The Old South Barracks

More Elections

2006-11-03T08:09:00.000-05:00

Well, next Tuesday no doubt will be the most talked about day for a while. I'm not going to go into the reasons, just turn on a radio or TV...that should do. Here in RI, both Senate candidates are trying their best to out-mudsling their opponent. Oddly enough, the Republican Lincoln Chafee is trying to tie the Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse to local scandal...local scandal that has little to nothing to do with national matters of the Senate position each is running for. Which also explains why he's getting his ass handed to him, if you can believe certain polls. In all reality these two knuckleheads are separated by a mere two percent. Chafee only disagrees with Bush 98% of the time, as opposed to Whitehouse's 100%.

There is, however, another election taking place this Sunday that the world, and especially us here in the States, should be watching VERY carefully: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52665

Say again?

2006-10-11T07:16:00.000-05:00

"Lemon tea and sugar?"

This was the question to confirm my order of "Large, light with milk and two sugars" at Dunkin this morning....awesome.....can't make shit like this up, people!

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumper...

2006-10-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

...man I can't even type that without f-in' it all up.....

Anyway........

Wednesday Thoughts:

I love when Dunkin Donuts employees think the word “milk” means the same as “cream”. Not that it doesn’t make my most important meal of the day all the more enjoyable, but if I asked for milk…well you know…..

I love when people are exceptionally vague when requesting data, and then are even more exceptionally uppity when you give them what they asked for, not what they wanted…

1 PM – I’m eating…please go away. No, I really don’t care what kind of concerns you have over the data I gave you that you think you requested…I’m eating lunch. I don’t care how much emphasis we have to place on transferring certain job functions over to another department. It doesn’t matter how perfect you think it needs to be. I used to work in that department and, even if we gave them the frikkin’ Golden Goose to run this data, all that would result would be whining, hand-wringing, and finger-pointing…you know, as opposed to looking at the program and figuring it out for themselves…so, no, I don’t care…I’m eating lunch…go away.

3:30 PM – I’m out in like half an hour…of course someone’s going to call from home (telecommuter) to ask me why the icon for one of their Access databases is missing…of course your network connection totally shat the bed…of course somehow this is my problem. However, I trust myself a hell of a lot more than our “Help Desk”…problem eventually solved. And, since I’m out in a half an hour, all I can do is brace myself for someone to swing by my cube in 25 minutes and drop a nuclear work bomb on me…yesssssss!!

10 Reasons Why I hate The Yankees

2006-09-22T12:27:00.000-05:00

From SI.com's Ten Spot:

With the Yankees clinching their ninth straight AL East title on Wednesday, I can no longer keep these feelings of rage (and, perhaps, envy) to myself. So here are the Top 10 Reasons I Hate the Yankees. (And in the interest of full disclosure, yes, I am a lifelong Mets fan.)

1. Arrogant Yankees fans: When I moved away from New York for a few years in the mid-'90s, my anti-Yankee feelings softened. I even found myself rooting for the likable '96 champs, especially since Mets fans always enjoy watching the Braves lose. Then I moved back to New York and realized anew what drove me most crazy about the franchise -- its fans. Yankees fans have a greater sense of entitlement that the Hilton girls. If, heaven forbid, the Yanks ever failed to make the playoffs, Bombers backers would view it as a sign of the apocalypse. Consider that this fan base has just in the last decade turned on both the greatest hitter (A-Rod) and pitcher (Roger Clemens) of their generation because they didn't instantly deliver a World Series title. "Spoiled" would be a step up for these louts.

2. Bandwagon Yankees fans: Even if they view winning titles as their birthright, I don't (entirely) begrudge fans who have rooted for the team through thick and thin. (Valid reasons include that your dad rooted for the team, that you picked them at a young age, etc.) But the hordes of Yankees "fans" who have hopped aboard in the last decade make me nuts. Sure, rationally speaking, I can understand the reasons. If you moved to New York City at some point during the past decade -- as millions have -- it's hard not to get caught up in the undeniable excitement of postseason baseball, which the Yanks have delivered every year since '95. But to have these latecomers brag about "their" Bombers, while simultaneously viewing Mets fans as some lesser life form, is intolerable. Listen, chumps: I know more about "your" team's history than you ever will, so pipe down. And yes, there was a time not that long ago (1986, anyone?) when New York was a Mets town, and just because your fresh-from-Omaha mind can't fathom that doesn't make it untrue.

3. Unintentionally patronizing Yankees fans: Some Yankees fans, secure with the near certainty that their team is headed for the playoffs, will magnanimously "root" for your team as well. (This doesn't happen, though, if your team is the Red Sox.) What's unspoken, of course, is the understanding that your team is no real threat to the Mighty Yanks. Thus it can come off like patting a team of Little Leaguers on the cap, congratulating them on the "home run" that was really a ground ball that went through the shortstop's legs. Ugh. I'd rather you showed my team some respect by hating it.

4. When national media assume that all of New York roots for the Yankees: Never was this more prevalent than during the 2001 World Series, which took place just after 9/11. While I appreciated the sentiment that the country was standing behind New York, I didn't need Joe Buck waxing eloquent with statements like (and we're paraphrasing here): "Nothing will bring a salve to the people of New York City like a victory by their beloved Yankees." Sorry, Joe. I'm a New Yorker, but I couldn't care less about how the Yankees perform. I'm a Mets fan, and there are millions more like me. It's a two-team town. Did Cubs fans rejoice when the White Sox won last year? Of course not, and no one expected them to. Yet somehow all of greater Gotham is assumed to be Yankees territory.

5. The cult that has grown around average players that were part of the recent Yankees dynasty: This was touched on in Thursday's 10 Spot. While legitimate superstars who somehow don't qualify as "true Yankees" like A-Rod are pilloried, career mediocrities such as Scott Brosius and Luis Sojo are lionized because fans focus on the few clutch hits they contributed in their many postseason opportunities. Since we discussed Brosius on Thursday, let's take a look at Sojo. The pudgy middle infielder is lauded primarily for his 92-hop single up the middle that delivered the winning runs in Game 5 of the 2000 Subway Series against the Mets. Of course, the eminently forgettable Kurt Abbott was playing shortstop that night in place of the injured Mike Bordick (who was replacing the injured Rey Ordonez.) Am I bitter? OK, just a little.

6. When Yankee defenders downplay their team's financial advantages: Yes, other teams with fat payrolls have failed to win. Look at the Orioles, some past Dodgers teams and many recent Mets squads. Indeed, the Yanks still need to make some smart baseball decisions, and over the past decade they have made many. But the Yanks' $200 million payroll gives them a bigger margin of error than any franchise. If a few big-money acquisitions don't pan out, the Yanks just make some more. If the franchise needs a midseason boost, they look for high-priced players that other teams can't quite afford (hello, Bobby Abreu) and pick them up on the cheap in terms of prospects because they alone can foot the bill. Level playing field? Yeah, like Mount Everest.

7. The myth of Yankees' scouting and player development: Bronx Bombers fans like to talk about their "homegrown" stars, but in reality this is an outdated notion. Sure, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada get credited to the Yanks' farm system, but none is younger than 32. Increasingly, what is billed as the Yanks' drafting acumen is anything but. Rather, the Yanks excel in throwing money at players who aren't subject to the draft at all, those from baseball-rich areas such as the Dominican Republic and Asia. The Yankees' best current young players -- Chien-Ming Wang, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera -- were all available to the highest bidder as amateurs. Gee, guess who that was?

8. Joe Torre as genius: Hey, it's hard to say anything bad about Torre. He seems like such a nice fellow, and in truth he is unusually well-suited to his current position. If you need a guy to massage complicated but extremely talented players in a pressure-cooker like New York, Torre has proven himself to be the perfect man for the job. Still, let's not forget that Torre managed 14 seasons before landing with the Yanks in 1996 in what was then a widely panned hiring. His record at the time? A thoroughly mediocre 894-1,003 (.471). Did he not acquire his genius until late in life? Or does the Yanks' typical surfeit of store-bought talent have something to do with Torre's success in pinstripes?

9. The griping we're about to hear about tearing down Yankee Stadium: Traditionalists have already starting carping about the supposed travesty of the Yanks replacing the House That Ruth Built. Sorry, but that park is already long gone. Sure, the current Yankee Stadium sits on the same site, but the reconstruction of the stadium in 1974-75 already dismantled that piece of history. The current Yankee Stadium has as much a tie to Babe Ruth's home as Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field has to the Comiskey Park of the Go-Go White Sox. Of course, it's understandable that Yanks fans want to ignore the two seasons the team spent in Shea Stadium, which is admittedly a crappy park.

10. The constant talk about how the Yankees are all about winning: Increasingly, the players who spout the bromide about how all the Yankees care about is winning the World Series are guys like Mr. BALCO, Jason Giambi. Last time I checked, Giambi owned as many World Series rings as I do. The philosophy that only a World Series championship is sufficient for a successful season supposedly comes straight from the top, owner George Steinbrenner. Funny, I don't remember hearing much about that when manager Stump Merrill was sending out the likes of Mel Hall and Andy Hawkins in the early '90s. So were those Yankee teams all about winning too? How did that work out?

Blast From The Past

2006-09-18T12:47:00.000-05:00

So, I just got back yesterday from a great long weekend at Norwich. Not only was the weather perfect, but I was able to see my Cadre who I've not seen in 10 years. It was simply amazing seeing them all again. What I couldn't quite wrap my head around is that...I know they're only 2 years older than I am, yet I still look at them like they're these much older sort of out-of-reach individuals. My wife explained this to me saying how it was because I still hold them in the same high regard as I did when I was a freshman. How true. And I'm glad that I don't look at anyone else in my life like this. Norwich definitely taught me much in my life, and shaped me into who I am today. But, at the core of it all were these few individuals who tore apart who I was in the late summer of 1994, and rebuilt it into a person who, after such perseverance, is no longer afraid to stare down a challenge and face it head-on. Someone who isn't afraid to take full responsibility for each and every action. Someone who will never forget the words of his Rook 5..."The only easy day was yesterday, people." Someone who now can only say "Thank you". The best part was feeling welcomed and included by them as an equal, though. It was hard to leave it all in the rearview mirror yesterday, and I really hope it won't be another 10 years before I see them all again.

Bravo Boys Forever...Essayons!

It's The Return of The...

2006-05-10T14:17:00.000-05:00

Guess who's back.....from Aruba. Back to the fine craptacular New England weather. Well, whatever the case, I'm back. And it's only been a little over 5 months since an update. The house is finished, finally. Took the damn flooring guys 2 months to finish. The floors went down fairly quick, but they couldn't seem to figure out how to show up for work to finish our stairs. Go figure. At least they managed to have a guy on their crew steal $50 from my father-in-law's jacket, his jigsaw from our garage, 2 pairs of pants from 2 separate bureaus, and...oh yea, my college ring. After going through WW9 to get these morons back to fix some glaringly obvious problems, they came back for one final day. The one day I forgot to wear my ring, this lowlife (who was supposedly fired for stealing the 4 previously listed items) swiped my gold ring.

That afternoon, I reported the theft to the North Providence Police Department, and turned over my ring box to be processed for prints. Earlier in the day, I had alerted the head scumbag owner of the company that he'd be getting a call from the cops. Then...I may have said something that could be construed as a threat. Be that as it may, two weeks went by while the NP detectives searched the pawn shop database for my name which is inscribed on the ring. I contacted the guy at the end of April. I suggested he try searching for the school name, since any inscription would have been filed off. After he hung up, I started thinking about how earlier that day I had spoke with my school about getting a replacement. The best they could do was a replacement at current cost. With the wedding and the new house, there was no chance of that ever happening. I got REAL pissed, thinking about what went into getting that ring in the first place...and how some chump who wouldn't have lasted 24 hours at Norwich just comes along and takes it...

Two minutes later, my phone rang...it was the detective. The Conversation went something like this:

Det.: "What year did you graduate?"
Me: "'98"
Det.: "From Norwich, right?"
Me: "Yup..."
Det.: "10 karat, 36 pennyweight, yellow gold?"
Me: "Uh huh..."
Det.: "What color was the stone?"
Me: "Red"
Det.: "Well...I don't want to get your hopes up, but one was sold to a pawn shop in North Attleboro the day after you reported it stolen..."

Long story short, I got my ring back...and now I've got a new one. On April 29, I tied the knot with my fiancée, Helena, at St. Anthony's Church in Pawtucket. Being a Portuguese function, it was us, and about 220 other people who many I'll never see again in my life. Be that as it may, after opening our envelopes, I'm glad they came!

And now, after a full week at an all-inclusive resort in Aruba, it's back to reality. But, hey...at least I get to face it with my best friend...

Going...Going...Gone...

2005-12-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

I'm seriously losing my mind, party people. Holy snot balls...seriously. All day yesterday was fine, relatively speaking. Until after I left work, of course. Work has become the one thing in my life I can depend on for some degree of sanity and stability. I get off the bus where I park my car, and realize that I have no keys on me...gone. Luckily, I carry a spare car key in my wallet, so I get in my car, thinking I just left the keys in the ignition or something. Nope...not even close. So the rest of the night had me trying to convince myself that, for whatever reason, I left my keys at work. I never take them out of my pocket, by the way…but, given recent events, hey...anything's possible. The "Service Engine Soon" light was on in my car all last night, so feeling like I was wheeling around town driving a ticking time bomb was rather exhilarating. I was ambivalent to the light by the time I headed home from Helena's house around 10. This morning, I get up and while I was getting ready, I was talking to my fiancée on the phone while she drove in to work. She lets me know her parents told her the window in our new master bedroom is leaking, but they really don’t know the cause of it yet. YESSSSSSSSS!!! Anyway, upon leaving the house, I managed to forget my work bag that has my bus pass on it. But...at least the damn "Check Engine" light finally went off. Guess my car realized that was a lost cause. Probably a wet wire. My car leaks. Then, when the water finally evaporates, my windows get this fantastically thick layer of condensation on them that takes about 1/2 hour to make go away...anyway, the whole forgetting the bag thing was realized when I got to the damn parking lot for the bus. So I drove in to work, and parked in the nearest parking garage. Once I got out of my car, I realized I had bus fare in my pocket. First of the month, no new bus pass...but, somehow I remembered to take $1.50 with me this morning, so forgetting my bag was a non-issue. So, basically, I paid an extra $6.50 to come to work this morning. I get in to work, keys are not on my desk. Somehow, that actually made me feel good. I'm not losing things or forgetting things, but some random person now had the keys to my car, my house, and my parent's house. Not to mention my Shaw's Card, Stop & Shop Card, and PetCo Card. But at least I'm not forgetting things. Oh wait...I forgot my Norwich Ring on the dryer this morning. I left it there while I was fixing my hair. Oh...and my bag...with my lunch in it...note to self: do NOT EVER talk to ANYONE in the morning (other than yourself) while getting ready for work...

Psyching myself up for tonight. Have to get an oil change after work...oh, and replace all the keys I lost too...So here I am at work...no bag...no lunch...no Ring...no keys...but at least...I got my coffee. Chocolate Cappuccino...yum!

All I Wanted...

2005-11-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

...was some damn coffee. OK, to be fair, coffee and a breakfast sandwich from D&D. See, after having a couple last night, I really need the grease this morning. So, I wait...I wait until I get all the way from home, the car ride to the bus stop, the bus ride, and the walk from the stop to where I work. There's a D&D right across the street that, I thought, could satisfy my needs. Mistake number one for the day. I got down there, and there were 2...T-W-O people waiting in line. It was a 1:1 ratio with the help. Of course, the help double teamed the first customer, leaving the remainder of us in the dust. Whatev. So, I don't know what the hell this girl ordered, but the two geniuses at the counter spent quite a long time on her order. THEN I hear on of the employees say "...aaaaaand, you wanted a sausage, egg..." that's all I got. I think blinding rage makes you go deaf. Anyway, the other girl in front of me (reminder, there's still only two of us) finally gets waited on. Very indecisive this one, because apparently she didn't have enough time figuring out what to order at Dunkin' f'ing Donuts!!!!!! Ugh...reason #78456 of why I hate college kids. Anyway, no one has yet to come in and take up camp in line behind me. I still see this as a good sign. I can get my sandwich, and my chocolate-caramel large regular, and be quite happy for the morning. See, if there's a line behind me, I don't like to hold it up. Maybe it's because I'm over courteous, or something...just something I don't do. Now, for the last five minutes, no one has come in. The two customers ahead of me are still being waited on, mind you, when the first ignoramus...err...customer...steps in front of dumb college kid, commandeers the attention of the second employee...AND ORDERS MORE F'ING FOOD!!!! WHAT THE F!@?!?@ Then, the coup de grace, four...yes four...as in 1,2,3,4...people come in all at once, and my neurosis of holding up lines kicks in. The counter help, seeing the flood of new customers and the growing line, surprisingly, never once picks up the pace. I used to stick up for these people, because they're up at the ass crack of dawn to make coffee. But you know what? At least the ones I defended moved with a purpose...much unlike the Zombie Twins who were seconds from becoming victims of a hate crime. So, FINALLY, it's my turn. Complete, full-blown holding up the line neurosis kicking in. "Large regular..." was all I could muster. To top it off, it was met with a perplexed look, followed by the word "Large...?" from Zombie #1. Zombie #2 was still helping the Interrupting Ignoramus...yeah, no shit. Anyway, a slow nod from me, followed by a nice and slow "Yeeeeesssss" set things in motion. I was finally getting my caffeine. So far from what I actually WANTED this morning, but I'll give Cafe La France an opportunity in about an hour. See, I purposely didn't go to them this morning for coffee, because yesterday, their whole staff was stuck in reverse. They must trade off, or something. Anyway, got my coffee finally...Ignoramus is still being waited on, the line is growing even more, and Dumb College Kid is struggling to get out of my way as I charge out the door...I actually had somewhere to go...you know, like work! She...was on the cell phone. Putz...

Bus ride is always interesting. I sacrifice getting to sit down in the morning, because the alternative bus I could take would force me to stand on the corner of a very busy road, all by myself, and waiting for the bus like a lost puppy. So, I drive to an overflow lot for Home Depot and take a bus in from there. Being next to the last stop, there hasn't been a spot to sit, but to be honest, I've started to really enjoy "surfing" to work like that...

...and oh, the hits just keep on coming. Somehow, my fiancée completely missed the fact that her front, driver-side tire is flat. And is now completely flat. And she's half way to work. And she can't give me an exact address for her so I can call AAA for her. I'm hoping she's working on that now...my God, Fisher...somebody get me a drink...

Holy Update!

2005-11-28T12:16:00.000-05:00

OK, so almost 3 months since my last blog entry...not like anyone reads this or anything. Well, I think maybe one person might still stop by...HI!! Ahem...sorry. Anywho, since my last entry, I've turned 29, purchased a house, and continue planning a wedding. It's a lot on a person's plate, so on Monday nights I teach CCD just for kicks. Spare time is nothing more than a rumor now, and I come to work to relax. Outside of that, things are pretty good. I shouldn't say that I don't have any free time. That's not entirely true. I have considerably less free time than before, but I still manage to sneak in some quality XBOX time with people online. Which brings me to my complaint du jour.

Anyone who is familiar with XBOX Live has no doubt heard about the Fragdolls. At first, I thought "oh, how cute...Ubisoft has joined the ranks of America's great beer manufacturers to use sex to sell a product." For those unfamiliar with this group, they're a select bunch of young, attractive girls who get paid by Ubi to play their games, compete on XBOX Live, represent Ubi at various game events around the U.S., and generally say nice things about the company and its games. Which is why you'll never hear them complain about the countless glitches online for the most recent Brothers In Arms game. But, that's another issue. The Fragdolls are designed to show guys that girls like video games too. I already knew this...thanks Ubi. Also, I'm sure they're also designed to be the wet dream of 99.9% of teen gamers out there. "OMFG I played with the Fragdollz the other night.....I'm in love, I'm going to marry them!!! OMFG!!!!!" Whatev. They're also mad attention whores. I never had much contempt for the group until I put 2 and 2 together. Looking at the timeline, before the Fragdolls got big and Ubi-hyped, Ubisoft turned out good, quality, glitch-free games. Fast forward to present time. Without boring you with excessive details, let's just say it ain't the case. Glitchy games, new maps that never get released...but who cares? We've got hotties shilling for us, right? Oh, did I mention that the members of this group either are, or were at some point employees of Ubisoft?

Anyway, there's my complaint, and that's enough on that subject. No need to give them any more attention. Couple more quickies....

1. Home improvement (the actual act, not the TV show) sucks....I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end, but I wish it were a show so I could fast forward to that point...preferably also past the check-writing portion.

2. Patriots tickets might be available for us common folk if they keep playing like they did yesterday...my GOD, Fisher......

3. Red Sox picked up a fantastic pitching ace, and a decent third baseman. They didn't have to give up too much...all "the kids" are still on the farm.

4. Random question, why does everything put forth from the Left sound like an episode of the X-Files!?@

Thoughts On 9/11...

2005-09-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

With yesterday being the 4th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the History Channel had a lot of really good specials that dealt with the events of that day. However, something hit me like a ton of bricks as I was watching a special on the 9/11 Commission findings. One woman, who lost her husband in the attack, started spouting off about how her husband would still be alive today if there was better communication equipment, among other suggestions of how things were mishandled. SAFETY STOP, LADY!!! OK, rewind. How about we say that your husband would still be alive today if 18 Muslim Extremists didn't decide to crash an airliner into the tower where he worked? We've become so overly PC in this country that we can't lay blame at the feet of those truly responsible for this heinous act because... *gasp*...it might offend someone!!!! Oh no, ANYTHING but THAT!!!!!! Know what? Every single time I see footage of the planes hitting... Every single time I see a clip of those towers falling... Every single tim I see a picture of people jumping out of those windows... Every single time I hear audio of people screaming and crying... Every single time I see people with ash and soot-covered faces with looks of shock and horror, running for their lives... Every time I see a picture of a rescue worker, overwhelmed, stopping to rest for a minute before they have to go back to Hell... Every time I see images of that day, I get so overly emotional, I can't contain myself. So, you wanna talk about offending people? How about years, months, days, hours, minutes...seconds ticking by and STILL being overwhelmed by what happened on September 11, 2001? Yeah, I'm offended by what 18 radical Muslims did 4 years ago to our country.

I'm offended by what September 11 has become. The media speaks of the "tragedy" of September 11th...like it's a natural disaster or something. IT WAS AN ACT OF WAR!!! Wake up...hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards...acts of God... THOSE are tragedies. Ever hear someone talk about the "tragedy of Pearl Harbor?". No. Not even close. Granted, we're on good terms now with Japan, but do you think anyone would be anything less than a little upset if the memorial in Pearl Harbor displayed a Rising Sun? You bet...maybe someone should clue-in these clowns...

I'm Blue...

2005-09-01T07:19:00.000-05:00

...no not the moronic dance song...I'm blue over hurricane Katrina. Saddened, yes, but blue from holding my breath. I'm holding my breath waiting for the foreign aid to come pouring in. The news reporters are all saying how the "world is watching"...yup, and that's about it. I'm holding my breath waiting for Hollywood celebs to hold a fund raiser. I'm holding my breath for all of those activist musicians out there to hold some huge benefit concert. Waiting...waiting...waiting...exactly, ain't happening, folks. Remember that tsunami back in December that we donated a fuck ton of money for? All the news was all over the fact that we were reaching out to a muslim country, and such. Other countries, while donating far less than the United States, still found it necessary to criticize us for not doing enough. Where are they now? The silence is deafening. I'm waiting for the first ass-hat lawsuit. I'm also waiting for the first heartless bastard to politicize this catastrophic event...oh wait, that already happened. Gee, a Kennedy...go figure...Thanks, RFK!

Home On The Range

2005-08-29T07:28:00.000-05:00

It's official!!! At 8:45 PM last night we received a phone call from our realtor informing us that the sellers have accepted our last offer. We close sometime in late October...here's a pic of the house...

Brother, Can You Spare A Gallon?

2005-08-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

Gas prices are pretty outrageous, on the rise, and show no sign of coming down in the near future...damn, I sure hope we steal some of that oil we went to war for sometime soon!

Thermo Fuel

2005-08-23T07:37:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I blogged, so I figured I'd saddle up this pony and take 'er for a spin. First, I walked to work again today because RIPTA tends to suck ass like that. However, my routine stop at 7-11 whenever I walk to work yielded wonderful results. I found this great stuff called Thermo Fuel. OK, so this link takes you to a page that says the drink was "Discontinued"...someone should tell that to 7-11. Actually, the new brand is ephedra free, but trust me, 200mg of caffeine is more than enough to put a spring in your step. Outside of this wonderful discovery, the walk in was uneventful.

So I get into work and check the regular headlines over on Drudge. First article, "Pat Robertson Calls For Assassination of Venezuelan President..." Pat Robertson...proof that there are extremists in every religion....

Seriously, it's sad when someone who supposedly follows Jesus and God's word would so mindlessly call for the death of another human being. I almost lost my lunch when I was watching interviews w/ the family members of the BTK victim's....one guy goes on and on about how low and despicable it was for this guy to "hide behind the tenants of Christianity"......yet in the same breath wishes him to suffer an incurable disease and die a slow, painful death. I say that while religion is not a requirement of everyone, it's definitely not FOR everyone either. I'm far from being a model Christian, but I try and make every attempt to keep mindful of its laws and principles...I think the same folks who run around asking "What Would Jesus Do?" would be shocked to hear His response...

Next up, WMAL, DC radio host canned after anti-Islam rant... OK, I'm gonna have to fall back on the "I don't agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it" standpoint. I'm not sure what exactly this guy said, but I can imagine it wasn't the nicest thing in the world. However, I'm fairly certain he's protected under the First Amendment. Afterall, if Airhead Radio can go on record calling Bush a Nazi, blah blah blah, why has this DJ been singled out? Seriously, let's drop the double-standard in this country, sweep away the eggshells we walk on for everyone, and live normal lives. Heh...wonder how long before the ACLU steps in to defend Mr. Graham's rights...hang on, I'm holding my breath over here...

Finally, this gem, Now Streisand Launches War Tune... Oh goody! Babs is at it again...but wait, it gets better! Barry "Stayin' Alive" Gibb is teaming up with her on it! Oh, will wonders ever CEASE!?@!?@ I've said it before, I'll say it again. If you're an actor, act. If you're a singer, sing. I could give a rat's ass about your political views. I'm not dishing out $15 - $20 for a CD and close to a hundred bucks on concert tickets to hear you whine, piss, moan, and complain about Bush. Seriously, what's laughable is that these celebrities are filthy rich and benefit the most from any upper-class tax cuts. Meanwhile, the rest of the middle to lower income bracket folks eat their spew up like candy. When are people going to wake up? Probably never, unfortunately. As long as some dumb rich celebrity gets on stage and tells the youth of America how disenfranchised they are, and how "the man" is keeping them down, there'll be another generation of sheeple all too eager to spend their hard earned money to boost the careers of these fading stars. Honestly, these celebs sound like whiny little kids who never get their way...mom & dad just don't understand. Gimme a break.

Greenday...I used to like them. Dookie was awesome. A few later songs I thought were good also. But their latest piece of garbage...forget it. It's a CD that blatantly bashes America and the current administration. I consider it completely un-American, regardless of how "truly American" they think they are by speaking out against their government. They come out and rally against the military, and now Greenday makes this new video showing how tragic it is that US servicemen are getting killed in Iraq. Are we supposed to believe that Greenday suddenly has a change of heart, and now SUPPORTS the military? Rest assured, ladies and gents, the icicles are still well-preserved in their little Benjamin-lined hearts...I know I'd probably take a lot of flak over that opinion...but hey, I'm entitled to it, dammit! If some overglorified musician who's past their prime can have one, so can I...

Whew, now that that's over with, in other news, my fiancé and I are probably hours away from closing on our first house. The closing date's not until mid-October, but it'll be sooooooooo great to give a giant middle finger to my landlord and tell them I'm bailing on them. With my neighbors leaving on Sept. 1, and me leaving around Oct. 15, I think it's safe to say they'll be up the creek without a paddle...cry me a river...

Please Mom...Stop...

2005-08-15T12:46:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that if Casey Sheehan could talk, that's probably what he'd be saying right about now. Instead, and most unfortunately, all we are able to hear is the unhinged drivel coming from his mother. The loss of a relative, particularly a child, is nothing to sneeze at. I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone, in fact. Casey Sheehan is a hero, plain and simple. A humvee mechanic who volunteered to go out on that fateful patrol. Volunteered, people...he was a mechanic who was not required to see combat patrols. To top it all off, he re-upped when his tour was over to go back and fight for the country he believed in. Yes, Casey Sheehan was a true American Hero. After his fall on the battlefield, his mother was grief-stricken, as well she should be. Now, I admit that in times of distress, clear thinking is a difficult thing to accomplish. It's unfortunate, yet predictable, that the anti-war Left glommed on to her grief and twisted it to suit their own means. Yes, those brainiacs over at MoveOn.org, Michael Moore, and no doubt A.N.S.W.E.R. are all taking turns pulling on Cindy's puppet strings, making her dance for the media outside President Bush's Crawford Ranch. And day by day, more quotes and soundbytes spew forth from her, each one more ridiculous than the last. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before she accuses the Right, Bush, and the people of Israel of creating cancer and AIDS. To sum it up, as they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words...

It Ends...HERE!!!

2005-08-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

On Monday, August 8, 2005, the evil Realtor left me a voice message at 10AM saying that he was showing the house the following day at 3PM…I returned his call to inform him that he was mistaken…

The following is a partial transcript of a phone conversation between myself and the evil Realtor on Monday, August 8, 2005.

Realtor: I’m showing the house at 3PM tomorrow…is that ok?

Me: Well….normally, yes, but it’s only 24 hours, and not 48.

Realtor: Yeah…what’s up with that?

Me: Well, according to the RI Tenant’s Law, you have to give me 48 hours notice before entering my apartment.

Realtor: Look, I know all the bullshit the goes along with that…

Me: Bullshit? I’m glad you think breaking the law is bullshit…it’s illegal…

Realtor: So is driving over 55…

(ed. note, I believe this is the same excuse kids give their parent’s when they’re caught drinking…)

Me: True, but driving over 55 doesn’t violate my right to privacy…

Realtor: Well, what’s the difference if I come in even 2 minutes early as long as you’re not there?

Me: There’s a HUGE difference…it’s against the law!!! How do I know the person looking at my apartment’s not a klepto or something?

Realtor: Now, you know that’s not the case.

Me: No, I DON’T know that’s not the case, Vin,…

(ed. note, Realtor starts trying to talk over me)

Me: HEY….I’m talking now, you are not…you’ve broken the law on four separate occasions now.

Realtor: Look, I’m not mad here…I’m not mad at you. I just wanted to sell this house and help you look for one.

Me: I have an agent already, thank you.

(ed. note, at this point, the Realtor totally loses it and starts yelling)

Realtor: You know, I’ve been in real estate for years now, and I’ve never met anyone like you…

Me: That’s sad, because I can only imagine how many times you’ve manipulated the law and took advantage of people who don’t know their rights just to make a buck.

Realtor: (ed. note, completely over the edge now) …and I gave you my BIBLE!!! I haven’t heard back from you, I’ve tried to get in touch with you…

(ed. note, Realtor gave me an MLS listing book for June 2005 last month…it’s now 2 months out of date…ass)

Me: Vin, don’t play that. I have caller ID, internet phone, and a cell phone. I have records of every single incoming and outgoing call and your number has yet to show up on any of those records…

Realtor: OK, look, I want my book back. I’m not getting into a pissing contest with you here. When can I show the house?

Me: Well, you called me at 10AM, so you can come over anytime after 10AM on Thursday…

(ed. note, I realized after I hung up that I should have said Wednesday, but oh well…)

Realtor: Fine, I’ll be over there Thursday at 11…..

At this point, both parties hang up, and I feel completely vindicated…no pun intended…the r3alt0r g0t pwn3d…w00t!!! Sad, though, that the first phone call I get from him came only after I reported his activities to his boss...

"What A Wonderful Smell You've Discovered..."

2005-08-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks Han, but all the credit goes to the Downtown area. I think it's called Eau de Providence. It's amazing...just about every summer morning, the downtown area has morning breath. I picked up the first whiff half way to work. It was this great sour milk scent. One block later, it was mixed in with a wonderful bouquet of rotting vegetables. Block by block, the scents compounded until there was no way to distinguish them all. I decided I'd be better off holding my breath for the remaining two or three hundred more yards I had to walk to get to work....ahhh, I love livin' in the city...

When Will It End!?@!?@

2005-08-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

OK, for the fourth time now, this goddamn realtor has come into my apartment while I'm not around. No phone call, no nothing. This time, after my neighbors informed him that I did not want him in my place, he laughed it off, and went anyway. This has been so infuriating that now I'm actually losing sleep over it. Not that I'm worried...it's more that I'm sooooooo frikkin' pissed off that I can't fall asleep. Time to call the AG's office again and update my complaint. I'm also calling the RI Board of Realtors this morning. Last night after work, I called his office and left a nice long message for his boss about the actions of his employee. I made it clear that I'd sue the ever living shit out of them if this issue wasn't dealt with. We shall see. Just to be on the safe side, I posted a note on my door that reads:

ATTENTION: Did NOT receive 2 days notice...you are TRESPASSING!!!

That might work...who knows. If not, I've blocked off my hallway with my keyboard stand, and scattered numerous patio chairs across the stairs to the newly re-done attic area...hope there's no accidents.... *laughs sinisterly*

In other news, I've been tracked down through my blog by a good friend of mine. She's got one of her own that blows mine away...not like I'm jealous or anything...hehehe....good to be back in touch with her...

Anywho...almost time to go grab some much needed caffeine...

Nice people and the Howling Dog Left

2005-07-27T12:48:00.000-05:00

From The American Thinker website:

I know a college professor who keeps a picture of Che Guevara in his briefcase, so that he can look at it adoringly whenever he pops open the lid. This bright and friendly fellow has a lifelong admiration for Fidel's Cuban prison state, no matter how much its people are deprived, while being forced to listen to yet another six-hour rant from El Jefe. Where is his common sense? I just don't know.

It gets even more baffling when I try to understand what friends on the Left really believe. One person I know claims to be a convinced Marxist, and a devoutly religious person, and also a global skeptic, depending on the day and his mood. Another honestly believes that fundamentalist Christians are like Nazis, showing stupendous ignorance both about both Christians and Nazis. I have even met successful capitalists who pride themselves on "really" being Trotskyites. The wife of a liberal clergyman I know once expressed the hope that somebody would assassinate George Bush.

In their normal lives, these are all good and decent family people. But in their political beliefs they are profoundly out of touch with reality.

Are these nice people mad? Not clinically. They don't fit any diagnosis in the manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV). But they cannot tolerate much reality. In fact, they are life members of a messianic cult, the cult of socialism. They are the Jim Jones followers of our age: otherwise sane and sensible people who have been drawn into a paranoid belief system, in which every event in the world is an apocalyptic battle between the Children of Light and the Children of Darkness.

The Children of Light are good-hearted pacifists. They are the nice people who love flowers and children. Their greatest hope in life is the establishment of a United Nations to govern all of the world, peacefully of course, with free food, clothing and medical care for all.

It is a vision of a Messianic Age. To achieve such a perfect future, almost anything is justified. The goal of the Messianic Age justifies the means --- the Soviet Union, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, the lot. The Children of Light have a lot in common with jihadi terrorists, who also kill for a different Messianic Age in which all the world will convert to Islam.

Anybody who undermines this messianic vision must be evil or ignorant. They are the Children of Darkness who do not understand that the nation-state is doomed, that the United Nations is the only hope for mankind, that capitalism is evil, and that Republicans are likely to start a nuclear war just for the sadistic fun of it. Reality has no impact on such beliefs; it is a pure messianic faith.

That is why Karl Rove must be destroyed. It is why the Neocons have to be demonized. It is why Republican after Republican has been scapegoated by the media mob, ever since the GOP won the House in 1994. It is emotionally intolerable for liberals to believe that Karl Rove is just an ordinary human being, with normal, kind and decent intentions, who simply holds a different point of view.

The everyday members of the Howling Dog Left are frightened beyond measure by simple open-minded debate. If conservatives have good intentions and are right about the nature of the world, the deepest faith of the Left must be wrong, and their lives meaningless. Like the jihadis, rather than abandon their secular Faith, they would kill and perhaps even die.

Cults do this to people.

It is how the charismatic Reverend Jim Jones was able to talk hundreds of well-meaning San Francisco liberals to Guiana, and talk them into drinking poisoned Kool-Aid. Cults have been studied for fifty years, and it is well understood how they work. Many cults have charismatic leaders, but not all. However, all cults persuade their members that they have a special insight into reality, and that the world can be made wonderful if only everyone in the world understood the Truth.

Because cult members are so naïve and eager to trust the "good guys," they are easy fodder for con artists like Jim Jones. In the last three decades we have seen the rise of political con artists galore, from Al Sharpton to Bill Clinton. It is a sad thing to say, but liberals are natural suckers. They are always searching for new Saviors, like Hillary, just as they also need new satanic Demons to despise.

Most of all, cults need to control the flow of information to their members. Only in that way can bizarre beliefs be sustained. That is why the Left finds it so essential to control the media, the educational system, and as a last resort, their own minds. If you've ever tried to debate with a liberal you can see their self-censorship kicking in as soon as you mention any fact that doesn't fit their faith. They simply cannot open up to rational debate. It is too emotionally disturbing. That is why all the liberals I know still believe that John Kerry was a war hero. Self-censorship filters out inconvenient facts.

Try to convert a jihadi to modern thinking, and you'll see exactly the same phenomenon. Censoring oneself and others is key to all cult beliefs.

Normal, sane and decent human beings can and do behave insanely. All it takes is a constant flow of disinformation. That is why today's struggle between the Old and New Media is so critical. The New Media are not just reporting censored facts. They are conducting national Reality Therapy. That is why it is so emotionally charged, why the Left keeps falling back into its old bizarre beliefs, and why progress is so agonizingly slow.

The more the New Media can contribute to "reality-testing" on the Left – the more honest facts liberals are compelled to face – the faster progress will be. In the jargon of therapy, liberals need to falsify their pathogenic beliefs. This is never easy for individuals, and almost impossible for groups.

The Ever Thinkening Plot...

2005-07-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

July 26, 2005...I came home from work to find out the lowlife realtor was in my apartment AGAIN without my permission.

July 27, 2005...contacted the RI State Attorney General's Office. I filed a complaint, got confirmation that, indeed, Mr. Pig Vomit needs to give me 2 days notice before coming in my apartment. Following that phone call, I was transferred over to the RI Real Estate Commission. They weren't able to give me quite the help I wanted, but after pleading my case, the woman suggested that I "call a lawyer to tell this guy to knock his shit off, or you'll sue him." God, I love this state!!! So, I did just that. I contacted a lawyer who told me that there was a breach on contract. If they refuse to give me notice, then I can seek injunctive relief. I then proceeded to send Mr. Pig Vomit the following e-mail:

It has come to my attention that you have brought prospective buyers through my apartment at 35 Huxley Ave. over the past 2 days without my knowledge. This action is 100% illegal and in violation of the Tenant-Landlord Laws. I have already filed a complaint with the RI Attorney General's Office, who confirmed that you are legally required to give 2 days advance notice to the tenant. In addition to this, I have contacted the Real Estate Commission and a lawyer. The lawyer concluded that there was a breach of contract, and if you continue to fail to give appropriate notice, then I am able to seek injunctive relief. If your unethical and illegal actions continue, I WILL seek legal ramifications.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Errol, NH and won't be home again until Sunday. I've already asked my neighbors to speak for me while I'm gone and to NOT allow Mr. Pig Vomit in my apartment unless 2 days notice is given. I hope he screws up again...the gloves are off, the law is on my side, my clips are fully loaded, and both barrels are ready to open fire...full auto!!!

The Shot Heard 'Round The Block

2005-07-26T12:08:00.000-05:00

The People's Republic of Huxley Ave. has long endured the oppressive hand of its foreign imperialistic master. The people have grown weary from the mounting words of deceit spewed from the mouth of their Queen. Anger from the townspeople grew tenfold following a 27% rent increase. A stay of execution on said increase was made possible after lobbying from the local governor. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, came on July 25, 2005 when the People's Republic was invaded by lowest of the low's...a real estate agent. No consent was given to this foul intrusion, and discovery of this breach didn't come for hours thereafter. Lights were left on...doors were left open...a clear breach of borders was evident! The time to strike was finally here! The local governor fired the first shot in the form of a strongly worded letter. It was dispatched to the imperialist power via certified mail, complete with return receipt...

I am writing this letter to address several issues that have come up over the past several weeks.
1. Rent increase.

I understand your need for the rent increase, since you stated that you can no longer afford the house. However, I do not think it is fair to charge the same rent for a second floor apartment as you would for the first floor. The first floor apartment is larger and nicer than my apartment. Also, since you’ve renovated the upstairs in my apartment, I’ve lost all of my storage space, where the first floor continues to have access to the basement to store personal items.
Since my rent is increasing to $750 starting in September, I can only assume it is because you value it as more than a one-bedroom apartment. Following that logic, I will have no choice but to look for a roommate to occupy the newly added upstairs bedroom. However, since there remains to be no electricity upstairs, I would imagine I would have a rather difficult time finding someone willing to take that room. If electricity is not restored, I feel as though I am not receiving the full provisions of the apartment, and would therefore have to withhold a portion of the rent until that issue is resolved. (RI Statute Title 34, Section 34-18-31).

2. Access to apartment.

It has come to my attention that yesterday, July 25, 2005, the realtor brought prospective buyers through my apartment. This was done without my consent. I am entitled to receive two (2) days notice before anyone enters the apartment. Doors were left open, and lights were left on. I seriously doubt the realtor is paying my electricity bill, so needless to say, I was very upset by this. RI Statute Title 34, Section 34-18-26 states: “A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days' notice of his or her intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.” Section 34-18-45 states: “If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in an unreasonable manner or makes repeated demands for entry otherwise lawful but which have the effect of unreasonably harassing the tenant, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct…”. I understand it was not you personally entering my apartment without my consent (which has occurred in the past), however it is your responsibility to make sure your realtor follows the laws as well, or I will have no other choice but to take legal recourse. The simple fact that you need to sell this property does not entitle you to trample on my rights to privacy.

3. Factual errors in house listing.

I’m not sure how much control you have over this, but I suggest you address this issue as quickly as possible as well. Attached, I’ve enclosed the most recent listing for the property at 33-35 Huxley Ave. I’ve highlighted the areas of the listing which I feel are either misleading, or outright lies. First, this is not a 3 unit dwelling. There are 2 rooms upstairs from the second unit of a 2 unit dwelling. There is no separate entrance to classify it as 3 units, nor is there a kitchen or bathroom in the “third unit”. Second, there is NO central air conditioning. If there is, I’d like to see it work. Third, the washer and dryer you have listed belong to my neighbor…they do NOT come with the property. Finally, the claim that units 2 and 3 have two bedrooms is lofty at best. Be honest; in unit 2, there is a bedroom on one floor, and a bedroom upstairs. Again, I’m not sure if this is an issue you have any control of, but I plan to contact the board of realtors, as it contains false information and could be considered unethical.

'Twas the Shot Heard 'Round The Block...the Winds of Change are sweeping through Elmhurst!!! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!!!!!

Ahhh.....Monday...

2005-07-25T08:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, off to a great start. RIPTA (RI Public Transit Authority...AKA 'Da Bus') once again proves itself to be as predictable as a Vegas slot machine. While leaving my apartment at a time that on any other given day would give me about a 5 minute wait at the bus stop, I watch in utter disbelief as my bus flies down the road, off to beautiful Downtown Providence. I contemplated waiting around for the next bus, but who knows when that would've actually showed up. I figured that since it still was a little cool out, I'd walk it. It takes about 30 minutes at a normal walking pace. I stopped off at the 7-11 to grab some Gatorade for the excursion. Thank God they finally revamped the flavors of this stuff. At least now it's pretty good, and not tasting so much like orange sweat. But I digress. The Gatorade idea worked pretty good for about another 5 minutes or so...then the sun decided to rear its head. Luckily, my turn down Holden St. was coming up. Walking down that hill, I caught the BEST breeze. Like seashore type of breeze, only not quite as picturesque. In any event, it helped. I made it to within about a block of where I work before the Gatorade ran out. I quickly realized how helpful it was having it around. Let's just say I sweat a lot in that one block. Thankfully, my fine office building had the A/C on....well, not really. But I made it hear nonetheless.

I thought about a lot of things in my half-hour alone time this morning. Mostly, why I had "Hey Ya" going through my head. Also, though, thoughts including:

How my up and coming camping trip would be...
Why can't the busses ever run consistently?
Would people whizzing by in their cars be more apt to let me cross the street if they knew how far I had walked?
Why can't the busses ever run consistently?
Realizing how expensive everything in the world is...why? Seems like it is only when I need something, though...ie. houses, airfare, vacations, etc.....
Why can't the busses ever run consistently?

Just random stuff like that. And now, I'm at work...wondering much of the same things. The big difference? I get to listen to the actual version of "Hey Ya" instead of my imaginary one...heheheh...and at least the walk gave me my highlight of the day so far. I actually bore witness to a woman in a minivan BLASTING easy listening music....it was HAWT I tellz ya!!!

So, in other news...the Red Sox are still in first place by a game and a half over the Yankees. After splitting the series against Chicago, they now have a 3 game away series against Tampa Bay. This should be easy, but it never is against them. Oh, speaking of baseball, the Pawsox game on Friday was awesome. Final score was 12-3...first one I think I ever went to where they actually won.

So, what I really wanted to talk about this morning was international terrorism. Why not...it's Monday, right? Can't get any better than that. Anywho, more bombs in the world going off this weekend, this time in Egypt. First question is a pre-emptive strike against the "Blame The U.S." crowd. This is an act of Muslims killing Muslims, and was happening years before the U.S. ever went to war in Iraq...so sit down and shut up. I read a headline this morning that was praising Pakistan for taking huge strides in fighting terrorism. I assume "huge strides" involves admitting there's a problem. Pakistan and Syria seem to almost benefit from a silent partnership with terrorists. It's kinda like "You help us, we won't blow you up...one hand washes the other." They're the only 2 countries that have been known terror havens that haven't had domestic terror issues...things that make you go "hmmmm..." Let's just say Al Queda sets off a car bomb in one of these two countries. That's the ONLY time you're going to see either of them flip on the terrorists and actually help the world fight this plague. Now...whether it's actually a terror cell, or a Special Forces Black Op...well, now we're getting into semantics.

Oh, and one final newsworthy tidbit. I haven't been able to confirm it yet, and I am a bit skeptical due to its source, but I read a rumor this morning that 3 Democratic Senators may face an investigation into whether or not they leaked sensitive information about US spy satellites. Who makes up this Tremendous Trio? Why, none other than Sen. Durbin, Sen. Rockefeller, & Sen. Wyden. Now, I'm not sitting back frothing at the mouth, demanding they be removed from the Senate, etc. I'm not even wishing this story to be true. However, if there is any truth to it, my only wish is for the media to actually cover it, instead of sweep it under the rug, so it won't overshadow Plamegate...

But enough about politics...2 days and wakeup and I'll be off to Lake Umbagog for an amazing weekend camping trip...I'll try and post photos...

It's All About The Fundamentals...

2005-07-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

To start, thank God that Buhrle wasn't as sharp as he usually is, last night. In a great 6-5 come from behind win, Boston downed Chicago. But I digress...the title of this entry says it all. I played little league growing up. One of the first things you're taught is that when you go after a fly ball, you use BOTH hands. Seems like every MLB player forgets this when they enter the majors. That's why today's D'OH award goes to Chicago White Sox Third Baseman,
Joe Crede. Dropping that ball in foul territory gave Manny the extra chance he needed to homer out into left field, giving the win to Boston. And, of course, I have to mention another 6-5 game...NY losing to the Angels last night, dropping them now 1.5 games out of first, behind Boston. Baltimore, having been swept by Minnesota, is now 2.5 games back in the AL East.

Local News: Quick look at RI local news...best headline I read so far is this one. I'm glad the RI Justice Commission is making strides to protect our kids from fine & upstanding citizens like this, this, or this.

National News: Aaah, the good stuff. First and foremost, I have to address the second wave of bombings in England. I know I stand beside the vast majority of Americans in solidarity with our neighbors across the pond. Thankfully, no one was injured in these latest terrorist attacks. Yes folks, TERRORIST attacks...not "bombings" or "incidents"...let's grow up and call a spade a "spade" here. This second wave of attacks has sparked a slight increase in the public transit security in our country. In New York City, random bag checks are taking place. Of course, the usual loonies are coming out from the woodwork and crying about civil liberties. My only complaint is that the wrong people are getting searched. How many 80 year old white women blew up buildings in the past...well 1,000 years? Before you kill yourself to do the research, I'll clue you in...NONE!!! So why, then, are the police searching people who do not fit the profile of 99.9% of the terrorists of the world? It's all in the name of political correctness. The cops have to search grandma on her way to the grocery story so they don't get sued over racial profiling. Glad to know our national security is at risk because we might accidentally offend someone. Wanna see the REAL suicide bomber? Check this out. Oh, and by the way, amidst all of the chaos going on in the world, and the threat to our day-to-day lives, Democrats are still urging their top leadership to push the Karl Rove story. Someone PLEASE take the gun out of their hands...they've shot themselves in the foot far too many times.

And in the "People Who Hate America" file, we have two entries this morning. First, Saddam's whining again. Seems he doesn't like the fact he can't speak to his lawyer 24/7. Hey, buddy, be happy you even HAVE a lawyer. Not like the thousands and thousands of innocent people you sentenced to death. Second, my personal favorite. I'll preface this by saying how much I cringe every time I see this woman, or even hear her name mentioned...Andrea Mitchell...UGH!!! Every time I see her on the news she's got some sort of bad news to report about the United States...and does it with a smile. Finally, justice is served, and OH was it sweet. Check it. I love the line "There's no freedom of the press here." America don't look too bad anymore, eh Andrea?

Finally, the House votes to extend the Patriot Act. Yet another news morsel that'll have the moonbats barking for weeks to come. Seriously, if the FBI wants to pull my library account to see what I've been reading, go for it. It's public record. If I have something to hide, I'll buy a book at a private store and pay in cash. Seriously, these folks are truly unhinged. Next thing you know, they'll be claiming the US caused the second wave of London explosions to force the vote on the Act out of fear...oh wait...morons...

Junk Mail...

2005-07-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

Gotta love the constant stream of junk mail that goes to my Yahoo account. Most of them are from some Third World country writing to me to tell me that I can have like 8 bizillion dollars by first donating about 10 grand to some, presumably, untraceable bank account in Abu Dhabi. They're usually from some rich dude's widow...rich dude's are dying left and right over there apparently.

The other one's I get are the best. Seems that I've got to be the luckiest man in the world. See, not only have I won the National Lottery in merry ol' England like 4 times in the last week, but I've done it without every buying a single ticket! Man, if only the lotteries in this country were as easy to hit...no, scratch that...if only Yahoo's junk mail filter could actually filter out junk mail...my God...

Clearance Sale on Feeding Tubes, Conspiracy Theories, Student-Teacher Sex, oh...and Wisdom From the UN...

2005-07-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

Let's see what's going on today......in my little ol' state of Rhode Island, there's some new developments in the case of Esteban Carpio, the young scamp accused of killing a Providence Police Detective. Seems Li'l Esteban hasn't eaten regularly in prison, so a judge gave prison officials permission to insert a feeding tube into him. And if that ain't bad enough, we tax payers get to foot the bill for the rest of his life...so hey, if he starts to be a burden on our day-to-day living, can we get a court order to remove it?

On to national news...oh goody! More stories about Karl Rove conspiracy theories. Could life possibly get any better than this!?@ I think the only thing I'm more sick of hearing than Lefty whining about Karl Rove is the drama in Aruba. OK, Jug is NOT a name people give to their children, first off. Secondly, a last name of "Twitty" leaves me wondering who's behind the wheel of that car, so to speak. I hope they solve this case with a quickness, just so Greta van What's-Her-Face won't get 90% of the ratings share.

Oh, and the hot teacher that had sex with her student is pleading guilty by reason of insanity. The quote her attorney dropped was priceless. "What teacher in their right mind would sleep with one of their students?" Good question, but here's a counter: "Where were these teachers when I was in school?!@?!" In any case, lesson learned, America. If you want to commit a crime and get away with it, make sure you do something so completely crazy while in the process of committing said crime that you too can pull off an insanity defense.

Hmmmm...Koffing Anus seems to have the whole Darfur situation figured out. “The decrease in attacks on civilians may also be a function of a reduced number of targets,” Wow...I mean...wow. Who'da thunk it that the attacks would decrease when there was nothing left to attack!?@?!@ See, all we had to do was wait it out...silly us.

Also in Africa, the BBC is reporting that we can't make the crisis in Africa go away by throwing money at it. What? You mean the poverty there was caused by a corrupt, inept government who have refused to distribute food aid? But… but… the celebrities told us that all we had to do was relieve African debt and the whole continent would turn into Disneyland, with marshmallow mountains and rivers of chocolate, and people would sing and dance and skip and run all day without a care in the world. How can it be? I mean, everyone knows that African famine and disease isn’t the fault of Africans, it’s the west’s responsibility!

Finally in sports, my Sox took the series from the Devil Rays, outting them 9-4. It's a sad state of affairs in Red Sox Nation when winning by 5 runs makes me think it was still a close game. And poor Kevin Youkilis...man, he's getting tossed back and forth between Boston and AAA Pawtucket like Lou Merloni was a few years back. In any case, at least I'll get to see him play tomorrow night.

Last, but certainly not least, Patriot's linebacker and legend Tedy Bruschi won't be playing this season. After suffering a mini-stroke after last year's Super Bowl win, it was questionable whether or not he'd ever play again. Apparently, he's been working out like a madman, but the bottom line is that mini-strokes don't go well with a daily regimen of ramming things with your head. I truly hope he recovers and is able to suit up for the following season. He was a great asset for the team, not just on the defensive line, but truly a great leader. Best wishes, Tedy!!

SCOTUS Pocus

2005-07-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

OK, so it doesn't rhyme exactly, but you get the idea. So, Bush nominates Roberts as his pick to the Bench. Naturally, the Dems stir to life. I watched Teddy Chappaquiddick on the TODAY show this morning, trumpeting up and down about how Roberts was qualified and well-respected. I just sat there, watching, waiting for the "Yeah, but we're gonna rip him a new one just the same..." Seriously, if Bush appoints someone, they're in for rough waters. The only way someone could get a pass on this is if they think like the Left. Hell, you could stick someone in there with less qualifications than Vinny Gambini...as long as he agrees w/ Roe v. Wade. It boils down to a plain and simple power struggle. It’s becoming more and more obvious with each passing day and, God willing, the people might wake up and notice it someday soon. Politics is nothing more than a team sport with a more heated rivalry than the Sox and Yankees. The Dems are not out for the people, rather their own agenda. They lost the White House...they lost the Senate and House. What’s the last avenue open to push their personal views? The SCOTUS...batten down the hatches, there’s a storm brewin’ off the Port side…

News From The Nation

2005-07-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

Red Sox Nation, that is...

So "Everyday" Allen Embree got designated...he was great the last couple of seasons, but honestly, I think the Sox treated him like Henry Ford used to treat his employees! Anyway, we got Hyzdu back...again...I hope he does better with Boston than he did with the Padres

Anyways, we got Graffanino from the Royals, too. Personally, I think he's a great addition as a utility player. Now if they could just work on their pitching...

Speaking of which,

3. Billy Wagner, LHP, Phillies The Red Sox say they won't trade infielder Hanley Ramirez or pitchers Jon Lester, Jon Papelbon and Manny Delcarman, the jewels of their system who are close to being major league ready. That means no deal with Philadelphia. The Phillies still aren't out of the wacky NL East race, so they'll need to be overwhelmed to move Wagner, a free agent after the season.

Ten bucks says the Sox grab him in the off season when he gets that nifty "free agent" status...as long as we beat NY the punch...

Post The First...

2005-07-20T09:10:00.000-05:00

OK, so this is the obligatory first post.

Congrats on finding this page, first off. Hopefully this will be an entertaining experience for all...