Classic horror movies

Not very holiday like - it is a week for classic horror films - first we had Rosemary's Baby on Tuesday and tonight it is The Shining - creepy

I will have to balance it off with Frosty or Rudolph this weekend.

TV and the Soft Eshoo Bill (Brent Bozell III)

I was reading Yahoo Opinion and saw this op ed from Brent Bozell. He writes about the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (CALM) which was passed Tuesday on a voice vote that urged that TV commercials be no louder than the shows in which they appear.

I remember my dad always asking if the commercials were louder than the original show and I guess they were!! Not that I think this is a pressing need for Congress (the subject of the Op Ed) but I think there is a niche market here for someone to develop some sort of utility that lessens the ads. I don't need Billy Mays screaming at me.

Bozell's column is linked below - a good read.

TV and the Soft Eshoo Bill
(Brent Bozell III): "Brent Bozell III - Lest any citizen think the U.S. Congress is absorbed only in the weightiest matters like nationalizing the health care system, the House just passed another piece of legislation — a bill urging that TV commercials be no louder than the shows in which they appear."

ABBA, Genesis among new rock hall inductees (AP)

FYI - Genesis was a favorite band of mine and am happy to see them get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I saw them as recently as 2007 during their reunion tour and was really impressed that the old guys still had it.

ABBA, Genesis among new rock hall inductees
(AP): "AP - The 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA is dancing its way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and The Stooges."

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF

Interesting note about what is deemed violent. Is Christianity something that the educational elite seem to be something that requires a psych eval?

This is a disturbing trend on one that I have written about before. What is the Christmas season all about? Isn't it based on Jesus Christ (i.e. "the reason for the season"?). As cliche as that might sound to some, it goes without saying that this holiday is based on religious beliefs and that those religious beliefs are being squeezed out of our day to day lives (focus in on consumerism and buying gifts with no thought as to the day itself).

This is horrible.

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF: "An eight year old elementary school student in Taunton was sent home from school and required to undergo a psychological evaluation after drawing a stick figure picture of Jesus on the cross.The second grader at Maxham Elementary school was told by this teacher that the drawing was violent. This was after the class was asked to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas."

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF

Interesting note about what is deemed violent. Is Christianity something that the educational elite seem to be something that requires a psych eval?

This is a disturbing trend on one that I have written about before. What is the Christmas season all about? Isn't it based on Jesus Christ (i.e. "the reason for the season"?). As cliche as that might sound to some, it goes without saying that this holiday is based on religious beliefs and that those religious beliefs are being squeezed out of our day to day lives (focus in on consumerism and buying gifts with no thought as to the day itself).

This is horrible.

Child's Christmas artwork deemed 'violent' -- SOUNDOFF: "An eight year old elementary school student in Taunton was sent home from school and required to undergo a psychological evaluation after drawing a stick figure picture of Jesus on the cross.The second grader at Maxham Elementary school was told by this teacher that the drawing was violent. This was after the class was asked to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas."

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP)

Sorry to say this as I love the Jets - but they were in a similar situation last year (i.e. do or die). The real trick is not to get into these situations in the first place.

It is tough to be a fan...

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP): "Things are still looking up for the New York Jets. After a convincing 26-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday and a few other teams losing, the Jets (7-6) are in the middle of the AFC playoff mix. They've won three straight games, the defense has been dominant and they might even get injured quarterback Mark Sanchez back this week."

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP)

Sorry to say this as I love the Jets - but they were in a similar situation last year (i.e. do or die). The real trick is not to get into these situations in the first place.

It is tough to be a fan...

Jets approaching last 3 games as 'do-or-die' (AP): "Things are still looking up for the New York Jets. After a convincing 26-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday and a few other teams losing, the Jets (7-6) are in the middle of the AFC playoff mix. They've won three straight games, the defense has been dominant and they might even get injured quarterback Mark Sanchez back this week."

John Stossel's show starts tomorrow on Fox Business

I am a big fan of John Stossel and am happy to see him moving to Fox Business to do a show focused on free markets and liberty. To that end, he has a good column on WND that outlines his first show (or his first two shows).

My first show on Fox Business

John Stossel's show starts tomorrow on Fox Business

I am a big fan of John Stossel and am happy to see him moving to Fox Business to do a show focused on free markets and liberty. To that end, he has a good column on WND that outlines his first show (or his first two shows).

My first show on Fox Business

Ban on texting while driving proposed for Boston

So this makes sense to me - a lot more than House working on banning novelty lighters.

Has anyone ever tried this? What reason could you possibly have to text while driving? Isn't it bad enough we have our faces in our computers, IPhones, Blackberrys, Cell phones etc while we are walking?

I think this is a case where people are just too stupid not to do something sensible - or too selfish.

Ban on texting while driving proposed for Boston

House continues to work on the tough issues

So once again, the local lawmakers are taking on a very pressing need with their valuable time? I guess these sorts of things are what are keeping them from taking furloughs although they are asking their staff to take them.

This is (in my opinion) silly and a waste of taxpayer money.

House votes to ban sale of novelty lighters: "Massachusetts lawmakers are backing a proposed ban on the sale of novelty cigarette lighters which could appeal to children. The House on Monday gave initial approval to the bill, which would bar novelty lighters from being manufactured, sold or given away in Massachusetts.
"

Reid: GOP Wouldve Defended Slavery

This is great - Sen Harry Reid likening GOP resistance to Healthcare reform to people defending slavery. The story at Fox News notes that "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid took his GOP-blasting rhetoric to a new level Monday, comparing Republicans who oppose health care reform to lawmakers who clung to the institution of slavery more than a century ago." I would only add that it is not a new "level" but a new "low" level. This is shameful.

Breaking News | Latest News | Current News - FOXNews.com

via Reid: GOP Wouldve Defended Slavery.

Mike Adams : WRAL: White Rapists and Lombard - Townhall.com

Note this article is very graphic and disturbing but does reveal how depraved some folks in our society are and how far some in the media will go to cover up "inconvenient facts" about a criminal's sexual orientation.

Mike Adams : WRAL: White Rapists and Lombard - Townhall.com.

National Review and ads by Google

I was over reading National Review and was surprised to see a banner ad for Steve Pagliuca for Senate. As all of us Bay State residents know there is a runoff election for the senate seat left by Ted Kennedy and our choice is basically a bunch of liberal Democrats. I find it interesting that as I check out National Review I get a ad asking me to help elect Pagliuca. If I didn't know the other candidates, would I infer that Pagliuca is a candidate close to the values that are in line with National Review? Short answer is that they are not but I find this advertisement to be misleading a tad.

Screen shot below:

Interesting don't you think?

What about the general welfare?

Recently I posted a note about the Enumerated Powers act and my wish that it would be passed by Congress. The intent of this act would require "… that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. This measure will force a continual re-examination of the role of the national government, and will fundamentally alter the ever-expanding reach of the federal government."

A liberal friend mentioned that Congress can pass healthcare for example because of the general welfare statement in the US Constitution. Well recall that the "general welfare" statement is part of the preamble to the Constitution. I quote:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

So as I read this, the Constitution (not Congress or the Presidency) was established (in part) to promote the general welfare. Now Section 8 of the Constitution states that "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;" so those on the Left say "ah ha" there you go. Well not so fast…

The indispensable Patriot Post covered this in their 20 November 2009 digest found here. A few quotes from a few Founding Fathers (drawn from the 20 November 2009 Patriot Post Digest) will serve to clarify the "general welfare" phrase:

James Madison, primary author of the Constitution, vehemently disagreed, writing, "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, subject to particular exceptions."

Thomas Jefferson likewise stated that if Congress could "do anything they please to provide for the general welfare ... [i]t would reduce the whole instrument [the Constitution] to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please." For the simpletons in Congress, Jefferson concluded, "Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them."

(Thanks again to the Patriot Post – online at http://patriotpost.us/)

Congress is limited in its powers period. There is no constitutational power for Congress to say mandate all citizens have to buy health insurance just like there is no power for Congress to mandate we all need to wear potato sacks to work. Wake up America! Hold Congress accountable.

OS

Losing Weight

I have tried a slew of things to try and drop weight so having a blog online that in effect holds me accountable is something I thought I would try.

I am 6′6″ and weighed in today and 285.5. According to an online BMI calculator, that puts me in the obese category (with a BMI of 33). Wow!

I have tried all sorts of diets and in truth most of it has worked. I did atkins in 2005 and dropped almost 40 lbs. I felt great and the best thing about that diet is that it made me a little lighter so I could work out and feel a little more confident. Sadly, I threw away everything smart that I learned on that diet and went back to my old ways.

I also did South Beach and like Atkins it worked. But the real challenge is to change your lifestyle which is something I have not done.

Since having kids (2 young ones) more crappy food has been around then I have been exposed to before (Devil Dogs, snack cakes) and to be honest, I don’t even like them, I grab them because it is convenient.

Finally I don’t have time to work out. Or rather, I don’t make time to work out. That is the god honest truth. I used to be in decent shape with martial arts, weight lifting, etc. and now I have let myself go. No excuse – just stating the fact.

So I will use this journal to continue to hold myself accountable. I don’t need pancakes for breakfast or to over eat when we go out to eat. I will track what I eat and see if I can get my ass moving a little better. It will be slow going but maybe reading this blog will re-motivate me.

Breakfast

1. Wrap (60 calories) + 2 eggs+ small amount of mozz cheese – 340 calories?
2. Snack (1030) – TLC Granola Bar (140 calories)

Losing weight

I have tried a slew of things to try and drop weight so having a blog online that in effect holds me accountable is something I thought I would try.

I am 6'6" and weighed in today and 285.5. According to an online BMI calculator, that puts me in the obese category (with a BMI of 33). Wow!

I have tried all sorts of diets and in truth most of it has worked. I did atkins in 2005 and dropped almost 40 lbs. I felt great and the best thing about that diet is that it made me a little lighter so I could work out and feel a little more confident. Sadly, I threw away everything smart that I learned on that diet and went back to my old ways.

I also did South Beach and like Atkins it worked. But the real challenge is to change your lifestyle which is something I have not done.

Since having kids (2 young ones) more crappy food has been around then I have been exposed to before (Devil Dogs, snack cakes) and to be honest, I don't even like them, I grab them because it is convenient.

Finally I don't have time to work out. Or rather, I don't make time to work out. That is the god honest truth. I used to be in decent shape with martial arts, weight lifting, etc. and now I have let myself go. No excuse – just stating the fact.

So I will use this journal to continue to hold myself accountable. I don't need pancakes for breakfast or to over eat when we go out to eat. I will track what I eat and see if I can get my ass moving a little better. It will be slow going but maybe reading this blog will re-motivate me.

 

Breakfast

1. Wrap (60 calories) + 2 eggs+ small amount of mozz cheese – 340 calories?
   
2. Snack (1030) – TLC Granola Bar (140 calories)

Testing posting from Word

Trying to see if this works.

Child porn cases take toll on investigators - washingtonpost.com

Forward from fellow blogger - it is a shame that we actually need people to do this.

Child porn cases take toll on investigators - washingtonpost.com

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

No - this isn't anything regarding a war on Christmas but it is something I see as really silly (like the Holiday Ban in a school in the same town).

What is going on in in these towns? The story notes that "people complained" about the sign and had to be taken down as "a new town common policy only allows displays to stay up for one day, no matter what they are."

I am waiting to see if AIDS Awareness signs or other signs (Martin Luther King Day Observance activities) suffer the same fate.

By the way - that is a stupid law.

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

No - this isn't anything regarding a war on Christmas but it is something I see as really silly (like the Holiday Ban in a school in the same town).

What is going on in in these towns? The story notes that "people complained" about the sign and had to be taken down as "a new town common policy only allows displays to stay up for one day, no matter what they are."

I am waiting to see if AIDS Awareness signs or other signs (Martin Luther King Day Observance activities) suffer the same fate.

By the way - that is a stupid law.

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA 'Merry Christmas' sign ordered taken down

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

I wonder what the reaction would be if this was done at the Wall Street Journal or Fox News rather than a black run newspaper.

I always find it amusing when some groups charge racism in situations but use similar racist tactics (like those leveled at Condi Rice) when there is some disagreement with a fellow African American.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Can you imagine if the Wall Street Journal (or Fox News) did this? I am sure there would be charges of racism.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Can you imagine if the Wall Street Journal (or Fox News) did this? I am sure there would be charges of racism.

Aunt Jemima Cartoon Angers Supporters of Ohio Lawmaker - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Healthcare thought

I was reading in a recent op-Ed and noticed that the new healthcare plan could cost more than 1 trillion (and there is uncertainity in that even) based on CBO analysis. Wouldn't it be easier and less expensive if the government would just insure all the american people that need it in the short term and instead invest in some sort of jobs training or education push? Recall that when Medicare was put in place it was predicted to cost $12 billion in 1990. The actual cost was $98 billion. We cannot afford this solution and remain the country that we are.

Vicki Kennedy: No Senate plans

Fox 25 Boston

via Vicki Kennedy: No Senate plans.

Why do we assume just because Vicki Kennedy was the wife of Senator Ted Kennedy she would run for the Senate? Not to be insensitive but it kind of defies logic a bit just to jump to wondering whether or not Mrs. Kennedy would pursue a career in politics due to her connections?

I wonder if Laura Bush ever got asked if she was interested in running for President?

Black Friday Brings Shopping Madness Locally - Nashville News Story - WSMV Nashville

This is probably an easy post but give me a break. What the hell is the problem with these people that there would be an injury to a fellow shopped because she was trampled by other shoppers. What kind of society are we in that this is somehow tolerated? What are these people thinking that they would act in such a manner to get into Toys R Us before the rest of the dopes who went out to shop at midnight on Thanksgiving.

Question - is the store going to be held liable for the injuries that were inflicted?


Black Friday Brings Shopping Madness Locally - Nashville News Story - WSMV Nashville

Aintitcool Reviews LOVELY BONES

Checking out the entertainment news - and saw that Peter Jackson has a new movie out based on the book The Lovely Bones - story below

Harry says that LOVELY BONES is a lovely brutal film! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

My wife read this book, even after I had warned her that this doesn't sound entertaining - it is a story of a girl who is raped and murdered and she goes to "heaven" and watches her family struggle with the aftermath of her murder. The book also follows the murderer and his "trials". Does this sound like something you want to read?

Needless to say, my wife finished the book in tears (referring to it as 'horrible'). This is not to say to say the writing was horrible or anything like that - it is just a horrid topic...

It makes me think of the movie American Beauty that came out in 1999 as it was the critics darling (won 5 oscars!). After watching it (on DVD) I remarked to my wife (girlfriend then) that it was one of the most depressing movies I had ever seen. There was nothing redeeming about the movie at all and for all its talk of being "so realistic" and showing the viewer the dark side of suburbia all it did was make we want the two hours of my life back (along with giving the viewer various cliches - the Nazi is actually gay!! - how original...). The Lovely Bones strikes me like that and I have no interest in seeing something like that.

BEWARE! Holiday Foods That Could Kill

Live everyone else, I am looking to drop a few lbs now that I have turned 40. Easier said than done and I have started working out more and watching what I eat. What a better way to start Thanksgiving!!

In any event, in my inbox today I got this story from ediets.com about Holiday Foods that can kill. How could I not read an article like that?

I didn't know Chocolate is toxic (and could be fatal) for dogs and cats...hey I didn't know. Check out the rest of the deadly holiday foods at ediets.com at the link below (and watch out!!!)

BEWARE! Holiday Foods That Could Kill

Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect

Last week I wrote about this ban in a local Chelmsford school (basically the school was banning on holiday items from their annual holiday gift shop which I thought was at a minimum counter intuitive.

Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.

Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect

The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."

Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...

The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.

Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect

Last week I wrote about this ban in a local Chelmsford school (basically the school was banning on holiday items from their annual holiday gift shop which I thought was at a minimum counter intuitive.

Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.

Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect

The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."

Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...

The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.

‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org

I can't stand American Idol anymore (I stopped watching it after Carrie Underwood who seemed to be a class act). When I read this crap I wonder why we call these people American "Idols" when they showcase crap like this. If you haven't seen it or heard about it, I am not going to give it the benefit of explaining it. Needless to say, American Idol is really proud of the press it is getting today.

Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.

‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org

‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org

I can't stand American Idol anymore (I stopped watching it after Carrie Underwood who seemed to be a class act). When I read this crap I wonder why we call these people American "Idols" when they showcase crap like this. If you haven't seen it or heard about it, I am not going to give it the benefit of explaining it. Needless to say, American Idol is really proud of the press it is getting today.

Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.

‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org

Hello world!

Welcome to Wordpress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

NYT: Wave of Debt Payments Facing US Government

See the following story -NYT: Wave of Debt Payments Facing US Government.

The story covers the financing that the Government is getting that is "too good to be true". Fact is, it looks like it really is.

With the national debt now topping $12 trillion, the White House estimates that the government's tab for servicing the debt will exceed $700 billion a year in 2019, up from $202 billion this year, even if annual budget deficits shrink drastically. Other forecasters say the figure could be much higher.

In concrete terms, an additional $500 billion a year in interest expense would total more than the combined federal budgets this year for education, energy, homeland security and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Money quote from the story (in my opinon) - "Clever debt management strategy," the group said, "can't completely substitute for prudent fiscal policy."

And this is the same organization that thinks they can take over health care and run it in the black. Yeah right...

OS

Belichick vindicated: Patriots defence contains Jets offence in 31-14 win (The Canadian Press)

Let's have the spears now...the Jets lost the to the Patriots today 31-14. It is never easy being a Jets fan and being one is Massachusetts is even harder. Dark days indeed.

Congrats to the Patriots.

Belichick vindicated: Patriots defence contains Jets offence in 31-14 win (The Canadian Press): "FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The defence Bill Belichick didn't want to put on the field a week ago kept the offence of the New York Jets off it Sunday."

Hume Defends American Exceptionalism: Obama Foreign Posture 'Exactly Backward' | NewsBusters.org

I am so glad I DVR'ed Fox News Sunday this week. I am looking forward to hearing Brit Hume's wisdom during the Sunday All Stars Panel. But I see that Newsbusters has already published an excerpt - link below.

Hume is spot on...as usual.

Hume Defends American Exceptionalism: Obama Foreign Posture 'Exactly Backward' | NewsBusters.org.

A&E News - A&E Presents "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"

The state of current reality TV is not depressing enough I guess. In reading in my wife's newest People Magazine i see an advertisement for a new reality series starting the Jacksons that warns the reader "You only think you know them". I think to myself this has got to be some strange joke but lo and behold - it isn't (A&E story about the new series is below). It is bad enough that the family has tried to squeeze every last drop of fame from Michael - and then we get the story that Joe Jackson (the father) wants a stipend from Michael's estate seeing as how he was left out of the will (and was spending $150000 a month).

Face it - the rest of the family (except for Janet) just didn't make the cut. Spare us the drama of chronicling "... the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael's tragic loss." (from the A&E website).

Can I get an amen!!

A&E News - A&E Presents "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs

A continuing problem with politicians especially here in Ma. Can you believe the chutzpah of these guys (yes - not all of them are male - it is an expression). They order their staff to take unpaid time off but they do not (their salaries are mandated by constitutional amendment)? In my opinion, if this state is having so many financial problems why don't the House members volunteer some of their salary and take the furloughs as well?

In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.

Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs

 

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs.

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs

A continuing problem with politicians especially here in Ma. Can you believe the chutzpah of these guys (yes - not all of them are male - it is an expression). They order their staff to take unpaid time off but they do not (their salaries are mandated by constitutional amendment)? In my opinion, if this state is having so many financial problems why don't the House members volunteer some of their salary and take the furloughs as well?

In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.

Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??

WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs

Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

I blogged recently about the Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.

Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.

Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

I blogged recently about the Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.

Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.

Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Final Verdict - Uneven ‘Prisoner’ gets caught in plot loops - The Boston Globe

As I blogged about recently, I was looking forward to AMC's reworking of "The Prisoner", based on the old tv series. Being a Lost fan, I heard that the old show was one of the influences of Lost.

All I can say is wow - this was a tough show to watch. Very choppy editing and little character development and a hard story to follow really made the 6 hours of the series painful to watch. As the Boston Globe puts it:

"...the AMC remake is numbingly paced, heavy-handed, aimless, and humorless. Worst of all, there’s not a single character in the cold, visually cliched world created by director Nick Hurran who evokes sympathy or enduring interest."

That about sums it up. I wanted to like this...I just didn't.

Story from the Boston Globe - Uneven ‘Prisoner’ gets caught in plot loops - The Boston Globe

Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Am I a bad person if I don't agree with the outcome of this suit? According to Wikipedia, cigarettes were labeled as early as 1967 with the warning "Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health (1966-1970)". The story notes that the plantiff started smoking in 1968 since "it made her look older". Shouldn't she have know better? She was 20 when she started smoking?

Something just seems wrong to me on this.

Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Am I a bad person if I don't agree with the outcome of this suit? According to Wikipedia, cigarettes were labeled as early as 1967 with the warning "Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health (1966-1970)". The story notes that the plantiff started smoking in 1968 since "it made her look older". Shouldn't she have know better? She was 20 when she started smoking?

Something just seems wrong to me on this.

Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

AAA: Thanksgiving travel to go up

Not a fan of traveling on the holiday - reading that it will be more expensive continues to reinforce this.

AAA: Thanksgiving travel to go up: "WASHINGTON - A leading auto organization is projecting a 1.4 percent increase in Thanksgiving travel this year, although fewer people will travel by air due to budget concerns, reduced airline capacity and added charges."

Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Just reviewing the myriad sites with all kinds of news and caught this that I thought was good enough to post. Thanks to Aint it Cool News for this. Lost will be airing on Tuesday, not Wednesdays.

Good, bad, indifferent??? Story link below.

Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! --
Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Just reviewing the myriad sites with all kinds of news and caught this that I thought was good enough to post. Thanks to Aint it Cool News for this. Lost will be airing on Tuesday, not Wednesdays.

Good, bad, indifferent??? Story link below.

Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! --
Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

Ho Ho No: Postal Service Drops Santa Letters Program

(Updated) - Postal Service reinstates this service.

Say it isn't so?? No more letters to Santa?

But does he still answer the email? Fox News Story below on Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.

Ho Ho No: Postal Service Drops Santa Letters Program: "Thousands of starry-eyed children all over the world are writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season, but they will not likely get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers."

W.A.T.C.H. world against toys causing harm, inc.

The World Against Toys Causing Harm (or W.A.T.C.H.) has released their list of the 10 worst toys for kids this Christmas season. It is no surprise that this group was founded in Massachusetts. Anyway - unfortunately many of these toys look pretty cool...hopefully no one buying for my kids will read this list.

W.A.T.C.H. world against toys causing harm, inc.

LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues

The first Lego Wii game featuring Indiana Jones was great and I just found out there was a new game coming out. Of course at basketball when I was talking to some of the kids after the game they knew all about it. I need to get on that internet.

LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues

LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues

The first Lego Wii game featuring Indiana Jones was great and I just found out there was a new game coming out. Of course at basketball when I was talking to some of the kids after the game they knew all about it. I need to get on that internet.

LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |.

This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.

I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?

Merry whatever!!

OS

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |

This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |

Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |

This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!

Opposing Views: OPINION: Cass Sunstein has Secret Animal Rights Agenda

This just keeps getting better. I have not heard about this before but another one of Obama's czars has some interesting ideas on animal rights

Opposing Views: OPINION: Cass Sunstein has Secret Animal Rights Agenda.

Quoting the article:

“[A]nimals should be permitted to bring suit, with human beings as their representatives, to prevent violations of current law … Any animals that are entitled to bring suit would be represented by (human) counsel, who would owe guardian like obligations and make decisions, subject to those obligations, on their clients’ behalf.”

Animals can bring a suit against a human? Can you imagine bumper crop of new cases that the trial lawyers can bring to the court? But the madness continues:

“We ought to ban hunting, I suggest, if there isn’t a purpose other than sport and fun. That should be against the law. It’s time now".

This is typical insanity from an administration who mistook the election results for approval to move to the extreme left. Wake up folks - these are the people that the president surrounds himself with.

OS

Underperforming Boston schools may shut down

Continuing the education theme today - another story from the local Boston Fox website.

Underperforming Boston schools may shut down

Question - why wouldn't they be shut down? Certainly there would be better alternatives for the children being affected wouldn't there?

Weight in as promised

So I tipped the scale at 284 today. Ugh - I guess the oreos didn't help.

Teachers union opposes bonus program

Not sure why the unions would be opposed to merit based bonuses for exceptional teachers. I for one would want my kids being educated by teachers who get these bonuses.

Teachers union opposes bonus program: "

BOSTON - The Boston Teachers Union wants to stop hundreds of teachers from pocketing bonuses. The union is opposing a performance-based bonus program started in 2008 and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates and Exxon Mobil foundations.

"

Teachers union opposes bonus program

Just checking the local news at Fox 25 Boston and saw this story -Teachers union opposes bonus program.

Apparently the Boston Teachers Union wants to prevent teachers from pocketing bonuses that are performance-based. As I read this, I wonder what is wrong with this? Don't we have merit bonuses in other areas (I know I have received bonuses at the end of the year for good work in growing the company). I don't see why the Union would oppose this as I would think it would encourage teachers to go the 'extra mile' in their job. Quite frankly, teachers have a critical job in the development of the next generation and they should be encouraged (like other professions) to be recognized for outstanding performance. Similarly we should look to remove from the educational establishment those teachers that are sub par.

My opinion at least

OS

Running update

So am trying to be more healthy and have run a couple of times now. Just got back from a slow as$ run (sorry for the language). Did a couple of miles and did a lot better than the first time I ran on Sunday but still a lot slower than I would like. Why do we abuse our bodies for so long and expect a change overnight - hmmmm

By the way, a friend tipped me onto this site -http://www.logyourrun.com/

I am using it to track my progress - goal for this week is to run two more times by Sunday.

Weigh in tomorrow.

On ABC, Sarah Palin Slams the Snobbery and Arrogance of Katie Couric

Hat Tip to NewsBusters.org - Exposing Liberal Media Bias for this nice post on Barbara Walter's interview with Sarah Palin

via On ABC, Sarah Palin Slams the Snobbery and Arrogance of Katie Couric.

The Newsbusters post also has a nice nuanced point. Palin is asked if she would have supported her daughter if she wanted an abortion. Yet how many pro-abortion politicians are asked if they would support their daughter not having an abortion but keeping the baby - even if the baby had Down's Syndrome?

OS

AP POLL: Tax the rich to pay for health bill (AP)

What a surprise. After being exposed to so much class warfare rhetoric the AP now notes that Americans think taxing the rich is the right way to pay for the heath bill or 'health care reform'. No discussion on whether or not the Government should be controlling or even involving themselves in this area of life but how we should pay for it. And the idea at hand is a penalty in a sense directed toward the rich (those individuals making over $500000 or households making over $1 million as the current House bill notes)

The left can count this one was a win.Instead of people paying more for their own health care, they decide to pass the buck to the rich. What a surprise - well not really. This is the same Government that doesn't know how to balance a checkbook or live within a budget - the very things most of us need to do to get along in this economy.

I guess I am not surprised when we elect politicians who haven't done much - except community organizing.

Story at Yahoo! News: Top Stories

via AP POLL: Tax the rich to pay for health bill (AP).

OS

Amazon savings

I know it is going to be a good day when I get emails like the one I just got from Amazon. It is as follows:

Greetings from Amazon.com.

You saved $0.02 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!

The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.

The following title(s) decreased in price:

xxxxxxxx (what I bought was irrelevant)

Price on order date: $9.00
Price charged at shipping: $8.98
Lowest price before release date: $8.98
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $0.02

$0.02 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee.

Alright!!!! Every little bit helps

Out for a run

Went out to work off the Jets loss. Had an ok run but it felt good to exercise after a day of working around the house.

Also trying out new iPhone app for blogging.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Scobee kicks 21-yard field goal as time expires to give Jags 24-22 win over Jets (The Canadian Press)

Crap - Jets drop one to the Jags and also drop to 3rd in the AFC East. It is tough some times to be a Jets fan.

Scobee kicks 21-yard field goal as time expires to give Jags 24-22 win over Jets (The Canadian Press): "The Jacksonville Jaguars boosted their playoff chances with a big road win and sent the New York Jets to another devastating loss."

Illegal immigrant tuition gets new push

I was reading the Fox 25 Boston site and saw this story about illegal immigrants and the potential to 'award'  them the privilege of paying in state rates for college.

Question: Why are illegal immigrants allowed to attend college when they are known to be illegal (or undocumented as the Fox Story refers to them as)? Why are they not deported?

Sorry - this is breaking the law and just goes to show me how whacked out this issue really is.

Story via Illegal immigrant tuition gets new push.

OS

Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com

Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com

Update - Jets lose to Jacksonville (24-22). What does this mean for their playoff hopes as the Jets Coach (Rex Ryan) stated "If the Jets (4-4) had any prayer of making the playoffs this season, they needed to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars".

I guess it is going to be another disappointing year for us Jets fans.

Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com

Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com

Update - Jets lose to Jacksonville (24-22). What does this mean for their playoff hopes as the Jets Coach (Rex Ryan) stated "If the Jets (4-4) had any prayer of making the playoffs this season, they needed to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars".

I guess it is going to be another disappointing year for us Jets fans.

Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |

Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |

The family checked out Star Wars in concert yesterday afternoon in Boston. Absolutely superb as the concert with a live orchestra played music to snippets from all the movies as the story was narrated by C-3PO himself Anthony Daniels. I was so impressed with it a did a quick Google and found this story from the local Fox station interviewing Anthony Daniels about the show.

After hearing he was on twitter I sent Anthony Daniels a quick tweet to thank him again for the show. There were two standing ovations and as I tweeted, he especially looked quite overcome and I for one, thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |

Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |

The family checked out Star Wars in concert yesterday afternoon in Boston. Absolutely superb as the concert with a live orchestra played music to snippets from all the movies as the story was narrated by C-3PO himself Anthony Daniels. I was so impressed with it a did a quick Google and found this story from the local Fox station interviewing Anthony Daniels about the show.

After hearing he was on twitter I sent Anthony Daniels a quick tweet to thank him again for the show. There were two standing ovations and as I tweeted, he especially looked quite overcome and I for one, thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

AMC » The Prisoner

So as a huge Lost Fan, I am looking forward to AMC's The Prisoner Miniseries tonight. Link follows. I am worried about having unrealistic expectations but with Lost not returning to 2010, hopefully this miniseries will help.

AMC » The Prisoner: "Official site for AMC's The Prisoner miniseries. Sneak peeks, cast interviews and making-of videos; plus episode & character guides, contests, and talk forums."

Skip The Hand Shake Now Has A Wristband

Tks to Tech Crunch - it looks like there is a movement to make the handshake go the way of the Dodo. I guess it is more sanitary.

Link below.

Skip The Hand Shake Now Has A Wristband: "

No Righteous Cause is complete without a colored wristband. That’s why I’m so excited that the no-hand shake movement (yes, movement) now has an official blue wristband for people who want to show that they support the effort. Get a ten pack of them here for $20.

Here’s who has (sort of, not really) pledged their support for the No Handshake cause to date:

• OpenCandy, Bessemer Venture Partners


• Some German city
  
  


• CNN, Dalai Lama And The Obamas


• One in three Canadians


• Brad Feld and Boston Globe


• NEW – The New Yorker, via this cartoon

Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

"

FACT CHECK: Palin's book goes rogue on some facts (AP)

Yahoo! News: Top Stories has a story 'fact checking' Sarah Palin's new book.

Although I think some of the fact checking leaves a bit to be desired, here is my question. Check AP the next time a liberal puts out a book and see if it is fact-checked. In fact a quick check of the NY Times Best Seller Hardcover Nonfiction has TRUE COMPASS, by Edward M. Kennedy (at #8). I haven't seen the AP story fact checking this book on say Chappaquiddick.

Original Fact Check Article on Palin's book is here -  FACT CHECK: Palin's book goes rogue on some facts (AP).
OS

Ex-Gov. Spitzer to Lecture at Harvard Ethics Center

Breaking News | Latest News | Current News - FOXNews.com

via Ex-Gov. Spitzer to Lecture at Harvard Ethics Center.

The last thing this guy is qualified for is to give a lecture on ethics. Very interesting choice by Harvard.

Former radical to speak at UMass after all

An item from WBZ - Top Stories

via Former radical to speak at UMass after all.

The story notes that:

"Raymond Levasseur, a former leader of the United Freedom Front, is scheduled to speak at the university on Thursday night. The group was linked to 20 domestic bombings in the to 20 domestic bombings in the 1970s and 1980s, and members were convicted of the slaying of a New Jersey state trooper and the attempted killing of two Massachusetts state troopers."

I wonder how welcome a person who called for violence against abortion doctors would be for a speaking engagement at UMass?

OS

No Free Lunches in Medical Care by Thomas Sowell on National Review Online

No Free Lunches in Medical Care by Thomas Sowell on National Review Online.

I was reading Monday's Patriot Post and there was a quote from this column by  Thomas Sowell that said "If you think the government can lower medical costs by eliminating “waste, fraud, and abuse,” as some Washington politicians claim, the logical question is: Why haven’t they done that already?"

Good question for all you health care advocates. Does it really make sense to look to the Government to cut waste, fraud and abuse? Seems very silly and ignorant to me. This is the same Government that devised the postal service and wrote the tax code - not monuments to efficiency.

 

OS

Bon Jovi Hair Retrospective

Bon Jovi Hair Retrospective: "THEN/NOW: To celebrate the release of 'The Circle,' we follow the boys back through thousands of cans of Final Net

I know it is probably not "cool" to be a fan on Bon Jovi but they remain one of the best concerts I have seen (the Have A Nice Day Tour in Boston). They have a new album coming out that is a return to rock (moving away from their last album that was country 'influenced') and the first single (We Weren't Born To Follow) is definitely a good 'arena rock' album.

Governor Denies Clemency, D.C. Sniper Will Be Executed

Glad to see some common sense with regards to the DC Sniper and Justice...from Fox Newa

Governor Denies Clemency, D.C. Sniper Will Be Executed.

Court rules natural gas a dangerous weapon

Court rules natural gas a dangerous weapon: "The Massachusetts Appeals Court has upheld the conviction of a man who tampered with a natural gas line inside his estranged wife's home, finding that gas can be considered a dangerous weapon. "

From the desk of the blatantly obvious...I like the defense position that the conviction "should be overturned because (the defendant) did not seal the house or stop the people inside from leaving"

Ok - in any event the Court got it right.

Geocaching T-Shirt

We have recently gotten very into Geocaching (we have found about 30 caches) so far. Don't know what I am talking about? See http://www.geocaching.com/ for more info.

A friend of mine sent this to me as a joke but in some perverse way, it is actually kind of true.

I just won the Irish Lottery

I just got this email...I think it is legit

Irish National Lottery

Your email have been lucky to have been selected among 50 Recipient of £891,934.00 pounds sterlings. each by Irish National Lottery Board.

For further inquiry,please Contact our claim desk with your Details: names,Address,Tel,Age,Occupation,Country immediately.

Claim Department:FOREIGN TRANSFER MANAGER - Contact Mr. Sean James Email:irsboard-sj@msn.com

Your`s Sincerely,
Mrs.Linda Owen.

I am so lucky - yeah right.

Local gas prices rise for 4th time in month

Local gas prices rise for 4th time in month: "Give another penny to the gasoline pump. Prices in our area are up another cent, according to the last survey by AAA of Southern New England. On average, self-serve regular now costs $2.64 a gallon. It's the fourth increase in as many weeks."

Uh oh - this looks like it is going to be a tough winter.

I want to believe that the new XFILES movie doesn't stink

So I was able to see the new X-Files movie over the weekend (love the free movie channel preview) and found it confusing and by far inferior to many of the TV shows that were based on the "monster of the week" rather than the X-Files mythology with the Government and Aliens trying to colonize the Earth. This movie took so many illogical jumps (yes I know it is a movie) that I find even my credulity tested.

I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.

I want to believe that the new XFILES movie doesn't stink

So I was able to see the new X-Files movie over the weekend (love the free movie channel preview) and found it confusing and by far inferior to many of the TV shows that were based on the "monster of the week" rather than the X-Files mythology with the Government and Aliens trying to colonize the Earth. This movie took so many illogical jumps (yes I know it is a movie) that I find even my credulity tested.

I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.

Why doesn't Congress pass the Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458,

Can't believe it has been so long since I posted. A little vacation and some trips and I am more than a month in the hole from posting. Oh boy.

So I have been catching up required reading (spending some time with Mark Levin's great book Liberty and Tyranny and reading a slew of back issues of the Patriot Post) and am in favor of Congress passing the The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458.

This act would require "... that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. This measure will force a continual re-examination of the role of the national government, and will fundamentally alter the ever-expanding reach of the federal government.". Who could disagree with that? By the way, the above quote is taken from the website of Congressman John Shadegg who has proposed the Act.

How great would that be if every time a bill is introduced, it must have some "rider" that explains clearly the authority that Congress has to enact such a law. By the way, I can't find any place where Congress has the authority to take over Health Care.  You say the "general welfare' clause? Quoting James Madison in a letter to Edmund Pendleton in 1792:

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, subject to particular exceptions.

Source is http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Madison/index2.htm

Congress can not do whatever it wants but has enumerated powers focused actually on a few things (like war). The states and ultimately We the People are the ones that have the expansive powers of the Constitution.

The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458 is a great idea.

Back from Disney

So long story short, we took the kids to Disney World and had a great time. In fact I wished we had stayed longer. Best rides were the Tower of Terror, the Aerosmith Roller Coaster and the Expedition Everest. Most of the kids were a little "scary" for my son (he preferred the Star Wars ride at Hollywood Studios) and the one regret was that we didn't bring a good camera.

Here is video (not of us) of the Everest ride from Animal Kingdom



Recommend staying on the resort and being aware that many of the rides are not really for small kids. The funny thing is that my kids also aren't too fond of cartoon characters...hmmm

Just finished Dan Brown's new book

So I got"The Lost Symbol" at Barnes and Noble and just completed it this morning (mostly due to the crappy nights sleep that I had since my kids were not able to sleep unless they were in our bed). I really enjoyed "The DaVinci Code" and since I wasn't Catholic, didn't take it as offensively as others did. In fact, I recall I read a book in the early 90's whose premise was that Christ didn't sacrifice himself willingly but instead was forced to be buried in the tomb which I thought was at least an intriguing premise. But I digress.

The Lost Symbol isn't a bad book. I think that it will suffer from comparisons to The DaVinci Code and people expecting the same shocks as his previous book will be somewhat disappointed. I also predict this book will do for Noetic Sciences as Jurassic Park did for Chaos Theory. In other words, this will become the newest discussion topic for a bit as it will generate a lot of interest.

I as hoping for a more focused book on the potential conspiracy theories involving the Founding Fathers but the focus of the book wasn't really on that at all, instead deals with specific myths and legends about the Freemasons. Having seen a lot of this on the History Channel, the content included in the book was somewhat more "real" in a sense that I was familiar with some of it more than I was with The DaVinci Code.

All in all, a good read. Above average I would say with some cheap gotchas that I won't ruin here. I am sure this will be a good seller for Brown and will make its way to Hollywood as well.

Just finished Dan Brown's new book

So I got"The Lost Symbol" at Barnes and Noble and just completed it this morning (mostly due to the crappy nights sleep that I had since my kids were not able to sleep unless they were in our bed). I really enjoyed "The DaVinci Code" and since I wasn't Catholic, didn't take it as offensively as others did. In fact, I recall I read a book in the early 90's whose premise was that Christ didn't sacrifice himself willingly but instead was forced to be buried in the tomb which I thought was at least an intriguing premise. But I digress.

The Lost Symbol isn't a bad book. I think that it will suffer from comparisons to The DaVinci Code and people expecting the same shocks as his previous book will be somewhat disappointed. I also predict this book will do for Noetic Sciences as Jurassic Park did for Chaos Theory. In other words, this will become the newest discussion topic for a bit as it will generate a lot of interest.

I as hoping for a more focused book on the potential conspiracy theories involving the Founding Fathers but the focus of the book wasn't really on that at all, instead deals with specific myths and legends about the Freemasons. Having seen a lot of this on the History Channel, the content included in the book was somewhat more "real" in a sense that I was familiar with some of it more than I was with The DaVinci Code.

All in all, a good read. Above average I would say with some cheap gotchas that I won't ruin here. I am sure this will be a good seller for Brown and will make its way to Hollywood as well.

More on Halloween

Coming home from a long day at work, I noticed that there are even more Halloween decorations up! And it is only the 1st day of October. It is hard to be a downer when the kids run out and scream that they have been working on this all day and isn't it great. J also announced he got his costume (Jango Fett). It is better I guess because it is a whole body suit. He even wears the mask. Good times indeed.

J also had his first Tiger Scout meeting. How depressing that no one knew the Scout Promise.

But back to the Halloween thing - Yeah it is great to be home.

Getting ready for Halloween

The kids have been trying to weasel out a visit to the Halloween store for costumes  since about August. We finally gave in on Sunday and I was surprised that my daughter wanted to be Hermione Granger (from Harry Potter). It was so interesting because she has never seen any of the Harry Potter films and has not read any of the books (she is only 8). How does she decide to be a character like that?

My son was a little easier - Jango Fett, the feared Bounty Hunter from Attack of the Clones. I think it was more because the costume came with a blaster but that is me. After I purchased it he decided he didn't want the costume because he couldn't see out of the mask. Back to square one.

What ever happened to throwing a sheet over your body and being a ghost? I spent $65 on costumes!

How about those Jets?

As a transplanted New Yorker in Boston, MA, I have remained a NY Jets fan (but have no real problem with the Patriots). Glad to see them up to 3-0 with a 24-17 victory over the Titans.

My kids dreams (3rd Grade and 1st Grade)

I thought this was great. The kids were asked to write up one question or wish that they had.

My daughter (3rd Grade) - her question was - "why is the snow white"? And her wish was that more animals had homes.

My son (1st grade) - his wish was more artists in schools.

I think I will wait till they are older to throw this data out at them.

What will they think up next?

My daughter (3rd grade) has developed an obsession (too strong) with what she calls take apart erasers that are available at places like costume/holiday shops like iParty. I have found them on the web (link is here) and they appear to be another little bit of junk coming from Japan (not that everything from Japan is junk).

My question is how this obsession develops and actually takes over any specific grade at school and becomes a 'menace' to decent parents' wallets everywhere. Who thought that plastic erasers from Japan would be the next 'thing'.

Color me confused.

Bagels on a Saturday

Why is it, when your daughter asks you to run out and get a bagel for her you do it? So it looks like I am heading out to the local bagel store to get 2 bagels with 'melted butter'.

Anyone else what anything?

Strikingly good coffee

My wife picked me up a cup of coffee from Starbucks today that used the new Clover system (you can see the press release at the Starbucks website). She brought me a home a great cup of Sumatra and I gotta say that was a good cup of coffee. It is a little more expensive than the usual cup of coffee (on the order of .50 for a large). I did get a chuckle when my wife told me she asked the clerk about purchasing one and was told they were $23,000!

Yikes.

Flashforward on ABC

Just got done watching Flashforward on ABC. As a huge Lost fan I was pretty excited with this shows premise and was looking forward to the premiere. By in large I was really happy with what I saw and am happy that TV is at least entertaining and trying to tell a good story. I thought everyone sort of jumped to the conclusion that they had all time traveled a bit easy but hey - I don't want to be a nit.

Looking forward to seeing where the series goes (seeing as how the show has set itself up for a flashforward so early (6 months)). The characters were mildly intriguing and I hope that they continue the development.

Certainly better than the Heroes premiere. What has happened to that show? The first season was exhilarating and it has slowly but surely gone downhill. It is ok to have good and evil and have them in constant combat. That is the state of life.

I have high hopes for Flashforward and wonder if it can keep my interest until Lost returns next year.

Coffee Intensity

So my wife just brought me a cup of coffee from Starbucks that is made with an electronic coffee press (the famous Clover brewing system). She chose a nice Sumatra blend and I will tell you it wasn't that bad (very bold and very intense). More pricey then their regular blend but not too bad. I am beaming!

Not sure how long this has been in service but I checked the Starbucks website and saw a press release was at least a year old! So I guess I could have been enjoying this goodness for awhile. Dang!

Kayne West is a disgrace

So we all know that during Taylor Swift's win at the 13 Sept 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, some moron called Kayne West grabbed the microphone and stated that Beyonce should have won, leaving Taylor Swift (a 19 year old country singer/star) looking stunned and speechless. I have to wonder what Swift was doing there in the first place since MTV hardly plays videos anymore (and usually focuses on hip hop and asinine reality shows). The President has called West a "Jackass" - he is half right (the "ass") part. I would add hole to that but that is me. Here is some punk that decides to diminish someone's moment of triumph for personal and selfish reasons. What does that reveal about our culture that this jackass is celebrated so much. What do his actions reveal about his personality and conduct?

But no worries - he has apologized on his blog...wow! What a great gesture. West was on Jay Leno's new show on Monday and said:

"So many celebrities, they never take the time off," he said. "I've never taken the time off to really — you know, just music after music and tour after tour. I'm just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else's hurt. My dream of what awards shows are supposed to be, 'cause, and I don't try to justify it because I was just in the wrong. That's period. But I need to, after this, take some time off and just analyze how I'm going to make it through the rest of this life, how I'm going to improve."

It is also interesting to note that MTV hasn't seen fit to condemn West's actions - and why should they - controversy is great for the stupid show.

West also told Leno that he wanted to apologize to Swift "in person". How about you give Taylor Swift a call instead of using a "blog". Or better yet, since you have been so successfully in your career to this date, why don't you man up, find Taylor Swift and speak to her in person and apologize for your mean, selfish act and vow never to do something like it again and stop talking to everyone else about how sorry you are.

Outspoken Roman

OK - Racism = disagreement

A lot has been made of Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's decision to yell "You lie" at the President during the joint session to Congress this week regarding the potential health care coverage of illegal immigrants. Sure it was a breach of decorum that all the pundits want to remind the American People of. But was it racism?

Fox News has a story entitled "Black Publishers Cry Racism Over Wilson Outburst, Join Boycott of South Carolina" found here. The money quote from the story states that the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Chairman Danny J. Bakewell Sr. said. "Rep. Wilson's remarks were racist, disrespectful, and a disingenuous violation -- not only of President Obama -- but to the institution of the presidency and only solidified our position and the importance in not spending black dollars where black people are not respected."

You have got to be kidding me. Do Obama's supporters really believe this is racist? Has that word gotten to be so overused that it has lost all meaning? The NNPA should be ashamed of itself for slurring Rep Wilson with such a label. This is another insidious attempt by the left and by race baiters to use the specter of racism to squelch legitimate debate and the Republicans should not support any sort of censure movement against Rep. Wilson. He has apologized and it should be left at that. Can you imagine if a black Representative had done that to President Bush and some right wing group charged the Representative with racism? Can you imagine the left's caterwauling and shouts of righteous indignation?

Tks to Rush Limbaugh I was reminded of how the Democrats booed President Bush during his 2005 State of the Union address. Here is a link to the RealClearPolitics story and video. You can audibly here the boos and heckles from the Dems. What about this breach of protocol?

BTW - I have read a number of Main Stream Media outlets who rile against the Internet and the mis information that is out there but I think the ABC/CBS/NBC world actually don't like the competition. For example I looked at the ABC News Site and found a story entitled "Heckling of President Is Rare in American History". President Bush is mentioned only in passing and the specific example discussed above is not mentioned at all. Props to CBS News for at least covering the 2005 heckling.

As for the NNPA - I thought dissent was patriotic?

Outspoken Roman

We need civility?

Newsbusters has a good post on Chris Matthews being incredibly rude to a guest who is opposed to Obamacare. Link is here.

The post's author (Jeff Poor) points out correctly that not only was Matthews rude but he attempts to discredit his guest (Americans For Prosperity President Tim Phillips) with asking to see if he (Tim Philips) subscribes to some of the theories being bandied about (such as the 'birther' movement) but Matthews says something that I thought bore repeating (around .41 seconds in).

Matthews notes (after mentioning Sarah Palin and trying to cast her as a fringe person) that we should try and get some "civility here about this...".

Really? As if he has strived for civility in the past.

Exhibit one - youtube video of Matthews talking with David Axelrod and calls Cheney, Newt and Rush (and others) the crazies (and troublemakers). How civil...

And let's not forget Matthews ambushing Ann Coulter with Elizabeth Edwards' call in. His cup runneth over with civility.

Outspoken Roman

Are you un-american?

I was reading the news and came across this nice tip on Drudge concerning Nancy Pelosi's op-ed in USA Today. She and Steny Hoyer take the health care reform protesters to task calling them 'un-american'.Don't believe me? Here is a quote from the op-ed:

These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades.

Americans are afraid of differing views? What crap! What she is not willing to understand is that Americans are afraid of pure unabashed Government control over every aspect of their lives, not differing views. Wouldn't the election of Obama negate that statement as we certainly (as a country) elected a president that had differing views than the previous administration (as well as the Republican opponent)? But I digress.

Pelosi notes that it is 'un-american' to drown out opposing views. Tell that to Ann Coulter who can't make a speech at a college campus without her being demonstrated against and/or having a pie thrown at her. Tell that to David Horowitz when he goes to college campuses and is shouted down for daring to talk about the threat of Islamo Fascists. Where was Pelosi or Hoyer defending the right for an opposing view?

Were the anti "immigration reform" protests un-american? I don't recall Pelosi condemning them? What about the Anti Proposition 8 rallies? Were those protesters un-american?

Finally, let me highlight something that happened in Pelosi's own city of San Francisco. In a story on WorldNetDaily there is this headline "Hundreds of homosexual activists rushed out of bars and swarmed a group of Christians who were singing songs in San Francisco's Castro District – and some even threatened to kill the worshippers." There is even video of this...at the link above.

How un-american. I anxiously await Pelosi's condemnation of this mob.

Outspoken Roman

The economy must not be doing too badly

I am channel surfing, stopping at Fox News and seeing what O'reilly is covering and I saw an ad for Fancy Feast appetizers for cats. Don't believe me? Check it out here.

Hey - if folks can afford the equivalent of nachos for their cats (such as the Steamed Wild Alaskan Salmon) then the economy is doing better than I thought.

Maybe the President can use this as an example of the economy turning the corner and his stimulus plan kicking in.

Outspoken Roman

New TSA Rule - are we getting secure yet?

Ok - so news flash. The TSA wants more information listed on the boarding passes because its a .."way of better checking passenger names against terror watch lists". This quote is attributed to TSA officials at a story on the NewsWest 9 website.

The additional information being listed on the boarding pass will include your full name, birth date and gender. It is only a matter of time before the boarding passes will only care about our social security number (TSA Officials will be quoted as saying "It's the only way we can be sure of the identity of the passenger and not someone on the terror watch list"). Along with the SSN, we will have to fly in the nude as an additional security precaution. Why don't we just ban airflight all together? I mean that is the only way to truly be safe.

You laugh now but there will be more silliness coming from the TSA as they continue to work on making us safe. I for one am worried about the amount of information on these boarding passes. Does anyone else forgetfully leave these things stuck in their paperback book in their airplane seat? What sort of information are exposing to a potential criminal element?

What is the solution you ask? Well what do this group of men have in common?



Too obvious? Why not start with patting down those in our society that are associated with those who wish to do us harm? Or at a minimum pat down those people that offer a threat more so than say my mother in law. I know it is not politically correct but wasn't that one of the lessons of 9/11? The planes weren't hijacked by invalids right but by a individuals of a certain segment of the world's population. I am not saying single them out but focus on the threats rather than on say the grandmothers.

Also don't we have armed marshalls on flights now? Is that making us safe?

Finally, how about educating the workforce rather than just throw a whole bunch of bodies as a solution.

Update - I got a suggestion from a friend. We won't travel nude but in Government issues diapers so we don' t have to get up. It is all about safety.

Let me end here with the same friend suggesting this quote from Ron Paul (found here).

While millions of Americans undoubtedly welcome any TSA indignity under the guise of "preventing terrorism," millions more are not willing to give blind obedience to arbitrary authority. TSA creates only a false sense of security, at great cost not only financially but also in terms of our dignity. How we as Americans react to authoritarian agencies like TSA is an indicator of how much we still value freedom over our persons and effects.

Amen brother - Amen.

Outspoken Roman

Trip to Nauset

Just got back from a good weekend at the cape. Although the last day (today) was the best day of the lot, with 4 hours spent in the 64 degree weather of Nauset Light House beach (part of the Cape Cod National Sea Shore). Although cold, we had a great time (me and the little Valkyrie spent a lot of time in the surf while the young viking spent his time digging holes and burying things).

Was happy to see the traffic die down on the way home across the Sagamore Bridge. It looks like leaving at 630 was pretty good as far as fighting the off cape travel. But it is good to be home.

The cost of healthcare reform

Ok - so if I understand this correctly, the cost of healthcare reform will not balloon the deficit and of course the debt. As CNS News reports Obama stated "I have also pledged that health insurance reform will not add to our deficit over the next decade, and I mean it."

Anyone with half a brain must know that this claim is pure fantasy. The Government does not save money or run things efficiently. The Government just prints more money or raises taxes instead of making the sacrifices that real people have to make and never tightens its belt. Why should it as the Government would lose some of its control over the lives of its citizens?

For those of you that think the Govt health care system is the way to go because costs will go down, there won't need to be rationing and it will be Shangri-La I submit a story I first saw on Drudge.

The story entitled "Govt to suspend 'cash for clunkers'" noted that:

Congressional officials say the government plans to suspend the popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns it could quickly use up the $1 billion in rebates for new car purchases.The Transportation Department called congressional offices late Thursday to alert them to the decision to halt the program, which offered owners of old cars and trucks $3,500 or $4,500 toward a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle.

What a surprise. The Government offers rebates (which is money coming out of the citizens' pockets) and the response is so overwhelming that they might need to shut the program down due to the money being all used up.

Remember this when you hear the health care stuff coming from the White House. The minute there is 'free' health care, there will have to be limits set as the Government cannot afford to have everyone at the drop of a hat, sign of a sniffle, ache in the back run to the doctor. It can't. There isn't enough money to cover that sort of scenario and there will have to be rationing (i.e. the Government will have a limit on when you can go to the Doctor).

As the saying goes, if you think Healthcare is expensive now...wait till its free.

Also from the CNS News story, the President said "Can I guarantee that there are going to be no changes in the health care delivery system? No. The whole point of this is to try to encourage changes that work for the American people and make them healthier."

What is next - mandatory Neighborhood Physical Education. Maybe we should have a government official come into our house and monitor our diets?

We are losing some freedom every single day.

Outspoken Roman

Check out this Glenn Beck video

Glenn Beck nails it! He asks the question 'When Will We Take Obama at His Word?!'

Why can't we look at the President's words and take them at face value? Why is anyone surprised by his attempt to remake so much of the country? Why does his inexperience draw incredulity? Why does his obvious inherent bias against white policemen shock anyone?

Video of Beck driving home the point is here. This is required watching. Preach on brother Glenn!

Update - The AP is reporting that "Fox's Glenn Beck says he believes Obama is racist"

Why would the President even comment on something like this (and default to the usual politically correct line) when he didn't know all the facts?

"I don't know all the facts but the new Health Care reform project is socialism".

"I don't know all the facts but cutting the planned F-22 deliveries is moronic".

"I don't know all the facts but Henry Gates was having sex with a squirrel during his arrest".

"I don't know all the facts but Michael Jackson is a freak".

Interesting approach.

Outspoken Roman

I am back and thoughts on Beer

So it has been awhile since I had posted but I had taken a long vacation (well deserved?) and reviewed some of the comments I had gotten from readers. One of which was don't you ever do anything fun? So as we all focus on the crap that is coming out of Washington, I will also take some time to look at the lighter side of life and the various things happening in and around the Bay State. One fun thing we did was to tour the Anheuser-Busch brewery up in Merrimac, NH. We had a very good time although the weather wasn't the greatest and I sampled some of the new brews (favorite was the Beach Bum Blonde) that both me and Mrs. Roman liked. She also was partial to the Michelob Ultra brew that came (in one choice) flavored with fruit (Grapefruit and Orange I think). Definitely not the ultimate man's brew but I admit it was a pleasing summery type drink. I also sampled the BL Lime. I remember a beer that was out a while ago called Tequiza that was also a Budweiser product which has since been discontinued. I recall liking that product a lot more than BL Lime but again, a good summer brew I suppose.

A good time though and of course I really enjoyed the free brew. BTW my favorite was the Amberbock by Michelob.

A shout of thanks to the folks at Merrimac for having a great tour. Head over to the Michelob website to play the "foam game". A game I am sorry to say I have never played before.

More to come. It is good to be back.

OS

Obama and gas prices

In my most recent random thoughts column I asked  "Why isn’t the public clamoring for Obama’s intervention the way they were for Bush’s back when gas prices were on the rise? Why no investigations into “big oil” and their profits?"

Well my friends at Newsbusters have a great post by Noel Sheppard that is titled "Oil Prices Doubled Since Inauguration, Will Media Blame Obama?". The column (posted on 6 June) states that :

Virtually every time oil and gasoline prices rose when George W. Bush was in the White House, his policies and/or his connections to folks in the oil industry were blamed by newsrooms from coast to coast.Yet, even though oil has doubled in price since Inauguration Day, with retail gas prices up $0.75 a gallon, you'd be hard-pressed to find reports blaming these spikes on President Obama or anything he's done since taking office.

Why?

Great question Noel? Where is the press on this issue? BTW - Noel Sheppard has some great charts accompanying his column (found here) that show that the US has never seen "..'such a fast doubling as what we've seen since Inauguration Day." in oil prices.

We sit here waiting for the press to catch up. Or even scarier, does the mainstream press even care? And if so, what else are we not getting told?

Among us, the crickets are the only sounds we hear.

Outspoken Roman

Random Thoughts

I read recently of a new Gallup Poll that said that more Americans were identifying themselves as "Pro-Life) (the story on Yahoo News is here). What are the implications of this with what is an apparent shift in the country's belief in the issue of Abortion? Why is it that Liberals who jump on the chance to list public opinion as a reason for change are not embracing this poll as evidence that the extreme position on abortion should be reconsidered? For example – Liberals list all the support for gay marriage as a reason for this social change to be adopted – why not apply the same standard to what seems to be a shift toward the pro-life position?

Why isn't the opposite of pro-life pro-death?

Gas prices are steadily rising – a recent story on the Fox Boston website notes that gas is "up 9 cents from last week and 34 cents over the last month." And that gas has risen for seven straight weeks. Why isn't the public clamoring for Obama's intervention the way they were for Bush's back when gas prices were on the rise? Why no investigations into "big oil" and their profits?

WBZ radio has a story that is entitled "Bill would let MA doctors say "I'm sorry"". It is interesting that in this day and age, medical staff are so worried about litigation (medical malpractice lawsuits) that they are refraining from offering condolences to patient's family members. The story states in part "Doctors have long expressed frustration that showing any compassion toward patients or their families - especially after a death following an operation or treatment - can be used against them in a medical malpractice lawsuit." Does anyone else see this as so very sad?

I was watching the news (I am not sure which one it was) but the local talking heads were discussing Obama's newest Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor has stated in a speech that "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.". Does this woman realize what her role would be if she went to the Supreme Court? It would be to interpret the intent of the Constitution, not to apply her own specific empathy to a certain case. This is not a good pick.

Second thought about Sonia Sotomayor. I have heard again on news shows that Republicans are loath to vote against her because she is Hispanic and they do not want to alienate the Hispanic community. As Ann Coulter points out in her most recent column, Miguel Estrada (a Hispanic attorney) was nominated for a spot on the Federal Appeals court. Coulter notes that Estrada's nomination was blocked "…solely on the grounds that he is Hispanic and was likely headed for the Supreme Court -- according to Senate Democrat staff memos". Why weren't democrats worried about alienating the Hispanic community?

Final thought – why do the media feel that Hispanic community is so tightly vested in the fate (or future) of Sonia Sotomayor? Is the potential of her not being named to the Supreme Court somehow ratchet back race relations to some bygone era? This is identity politics at its worst.

Outspoken Roman