Friday, December 26, 2008

A Messed Up "Holidays"

Today I read an article off the Drudge Report about a woman who claims she was fired from her job for not saying "Happy Holidays" when she answered the phone. She, a Christian, refused to say Happy Holidays, but would offered to say either "Merry Christmas", or nothing at all (she would use a generic 'Hello" or something). Now she is suing over lost wages. I have to side with her on this one. Partly because the phrase "Happy Holidays" is a pet peeve of mine. I mean, Christmas celebrates the birth of the savior of mankind. Hanukkah celebrates some oil lasting longer than a bunch of guys thought it would. In the Jewish culture, Hanukkah is a lesser holiday compared to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, but you rarely hear "Happy Holidays" around those celebrations. Hmmm...
And Kwanzaa. A celebration of African heritage and culture. FOR SEVEN DAYS! Maybe to some people this makes sense, but then, to be fair, all the people of the world must now recognize my new holiday. Caucasian Month. The month of May is now Caucasian Month. All Caucasians can take off from work and celebrate their collective culture. Oh, and don't forget Asian Week, Latino Fest, and the Pacific Islander Festival. Does any of this make sense? Please, understand that this made up holiday should not rank with either Christmas or Hanukkah.
Aside from that, to each his own. If a Jewish person says "Happy Hanukkah" to me, you won't see me throwing a temper tantrum. But in a primarily Christian country, it shouldn't be taboo to say "Merry Christmas".

In other news, Gov. Patterson wants to tax, among other things (so, so many other things) all non-diet pop. I drink regular pop. Diet pop tastes bad. And I don't want to be forced to drink diet pop if I am perhaps, on a tight budget, or am only carrying a small amount of pocket change. Diet pop isn't better for you either. It's packed with artificial chemicals that can be harmful, especially to children. I feel that this is blatant discrimination against healthy (not fat) people. Anyone who wants to join my new organization, the National Association for The Rights and Liberties of Healthy People, please post a comment. Our movement will receive the national attention it deserves. I already wrote a letter to Colbert asking to appear on his show. Now I am only awaiting his reply.
You know what else gets on my nerves? The plows in my godforsaken city. They come down my street two full days after a huge storm, and then do a horrible job. They come back to neaten things up another three days later, after another storm has already come and gone. And then they block in my driveway. Byron Brown, you are a noob. Go buy some new plows, or tell your drivers to actually work.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Shocking Update: Russian Technology

Yes, Russia has made it clear to the world that it ,in fact, build ships. To prove this, they are sending one through the Panama Canal to visit Venezuela. Americans should be shocked and appalled by this. We should view this as an act of aggression. Putin thinks it is.
It will be only a matter of years before the Russians learn to build airplanes too. No doubt they will fly them of Brazil in a tour de force.
In all seriousness, how should we, as Americans, react to this blatant insult from Russia? A preemptive strike perhaps? Or should we wait and see what they do? Personally, I think that Putin and Medvedev have shown to the world that they are too immature to run a country. (They claimed the North Pole last year, it will only be a matter of time before the South falls into their hands as well. From there, the moon is only 238,857 miles away!) Really, we should just exclude them from all international organizations (except the U.N., it would be tough to kick them out of that) and ignore them until they do something bold enough to actually draw out attention. These "joint maneuvers" with Venezuela are just meant to intimidate us. The Kremlin is angry at our deployment of warships to Georgia, so this is the reaction, much like a child throwing a temper-tantrum when he is put in time out for stealing another kid's lunch.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Noob of the Month: Hillary Clinton

I have decided to start a new series. Much like "Rofl-Moment of the Month", in "Noob of the Month" I will write about someone who is a noob.
As happy as I am to see Hillary Clinton leave us, it isn't without a bit of regret. Actually, bit is far too weak a word here. Perhaps "magnitude" would be more appropriate. Where are the 200,000 jobs she promised? During her time in the Senate, New York actually lost 35,800 jobs. Not that I ever expected her to deliver on her promise. But now she scampers off scot-free to go play little Miss Secretary for a while. New York was just a rung on her ladder to the top. I hope she falls off.
Hillary Clinton is a carpet-bagging, arrogant, clueless, feminist, manipulative woman. She is a vampire, sucking NY dry and moving on.
She voted for the Iraq War, but now demonizes the very people she voted with.
Clearly, she is a powerhungry old bag. No questions there.
She's pro-abortion. Nuff' said.
She's certainly ambitious.
Again, where are the jobs?
Whatever hallucinogenic drugs she was taking caused here to believe she was under fire in Bosnia.
There you have it NY. That's our girl, the next Secretary of State. I'm so proud I could cry.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Wii Owner's Lament

I sit here in silence,
a sad little boy,
sighing and writing,
about a little white toy,
we've had some great times,
The Wii and I,
Eating Metroid, Mario, Smashbros,
and Legend of Zelda pie,

But in recent times,
When I have come back for more,
An ominous air,
hangs about the videogame store,
I look at the shelf,
and my eyes start to tear,
for it seems to be realized,
the Wii-owner's greatest fear,
that we would be abandoned,
in the master-sword shrine,
for the casual line-up,
for the common gamer swine,

I have heard lies,
from a gal named Denise,
That Animal Crossing,
Is a hard-core release,
No it is not,
stop feeding us lies,
Just rake in your money,
As the true gamer cries,

And what about Wii Music?
That embarrassment of nature,
it is about as exciting,
as binomial nomenclature,
Where you see a game,
I see a blank disc,
that someone just dumped on,
never taking a risk,

Yes, go Nintendo,
to your casual gamer,
and make some more games,
They can't get any lamer...
I'll go to my 360,
or maybe PS3,
no never mind,
not the PS3,

But I see a glimmer,
Of hope in the sky,
Some third party developers,
Perhaps the gamer will not die,
Games like The Conduit,
Sin and Punishment 2,
make me happy,
no more am I blue,

A new Kid Icarus,
and House of the Dead,
are like a far-off pillow,
to my weary head,
yes the journey is far,
deep into '09,
But we must venture forth,
we have all seen the sign,

Here's to the future,
and the long road ahead,
until then we'll deal with,
this unleavened bread.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Contorversial Global Warming Film Aims to Expose Al Gore

Irish journalists and film makers Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer aim to expose global warming for the Hollywood orchestrated hyperbole that it is in their film "Not Evil Just Wrong". Sadly, the film, as of yet, lacks approximately the $3 million that it needs for a full cinema release. Here is the trailer:



This documentary will point out the many errors of the global warming theory and also point out why the actions that Al Gore and others are suggesting the human race take could bring us to our knees. I particularly like the quote the African woman makes about comparing people to birds. Would we rather save the birds and kill the people?
On a side note, Al Gore is truly fascinating person. he seems to be mixing two opposite ends of the political spectrum. He is a radical, in that he wants quick, devastating, and widespread changes, and he is in a way a reactionary, in that he wants to bring the human race back to where we were centuries ago.
Anyway, go to the website, http://noteviljustwrong.com/ and please, please donate. This movie would do a whole lot of good for this world to see. Too many people have covered their eyes and ears to the truth about global warming, so I hope this will bring real facts into the spotlight.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Striking Similarities

Well, Obama won, and Congress is now more than ever in the grip of the liberals. The man with the most liberal voting record in the Senate now in the White House, backed by a like-minded House of Representatives and Senate (Not to mention the media). This is a potent combination.

Anyone who has been paying close attention to the election may have been startled by some of Obama's words and ideas, not to mention his past acquaintances. I had read George Orwell's "1984" for school just as the real election was getting under way. Unwittingly, my very liberal English teacher (aren't they all?) opened by eyes to the true danger of Obama's words-and the striking similarities between him and "Big Brother".


  • Obama used government computers to research "Joe the Plumber", the one public individual who dared to stand up to him and miraculously got through the palpable media filter. What's next, telescreens? If this is how he treats his enemies now, how will he treat them when actually in power? One also can't forget the incident with the Florida TV station WFTV. Obama's campaign pulled all relations with the station, including an interview with Jill Biden, after Joe Biden was asked tough questions by a reporter. Is this the real Obama? Cracking under pressure? Not facing up to his opponents?

  • Obama's tax plan has been changed numerous times now. He said he would raise taxes for those making more than $250,000. Then, in his last debate and in the ads following that, he said he would raise taxes for those making over $200,000. That's a hefty change. Now Joe Biden has been running around claiming that Obama will raise taxes on those making over $150,000 a year. From his original statements, that's a drop of $100,000! That's huge! Did he just think we wouldn't notice? This reminds me of the passage of "1984" when it was announced over the public telescreens that the chocolate ration had been raised to 20 grams a week, when in fact, it had been 30 the week before. Does Obama think that we will just forget his past promises? And what's to stop him from lowering the bar again?
  • In an interview, Obama said he would use the government to manipulate the people by fining companies, thus passing on the cost to consumers. He said, "I think it is important to send some price signals to change behavior." Come on! Are you for real right now? Yeah, sadly, he is.
  • His government run healthcare system is not a good idea. It's also socialist. It doesn't work in Cuba, it doesn't work in Canada, and it doesn't work in Europe. WHY WOULD IT WORK HERE?
  • The mainstream media is in almost complete alliance with Obama. As we've seen, he doesn't deal well with opponents. He has his very own "Ministry of Truth" (This also ties in with the "Truth Squad")
  • Obama had millions of "mindless-sheep" supporters, who are unquestioning in their devotion to "the messiah", and the worst part is, the majority of them don't really know why they're voting for him. Sure, some could say, "the economy" bu those people don't know anything about the economy, and definitely weren't paying attention when McCain was speaking during the debates. Sure, McCain's policy wasn't perfect, but Obama's was idiotic. To raise taxes in a recession? On the MIDDLE CLASS (That he supposedly supports?)!!!?! Thousands of pro Obama websites, the Truth Squad, insane volunteers, etc. Charismatic leader with bad ideas + loyal minions = bad news for America.
  • Obama wants to create a Citizen Army. And what the hell is he planning to do with that?! Come on people, wake up!

Look, the body of evidence suggesting that Obama will not only try to enforce socialist policies, but act like a dictator while in office is, quite plainly, huge. Liberals, take off those blindfolds, and Republicans, it's time to stand up and do something. I'm not saying Obama will declare himself dictator for life, but we can't let him get away with acting the way he has been.

What I did on Halloween

Well, on Halloween Night, my friends and I left our abodes to enjoy a night of debauchery and excellent adventures. My initial goal for the evening was to film a documentary, finding out who people were voting for. However, my expert news team and I only managed to get footage of three people. In the end, it doesn't really matter, as the election was over, but I decided to post it anyway:

This intelligent woman truly enlightened me, and doubtless, had I released this footage before the election, Obama would have grabbed at least three and a half more votes. Here is the second interview:

In the end, my plan was overall unsuccessful, and soon my friends and I had resorted to other methods of entertainment:

Well, in the end Obama won. The philosopher I first interviewed was right. At least we've still got our fortune cookies.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Obama's Civilian Security Force

And you thought his Truth Squad was bad.

Really, what purpose could this possibly serve?

Friday, October 31, 2008

Yeah, Cause That's Totally Fair

Two men were arrested Thursday for hanging a life size effigy of Barack Obama on the campus of the Univerity of Kentucky. This was avery distateful act, wrong on every level. Wosre though, is the fact that a West California couple who displayed an effigy of Sarah Palin hanging from a noose were not made to take it down, let alone arrested. (They have since taken it down, though by free will, due to neighbors complaints). Why is this? I guess it just boils down to state law, but something must be said of the obvious bias.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Is this a glimpse of the (possible) future?

After Biden's tough interview with Barbara West of WFTV's channel 9, the Obama campaign pulled an interview with Jill Biden from the station. One representative of the campaign, Laura McGinnis, said

"This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election,"

Here's a video of the interview:



This of course brings to mind the Obama "Truth Squad". It also reminds me of Obama's continuos attempts to silence all information regarding his past associations with Bill Ayers. Overall, Obama has tried to intimidate those speaking out against him to be quiet. he also supports "spreading around the wealth" and a universal health care system. Think about it, this sounds like a totalitarian regime to me. He says he supports the first amendment...as long as no one's criticizing him. And he will use strong arm tactics to hush his opponents. Well try and hush me Barack.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

"Socialist"- Secret Code Word for Black Person?

I guess you learn something new every day. Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist, has criticized McCain and Palin for calling Barack Obama a socialist. What is the basis of his argument? He says that the term "socialist" means "black person". Lewis, sadly, is not alone. Many other crazy liberal bloggers and columnists actually believe that McCain is calling Obama a socialist, and actually meaning that he's a *gasp* black person. Last time I checked, Obama was a black person. I can't believe I'm even writing this.

"Socialist" does not mena "black person". Wikipedia defines socialism as such:


Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and the creation of an egalitarian society.

No mention of the word "black" or "African" anywhere. Dictionary.com defines socialism in similar terms:

1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the
ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital,
land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles


Again, no connection whatsoever to black people. Perhaps I can help Lewis, as he clearly does not understand what socialsim is, nor how Barack Obama can be (accurately) called a socialist. Barack Obama is a socialist because:

  • He calls for a universal, government run healthcare system. This is socialist. It can be found in nations like Cuba. It can also be found in Britian. It was introduced by the British socialist Labor Party.
  • His tax policies reflect the idea of "redistribution of wealth." This is socialist. (Let's make everyone poor!)
  • He has a truth squad. Perhaps Lewis Diuguid did not read Orwell's "1984". if he did, then he completely missed the point.
  • These people have a lot to say about Obama's long socialist record.

Check out my very own Political Spectrum to help explain why Obama is dangerously socialist. (Top)

Obama is very liberal, in fact, he has one of the most liberal voting records in the Senate. As I illustrated, Liberalism is next to socialism (not "blackism"). Don't belive me? Look it up yourself. And as for you Lewis Diuguid, RESEARCH. There's a little thing out there called the internet. Use it. Jusging by the comments left after your article, I'm not the only one who thinks you're a biased, leftist, race-card palying fool.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Is the Taliban Inherently Evil?

I attended Khaled Hosseini's lecture/interview at UB last night. It was very interestng, and Khaled came off as a down to earth guy. One thing that I found fault with however, was his defense of the Taliban. When asked if the Taliban was inherently evil, he said "No," saying that thier motives were practical, and while they have done evil things, they were not necessarily evil. If I could have posed a question to Khaled, I would have asked him, "Has the Taliban ever done anything good?" Maybe, but I've never heard of it. Adolf Hitler took power and began his blitzkrieg because he wanted Germany to be restored to its former glory. Still, no one can deny (Ahmedinejad excepted) that Hitler was evil. Therefore, the motives of a person do not decide whether their actions are evil, their actions do. This can be magnified to apply to a group of people as well. The Taliban may not do what they do out of a desire to hurt people (though many of them do, as Khaled admitted) but their decision to hurt people and to cause misery does make them evil.
Is it their religion that calls for them to do this? No. But do they believe that it does? Sometimes. Many would say then that I cannot question them or call them evil, because they do it out of a dedication to "Allah". To quote Mark Twain, "Loyalty to petrified opinion never broke a chain or freed a human soul."

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Strong Arm Tactics from Obama Campaign

The Obama campaign has been making headlines lately-but not for political reasons. "Fraud" is not a word that one would normally associate with Barack Obama's campaign, however, it's coming up in relation to him more an more frequently. First, Tony Rezko, personal friend of Obama's, was convicted of fraud. Then there's the ACORN buisness. And finally and most shockingly is the stroy of the Kansas City couple, both McCain supporters, who found a mysterious $2300 credit card charge listed as a donation to the Obama campaign on their bill.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

A Deabte on The Debate

I just thought it would be interesting to post a debate my friend and I had via email, mainly centering on the VP debate and the lies that were told there. Lots of interesting links. Enjoy:
____________________________________________________________________
From: ?????
Sent: Fri 10/3/2008 4:01 PM
To: Roflsaurus-Rex
Subject: Debate Facts
http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://news.aol.com/elections/debates/article/some-facts-adrift-in-clash/199290

is that Palin's name that comes up more than Biden's on lies???
____________________________________________________________________
From: Roflsaurus-Rex
Sent: Sat 10/4/2008 2:48 PM
To: ?????
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
1.) How is this a lie?
PALIN: "Two years ago, remember, it was John McCain who pushed so hard with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform measures. He sounded that warning bell."
THE FACTS: Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska led an effort in 2005 to tighten regulation on the mortgage underwriters — McCain joined as a co-sponsor a year later. The legislation was never taken up by the full Senate, then under Republican control.

2.)
PALIN: "We cannot afford to lose against al-Qaida and the Shia extremists who are still there, still fighting us."
THE FACTS: She appeared to confuse the two main Muslim sects in Iraq. Al-Qaida is solely made up of Sunni Muslim militants. Through the course of the war, U.S. forces fought ferocious opposition from both the Sunnis and the country's dominant Shiite sects. Now, both groups are largely maintaining a cease-fire with the U.S. A much-diminished al-Qaida, mainly foreign fighters, remains the primary threat.

This little quote points out that Palin was in fact correct, in that Shia extremists were fighting our forces. It ignores the fact that they still are, regardless of where they are coming from.

3.)
PALIN: Said Alaska is "building a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline, which is North America's largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever to flow those sources of energy into hungry markets."
THE FACTS: Not quite. Construction is at least six years away. So far the state has only awarded a license to Trans Canada Corp., that comes with $500 million in seed money in exchange for commitments toward a lengthy and costly process to getting a federal certificate. At an August news conference after the state Legislature approved the license, Palin said, "It's not a done deal."

Clearly now, two months later, it is either a done deal, or close to being one. She would be the authority on this subject, correct? And regardless of when construction is scheduled to begin, Sarah was right when she said it is "North America's largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever to flow those sources of energy into hungry markets." Again, this article fails to point out where she was wrong.

4.)
PALIN: Said a McCain-Palin administration "will support Israel," including "building our embassy ... in Jerusalem."
THE FACTS: Moving the U.S. Embassy from its present location in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a perennial promise of presidential candidates courting the Jewish-American vote. In fact, moving the embassy is actually required by U.S. law. But successive administrations of both parties, including President Bush's, have made the same pledge only to find that the realities of Middle East peacemaking have forced them to invoke a waiver to delay it. Jerusalem is claimed as a capital by both Israel and the Palestinians, and Israel's occupation of east Jerusalem is not internationally recognized. The city's status is a key issue of disagreement in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
This piece points out the difficulty of moving the embassy, but it does not state that it will not happen. If Palin says that that is what her ticket aims to do, then that is what her ticket aims to do. No one has presented any evidence to the contrary.

5.)Your article doesn't even mention Biden's blunder on climate change. He actually said that humans are the sole cause of climate change. He is completely ignoring the fact that, as Palin pointed out, the Earth goes through cyclical heating and cooling processes. Is he now denying the last seven ice ages?

6.) According to your article, Palin lied seven times to Biden's five. However, as I pointed out, four of Palin's "lies" weren't lies at all.
Original Lie Score:
Palin: 7
Biden: 5
Revised Lie Score:
Palin: 3
Biden: 5
Then, with the edition of Biden's (perhaps unkown) global warming lie:
Final Lie Score:
Palin: 3
Biden: 6

Check out the link to my finished blog about the debate:
http://www.roflsaurus-rex.blogspot.com/
____________________________________________________________________
From: ?????
Sent: Sun 10/5/2008 12:24 PM
To: Roflsaurus-Rex
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
im not going to the extreme to prove how many wrongs i see here, theres no sense arguing with a stubborn republican
____________________________________________________________________
From: Roflsaurus-Rex
Sent: Sun 10/5/2008 1:03 PM
To: ?????
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
Why don't you at least try? If you don't, one must assume that you can't.
Admittedly, I didn't take the time to point out which of Biden's supposed "falsehoods" were actually true (which could compromise the accuracy of my "final lie count"), but I didn't believe it necessary.
It is true that I am both stubborn and Republican, but regardless of the pointlessness of arguing with a liberal who is sadly unaware of any factual information regarding said argument, I will try to do so anyway, on the off chance that they are intellignent enough to see the blunders of their leaders. I believe that you are an inteligent liberal, ?????, and in your case, that isn't an oxymoron.
____________________________________________________________________
From: ?????
Sent: Sun 10/5/2008 8:16 PM
To: Roflsaurus-Rex
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
Alright then:

for starters

your #1, palin was quoted as saying "He sounded that warning bell." which would imply that he started it, which obviously as indictated by the article, he didn't and Chuck Hagel did

BIDEN: Warned that Republican presidential candidate John McCain's $5,000 tax credit to help families buy health coverage "will go straight to the insurance company."
THE FACTS: Of course it would, because it's meant to pay for insurance. That's like saying money for a car loan will go straight to the car dealer.

that isnt a lie, as a matter of fact, the article just seems to restate it

BIDEN: Said McCain supports tax breaks for oil companies, and "wants to give them another $4 billion tax cut."
THE FACTS: Biden is repeating a favorite saw of the Obama campaign, and it's misleading. McCain supports a cut in income taxes for all corporations, and doesn't single out any one industry for that benefit.

though misleading, it is still true despite the fact that more than one corporation will receive tax breaks

BIDEN: "As a matter of fact, John recently wrote an article in a major magazine saying that he wants to do for the health care industry — deregulate it and let the free market move — like he did for the banking industry."
THE FACTS: Biden and Obama have been perpetuating this distortion of what McCain wrote in an article for the American Academy of Actuaries. McCain, laying out his health plan, only referred to deregulation when saying people should be allowed to buy health insurance across state lines. In that context, he wrote: "Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation."

again misleading yet not a lie, my defense on this one is a little weak so i have a cnn website here to defend me: http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/02/fact-check-does-mccain-want-to-deregulate-health-care-like-banking/

Original Lie Score:
Palin: 7
Biden: 5
Revised Lie Score:
Palin: 3
Biden: 5
Then, with the edition of Biden's (perhaps unkown) global warming lie:
Final Lie Score:
Palin: 3
Biden: 6
Revised Final Lie Score:
Palin: 4
Biden: 3

so depending on whether you disagree with the one lie about the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, either Biden won or we can shake hands and call it a tie
____________________________________________________________________
From: Roflsaurus-Rex
Sent: Sun 10/5/2008 8:51 PM
To: ?????
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
Palin didn't mention Chuck Hagel, because Chuck Hagel has nothing to do with the debate. it may imply that McCain warned first, but the truth of the statement was that McCain did in fact warn the Senate About Frannie and Freddie, while neither Obama nor Biden did any such thing. Palin stated this to debunk Biden's claim that McCain was in favor of over deregulation.


BIDEN: Warned that Republican presidential candidate John McCain's $5,000 tax credit to help families buy health coverage "will go straight to the insurance company."
THE FACTS: Of course it would, because it's meant to pay for insurance. That's like saying money for a car loan will go straight to the car dealer.

that isnt a lie, as a matter of fact, the article just seems to restate it

True, Biden didn't lie, but he either a.) had no idea what he was talking about or b.) was trying to pass this statement off as something it wasn't. He tried to make it look as if McCain was giving American tax dollars to the big Health Insurance Corporations, when in fact he is giving the money back to the American people, on the condition they use it for health insurance. This wasn't a lie, but it was a clever manipulation of the truth.

BIDEN: Said McCain supports tax breaks for oil companies, and "wants to give them another $4 billion tax cut."
THE FACTS: Biden is repeating a favorite saw of the Obama campaign, and it's misleading. McCain supports a cut in income taxes for all corporations, and doesn't single out any one industry for that benefit.

though misleading, it is still true despite the fact that more than one corporation will receive tax breaks

The article failed to point out the reason for the tax cut: for the American corporations to stay competitive. While the rest of the world lowered corporate taxes, we stayed behind. This means for money for foriegn companies, and less for ours. (Check this link for the explanation in detail http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.johnmccain.com/Issues/JobsforAmerica/taxes.htm)

BIDEN: "As a matter of fact, John recently wrote an article in a major magazine saying that he wants to do for the health care industry — deregulate it and let the free market move — like he did for the banking industry."
THE FACTS: Biden and Obama have been perpetuating this distortion of what McCain wrote in an article for the American Academy of Actuaries. McCain, laying out his health plan, only referred to deregulation when saying people should be allowed to buy health insurance across state lines. In that context, he wrote: "Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation."

again misleading yet not a lie, my defense on this one is a little weak so i have a cnn website here to defend me: http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/02/fact-check-does-mccain-want-to-deregulate-health-care-like-banking/

Your article agrees with me and your original link in that Biden manipulated the truth to make it look like whatever he wanted. Deregulation of the Health Care Industry in that Health Care can be purchased over state lines will increase competion, lower prices, and, contrary to the CNN blogger's beliefs, give less power to the Corporations.

Your link also "lied" in a certain sense of the word. Deregulation did not solely cause the Wall Street crisis. Yes, corruption within Frannie Mae and Freddie Mac were key contributers, as well as corporate and individual greed, but the Community Reinvestment Act, further regulating the industry, caused much more damage than deregulation did or could. You can read up about it here. http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Reinvestment_Act
It was changed many times, each causing more damage down the road.

Here's a vid on it:
http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgqfM5C8lY

Overall, Biden didn't lie as much as he told "white lies" or manipulated and distorted the truth. His biggest lie, as I said, was on global warming.
Original Lie Score:
Palin: 7
Biden: 5
Final Lie Score:
Palin: 3
Biden: 5
Then, with the edition of Biden's (perhaps unkown) global warming lie:
Revised Final Lie Score:
Palin: 4
Biden: 3
Witholding Information or Manipulating Truth:
Biden: 3
CNN: 1

___________________________________________________________________
From: ?????
Sent: Sun 10/5/2008 9:42 PM
To: Roflsaurus-Rex
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
well of course she didnt mention Hagel because she was trying to make it sound like McCain was responsible thats why the article did

also, global warming is bs (in my opinion), there are cyclical changes but indeed we are the cause of global warming (the problem) not global warming (the natural increase in temperature occuring from time to time)
he is most likely refering to the melting of the ice caps which just screws up the entire climate of the world
i wouldnt know why he would want to lie about natural climate change cause there is no chance of getting away with it

so even with the misleading information, yet true, its practically a tie, personally, i don't like any of the candidates, obama has bad ideas as well as McCain
i am not ever going to risk going into the army so Obama > McCain and Palin isn't ready, 2 years of executive experience doesnt qualify you to be vice president, but 35 years of experience in the government seems greatly more qualifying don't you think, so Biden > Palin
call me liberal, i do have certain issues where i would place my "vote" on, but these are ones that sway my opinion
____________________________________________________________________
From: Roflsaurus-Rex
Sent: Mon 10/6/2008 8:05 AM
To: ?????
Subject: RE: Debate Facts
The global warming thing: Humans have a minimal impact on Earth's climate. The melting of the ice caps is caused by the long and drawn out cyclical process of heating and cooling that the Earth undergoes. Biden denied this, and he can get away with it becaue of the extreme liberal hollywood media that all agree with him. Environmental activists are currently trying to sue major oil corporations for "spreading doubt" about global warming. The people that are doing the sueing are actually scientists. Doesn't this go against everythign that science stands for? Challenging the current stadard and ideas? So Biden can easily get away with his lies.

You are correct, currently the score is about at a tie, but I found another article correcting the blatant lies Biden told that your article missed. Some are quite amusing.

http://exchange.sjci.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122325448093406451.html

Here are some highlights:

1.) Start with Lebanon, where Mr. Biden asserted that "When we kicked -- along with France, we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, 'Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don't know -- if you don't, Hezbollah will control it.' Now what's happened? Hezbollah is a legitimate part of the government in the country immediately to the north of Israel."
The U.S. never kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, and no one else has either. Perhaps Mr. Biden meant to say Syria, except that the U.S. also didn't do that. The Lebanese ousted Syria's military in 2005. As for NATO, Messrs. Biden and Obama may have proposed sending alliance troops in, but if they did that was also a fantasy. The U.S. has had all it can handle trying to convince NATO countries to deploy to Afghanistan.
2.) Speaking of which, Mr. Biden also averred that "Our commanding general in Afghanistan said the surge principle in Iraq will not work in Afghanistan." In trying to correct him, Mrs. Palin mispronounced the general's name -- saying "General McClellan" instead of General David McKiernan. But Mr. Biden's claim was the bigger error, because General McKiernan said that while "Afghanistan is not Iraq," he also said a "sustained commitment" to counterinsurgency would be required. That is consistent with Mr. McCain's point that the "surge principles" of Iraq could work in Afghanistan.
3.) Then there's the Senator's astonishing claim that Mr. Obama "did not say he'd sit down with Ahmadinejad" without preconditions. Yet Mr. Biden himself criticized Mr. Obama on this point in 2007 at the National Press Club: "Would I make a blanket commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of each of those countries within the first year I was elected President? Absolutely, positively no."
4.) Closer to home, the Delaware blarney stone also invited Americans to join him at "Katie's restaurant" in Wilmington to witness middle-class struggles. Just one problem: Katie's closed in the 1980s. The mistake is more than a memory lapse because it exposes how phony is Mr. Biden's attempt to pose for this campaign as Lunchbucket Joe.
To sum it all up:
We think the word "lie" is overused in politics today, having become a favorite of the blogosphere and at the New York Times. So we won't say Mr. Biden was deliberately making events up when he made these and other false statements. Perhaps he merely misspoke. In any case, Mrs. Palin may not know as much about the world as Mr. Biden does, but at least most of what she knows is true.
____________________________________________________________________

From: ?????
Sent: Mon 6/10/2008 4:00 PM
To: Roflsaurus-Rex

interesting, but I still have to feel Obama - Biden 08

to be honest, i dont have the slightest care for anything about global warming because i'm a jerk and i won't be here when the real problems arise

but enough of global warming, its a pointless topic seeing we really cant do much about it

i don't feel like debating about anything, i've been walking from 3-3:45 because there was communication issues so my mom didnt tell my grandmother than i wasnt staying after today (Monday) so i was by ????? when my grandmother found me after she had a conversation with my mom which ended with, "I GOTTA GO!" so to make this story shorter, im tired
____________________________________________________________________

Friday, October 3, 2008

Biden and Palin Trade Blows, But Who Won?

Last night's debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen Joe Biden was very revealing. Upon first watching it I couldn't quite decide who had the upper hand, although I was leaning slightly toward Joe Biden. He is certainly an intelligent man, and he is at home on at a debate. He knew what to say and when to say it, and knew how to handle himself. Palin showed that she definitely does not lack experience in this format, and was miles away from her performance with Katie Couric. One aspect that influenced my indecision who won was the many claims that both candidates made regarding themselves, their running mates, and each other. I just didn't know who was telling the truth. Once I looked up the facts, however, the outcome was obvious. She smoked him. Period. Watching the video of Joe Biden saying he didn't think Obama was ready to be president was hilarious, and really shines a light on the instability of the Democratic ticket. It was a work of art.

A friend of mine, sitting next to me now has just commented that he completely disagrees that Palin won. Here's why he's wrong:

  1. Palin obviously beat Biden on the issue of the economy. Biden, claiming to represent the middle class, was shot down by Palin's criticism of the Obama/Biden tax increase that would hit small businesses hard. Biden tried to pass this off as false by playing word games, but he was grasping at straws, and he knew it.
  2. This video:
  3. The energy issue. Palin is far more experienced in dealing with energy, and she knows what to do about ending foreign oil dependence. She knows that new drilling in Alaska would create jobs and help end foreign oil. People criticize her for her lack of experience on issues regarding the economy. This would bolster the economy, would it not? She is also for investing in alternative energy sources. You can't criticize her there. While the Dems ignore the present and look to the future regarding the energy "crisis", Palin shows that she has a plan of action both short term and long term.
  4. Tying in with my last point, Biden's exposed his ignorance on the issue of climate change. He acted as if humans were the sole cause of global climate change. Palin is much more experienced and educated on the subject, and while she went the safe route by admitting to some human influence, she stated the obvious natural and cyclical process of the earth that liberal pseudo-scientists think doesn't exist. Hey Joe, do you actually not believe in those Ice Ages we've had? Yep, there were about seven. You might want to get your facts straight before talking about science. She also mentioned McCain's "all of the above" method in dealing with climate change and energy Independence. This is the best choice. Biden said: "If you don't understand the causes, it's impossible to come up with solutions." The irony is palpable.
  5. Gov. Palin reinforced her and McCain's bipartisan record, and strongly contrasted it with that of Obama's. She didn't have to make Biden look like a fool (he was doing it for her) so she had time to go after Obama as well. She also shone the spotlight on the transparent fallacy that the Obama/Biden ticket is all about the middle class. Biden repeated this many times, as if repetition would make us believe it was true (sadly, for some of us, this will be the case) but when Sarah pointed out the holes in his argument and then displayed McCain's plans, it was clear to those watching that the McCain/Palin ticket is the true champion of the middle class. Hockey moms and Joe Six-Packs unite!
  6. Lastly, Palin pointed out that while Barack Obama stresses change, he really falls under the category in which he tries to place John McCain: more of the same. Obama and Biden represent more of the same partisan, corrupt, lazy, and incompetent side of Washington, while she and McCain are mavericks and reformers, more than willingly to work on a bipartisan level to "get the job done".

For those of you that disagree, you can argue your points any way you want, but the fact remains that you are wrong, misinformed, ignorant, possibly brainwashed, and in denial of it all.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Obama's Truth Squad....Rofl?

It's time for the first ever Roflsaurus-Rex Rofl Moment. This will be the first of many articles on topics that make us all Rofl.
Today's Rofl comes in the form of Barack Obama's very own Thought Police. However, he calls them his "Truth Squad". based in Missourri, consisting of regular volunteers along with two lawyers and a county sherriff. They will respond to any adds or information made public with their version of "the truth." This slightly Orwellian concept has caused outrage with the proponents of free speech throughout this entire country, although isn't really scary at first glance. In fact, it makes one want to Rofl. However, we can't ignore the presence of two prominent lawyers and a sherriff. If this "Truth Squad" only aims to promote their ideas as truth, why do they need these clowns? it also shows a lot about Barack Obama. Like some Big Brother, he thinks he can tell us what the truth is? This year's presidential election certainly will be interesting. John McCain vs. Kim Jong Il.
Rofl.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gore Calls For Civil Disobedience?!

Al Gore, in a speech at the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative, suggested that it was time for young people to use civil disobediance to stop the building of coal plants without carbon storage. Gore is right, we shouldn't be making new coal plants without carbon storage facilities, but it isn't necessary, and it definetly shouldn't be accomplished through violent or destructive means.
Also, in one statement, met with much applause, Gore said, "Tax what we burn, not what we earn." This was of course in favor of a carbon tax that would replace the income tax. Hey, I'm all for abolishing the income tax, but a carbon tax? That's just ridiculous. And, what's funiest about this is, Al would be paying a pretty hefty fine for his massive carbon footprint, but of course he has enough cash so that it wouldn't matter.
So, Al Gore: former Vice President, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, author, and now: ECO-TERRORIST. Yep, right up there with those nutcases in ELF. I mean really Al? May I call you Al? This is beyond silly. This is quite possibly the dumbest thing that has ever come out of your mouth, and that's saying something (Yep, this even beats, "I invented the internet."). Calling for civil disobedience? Well there's really not much more to say. We knew he was ignorant, we knew he ignored the scientific facts that would put the final nail in his enviromentally friendly coffin, but now we know that he's just plain stupid.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

European's Criticize Wall Street, Blame Us For Their Troubles

Our own stock market meltdown in the U.S. has naturally set off a tidal wave of economic troubles across the rest of the globe. Europe most recently was hit by the aftershocks of our last crash, and now they have begun to criticize speculators stockholders, and the U.S. government, looking for a target for their wrath.
And yet hardened U.S. stock market experts are acting the complete opposite. They aren't worried. And why should we be? And more importantly those self-righteous European slugs should get off our back and worry about their own problems. We can handle this. We are handling this. Our economy had been through low times before, but we rebounded then. This is natural, just listen to Led Zeppelin's "Good Times, Bad Times". Chill out. Europeans are acting like little kids, whining and complaining and trying to blame other people for their problems, citing "voracious selfishness" of speculators and "stupid sluggishness" of regulators as the cause of the economic crisis. If your economy can't stand up without ours supporting it, you probably shouldn't be too critical. The cause for this wasn't greed or selfishness, it was average people overestimating their wealth and defaulting on mortages. The last thing we need is panic.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Enough with the Waiting Game

I'm quickly getting bored with this dragged out waiting game that the U.S. is playing no on two fronts. Iran is now going to hold war games lasting three days, while Israel continues to threaten an air strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Rumors of a US strike have been brewing as well. On the other hand continued verbal battles have been going on between the US, NATO and Russia since the latter's invasion of Georgia last month. Now Russian war ships will be sailing to Venezuela to participate in their own Carribbean Naval demonstrations.
Is this what our world has come to? That the might of the powerful nations of this Earth go about playing little war games and trying to "show off"their might? COME ON! SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ALREADY!!! I'm sick of the waiting around, the tension, and the non-news of "war games".
Enough with the games, let's go and tell Russia that because of their invasion of Georgia, we won't let them come as close to us as the Carribbean. We've been threatening them with sanctions, so Bush, put your money where your mouth is. If Russia refuses, we'll wave a little thing called the Monroe doctrine in their face, send out some of our own warships, and blast them out of the water if they don't leave. They're trying to mess with us, to prove that we won't do anything and that they can do whatever they want, like invade and decimate their neighbors like Georgia. You wanna play with the big dogs, this is what you get.
As for Iran, that's not our buisness just yet, so I'm urging Israel to hurry up and blast their nuclear facilities into ash. And I know they'll do it. They can stand up for themselves. But please, the sooner the better. These millitary demonstrations that will be taking place soon in Iran will be using anti-aircraft missles. Clearly a direct challenge. Do it now, before their little "show".
The West, collectively, needs to step up and be a man. McCain claims to wish touse Teddy Roosevelt as his presidential model. If McCain is telling the truth, I sincerely hope he gets elected. If not, move over and let someone who will pull the trigger take the job. I know Teddy would have.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Flustered Dem's Criticize Palin's...Hair?

A clearly liberal reporter for the Boston Herald wrote and article criticizing McCain's VP nominee Sarah Palin's hairdo. The article quoted a few local hair stylists clearly, of questionable orientation. What makes this worse is that this article wasn't a joke. In fact, Lauren Falcone, the author of the article in question, actually claimed that she was reporting on a newsworthy issue.
This embarrassment to journalism does more to help than harm Sarah Palin. It shows that she cannot be criticized on any topics of importance, so instead liberals flustered by her fierce attitude search in vain for ways to attack her. Good luck with that.
Yes, anyone of political opinion differing from mine would say that they have a very good reason to criticize Govenor Palin: she is too inexperienced to be the Vice President. First of all, if you're going to play that horribly transparent card, maybe you should have nominated someone other than Barack Obama. Also, Obama and Biden were both Senators, serving in the Legislative branch of our government. Sarah was a Governor, and before that, Mayor. Does anyone know what a governor, mayor, and the President have in common? Yes, you there in the blue polo? Correct! They're all Executive positions! Sarah Palin could run alone against Barack Obama and still be far more qualified to be our nation's next President. So leave, n00bs. Leave now.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Amadinejad and Putin

Yes, Amadinejad and Putin are both men who are either hated or feared (and quite possibly insane) but, despite all of the human rights violations they've committed, I have a strange sort of respect for them. These are two men play by their own rules and won't let anyone boss them around. How can you not respect that?
Amadinejad is determined to continue his country's development of a nuclear enrichment program, whether for energy or military purposes. The US and Israel are determined to stop him. He knows his entire country could be destroyed and he himself could be killed. Israel vows to attack soon, and the Dutch had planned an attack, but stopped short upon recieving intel that suggested that the US was ready to attack. But still, under overwhelming odds, this guy just won't take no for an answer. Sure, I don't like the idea of Iran having nukes, and I know that, as the most powerful country in the world, we have the right and responsibility to stop them. But they also have the right to fight back.
Vladimir Putin also is a maverick. Surging forward on the momentum of his popularity he has invaded another country, attacking its infrastructure and is now beginning to absorb two breakaway regions into Russia. He has now formed deals to tighten Russia's grip on Central Asia's oil welth, much to the dismay of the west. The US and many other European countries have vowed that Russia will face consequences, such as being exiled from G-8 and being denied entry into NATO, as well as lessened trade with many other countries. Putin has calmly pointed out how each of these claims is either false, or just doesn't matter. On top of that, he has been making demands of his own, calling for the removal of NATO warships from the Caspian. He knows his strength and is using it. Sure he was wrong to use such force in Georgia, and his demands are somewhat unrealistic, but does no one remember the Mexican-American War? We did the same thing as Russia has done here with Georgia. And in my book, that means they can do it too. Yeah, it was over one hundred years ago, but who cares? Obviously, this IS still the way the world works. If no one's going to stand up to you, why not?
Yeah, these are undeniably "bad" men, but I respect them immensely. I wish we had men of their caliber on our side.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Metro Fight

In Buffalo NY, after a concert series called Thursday in the Square, civilians riding a crowded Metro train erupted into a brawl. The fight was captured on camera and was uploaded to Youtube. The video has since been taken down "due to terms of use violations". Channel 2 News of Buffalo reported on the story:

The line that I find to be odd is "Investigators are still looking to find the mystery photographer and why it was uploaded to youtube for the world to see." I don't see any problem with uploading the video. Do you? Vote now in my poll.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Poland Finds an Ally in U.S.

An agreement between Poland and the United states was reached Thursday for strengthening of the bond between the two nations. Polish prime Minister Donald Tusk, having seen the ferocity with which Russia has attacked Georgia, realizes that if Poland is attacked, NATO will be too slow to come to the country's aid. "Poland and the Poles do not want to be in alliances in which assistance comes at some point later—it is no good when assistance comes to dead people. Poland wants to be in alliances where assistance comes in the very first hours of—knock on wood—any possible conflict," This basically sums it up.

The exact specifications of the agreement state that:


  • The United States will help Poland augment its defenses and come to Poland's aid if attacked

  • And/in exchange for the placement of U.S. 10 Patriot missle defense interceptors in Poland.

This agreement, which took around 18 months to come into being, has Russia angered. At the same time, Russia has openly dissregarded the ceasefire and has begun looting cities, and burning military bases, it's army sweeping across Georgia. A column of more than 100 Russian tanks has been reported to be currently moving toward Georgia's second largest city. Reports have also come in that Georgian soldiers fired on civilians. Clearly, total chaos reigns, and Poland certainly has a right to be concerned. George Bush has criticized the Kremlin and called for Russia to uphold the ceasefire agreement and to withdraw immediately from Georgia, but this seems highly unlikely. The United States did transport all of the Georgian soldiers in Iraq back to Georgia and has delivered humanitarian aid to Georgia. President Bush has so far only threatened with the exclusion of Russia from many international organizations, and has not yet delivered any ultimatum regarding military action if Russia continues on the war path. And all the while Russia's true motives for it's blitzkrieg war are still unknown...

Future Transportation

Picture this:  a world where transportation cost no energy.  There is no gasoline, and no alternaticve fuel source.  I'm talking about a costless, zero emmissions form of transportation.  The answer is simple, but putting into action will be more difficult.  I'm talking about electromagnets.

Maglev trains are an example of electromagnetic powered transportation.  They do not pollute and they do not rely on nonrenewable resources.  I think that this technology could be applied to everyday transportation.  The technology is there, we just have to apply it.

First we would replace all roads with a series of electromagnetic rails for individually owned "Maglev" cars would run on.  Of course the level of planning and the actual cost of of the infrastructure is ridiculous, and quite unrealistic if it were to be attempted today.  However, I'm not proposing this for today.  I'm simply saying that it can be done.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

More on the "Fairness Doctrine"

I was scanning the Drudge Report this evening and I cam across one bolded/red article title mentioning the Fairness Doctrine. (I have already blogged on this subject, but I feel the need for one more rant.) This article quoted FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell as mentioning birth of a new bill much like the Fariness Doctrine was possible in the future. This bill, however, would not only regulate radio, but also the internet.

Yes, the internet, the last safe haven for those of us who wish to do as we please and say what we want. A mystical realm with no rules, and no government interference (To a certain extent). This very utopia that all internet users have hepled shape is now in jeopardy because of control freaks like Pelosi in Congress. The mainstream media is already controlled by the liberals, and all we've got left is a few talk radio shows and the internet.

Any bill that would attempt to regulate what people say instantly infringes upon the First Amendment, but a bill that would try to make sure that equal time was given to both parties on already biased radio shows or blogs is horrendous.

And, to be clear here, I (usually) don't form an opinion until I've heard both sides of the story, and I like to dissect both sides, asses the pros and cons, etc, etc. But this is too far. This is verging on socialism. The next logical step is forbidding anyone to criticize the government. Please, readers, spread the word about this atrocity in an attempt to raise awareness, so the congressmen in favor of it won't be able to pull this one off.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Georgian/Russian Conflict

The recent explosion of violence between Georgia and Russia has really got me wondering. There seems to be no reason whatsoever for Georgian forces to attack a region that separated form them 16 years ago, but at the same time the amount of force that the Russians are using to counter this attack is ridiculous. The Russians have every right to intervene in this situation (Really, no one can argue against that), but to bomb civilian areas, to attack communication lines and oil pipes seems like an act of war, as if their goal was to eliminate and/or absorb Georgia, along with South Ossetia. it seems that in this situation, there is no "good guy". They are booth extremely wrong. Georgia, though, has asked for a ceasefire, a request that Russia has so far ignored. I suppose for now we can only wait and see how this plays out, and whether it escalates into all out war, or simmers down. With Russia's response, I'm assuming it will be the former, unless external pressure stops Russia. Thinking about that, I'm beginning to believe that external pressure might actually push Russia farther into conflict. This could be some kind of proving ground for Russia, to flex its military muscles and show off a bit...

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Pelosi Aims To Revive "Fairness Doctrine"

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi aims to reinstate the "Fairness Doctrine". This ironic bill, which was terminated under the Reagan administration, would "regulate" media, and could be used as a weapon to silence conservative radio talk show hosts such as Rush Limbaugh. It seems that free speech is a popular target this week.

Pelosi has already opposed Rep. Mike Pence's (R-Ind.) Broadcaster Freedom Act, saying she wouldn't let it see the floor of the 2008 Congress. We'll just see about that Nancy.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Free Speech Under Attack Again

Free Speech has once again come under attack by the global warming fearmongers. As anyone who has ever questioned global warming or the part humans have or have not played in it knows, proponents of the theory are unusually brutal towards those who challenge them.

James Hansen, a NASA scientist, has now set his sights on major oil companies. He claims that they should be put on trial for "actively spreading doubt" about climate change. Excuse me "Jim", but isn't questioning current beliefs and theories a major part of science? Or would you rather have our schools teaching kids that the Earth is the center of the universe and that everything in the world is made up of water, air, earth, and fire? And free speech is a right that all Americans are entitled to. If you and the rest of Al Gore's henchmen can spew out that bull that humans are responsible for changing Earth's climate, then the sane half of this country can certainly challange your beliefs.

Mr. Hansen said, "The problem is not political will, it's the alligator shoes - the lobbyists. It's the fact that money talks in Washington, and that democracy is not working the way it's intended to work." Do you really mean that democracy isn't working the way it's intended to, or that democracy isn't working the way you want it to?

Mr. Hansen may be misguided both in matters of science and politics, but he isn't without at least one good idea. He "wants to see a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, coupled with the creation of a huge grid of low-loss electric power lines buried under ground and spread across America, in order to give wind and solar power a chance of competing." I believe this is a good idea, if not for the environment, for the economy. it will certainly help break our dependance on oil, and help supply for the eventual exhaustion of that resource.


Regardless, "Jimmy" is wrong. His suggestions, if followed, would cause the greatest travesty upon our nation and the principles it was founded on we Americans have ever seen. And this man calls himself a scientist. If all scientists were like him, our schools would teach that the Earth was the center of the Universe, and that everything in the world was made up of earth, wind, water and fire. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you James, but this is America, and here, we believe in free speech for everyone, not just the so-called experts, and just because you say something, doesn't mean it's gonna fly with the rest of us.

Another Proposal From John McCain

In a fantastic show of capitalism at its best, Sen. John McCain has proposed a partial solution to our oil dependancy. He has suggested a prize of $300 million for anyone who can create a more efficient car battery that blasts current technology out of the water. On the individual level, sum is massive, but compared to the rest of the U.S. budget, it would be a relatively small sum. I think this is a brilliant idea. We need solutions, and what motivates people more than cold, hard cash? This proposal would grant the cas prize to anyone who could invent an automobile battery that would deliver power at only 30% of current costs.

This is just another example of McCain proactively proposing solutions to our energy crisis and our bleak economic situation. McCain has also recently proposed lifting bans on offshore drilling. Obama has strongly opposed both of these moves. And what does he plan on doing? Is he just opposing McCain because he's running against him, or is he actually that misinformed?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Keep Moving Forward

It seems that the general plan for combating oil prices and the economy and energy dependence has been to complain, make wild speculations, do nothing, and doom-monger. Well isn't it time we faced the obvious? Things aren't just magically going to get better, so why don't we get to work.

The obvious long term goal is to discover a new more economical and environmentally friendly energy source. While steps have been made in that direction, we're not exactly close to finding the uber-energy yet. While we sit around experimenting and thinking about it, gas prices keep going up. What do we do? We buy time. I'm talking about drilling for coastal oil, tapping into Alaska and the Arctic Circle, etc. Discovering this "new" energy will take some time, and over time, oil prices will continue to go through the roof, and, as our economy "runs on oil" this doesn't bode well for anyone. We need to tap into our vast reserves of oil, causing a massive price drop, lessened dependence on foreign oil, and the ressucitation of the economy.

One move by such corporations as ExxonMobil, Shell, Total and BP brings hope to the situation. These companies are now moving back in to Iraq for comercial oil drilling, the first venture of this kind since Saddam Hussein nationalized Iraqi industry 36 years ago.

Also, we are completely ignoring nuclear energy. It's free of the "feared" greenhouse gas emissions, it doesn't pollute when properly managed, and is extremely cost effective. For some reason, most politicans are scared of nuclear power. That is with the exception of Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain. He has proposed the construction of 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030, a move that I firmly believe will be good for America. There's no reason we shouldn't, and countless reasons we should, and yet it will almost definetly be fought by Democrats.

Muslims Barred From Obama Photo

In a photo shoot taken Monday, June 16th at Barack Obama's Detroit rally, two Muslim women wearing headscarves were barred from standing in a picture with the presidential hopeful. This realy doesn't seem like the all-embracing, uniting Obama that has so far been shown to the public. In fact, this is the complete opposite of the image he would want to display.

Called "Barry" by his friends he reverted back to his formal name of Barack during college. Some of those who oppose him do so in part because of his full name, Barack Hussein Obama, giving them reason to fear that he is too Muslim in a time when Islamic extremists threatens the world. He, of course should not be ashamed, but proud of his name and heritage, but here he does an about-face and casts away his Muslim supporters like unwanted relatives coming to stay for the weekend.

One of the (then)supporters, Shimaa Abdelfadeel said she felt, "let down that the Obama campaign continuously perpetuates this attitude towards Muslims and Arabs — as if being merely associated [with] one is a sin.”

Obama, who's book, "Dreams From My Father" explains his quest to find his identity with his father's African culture now shuns both his Muslim supporters and his former Pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Two words: Flip-Flop.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Vegetarians, Not So Enviro-Friendly

If you really think about it, Vegetarians are eating up all our good oxygen-making plants. Vegetarians are single-handedly causing polution, global warming, the rice shortage in Asia, the destutrction of the ozone, the endo of biodiversity and are generally killing our planet.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Character Building

Everyone who has ever lived has come across the term "character building" at one point or another. Whether it came from a parent or a boss or any kind of superior, we've all experience it. But what does it really mean?
Where I go to school, I have to do 20 hours of community service every year. I usually do this over the summer. When I commemted once on how my summer was being wasted by this and other activities, my father told me that he would make my summer meaningful by filling it all up with community service, and making me get a job. Well, at fifteen, there aren't many job opportunities out there, but I would happily get a job this summer if I could find one. Community service, however, is a different story. 20 hours is the requirement, so why do more than necessary? I asked my father this, very much expecting the response I was soon to recieve: "It builds character."
What, doing things you don't want to do builds character? "Yes" my father replied. He went on about setting long term goals that took effort to achieve, and I got to thinking, what really builds character?
I don't believe that community service will build character. If you have a certain orginazation that you really believe in and respect and support, then yes, it probably will. Forced labor teaches you that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to, but again, it doesn't build character. Community service is a nice thing, but it doesn't build character for those who don't want to do it.
My father said one thing that helped me, if not him, understand what character building was all about. he said, "If you were on the beaches of Normandy, we would all be speaking German right now." Well, this is a ridiculous statement, but it helps one to understand the true meaning of character building. Character building isn't work for the sake of work, or tedium for the sake of tedium, or time wasted at something you don't want to do. Character building isn't even work for the sake of character building.
Character building is working hard to achieve something that you want, that you believe in or that you hold dear, whether the end results help you or the ones you love, or even people you don't know. Sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice is meaningless. it's what the sacrifice is for that gives it substance.
So shut up and let me enjoy my summer.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

U.S. Recession: The Truth

There's been a lot of talk about recession in the U.S. lately. Everyone loves to claim that we are in a recession, the economy is tanking, and the world will soon end. Well, I've got news for you: while the U.S. economy may be weakened, we are in no way in a period of recession. Here, for anyone who would wish to contradict me with a lot of "factual" information and fancy numbers, is the definition of recession.

Recession: a decline in a country's real gross domestic product (GDP), or negative real economic growth, for two or more successive quarters of a year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recession

People have been claiming that the United States had entered a depression months ago, with no real facts to back up these claims. Well, the results are out, and, guess what? The GDP has grown. Whaddaya know.

I'll admit, it grew by a ridiculously low number (.09%) but it grew nonetheless. So don't go making claims that you can't back up.

Here's an article on the recent growth:

In other news, an Italian Opera of "An Inconvenient Truth" is in the works, and slated to open in 2011. Why God, why?......WHY!!!??!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

I Want Star Fox!

Does anyone know if and when a new Star Fox game will be coming out for the Nintendo Wii? We've seen a new Zelda game, we got Mario Galaxy, there's a new Super Smash Bros. and mario Kart, but no Star Fox. I really hope they come out with it soon. Please post in the comments section if you have any information.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Intrepid Aversion: Rumors and More

You all know that I'm a big fan of Intrepid Aversion. Lately, they've been up to a lot. Their new single, "You Had Me at Pizza" is being recorded in their New York studio this weekend, and should be available for download early next week.

Tim O'Donnell, who used to play keyboard with the band, is rumored to have contributed to this new song, which raises the question of his possible return. If he does return, can we expect a new album this year? I sure hope so.

Also, Intrepid Aversoin is really tearing up the Internet. The recent launch of the band's official website, http://www.freewebs.com/intrepidaversion/ourmusicians.htm has now been followed by the launch of the band's bassist, "Big Hen's" new website, Intrepid Aversion Bass Station. While the band's official site is more for general purposes (It contains a brief history of the band, profiles of the band and staff, press releases, a contact page, FAQ's, a set list, and a guestbook) Intrepid Aversion Bass Station is a more fan oriented site, giving the band's back story in more detail, along with more detailed profioles, interviews, and more. The site is completely run by Big Hen, and, in an official statement made on Intrepid Aversion's Official Website it will offer tips and video's from Big Hen himself, with which he will offer insight into the atr of bassing. Rumor has it that in one of the first videos, The Big Hen will demonstrate his grounbreaking techniques, the Omega-64 Manouver and Smack-A-Bassing. We can only hope.

In other news, Jake Spitler, longtime friend of the band, has been seen entering and leaving Intrepid Aversion's New York headquarters and recording studios with a guitar and amp on multiple occassions these past few months. One can only speculate as to why. Wild rumors have been spreading, not the least of which that Jake will be joining the band. I personally think that this is unlikely, but one must speculate.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

I'm probably gonna be dissapointed, but...

Am I the only one who wants Bush to do something really crazy right before he leaves office?

Monday, March 17, 2008

New Band Breaks Barriers in Music Industry

Yes, I am speaking, of course, about Intrepid Aversion, the relatively new band formed in 2007 by drummer Aidan and guitarist Dan. The band quickly grew and has gone through a number of members, some of the most prominet being Tim O'Donnell on keyboards (mysteriously dropped out), Bob Evans (not the restaurant)on vocals and harmonica, and Johnny Thunder on guitar. The current lineup is as follows:
  • Dan-Guitar
  • Aidan-Drums
  • Italo-Guitar
  • Henry?-Bass (rummored)
  • John-Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
  • Sean -Vocals and keyboard
  • Trevor-Xbox

[Note: Many have noticed that the current band members only go by their first names. This is because they don't wish to be tracked down and bothered by insane groupies/fans. This has happened before.]

The reason that this until now unknown band has been making waves in the music world is its largely internet based fan community. Like the Arctic Monkeys before them, Intrepid Aversion's music has spread like wildfire across the internet, with hundreds of downloads of their original music per day. Also, their covers of music by such a wide variety of bands as Nirvana, Mountain, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers are highly popular on Youtube.

The band is quickly climbing the ladder of success, and it doesn't look like they'll be stopping anytime soon. They continue to put forth new music frequently, with their latest single, "Won't You Be My Garungarung" up for download later this week.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Common videogame stereotype under fire.

Yes, a recent study made by Finnish scientists suggests that videogames do not desensitize players to violence, or even bring about violent reactions. Insteasd, the controversial study found that players playing violent videogames (007 Nightfire was used in this study) actually exhibited negative emotional reactions when killing enemies in the game.

So what makes this one study any better than all the studies done that supposedly "prove" that videogames have a negative affect on players and cause desnsitivity to violence? This study has a wider scope and broader perspective on the issue. In this study non-violent games were used as well (Super Monkey Ball 2) and both violent and nonviolent games displayed similar reactions form the players. Challenges in Super Monkey Ball and the action of killing in Nightfire both were met with stress, and not any positive reaction.

Another study, this time by the American Sociological Association completely goes against most other studies done on the subject, pointing out that many other studies contradict themselves or are inconsistent, and instead suggests that videogames are not in any way connected to homicidal tendencies in juvenilles, and rather that a plethora of other elements are the root causes. Some interesting facts on the subject:
  • Students have a seven in ten million chance of being killed at school.
  • Many reviews actually conclude that it is in no way possible to accurately determine if videogame violence affects aggressive behavior.
  • In the ten years following the release of popular FPS game Doom (which many opponents of videogames hav tried to link to school shootings) homicide arrest rates among juvenilles fell y 77 percent.
  • While videogames have been proven to improve everything form spatial skills to problem solving skills to rection time, no study has as of yet proven a connection between violonce in videogames and violent behaviors in juvenilles.


What does it all mean? Do violent videogames make killers out of our children? Or are videogames being used as a scapegoat for real issues, and asking as a mask for more more concealed problmes in society? I don't know, and while there are a lot of studies that have been done that point to a negative affect of videogames, specifically FPS's on players, if videogames really influenced us, wouldn't we all be running aroung dark rooms eating pills and the occasional ghost, listening to monotonous music? And while I will admit to dressing up as an Italian plumber every once in a while, I assure you that I've never battles a giant turtle/dragon or save a pricess named after a fruit.

http://www.asanet.org/galleries/default-file/Winter07ContextsFeature.pdf

Friday, March 14, 2008

With ice caps melting on Mars, will Gore push for hybrid rovers?

An article written in National geographic just may be the final nail in Al Gore's coffin. The article, which can be found at Nationalgeographic.com, says, "Mars's southern polar ice cap ...has shrunk in recent years due to planetary warming—similar to what's happening on Earth." However, despite this obvious flaw in the generally accepted "truths" about global warming, many scientists still can't see the light. As the artcile goes on to explain, "But the vast majority of experts maintain that humans are responsible for Earth's climate changes and that the Mars phenomenon is mere coincidence." Mere coincidence? I think not. And neither does my homeroom teacher, Dr. Charles Breem. After watching a news story on global warming one mornign, he decided to explain to us the truth about global warming. Doc Breem, who has a Ph. D. in Chemistry and Physics, listed some facts about global warming that won't come up in any of Al Gore's power points:
  • One volcanic eruption spews out more greenhouse gasses than the entire city of Los Angeles does in 6 months.
  • The earth has had approximately seven ice ages since its creation-all of which have been followed by a long period of increasing warming.
  • The sun is burning more brightly now than it has in the past 1000 years. ( Don't believe me, read this.)
  • And to top it all off, the Earth has recorded the coldest winter in over 200 years.

Make of this what you will, but the facts, and I maen real information, not skewed numbers or baseless theories point to not only a less deadly global warming, but also one that isn't caused by humans. Quite frankly, I think that we as a species think to highly of ourselves, believing that we can alter so drastically a planet that we have only been on for a few thousand years, compared to the few billion years that the Earth has been around.