Good News

Your quality of life as a consumer will improve tomorrow. Why? Several textile quotas and tariffs expire tonight. Bottom line, clothes will be cheaper! VIVA Free trade...

US Divers Survive Tsunami

Check out this story about divers surviving the tsunami... As a fellow diver, all I can say is that these divers were in the best possible place to be during this disaster (other than higher ground) ... What a ride they must have had! I'm always glad to hear a survival story.

Howard Stern, Freedom Fighter

I love it when a big-wig like Howard Stern gets riled up about civil rights. It sometimes takes a civil rights victim with tremendous influence to finally affect change. Howard's free-speech rights have been violated by the FCC on a number of occasions, and he's going to do something about it...

This year, Howard finally had enough, and actively worked against the re-election of President Bush. What I think Howard doesn't understand is that he'd be fighting the same battle, no matter which Demublican or Republicrat is in the White House. Both major parties are perfectly happy with too much governmental influence in our lives...

Despite the infancy of satellite radio, Howard is making the switch to Sirius satellite radio, at tremendous risk to his own career. Good for Howard. I hope he and Sirius make a mint, if for no other reason than to stick it in the eye of the FCC and all the naysayers...

I'm not a big listener of Howard's, but free speech is free speech. Each of the Bill of Rights should have equal importance. Hey Howard, take a look at the Libertarian Party- we don't care what you say or do, and as an added bonus, we don't care how much money you make!

And in the Karma Department...

An old woman nearly collided with me on the road today. Apparently, I didn't get the memo that the United States switched to driving in the left lane, as the Brits do. Fortunately, she finally saw me and swerved back into the right lane, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision (Thanks, AARP, for actively working against various proposals among the states to retest drivers at certain ages- my kids thank you for their increased risk due to your pandering to the elderly).

Needless to say, I was briefly angry, but later saw the same woman stopped by a policeman- apparently receiving a ticket for running a stop sign... My day has been made!

Assailants Kill 28 in Honduras Bus Attack

Let's see- we're against the death penalty, so let's Kill 28 people! That, my friends, is hypocrisy...

I May Have Coined a Term

Which is a first for me- In my previous post, I use the term 'blogshot' as taking a stab at, opposing, or just insulting a person or topic. A quick google of the term produces little, except someone's use of it synonymously with 'earshot.' You may have heard it here first? Doubtful, but cool if it's true.

My Blogshot at Putin

Is over at Framptonia. Take a look.

Something New

I'll be occasionally contributing a post to the blog Framptonia, at least until they vote me off the island. Framptonia is run by a guy named Nathan who seems to be fairly Libertarian leaning in his politics, hence my interest.

Nathan is trying to make the blog about big ideas and issues, so no day-to-day stuff going on over there... The current contributors are clearly better writers than I. Hopefully I'll chime in with a good point or two...

Buy Stock, Don't Take It

I forget who originally wrote those words, but that quote has become one of my favorites, and is very appropriate for all the upcoming New Year's resolutions. The upshot is this: if you want to make an important change in your life, don't wait around for a New Year to start. Make your change today.

Welcome

According to my Stat Counter, this blog has received some international traffic lately, particularly from South Korea... Welcome to my little corner of the web. I'd like to learn more about Korea and its language, since I am actively studying three of its traditional martial arts... Any comments or emails are appreciated.

The French Have Spy Satellites

Check out this story: Yahoo! News - French Spy Satellite Travels Into Orbit

I wonder how long it will be before we have the ability to take out other countries satellites at will? Now that the Euros and the Chinese have these abilities, when will a 'space cold war' start? I predict a long and stable future for the American Defense Industry...

Proof that Sunday Boredom is Setting In

I think that all these blog quizzes are quickly becoming the 'jokes by email' that everyone used to see fit to send to their entire address book... That being said, I found this quiz today, and I post it, not because I think it's accurate, but

1. I like the result
2. It's amusing that someone thinks they've accurately classified all souls

You Are a Warrior Soul

You're a strong person and sometimes seen as intimidating.You don't give up. You're committed and brave.Truly adventuresome, you are not afraid of going to battle.Extremely protective of loved ones, you root for the underdog. You are picky about details and rigorous in your methods.You also value honesty and fairness a great deal.You can be outspoken, intimidating, headstrong, and demanding.You're a hardliner who demands the best from themselves and others. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

State Farm- Sticking it to the Man

State Farm plans to defy state regulations, and compete head to head with the big banks. A more competitive banking industry. How could this be bad for consumers? Rest assured, the whining bureaucrats will have their say...

Congressional Priorities

I know that I'm a little late to the topic here, but does anyone find it strange that Congress will foist upon us and leave intact a retirement scheme so corrupt that it will make Enron look like child's play, but will spring to action when Major League Baseball has a steroid problem? Congress has as much business sticking their nose into this matter as I do conducting the safety checks for the next space shuttle mission.

Some comments from our lofty leaders:

"They have a responsibility, not only to the sport, but to the children of America who look up to these players," Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said on Fox News Sunday. "Quite frankly, it's overdue."

Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., said the problem "could be ended, bang, just like that, if everybody from the owners to the unions just step up and face the reality that we've got a huge problem."

Appearing on ABC's This Week, Frist said, "I'll support being very aggressive if it cannot be addressed at the more local level, which again, I would much prefer."

After the Army-Navy game, McCain said he wanted immediate action "to restore the integrity of baseball" or Congress would act.

"I warned them a long time ago we needed to fix this problem," McCain said. "It's time for them to sit down together and act. And that's what they should do. If not, clearly, we have to act legislatively, which we don't want to do."

I'm all for the MLB cleaning up its act. It's time for the players to face the music and take some action. The problem can be solved, without the help of a bunch of pinheads from Washington... Mr. McCain, we also don't want you to act legislatively. You have a big mess to clean up yourself.

Wake Up, Congress!

THIS article in Foreign Affairs is a pretty good read. It explains how we could lose our competitive edge to Asia if Congress doesn't maintain or more likely improve our scientific/entrepreneurial environment here in the US... If we want to remain the biggest kid on the block, we'd better start thinking about our competitive advantage and how to keep it...

Congress, get the hell out of the way, and let Americans do what we do best!

I'm Upset

Not because of anything major, but I accidentally ran over a dog on the way to work Friday. I tried to avoid it, but to no avail. The dog just didn't see that my brilliant plan to avoid each other would have worked, had he run the other way... I like dogs, and when something like this happens, it puts me in a bad mood for a while. I wish the owner would have kept it contained...

Grappling

Lately, I've been teaching some of the kids at the local martial arts school some basic grappling (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)... I have to admit, it's been a blast so far - the look on some of those kids faces when they take a big guy down or put on a good submission hold is rewarding in itself. When they get the basics and some of the intermediate techniques down, I will point them in the direction of some grapplers who can really take them to the next level...

Personal Responsibility: What a Wonderful Thing

I see that charges are being filed against the players and the fans involved in the NBA brawl. I've written about this before, but have to give kudos to you, Mr. Prosecutor - maybe the players will think twice and maybe the fans will stop being idiots in the future (doubtful, but a nice thought)

Random Picture of the Week

Some of the catfish farms near Caruthersville, Missouri...

Vote With Your Wallet - And Quit Whining!

Somebody has to stand up for Target and their decision to boot the Salvation Army bell-ringers... The media has been all over Target about this - quite predictably.

The storefronts are the property of Target, and if they don't want people standing around outside hassling their patrons for money, then they have the right to prevent them from doing so. If this is a big deal to you, then by all means, stop whining and vote with your wallet. One of the benefits of a free market is that you don't have to buy anything from Target if you don't want to. Maybe you don't like the hassle of charity requests, and will choose to do most of your shopping at Target.

Even though I will probably surrender some of my change to the Salvation Army this year, I happen to like Target and will continue to shop there this Holiday Season.

Now That's a Shipwreck Worth Diving

Diving shipwrecks is always an amazing experience, but this: Yahoo! News - Entertainment Photos - Reuters would take it to an entirely new level...

Nearly Half of Britons Unaware of Auschwitz?

I thought it was America that had the lock on ignorance, not the sophisticated Euro types! (end sarcasm) Yahoo! News - Nearly Half of Britons Unaware of Auschwitz?

The Jeopardy Guy Took a Dive

I smell a rat... There is no way you can convince me that someone smart enough to win 74 Jeopardy games in a row would miss such an easy question about H&R Block... Any high-school skull full of mush could have answered that question- I wonder if he just got tired of the game and decided to go home? Could he have been 'encouraged' to quit?

I Thought Iraq was a Total Meltdown...

Dan Blather and his colleagues have been telling me for months now that Iraq is a total failure... In this photo gallery, it looks like life has improved dramatically for these kids... Daily Dunklin Democrat: Photo Gallery : Robert "Oney" Pruett in Iraq

Southeast Missouri Growth Industry: Prisons!

Good news for Kennett: Daily Dunklin Democrat: State, local officials confer on new supervision center

Random Picture of the Week

On the ski slopes of Lake Louise, Alberta... (taken a few years ago)

Thanks

Thanks to O-MY! for linking me, she's a local poker player/dealer who happened upon my blog... Haven't had a chance yet to thoroughly read her blog, but I'll get around to it. Check her out.

Back to Darfur

I was watching This Week for some reason this morning (I'm not a huge George S. fan) , and this little bit about Darfur came up. I have written about Darfur before (Sep. 19) - several thousand have died since then, and still no solutions from the United Nations. Go figure. I wonder how much more killing will have to take place before the U.N. finally throws in the towel?

A Ticket is Not a License to Commit Assault

THIS GUY is absolutely right about the recent NBA brawl. It speaks to a much larger issue between players and fans. The players certainly deserved the suspensions they received, but the fans have got to get control of themselves. A ticket to a professional game of any sport is not a license to commit crimes. Local prosecutors and judges are going to have to take a stand and make examples of the fans involved. Thirty days in a local county jail would do wonders for all the idiot hot-heads out there who go after or throw things at the players.

My bet is that we will see much more of this, and not just in the NBA. It will be interesting to see how the leagues and law enforcement agencies will react...

Bigotry and its Defenders

Check out Bigotry and its defenders - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED - November 20, 2004.

It's clear to me that the elitist lefties have no problem with bigotry and racism when they are the ones committing it. The recent political cartoons in the lefty newspapers regarding Dr. Rice are ample evidence.

News flash to the lefty racists: Dr. Rice has more class than 99% of the population... Through the numerous cartoons and overtly racist comments since her nomination for Secretary of State, you've been exposed- I only hope that your followers start to realize the truth.

'Bout Time...

Check it out: Yahoo! News - CIA plans riskier, more aggressive espionage

Random Picture of the Week

A sculpture in the museum of the American Taekwondo Association...

Get Off the Marines' Backs

Tom over at The Nap Room is 100% correct about the Marine who shot the half-alive insurgent in Falluja. He was doing his job, which is to blow stuff up and kill people. I'm sure he had no idea whether that particular terrorist was hiding a weapon or not...
Would you be willing to risk your life by turning your back on such a 'harmless' terrorist? I think not. Neither would I. The marine in question should be immediately sent back to combat, with a pat on the shoulder for ridding the world of one more terrorist...

A Special Post for Friends and Family

This is my daughter, M. She's asleep, but apparently somewhat content... (and now perfectly healthy, thanks to Arkansas Children's Hospital) Some additional Email pics will be sent separately, give me some time...

Update

I apologize for not having pictures up yet- the baby has a little lung issue to overcome before we get her home... Should be no big deal, but for now we are at Arkansas Children's Hospital, which we've heard is one of the best in the nation. As soon as we get home, pics we be up!

New Addition

The baby was born yesterday... My mind is still numb, so I won't type much... I will get a picture or two up by late tonight, however! She weighed 6 lbs, 4 oz, and in my professional medical opinion, seems to be doing just fine. More later, back to the hospital I go!

***Update- Will put pics up ASAP, but for now she has a lung complication to overcome... Looks like she will be fine...

November Surprise!

Wow, turns out that my daughter will be born tomorrow, not the 12th as we thought! Can't wait to meet her...

Weekend's Over

What a relaxing weekend... Not much to do around the house, other than to prepare for the birth of my daughter November 12th... It's strange how having kids has really made this terrorism business piss me off much more than I ever thought it would...

Baby M., I'll do my part- vote, remain alert, and by all means, teach you to be a fine capitalistic infidel!

Ailing Arafat Still in Serious Condition

I see that Arafat and Castro are having a bit of trouble these days... This capitalistic infidel will breathe easier when the two despotic thugs are gone... (insert Dr. Evil laugh here)

Yahoo! News - Ailing Arafat Still in Serious Condition

I Hope the CIA has Africa in its Sights

Sean at Soundoff pointed me to THIS STORY... Basically, it comes down to this: Northern Africa is experiencing a rise in Islam- more of this brand of 'justice' will be forthcoming, in my opinion.

I hope that the CIA puts Northern Africa on its radar screen, if it hasn't already. I predict that Northern Africa will be yet another battlefield in the war against terror...

Mysticism in the Martial Arts

The Revolutionist gets it right in THIS POST about mysticism in the martial arts. The 'five point palm exploding heart technique' portrayed in Kill Bill 2 and all that flying crap in Crouching Tiger do more to discredit the martial arts than to promote them.

The Revolutionist says, "if achieving the right Tao gives you the ability to move and concentrate in such a way as to achieve the right physics of movement, then more power punches to you!" Right on. If any of the soft styles interest you, by all means, train in them- it can't hurt. It is my belief that training in the traditional styles, hard or soft, will indeed benefit you, if nothing more than improving focus, coordination, and training both sides of your body... If you're a mixed martial artist, spend some time in the traditional styles. If you're a traditional martial artist, and are concerned about real-world self defense, you had better train in the mixed styles...

Third-World Missouri Does Have Its Benefits

The sunset as seen from my driveway yesterday...

Through the 90's, I lived in St. Louis and Atlanta. Even though I miss them both (and various friends there) to a degree, there were a few things that I couldn't enjoy there-like the sunset above-too many buildings (St. Louis) and too many trees/buildings (Atlanta). Swampeast Missouri does have some simple pleasures...

Why the Local Media Silence?

I learned of this PETA Alert: Urge New Madrid, Missouri, Officials to Investigate Reports That Dogs and Cats Are Shot to Death at the Municipal Animal Shelter by word of mouth recently. I am no animal activist, but IF Missouri law is being broken, more people should know about it.

I haven't noticed any interviews of these officials by KFVS12 or KAIT8, not to mention the local newspapers- the Standard Democrat and the Southeast Missourian. Where are you guys? Are you afraid of ruffling the feathers of the local political establishment?

Multinational Outsourcing!

Here's one more thing for the socialists* to cry about: The evil Hooters corporation is outsourcing American Jobs! Surely they could have employed American girls in Shanghai!

(Yahoo News- click here for story)

To add insult to injury, Hooters is also exporting our dumbed-down, hedonistic culture to other countries! Oh no! The Chinese might even lighten up and have a little fun! Can this low-brow, blatant capitalism possibly be tolerated? I say yes, and if I'm ever passing through Shanghai, I think I'll stop in for some hot wings and a beer...

*By socialists, I include by implication all populists, anti-free trade types, and lefties in general... VIVA capitalism and free trade!

Don't Worry, Drug Companies!

Why? Because it will be CANADA, not the FDA that will end the practice of exporting drugs to the U.S.

Revisiting Economics 101, we already know that because the Canadian government forces a below-market price onto the drug makers, a shortage of drugs must exist in Canada in the long run. This shortage will occur, even without U.S. customers factored in... When Canadians wise up and realize that we are only raiding their already pitiful medicine cabinet and deepening their shortage, they will be the ones to turn off the spigot. Eventually, the free market will either win, or Canada can look forward to a steadily worsening health care system. You can't have below free-market prices and a world-class health care system. That would be having your cake and eating it too...

So all these calls for re-importation of drugs from Canada really boil down to this: We will either keep paying free-market prices for our drugs, and have drug companies with tremendous R&D budgets and the ability to rapidly bring life-saving drugs to market, or we will go the socialistic route and force artificially low prices into the system, and then suffer from a lack of medicine. Which is worse-having a light wallet, or dying too young? It's time to choose.

Overly Critical Observation of the Day

Here in Missouri, Nancy Farmer is running for US Senate. In her second TV ad, Farmer gets in her car and drives around, showing potholes, etc., and talking about Kit Bond. OK, great, but she was not wearing her seat belt, which is a violation of Missouri law. So why should I send someone to the Senate who doesn't even respect our state law? If the law was important enough to pass, then lawmakers should set the example, even with seat belts...

Damn Vandals

THIS is hilarious. I hope it's true... I can't stand vandals of any political stripe!

Nude Hide and Seek!

Apparently, since Channel 12 (our local CBS affiliate-KFVS12) can't confirm it, they can't say it. They are respectable journalists. I, however, am a blogger. So I can say it. Some Caruthersville School District teachers got caught playing nude hide and seek this summer... Everyone in Southeast Missouri knows it, so why not admit it?

Form your own opinion as to whether this sort of thing should go on in your local government schools. I personally think that it's amusing, but maybe a little troubling that no one was fired or even disciplined over the matter...

Random Picture for Today

Another photo from the Jamaica trip - May 2004...

Price Gouging Saves Lives

I'm continually blown away by the level of macroeconomic ignorance in this country. Let's take a look, through the prism of Economics 101, how 'price gouging' is SAVING LIVES during this flu vaccine shortage:

First, a refresher- when supply is sufficiently meeting demand, the resulting price is what we become accustomed to as a 'normal' price for any good or service. When a shortage of flu shots occurs, the price necessarily has to go up- it's literally a matter of life and death...

I am a reasonably healthy adult. I don't normally take flu shots, but let's say that I want one now. Because the price has gone higher, and I really don't need one anyway, I won't be getting a flu shot this year. That flu shot that would have been used on me will now go to a person who may be at high risk- someone who can't afford NOT to get the shot. Another life is saved! Isn't it interesting how a free market, complete with selfish, greedy suppliers can allocate resources exactly where they need to be to produce the greatest benefit for society?

Of course, the socialists among us will cry about some people's inability to pay for the vaccine, but that's another matter. Payment is up to the individual and/or private charities... A topic for another day.

Animals

...

Voices for Change

Check out RollingStone.com: News - Voices for Change. Before you say anything, I know- a finer collection of political minds could not have been assembled in this lifetime...

Of interest to me is what Dave Matthews (for those of you who don't know, he's the guy whose tour bus dumped all its sewer into the Chicago River while stopped on a bridge, drenching tourists passing by underneath on a boat*) had to say:

We've got to get somebody new in the White House. Being from South Africa, I know how much the rest of the world fears the United States right now. It's like if the world is a room, and everybody is in there, and suddenly somebody walks in who is seething and has headphones on, and the music is playing really loud, and he's armed. That's the way the world sees us. Everyone is on tiptoes, afraid of what this country might do. It's bound to scare everybody.

Guess what, Dave? It's about time they fear us. The rest of the world has known all along that we have the best military toys on the planet, they just had no idea we would really use them. The war on terror is neither a Bush/Kerry issue, nor is it an American imperialism issue. This is radical Islam versus the infidels, and you guessed it, that includes you, me, and all religions and cultures that are not Islam. Want to help? Use your considerable talents and star-power to call for a reformation of Islam. When respected clerics finally call for change, it will happen.

Meanwhile, the world can be on its tiptoes. The six-hundred pound gorilla has been awakened, and everyone in the jungle had better realize that serious consequences will ensue.

*A testimony to his stewardship of the environment!

Howard Wins Re-Election As Australia PM

I always thought that Australians had stones: Yahoo! News - Howard Wins Re-Election As Australia PM

Unlike the Spanish, who cut and ran after the Madrid bombings, the people of Australia responded to the terrorist embassy bombing in Jakarta by keeping Howard in office. Glad to see that the U.S. isn't the only country that realizes that the terrorist threat belongs to all civilized countries- each will have to face this fight sooner or later...

Here's a Strange Quiz

It might be accurate, however- I don't know- my results:

You are an enzyme. You are powerful, dark,
variable, and can change many things at your
whim...even when they're not supposed to be
changed. Bad you. You can be dangerous or
wonderful; it's your choice.


Which Biological Molecule Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Kids, this is what Socialism will get you...

The lefty socialists have struck again. According to a Reuters story: A group of Swedish parliamentarians proposed levying a "man tax" to cover the social cost of violence against women.
"It must be obvious to all of us that society has a huge problem with male violence against women and that has a cost," Left Party deputy Gudrun Schyman told Swedish radio on Monday.

You gotta be kidding. Soon, thinking like that will spawn even more brilliant thought, such as suing the fast food industry because we're overweight as a society, or even better, we could abandon personal responsibility altogether! Oh, wait- we're already doing that... Everyone else is responsible for any problems I have, and should be made to pay!

Perhaps the men in Sweden can counter by proposing a 'nag tax'. Clearly, the societal cost of those women who choose to nag their husbands is quite high- alcoholism, depression, suicide, etc. Someone has to pay, so why not all Swedish women?

I can't wait until this sort of lunacy reaches our shores...

Only in America

Check out this story, if you haven't heard about it already: Yahoo! News - Rocket Wins $10M Prize for Trip to Space

Bottom line, Burt Rutan is a freaking genius. His contribution to space travel is probably incalculable at this point.

I'm sure it pains the hard-core lefties- the promise of private* space travel- but who knows-soon, we might have average people traveling in space! We might eventually have to establish those evil private property rights on the moon or Mars!

* Yes, lefties, smart people can actually accomplish great things without the government!

STG's Latest Charity

Private Charity is what it's all about. For those of you who are interested in a charity that deals with abandoned infants, take a look at STG's latest charity: Debi Faris And The Garden Of Angels

As always, do your own due diligence before giving.

I'm Naming Names

Well, that does it. I'm naming names. Occasionally, I report hack attacks to the appropriate ISP, but it just seems more fun to list one here every now and then. According to my firewall, the computer at IP address 24.174.42.79 attempted to attack my computer tonight with a Trojan Horse. Gotta call them out on it, even if only a handful of readers see this!

Good News for Third World Missouri

A bit of good local news to report. According to the Dunklin Democrat, the town of Hayti might get a Pepsi distribution plant... Certainly a welcome thought in this rapidly decaying area of Missouri!

Not many people realize that logistically speaking, we are in a great location with access to interstates 55 and 155, as well as quick access to interstates 57 and 40. Here's to Pepsi, I wish you success in our little corner of the world.

Thanks

Special thanks to the New American Revolutionist, for adding my puny little blog to his blogroll... Check him out, the link is in the right sidebar.

Yemen and My Domino Theory

I see that the animals who perpetrated the USS Cole bombing were sentenced to death by a Yemeni judge today. This is the best news I've heard all week. The response from one of the convicts:

"This verdict is an American one and unjust," al-Badawi yelled from behind the bars of a courtroom cell after the judge sentenced him to death. "There are no human rights in the world, except for the Americans. All the Muslims in the world are being used to serve American interests."

No, amigo, it's YOU who is being used for all of humanity to personally demonstrate that even in Yemen, heinous crimes can actually be accounted for. I will have a big smile on my face when I hear of your execution. According to the AP article, the death sentence in Yemen is the firing squad. It's a shame that the families of the Cole victims won't be the ones firing the guns...

So my domino theory is this: Now that the Muslim world has seen that we are willing to do what it takes to destroy the terrorists, it seems the Muslim countries are jumping at the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their goodwill by making positive gestures to the world- some substantive, some token. The dominoes started falling with Afghanistan, then Libya. We all know what happened there, and it seems that Libya is serious about rejoining the civilized world in trade and peace. Fantastic. Next, Syria made a token gesture of loosening internet restrictions on its people... Sorry, but that won't cut it. Now, we have Yemen demonstrating true justice with the Cole terrorists. Chalk another one up for the good guys. Once we knock over the Iraqi domino once and for all, my view is that the Muslim world will have ample evidence that Bush wasn't kidding... It's time for Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Iran to start seriously thinking about their respective futures. I would much rather see the remaining dominoes fall on their own, instead of having to knock them over. We'll see more substantive gestures soon, just wait. Maybe some respected Islamic Clerics will start to advocate an Islamic reformation, which is exactly what the world needs at this point.

New Policy

I'm instituting a new policy here at Dennis' Ramblings. When I notice it, I will express my appreciation to those who see fit to add my little blog to their blogroll... Of course, I will continue to include worthwhile blogs in my blogroll, whether or not they link back to me. The latest:

Soundoff and Jackington Viego (both links in the sidebar). These guys are well-informed, interesting to read, and seem to have a good tilt towards individual liberty. Take a look at their work!

Stolen Missouri Logo?

I've only been a Caruthersville resident for about a year now. When I moved here, I immediately recognized the local high school athletic logo as the University of Missouri logo, with only some color change. This -
is what is on Caruthersville School District's web page. THIS is an official Missouri web page. Note the similarity...

I'm surprised that the University allowed a high school to copy the logo. If Mizzou did allow it, good for Caruthersville. They have a decent team again this year, and a good logo to match!

A Little Southern Culture

For those of you who have never seen one, this -

is a cotton field, almost ready for harvest.

End of the Debate

THIS PHOTO should end any lingering doubts on the blonde / brunette debate...

Scuba Question of the Month

I don't know if any of you regular readers are scuba divers or not, but I'd like to talk to divers who have experience with any of the following:

• SpareAir
• Dive Alert
• BioFilter (Apollo)

Post a comment, or email me. Thanks!

Rollover Alert

Is that CBS, or the United Nations?

Company Converts Buses Into Rolling Labs

Yahoo! News - Co. Converts Buses Into Rolling Labs

The crystal meth types around Southeast Missouri have tried this 'mobile lab' concept as well, with much less success!

The Journalists are Circling the Wagons

Howard Witt of the Chicago Tribune wrote an article blasting bloggers because we're anonymous and we don't have any journalistic integrity... Sounds to me like Mr. Witt is a little mad about the Dan Blather debacle as well. Not that it happened, but that Dan got caught.

TOO BAD! We bloggers have no lock on the truth, and we don't have people to fact-check for us, but apparently neither does CBS! I can't speak for everyone, but I write my opinions and what I believe to be true, and if I'm wrong, then post a comment and prove it. As for anonymity, it doesn't matter who is writing a blog if what they've written turns out to be true...

I think Dan Blather, Mr. Witt, and their fellow 'real' journalists are upset that we everyday Neanderthals are generally skeptical of what they tell us, and can do an end-run around the major media anytime we wish. This is the promise of the internet, a more transparent society. Big-time journalists had better change, and quick! It's time to start asking EVERYONE the hard questions, and live up to the journalistic ideals that you wear so conspicuously on your sleeves...

Madonna's Wisdom

Read THIS. He's 100% correct...

Make Room for the Baby

Today, I had to remove my weights/workout/martial arts equipment from our spare room. Assuming all goes well, the spare room will be my newborn baby daughter's room in Mid-November! So my workout moves to the shop...

I am excited about her arrival, even though it will be three women to one man in this house... Can't wait for the upcoming sleepless nights!

Sudan faces threat of sanctions

Well, they've done it. The United Nations has shown their continued relevance and ability to handle world problems by passing a resolution to 'consider' sanctions against Sudan for the ongoing genocide... I don't know about you, but I'm quaking in my boots already! Of course, the government in Khartoum will react the same, and this problem will be wrapped up by next weekend...

GET REAL! The Sudanese government is perfectly content with the Janjaweed, the Muslim militia they created that continues the genocide in Darfur. If the U.N. were serious about stopping the genocide, the resolution would state that beginning tomorrow, a 500 pound bomb will land in Khartoum every hour, on the hour until the killing in Darfur stops. The genocide would immediately stop.

Of course, no one has the balls to suggest a solution like that. So the killing of innocent Africans will continue, and the U.N. and all those who believe that the U.N. is the savior of the world can feel good that they threatened sanctions...

A Word About Soros if I May

George Soros needs to get a much thicker skin. He spends all this time, money, and energy becoming a publicity hound, then cries foul when someone makes comments about him? COME ON!

Who cares where his money comes from? I thought that it came from financial investments and currency speculation, like when he nearly broke the Bank of England short-selling the pound sterling back in the day...(A great move, by the way. It made him millions...)

The point is this: if you want to be a big-shot billionaire philanthropist who makes high profile associations with groups like moveon.org and the like, you should expect to be ' in the public discourse, ' and you should expect some fire from the folks who are aligned against you, whether their words are true or not.

I would think that a man who endured what he did during his youth and accomplished so much in the financial world would have skin thicker than leather. But then I would have never guessed that such a brilliant capitalist would become a socialist!

Reduce the Terrorist Threat by Opening the Border

A more open border might actually be a way to reduce the terrorist threat that might come through Mexico. Let's face it- we need Mexican workers in this country - they do any number of jobs that Americans are just unwilling to do.

Let them present their credentials as a citizen of Mexico at the border, and issue an I.D. and a work visa. Of course, some issues such as emergency room visits and driver's insurance would have to be worked out, but bringing them in 'above the radar' would do a few things for us:

1. Tax revenues from their then legitimate work would go into our government's coffers.
2. No person would have to risk their life or the lives of their children to get here.
3. Any person then trying to sneak in through the Mexican border would most definitely be up to no good (terrorists), and could be dealt with effectively by a border patrol much less bogged down with the work load that currently overwhelms them.

Food for thought. Mexicans are generally hard-working people, and if they want to come work (legally), more power to them. Viva Mexico!

Hack Attack

According to my firewall, someone from Morocco tried to attack my computer this weekend. HA! You failed... Bring it on, pal

Autism Charity

An autism charity:

Brent Woodall Foundation For Exceptional Children, which offers care and education to autistic children and their parents.
The Foundation was created by Tracy Woodall, who lost her husband, Brent, in the South Tower on September 11th, 2001. Tracy was 5 weeks pregnant at the time, and she created the foundation as a way of dealing with her grief and extending his legacy.

Dan Blather and the Bush Documents Debate

Seems I've been getting a bit more traffic lately to this blog as a result of having 'Dan Blather' in a few posts... Well, here's one more: Dan, you got duped. The Bush National Guard Documents that you so gleefully waved about on 60 Minutes are likely fakes. It's also hilarious that bloggers busted this story wide open!

It's time to admit it, apologize for reporting about it, and then give us some rational reason to continue watching CBS Evening News and/or 60 Minutes (which might well include your stepping down to 'pursue other interests'). 60 Minutes has unknowingly(?) gone the way of the New York Times with its fact-checking, and I'm sure you and your CBS big-wigs still wonder why network news is enduring a continuing ratings decline...

Happy Anniversary, America

Maybe I should say, 'Happy Birthday'... Three years ago our nation was reborn with a single sense of purpose not seen since Pearl Harbor or maybe even the Revolutionary War. It's a shame that it took such a gruesome event to wake us up to the threat of terrorism. It's an even greater shame that in just three short years, so much of our population seems to have forgotten that day.

World War III began on that day, and no matter who becomes President, this fight can not be abandoned until we eliminate the radical Islamists. We have a long way to go to get it done.

Then, we can go back to arguing about the Republicans' token tax cuts that mean nothing and the Democrats' constant whining about the need for new social programs!

Russia finally understands...

Yahoo! News - Russia Threatens to Strike Terror Bases

Well, well, well. It's sad that it took this school terror business to wake up the former Saddam Hussein appeasers in the Russian leadership, but apparently they are not going to take it any more... You can only be punched in the nose so many times before you finally wake up, say "no more," and strike back!

Folks, our radical Islamic neighbors are building a figurative cannon (including, but not limited to nukes and chemical weapons) that's pointed at our (and every other civilized country's) house. Do we wait until it fires, or do we zealously defend ourselves and take action?

It's time that Russia gets into the game, takes the gloves off, and gets seriously Machiavellian on the Chechens. In light of what they did to those school children, I recommend carpet bombing. After that, maybe they can work with us to clean the rest of this problem up, and all our kids can go to school without worrying that they will die for Allah...

MODOT's Job Security

The effect of trucks mentioned in the previous post... Don't pull over here without an SUV! (it's hard to see in this photo, but the shoulder drops about 12 inches)

To the Missouri State Highway Patrol

This photo was taken Sept. 2, 2004, 07:33 am, exit 4, Interstate 155 in Southeast Missouri...

This guy is not pulled over on this on-ramp to make a phone call, he's sleeping. How about giving tickets to truckers who are easy to catch (I see a few of these every morning) and who are destroying the shoulder, instead of harassing innocent Mexicans passing through for potential drug busts? Of course, MODOT probably appreciates all the job security with the constant on-ramp shoulder repair...

El Presidente is coming

On Monday, El Presidente Bush is coming to Poplar Bluff, one of the small towns here in third-world Missouri. Since not a lot of big news goes down here, everyone seems to be excited. I won't be going to see the Pres, but I am glad that the spotlight is on our often ignored little corner of Missouri.

I'm sure that our local CBS station, KFVS12 (Cape Girardeau), will be on this like white on rice... I bet that one of the local anchors gets pulled off the desk to go cover this event, like when Dan Blather goes to Iraq or some other hot spot. Channel 12 seems to focus the local news coverage on Cape and Southern Illinois, their largest markets, so it will be nice to see a little reporting elsewhere in the region for a change. I am happy for them, maybe the big media hotshots that travel with the Pres will give them a little elbow room to cover this rare news story for our sleepy little region!

Wake up, journalists!

The New American Revolutionist gets it right again- click on the following excerpt to go to his post:

'Particularly in press releases from Reuters, journalists seem to avoid labeling them for what they are: Muslim Fundamentalists. Islamic Terrorists. Jihadists.'

You nailed it, man. I dislike several of Bush's socialist policies, but terrorism and how to deal with it is one topic that he is absolutely right about...

Mother Nature is a Mad Scientist

It's interesting that one of the most destructive forces in nature can be so beautiful. Here's the link: Yahoo! News - Top Stories Photos - Reuters

Now that's just weird, part 2

THIS speaks for itself.

Note to Dan Blather and CBS...

Hey Dan! I realize that the Republicans are just the second head of the same evil snake, but why no major network coverage of the Republican Convention? It turns out that RUDY was a very entertaining speaker...

Aren't you and the big CBS news guys tired of being accused of liberal bias? You covered every night of the Democratic Convention... hmmmmm...


UPDATE- more on DAN!

Now that's just weird...

THIS is just plain weird, but of course, to each his/her own... 1,900 piercings? JEEZ!

God Save the Queen

Today, in my little corner of the web, I fly the Union Jack. I do it to say thank you to the Brits for standing with us in our current terrorism entanglements. More specifically, thanks to Mr. Blair for having the understanding that regarding Iraq, any free country is within its moral and legal rights to eliminate a despotic regime at any time it chooses, whether or not weapons of mass destruction exist. Unlike many of your weaker European counterparts, you understand that the terrorism problem belongs to all civilized countries, not just the U.S., the U.K., and Israel. Mr. Blair, your IRON WILL in the face of intense dissent around the world and at home is reminiscent of Churchill, a man we Americans are still fascinated with even today...

My prediction regarding the genocide in Sudan: after weeks of ceaseless hand-wringing at the United Nations and a number of pointless meetings, your weaker-stomached European counterparts will throw up their hands after all their token efforts to stop the genocide have failed. Guess who will get the call to clean the mess up? The only two major industrialized countries with the spine to clean it up. The Brits and the Yanks. My bet is that the phones of Mr. Blair and Mr. Bush will be ringing soon. Mr. Annan will be on the line.

It's no wonder to me that the United States has become such a powerful and dynamic nation. My opinion is that it's because we come from good stock. So thank you from this American. You can bet that my tourism dollars won't be spent in Paris...

Beach Volleyball, anyone?

THIS picture will likely spur lots of additional interest in the sport, especially among young males...

Hurricane Relief

For those of you who are interested, here's a LINK to help the hurricane victims...

Back Home...

Just back from the Socialist Workers' Republic of Illinois- had to go to pick up my stepdaughter K.

It's good to be home, where people at least pretend to be Capitalists!

When will they learn?

THIS PHOTO shows what we will probably have to do to quite a large number of radical Muslims before it's over. I am a Neal Boortz Libertarian, and so I believe that we are within our rights to eliminate this threat, no matter where it is. It is truly unfortunate that people do such stupid things in the name of religion (any religion, not just Islam), but I guess the human race has a lot to learn...

Left and Right in the Same Sorry Rut

For those of you who missed it, Mr. Boaz strikes again with THIS STORY that every Republicrat and Demublican should read... enjoy

Ah, the Free Market!

Near Lucea, Jamaica. May 2004.

Just another little confirmation that no matter how poor a country is, no matter how many governmental regulations you try to impose- the free market in ANY country will always find a way to deliver the goods and services that people want. Even those 'services' that many people find distasteful: gambling (the picture above is a betting parlor), drugs, prostitution, etc.

No government will ever succeed at completely stopping the free market, so bureaucrats, forget about it!

The Temple at Chichen Itza

I took this picture of the Temple at Chichen Itza (Yucatan, Mexico) in September, 1999.

Checked out an open tournament yesterday...

Just back from an open martial arts tournament in Jonesboro, AR. I went to check it out and see some friends (from a different style than mine) competing. The Taekwondo/Karate division had some really good action, but I found myself at the grappling ring for most of the day. It's amazing to me how jiu-jitsu has transformed the martial arts world. Everyone seems to cross-train in it now. I wonder if Bruce Lee were still alive, would he train so heavily in the ground game? My guess is that he would...

I was disappointed with the weapons competition, however. It seemed the emphasis was all on forms with lots of flash and speed, not so much about the practitioner's ability to actually use the weapon against an opponent...

Sparring versions of the popular weapons are available for competition, so it would be much more interesting to compete with/watch combatants actually spar with sticks/etc.

All in all, it was a good tournament, and some of my friends did well, so not a bad way to spend the better part of a day...

Sometimes, even I know what I'm talking about...

To add to my post of 3rd August, 2004, I discover in my local newspaper, the Democrat Argus:

According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the unemployment rate for Pemiscot county was 10.4% for June. Almost double the national rate...

Bush finally makes a brilliant move...

What a great pick for CIA chief in Mr. Goss- this guy may be the most qualified person for the job in the history of the CIA... I can't believe that a President (ANY President) actually picked a real spy for the job! It almost gives me hope for our government, but I can't be tempted that much. Link below:

CNN.com - Porter Goss is Bush's choice to head CIA

Big Weekend

Back from Lake Norfork, AR, one of the premier freshwater scuba diving locations in Arkansas... Wife J. and stepdaughter K. both had a great time hanging out and swimming with the extended family. All the kids really wore themselves out, which was great!

Of course, I did a little bit of scuba diving, but I chose the wrong end of the lake to dive in this time. The north side was all mucked up, so visibility was horrible... Sometimes, you can learn things about yourself and your diving when the visibility is only a few feet. How you handle claustrophobia and compass usage quickly come to mind.

Naturally, a bad day diving is better than a good day at the office, so I still had a blast... Now back to the grind, back to listening to all the election B.S., back to day-to-day life! Remember, the vacations make all the work worthwhile...

Off to the Lake...

Mini vacation on Norfork Lake, Arkansas starting tomorrow. No blogging
(unless I decide to call in with audioblogger) and no martial arts, but
a lot of scuba diving, eating, movies, and quality family time... Maybe
some pics when I get back...

Case in point- another decaying town... (Gideon, Missouri)

The Decay of Southeast Missouri

I've been noticing something about Southeast Missouri lately. Consisting of many small towns, we rely heavily on agricultural business and on small factories for the survival of our economy. Many of our small towns are in rapid decay. The small factories are disappearing.

Why? One observation rapidly springs to mind. Small factories can no longer afford to remain in this state. The union pinheads in St. Louis and Kansas City have a stranglehold on the weak legislature in Jefferson City. For years, rural Missouri has cried out for our becoming a 'right to work' state, but to no avail. It's common sense to those of us in third-world Missouri that if you want to attract industry to the area, you don't slap them in the face with onerous regulations and artificially high labor prices (unions).

On the flip side of the equation, the legislatures of Tennessee and Arkansas had the wisdom, foresight, and frankly, the balls to become 'right to work' states. Strangely enough, each of Western Tennessee and Northeast Arkansas' towns seem to have one or more factories or large businesses. In both states, their small towns are growing, and a thriving labor, housing, and service market exists. Go figure...

A picture included on the next post...

And from the Left...

Now this is a Far Left Love-fest...

Over at the Nomad Tavern...

Great post on taxes and the economy...

A Little Reminder

Here's a slideshow reminder, for those of you who have forgotten: Slideshow

Remember what we're up against, and think about what type of world you want your kids to grow up in...

It All Starts with Economic Freedom....

I've been reading the New American Revolutionist a bit lately- check him out- particularly this post on economic feedom.  Enjoy!

Convention Coverage

The only thing interesting about the political conventions this year is the fact that bloggers are there covering them... Since the bloggers aren't delegates, and the convention is scripted, it seems after reading the posts that they're all really bored.  Perhaps if the delegates kept live blogs, it might be interesting to get into their heads, but no such luck this time.

I enjoyed Clinton's speech Monday night, but not for the reason you might think- his presidency was a disaster in many respects, and were it not for the technology boom (which had more to do with free-market forces than governmental policies), this fact would be painfully obvious to most Americans.  Be that as it may, Clinton might be the most masterful orator of the past hundred years.  His eloquence just can't be matched.

Ostensibly a speech to rally support for Kerry, hidden under the surface was an excellent attempt at rewriting the history of his administration and putting it in a more positive light...  The 'Kerry mentions' were just frequent enough to avoid this appearance to most people... The 'strength and wisdom' comment was classic.

Kudos to Bill, he may have done some damage to Bush, who like himself, is perfectly willing to waste my tax dollars and walk all over the Constitution with reckless abandon!

Here's what could be on this Infidel's wish list....

BMW Motorcycles

DON'T BE A VICTIM ?

Of a physical attack, or of people who think that it's possible to learn self-defense solely through books and videos?

Don't get me wrong, self-defense and martial arts books and videos are great, as I have several. Each has their place in aiding your training.  My actual training has done far more for me than just having the knowledge could ever do... There is a big difference in knowing what to do and instinctively applying a technique when you really need it!

Don't believe it if you get the impression that it will be easy to gain the ability to 'defeat any attacker.'  The only way to achieve that is to physically train, preferrably with various human opponents, for several years... Even then, you will not be ready for all possible attacks.  Here's the link to a site that prompted this post:
DON'T BE A VICTIM !

Major life change...

I just realized how much my life has changed recently with the addition of my wife and stepdaughter...  I just spent most of tonight assembling a swingset!  I'm sure there's much more to come the parenting front...  No wonder I don't seem to read as much as I used to...   All in all, it's been a good change- I'm happy to have them both.

This is Unbelievable...

Admittedly, I don't like either of the two main political parties in this country. I don't see a dime's worth of difference between the two...

That being said, this removal of documents from the National Archives is an outrage... Whether or not Berger gets jail time over this will indicate if the USA is a nation of laws, or if we're a nation of laws that apply only to the unconnected. Click this link: Yahoo! News - Clinton adviser probed about removing classified terror memos

Governor mocks foes as `girly-men'

My internet service is finally back up and running... I can't believe how much I use it, until I can't...

This is HILARIOUS- his comments are perhaps uncalled for, even if true: MercuryNews.com 07/18/2004 Governor mocks foes as `girly-men'

Why can't we have colorful politicians like that in Missouri?

Another Negril, Jamaica photo- early morning.

Life in the slow lane on the Mississippi River...

Privacy and Politics

Are you interested in knowing what your neighbors and friends have contributed to various political campaigns? Check out Fundrace.org and see. Is this a good thing, providing transparency to the political process? Is it an invasion of your privacy? Comment if you wish...

Score One for the Bull

That's gotta hurt- I'm sure the bull had lost a bit of his own blood by this point...

Click this link: Yahoo! News - AFP Top Photos

'Forms' in the Traditional Martial Arts

I've been thinking a lot recently about the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which for those of you who don't know, are the type you see in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or Pride fights. I'm a big fan, and practice mixed martial arts myself often. Despite the occasional fat lip, sore ribs, or slightly hyper-extended joint, in my view it's clearly the best way to prepare yourself for a real 'street fight'. It seems that a number of MMA practitioners always want to dump on the traditional martial arts, citing their lack of 'street' effectiveness.

If you've practiced the traditional arts yourself, you know that they have a number of beneficial aspects that make them worth your time. Yes, the traditional arts utilize 'forms,' or predetermined sequences of moves against ficticious opponents, that have no direct use in sparring. Yes, some of the tournaments traditional artists compete in are very much a 'sport,' indeed.

If you're a MMA person who is considering a traditional art as well, remember this about the 'forms'-

• Forms are the 'encyclopedia' of all the techniques in a particular art. You can always refer back to them when necessary.
• Learning forms is an automatic way of training both sides of your body, which in reality, you would NEVER do on your own.
• Done properly, forms are a 'moving meditation' which allow you to completely clear your mind, focus, and get the job done- something that carries over into other aspects of your life.
• Forms force self-discipline to learn them well, something everyone can use more of!

I would encourage any MMA practitioner who has no background in the traditional arts to consider adding one to your training. If you keep an open mind, you'll find that aspects of it are useful in combat, and it won't be a waste of your time... I train in two traditional arts, plus cross-train in MMA with some very capable guys. I've been in this long enough now to even consider adding one of the 'soft' arts to the mix, like Tai Chi.

You can always pick up on the level of training and maturity of a martial artist by whether or not they 'talk down' arts that are not their own. Those who are well-trained can see some truth to almost every art- your job is to train hard and take the things you like from various styles and make them your own. Feel free to comment!

Institute for Justice: Fighting for Economic Liberty!

My favorite charity. Too many poor and middle-class people have to fight with various legal entities (towns, cities, licensing boards, states) just to start their own business and improve their lot in life. Too many times, these people are shut down for some dubious reason, when the truth is that established (and well connected) business interests just don't want the competition. The Institute for Justice does something about it. Check out the link below.

Institute for Justice: Legal Cases

Good to see they're holding the line on taxes somewhere...

LP News Online: August 2004: Tennessee county tax hike defeated

My newest tree, a Japanese Maple...

Kudos to Bill Cosby!

It seems Cosby has stirred it up quite a bit recently- all for talking about personal responsibility- the responsibility for your own actions and personal success, and the responsibility for good parenting...

You go, Bill. Your prescription for curing the cultural ills of African Americans in this country is right on the mark, and all ethnic groups would do well to listen! (NPR Talk of the Nation link below)

NPR : Bill Cosby's Controversial Comments

Political Correctness finally reaches my corner of Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau recently changed the name of their mascot from the 'Indians' to the 'Red Hawks.' In my view, it was a spineless decision. In fact, how did the Board of Regents even let it become a decision?

Despite all the belly-aching from various interest groups, I believe that the name 'Indians' is nothing more than a tribute to the Native Americans who inhabited this land so long ago. I don't know how anyone could see it as mockery.

Since we're renaming anything that might offend someone, somewhere, I propose that we rename all the states in the Midwest that bear Indian names (which would be most of them). Surely, those state names were meant as a joke and a mockery!

(SEMO link below)

semissourian.com: Article

Please comment, maybe we can compile a list of all things that might offend anyone, and get uptight and angry about them all!

The Reason for the Holiday...

Just a reminder of why the 4th is such a big deal... we would do well to re-read it and the Constitution often...Click this link below!

Image of the Declaration of Independence

Good day in Iraq

It was a good day in Iraq- Saddam beginning to stand trial for his crimes... I can't wait to see what the Iraqi people will do with him. I'm betting that he gets the death penalty, which makes some people squirm, but really- who could possibly deserve it more? His attrocities are well-documented.

Unfortunately, all this Iraq rebuilding will not lead to a stable democracy in my opinion. There are three distinct cultures in Iraq, and none of them seem to have a sincere interest in dealing with the others. Until the area sees separate countries for the Kurds, the Shiites, and the Sunnis, Iraq will always be a basketcase...

You still have to hope that respect and tolerance will win out in the end, and maybe then we'll see democracy gain a foothold in the Middle East.

One of the trees in my yard...
Copyright 2004, All rights reserved.

So this fungus shows up in my flower bed recently, which is a shame because it's brighter than all the plants out there!

Reagan

It's been a little more than a week since he passed away, and so much has been said already. Here's my two cents:

I personally liked the guy, and think he was a great president. Regardless what your politics are, you can't deny that the man inspired the country both during his presidency, and now in death, as evidenced by all the media coverage and outpouring of emotion among the people. It seems that the defeat of communism, in retrospect, was far more crucial than the moderates and leftists ever thought.
He was the man who got it done... I say we put him on the $10 bill...

Memorial Day 2004

It's been a great Memorial Day here in my part of the midwest, so thanks to all the soldiers out there. Despite what you may hear in the media, most of us support your efforts and wish you a speedy and safe return...

One of the photos from the beach in Jamaica. How relaxing...
Posted by Hello

Fun way to waste some time

(for computer gamers) I've been playing a game of Civilization III with my brother by e-mail. He is playing as the Germans, while I am playing as the Japanese. He will suffer a humiliating cultural or maybe a military defeat by the 1900's, or so I predict...
What an amazing game! Whether you play with human opponents, or just against computer civilizations, you will find yourself sitting in front of your computer for hours on end. This thing is a must for any would-be world leaders out there...

Diving in Negril, Jamaica

As I mentioned earlier, the Jamaica trip in early May was great. Lots to see and do, but we really didn't have to leave the resort. Everything you needed was included there (I would tell you which resort, but they're not paying me to advertise!).

I'm not sure about the rest of Jamaica's dive sites, but as for Negril, I don't think I'd put it high on your diving priorities list. Don't get me wrong, the diving was fun, visibility was fine, water temp great, but the reef just wasn't all that exciting... Still better than not diving.

Hopefully I will get to try out more dive sites in Jamaica in the future, and maybe see more interesting reef life. Comment if you wish, maybe suggest your favorite Jamaica dive location...

My complaint for the week...

I want to complain about all the complainers regarding gas prices. Yes, prices are going higher. That's unfortunate. There are things you can do, however. Here are your choices:

1. Reduce your driving.
2. Trade for a smaller vehicle or a hybrid.
3. Pressure your elected officials to allow the oil companies to drill for more oil outside the Middle East. Alaska, maybe?
4. Keep your current vehicle and pay the price no matter how high it goes...

First Post

So here I am. Talking to everyone- or no one, as the case may be...

Just got back from Jamaica, where I got married one week ago. My mind is still in the Caribbean, so here's my question- Does Cuba currently, or will it ever have enough hard currency to truly trade with the world?

The fly-over was very interesting. With the exception of Havana, the island looks to me like a collection of sugar cane farms with a few minor roads throughout. There's not much going on there, or so it seems from 33,000 feet.

Advocates of free trade with Cuba include the U.S. agriculture industry, which believes that Cuba would import most of its food from the U.S., were it allowed to do so. Does Cuba gain enough hard currency from foreign travelers to purchase what we can sell them?

Post a comment if you have one...