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.