The Center of the Universe is Not New York City...

Neither is Los Angeles. So where, you ask, could it be? Judging from the CBS news coverage for the last couple of days, it must be wherever a big-name CBS reporter happens to be. While I agree that it's terrible that a reporter and her crew were wounded in Iraq recently, the story certainly shouldn't be the lead. Innocent people are hurt in Iraq every other day. Why cover a reporter's injury with such high priority when there are simply too many other stories with significant economic/societal implications?

It seems that the CBS 'eye' looks squarely in the mirror before seeking out the news of the day.

He Can Still Kick Your Butt

I'm enjoying listening to all the Royce Gracie critics since he lost his fight with Matt Hughes last night at UFC 60. While it's true that mixed martial arts have come full circle and a fighter must have both strong skills in striking and grappling, the facts remain:

• Royce Gracie revolutionized modern martial arts as we know them, no less than Bruce Lee did in his time
• Royce Gracie can still beat most people in a fight, particularly the critics...

Barney Frank Gets Free-Market Religion...

If only it were true. He did, however, sarcastically stick it to the inconsistent Republicans. Welcome, Mr. Frank, to the free-market people of the world. Now that you've found religion at the altar of Adam Smith, let's see if you'll be consistent with your new-found philosophy and reel in your rhetoric about 'fair trade' and 'worker's rights'...

Only Cowards Think We're at War?

Really- check out this article... While I agree completely that we should never give up our civil liberties, even in "war time," I have a problem with his terrorism analogy. Yes, we were sucker-punched on 9/11, and while there is no defense for said punch, it doesn't happen in a vacuum. Once you are sucker-punched, you are in a fight. You had better deal with the problem as effectively as possible. If you don't, others will be encouraged to do the same.

I further suggest that we were sucker-punched while standing in the middle of a number of people in the world who are sympathetic to the ones who punched us, if not perfectly willing to pile on themselves. Once the sucker-puncher has been dealt with, you had better quickly study his friends carefully, lest you become an enlightened idiot with a broken nose...

Giant Sucking Sound

I heard a good one on talk radio yesterday. Regarding the current hot topic of illegal immigration, the caller asked, "I thought NAFTA was supposed to cause all of our jobs to go south to Mexico- why are Mexicans still trying to get into this country?" Good question. Maybe one that Ross Perot could answer.

Hugo Chavez is an Ass.

Although I believe that boycotts are generally ineffective, I can't help but vote with my wallet and refuse to trade with Citgo from now on... Indirectly, doing business with Citgo benefits that Che/Castro wanna-be... That's the free market for you- we all have choices!

I Spoke Too Soon

regarding Mexico adopting a more sensible drug policy... I am the last guy to be a member of the 'blame America first' crowd, but Mexico only backed off this drug policy improvement after their neighbor to the north started flexing its anti-drug muscles... Just as Bush has never met a spending bill he didn't like, he apparently has the same love for all things prohibition. When will people learn that drug use, like alcohol, is a free market force that won't be denied?

Happy Anniversary, Baby

Just had my second anniversary a couple of days ago. It still blows my mind how different my life is now than just a few years ago. Wow. No trip to New York City this year, just dinner and a movie. I might surprise her again next year with another mystery trip- maybe a warm destination with plenty of scuba diving sites-

The Ride Home this Past Weekend

was worthwhile, but very challenging. With strong winds and rain all the way from Little Rock to Southeast Missouri, needless to say it was a little unnerving at times. Still had a great time, though. Assuming you and your bike remain in one piece, even a 'bad' motorcycle ride is better than none at all.
My friends and I went to the open house at BMW Motorcycles of Little Rock. The weather was bad, but they still had a crowd. Little Rock BMW has added Triumph motorcycles to their mix as well- they were certainly interesting to check out, especially the Triumph 'America' cruiser.

This Quad was also there on display. Wild stuff. I'm just not sure that folks here in the U.S. will pay nearly 50 K for a four-wheeler!

I will say this- after a ride like that one, my Cabela's Ultra-Dry Plus rainsuit was SO worth what I paid for it...

Even Mexico Recognizes

that trying to fight every little battle in the war against the free market in drugs is futile. (Arkanssouri blog)
I noticed the immigration protests got plenty of news coverage yesterday. I wonder when folks will begin to understand that in the free market for labor, as long as there is a great disparity between our illegal under-the-table wages for low-skilled work and what can be earned in Mexico, Mexicans will continue to attempt to enter this country and obtain a better life. You can't stop some people from using drugs, and you can't stop some people from seeking a better work situation...