Archive for December, 2007

18
Dec
07

Things that make you go… hrrk!

I’ll try to keep this short.

  1. Super Bowl Half-time shows.
  2. Michael Jackson.
  3. The Patriot Act (I’ve explained this ad nauseum by now).
  4. Universal Health Care (I feel that I must explain this one).
  5. Hummers.
  6. Most Republicans.
  7. Black Republicans.
  8. Dick Cheney.
  9. People who voted for Bush.

To be continued…

16
Dec
07

Why the Bush administration makes me think that we should trash the 22nd Amendment:

For those who do not know, the 22nd Amendment is the one that limits a president’s tenure to eight years. The Amendment was passed some time after President Roosevelt’s death. FDR was in the White House longer than anyone before him, and thanks to the 22nd Amendment, anyone after him (if he hadn’t passed away in office, he would have served for sixteen years). Now, back to some semi-current events. As many of us know, our last president (and by far, my favorite) was limited to two terms, thanks to the 22nd Amendment. Now, I think that Bush has screwed us. Anyone who disagrees should look into:

  1. Our record-breaking deficit.
  2. The war in Iraq.
  3. Our energy issues (including our environmental problems)
  4.  The glowing incompetence of the people in his administration.
  5. Dick Cheney.
  6. Halliburton.
  7. The USA PATRIOT Act.
  8. Guantanamo Bay.
  9. George W. Bush
  10. Do I really have to give you more?

Now, if you’re a Republican, I’d strongly suggest that you THINK before you vote. Or better yet, stay home to avoid being outed on election day. If you’re a Bush-supporting Republican, I think that immediate hospitalization in the psychiatric facility of my choice is necessary, as your mind is sick, and you don’t realize what has happened to our nation. Now, those who wonder why I like Clinton so much should look at the list of things that he would not have done to this country:

  1.  The USA PATRIOT Act.
  2. No choking on a pretzel.
  3. Dick Cheney.
  4. Our epic Deficit (in fact, when Clinton left office, we had a surplus).
  5. The war in Iraq.
  6. Alberto Gonzalez.
  7. Karl Rove.
  8. Walter Reede.
  9. Condoleeza Rice.

Now, there are so many other problems going on now that were not seven years ago, and I would list them, but I have other things to do, and I won’t live long enough to complete it.

VOTE IN 2008! (unless you’re going to vote Republican, in which case I suggest you just stay home.)

13
Dec
07

They found the Fourth Amendment WHERE?!

As I was looking for a pan to use, I thought of the cast iron skillet that I need to season all over again. Thank you very much, oxidation. Then, by some crazy connection method in my mind, I instantly thought about how the government allows the NSA to SCAN through our e-mails using a device called ECHELON for words that may pertain to terrorism. This disturbs me. After thinking about that, I thought of the USA PATRIOT Act. Yes, to those who wonder, the Patriot Act isn’t that at all. It’s an acronym. Here’s what it means:

The

Uniting

and

Strengthening

America

by

Providing

Appropriate

Tools

Required

to

Intercept

and

Obstruct

Terrorism

Act of 2001. Now, catch your breath.

Your first reaction might involve saying words that one wouldn’t usually say in front of children. This is normal and okay. Despite a need for clarification, it is not recommended that one read the entire Act. Instead, try the book 1984, By George Orwell. It’s supposed to be more fun. If you need information from the Act, allow me to provide some information: The Act allows federal agents to obtain warrants to search your home, should they have a modicum of evidence supporting their allegations. They don’t have to tell you about the warrant, or the search. The Act also allows the Feds to tap your phones. You think that’s not bad? It’s also allowed the government to take people from their homes in the middle of the night, detain them as long as they please, even deny people the right of legal representation.

Now, some people may say, “If you’re doing nothing wrong, then you should have nothing to hide,” or something to that extent. That’s got to be the dumbest thing I have heard in my life. Now, before your feathers get ruffled, think about the Bill of Rights. When I read it, I saw nothing about the first ten amendments being contingent. Nor did I see anything about the remainder of the amendments being contingent. When the First Amendment was created, it was meant to be effective at all times for all American citizens. So were amendments Two through Ten. Think about it. Then, e-mail a copy of the Bill of Rights to yourself. Or to a friend. Or an enemy. Let the NSA read that.

13
Dec
07

If the radiation’s going to kill you, kindly hang up the phone.

Why do people feel that they must have conversations on their cell phones? Speaking as someone who no longer enjoys the advent of the communication devices, I must say that I don’t like them anymore because nobody uses them the way that nature intended. If cell phones are an inevitable device, and they release radiation into one’s brain whenever they are used, then, logically speaking, it would be best to expose yourself to them as little as possible, instead of maintaining conversations in the street and distracting me from my music. I use my phone the way it was intended to be used: let people know I’m not dead, then move on. I don’t spout my autobiography while walking up sixth avenue, polluting the environment with my sound. Since I don’t always like speaking to people, but I do prefer exchanging e-mails and instant messages, I was wondering if there was a device that would let me do just that. And get the weather, as well. There’s got to be something that will let me do that, minus the part where I’d actually have to speak to people. Any suggestions?

09
Dec
07

Addendum to: The best form of censorship is none.

Hate to ruin life for those who have a phobia of germs, but unless you pack the title M.D., antibacterial soap is completely useless. And stupid. If you wonder why regular soap usually doesn’t kill bacteria, that’s because it’s not SUPPOSED TO! The purpose of soap is to lube up your hands (not in the same way that oil does) so the dirt, pathogens, and various forms of grease and oil slide off of your hands. Seriously, though, ask your physician if you should use antibacterial soap every day. They’ll generally tell you no. Sometimes, an expletive might come before or after the “no.” By the way, it is best to blame the appropriate people when bad stuff happens. Example: if I start smoking (which is looking more and more likely each day), I’ll not blame nor will I allow others to blame television shows or movies that I watch. I will blame those around me, as they have frustrated me to the point where I have to take up a self-destructive habit.

09
Dec
07

What are they doing to Sesame Street?!

I heard recently that after existing for 38 years on a diet that consists of nothing but cookies, the powers that be will begin the process of occasionally forcing fruits and vegetables down the Cookie Monster’s throat. If you don’t see what is wrong with that, I would like you to take a moment to self-evaluate and determine exactly what the hell is wrong with you. The Cookie Monster is a monster for cookies, hence the name. If he were meant to eat carrots, his name would be modified to reflect that. Apparently, there is an obesity epidemic, and it’s the Cookie Monster’s fault, since he’s been eating cookies for 38 years, which is exactly when the epidemic began. Actually, the epidemic was rather recent. By the way, aside from diets, something else was quite different back then. If you don’t know, then take the time to ask someone who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s what children did then that they don’t do now. Maybe then you’ll realize why obesity is such a problem.

09
Dec
07

The best form of censorship is none.

Is it just me, or has the country become so much more censored, restricted, buttoned-up, and politically correct? From the decade that I represent up until now, things have changed significantly. There was no v-chip. People cursed at their leisure. Nobody blamed movies for smoking, acts of violence, and obesity (the latter will be discussed soon). One thing that I remember the most about the ’90s pertaining to censorship: changing the channel. Yes, the parent was the v-chip. In the future, should I have children, I will be the v-chip, in lieu of the actual chip inside of the television. That means that my seven-year-old will not be watching nudity, Fox News, or soap operas.

09
Dec
07

Why I can eke out some support for Tony Snow: I understand why he quit.

Here’s a not-so-current event: Tony Snow quit. For those who didn’t know, he was the person responsible for making George W. Bush sound somewhat like an adult whenever he opens his mouth. Well, he left his post at the white house due to health issues, and the pay from the Bush administration was not enough. Sure, he made $165,000 a year, but then again, so does anyone else who is fortunate (and intelligent) enough to graduate from law school and secure a job at a private law firm in manhattan. Yes, you can make that much in your first year out of law school. Basically, my opinion is that anyone whose career involves making George W. Bush sound like an adult and not an intoxicated four-year-old with cognitive issues deserves more than $165,000 per year. They deserve approximately ten times that, plus various favors. However, anyone who pays very close attention to the happenings in Washington could think that Snow would have left anyway, regardless of pay. I don’t disagree. Anyone who pays close attention to current political events could easily realize that the Bush administration is not exactly the place to work if one wants to preserve their dignity and intelligence.

09
Dec
07

Why the cell phone ban is smart, but stupid. (aka: first post)

I suppose I should say something like, “First post,” or something like that, but I’ll not. I speak on behalf of a minority, if anyone at all. I actually don’t like hearing cell phones in school one bit, unless I need a laugh while a teacher is talking. But seriously, either shut the things up or leave them in your locker, where someone else can break in, steal it, and use it quietly. Personally, I hate cell phones. Because really, five to eight times out of ten (depending on who you are), if I don’t see your face when I’m talking to you, I don’t want to hear your voice. But, apparently, I’m supposed to be reachable, so I keep my cell phone with me most of the time, in a coat pocket and set to vibrate, so I can’t tell if anyone is calling. But, reality check to the mayor: you can’t ban cell phones. That’s like trying to ban pot at my school. You can try, but in the end, all you’ll end up with is a bunch of smoke, time wasted, and some angry people.