs magically grew back, everyone would immediately convert, wouldn't they? Do you really think God is just a cosmic vending machine? Put in a prayer coin and out comes a miracle? He is well above that. There is a matter of faith involved here, that you would never allow yourself to understand. Furthermore, all answered prayer is in accordance with the will and purpose of God. You cannot fully understand the mind of God any more than your pet can fully understand your mind.
Q2: Why are there so many starving people in the world?
A: Because Satan is the God of this world, and this is NOT Heaven. There is suffering on Earth because there is also evil on Earth.
Q3: Why does God demand the death of so many innocent people in the Bible?
A: The verses that you mentioned are not binding on all mankind at this time. At one time they were binding on the Hebrews. God chose a certain group of people; The Hebrews. The Old Testament records the spiritual journey of these people. It was through this line (the Jews) that God brought forth the eventual savior of humankind. Along the way God chastised, punished, rewarded and blessed these people. We as non-Hebrews (gentiles) are under the new covenant which was created by the death of Christ. It is referred to as the age of grace. We are not bound by the Hebrew laws (which could be pretty severe), but are set free from that through Christ’s shed blood.
Q4: Why does the Bible contain such anti-scientific nonsense?
A: That is a bit like asking, why do Science textbooks have such anti-religious nonsense? It is a loaded question. The Bible is a book about God revealing himself to mankind. It is as scientific as it NEEDS to be.
Q5: Why is God such a huge proponent of slavery in the Bible?
A: He isn’t. He is a huge proponent of obedience.
Q6: Why do bad things happen to good people?
A: See the answer to question 2.
Q7: Why didn’t any of Jesus miracles in the Bible leave behind any evidence?
A: He left behind a religion with over 3 billion adherents, and you ask for evidence of his existence? Besides, you would only explain such evidence away.
Q8: How do we explain the fact that Jesus has never appeared to you?
A: He does, every time I open my Bible. Also, there is the Holy Spirit. His presence can be felt.
Q9: Why would Jesus want you to eat his body and drink his blood?
A: It was a lesson in becoming one with him. That is why it is called communion. It is figurative. Amazingly this criticism has been leveled at Christians since ancient times by those ignorant of venerated Christian practices. Ancient Rome was particularly disgusted by the "incestuous cannibals" call Christians.
Q10: Why do Christians get divorced at the same rate as non-Christians?
A: Christians divorce for vastly different reasons than non-Christians. Non-Christian marriages often split due to incompatibility, or "irreconcilable differences". Christian marriage seldom split because of that. Studies show that Christian marriages break up mostly due to adultery, abuse (all forms), and abandonment. Also, Christians never cease being human. As humans we feel jealousy, make mistakes, make poor decisions, hurt each other sometimes, have financial difficulties, etc. Also, Christians are NOT sinless. And sometimes sin carries consequences. Like, perhaps, hurting your spouse beyond repair.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Music that moved me - Vol. 2
Beethoven. This was another record I found in Dad's closet. Loved it! Can't remember what drew me to him at such a young age (7 or 8), but something sure did. I still love classical music.
Music that moved me - Vol. 1
I'm going way back here. My dad had a gigantic collection of records piled in the closet. This was one of the treasures I found there. I really enjoyed it. Searching for more, I found others. I loved Buddy Holly's music. I didn't know him from Adam, but his music really was (is) great! I was maybe 7 or 8 when I found it.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 25
I love Monty Python's Flying Circus. These two books contain all the words. Thus the apt title for the books. Anyway, these are so much fun.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 24
Early on in my life I developed an interest in military history. This book helped shape that. It is a very exhaustive resource for learning about battles. From ancient times to very recent. Great stuff!
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 23
I love Shakespeare. To truly enjoy him, watch a play. Then watch it again while following along with the script. Even better if you have a modern English translation alongside. His stories are great. Many people don't realize how cool Shakespeare's plots were. Let me tell you friend, they are great! He didn't get to be the SINGLE most influential writer the world has ever known (aside from the Bible) for nothing. This small attractive book has ALL his writings. Cool!
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 22
This book is beyond interesting. It really explains a lot about the dark ages, and the plagues. Believe it or not we are still feeling the effects of the great plagues all these years later. Fascinating reading.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 21
This book helped form many of my current ideas about creation versus evolution. Though raised in the church, and a firm Christian, during my high school days I wasn't so sure about evolution. Obviously I thought it was true as all my teachers seemed to believe it, as well as many of the other kids. But as I read into it... things just didn't seem to add up. I was convinced that evolution was a bogus explanation for the world around us and found that creationism provided better answers. This book (among others) was instrumental in that.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
My Western Paperbacks!
Here is a list of my western paperbacks!
* indicates I have read it!
Ballard, Todhunter – Trouble on the Massacre
Benteen, John – Cutler: Wolf Pack
Benteen, John - Fargo
Coburn, Walt – Law Rides The Range
Cody, Al – Bitter Creek
Cole, Jackson – Gunsmoke Trail
Foreman, L.L. – Lobo Gray
Fox, Brian – A Dollar To Die For*
Fox, Norman A. - Broken Wagon
Gilman, George G. – Edge: Ashes and Dust
Gilman, George G. – Edge: The Frightened Gun*
Gilman, George G. – Edge: The Loner
Gilman, George G. – Steele: The Tarnished Star
Haycox, Ernest - Return of a Fighter
James, William M. – Apache #01: The First Death
James, William M. – Apache #03: Duel To the Death
James, William M. – Apache #05: Fort Treachery
James, William M. – Apache #07: Blood Line*
James, William M. – Apache #08: Blood on the Tracks
James, William M. – Apache #10: All Blood is Red
James, William M. – Apache #18: Slow Dying
James, William M. – Apache #19: Fast Living
James, William M. – Apache #21: Blood Wedding
James, William M. – Apache #22: Border Killing
James, William M. – Apache #23: Death Valley*
Joscelyn, Archie - Six-gun Sawbones
Kelton, Elmer – Shotgun
Knott, Will C. – The Vengeance Seeker*
L’Amour, Louis – Bowdrie’s Law
L’Amour, Louis – Buckskin Run
L’Amour, Louis – The Outlaws of Mesquite
Lehman, Paul Evan – The Man From The Badlands
Macdonald, William Colt - The Shadow Rider
Millard, Joe – A Coffin Full of Dollars
Millard, Joe – Blood For A Dirty Dollar
Millard, Joe – For A Few Dollars More
Millard, Joe – The Devil’s Dollar Sign
Millard, Joe - The Good The Bad and the Ugly
Millard, Joe – The Million Dollar Bloodhunt
Nye, Nelson – A Bullet For Billy The Kid
O'Roarke, Frank - Violence at Sundown
Overholser, Wayne D. – Hearn’s Valley
Raine, William MacLeod - Gunsmoke Trail
Rigoni, Orlando – Twisted Trails
Sanders, Bret – Hawk: Blood Bait
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Doom Trail
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Gundown
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Lone Star Rider
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Sixguns in a Bloody Dawn
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Texas Rider
Shelley, John - A Gun for Billy Hardin
Slade, Jack – Lassiter: The Man From Lordsburg
Ward, Jonas – Buchanan Takes Over
Ward, Jonas – One-Man Massacre
Wells, Lee E. - Death In The Desert
Wolford, Colby – Stranger in The Land
* indicates I have read it!
Ballard, Todhunter – Trouble on the Massacre
Benteen, John – Cutler: Wolf Pack
Benteen, John - Fargo
Coburn, Walt – Law Rides The Range
Cody, Al – Bitter Creek
Cole, Jackson – Gunsmoke Trail
Foreman, L.L. – Lobo Gray
Fox, Brian – A Dollar To Die For*
Fox, Norman A. - Broken Wagon
Gilman, George G. – Edge: Ashes and Dust
Gilman, George G. – Edge: The Frightened Gun*
Gilman, George G. – Edge: The Loner
Gilman, George G. – Steele: The Tarnished Star
Haycox, Ernest - Return of a Fighter
James, William M. – Apache #01: The First Death
James, William M. – Apache #03: Duel To the Death
James, William M. – Apache #05: Fort Treachery
James, William M. – Apache #07: Blood Line*
James, William M. – Apache #08: Blood on the Tracks
James, William M. – Apache #10: All Blood is Red
James, William M. – Apache #18: Slow Dying
James, William M. – Apache #19: Fast Living
James, William M. – Apache #21: Blood Wedding
James, William M. – Apache #22: Border Killing
James, William M. – Apache #23: Death Valley*
Joscelyn, Archie - Six-gun Sawbones
Kelton, Elmer – Shotgun
Knott, Will C. – The Vengeance Seeker*
L’Amour, Louis – Bowdrie’s Law
L’Amour, Louis – Buckskin Run
L’Amour, Louis – The Outlaws of Mesquite
Lehman, Paul Evan – The Man From The Badlands
Macdonald, William Colt - The Shadow Rider
Millard, Joe – A Coffin Full of Dollars
Millard, Joe – Blood For A Dirty Dollar
Millard, Joe – For A Few Dollars More
Millard, Joe – The Devil’s Dollar Sign
Millard, Joe - The Good The Bad and the Ugly
Millard, Joe – The Million Dollar Bloodhunt
Nye, Nelson – A Bullet For Billy The Kid
O'Roarke, Frank - Violence at Sundown
Overholser, Wayne D. – Hearn’s Valley
Raine, William MacLeod - Gunsmoke Trail
Rigoni, Orlando – Twisted Trails
Sanders, Bret – Hawk: Blood Bait
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Doom Trail
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Gundown
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Lone Star Rider
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Sixguns in a Bloody Dawn
Scott, Bradford – Walt Slade: Texas Rider
Shelley, John - A Gun for Billy Hardin
Slade, Jack – Lassiter: The Man From Lordsburg
Ward, Jonas – Buchanan Takes Over
Ward, Jonas – One-Man Massacre
Wells, Lee E. - Death In The Desert
Wolford, Colby – Stranger in The Land
Something scarier than Bigfoot
Okay so Sasquatch makes for a good campfire tale. No more real than goblins or ghouls. But when camping... nothing is creepier than imagining a 7 foot tall man-ape creature spying on you from just beyond the campfire light. Somewhere in the woods.
However, there is a creature that is just as scary as Bigfoot, and is REAL! Is it hairy all over? Check. Is it a night predator? Check. Is it deadly? Check. Is it huge? Check. Does it invade campsites? Check.
What is it? Why a bear, of course! Each year hundreds of people are mauled and/or killed by bears. Most of them are campers (who no-doubt thought Bigfoot had just dropped by for a visit).
But Bigfoot stories are more entertaining I guess. Here's a good bear story for you...
Bigfoot time again!
Okay firstly, I know the creatures we call Bigfoot don't exist. In fact, I'm pretty sure of it. I think. Anyway, the idea that there is an giant unknown hominid roaming the forests and swamps of the U.S. (and/or the world) is preposterous. Right? Sure.
Anyway, this time of year puts me in mind of the big goofball, I don't really know why, it just does. Something about "indian summer" days that make me think of Bigfoot, that's all. So get ready for a few posts about all this.
Here is the famous Patterson-Gimlin film. By the way, the creature in the film is affectionately known as "Patty" by those who follow this sort of thing.
Here is "Patty" stabilized.
To date this is the only footage that hasn't been successfully debunked. Many have cast doubts on it, but there are enough aspects of the film to make even skeptics wonder.
Anyway, this time of year puts me in mind of the big goofball, I don't really know why, it just does. Something about "indian summer" days that make me think of Bigfoot, that's all. So get ready for a few posts about all this.
Here is the famous Patterson-Gimlin film. By the way, the creature in the film is affectionately known as "Patty" by those who follow this sort of thing.
Here is "Patty" stabilized.
To date this is the only footage that hasn't been successfully debunked. Many have cast doubts on it, but there are enough aspects of the film to make even skeptics wonder.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 20
This book was recommended to me 20+ years ago by a friend who explained that it was the best book of stories of Greek Myths around. He was right. It is a fun and friendly read. The author is great! He writes with a subtle bit of dry humor that comes across only if you're looking for it. Great stuff here! Read it and you'll agree. This book launched me on a quest for more Greek myths, but none of the books I've ever read have the same warmth as this one.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 19
This book literally shut down my JFK conspiracy beliefs. I had amassed a rather large collection of JFK conspiracy books over the years (from the late 80's through the mid 90's) and was a believer. Then I got the above book and the guy nuked all of them. I found out that the JFK conspiracy authors were exploiting the president's death for a living. JFK's death is big business! Anyway, Posner goes down the line showing how the conspiracy nuts only tell you some of the facts, make up "facts", or ignore other facts... in short... it's all B.S. Oswald did it. Now was there a group of people pulling his strings? Who knows. Was something fishy happening in Dallas that day? Perhaps. Was it one of these wacky conspiracies? No.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 18
This was probably the first book I ever read about "you-know-what" (or "who" depending on your beliefs). I bought it for a pittance out of a weekly reader flyer back in 1978. Who could resist a cool cover like that. Well, it scared the bejeebers out of me, but I wanted more! More, I tell you!!! So I went through life collecting most everything I could find on the subject of Sasquatch. Nowadays the only time I believe in Bigfoot is when I'm camping far out in the boonies... at night... and I hear strange noises from beyond the campfire light!
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 17
This little tract made a big impact on me. It hit at a crucial time in my life. Put it this way, after reading it, I knew what I needed to do. There were several other Chick tracts that impacted me, but none more than this one.
This is cool. There is a flash animated version of it online. Check it out and see for yourself.
HERE!
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 16
This series was written by a guy named Laurence James under the pen-name "William M. James". Exciting, fast-paced, violent... In short, first rate man reading! After reading this, I wanted more. It is very much a "Conan of the old-west" kinda thing! If you read this you will see what an exciting author Laurence James is. Be warned, he didn't write ALL the books in the series.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 15
This amazing book launched me into my intense interest in WWI. It is a fascinating read!!! I read it fast, and wanted more (which I got, of course).
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 13
This book is a first hand account of the European theater of WWII. It is great. A real page turner. If you read this you will have a deep deep appreciation for our combat heroes (from any war).
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 12
This man's books are the epitome of real-life action adventure. This book (as well as his others) helped cure me of the disease of "animal-rights-itis". He hates poachers. He never advocates slaughtering animals. But he also makes the case that man is as much a part of the circle of life as any animal. Besides that sub-plot to all his writings, he is a master storyteller and his books crackle with excitement.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 11
This book helped explain so much. If you've ever worked in a corporation or other hierarchical job, this book will identify (in a somewhat humorous way) the truth behind it all.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 10
As a lad, I was always fascinated by the unexplained. Specifically Bigfoot, but olso UFOs, ghosts, Loch Ness, etc. This book, and Philip J. Klass's book called "UFOs Explained" (1974, Random House) cleared up the UFO phenomena very nicely. Here is the short version: People might be seeing something THEY think is strange, but that doesn't automatically mean it is interplanetary spacecraft. Mundane explanations for so-called phenomena must take precedence over fantastic explanations. If a mundane explanation is likely, then a fantastic explanation is unlikely.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 9
Want to understand what other philosophies exist on Earth, from ancient times to now? Want to figure out which philosophy matches YOUR views? Curious as to what the heck Nietzsche was carrying on about? This book gives short and sweet, yet highly informative, synopsis of all major world thought. GREAT!
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 8
Some misguided individuals mistakenly think the Bible is just a stale old book of religious sayings. Read this and you will see how wrong they are. This work kind of fills in the back story of the historical, and archeological aspects of the Bible. It is fascinating reading for anyone.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 6
I dig vampires. They are cool and spooky. Dracula (the book) is very unique. I always liked the fact that it is written in the form of diary entries and letters. Seems to give it an air of authenticity. Very realistic. Bram Stoker was a great writer. When you create a work like this, you don't NEED to write anything else. It sparks with fiery excitement now, just as much as it did a hundred years ago. The other book here is a book long essay on vampires. What gets me about this book is the WAY it is written. Lets put it this way... dude has a way with words.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 5
"Nam" is made up of first hand accounts of Vietnam warriors explaining every aspect of the Vietnam war. It is lively and exciting reading! "A Life In A Year" is also made up of first hand veteran accounts. Impossible to put down once you start reading. These books helped me understand that these guys went through hell! The difference is, when they came home they weren't heroes like the WWII vets had been.
My Most Influential Books - Vol. 7
Robert E. Howard is without a doubt my favorite fiction author. His Conan stories were monumental in my life. But these stories are TERRIFIC!!! They are humorous, action-packed, and exciting! Breckenridge Elkins is a humorous old-west character, and Dennis Dorgan has adventures in the mystical orient of of the 30's and 40's. Great great stuff!
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