[The Seattle Times]
Proof that maybe, just maybe, Someone Up There doesn't like your anti-terrorist policies. Check out this building in Manila.
Hat tip to James Lileks, at The Bleat
UPDATE: Edited slightly after some reflection.
Thursday
Wednesday
Random bomb throwing about to commence...
Okay. Let's review. The DNC is going on. Moore appeared on O'Reilly. (Along with Affleck, who apparently impressed Bill - I didn't see that particular exchange). There's a lot of commentary being written about who should have said what to whom.
I don't hate Michael Moore. I think he's a little too entertained by his own cleverness, but I get that way myself sometimes. But there are some people who claim that his film is an abuse of the First Amendment. That's absolutely wrong. The First Amendment is there to help protect unpopular speech. It's there to prevent us from shutting each other up. (One could argue that the internet has started to become an even more powerful means than film of allowing people to make unpopular speech). If Michael Moore is saying things that you don't agree with, don't see his movie. That's my personal plan.
But the bickering, the sniping, the hate-mongering has got to go.
Michael Moore today, in a rally I caught on C-Span, calling Republicans "Hate-riots", and implying that Republicans get up at 6:00 AM every morning so they can figure out "which minority to screw today" shows himself to be just as intolerant, just as hating, just as oppressive of others as he accuses the Republican party of being. It's frustrating to see someone that I know is smart be so damn wrong. And
Besides, indications are that we're not out of the woods yet.
Okay. Let's review. The DNC is going on. Moore appeared on O'Reilly. (Along with Affleck, who apparently impressed Bill - I didn't see that particular exchange). There's a lot of commentary being written about who should have said what to whom.
I don't hate Michael Moore. I think he's a little too entertained by his own cleverness, but I get that way myself sometimes. But there are some people who claim that his film is an abuse of the First Amendment. That's absolutely wrong. The First Amendment is there to help protect unpopular speech. It's there to prevent us from shutting each other up. (One could argue that the internet has started to become an even more powerful means than film of allowing people to make unpopular speech). If Michael Moore is saying things that you don't agree with, don't see his movie. That's my personal plan.
But the bickering, the sniping, the hate-mongering has got to go.
Michael Moore today, in a rally I caught on C-Span, calling Republicans "Hate-riots", and implying that Republicans get up at 6:00 AM every morning so they can figure out "which minority to screw today" shows himself to be just as intolerant, just as hating, just as oppressive of others as he accuses the Republican party of being. It's frustrating to see someone that I know is smart be so damn wrong. And
Besides, indications are that we're not out of the woods yet.
Death Defiance First, After, Cake!
So, time for a new tale of death defiance and derring do.
Or not.
One bright winter's day in the rural town of Rexburg, ID, I decided I wanted to go visit my best friend, Robert. He lived not far from my house on "the bench" - a long hill that ran for some distance. (For those of you familiar with the area, he lived just down from the water tower on the west side. Because Rexburg typically gets a lot of snow, (and this year was particularly heavy), I decided I wanted to snowmobile my way to his house. I asked my Dad for permission, jumped on his Yamaha SRV, and off I went.
I made my way south first, deciding to go up the bench on a service road that led up to our family's farm, then once up on the bench, I'd head back north to Bob's house. The ride was great, not a cloud in the sky, bright sunlight. Now, I was riding over snow, wearing sunglasses, because the light was very, very bright. And I had just gotten within sight of Bob's place when I hit Spaulding Hill - the local sledding spot.
I found myself coming down an incline, when a six foot drop off suddenly yawned in front of me. There wasn't room or time to turn. There wasn't room to stop - I would have wound up going over anyway and having the snowmobile drop on top of me. So I did the only thing I could think of.
I thought that if I floored it, I'd catch some air, and land successfully and ride away. I punched the throttle... and suddenly found myself flying head over heels through the air. When I woke up (I don't remember landing... I'm not sure how long I was out) the first thought that went through my head was "I've got to get out of the way of the snowmobile, or it'll run me over." I rolled over, looked up, and saw that I didn't have to worry about it. I had buried the SRV in the snow like a lawn dart, it's tail end protruded from the snow like some kind of bizarre monolith.
Panic ensued. I dug the snowmobile out - no damage to the skis, no damage to the body - thank goodness for the deep snow! But I couldn't get it started. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I walked the rest of the way to Bob's place. Where he informed me that he had been trying to get ahold of me so we could go to a party at a friend's house.
So, I called my Mom. I can only assume at this point, that shock made me temporarily unaware of the impending DOOM that should have resulted in that call, and the request I made. "Um, I couldn't get the snowmobile started, so I had to leave it in a field - can I go to a party?" Even more shocking is that she said "yes". So, I was eating cake and drinking soda when my Dad went out to get the snowmobile and realized what had happened. At least I survived (both the incident and the parental DOOM which was remarkably light, all things considered - a strong talking to by Mom, and the removal of long-distance snowmobile privileges).
To tell the truth, I'm curious if I'm alone in these kind of events. Tell you what - if you have a story that tops this one, I'd love to hear it. The only rule is, it has to be true. With permission, I'll post the craziest one I get. You can send a story to zach dot ricks at gmail dot com.
Or not.
One bright winter's day in the rural town of Rexburg, ID, I decided I wanted to go visit my best friend, Robert. He lived not far from my house on "the bench" - a long hill that ran for some distance. (For those of you familiar with the area, he lived just down from the water tower on the west side. Because Rexburg typically gets a lot of snow, (and this year was particularly heavy), I decided I wanted to snowmobile my way to his house. I asked my Dad for permission, jumped on his Yamaha SRV, and off I went.
I made my way south first, deciding to go up the bench on a service road that led up to our family's farm, then once up on the bench, I'd head back north to Bob's house. The ride was great, not a cloud in the sky, bright sunlight. Now, I was riding over snow, wearing sunglasses, because the light was very, very bright. And I had just gotten within sight of Bob's place when I hit Spaulding Hill - the local sledding spot.
I found myself coming down an incline, when a six foot drop off suddenly yawned in front of me. There wasn't room or time to turn. There wasn't room to stop - I would have wound up going over anyway and having the snowmobile drop on top of me. So I did the only thing I could think of.
I thought that if I floored it, I'd catch some air, and land successfully and ride away. I punched the throttle... and suddenly found myself flying head over heels through the air. When I woke up (I don't remember landing... I'm not sure how long I was out) the first thought that went through my head was "I've got to get out of the way of the snowmobile, or it'll run me over." I rolled over, looked up, and saw that I didn't have to worry about it. I had buried the SRV in the snow like a lawn dart, it's tail end protruded from the snow like some kind of bizarre monolith.
Panic ensued. I dug the snowmobile out - no damage to the skis, no damage to the body - thank goodness for the deep snow! But I couldn't get it started. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I walked the rest of the way to Bob's place. Where he informed me that he had been trying to get ahold of me so we could go to a party at a friend's house.
So, I called my Mom. I can only assume at this point, that shock made me temporarily unaware of the impending DOOM that should have resulted in that call, and the request I made. "Um, I couldn't get the snowmobile started, so I had to leave it in a field - can I go to a party?" Even more shocking is that she said "yes". So, I was eating cake and drinking soda when my Dad went out to get the snowmobile and realized what had happened. At least I survived (both the incident and the parental DOOM which was remarkably light, all things considered - a strong talking to by Mom, and the removal of long-distance snowmobile privileges).
To tell the truth, I'm curious if I'm alone in these kind of events. Tell you what - if you have a story that tops this one, I'd love to hear it. The only rule is, it has to be true. With permission, I'll post the craziest one I get. You can send a story to zach dot ricks at gmail dot com.
Tuesday
Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Kerry, Po
So, you release some pictures. Some people make fun of it. And all of a sudden, the photo is 'Leaked'?
WTH? (What the Heck?) I mean, just because you look like a new teletubby is no reason not to have a sense of humor about it, right?
Monday
Why do the Japanese get all the really, really cool toys?
For example... This is a model, what seems to be a highly detailed and well put together model of one of my favorie ST:TNG ships - the U.S.S. Farragut (one of the ships that pulled survivors off the planet at the end of Generations). And a Japanese company sells this and 20 or so other models like trading cards - you don't know exactly which model you'll get, and it comes with candy. How cool is that?
After looking around the 'net, it looks like they may be available at the local Uwajimaya, I may have to give them a call tomorrow. Between the Farragut and the other ship I'm looking for, the U.S.S. Equinox, I may be going through a lot of candy.
For example... This is a model, what seems to be a highly detailed and well put together model of one of my favorie ST:TNG ships - the U.S.S. Farragut (one of the ships that pulled survivors off the planet at the end of Generations). And a Japanese company sells this and 20 or so other models like trading cards - you don't know exactly which model you'll get, and it comes with candy. How cool is that?
After looking around the 'net, it looks like they may be available at the local Uwajimaya, I may have to give them a call tomorrow. Between the Farragut and the other ship I'm looking for, the U.S.S. Equinox, I may be going through a lot of candy.
Sunday
Saturday
Anime Clarifications
Okay, for all you people out there who are googling my site looking for pictures or episodes of Gundam Seed or Full Metal Alchemist, sorry. I don't have any of that available for download.
Gundam Seed is currently airing on Cartoon Network, Saturday nights, 10:30 in my local time slot, right after DragonBall GT. I'm sure DVDs are on the way.
Full Metal Alchemist is scheduled to air on Cartoon Network later this year (I'm thinking October?), and I'm sure DVDs will follow on that as well. So, I don't have any pictures of Asran, Lacus, Kira, Fley, or anybody else in that series. Sorry to disappoint y'all.
Having said that, Reeta and I are watching a new series, Aishiteru ze Baby! It's a pretty cute show (mostly) about a teenage boy who is suddenly responsible for raising his five-year old cousin. The little girl in the series is about Claire's age, and that's probably a lot of the appeal. We haven't shown her any episodes because of some adult situations (the little girl's Dad dies, and the Mom leaves her at the relatives because she's suffering a crisis of confidence), and the fact that the teenage guy is occasionally shown making for ... second base? with some of his fellow students. I'm a little fuzzy on bases and how that works. Anyway, you don't see anything. And it's inspired me to experiment with making Japanese food - onigiri!
Gundam Seed is currently airing on Cartoon Network, Saturday nights, 10:30 in my local time slot, right after DragonBall GT. I'm sure DVDs are on the way.
Full Metal Alchemist is scheduled to air on Cartoon Network later this year (I'm thinking October?), and I'm sure DVDs will follow on that as well. So, I don't have any pictures of Asran, Lacus, Kira, Fley, or anybody else in that series. Sorry to disappoint y'all.
Having said that, Reeta and I are watching a new series, Aishiteru ze Baby! It's a pretty cute show (mostly) about a teenage boy who is suddenly responsible for raising his five-year old cousin. The little girl in the series is about Claire's age, and that's probably a lot of the appeal. We haven't shown her any episodes because of some adult situations (the little girl's Dad dies, and the Mom leaves her at the relatives because she's suffering a crisis of confidence), and the fact that the teenage guy is occasionally shown making for ... second base? with some of his fellow students. I'm a little fuzzy on bases and how that works. Anyway, you don't see anything. And it's inspired me to experiment with making Japanese food - onigiri!
Tuesday
Sweet, Sweet Justice.
Okay, there's a lot of talk about Justice Sweet's recent decision that NY Cops can't search bags and backpacks at the upcoming Republican convention in NYC. Now, I personally don't know any terrorists, but given my experience with (relatively mild) fundamentalists, I probably wouldn't care for them, and I'm sure I don't want things to go easier for them. (I am not a fan of terrorists!) Having said that, this is a pretty old rule in our criminal justice system, that you can't search a closed container without a warrant (under Chadwick). They can do a pat down for weapons on reasonable suspicion (a Terry stop), they can SIEZE a container, but they can't open it without a warrant, without probably some specific articulable facts that lead them to believe that there's a crime going on, and then the search isn't UNREASONABLE, which is what the fourth amendment protects us from - UNREASONABLE search and seizure.
Now, some people may say that people who carry large backpacks and bulky packages around should expect to be searched, or that searching them in the current world climate is not unreasonable. I don't agree, I think it's a slippery slope. Having said that, the fact of the matter is, the cops CAN do anything they want to. They may not have permission, but do you really think that if they see someone they perceive as Middle Eastern looking or acting nervous while clutching a bulky package or backpack, that a little due process is going to get in their way? In New York?
I guess my bottom line is, this isn't the horrifyingly controversial ruling some are trying to make it out to be. It's the continuation of an established principle in our jurisprudence, and I don't think it's going to be a real impediment to protection. And let me remind you, IANAL, yet.
Now, some people may say that people who carry large backpacks and bulky packages around should expect to be searched, or that searching them in the current world climate is not unreasonable. I don't agree, I think it's a slippery slope. Having said that, the fact of the matter is, the cops CAN do anything they want to. They may not have permission, but do you really think that if they see someone they perceive as Middle Eastern looking or acting nervous while clutching a bulky package or backpack, that a little due process is going to get in their way? In New York?
I guess my bottom line is, this isn't the horrifyingly controversial ruling some are trying to make it out to be. It's the continuation of an established principle in our jurisprudence, and I don't think it's going to be a real impediment to protection. And let me remind you, IANAL, yet.
Cheating Death
Reeta and I have occasionally discussed what Claire will turn out like as she gets older. Reeta thinks she's going to be a fairly rebellious teen (she's trying to push boundaries now at five, what's this going to be like in eight years?). I'm not sure. I was a really relaxed teenager. Then Reeta usually says something like "I hope she doesn't develop your habit of trying to defy death."
Something I haven't done in years.
And was never my fault in the first place.
I grew up on a potato farm (not the safest place in the world, but far from the most dangerous). And at one point, my dad decided to buy a three wheeler ATV. (This was a few years before they were banned from sale in the US because they were too dangerous). Not too long after that, my uncle was on the Price is Right, and won his showcase showdown. It included a couple of motorcycles, so he sold one, and bought a three wheeler ATV with it.
So I found myself out at the farm one day, racing my cousin. Now, our three wheeler didn't quite have the horsepower that my uncle's did. But I thought that good driving would make up for some of that. It was a simple race - out to a particular point in the field, then back. The finish line was a rut that our circle irrigation system made in the field. A brief explanation - a circle irrigation system is a system of pipes, suspended on a framework with wheels on the bottom. The whole thing rotates around a central point, and waters most of your field. Now, because it's distributing water, it makes the ground soft and muddy as it goes, and these ruts can get pretty deep.
Out we went, my cousin pulling ahead of me. We hit the turn around point, where I gained some ground on my cousin by taking the turn hard and tight - I'm pretty sure I was up on two wheels at that point (something I did often on that three wheeler). Back we came, and my cousin was still pulling out ahead, when all of a sudden he started slowing down.
"I'm winning, I'm winning!" I thought to myself. That's when I looked up and saw the monster rut yawning before my front tire like the veritable jaws of hell. I hit it at full throttle, and bounced what must have been at least three feet straight up in the air. I came down with a bone jarring crash, and bounced back up again, this time wobbling a little in the air. Down it came again, and it rolled. Twice. With me on it the whole time.
When it stopped, I was lying on my side, and the motor had stopped. I think my cousins were a little freaked out. I just rolled it back upright, started it back up, and rode off, the victor. This wasn't the last time I tried cheating death, heck, it wasn't even the last time I did something crazy on that three wheeler (I think my count for crazy "Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die" stunts on that particular machine is ... three? I don't remember any more than that... Total number of death-cheating craziness involving motorized vehicles is... seven? Eight? Something like that.) I mean, Reeta doesn't have anything to worry about there, right?
Something I haven't done in years.
And was never my fault in the first place.
I grew up on a potato farm (not the safest place in the world, but far from the most dangerous). And at one point, my dad decided to buy a three wheeler ATV. (This was a few years before they were banned from sale in the US because they were too dangerous). Not too long after that, my uncle was on the Price is Right, and won his showcase showdown. It included a couple of motorcycles, so he sold one, and bought a three wheeler ATV with it.
So I found myself out at the farm one day, racing my cousin. Now, our three wheeler didn't quite have the horsepower that my uncle's did. But I thought that good driving would make up for some of that. It was a simple race - out to a particular point in the field, then back. The finish line was a rut that our circle irrigation system made in the field. A brief explanation - a circle irrigation system is a system of pipes, suspended on a framework with wheels on the bottom. The whole thing rotates around a central point, and waters most of your field. Now, because it's distributing water, it makes the ground soft and muddy as it goes, and these ruts can get pretty deep.
Out we went, my cousin pulling ahead of me. We hit the turn around point, where I gained some ground on my cousin by taking the turn hard and tight - I'm pretty sure I was up on two wheels at that point (something I did often on that three wheeler). Back we came, and my cousin was still pulling out ahead, when all of a sudden he started slowing down.
"I'm winning, I'm winning!" I thought to myself. That's when I looked up and saw the monster rut yawning before my front tire like the veritable jaws of hell. I hit it at full throttle, and bounced what must have been at least three feet straight up in the air. I came down with a bone jarring crash, and bounced back up again, this time wobbling a little in the air. Down it came again, and it rolled. Twice. With me on it the whole time.
When it stopped, I was lying on my side, and the motor had stopped. I think my cousins were a little freaked out. I just rolled it back upright, started it back up, and rode off, the victor. This wasn't the last time I tried cheating death, heck, it wasn't even the last time I did something crazy on that three wheeler (I think my count for crazy "Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die" stunts on that particular machine is ... three? I don't remember any more than that... Total number of death-cheating craziness involving motorized vehicles is... seven? Eight? Something like that.) I mean, Reeta doesn't have anything to worry about there, right?
Monday
Some relief
Got my grade for my first summer class - phew. And I'm okay with it. I hadn't realized how much I was stressing over it until I went to look today. And now I can relax a little. But just a little - I'm still in the middle of my second class.
Sunday
Here's the ladies of the family (Reeta, Claire, and Summer) on a drive we took around Portland this evening. Summer wanted to see the sights, so we cruised around downtown, eventually found ourselves out by the Rose Garden, saw the Adidas complex, what looked like an unnecessarily long bridge, and then turned around and went home. I know, I know, we're so exciting.
Expendable Children?
A Small Victory - Expendable Children
Ugh. Abortion for the sake of convenience? I think I'm going to be sick.
Ugh. Abortion for the sake of convenience? I think I'm going to be sick.
Saturday
Horrifying
Lots has been written about this by people more able than me, but let me just chime in with this...
Any person that intends to "protest" by throwing marbles under the hooves of a horse deserves to be kicked by said horse (& we'll let the horse choose his target of preference). Likewise, if a dog keys on the scent of fertilizer someone has purposely put on their hands, and the dog rips the protestor's arm off, I think the dog should get to keep it. We'll get medical attention for the rest of the protestor, sure. Okay, maybe dismemberment is a bit much. Maybe we should give the dog a good fifteen seconds with the person he keys on, just to make really, really sure there isn't a bomb there.
Any person that intends to "protest" by throwing marbles under the hooves of a horse deserves to be kicked by said horse (& we'll let the horse choose his target of preference). Likewise, if a dog keys on the scent of fertilizer someone has purposely put on their hands, and the dog rips the protestor's arm off, I think the dog should get to keep it. We'll get medical attention for the rest of the protestor, sure. Okay, maybe dismemberment is a bit much. Maybe we should give the dog a good fifteen seconds with the person he keys on, just to make really, really sure there isn't a bomb there.
A Second Opinion
At the suggestion of Peter in comments below, I took a new Conservative/Liberal test, and wound up a little more toward the Conservative side than Liberal (does this make me moderate? Centrist?) At any rate, according to this test, I'm a George Bush - senior.
Hmmmmm...
Hmmmmm...
Nexus!
Nexus freakin' RAWKS. And at ComiCon this year, Steve Rude, the artist who drew Nexus, is showing a demo of animation he's done in the hopes of getting someone interested in making a series. I hope he succeeds in getting this made - I'd love to see Nexus made into a cartoon.
Steve Rude based the idea for Nexus' design from one of his favorite cartoons - the pre-talk show Space Ghost. (A show I loved too). He and Mike Baron did a number of Nexus comic books for Capitol Comics, First Comics, and then Dark Horse. My personal favorite is #40. And the crossover issues with the Badger (another Rude/Baron collaboration) are absolutely hilarious. Nexus has great characters, the right blend of action, humor, and character. If you get a chance, I strongly suggest you check out a couple of back issues.
And check his auctions on eBay - he's got some original artwork for sale to help support his animation project. Steve really is "The Dude". (If only I weren't a poor law student).
Thursday
Scary Stories!
Terror in the Skies, Again? - WomensWallStreet
This was a really scary little article. I'm not sure how much of it is perception and how much is reality, but the possibility of assembling a bomb mid-air on a fight is scary as all get-out.
If it is an accurate account, what can be done?
Hat tip to Michelle Malkin for the link.
This was a really scary little article. I'm not sure how much of it is perception and how much is reality, but the possibility of assembling a bomb mid-air on a fight is scary as all get-out.
If it is an accurate account, what can be done?
Hat tip to Michelle Malkin for the link.
Surprised?
Where do you fall on the liberal - conservative political spectrum? (United States)
brought to you by Quizilla
UPDATE: I shrank the graphic to fix my template, but apparently, I'm liberal. I believe that some things in society could definitely stand to be improved, and view social progress as the key. I admirably manage to hold that view without becoming rabid about it, which ironically shows me as having far more geunine tolerance for differing views than my Far Left Liberal cousins.
I don't want to have Far Left Liberal Cousins - can't they be Far Left Liberal Acquaintances?
How conservative AM I?
I wish there was some kind of test I could take online that would help me figure out how liberal/conservative I am.
Thinking about it, I am pretty sure that I've already taken one in the past. Hmmmm... time to check the archives.
Thinking about it, I am pretty sure that I've already taken one in the past. Hmmmm... time to check the archives.
I've got an opinion... sorry about that.
I had an interesting discussion tonight that my Con Law professor sort of dragged me into. I guess I must have looked particularly attentive tonight (I can't imagine why), when all of a sudden I found myself defending my assertion that abortion shouldn't be subsidized by state funds. (To clarify, he asked for a show of hands as to who thought that state funds should and shouldn't be used to help poor people from getting abortions - I halfheartedly raised my hand that federal funds shouldn't be used like that).
My rationale aside, someone came up to me afterwards and asked me about what I had said, and it struck me as odd the way we kept skirting around and apologizing for any statement that might be construed as a direct assertion of how we felt, and what we thought was right. At least once in the conversation, I said "I may not have thought this through completely but I think..."
And afterwards, I was thinking a little bit. I may have been pulled kicking and screaming into a policy discussion I wasn't prepared for, but I'd like to think that I have thought long and hard about a lot of things, including abortion, and I have a valid opinion about that which is just as good as anyone else's. (Maybe better, because after all, I'm RIGHT, dang it!). So why do we do that? More to the point, why am I doing it? Am I (gasp) PC? Say it ain't so! And can I become less PC (and more accurate) by working on it? Will more assertions like "I'm RIGHT, dang it!" help?
In other news, Reeta's little sister is visiting this week, seeing her husband while he's doing med school internships here. It's gonna be a crowded week for our little 2 bed/1 bath apt.
My rationale aside, someone came up to me afterwards and asked me about what I had said, and it struck me as odd the way we kept skirting around and apologizing for any statement that might be construed as a direct assertion of how we felt, and what we thought was right. At least once in the conversation, I said "I may not have thought this through completely but I think..."
And afterwards, I was thinking a little bit. I may have been pulled kicking and screaming into a policy discussion I wasn't prepared for, but I'd like to think that I have thought long and hard about a lot of things, including abortion, and I have a valid opinion about that which is just as good as anyone else's. (Maybe better, because after all, I'm RIGHT, dang it!). So why do we do that? More to the point, why am I doing it? Am I (gasp) PC? Say it ain't so! And can I become less PC (and more accurate) by working on it? Will more assertions like "I'm RIGHT, dang it!" help?
In other news, Reeta's little sister is visiting this week, seeing her husband while he's doing med school internships here. It's gonna be a crowded week for our little 2 bed/1 bath apt.
Tuesday
IMAO: Ronin Thought of the Day
IMAO: Ronin Thought of the Day
I've been reading these for some time, and this one just struck me as being a particularly good one.
Of course, it is Churchill.
I've been reading these for some time, and this one just struck me as being a particularly good one.
Of course, it is Churchill.
Remembering a Surprise
So, because the sequel is coming out in a few days, I sat down the other night with my bro-in-law (going to medical school - staying with us while he does rotations through the local hospitals) and Reeta, and we watched The Bourne Identity. And I remember thinking at the time how weird it was to think of Matt Damon as an action star.
Damn if he didn't pull it off, though. Looking at it now, he's perfect for the role. He so totally doesn't look like a CIA assassin that you just have to believe that he's the kind of person they would WANT working for them. Aside from the now-cliched basic plot (CIA assassin gets amnesia, tries to remember who he is as the CIA tries to figure out what is going on, and eventually tries to take him out). The execution was great. The way everything plays out, the inclusion of Clive Owen as one of the assassins, Franka Potente, the gritty nature of the filming, all contribute to a great movie. My favorite moment? Jason wandering through his apartment with a knife, knowing that something is out of place, finds Marie walking around, leans up against a door frame, and drops the knife - that image of the knife dropping and sticking in the wood floor is classic.
As a matter of fact, I think I need to get that one in widescreen, and probably in the new extended format - time to check on Amazon...
Damn if he didn't pull it off, though. Looking at it now, he's perfect for the role. He so totally doesn't look like a CIA assassin that you just have to believe that he's the kind of person they would WANT working for them. Aside from the now-cliched basic plot (CIA assassin gets amnesia, tries to remember who he is as the CIA tries to figure out what is going on, and eventually tries to take him out). The execution was great. The way everything plays out, the inclusion of Clive Owen as one of the assassins, Franka Potente, the gritty nature of the filming, all contribute to a great movie. My favorite moment? Jason wandering through his apartment with a knife, knowing that something is out of place, finds Marie walking around, leans up against a door frame, and drops the knife - that image of the knife dropping and sticking in the wood floor is classic.
As a matter of fact, I think I need to get that one in widescreen, and probably in the new extended format - time to check on Amazon...
Monday
The Pinoys roll over? Say it ain't so!
This is really disappointing. I got to know a couple of soldiers while I was in the Philippines, and they seemed like decent guys. And I know that they've got some tough hombres in there. But if the leadership caves and calls them all back, well, that's got to be frustrating for a lot of people. Including me. I'd always thought that your average Filipino was someone not to be messed with. Loving, caring, don't piss them off. One of them once told me that Americans were wusses, because "We can drive a steel rod through someone's head and sleep soundly that night, and you Americans just can't do that." And that just doesn't sound like the kind of people who would roll over just because a bunch of guys in masks threaten to cut off someone's head.
Of course, I was in Region 8, specifically on the islands of Samar and Leyte. That's where MacArthur and his soldiers went in when they freed the Philippines from the Japanese. And there were quite a few people there who remembered what that was like. -sigh-
Of course, I was in Region 8, specifically on the islands of Samar and Leyte. That's where MacArthur and his soldiers went in when they freed the Philippines from the Japanese. And there were quite a few people there who remembered what that was like. -sigh-
Saturday
Comics2Film - Nexus
Holy Amazing News!
I've been a fan of Nexus for years - it's the only comic I've ever really collected, so to hear that THIS was going on, is a real treat! Man, I hope this gets made!
I've been a fan of Nexus for years - it's the only comic I've ever really collected, so to hear that THIS was going on, is a real treat! Man, I hope this gets made!
Friday
The Future is Now!
Say 'Hello' to my little friend!
Rail Guns? Defensive Lasers? Twice the payload, three times the energy, to 10x as many fixed aim points?
Read the whole thing.
Rail Guns? Defensive Lasers? Twice the payload, three times the energy, to 10x as many fixed aim points?
Read the whole thing.
Gut check
Well, I caught some of the press conference this morning on the intelligence breakdown @ Iraq. And I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated that our intelligence seems to be so flawed. I'm frustrated that we went to war on bad intel. And I'm frustrated that people will blame the President for acting on the information given to him.
I thought Iraq had WMD. A lot of people did. We found a lot of sarin gas; we found mustard gas. I thought those were WMDs. (Well, okay, those ARE WMDs). I see that Iraq tried to obtain uranium. There are all kinds of reasons for that - medical uses, to provide electrical power, etc. Okay, so we just found a couple tons of nuclear material. But, admittedly these were probably not a huge, immediate threat to the U.S.
Bad information. I guess life isn't like one of those Tom Clancy/James Bond novels, right? I still think we did the right thing in Iraq, but time will tell.
In other news, I'm also frustrated that the current fight for the presidency seems to be so ugly. Hate and invective fly on both sides. I almost feel like I'm the dad on a family vacation from hell, watching two kids in the back seat sniping at each other, and I just want to tear them apart. I don't care who started it. And whoever wins in November, we're going to have to live with each other. So if I hear anyone on EITHER side, doing the equivalent of "nyah, nyah, na-nyah, nyah", then I'm going to turn this car around, and NOBODY's going to Disneyland!
Sigh. If only it were that easy. I worry that we've become so emotionally invested in our own positions that we become incapable of seeing anyone else's side. I hope not. I think not. I believe that the vast majority of Americans are capable of disagreeing without becoming disagreeable. Their voices aren't as shrill or as loud as some people on either side of some imaginary "political divide". But they are there.
At this point, I have to say that I think that whoever wins in November will do (I hope, I hope, I hope) what he thinks is right for the country. Personally, I'd rather it was Bush.
But then again, I really liked Returner, so you pretty much have to take anything I say with a grain of salt, right?
I thought Iraq had WMD. A lot of people did. We found a lot of sarin gas; we found mustard gas. I thought those were WMDs. (Well, okay, those ARE WMDs). I see that Iraq tried to obtain uranium. There are all kinds of reasons for that - medical uses, to provide electrical power, etc. Okay, so we just found a couple tons of nuclear material. But, admittedly these were probably not a huge, immediate threat to the U.S.
Bad information. I guess life isn't like one of those Tom Clancy/James Bond novels, right? I still think we did the right thing in Iraq, but time will tell.
In other news, I'm also frustrated that the current fight for the presidency seems to be so ugly. Hate and invective fly on both sides. I almost feel like I'm the dad on a family vacation from hell, watching two kids in the back seat sniping at each other, and I just want to tear them apart. I don't care who started it. And whoever wins in November, we're going to have to live with each other. So if I hear anyone on EITHER side, doing the equivalent of "nyah, nyah, na-nyah, nyah", then I'm going to turn this car around, and NOBODY's going to Disneyland!
Sigh. If only it were that easy. I worry that we've become so emotionally invested in our own positions that we become incapable of seeing anyone else's side. I hope not. I think not. I believe that the vast majority of Americans are capable of disagreeing without becoming disagreeable. Their voices aren't as shrill or as loud as some people on either side of some imaginary "political divide". But they are there.
At this point, I have to say that I think that whoever wins in November will do (I hope, I hope, I hope) what he thinks is right for the country. Personally, I'd rather it was Bush.
But then again, I really liked Returner, so you pretty much have to take anything I say with a grain of salt, right?
Thursday
In the "Everybody's Doing It" Category...
Had to try this one, and here's what came back...
Wackiness: 72/100
Rationality: 98/100
Constructiveness: 68/100
Leadership: 104/100
You are a WRCL--Wacky Rational Constructive Leader. This makes you a golden god. People gravitate to you, and you make them feel good. You are smart, charismatic, and interesting. You may be too sensitive to others reactions, especially criticism. Your self-opinion and mood depends greatly on those around you.
You think fast and have a smart mouth, is a hoot to your friends and razorwire to your enemies. You hold a grudge like a brass ring. You crackle.
Although you have a leader's personality, you often choose not to lead, as leaders stray too far from their audience. You probably weren't very popular in high school--the joke's on them!
You may be a rock star.
Thanks, Shelley for the link,
Take the quiz
See Mellow-Drama's results
Wackiness: 72/100
Rationality: 98/100
Constructiveness: 68/100
Leadership: 104/100
You are a WRCL--Wacky Rational Constructive Leader. This makes you a golden god. People gravitate to you, and you make them feel good. You are smart, charismatic, and interesting. You may be too sensitive to others reactions, especially criticism. Your self-opinion and mood depends greatly on those around you.
You think fast and have a smart mouth, is a hoot to your friends and razorwire to your enemies. You hold a grudge like a brass ring. You crackle.
Although you have a leader's personality, you often choose not to lead, as leaders stray too far from their audience. You probably weren't very popular in high school--the joke's on them!
You may be a rock star.
Thanks, Shelley for the link,
Take the quiz
See Mellow-Drama's results
INDC Journal: They Issued Me Credentials Before They Didn't
INDC Journal: They Issued Me Credentials Before They Didn't
I can't believe this.
You'd think that a national convention, planning to put forward a candidate for running the country, would have a little more... um... organization? fact checking (for the number of people they could include if nothing else)? efficiency?
Either organization that pulls this is in fact discouraging independent journalism at their conventions, no matter what else they might say.
I can't believe this.
You'd think that a national convention, planning to put forward a candidate for running the country, would have a little more... um... organization? fact checking (for the number of people they could include if nothing else)? efficiency?
Either organization that pulls this is in fact discouraging independent journalism at their conventions, no matter what else they might say.
And I'm spent.
We finished our move late last night. And boy, am I glad THAT's over. The new apartment is a bit smaller (only one bathroom as opposed to two), and there's a lot of responsibility that goes with it, but I'm sure we'll enjoy it. As much as it's possible to, at least. Today, Reeta's at training, I'm here with Claire, working from home, and there's insulation being installed, an apartment being painted, prospective renters showing up, a ton of boxes and things to unpack here, etc., etc., etc...
On the up side, it looks like due to all the manual labor and what not I've been doing, I've lost five pounds. Hopefully I can keep doing some manual labor and continue this as a trend.
The new apartment also has a pool, where I've already sunburned myself. Claire swam by herself for the first time without the use of flotation devices. Of course, she was holding her nose with one hand, and kicking for dear life, and her posterior was sticking out of the water, but she did it! I'm so proud. Though, to be honest, it makes me a little nervious to see her pushing new boundaries. I'm happy for her, but still nervous.
And although it's not a very large pool (certainly not Olympic sized), it IS very deep at the back end - 9 ft. That makes it possible for me to revive an old favorite - the cannonball. I'll be makin' a big splash this summer - woot! Perhaps I'll post a picture later.
On the up side, it looks like due to all the manual labor and what not I've been doing, I've lost five pounds. Hopefully I can keep doing some manual labor and continue this as a trend.
The new apartment also has a pool, where I've already sunburned myself. Claire swam by herself for the first time without the use of flotation devices. Of course, she was holding her nose with one hand, and kicking for dear life, and her posterior was sticking out of the water, but she did it! I'm so proud. Though, to be honest, it makes me a little nervious to see her pushing new boundaries. I'm happy for her, but still nervous.
And although it's not a very large pool (certainly not Olympic sized), it IS very deep at the back end - 9 ft. That makes it possible for me to revive an old favorite - the cannonball. I'll be makin' a big splash this summer - woot! Perhaps I'll post a picture later.
What the heck?
Wow - Cable on demand is so cool. I'm watching Azumanga Daioh on the Anime Channel via On Demand. And a second ago, Highlander was on. Holy cow! It's absolutely AMAZING! I can pause, rewind, etc! I can go make popcorn, and rewind it!!! I'm ecstatic!
What does this indicate?
Yesterday, I had Claire in the pool with her new best friend. As an intro to this, let me say that Claire is absolutely fearless in the pool with that life jacket on. As a result, Reeta tells me, she's caught her going down to the pool, and sticking her feet in the water. Scary stuff for us, so I thought it would be a good idea for her to learn to respect the pool a little more as the attractive nuisance it really is. (Yeah, I guess I was making a pre-emptive strike against further pool dalliaces).
So I made her take the jacket off, and keep herself in the shallow end of the pool.
Now, Claire's new friend is a good swimmer, for a six-year-old, and she and Claire were jumping into the pool together. And (as I was only a couple feet away from them) I noticed that Claire's friend would hit the water, and bob up like a cork. Claire, however, sunk to the bottom every single time, and took a couple of seconds to come back up. It scared her a little, and that's a good thing - she'll be more careful now after coming up coughing and burping air. A little bit later, she was using those foam noodles to move around the pool - I'm going to continue weaning her off the floatation devices, I think. She needs to learn to swim. But she doesn't float very well.
I'm actually amusing myself with the thought that she's going straight to the bottom because she either has rocks in her head, or she's inherited her mother's lead foot. I'm not sure which scares me more.
So I made her take the jacket off, and keep herself in the shallow end of the pool.
Now, Claire's new friend is a good swimmer, for a six-year-old, and she and Claire were jumping into the pool together. And (as I was only a couple feet away from them) I noticed that Claire's friend would hit the water, and bob up like a cork. Claire, however, sunk to the bottom every single time, and took a couple of seconds to come back up. It scared her a little, and that's a good thing - she'll be more careful now after coming up coughing and burping air. A little bit later, she was using those foam noodles to move around the pool - I'm going to continue weaning her off the floatation devices, I think. She needs to learn to swim. But she doesn't float very well.
I'm actually amusing myself with the thought that she's going straight to the bottom because she either has rocks in her head, or she's inherited her mother's lead foot. I'm not sure which scares me more.
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