Techjitsu

Official Gmail Blog: A preview of Gmail’s new look

2011-07-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Official Gmail Blog: A preview of Gmail’s new look: "Posted by Jason Cornwell, User Experience Designer We get a lot of great feedback about how Gmail helps you be more efficient, keep in to..."

New android app

2011-02-05T18:02:00.001-08:00

More to come

Rand Paul Is 'Kentucky Fried Candidate' Over Civil Rights Comments

2010-05-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

No matter how they try to sugar-coat it, the stench of their true feelings will rise to the surface. Call it 'state's rights', call it 'the free market', call it 'reverse discrimination'; it all has the same source- resentment mixed with a sense of entitlement. 'THEY' still believe that this is "THEIR" country and it is being diluted by 'outsiders'. Their great land is being ruined by undeserving heathens. But they can't say it outright- because 'civilized' society will reject the phrasing. You have to make it sound innocuous so that it becomes palatable and plausible.

You know that saying: "the greatest illusion the devil ever achieved was convincing the world he doesn't exist"...

Dawning-Yawning...

2009-01-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

A couple of interesting things in the news: Osama trash-talks Obama and Hitler gets taken from his parents. What a morning!!! Somewhere in between is a nice little place I like to call 'my world'...

3 years???

2009-01-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Has it been that long? Amazing...

Well- here is the latest about my life:

1] Leaving the I.T. field to go into law enforcement. Big difference? I don't believe that to be the case; clients\public expect service and problem resolution. Difficult situations require troubleshooting and ingenuity. Possibly dangerous situations if you make the wrong choices. Sounds very similar- except, I will have a firearm. I have every bit of faith in myself.

2] I have a 2yr old daugther that is a HANDFUL! Strong, independent, curious, persistent. Sound like anyone you know? I wish! That girl is way beyond my personality. I look forward to watching her grow.

3] Living in Colorado! From the midwest, to the west coast, to the continental divide: prairie\river valley, to ocean, to mountains. Restless? Not at all. This is where I will be for the next 20 years...

Anyway, I will be keeping this blog up to date a lot more than before- when I am not swamped with academy studies and parenting. Stay tuned!

Conservative Christians appear to be more 'conservative' than 'christian'...

2005-12-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

An article in the Washington Post attempts to focus a little attention to the apparent hypocricy of the 'Religioius Right' when it comes to one of Jesus' most touted practices: caring for the poor. The absence of any outcry from the Conservative Christian movement in regards to government plans to cut services to the poor [while also cutting taxes for primarily the rich] seems to point to their Republican ideology over-shadowing the religious beliefs. The response:

... groups such as Focus on the Family say it is a matter of priorities, and their priorities are abortion, same-sex marriage and seating judges who will back their position against those practices.

So, let me get this straight... Jesus had 'priorities'? He didn't just speak on EVERYTHING- he would focus his efforts more on the BIG things like defending 'Christmas', getting the 10 commandments put into EVERYTHING [schools, gov't buildings], and keeping 'under God' in the pledge of allegiance?

Thanks for clearing that up for me...

Cancel that "Up North Trip"...

2005-11-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

According to an article on SOHH.com, it seems that Canada may be closing its borders to 'Gangsta Rap' imports.

With a member of Parliament recently requesting that Canadian Immigration deny 50 Cent entrance into the country, reports are surfacing that Canuck authorities are seeking to ban "gangsta" rappers from performing up north.

Toronto MP Dan McTeague recently asked Canadian Immigration Minister Joe Volpe to deny Fiddy access into the country for a tour... In his initial request, McTeague contended that Fif's music glorified gunplay and that a concert wouldn't be appropriate considering the numerous gang-related shootings that have taken place in Toronto this past year.

Meanwhile, others claim that Canadian authorities are not only concerned with the artists' criminal records, but are looking to ban black American artists or rappers for "being too gangsta."

I guess the historic 'welcome mat' that had been extended to Blackfolk since the days of slavery has been rolled up in this instance. Though I may agree with the position on the tastelessness of the music, I wonder if this is something that goes ACROSS THE BOARD- for all music genres that carry similar content. I would hate for this to be ONLY about Black artists...

My 'beliefs' [or lack thereof...]

2005-11-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

My wife & I have been trying to figure out exactly what we believe- as a couple and as individuals- regarding 'God'. We have found ourselevs more interested in a Bhuddist or Agnostic stance, but I am a little more radical than my wife. After studying several religions and spending more than half of my life under the tight grasp of a very religious Southern-Baptist family, I am more apt to dump religious theory altogether.

With that in mind, I listened to a recent "This I Believe" essay on NPR from Penn Jillette [the 'talker' in the magic duo Penn & Teller]. He explained his position on Atheism FAR BETTER than I ever could. I will admit that the guy can be a little wordy or 'intellectual' at times, but I like what he had to say. I am asking you to please read this with an open mind and consider some of the things he mentioned.

I am not trying to convert you or 'debunk' your beliefs; I am hoping that some of the things he mentions make you think about how we can change our PRESENT world, instead of looking forward to the 'after-life'.

[Saying] "This I Believe"... seems to demand something more personal, some leap of faith that helps one see life's big picture, some rules to live by. So, I'm saying, "This I believe: I believe there is no God."
Having taken that step, it informs every moment of my life. I'm not greedy. I have love, blue skies, rainbows and Hallmark cards, and that has to be enough. It has to be enough, but it's everything in the world and everything in the world is plenty for me. It seems just rude to beg the invisible for more. Just the love of my family that raised me and the family I'm raising now is enough that I don't need heaven. I won the huge genetic lottery and I get joy every day.
Believing there's no God means I can't really be forgiven except by kindness and faulty memories. That's good; it makes me want to be more thoughtful. I have to try to treat people right the first time around.
Believing there's no God stops me from being solipsistic. I can read ideas from all different people from all different cultures. Without God, we can agree on reality, and I can keep learning where I'm wrong. We can all keep adjusting, so we can really communicate.
I don't travel in circles where people say, "I have faith, I believe this in my heart and nothing you can say or do can shake my faith." That's just a long-winded religious way to say, "shut up," or another two words that the FCC likes less. But all obscenity is less insulting than, "How I was brought up and my imaginary friend means more to me than anything you can ever say or do." So, believing there is no God lets me be proven wrong and that's always fun. It means I'm learning something.
Believing there is no God means the suffering I've seen in my family, and indeed all the suffering in the world, isn't caused by an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent force that isn't bothered to help or is just testing us, but rather something we all may be able to help others with in the future. No God means the possibility of less suffering in the future.
Believing there is no God gives me more room for belief in family, people, love, truth, beauty, sex, Jell-o and all the other things I can prove and that make this life the best life I will ever have.

Sorry to keep you waiting...

2005-11-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

I know I have been gone for a while; I haven't had a chance to focus my mind on things worthy of blogging. A new job will do that to you.

Well- I am back. I was catching up on my news reading\viewing from last week and watched the 11/17 episode of "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer". One of the topics of discussion was possible perceptions and thoughts regarding Bob Woodward's disclosure that he was possibly the FIRST journalist that was a recipient of the CIA 'leak' information.

Interesting...

2 years after the fact, he lets this information out. Not only that- this guy went on TV criticizing the prosecutor for pursuing this case and championing Judith Miller's position for a while. Wow! I guess he still thinks that 'Deep Throat' covers his ass on all things regarding secret sources. Woodward and a lot of other journalists are still moaning about the importance of confidential sources in uncovering wrong-doing and other questionable actions by powerful people\organizations.

My position on that? Hmm- two things:
1] This case doesn't involve a 'whitsle blower' that needed to be protected from a vengeful boss; in fact, the guys blowing the proverbial whistle have more power than the guy they were smearing.
2] I am getting tired of 'confidential sources' and the supposed 'trust' we are asked to give newsroom editors in regards to vetting these sources and stories for accuracy and validity.

I think it has been proven that two of the 'most respected' newspapers in the US [NY Time & Washington Post] have editors that are incapable of handling their star-staff. Miller dragged the NYT through her mess without explaining what she REALLY knew, and now Woodward kept his bosses in the dark while he reported [and commentated] on Miller's situation- while he was IN the same situation! I heard that some people are calling him "Mr. Run Amok"...

Instead of 'Woodward & Bernstein' from the Watergate Era, is it now 'Woodward & Miller' giving us the scoop on 'Iraq-gate'?

As my man Chuck D would say:
"CAN'T TRUSS IT!!!"

Straight from out the BOONDOCKS!!!

2005-11-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

The following are the GREATEST theme song lyrics of ALL TIME:
I am the stone that the buidling refused-
I am the VISUAL, the INSPIRATION...
That made lady sing the blues.
I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.
The same spark that lights the dark-
So that you can know your left from your right.
I am the ballot in your box, the bullet in the gun;
The inner glow that lets you know to call your 'brother' SON.
That story that just begun,
The promise of what's to come...
And I will remain a soldier until the WAR is WON.

And with that... I begin the criticism, in REAL-TIME while watching the show:

[The first 10min] I am FEELIN' this show! This is my mindstate as a child; one foot in the 'hood, the other in the 'burbs. Sure, there are moments when I felt that the show went over the top, but so does The Family Guy! It's far-fetched, yet funny in the ghetto-sense; an exaggerated version of my grandparents telling me to behave in front of white people,then calling them 'peckerwoods' after they left the house.

It makes fun of us, 'them', and anyone in between. It uses the 'n'-word the way MY FAMILY used it! The adults told us not to use it, then turned around and used it themselves. That was the old "do as I say" rule.

[The last 15min] The way we hate on each other was exposed to the world in the form of Uncle Ruckus. He is the 'Flavor Flav' element to counteract young Huey's 'Public Enemy' persona. The rich white boy being 'blacker' than anyone else in the room was a sight to behold. Charlie Murphy's shout-out to Dave Chappelle was nice, too.

Once again, the 'dreaded n-word' was tossed out a few times. I think the context was appropriate and showed our contradictory behavior as a people. I heard about the slight uproar online and on the radio shows. I started my TiVo recording of the episode waiting to be offended; however, I was blessed with an enjoyable experience! The show was as close to the comic strip as possible, in my opinion. I feel the people that object to the show are probably upset about the airing of our dirty laundry..

hold up... wait...

WHAT IN THE HELL is Uncle Ruckus singin?!?! That crosses a bit of a line for me. I can hear the white kids in junior high singin' that song amongst themselves, then- like the idiots that some of them are- trying to sing it to their 'black friends' as if they are ONLY relating how the show went...

Hmmm- I am now officially conflicted. I love the show AND don't like some of the elements of the first episode. I feel like I am watching a movie like 'Crash' or 'South Central'; you know- the type of movie that you love and hate at the same time?

Needless to say, I will not be removing this show from my recording list on TiVo. I got Aaron's back, but I reserve the right to chin-check him once in a while.

When did African-Americans become HISPANIC [again]?

2005-11-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well, if ICANN is the governing body in regards to the naming of websites [.com, .gov, etc.], then I guess Andy Rooney has designated himself as the arbitor of ethnic classifications and affiliations. In his opinion, 'African-American' is a bad name for what he prefers to call a NEGRO. Even 'black' is too cumbersome for this esteemed gentleman...

It never ceases to amaze me when I encounter 'whites' that feel 'non-whites' have supposedly CHOSEN to segregate themselves from everyone else out of spite or ill-will towards the 'majority' of people in America. Beyond that, the audacity to perceive that ANYONE needs their approval, understanding, or assistance in defining themselves ethno-national-culturally. It is as if they missed every history class ever given to them in school- yes, even the so-called Wold History classes that only focused on the European diaspora's influence or interaction with and upon other groups. WE segregated OURSELVES from those harmless, decent, open, and accepting white folks? Goodness, why are we being so defensive around these benevolent folks?!?!

When I interact with people of this perception, I inform them of what appears to be their unstoppable urge to put their stamp on EVERYTHING. I understand what YOU personally might like to refer to something as; however, when it is MY name/status/classification/definition being discussed, I reserve the right to make that decision FOR YOU. I should call myself NEGRO because Andy likes it? Or, I should use the word 'black' as my sole definition because it's appropriate in his mind?

Well- Mr. Rooney should call himself a 'new-age bigot' in order to appease my personal perception of who he is as a person. People that know me personally understand that I am not a fan of political correctness because I feel it prevents the honest disclosure of a person's true feelings and perceptions; you can more easily catch the undertones of ignorance [or bigotry] when people fee free to say whatever comes to mind without using a filter. Filters may appear to bring civility to discussions, but they also prevent REAL communication. Don't spare my feelings- say what you REALLY mean. Just be prepared for my response...

Paris is Burning, but you already knew that...

2005-11-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

The situation in France just goes to show that Race & $$$ will always be linked in a Euro-Centric world. By that, I mean that as long as we ALLOW the Western-Euro 'model' to dominate our very existance, we will be subject to the marginalization that is forced upon non-Euro peoples. We let them divide the African continent among themselves, then brainwash the leaders into behaving like other Euro leaders [embezzling funds, raping the natural resources, etc]. I am not saying that non-Euros are somehow 'benign' or benevolent [some would refer to that as the happy ignorant savage], but I AM saying that we submit to THEIR way of thinking, behaving, and governing.

Case in point: Chinese, Hindu, and many other cultures have a history [calendar] that is much OLDER than the currently used Roman-esque system. However, what does the ENTIRE world use? Time as we know it is logged using GMT- which is based in the UK. I know that everyone says that history is written by the CONQUERORS, but that argument doesn't float for long. I am not a conspiracy theorist- I am a REALIST. Reality is relative, indeed, but it is obvious that we have ACCEPTED the status quo.

As Dr. Cornell West put it, the entire world suffers from varying degrees of 'white supremacist thought'- knowingly and unknowingly. We accept certain so-called truths as facts of life without questioning their origins, relevance, or accuracy. The true revolutions start with the people that have the LEAST to lose and the MOST to gain. Until we recognize that our position matches that description, things will not change.

My wife and I have discussed living abroad and realized that there is NO PLACE on Earth without some sort of racial or socio-economic struggle. Europe has been exposed for harboring resentment against North-African and Muslim immigrants for a considerable amount of time. We as African Americans think with nostalgia of the Euro-topia stories provided by Jazz musicians after WWII, but we are seeing increasingly that we just happen to have an acceptable accent or 'origin' when compared with other visitors to their shores...

P.S.: In the news...

President Bush sidestepped questions Friday about whether he owes the American people an apology for the role of administration officials in the CIA leak case. He also refused to comment on calls for a staff shakeup. "We're going through a very serious investigation," Bush told reporters. "I have told you before that I'm not going to discuss the investigation until it's completed. My obligation is to set an agenda and I have done that." "The way you earn credibility with the American people is to set a clear agenda that everybody can understand, an agenda that relates to their lives, and get the job done," he said. "And the agenda that I'm working on now is one that is important to the American people."

Based on this photo, I think the agenda he is working on is "how to dress these 'Turd Blossoms' [Rove & the Iraq war] to look more like roses?"

An almost "All-Black" jury in a position of REAL power...

2005-11-03T01:35:00.000-08:00

I was catching up on my alternative news source listening online when I stumbled across an episode of Open Source where the host was conversing with Lawrence O’Donnell [Author, analyst, former Hill senior staffer, producer and writer for “The West Wing”]. As they were discussing the background details of the CIA Leak case and the possible indictments [Aired Wednesday, October 26, 2005], Mr. O'Donnell dropped one hell of a bomb for e to digest: The grand jury that heard Patrick Fitzgerald's case and returned the indictment against 'Scooter' Libby consisted of 18 Black jurists!

Grand juries typically seat 23 people; this means that more than 75% of the jurors were Black... Damn! Karl Rove must have done some SUPER sweet talking to get his ass out of that hot seat after being called before them to TESTIFY 4 TIMES. Then again, didn't his lawyer say that the night before the indictment of Libby was announced that he snet a flurry of documents to Fitzgerald pleading his case that thuogh he lied to FBI agents about his involvement [a crime in and of itself], it was all a mistunderstanding and his memory was at fault.

As long as Rove EVENTUALLY spilled the entire truth over 4 separate appearances, he should be given a pass- lesson learned, right?

Call me vengeful, but it would have been nice if they had nailed Rove to the wall for his involvement in this; but, I guess he had enough wiggle room to clear himself of a perjury charge...

NeoCon-solation prize...

2005-11-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

The question has been asked [and justly so] whether Karl Rove should lose his security clearance. Sure- he hasn't met the adjusted criteria that Bush put forth for firing any 'indicted' administration officials, but he falls squarely in the boundaries of an Executive Order [the type of Presidential power that Bush claims he wants to protect]. READ the details slowly to let it all sink in:

According to last week’s indictment of Scooter Libby, a person identified as “Official A” held conversations with reporters about Plame’s identity as an undercover CIA operative, information that was classified. News accounts subsequently confirmed that that official was Rove. Under Executive Order 12958, signed by President Clinton in 1995, such a disclosure is grounds for, at a minimum, losing access to classified information.
Section 5.1 of Clinton’s executive order prohibits “any knowing, willful or negligent action that could reasonably be expected to result in an unauthorized disclosure of classified information.” While the law against revealing the identity of a CIA operative requires that the perpetrator intentionally disclosed such classified information (a high standard, which may be one reason Fitzgerald did not indict on those grounds), the executive order covers “negligence,” or unintentional disclosure...
The sanctions for such disclosure are contained in Section 5.7 of the executive order. That section says that “the agency head, senior agency official or other supervisory official shall, at a minimum, promptly remove the classification authority of any individual who demonstrates reckless disregard or a pattern of error in applying the classification standards of this order.” Any reasonable reading of the events covered in the indictment would consider Rove’s behavior “reckless.” The fact that he discussed Plame’s identity with reporters more than once constitutes a pattern.

Well- it isn't as tasty as an indictment, but at least it would bench him from doing something along these lines again...

Republican Shuffle: when lying won't work, blame 'Clinton'

2005-11-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

So- my man Scotty... I like how you try to AVOID answering questions directly, or just outright lie. But you revived an oldie with this gem:

"If Democrats want to talk about the threat that Saddam Hussein posed and the intelligence, they might want to start with looking at the previous administration and their own statements that they've made," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said... the Clinton administration and fellow Democrats "used the intelligence to come to the same conclusion that Saddam Hussein and his regime were a threat."

I am so jaded by this guy. How can he stand at that podium and maintain a straight face after all of the dancing he does? Anyway, to address his argument, the ONLY rebuttal necessary is:

Clinton didn't go to war over that same so-called 'intelligence', Bush DID!

However, if you need an even better zinger, try this- remember when Clinton fired off a few cruise missiles to get Saddam's attention and Republicans claimed he was 'manufacturing' a conflict in an attempt to divert attention from Monica... Well, are they NOW saying that he was RIGHT then, and they were WRONG?

Apparently, with this administration, you can have it BOTH WAYS... You are never wrong, but even if you might be wrong- it is never your fault!

Speak now or forever hold your 'peace'...

2005-11-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

So- the Dems grew a pair and did SOMETHING that wasn't a total submission to Republican control; they 'forced' a closed session of congress that resulted in getting Republicans to "promise to speed up an inquiry into the Bush administration's handling of intelligence about Iraq's weapons in the run-up to the war." Well- it's about friggin' time!!!

"Finally, after months and months and months of begging, cajoling, writing letters, we're finally going to be able to have phase two of the investigation regarding how the intelligence was used to lead us into the intractable war in Iraq," Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters, claiming a rare victory for Democrats in the GOP-controlled Congress.
Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) said the report was nearing completion anyway, but Democrats disputed that. Committee Vice Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) began inquiring about the evidence against Iraq one week before U.S. troops invaded in March 2003. His interest was sparked by revelations that the Bush administration gave forged documents to U.N. weapons inspectors to support allegations that Iraq had sought to buy a key ingredient for nuclear weapons from the West African nation of Niger.

The integrity that Bush, Jr. has brought to Washington is just so overwhelming; Reps have the White House, all of Congress, and soon the SCOTUS- and they are acting as if they don't need to give ANY answers on a war that has changed 'reasons' more than most people change underwear. Fake documents, bad intelligence, exposed CIA agents, and no WMDs- but still no honest answers on WHY we still went in with all of this stuff staring them in their face.

Alas, we should expect nothing different from these guys. Even majority leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), is behaving like it is wrong for ANYONE to question such a noble and just venture. His response:

The Senate "has been hijacked by the Democratic leadership," he said. "They have no convictions, they have no principles, they have no ideas." Never before had he been "slapped in the face with such an affront," he said, adding: "For the next year and a half, I can't trust Senator Reid."

How about this, Mr. Frist- how can the American people trust YOU?!?! His questionable stock sale after spending several years defending the ownership of stock in the healthcare industry that he was responsible for regulating, he THEN sales it only a month before it takes a significant DIVE in value. He is currently under investigation on the matter because he claimed it was a blind trust, but it seems he was a lot less blind about it than he would have everyone believe. But that is a different blog post..., let's stick to the current matter at hand.

Grandstanding on both sides of the aisle is nothing new. I am just glad that SOMEONE in power is asking the questions that matter [or at least I hope they will ask THOSE kinds of questions]. One a similar note, FAIR has posted an article that notes how news agencies are intensifying their critical coverage on the war- while ignoring their compliance with the administration's build-up from the start:

A lot of media outlets are now scrutinizing some of the lies told by the Bush administration before the invasion of Iraq. Yet the same news organizations are bypassing their own key roles in the marketing of those lies. A case in point is the New York Times.On Oct. 29, hours after the indictment of Lewis Libby, the lead editorial of the Times ended by declaring that â€œthe big point Americans need to keep in mind is this: There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.â€? On Oct. 30, the Times columnist Frank Rich referred to â€œColin Powellâ€™s notorious presentation of WMD â€˜evidenceâ€™ to the UN on the eve of war.â€?And so it goes in the opinion section of the New York Times. Thereâ€™s now eagerness to blast the Bush administration for some aspects of false prewar propaganda -- while the newspaper continues to dodge its own crucial role in promoting that propaganda.

I guess they want us to forgive and forget Judith Miller, too... Sorry, I'm not buying it. The major media outlets are knee-jerking and trying to get on the leading edge of whichever argument seems to have the public's support- instead of just stating the FACTS and letting the American people decide what matters. Then again- the American people bought that leap of faith between 9/11 and Iraq...

Speaking of that WHOPPER, the Christian Science Monitor published an opinion column discussing the current poll numbers regarding the increasing public opposition to the war:

After 30 months of fighting, most Americans have already turned against the war. Polls find that 54 percent believe the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, up from 24 percent in March 2003...
What's unprecedented about this war is how fast support is eroding. Casualty tolerance in Iraq is clearly much lower than it was in Vietnam... the public places a much lower value on the stakes in Iraq than it did in Vietnam.
The Bush administration hopes to reverse the downward trend with upbeat speechmaking that claims progress in Iraq. The problem is that people who always believed the war wasn't "worth it" won't be converted, and those who have become disenchanted are not easily won back. If you find you have bought a car for twice its value, you are likely to continue to regard the deal as a bad one even if you come to like the car.

And that, my friends, is how you hit the coffin nails on squarely on their heads!

Un-LAW-ful & Dis-ORDER-ly conduct...

2005-11-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

So- I watched tonight's episode of L&O: SVU [entitled "RAW"]; the subject- a shooting at a school where several children end up dead, but the focus turns to one specific child which happens to be an African-American boy that was adopted by a white couple. The trail leads to neo-Nazis and and takes a few twists and turns; however, the 'shocker' [since ALL dramas have to have a major plot GOTCHA point these days] is that we finally find out that it was HIS ADOPTIVE PARENTS that solicited race-hating groups to kill the child, offering to pay using the money that they would get from his over-priced insurance.

Okay... I am trying to stay calm as I write this, but... WTF?!?!? Did they REALLY need to produce, or- better still- WRITE this script??? This was one of the most disgusting storylines I have ever watched and I am a HUGE L&O fan. I was even willing to forgive the bi-polar bent they seem to have taken with my 'Criminal Intent' characters being traded ever week between D'Onfrio and Noth. I just can't understand WHAT PURPOSE this story serves! Did I miss some recent headline involving a similar case? Or were they just wanting to push the envelope and try for something RAW?

The two blatant 'EMMY'-begging episodes of SVU [Olivia's entire episode with a kidnapped girl on the phone vs. Stabler reliving his child abuse resulting in beating a fellow cop] were sad attempts to garner some attention from the critics. I can't see how this new episode will gain ANY praise as poignant, relevant, or griping...

ANYONE that knows me personally can atest to the fact that I am SUPER-sensitive when it comes to matters of racism- I abhor it with a passion, but I am also a huge fan of free-speech. I ignore the people that offend me, but want to make sure that no one hides their true feelings from me. I have a thick enough skin to endure slurs, but I will not voluntarily submit to situations where I gain nothing while being abused. Case in point, my wife had to practically force me to stay in my seat while watching CRASH in the theatre; I am glad I stayed, but I failed to see anything positive in the movie- even at the end.

To conclude this quick [ha!] post, I just want to say that I am tired of race being used as a hot-button for quick attention-grabbing gimmics, but never for SUBSTANTIAL DISCUSSIONS. Can we get something that actually addresses the issues we face on a REAL level, instead of a fictitious gut-punch during primetime TV???

Bob & Weave- they can't touch me if I keep movin'...

2005-11-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

Scott McClellan is BEYOND arrogant [IMHO]. Listening to audio of the recent 'dance' he have to the White House Press Corps regarding why he STILL can't comment on the pending case of the CIA leak- the only opinion I have left of him is that he is LOWER then slug-slime.

Simple question: Can you NOW say that you were lied to by Karl Rove & 'Scooter' Libby when you asked them if they had talked about Valerie Plame- and they told you that they had not?

He refuses to answer because it will 'harm the fairness' of the legal process that is currently under way. He asked the Press to avoid mischaracterizing him as a liar because he is ONLY trying to avoid interfering with the investigation. WTF?!?!? Can he ACTUALLY be serious???

He either was lied TO, or he LIED to the Press when he gave his statement saying that these guys were not involved. THIS IS FACT: Rove & Libby have not only been proven to have leaked this woman's name, they have ADMITTED IT! So what VALID reason does McClellan have for NOT explaining where he lands in this little dance?

'Swoopes' up-side your head...

2005-10-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

I commend Sheryl Swoopes for putting her personal business out there; however, I think she isn't HELPING herself or other homosexual athletes... I listened to a few of NPR's black news commentators explain how Swoopes said she 'wasn't born gay'... WTF?!?! I guess that means she just asked to be traded from the hetero team? Or she's a sexual free-agent?

I don't think she really understands what she is starting by making that statement. By coming out of the closet PUBLICALLY- she has made herself a spokesperson [whether or not she likes it or intended to do so]. Anything she says will be used to either empower or discredit gay athletes.

To make a statement like 'I wasn't born gay' is to give a tool to the conservative\religious activists that claim to be able to 'change' homosexuals and further marginlaize their fight for equality. If it is just a 'choice', then it can be dismissed as a momentary lapse in judgement [to put it politely].

I think her statement is being forgotten or ignored by people that are eager for a 'Magic Johnson'-like figure to make gay athletes more acceptable [as if Billie Jean & Martina haven't done enough]. Take a look at these comments from a gay sportswriter's news column :

What some may be worried about are Swoopes' quotes that position herself squarely on one side of the nature versus nurture argument. "Do I think I was born this way? No," she tells ESPN the Magazine. "And that's probably confusing to some, because I know a lot of people believe that you are."

To me, it's the sensible conclusion of someone who was married and obviously feels that love and marriage were as valid as her relationship now. Frankly, I don't think I was born this way, either. And I'm thrilled to see another gay person say the same thing.

Wow... If this were a black male coming out, do you think they would be so 'understanding'? Case in point- think of how Terry McMillan was being roasted regarding her public divorce after her husband announced he is gay. Was it backlash from her book\movie that trumpeted how she got her 'groove' back?

Or is it that people are less tolerant of a black male being gay than a black female?

Do female athletes get a pass because they already exhibit a competitive drive that is more easily attributed to masculinity- thus making them suspicious of homosexuality from the start?

Is Cheney in the 'cross-hairs'?

2005-10-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

Reading an article in The Nation, I became even more intrigued by the details of the indictment against Libby. In my opinion, the VPOTUS has some explaining to do. I will cut to the parts of the article that made my slide forward to the edge of my seat:

... serious questions about Cheney. How did he find out about Valerie Wilson? The indictment notes that "Libby understood that the Vice President had learned this information from the CIA." But from whom at the CIA? The indictment does not say. Shouldn't Cheney have realized that a person working at the DO's Counterproliferation Division was probably--or possibly--an undercover official?

Given Cheney's long years of government service--when he was in the House of Representatives he sat on the intelligence committee--it's not a stretch to expect that Cheney would understand a DO officer might be undercover and that one should handle information about such a public servant with much care...

Yet Cheney's chief of staff leaked information on Valerie Wilson to reporters. As the Post piece notes, on July 12, 2003--six days after Wilson published his op-ed--Libby apparently discussed with Cheney what he should say to reporters, particularly Matt Cooper, about the Wilson imbroglio. The indictment does not disclose what Cheney said to Libby at this point. But the next day, Libby confirmed for Cooper that Wilson's wife worked at the CIA. Would Libby have done so had Cheney told him to be careful not to identify a DO officer when discussing the Wilson affair with reporters? Perhaps so. But it's not unreasonable to wonder if Libby was--inadvertently or knowingly--spreading classified information about an undercover officer with the tacit or explicit consent of his boss.

Maybe this doesn't rise to the level of a smoking gun, but it is very relevant to everything that is happening. I said in a previous blog that it is highly unlikely that Rove or Libby acted without any knowledge [or support] of their superiors. In my opinion, if these guys acted alone, then the President & VP are ignorant of their subordinates' actions and clearly incapable of leading this country when they can't control their employees. I thought this was the most organized and controlled White House in recent history?

Once again, the question of why any of this matters may be shouted by conservatives and other nay-sayers. My response: the war in Iraq. If no WMDs have been found, the intelligence SAYING their were WMDs has been disproved, and lies and smears have been passed along to the press FROM THE WHITE HOUSE- does this not say that the war was a SHAM to begin with?

Taking one FOR the team... [or Taking it FROM them in the back!]

2005-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post is reporting that Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, has been indicted on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and making false statements. Interesting... the VP is supposedly clear of this mess, as far as the legal ramifications. But do you REALLY believe that his 'right-hand' operated without his blessing\instructions, OR his knowlegde?!?!

And what about "Turd Blossom"? Karl Rove's attorney, Robert Luskin, said in a statement this morning, "The Special Counsel has advised Mr. Rove that he has made no decision about whether or not to bring charges..." against Rove. Adding- "We are confident that when the Special Counsel finishes his work, he will conclude that Mr. Rove has done nothing wrong."

What I find interesting in regards to Rove is this little note: Rove provided new information to Fitzgerald during eleventh-hour negotiations that "gave Fitzgerald pause" about charging Bush's senior strategist, said a source close to Rove. "The prosecutor has to resolve those issues before he decides what to do."

Am I the only one that sees this as an attempt to toss out the 'expendable' guy, but keep the most dangerous and crooked guy in play? Don't confuse me with someone that is out to get Republicans at all costs; no- I am focused on a person that has CONSISTENTLY engaged in unethical behavior. This is the guy that MANY believe was behind the NASTY rumor during the 2000 GOP primary where phone calls were placed throughout South Carolina claiming that John McCain had a Black child [he actually has an adopted daughter of Indian descent].

ROVE is undeserving of pity or defense. If he was ever on the receiving end of bullying, he has long-since become the political version of a 'Columbine' kid. I would love to see him get just .10% of the dirt his has thrown placed squarely at his feet. Will it ever happen? Ask Limbaugh, O'Reilly, North, Bennett and Robertson if any of their 'mistakes' keep them up at night...

Regardless of what side you are on, this case is getting more sordid with each passing day. Who will fall on their sword? Who will 'fall' on someone else's sword? Stay tuned...

WHY 'Plame-Gate' matters...

2005-10-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

Forget about the reporters: Novak, Cooper, Miller, and their respective newspapers. Ignore the Special Prosecutor and his grand jury proceedings. Don't get sidetracked about the 'confidentiality' agreement arguments that everyone keeps focusing on.

This story is about ONE thing- revenge. This is skorched-earth politics in the raw. Valerie Plame-Wilson's exposure to the political\public awareness came about as the direct result of her husband challenging the momentum in the push for war in Iraq. I won't bore you with the details; if you don't know much about the case, click on this LINK to catch up. If you are looking for excuses to dismiss the story, I am sure you will find enough ammunition when sifting through the minutae of everything written about the story up to date. However, it can NOT be denied that Karl Rove and 'Scotter' Libby both let this woman's name pass across their lips.

Why does that matter? I am not worried about the legal issues that may or may not be involved. I am not surprised that the law governing the leak of covert agents' names is written so narrowly that proving someone guilty of breaking it is practically impossible. The REAL story is that the admitted & 'celibrated' mastermind behind the Republican Revolution, along with the right-hand of the Vice President, passed inaccurate information to the media in a blatant attempt to discredit a critic. Nothing new, you say? Happens all of the time?

You're right. This is how things are done in Washington, D.C. Leaks and confidential sources are how the message is massaged into an edible form that the masses can consume without being concerned with complete understanding of the subject. But this time- the leak has a few leaks of its own:

1] It has been exposed as overt use of sympathetic journalists to spread propaganda to silence dissent.

2] The big fish are involved- the ones that are closest to the 'whales'. Not smaller aides or disgruntled former employees. These are THE GUYS that tell everyone else what to do...

3] The Whitehouse Press Secretary went on record as saying NEITHER Rove or Libby was involved and that he had confirmed this in conversations with them- now he has to rationalize that 'fact' with the current reality.

4] Bush made a 'Clintonian' mistake when he made his statement that he would FIRE ANYONE INVOLVED, then scaled it down to only IF SOMEONE IS CONVICTED OF A CRIME.

The EXPOSURE is what matters. Bush rode into the Whitehouse claiming he would return integrity to the office. The Republican pundits maintained that ALL Democrats suffer from the failings of Clinton in his personal life- that only Republicans had the moral compass necessary to rebuild the image of this country. Is this 'true-north'?

Why Democrats CAN'T win...

2005-10-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Republican theory and action are not just party platforms and traditions- they are a 'belief system', almost on the level of a religion. Until recently, have you seen any Republicans [besides McCain] that routinely speak out AGAINST the synchronized talking-heads and pundits? Talking-points get created, disseminated, and regurgitated with an efficiency that would make Japanese manufacturing and Swiss chronography shudder in awe.

The biggest weaknesses of the Democrats are the exact things that make them NON-Republicans: the attempt to include a diverse opinion, varied viewpoints, and SYMPATHY for the weak. The desire to have everyone heard results in a cacophony of positions and perspectives that appear to be discordant- no 'clear philosophy' [as the Republicans would call it]. To me, this is what our country needs...

Anyway, some Democrats have started to think that they need their own 'Rove' to fight back against the Limbaugh\O'Reilly\Hannity\Bennett crowd. Inspight of the GLARING contradictions in the lives of these pundits [drugs, sexual harassment, closet rascism], they keep beating the 'Clinton' story into the ground and Democrats shrink in fear. They call anyone against the war a coward or terrorist sympathizer, while ignoring the facts and details about pre-war intelligence [or the lact thereof] and the reality of the PRESENT WAR. Is it time to fight back? If so, how? And with what?

IMHO- there is NO WAY to fight against zealots that are unable to find fault in themselves. The Romans tried to stomp out the christians and ended up being converted [Constantine]. Ask the Israelis- they have been dealing with suicide bombers for longer than we have... BELIEF is a dangerous thing when in the hands of irrational people.

***************************************************************

How Are Democrats Defining their Message?

Talk of the Nation, October 19, 2005 Â· The president's approval rating is at an all-time low, conservatives are divided, and an unpopular war continues in Iraq. Democrats have a rare opportunity to seize the political stage with their vision for America. But analysts say the Democrat's inaction is symptomatic of a larger struggle within the party over what it means to be a Democrat in the 21st century.

Guests:

Matt Bai, writes about the Democratic Party for The New York Times Magazine

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Robert Reich, cofounder or The American Prospect magazine; professor of social and economic policy at Brandeis University; former labor secretary with the Clinton administration (1993-1997)

"You're out of order! This WHOLE court is out of order!"

2005-10-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

At the risk of being labeled as a 'sympathizer', I must say that I hope Saddam fires off a few verbal 'skuds' during his trial. Remember, this is the man that Reagan, Rumsfeld, and many other Republicans helped put in power and arm with biological and conventional weapons when he was the enemy of one of OUR enemies- making him our friend... Well- the honeymoon eventually ended and we decided we no longer needed a friend like him.

I hope he goes for broke and lets it ALL HANG OUT! don't hold back, Saddam- tell it all. Let's see just how much we have been misled about...

*************************************************************************************************

Saddam Trial Begins in Baghdad

Saddam Hussein speaks to the judge as his trial begins in a courthouse in Baghdad's Green Zone Oct. 19. Reuters

Morning Edition, October 19, 2005 Â· Former leader of Iraq Saddam Hussein's trial opened Wednesday in Baghdad. Saddam faces multiple charges of crimes against humanity for ordering a mass killing of Shiite men in 1982.

Saddam refused to acknowledge the tribunal's authority and maintained that he was still the Iraqi president. He and seven associates also on trial face the death penalty if convicted.

Runaway, far-far away...

2005-05-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

The "Runaway Bride" is really getting more fame than she deserves [if ANY]. Now she wants to apologize [http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/05/wilbanks/index.html]... If you thought it was vain to have a wedding with 600 people, 28 bride's maids\groomsmen, and then SKIP OUT on the event- just think of how big of an ego she must have to think an apology is sufficient to cover the mess!!! And her fiancee is willing to let it all go? After the cops treated him like Scott Peterson II???

Crying "wolf" while actually wearing sheep's clothing...

2005-02-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

Omarosa has run her mouth again; but this time she claims to be representing all black women that are being misrepresented on "reality" television. I think the fact that these words are coming from HER will give TV Execs a perfect excuse for disregarding the truth in her statement. She isn't the most loveable, or even believable person...

And the website is UP & RUNNIN'!!!

2005-02-11T15:27:00.000-08:00

Check it out: http://www.techjitsu.com/ The plan is to build my mobile DJ and club DJ business up and promote myself through my own webpage. It will be good practice for possibly starting a small webdesign business on the side at some point, if I choose to do so. Anyway, I checked out a local nightspot for possible DJ gigs on Wednesday nights- the Stovepiper. I was amazed at the traffic pouring through that place! It may look like a non-descript hang-out spot, but it has a loyal following. I talked with the resident DJ [Rafique] and soon discovered that A LOT of DJs have worked there at one time or another. It doesn't look like I will have a problem getting on the list, so far. Rafique also spins for weddings and other functions, so this could be a good learning experience for me that will connect me to the business in SoCal. Time will only tell...

Felony "stick-figure" drawings

2005-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long hiatus, your boy is back up to his old tricks... I would like to kick things off with a BEAUTIFUL example of when society folds backwards onto itself and creates what can only be referred to as a STUPID decision. If you haven't heard about the stick-figure drawings that sent two grade school kids to jail, please read the link. Discuss amongst yourselves...

When a parody goes TOO FAR!

2004-02-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought I had gone silent, I am right back at you with a "so crazy that it must be true" news story... Student Group Offers Whites-Only Award

Talk about BAD soundbites...

2004-01-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

The following sentences are from the latest debate in Iowa between the Democratic Pres. candidates at a function called the "Brown & Black" Primary Debate. Pay close attention to the very last quote... Civil rights activist Al Sharpton forced Dean to acknowledge Sunday that no blacks or Hispanics served in his cabinet during 12 years as governor. "While I respect the fact you brought race into this campaign, you ought to talk freely and openly about whether you went out of the box to try to do something about race in your home state and have experience with working with blacks and browns at peer level, not as just friends you might have had in college," Sharpton said. Dean responded, "I will take a back seat to no one in my commitment to civil rights in the United States of America."

Yahoo! News - Trojan Horse Poses As Windows XP Update

2004-01-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

Heads up!!! Trojan Horse Poses As Windows XP Update

Another shot at your wallet

2004-01-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Labor Dept. is now offering businesses tips on cutting OT costs. They actually claim that they aren't trying to screw workers in this move to eliminate overtime pay. "We're not saying anybody should do any of this," said Labor Department spokesman Ed Frank. Then why the hell are you telling them HOW to do it?

You should have been watching your wallet, not Saddam...

2004-01-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

While everyone was talking about Saddam Hussein being captured, Bush Grabbed New Power for the FBI. I really hope everyone votes this year...

Online job scammers steal millions

2003-12-31T09:38:00.000-08:00

In our never ending quest to find better jobs, we are often unaware of the current online job scams. PLEASE read this news story. You might have already read an employment ad like the ones mentioned here. I recently got an email from a guy in response to a craigslist.com posting I made trying to sell my turntables. Here is what he wrote me: I am interested in buying your above mentioned product at advertised rate, if still available. Good to be shipped to London. Cost and modalities of shipping to be borne by me. Payment for the purchase is by cheque through a debtor in US. The debtor owes me higher than our purchase. He will therefore be sending you a cheque for $4,600 to cover the cost of my order, as well as the Shipping cost. On receipt of the cheque, you will cash and deduct the cost of my order .The balance you will send as I would instruct you to the Agency that will ship the Goods to me. If this arrangement suites you fine, please send me your address where I can send the cheque, as well as the name that will be on it. Also send me your phone number for easy communication. Awaiting your immediate response.

Video Arcade Excitement!!!

2003-12-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

I have never admitted to being a geek or techno-junkie; even with the creation of my website and this weblog. However, I have always embraced the arcade junkie within me since my days in Columbia at Hogan's Alley\Gunther's Games. When Dave & Buster's opened in Earth City, I thought I had found a new home, but the distance and expense prevented me from truly moving on-site for my regular "fix". Imagine my enormous surprise when "Initial D Ver. 2" appeared in the mall my wife works. This japan-anime based game has been bleeding my wallet dry every chance it gets for the last month. I have begun tracking it online [thus the page on my web], and have considered saving money to purchase my own console! I hear they are making a PlayStation 2 version of the game... Also, a little FYI- I have created a mirror-site of "Techjitsu" on Geocities.com in order to take advantage of the free 15Mb of space. Once I get things going they way I would like, I may end up ditching Charter alltogether, or creatig a flowing link with Geocities, instead of a mirror...

1st Page 2000 : Html Editor : Php editor : Html\Text Editor :

2003-12-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

Free HTML editors!!! 1]Home of 1st Page 2000 : Html Editor : Php editor : Text Editor : Html 2]HTML-kit

The DemotivatorsÂ® Collection - from Despair.com

2003-12-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

In direct response to all of the self-help, motivational, chin-up crap on TV, radio, and internet media, I bring you the The DemotivatorsÂ® Collection - from Despair.com. This series has been promoted as anefficiencyy increasing series of calendars, posters, and other such nonsense. I love the idea..., but I am a pessimist that hates his employer already.

So, we finally got Saddam?

2003-12-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

Are you wondering how we got to this point with Saddam? Go here to find out about our past with Mr. Hussein: Michael Moore.com : Mike's Message Also, I updated my Webpage and added a hidden link [think "DOJO"]...

Unbiased news sources...

2003-12-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

In the past year, as an attempt to broaden my views, I have started visiting websites like Christian Science Monitor, FAIR, TruthOut, and Democracy Now! for my national\world print news, and I prefer PBS's NewsHour with Jim Lehrer [known for having respected, intelligent guests from BOTH sides of an issue present for debates] for my national\world TV news. I admit, they don't catch every little tidbit of information out there, but they are very thorough with the information that they DO publish\broadcast. I am not saying that I am better than anyone else for going to these sources. We all strive to know what is going on, and I hope that we all try to sift through the buzz and junk that stands in our way. As a university educated, double-major student of political science and sociology AND an avid news-hound, I feel I get much more of the full stories on issues from these sources than anywhere else.

2003-11-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

Posted by George W. Bush on November 19, 2003 at 10:30:54: RESUME: George W. Bush The White House, USA EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Law Enforcement: I was arrested in Kennebunkport, Maine in 1976 for driving under the influence of alcohol. I pled guilty, paid a fine, and had my driver's license suspended for 30 days. My Texas driving record has been "lost" and is not available. Military: I joined the Texas Air National Guard and went AWOL. I refused to take a drug test or answer any questions about my drug use. By joining the Texas Air National Guard, I was able to avoid combat duty in Vietnam. College: I graduated from Yale University. I was a cheerleader. PAST WORK EXPERIENCE: I ran for US Congress and lost. I began my career in the oil business in Midland, Texas in 1975. I bought an oil company, but couldn't find any oil in Texas. The company went bankrupt shortly after I sold all my stock. I bought the Texas Rangers baseball team in a sweetheart deal that took land using taxpayer money. With the help of my father and our right-wing friends in the oil industry (including Enron CEO Ken Lay), I was elected Governor of Texas. ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS GOVERNOR: I changed Texas pollution laws to favor power and oil companies, making Texas the most polluted state in the Union. During my tenure, Houston replaced Los Angeles as the most smog-ridden city in America. I cut taxes and bankrupted the Texas treasury to the tune of billions in borrowed money. I set the record for the most executions by any Governor in American history. With the help of my brother, the Governor of Florida, and my father's appointments to the Supreme Court, I became President after losing by over 500,000 votes. ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS PRESIDENT: I invaded and occupied two countries at a continuing cost of over one billion dollars per week. I spent the US surplus and effectively bankrupted the US Treasury. I shattered the record for the largest annual deficit in US history. I set an economic record for most private bankruptcies filed in any 12-month period. I set the all-time record for the biggest drop in the history of the US stock market. I am the first president in US history to enter office with a criminal record. I set the all-time record for most days on vacation in any one year period. After taking-off the entire month of August, I presided over the worst security failure in U.S. history. I am supporting development of a nuclear "Tactical Bunker Buster," a WMD. In my State Of The Union Address, I lied about our reasons for attacking Iraq, then blamed the lies on our British friends. I set the record for most campaign fundraising trips by a US president. In my first year in office over 2-million Americans lost their jobs and that trend continues every month. I set the all-time record for most foreclosures in a 12-month period. I appointed more convicted criminals to administration than any president in US history. I set the record for least amount of press conferences than any president since the advent of television. I presided over the biggest energy crisis in US history and refused to intervene when corruption involving the oil industry was revealed. I presided over the highest gasoline prices in US history. I have cut health care benefits for war veterans and support a cut in duty benefits for active duty troops and their families -- in war time. I have set the all-time record for most people worldwide to simultaneously protest me in public venues (15 million people) shattering the record for protest against any person in the history of mankind. I've broken more international treaties than any president in US history. I'm proud that the members of my cabinet are the richest of any administration in US history. My "poorest millionaire," Condoleeza Rice, has a Chevron oil tanker named after her. I am the first president in US history to order an unprovoked, preemptive attack and the military occupation of a sovereign nation. I did so against the will of the United Nations, the majority of US citizens, and the world community. I created the Ministry of Homeland Security, the largest bureaucracy in the history of the United States government. I am the first president in US history to have the United Nations remove the US from the Human Rights Commission. I withdrew the US from the World Court of Law. I refused to allow inspectors access to US prisoners of war "detainees" and thereby have refused to abide by the Geneva Convention. I am the first president in history to refuse United Nations election inspectors (during the 2002 US election). I am the all-time US and world record-holder for receiving the most corporate campaign donations. My largest lifetime campaign contributor, and one of my best friends, Kenneth Lay, resided over the largest corporate bankruptcy fraud in US history. My political party used the Enron private jets and corporate attorneys to assure my success with the US Supreme Court during my election decision. I have protected my friends at Enron and Halliburton against investigation or prosecution. More time and money was spent investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair than has been spent investigating one of the biggest corporate rip-offs in history. I garnered the most sympathy for the US after the World Trade Center attacks and less than a year later made the US the most hated country in the world, the largest failure of diplomacy in world history. I am first president in history to have a majority of Europeans (71%) view my presidency as the biggest threat to world peace and security. I changed the US policy to allow convicted criminals to be awarded government contracts. I have so far failed to fulfill my pledge to bring Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein to justice. RECORDS AND REFERENCES: All records of my tenure as Governor of Texas are now in my father's library, sealed, and unavailable for public view. All records of SEC investigations into my insider trading and my bankrupt companies are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public view. All records or minutes from meetings that I, or my Vice-president, attended regarding public energy policy are sealed in secrecy and unavailable for public review. Please consider my experience when voting in 2004!!!

Why do white people do VERY stupid things?!?!

2003-11-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Riverfront Times has just published a story on Minstrel Music and re-enactment groups. The only thing I really liked about the article was this line: This was the genesis of the Elvis and Eminem instinct: the great white devotion to, and appropriation of, black culture. Minstrelsy paved the way for the respectful yet uncomfortably lopsided transmission between European and African sounds that fed directly into jazz and rock. Other than that, I was ready to kill the first white person I saw after reading it...

FBI may collect juveniles' DNA

2003-11-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! News - FBI may collect juveniles' DNA Hmmm- so I wasn't convicted of a crime, or I was only a teenager and my record was sealed, but you are going to keep my DNA on file FOREVER?!?! You mean to tell me that this could actually pass?!?! Wow, Americans really are arrogant and gullible!

Pro-Choice for Men

2003-11-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

From Savage Love [by Dan Savage] Dear Dan: My boyfriend and I have been dating for about six months now and we have always been very sexually active. (And responsible, too.) Unfortunately, Dan, my boyfriend has been under the impression that if I were to accidentally get pregnant I would be willing to have an abortion. Recently we talked about it and I told my boyfriend that abortion is not an option for me and that if I do get pregnant Iâ€™m going to keep the baby. Now he doesnâ€™t want to have sex with me anymore! What do I do, Dan? - Sexless in Seattle Dear SIS: Iâ€™m pro-choice, SIS, which means I respect your right to choose â€” you can, if you get knocked up, decide if youâ€™re ready to be a parent. If you are, you can have the baby. If youâ€™re not, you can have an abortion. Itâ€™s your choice, itâ€™s entirely up to you, and everyone â€” including your boyfriend â€” has to respect your choice. But fairâ€™s fair, SIS: While your boyfriend canâ€™t force you to have an abortion, you canâ€™t force him to risk being a father before heâ€™s ready. In other words, choice isnâ€™t just for girls. Your boyfriend also has a right to choose. Since the decision about being a father is out of his hands if you get pregnant, heâ€™s making his choice now. Knowing that abortion isnâ€™t an option, your boyfriend doesnâ€™t want to risk fucking you anymore. Itâ€™s his choice, itâ€™s entirely up to him, and everyone â€” including you, SIS â€” has to respect his choice.

More wacked-out college kids

2003-10-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

A new post on Enigmous has me almost laughing- if it wasn't for the impending fear that resonates from the logic of this kid... The conversation stems from a Washington Post article on a soldier being punished for abusing an Iraqi prisoner during an interrogation. Check it out and let me know your opinion...

Some options for the rest of us...

2003-10-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is an email I received from a friend: I feel that it's time to start getting serious about removing the Bush Admistration from office. Many of the democratic candidates have fairly good websites that let you know where they stand on the issues. Take some time to get to know each of them, and think about where you stand on the issues. Howard Dean Dennis Kucinich Wesley Clark Dick Gephardt John Kerry Joe Lieberman Carol Moseley Braun John Edwards Al Sharpton There is a Q & A type debate on CNN on Tuesday, November 4th at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM Pacific). Watch if you can. Four more years of Bush and Dick is unacceptable in my opinion. I hope that liberals, greens, and moderates will be able to come together and make a big difference for our country in 2004. I know that many of us (myself included) have not been very active politically in the past, some not even voting. My hope here is to get some interest flowing, so that we all might become more knowledgeable and active citizens. The leaders we elect now will have a huge impact on our future, our children's future, and the future of our environment.

What are they teaching these kids?!?!?

2003-10-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

I tried to avoid going to Enigmous.com, but I got dragged right back into the nonsense... Here is the latest dumb-ass comment from a 19 year old white conservative male in the MidWest. My question: if this computer-savvy, educated kid is a representative of the results of our nation's educational system, how long will it be before I am a slave in this country?!?!

Why I can't talk with my coworkers...

2003-09-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have recently been listening to Al Franken's book on CD- "Lies, and the Lying Liars who tell them"... After getting only to the 3rd CD, I came to the realization that I can't have political discussions with anyone that counts themself as a loyal listener\fan of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Bill O'Reilly. The reason being that these three pundits routinely spout bold-faced lies on their shows. The people that quote the transcripts of these show like scripture in their debates with liberals are making themselves look like idiots as soon as you research the truth in the a large number of the stories. I decided that I was going to have a heart-to-heart with the guy I normally square-off against at work and tell him that we shouldn't debate anymore. As he and I are discussing things, two uninvited people chime in and start hijacking the coversation. Long story short- it got to the point that I was accused of being upset and emotional. I am tired of constantly being referred to as upset and emotional. Is there something about me that says to people that I am unbalanced, irrational, and irritable? I have my theories...

Retribution: chickens finding their way home...

2003-09-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

In a yahoo news story today, attention is being called to the possibility that the White House has either lost control of its personnel, or it is actively using it's power to punish people whenever it feels challenged. The gist of the story is that a CIA operative's identity was exposed. Why is this important? 1] It is against federal law for the US government to expose its operatives in the press. 2] The operative happens to be the wife of a US Ambassador that was quoted as the source of the challenge to the WHite House's assertion that Iraq was in nuclear deals with an African country. Plain english, this guy's wife was privy to info that caught Bush in a lie that he put before Congress. And the election is still a year away...

The Stupid White Men- literally...

2003-09-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

This is an email I received at work on 7/18/2003 at 8:58am CST, the day after I left for a week long vacation... Trent, I received a complaint about your desk calendar. A couple of people were offended by it and find it to be racist. I have put it in your unlocked desk drawer. Please do not display items of a questionable nature on your desktop. I would be happy to review them prior to their display. Generally speaking, if you need to ask, then it shouldn't be there. Thank you! The calendar in question was the Michael Moore "Stupid White Men" calendar, a day-by-day quoating from his book. If you didn't know it, Mr. Moore is white. My desk is in a secured area that only 20 people have passcards to enter. I had this calendar on my desk since my white wife gave it to me last Xmas, right between 2 pictures of her, in her full whiteness, with red hair. The HR department admitted that it was silly, but they had to do it to prevent a lawsuit. By the way, there is a white male with a "redneck" day-by-day calendar on his desk that has been there since January without incident.

My lovely coworkers...

2003-09-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

I come into work this morning and my supervisor thinks it would be funny to email me this: "I guess there was nothing George Bush could do...after all, it was prophesied!" Attached to that line of text was a forwarded email with the 9/11 Qu'ran quote hoax [full text and info are below]. I guess that since I told him I was a former-muslim and we frequently debate religion and politics that I would find this funny. I actually might have found some humor in it if I wasn't surrounded by "We support our troops!" signs and American flags at work; not to mention the recent reprimand I got for having the Michael Moore day-by-day calendar for his book, "Stupid White Men", on my desk- in a secure area that very few people can reach. Apparently, it is considered racist for a black man to have a calendar on his desk that is based upon a book written by a white man, about white men... Anyway, back to the point of this blog. If you get one of those emails from your friends talking about 9/11/2001 being predicted by the Qu'ran, please set them straight with this information... Quran Twisted First Published September, 2003 The Holy book of Islam is the Qur'an. It is broken down into Suras (or Surahs) which were the various sermons or messages of Mohammed. Believers have faith that these messages were handed down from God to the Angel Gabriel to Mohammed and represent God's last guiding principles for Humankind. However, there is an e-mail message circulating that seems to suggest Mohammed predicted an American attack on Islam, as if he were some kind of Nostradamus. Of course, it was meant as a joke, since it numbered the chapter (sura) and verse for this predicition 9:11 (or 9/11...September 11th). Even so, the years I have spent researching and answering questions has taught me one thing: No matter how wild or stupid you make a satirical statement there is always someone dumb enough to believe it. This is the case here as I have received countless e-mail messages this past summer asking me if this was a real message from the Qur'an. So here it is: NO, IT IS NOT A REAL QUOTE FROM THE QU'RAN! The e-mail hoax reads as follows: Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages... The following verse is from the Quran, (the Islamic Bible) Quran (9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace. Note the verse number!!!!!) The University of California has published three different translations of Sura 9 (concerning Repentance, or Immunity) and Verse 11. None of them are vaguely like the message from the e-mail. They are as follows (names of the translators in Green): SHAKIR: But if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, they are your brethren in faith; and We make the communications clear for a people who know. YUSUFALI: But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practise regular charity,- they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explain the Signs in detail, for those who understand. PICKTHAL: But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then are they your brethren in religion. We detail Our revelations for a people who have knowledge. RESOURCE: 1 2 3

Working towards a better tomorrow...

2003-09-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

I keep trying to figure out what my motivations are and what I am looking for in life. I have decided to apply my intellect and slowly get more involved in education, business, politics- things that I have been passionate about in theory, but apathetic about in action. I have joined discussion groups, started this blog, and even tried to stop dilluting myself with mainstream entertainment [TV, radio] by getting into literature. We shall see how it works... First topic: technology A news article today focused on the flaws of Microsoft and the fact that the US gov't has suffered a couple of "slow-downs" caused by vulnerable MS systems. In my mode of thinking, the US govt. should have created its own operating system long ago. The OS, software, and technology should be as secure as possible for the military and govt., but I forgot that we live in a capitalist country. Free-market rules and competition has its place; just not in areas that affect national security and continuity of government. I mean, think about it: why would you want the office of "homeland security" using the same flawed software that you use at home to protect the nation? Second topic: discussion groups I recently joined Enigmous to try and revive my debate skills against 19 year old techie-neo-conservatives. Here are a couple of the topics I was in: â€¢ Polls: WMDs Exist, But Bush Still Unpopular â€¢ A Foreign-Born President? â€¢ Americans Weigh Costs of War and Economy â€¢ Clark To Enter Race I also joined the forums on STLToday, the Post-Distpatch's website. They have a journalist, Sly Brown, that seems to incur the wrath of conservative white poeple in St Louis. Here is my journey into that frey...