I haven't done one of these random miscellaneous thought blogs in a while. So here goes:
Golf Season Winding Down:
My golf season in Iowa is winding down, and it saddens me. I don't really want to move, but I want to be able to golf year around. Today, I came up with the solution....we dome the city! It can be a retractable roof dome so on nice days we can open it up, but during the cold winter months, we can keep it a controlled 72 degrees in here. I may have to run for mayor.
Lebron James vs. W:
When asked who he would most like to dunk on, NBA star Lebron James said George W. Bush. That may be the dumbest thing ever uttered. Would that make Lebron feel like a big man? To dunk on someone in his 60's, who's a foot shorter than him? Really Lebron? Does Lebron think W would even care? This is bully teenager stuff. Every time I start to think the NBA isn't just a bunch of thugs and bullies, one of their big stars manages to prove me wrong.
Climate Change:
I miss global warming. This October has been really cold! Ever since Al Gore noticed that it's been cooling for 10 years, and renamed the movement Climate Change, it's been colder. This is the coldest October I remember. Darn you Al Gore!
Pay Czar:
This week Obama's unconstitutional Pay Czar set new wages for executives at companies that took bailout money. I sent the following e-mail to a friend (I think this is a conversation worth sharing):
"Today it's execs and companies that received big bailouts. Tomorrow it's all companies that received any type of bailout. Then, what about the companies who do gov't contracts? Why not control them as well? Then, when they can't cut exec. pay anymore, lets look at all management. Then lets cut engineers and other support personnel's pay. Then what about admins? After all, if the gov't is providing any funding, whatsoever, they should get to determine how that company does it's business. It's a slippery slope to the gov't controlling way more than just executive pay.
This is dangerous. I bet the "pay czar" never cuts union pay though. "
To which he responded:
"I disagree with your assertion that this is not Constitutional. It is one of the few things that Congress does that IS constitutional. (Although it IS unconstitutional that the Executive Branch is doing this instead of the Congress.)
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. - The Sixteenth Amendment (Amendment XVI) to the United States Constitution ratified on February 3, 1913.
When you give someone the ability to take your money and the ability to determine how much of it they take... they already have the ability to determine your pay!
By the way, the 16th Amendment was proposed by Taft., a "progressive" Republican (who was voted out of office after 1 term). Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) then quickly took advantage of the amendment ... proposing a "progressive tax" in his next term.
The Obama "Pay Czar" is a natural extension of these 100 year old philosophies - he is essentially taxing anything above a certain amount at 100%.
Thus the warning from the founding fathers: "If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one...." -- James Madison, letter to Edmund Pendleton, January 21, 1792.
Repeal the 16th Amendment if you don't like the effects of the Pay Czar."
Interesting take I think...Obama is really just the tipping point of 100 years of government intrusion on our lives.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Make a Decision!
I was at bowling league today and they have a lot of TV's in there. On one TV, I saw a Fox News Headline that said "Administration Split on Afghanistan." I thought, how can 1 man be split? After all, President Obama is the Commander-in-Chief, so it's his decision to make. He can get advice, but in the end it comes down to him.
For those that aren't keeping up, a few weeks ago (maybe longer), the General in command of Afghan operations requested 40,000 additional troops to turn the tide in Afghanistan. My understanding is, he plans to use these troops for more humanitarian type missions...you know, get the Afghan people on our side. Once this request went in, President Obama started deliberating...and he's been deliberating, and deliberating, and deliberating ever since. For a man who wanted to rush through a stimulus package in 15 minutes and a new health care plan for all in about 20 minutes, this has been quite a change.
Recently, Secretary of Defense Gates has said this decision can't wait much longer. The smart people that our taxes pay to advise the President on Defense issues are saying that Obama must stop deliberating and make a decision. Yet, he continues to deliberate. Maybe he's too busy campaigning for massive health care reform?
Frankly, this was one of my biggest concerns about President Obama during the election. Would he have the intestinal fortitude to be the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces? Given that he had never really led anything prior to becoming President, I had reservations, and he is confirming those reservations every day he delays the decision.
So Mr. Commander-in-Chief, let me boil it down for you, because there's really only 2 options.
1) Do what the General you wanted in charge asked for and what your Secretary of Defense is saying you should do. Send more troops.
2) Get the heck outta there. If you really don't believe in the mission over there or don't believe we can win, you are doing our service men and women, and their families, a disservice by keeping them in harm's way.
This choice is up to you, and you alone, President Obama. This is what you asked for when you asked us to elect you. It's time to step up and lead. I may not agree with you, but if you make a hard decision and stick to it, at least I can respect that. Remember Mr. President, the title isn't Committee-in-Chief, it's Commander-in-Chief, and whether you know it or not, it's the most important job you have.
For those that aren't keeping up, a few weeks ago (maybe longer), the General in command of Afghan operations requested 40,000 additional troops to turn the tide in Afghanistan. My understanding is, he plans to use these troops for more humanitarian type missions...you know, get the Afghan people on our side. Once this request went in, President Obama started deliberating...and he's been deliberating, and deliberating, and deliberating ever since. For a man who wanted to rush through a stimulus package in 15 minutes and a new health care plan for all in about 20 minutes, this has been quite a change.
Recently, Secretary of Defense Gates has said this decision can't wait much longer. The smart people that our taxes pay to advise the President on Defense issues are saying that Obama must stop deliberating and make a decision. Yet, he continues to deliberate. Maybe he's too busy campaigning for massive health care reform?
Frankly, this was one of my biggest concerns about President Obama during the election. Would he have the intestinal fortitude to be the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces? Given that he had never really led anything prior to becoming President, I had reservations, and he is confirming those reservations every day he delays the decision.
So Mr. Commander-in-Chief, let me boil it down for you, because there's really only 2 options.
1) Do what the General you wanted in charge asked for and what your Secretary of Defense is saying you should do. Send more troops.
2) Get the heck outta there. If you really don't believe in the mission over there or don't believe we can win, you are doing our service men and women, and their families, a disservice by keeping them in harm's way.
This choice is up to you, and you alone, President Obama. This is what you asked for when you asked us to elect you. It's time to step up and lead. I may not agree with you, but if you make a hard decision and stick to it, at least I can respect that. Remember Mr. President, the title isn't Committee-in-Chief, it's Commander-in-Chief, and whether you know it or not, it's the most important job you have.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Movie Review: The Island
I borrowed "The Island" from Nuke to overcome the Netflix 1 disc plan. I've had this one in my Netflix queue forever, but it had never made it to the top. I wish it would have gotten to the top, because this is definitely an interesting, and good, movie.
"The Island" stars Ewan McGreagor and Scarlet Johansson (what a silly way to spell that name), as two survivors of "the contamination" living in a highly regulated indoor colony in the year 2019. All members of this indoor colony hope to win the lottery, which gets them to the island...the last clean area on earth. However, as our main characters soon find out, this indoor colony isn't all it seems, and they aren't what they seem.
I can't really say much more than that without giving away a lot of the plot. I really enjoyed this movie though. I'm a big Ewan McGreagor fan, and he doesn't disappoint in this movie. He plays two roles, and he plays them very well. Scarlet Johansson isn't great, but she's not awful. She has never been one of my favorite actresses, which is part of the reason why this movie has lingered in my queue so long. Sean Bean is the villain, and as always, he excels in the role.
This is a Sci-Fi/Action film. You'll need to like both to enjoy this movie. If you are just an action junkie, I think the complex plot may just drive you nuts. If you are a Sci-Fi junkie, you may get sick of the numerous chase scenes, and find yourself longing for more deep thinking plot twists. Overall, I give "The Island" 4 stars.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Political Funnies
This last week has allowed numerous funnies based on Obama's winning of the Nobel Peace Prize. I've added a new blog to my blog list. This one is from Gary Varvel of the Indianapolis Star. Lots of funnies there, including his cartoon on Obama receiving the NBA MVP, the Cy Young Award, an Emmy and Olympic Gold Medals. Check it out...it's funny stuff!
Here's a couple of other good ones I heard from a friend this week:
"Did you hear that President Obama is getting a Grammy because he listened to a song?"
"Did you hear that President Obama is going to win the Heisman because he went to a College Football Game?"
"Did you hear that President Obama is going to win an Oscar for going to a movie?"
Here's a couple of other good ones I heard from a friend this week:
"Did you hear that President Obama is getting a Grammy because he listened to a song?"
"Did you hear that President Obama is going to win the Heisman because he went to a College Football Game?"
"Did you hear that President Obama is going to win an Oscar for going to a movie?"
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Supporting Rush
I wasn't going to blog about Rush Limbaugh's attempt to be a limited partner in the purchase of the St. Louis Rams. I just didn't have that much to say. I know Rush loves football and he would have been a great owner. Then today, I saw that Limbaugh was dropped from the bid to buy the Rams.
This disgusts me! For one, we live in a country where, if you can afford to buy something you should have the opportunity to buy it. And we live in a country where you can refuse sale to anyone. This would have worked itself out without the involvement of Race promoters like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Jason Whitlock.
Secondly, Rush is not a racist. If you listen to his show you would know that. But so many people don't listen, they just judge him based on quotes taken out of context by the media. Or, as was the case this week, quotes that were completely fabricated. Rush is a conservative and has often said that he wants everyone in this country to succeed. He has also stated on numerous occasions that when he looks at people he doesn't see race, he doesn't see social groupings, he sees a person, who has the same right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as everybody else (I paraphrased that). But, because he's not PC and because he's a conservative, he's labeled a "racist, sexist, bigot, homophobe." The real truth is, it's the left that sees people for their race or social grouping.
Third, when did we come to a point in this country that free speech is only allowed if you agree with the far left. Michael Moore, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Nancy Pelosi, David Letterman and those on the left can say whatever they want about whomever they want...usually conservatives, and it's either ignored, or justified. But someone like Rush makes a comment about the media wanting a black QB to do well, and ESPN has to fire him! Would NBC fire Keith Olberman for such a statement?
Finally, the NFL has other controversial owners. Fergie, the female singer of the Black Eyed Peas was just approved as a minority owner of the Dolphins. Have you heard their lyrics? I would rather my kids hear Rush than those lyrics. Al Davis is the owner of the Raiders, and also a complete jerk. He nearly destroyed Marcus Allen's career, and he has wrecked the Oakland Raiders. Yet he's lauded as a pioneer and a hero.
Rush should have been given a fair shake by the NFL, but the left wing media and the race business couldn't allow that. There is such a double standard in this country, and it's not going to change unless we work to change it. We can start by ignoring Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. We've had enough of their song and dance. We need to quit reading the drivel published by Jason Whitlock. He could find racism in a story about a blind golfer making a hole-in-one.
And finally, we need to demand equal reporting from our media. If they are going to make a big deal when Rush makes a comment they deem racist, they need to make the same big deal when Joe Biden says “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.” He was referring to Barack Obama, but most people never heard that because it doesn't fit the media template the the Democrats are holy and pure while the Republicans are evil racists. That's really all this was with Rush...it was a chance to wedge a story into the media template, and take down one of their enemies in the process. I guarantee that there is rejoicing all throughout the left-wing media tonight.
This disgusts me! For one, we live in a country where, if you can afford to buy something you should have the opportunity to buy it. And we live in a country where you can refuse sale to anyone. This would have worked itself out without the involvement of Race promoters like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Jason Whitlock.
Secondly, Rush is not a racist. If you listen to his show you would know that. But so many people don't listen, they just judge him based on quotes taken out of context by the media. Or, as was the case this week, quotes that were completely fabricated. Rush is a conservative and has often said that he wants everyone in this country to succeed. He has also stated on numerous occasions that when he looks at people he doesn't see race, he doesn't see social groupings, he sees a person, who has the same right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as everybody else (I paraphrased that). But, because he's not PC and because he's a conservative, he's labeled a "racist, sexist, bigot, homophobe." The real truth is, it's the left that sees people for their race or social grouping.
Third, when did we come to a point in this country that free speech is only allowed if you agree with the far left. Michael Moore, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Nancy Pelosi, David Letterman and those on the left can say whatever they want about whomever they want...usually conservatives, and it's either ignored, or justified. But someone like Rush makes a comment about the media wanting a black QB to do well, and ESPN has to fire him! Would NBC fire Keith Olberman for such a statement?
Finally, the NFL has other controversial owners. Fergie, the female singer of the Black Eyed Peas was just approved as a minority owner of the Dolphins. Have you heard their lyrics? I would rather my kids hear Rush than those lyrics. Al Davis is the owner of the Raiders, and also a complete jerk. He nearly destroyed Marcus Allen's career, and he has wrecked the Oakland Raiders. Yet he's lauded as a pioneer and a hero.
Rush should have been given a fair shake by the NFL, but the left wing media and the race business couldn't allow that. There is such a double standard in this country, and it's not going to change unless we work to change it. We can start by ignoring Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. We've had enough of their song and dance. We need to quit reading the drivel published by Jason Whitlock. He could find racism in a story about a blind golfer making a hole-in-one.
And finally, we need to demand equal reporting from our media. If they are going to make a big deal when Rush makes a comment they deem racist, they need to make the same big deal when Joe Biden says “I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.” He was referring to Barack Obama, but most people never heard that because it doesn't fit the media template the the Democrats are holy and pure while the Republicans are evil racists. That's really all this was with Rush...it was a chance to wedge a story into the media template, and take down one of their enemies in the process. I guarantee that there is rejoicing all throughout the left-wing media tonight.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
They're Everywhere!!!
Remember the "Demolition Man"? If you don't remember, the movie is set in fictitious 2032. Do you remember which restaurant won the franchise wars, meaning that it was now the only restaurant? It was Taco Bell. Well, I think they might have gotten that one wrong. Based on my weekend's travels, I think the restaurant that will eventually replace all others is Subway!
I know I was on Subway about their marketing last week, so 2 Subway blogs within 7 days? Am I really going to go there? Yes I am. Subway is expected to pass McDonald's for most stores worldwide, sometime soon. After driving about 1100 miles over the past 5 days and passing through and around multiple cities of varying sizes, I can report that Subway Restaurants are everywhere! Every town of 1,000 people seems to have a Subway.
In fact, as I think about it right now, I can think of 5 Subway restaurants within a 15 minute drive of my house, compared with only 3 McDonald's. They're taking over...you've been warned.
By the way, I really like Subway's food...I ate it this weekend. It was DELICIOUS!
I know I was on Subway about their marketing last week, so 2 Subway blogs within 7 days? Am I really going to go there? Yes I am. Subway is expected to pass McDonald's for most stores worldwide, sometime soon. After driving about 1100 miles over the past 5 days and passing through and around multiple cities of varying sizes, I can report that Subway Restaurants are everywhere! Every town of 1,000 people seems to have a Subway.
In fact, as I think about it right now, I can think of 5 Subway restaurants within a 15 minute drive of my house, compared with only 3 McDonald's. They're taking over...you've been warned.
By the way, I really like Subway's food...I ate it this weekend. It was DELICIOUS!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My Heart Can't Take This!
Anyone who knows me, knows that the Denver Broncos are my favorite football team...pretty much my favorite sports team. This year, they had a tumultuous off season. They got a new coach, traded their Pro Bowl Quarterback, changed defensive schemes, brought in a ton of new players and suspended their Pro Bowl Wide Receiver during the Preseason.
I had predicted that they would go 4-12 this season. I am now officially wrong, and I've never been so glad to be wrong. The Broncos beat the New England Patriots in Overtime today to improve to 5-0! Led by a strong defense and timely offense, the Broncos continue to surprise me.
I hadn't watched the first 3 games of the season, because they weren't televised. The last 2 games have been televised, and, frankly, my heart can't take much more suspense. Last week, the Broncos came from behind to go ahead of Dallas, then had a goal line stand to preserve the win. This week, they tied the game with about 5 minutes to go, then stopped the Patriots twice, before kicking the winning field goal in OT. My heart was racing so fast when that kick went through. Don't get me wrong though, I'll take these wins over a loss any day. Here's hoping the Broncos can keep it up.
I had predicted that they would go 4-12 this season. I am now officially wrong, and I've never been so glad to be wrong. The Broncos beat the New England Patriots in Overtime today to improve to 5-0! Led by a strong defense and timely offense, the Broncos continue to surprise me.
I hadn't watched the first 3 games of the season, because they weren't televised. The last 2 games have been televised, and, frankly, my heart can't take much more suspense. Last week, the Broncos came from behind to go ahead of Dallas, then had a goal line stand to preserve the win. This week, they tied the game with about 5 minutes to go, then stopped the Patriots twice, before kicking the winning field goal in OT. My heart was racing so fast when that kick went through. Don't get me wrong though, I'll take these wins over a loss any day. Here's hoping the Broncos can keep it up.
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