Cartoon of the Week

Courtesy of The Independent

Four Months without the Boob Tube

It's been four months now since I notified DirecTV that I no longer required their services. Do I miss it? Not really but I hardly ever watched television anyhow. In the last few decades, there have been a few series that I followed for a season or two (The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, The Shield) but eventually my schedule or that of the series changed. Television was mostly background noise in our household.

Cassie does miss the morning news. Robin Meade was her friend. Now, she just drives me insane listening to Fox News on the net. Unfortunately, they're the only source that she has found that streams the news each morning. Can anyone suggest an alternative that is a little less "fair and balanced?"

I'll probably bite the bullet when/if my financial stress is relieved and have DirecTV bring in some new HD equipment for a multi-room installation. Maybe. Anyone else kicked the television habit or thinking about it for financial or intellectual reasons?

Quote of the Day

I read this very interesting article on Time about Sheik Abdul-Rahman Al-Marwany, president of the Dar Al-Salaam organization. He works as an anti-revenge moderator among the Yemeni tribes.

A Sufi, Marwani uses the messages of Islamic mysticism to convince militants that Islam preaches peace. But on the subject of extremists, he can sound like a Washington hawk. "We need to capture all the scholars who are preaching violence, and, if we must, even kill them," he says. "Their danger is that they can affect the whole country."

That statement definitely caught my attention. I don't think even the hawks in Washington would publicly admit to wanting to knock off scholars for just preaching violence but who knows?

Recently, he confronted a firebrand preacher who had exhorted Muslims to kill Christians. "Do you believe Allah is wise and that all things come from Allah?" Marwani asked. The preacher did. "Even that Mercedes you drive?" the sheik pressed on. "Because if you kill all the Christians, there won't be any of them left to build Mercedeses."

That's it! That's exactly the angle that we need to negotiate with terrorists! If you kill all the Christians then no one will be left to build expensive luxury sedans! Sheer genius!

Quote of the Day

It isn't surprising, therefore, that Palin appears to have no idea who America is actually fighting in Iraq. "The terrorists" attacked us because "they do not believe in American ideals," as she robotically told Gibson, channeling Bush's notorious "they hate our freedoms" line. It may be comforting for Palin and Bush to envision Osama bin Laden sitting in a cave cursing as he reads Thomas Jefferson, but it provides scant guidance for formulating effective Mideast policies.

Yet another article pointing out the obvious problems with the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate. The thought of Bin Laden reading Jefferson in a cave made my day. Had to pass it along. Read the full article on Salon.

Work Continues on the Home Office

Our house has been an ongoing project for a decade now. No, my wife isn't really happy with that fact and, eventually, I'm sure that we will get it to a state where she might be satisfied ... at least for a little while. During that period, my home office has undergone several iterations with the wall color changing from white to gray/blue and now Behr's Butternut Wood. Sounds edible.

One word of advice! About five years ago, I watched a few of those home remodeling shows and got the bright idea to paint stripes on the wall. Never paint stripes on the wall unless you intend to keep them forever. Taped off stripes are about impossible to cover up. I tried sanding. Didn't work. I finally slapped sheetrock mud on the wall and sanded it down to do the trick. Of course, I'm sure you're familiar with the mess that ensued. A half dozen coats of paint were required to cover up the mud. Add in the complication of a gallon of paint from Home Depot that didn't quite match the other two and you'll understand my frustration. Of course deciding to change the trim color in the whole house was another complication!

Besides the painting, I'm also moving the main components of our home network upstairs since we want to use that downstairs room for a den. To accomplish that task, I needed to run our ISDN line from Bell's box to upstairs where I've set up a place in the closet for the router and, eventually, the server. Of course, there was no electrical outlet so I had to install a cut-in box and tap into an outlet on the other side of the wall. No problem there. Pull some Cat5 all over the place, buy some rather overpriced (but very easy to install and neat appearing) On-Q legrand keystone connectors, wall plates, etc. and have a good time climbing into the attic and under the house.

I completed the wiring this morning and moved the routers upstairs for testing. Besides one unexplainable burp, it seems to be working fine now. Moving the Linksys WRT54G wireless router upstairs didn't seem to effect the coverage at all. Photos and more on the wireless setup later.

Quote of the Day

"The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else." -
"Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star", 149, May 7, 1918

More words of wisdom to consider as we elect our new president on November 4th.

Pentagon 9/11 memorial honors victims in symbols, concrete

Thomas Heidenberger walked through the new Pentagon memorial, sat down on a bench and wept. The bench he was sitting on honors his wife, Michelle, a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 77. Finally, he says, "we have a place to go other than a burial plot or a vacant stone in a cemetery."

Read full article at CNN and take a moment to reflect on the horrors of that day.

Barack Obama, the French American idol

Found a link to this blog on Drudge. You don't even have to read the actual article. Just read the posted comments and there are a lot of them. Those comments are the result of the many fine readers of Matt Drudge's conservative website who are supposedly God fearing members of the church and the Republican party. Do they represent the majority in this country?

How to stay warm all winter with one log

The 2009 edition of the Old Farmers Almanac is now available with great information including how to stay warm all winter with one log.

Here's the secret, popularized in 1777: Throw a log out an upstairs window, dash down the stairs and outside, retrieve the log, dash upstairs, throw the log out the window and so on.

Do that until you work up a sweat and you'll be warm all winter.

They also predicted that we're in a cooling cycle for the next 50 years with a harsh winter coming.

Last Stand Ends; Tree-Sitters Surrender

The last remaining protesters living in trees at UC Berkeley descended from their perch Tuesday, ending a 21-month occupation of a campus grove aimed at stopping construction of a new sports center.

"It makes me really sad," she said of the felled trees. "It's just absolutely tragic what's happened."

But Nicholas Silva, a 2004 Berkeley graduate, was not in sympathy with the tree-sitters. "I'm glad it's over. It's been a long time coming," he said. "It should have been over several days after it started."

I guess everyone in Berkley isn't an environmentalist after all. Read the full article at KTVU.

And the retort ... Palin not a Book Burner

One false rumor accuses then-Mayor Palin of threatening to fire Wasilla's librarian for refusing to ban books from the town library. Some versions of the rumor come complete with a list of the books that Palin allegedly attempted to ban. The story is false on several fronts: Palin never asked that books be banned; the librarian continued to serve in that position; no books were actually banned; and many of the books on the list that Palin supposedly wanted to censor weren't even in print at the time, proving that the list is a fabrication.

Read full article at Newsweek.

What's the difference between Palin and Muslim fundamentalists? Lipstick

John McCain announced that he was running for president to confront the "transcendent challenge" of the 21st century, "radical Islamic extremism," contrasting it with "stability, tolerance and democracy." But the values of his handpicked running mate, Sarah Palin, more resemble those of Muslim fundamentalists than they do those of the Founding Fathers. On censorship, the teaching of creationism in schools, reproductive rights, attributing government policy to God's will and climate change, Palin agrees with Hamas and Saudi Arabia rather than supporting tolerance and democratic precepts. What is the difference between Palin and a Muslim fundamentalist? Lipstick.

Read full article at Salon.

Obama objects to severance for ousted CEOs

Barack Obama objected to reports Monday that the ousted heads of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may receive lucrative severance packages and asked the Bush administration to ensure their "poor leadership" isn't rewarded.

"Under no circumstances should the executives of these institutions earn a windfall at a time when the U.S. Treasury has taken unprecedented steps to rescue these companies with taxpayer resources," Obama said in a letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director James Lockhart. " I urge you immediately to clarify that the agreement with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac voids any such inappropriate windfall payments to outgoing CEOs and senior management."

It's insulting to see CEO's collecting huge bonuses while employees are being laid off and huge severance checks for rich CEO's at the tax payer's expense is utterly ridiculous. Read the full article at Yahoo News.

Large Hadron Collider ready to Fire

The photos of the LHC conjure up memories of Star Wars as the Empire warmed up the Death Star's laser cannon to annihilate Alderaan. Judging from some of the crazy forums and websites dedicated to the LHC, some people are taking the idea of planetary destruction to heart.

According to CNN, "Fears have emerged that the collider could produce black holes that could suck up anything around them -- including the whole Earth. Such fears prompted legal actions in the U.S. and Europe to halt the operation of the Large Hadron Collider, alleging safety concerns regarding black holes and other phenomena that could theoretically emerge. "

I guess we'll see whether the earth is consumed by a black hole tomorrow.

If Pepe Could Talk

Lessons from a chihuahua

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Russell Brand calls George Bush a 'retard' at MTV awards

Russell Brand brought his unique brand of British humor to the U.S. hosting the MTV awards and apparently insulting Republicans, virgins, and social conservatives in general. He openly promoted Barack Obama and slammed Bush pretty hard...

"Some people, I think they're called racists, say America is not ready for a black president.

"But I know America to be a forward thinking country because otherwise why would you have let that retard and cowboy fella be president for eight years?

"We were very impressed. We thought it was nice of you to let him have a go, because, in England, he wouldn't be trusted with a pair of scissors."

Interesting Articles from around the World

I really began to take notice of foreign newspapers after the invasion of Iraq. Our media reported that the United States was losing respect around the world and I wanted to view it first hand. Seeing our country through the eyes of people on the other side of the pond is an enlightening experience. Here's a few articles that caught my eye today. Enjoy.

Johann Hari: Here's how to tune in to both Muslims and the Deep South from The Independent

I have a confession to make. I love not one despised style of music, but two: heavy metal, and country& western. As they scroll down my iPod, my friends weep – and retch. And it gets worse: I believe these eruptions of noise offer a political parable. Really: set aside your prejudices and your earplugs and stock up on metal and country. You will slowly see we have misunderstood two of the most politically charged, politically reviled places on earth: the Muslim world, and the Deep South. Don't turn the page over; stay with me.

Global realignment: How Bush inspired a new world order by Ramzy Baroud in the Tehran Times

The series of unfortunate and costly decisions made during the two terms of the Bush administration, combined with economic decline at home, might devastate the United States’ world standing much sooner than most analysts predict. What was difficult to foresee was that the weakening of U.S. global dominance, spurred by erratic and unwise foreign policy under Bush, would re-ignite the Cold War, to a degree, over a largely distant and seemingly ethnically-based conflict -- that of Georgia and Russia. Who could have predicted a possible association between Baghdad, Kabul, and Tbilisi?

Overplaying the 'Blame American' Card by Alexei Bayer in the Moscow Times

Last month's blitzkrieg against Georgia unleashed a stunning wave of anti-Americanism in Russia. Russians obviously like to think that their country not only roughed up a small, poor neighbor but, more important, dealt a blow to U.S. efforts to encircle Russia with military bases. Superpower rivalry is back and, by extension, Russia is once more a superpower.

Pelech Bros Racing

Pelechbrosracing.com is the only website that I'm currently maintaining. It's pretty much my last connection to drag racing. Tim and Ted Pelech are both brilliant! Their NMCA Super Street combination is a bit unorthodox in today's Outlaw 10.5 world. Instead of building a big honking 800-cube big block, they opted to work with their sub-500 cube nitrous powerplant and build the car as light as the rules allow.

If something doesn't work then they just design a new one and have it made! Got an oiling problem? Design a custom lifter bushing! Works for me. The new combination is unproven on the track but made serious power on the dyno. Testing should commence soon.

Quote of the Day

Like readers hiding behind pseudonyms online, self-importance inflates
through the roof, social convention vanishes, and naked aggression rules.

Kevin Berger

The author was referring to how people drive in traffic, cutting each other off, and honking horns but I just couldn't pass up the comparison to anonymous posters in internet forums which I have grown to abhor over the years.

Face Your Manga

Apparently manga is a japanese cartoon. Go figure. Visit faceyourmanga.com and make yourself. It's entertaining. If you're not interested then your kids might be.

OK. I cheated. I fired up Photoshop, added sideburns, adjusted my 5-head to realistic proportions and thinned out the top. Now it's perfect!

My Mother ... Excommunicated.

I jokingly told my mother she was going to be excommunicated if she didn't keep her politics to herself. Actually, I believe that only Catholics call it excommunication but the Church of Christ has their own version. My mother has always leaned a bit to the left in her politics and her frustration with her fellow worshipers doesn't surprise me.

She can't understand people who feel the only qualifications necessary for the presidency of the sole remaining super power is an abhorrence of abortion and an aversion to gay marriage. Damn the failing economy, lack of health care for poor Americans, and our addiction to Middle East oil.

November 4th is quickly approaching and I'm burnt out on politics already. The mean-spirited speeches and mud-slinging aren't new but they are tiresome. I'm not going Walden by any means but politics conflicts with my ideal quiet life of peaceful contemplation. If I didn't have to commute to one of the surrounding cities to make a living then I could be perfectly happy never leaving my home on the bank of the Elk River in rural southern Tennessee.

DIY Enter Key Doorbell

Just found this entertaining idea over at lifehacker. Really geeky but kinda cool.

Cool Windows Wallpaper

Found some cool wallpaper tonight. Surrealistic scenery with colors that pop. Right down my alley. The pictured example is part of the Strange World series. Check it out at StudioTwentyEight. There's also Windows themes, icons, etc. if you're interested.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

It may have been panned by the critics and I think it was Sean Connery's last hurrah for acting but I enjoyed the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I liked the title so much that I'm passing it along to our recently reacquainted posse of high school friends. Last week, I was searching the net for a friend's email address but failed. However, I stumbled across another school pal, Richard, working at a car dealership in Huntsville, AL!

An email to Richard and a great reply the next day set the gears in my head in motion... yeah, they could stand some oil but I digress. I fired off an email to another friend, Shannon, cc'ing in Richard and my brother Tony and requesting that he add his brother, Keith, to the list. I have kept in touch with Shannon. Well, we've semi-kept in touch. I actually haven't set eyes on the man since probably 1988 but we exchange email and share photos. Shannon is a sys admin down at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Really interesting guy.

We are now catching up on a few decades worth of information and I'm really enjoying it. I grew up with these guys. They say that the friends you make while growing up are the ones you never forget. It's true. I hung out with these guys, lifted weights, rode bikes, played sports and D&D. They stood beside me when I married Cassie. I'll never forget these guys, a true League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Forming a New Habit

I've read that it takes three weeks to form a habit. Well, I've got three days in on the "hope to be habit" of exercising in the morning. I've been dragging my fat, out of shape tail out of the bed around 5 am and walking a mile.

I've never been one to exercise in the morning. Danny, my former workout partner, loved working out in the morning. I would drive 30 minutes down to Hazel Green for our 7:30 am workout on Saturday no less. I always seemed to injure myself. I hated working out in the morning but I'm actually enjoying the cool temps and watching the sun rise on my morning jaunts. It's very relaxing.

For once in my life, I've managed to keep my ego out of my fitness routine thus far. I've managed to just walk although I want to sprint at times... No can do. I must walk for the following reasons.

#1 I tore my left hamstring a long time ago and it's never been the same. The older I get, the longer it takes to warm up. For some reason, I'm also having pain in that foot. It does seem to improve as the day progresses. Perhaps plantar fasciitis? I've had it before but this feels different.

#2 When I was sprinting and jogging regularly, I used to tell my wife, Cassie, that walking was only beneficial for old folks that had suffered from heart attacks. I'm eating those words but I know that if I just start running then I'll be disappointed in my performance, get shin splints, or both... and quit.

#3 My resting heart rate has gotten ridiculously high and it quickly zooms up into the 120 range while walking at ~ 3 mph. I live on an incline so my heart rate is about 140 bpm on the return trip. I don't seem to be out of breath at all so perhaps my Polar monitor has gone insane? I haven't used it in years. I need to verify my heart rate manually.

#4 My blood pressure is also making me nervous. I always test high at the doctors office but the frequency of results in the pre-hypertension area at home has been rising. It's been 138/90 several times at the local pharmacy. My family is full of blood pressure problems and I believe the only reason that I'm not taking medication now is because of the years that I spent taking care of myself. I'm suffering from my lack of activity now.

I need to keep walking as much as possible for the time being. Combined with body weight exercises and some yoga, I need to obtain a certain amount of conditioning before even attempting more strenuous cardio activity and a weight lifting routine on a full-time basis.

Politics and Mud Slinging

There's a church in Cash Point, TN that I see on my daily commute. Like many churches, they post inspirational phrases on their sign out front. Several months ago, it read ...

Never sling mud. You'll only lose ground.

Very wise words in my opinion. We need positive change in this country and positive politics to usher it in! Unfortunately, I've come to expect disparaging campaign techniques from the party of Rove but I hope that the Democrats can rise above this kind of behavior. Obama has been doing a decent job in this area but I can't say the same of his campaign aides.