I know it's been a long time, but vacation was wonderful, and now I am re-energized to give strong life lessons to all my faithful readers that are sure to save many hours of confusion and/or harm.
Which, of course, leads us to an inspiring story out of Worcester, MA where Panara Bread Company sued Qdoba Mexican Grill over the definition of a Sandwich.
See, Panara had an exclusivity clause in its contract that it would be the only Sandwich dealer in a particular mall in Worcester. When the mall began talks with Qdoba, Panara's lawyers jumped into action claiming breach of contract because Burritos are Sandwichs as well.
After a long legal battle, and a judge citing such unique sources as a chef, a USDA official, and, of course, the dictionary. Judge Jeffrey Locke ruled what everyone of us already knew, Burritos, indeed, are not Sandwiches.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Lesson #4: Your baby is not a weapon.
When you were a kid, you probably bumped your head a few times. Perhaps even hard. Maybe you have a scar that your parents tell you about how you fell off the high chair and hit the corner of the table or the fireplace. Or perhaps you took a few extra spins on the merry-go-round and fell off.
I certainly had my fair share of them. I took a baseball to the head that knocked me out and left a pretty good shiner. I fell out of the top bunk when I was asleep and hit my head on my dresser loud enough to wake my parents up in the next room. But I certainly never got any of my bumps and bruises the way the baby in our latest news adventure did. Mostly because when I was a 4 week old, my mother didn't use me as a baseball bat when my dad stepped out of line. I'm not sure if it was because my dad never stepped out of line, or if we happened to have baseball bats always laying around the house, but regardless, to the best of my knowledge, it didn't happen.
The baby suffered a fractured skull, some bleeding in the brain and is in serious, but stable condition. The mothers bail has been set at $75,000, which I'm pretty sure is not enough being that the "aggravated" in her aggravated assault case is because she used a baby as a weapon. Her other 4 children were taken out of the home and put in protective custody.
I certainly had my fair share of them. I took a baseball to the head that knocked me out and left a pretty good shiner. I fell out of the top bunk when I was asleep and hit my head on my dresser loud enough to wake my parents up in the next room. But I certainly never got any of my bumps and bruises the way the baby in our latest news adventure did. Mostly because when I was a 4 week old, my mother didn't use me as a baseball bat when my dad stepped out of line. I'm not sure if it was because my dad never stepped out of line, or if we happened to have baseball bats always laying around the house, but regardless, to the best of my knowledge, it didn't happen.
The baby suffered a fractured skull, some bleeding in the brain and is in serious, but stable condition. The mothers bail has been set at $75,000, which I'm pretty sure is not enough being that the "aggravated" in her aggravated assault case is because she used a baby as a weapon. Her other 4 children were taken out of the home and put in protective custody.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Lesson #3: People who want censorship, should be censored.
Coming in high in the irony department comes this little story from Conroe, Texas.
It seems that a book has created quite the controversy, as the father of one of the children asked to read it didn't agree with its content. The irony department kicks in when you know what the book it.
See, author Ray Bradbury wrote a book in 1953 about McCarthyism, the Nazi Book Burnings, and the suppression of authors in the Soviet Union during the Stalin era, but evidently, the message behind Fahrenheit 451 didn't sink in to one resident of Conroe.
The fact that a book about how censorship is wrong, is trying to be censored, puts this story up for Irony of the Year Award.
It seems that a book has created quite the controversy, as the father of one of the children asked to read it didn't agree with its content. The irony department kicks in when you know what the book it.
See, author Ray Bradbury wrote a book in 1953 about McCarthyism, the Nazi Book Burnings, and the suppression of authors in the Soviet Union during the Stalin era, but evidently, the message behind Fahrenheit 451 didn't sink in to one resident of Conroe.
The fact that a book about how censorship is wrong, is trying to be censored, puts this story up for Irony of the Year Award.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Panda Bites Man, Man Bites Panda.
A drunken man jumped into a Beijing Zoo enclosure because of a sudden urge to want to touch the Pandas on display.
The bear, startled by being woken up by the man, responded by biting the man in the leg. The drunken man, mad he was bit, kicked the bear, and the bear bit his other leg. Still determined, the man decided there was only one logical course of action, he bit the bear on the back.
When questioned about his actions, he talked about how he had seen pandas on television and they seemed get on with people. So, logically, nothing would happen. I guess he had been playing too much Tekken and thought you could just hang out with bears.
Maybe I should make my blog a series of "Lessons" to my faithful reading audience, to make sure they don't get in trouble in life. I guess Lesson #1 would be, Don't Stab People. There are so many lessons that could be taken from this article.. Don't get drunk enough to jump into exhibits at the zoo, don't believe everything you see on television, but I think the official lesson learned here is:
Lesson #2: Panda Bears are not your friend.
The bear, startled by being woken up by the man, responded by biting the man in the leg. The drunken man, mad he was bit, kicked the bear, and the bear bit his other leg. Still determined, the man decided there was only one logical course of action, he bit the bear on the back.
When questioned about his actions, he talked about how he had seen pandas on television and they seemed get on with people. So, logically, nothing would happen. I guess he had been playing too much Tekken and thought you could just hang out with bears.
Maybe I should make my blog a series of "Lessons" to my faithful reading audience, to make sure they don't get in trouble in life. I guess Lesson #1 would be, Don't Stab People. There are so many lessons that could be taken from this article.. Don't get drunk enough to jump into exhibits at the zoo, don't believe everything you see on television, but I think the official lesson learned here is:
Lesson #2: Panda Bears are not your friend.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Who stabs someone in the leg, anyway?
So perhaps you might have heard about the Northern Colorado second string punter, who stabbed the first string punter, so he could play.
Needless to say, this plan didn't work after a liquor store clerk saw him taking off the black tape that covered his license tag and called the cops shortly after the stabbing. The punter has been released on a $40,000 bond, charges pending.
But the story gets ironic during Northern Colorados first game this last Saturday versus Texas State, the first game since there punter incident last week.
The strong Safety, the third string punter, comes in to punt, and gets injured in the game.
The next punter comes in, and he's fantastic.. kicking his first punt a grand total of 7 yards. Honestly, how much could you really expect from the 4th string punter at Northern Colorado.
But alas, the Northern Colorado team, despite the punter difficulties continued to press on, and with only a few second remaining in the first half, Northern Colorado got some more punter magic, they ended up blocking a punt by the other team, and running it back for a touchdown to go up 14-0, which eventually proved to be the game winning score as they held on to win, 14-13.
A drama filled punting week, ends on a good note.. except for the 2nd string punter. I guess the moral of the story is to not stab people. Remember that kids, don't stab people.
Needless to say, this plan didn't work after a liquor store clerk saw him taking off the black tape that covered his license tag and called the cops shortly after the stabbing. The punter has been released on a $40,000 bond, charges pending.
But the story gets ironic during Northern Colorados first game this last Saturday versus Texas State, the first game since there punter incident last week.
The strong Safety, the third string punter, comes in to punt, and gets injured in the game.
The next punter comes in, and he's fantastic.. kicking his first punt a grand total of 7 yards. Honestly, how much could you really expect from the 4th string punter at Northern Colorado.
But alas, the Northern Colorado team, despite the punter difficulties continued to press on, and with only a few second remaining in the first half, Northern Colorado got some more punter magic, they ended up blocking a punt by the other team, and running it back for a touchdown to go up 14-0, which eventually proved to be the game winning score as they held on to win, 14-13.
A drama filled punting week, ends on a good note.. except for the 2nd string punter. I guess the moral of the story is to not stab people. Remember that kids, don't stab people.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Manatees aren't stupid! They're just really lazy....
As many of you know, I have some weird fascination with Manatees. Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that they are cute. They're cute in that get run over by a boat way, but cute all the same.
I have heard many times by all you mean souls out there that Manatees are dumb, because how else could they get run over all the time. Well, it turns out, I was right, and you were wrong. Fat and Lazy? Yes. Cute? Yes. Stupid? Nope!
And now I have science to back me up. Manatees aren't stupid, they're just slow and lazy.
Monday, September 04, 2006
R.I.P. Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin, better known as the Crocodile Hunter, has died.
Not surprisingly, it happened while filming a documentary about animals. Apparently, a sting rays barb punctured his chest.
As ridiculous as he sometimes acted in his "character" as the Croc Hunter, his excitement for wildlife always came through as he did what he could to bring the terrible situation that many endangered species face to our living rooms. Him, and people like him, constantly champion the race to save thousands of species of plants and animals throughout the globe. That is something to be admired.
Steve Irwin, Dead at 44, RIP.
Not surprisingly, it happened while filming a documentary about animals. Apparently, a sting rays barb punctured his chest.
As ridiculous as he sometimes acted in his "character" as the Croc Hunter, his excitement for wildlife always came through as he did what he could to bring the terrible situation that many endangered species face to our living rooms. Him, and people like him, constantly champion the race to save thousands of species of plants and animals throughout the globe. That is something to be admired.
Steve Irwin, Dead at 44, RIP.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Good on ya, Howard.
A buddy of mine moved out to Colorado a few months back and as it turns out.. has been doing some good.
Let this be a lesson to you.. don't drive through flooded streets, unless Howard is around to save you.
He's being flown out to New York so he can appear on the Today show tomorrow morning, so that's pretty exciting.
I wish they had a picture of him standing on top of the Jeep though. Can I make fun of someone for that sort of thing? I mean, he did need rescued, just because you saved someone before you needed rescued, doesn't mean you didn't need it.
I think I need an officially ruling on that. Regardless... good show, Howard.
Let this be a lesson to you.. don't drive through flooded streets, unless Howard is around to save you.
He's being flown out to New York so he can appear on the Today show tomorrow morning, so that's pretty exciting.
I wish they had a picture of him standing on top of the Jeep though. Can I make fun of someone for that sort of thing? I mean, he did need rescued, just because you saved someone before you needed rescued, doesn't mean you didn't need it.
I think I need an officially ruling on that. Regardless... good show, Howard.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Senator puts "Secret Hold" on bill
Oh come on, how can I make something like this up?
As it turns out.. and I'll completely admit to my ignorance on this subject.. Senators can put "Secret Holds" on bills in Congress.
The absolutely best part of the story though, has yet to be revealed.
The bill that was put on Double Secret Probation was of course... a bill that would have opened up more Federal Records.
So brilliantly, a bill that seeks to open certain kinds of federal records, was cancelled by a person that can hide behind some magic shield.
Pure genius.
As it turns out.. and I'll completely admit to my ignorance on this subject.. Senators can put "Secret Holds" on bills in Congress.
The absolutely best part of the story though, has yet to be revealed.
The bill that was put on Double Secret Probation was of course... a bill that would have opened up more Federal Records.
So brilliantly, a bill that seeks to open certain kinds of federal records, was cancelled by a person that can hide behind some magic shield.
Pure genius.
PS3 Hopes to cure Alzheimer's
The Playstation 3 is set to be released in November (of course, it was set to be released last year, but thats a whole different deal), but they are in the news for a different reason this time.
The PS3 has teamed up with folding@home to attempt to cure diseases such as Alzheimer's, Mad Cow, ALS, Parkinson's and countless others by using a Distributed computing network.
Distrubuted networks were popularized with the SETI@home project that is still running that searches for ET life throughout the universe. The catch with the PS3 is that the "cell" in the PS3 will run the program 10 times faster then an average home computer. Should be interesting to see how the program develops.
An article about it can be found here.
The PS3 has teamed up with folding@home to attempt to cure diseases such as Alzheimer's, Mad Cow, ALS, Parkinson's and countless others by using a Distributed computing network.
Distrubuted networks were popularized with the SETI@home project that is still running that searches for ET life throughout the universe. The catch with the PS3 is that the "cell" in the PS3 will run the program 10 times faster then an average home computer. Should be interesting to see how the program develops.
An article about it can be found here.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
#20? Screw that!
How can we be #20? That's f'ing ridiculous. We should be so much higher!
F YOU POLL! WE DESERVE BETTER.
Man, I am angry.
F YOU POLL! WE DESERVE BETTER.
Man, I am angry.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Maine Hellbeast Killed by Car
My special correspondent, Fletcher, pointed me to this article about a Hell beast killed in Maine over the weekend.
Animal control officers say its a rare wolf-dog hybrid, but obviously it's a creature from the world beyond. I mean, look at it. Be scared. Be very scared.
82! 82! 82!
Wanna know where your last name ranks?
For my family members that read my blog.. you're #82, I promise.
For my family members that read my blog.. you're #82, I promise.
Wanna go golfing?
Well, okay, it's not regular golf.. as a matter of fact, it's just a driving range.
But I still want to go golfing at this place.
My friends that I golf with take the game very seriously and get frustrated when they mess up. I don't take the game so seriously.. so I think I'd have more fun trying to hit random targets.
At $0.30 a ball during "peak hours" it'd be pricey, but it'd be fun to play around with. All in all though, golf balls with sensors? Freaking cool.
But I still want to go golfing at this place.
My friends that I golf with take the game very seriously and get frustrated when they mess up. I don't take the game so seriously.. so I think I'd have more fun trying to hit random targets.
At $0.30 a ball during "peak hours" it'd be pricey, but it'd be fun to play around with. All in all though, golf balls with sensors? Freaking cool.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Chad gets Photoshopped onto Beinn Eighe
My brother, Chad, has been off wandering the world again (as he does). This picture was taken in the Scottish Highlands on the Mountain of Beinn Eighe. It practically looks fake it's so beautiful. Is everyone jealous? I am.
Scientists creating new Universe
Japanese scientists are attempting to create a new universe within a lab.
If successful the space-time continuum around that point will break from ours, but since it is a whole seperate universe it will not collapse our own space time continuum.
Let's hope that they are calculating things correctly.
If successful the space-time continuum around that point will break from ours, but since it is a whole seperate universe it will not collapse our own space time continuum.
Let's hope that they are calculating things correctly.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Bored of Myspace?
Are you bored with your Myspace account?
The adult version is here! Utherverse expects to have more over a million registered users by the end of 2006.
Now instead of filling your profile up with text and boring pictures, you can do it with porn. Complete your fantasy profile today!
The adult version is here! Utherverse expects to have more over a million registered users by the end of 2006.
Now instead of filling your profile up with text and boring pictures, you can do it with porn. Complete your fantasy profile today!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Want a new job? Here's how.
All you have to do is figure out how to get millions of people into a theater on opening weekend, without spending $10 a head on advertising cost.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks as well as HDNet, has offered a 'contest' of sorts. Answer the question above, and you get a job working for him. And since he's Mark Cuban, he's serious.
He put this proposal on his blog, which is probably one of the most interesting blogs on the net.
So far 411 comments have been posted... so you're idea better be new and original. Chad.. get to work.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks as well as HDNet, has offered a 'contest' of sorts. Answer the question above, and you get a job working for him. And since he's Mark Cuban, he's serious.
He put this proposal on his blog, which is probably one of the most interesting blogs on the net.
So far 411 comments have been posted... so you're idea better be new and original. Chad.. get to work.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Man enters fishing contest.
In Bermuda over the weekend a man entered a deep sea fishing tournament. He didn't win. You'd think he'd have a good shot at winning being that he and his father both charter fishing boats and have done a lot of Marlin fishing.
But as it turns out.. the fish won.
But as it turns out.. the fish won.
Oh my God! Where'd that week go?
So yeah, I suck at this whole blog thing. I have about 3 or 4 topics I wanted to blog about, but can't seem to make the time or find the time or something about time to do it.
Perhaps I'm not as good at this as I thought I'd be. Perhaps this evening... perhaps not. I know you're dying with the anticipation, aren't you?
Perhaps I'm not as good at this as I thought I'd be. Perhaps this evening... perhaps not. I know you're dying with the anticipation, aren't you?
Monday, July 17, 2006
Amazon.com: The Walmart of the Internet
So what would go good with your new Amazon.com DVD? Well, popcorn, of course!
Yes, it's true. Amazon.com has rolled out its own grocery store now, completely online. I just couldn't imagine it being that much cheaper, if its even cheaper at all. Of course, those who live in the middle of nowhere don't have to drive all the way to Walmart now.
You know what? I miss IGA.
Yes, it's true. Amazon.com has rolled out its own grocery store now, completely online. I just couldn't imagine it being that much cheaper, if its even cheaper at all. Of course, those who live in the middle of nowhere don't have to drive all the way to Walmart now.
You know what? I miss IGA.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Arcade Game!
The beginnings of my 80s arcade have begun.
I bought Guerrilla War today.
How freaking awesome. I'll post pictures when I get it here and get it set up.
I bought Guerrilla War today.
How freaking awesome. I'll post pictures when I get it here and get it set up.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Ed knocks off Robin
I like lists. They are always fun to look over and disagree with and argue about.
Entertainment Weekly does such things. This week? The best Sidekicks of all time.
Notables include Ed McMahon knocking off Robin for 1st, followed by George Costanza, Chewbacca and Ethel Mertz.
Always fun to see the modern people come in with Pedro from Napolean Dynamite coming in at #22, Silent Bob in at #39, and, not quite modern, but Arthur Dents best bud Ford Prefect.
I'm not sure who they missed, but I'm sure they missed someone.
Entertainment Weekly does such things. This week? The best Sidekicks of all time.
Notables include Ed McMahon knocking off Robin for 1st, followed by George Costanza, Chewbacca and Ethel Mertz.
Always fun to see the modern people come in with Pedro from Napolean Dynamite coming in at #22, Silent Bob in at #39, and, not quite modern, but Arthur Dents best bud Ford Prefect.
I'm not sure who they missed, but I'm sure they missed someone.
Happy Baistille Day!
It's French Indepedence Day today.
In honor of it, I'll remind of you of the story of the Rainbow Warrior.
In honor of it, I'll remind of you of the story of the Rainbow Warrior.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Save the Beach at the End of the Street!
Oh man does Homeland Security have it together or what?
The more I read into this report, the more of comic genius it is. That's a link to the actual report, instead of just a story about it (warning, its a pdf). CNN just doesn't do it justice when making fun of it.
Let's just hit some highlights:
-Indiana lists 65% of the Public Health Sector, including all 417 of its nursing homes.
-25 Golf Courses, 24 Swimming Pools, 34 Coca Cola botllers/distributors, and 3,773.... wait for it.. wait for it.. malls.
-The state of Washington has 65 national monuments, whereas Washington, DC only has 37.
-New Mexico Controls the Internet. In the "Information Technology" sector, New Mexico has 553 (73%), the next highest state (Virginia) has 68.
-4,164 schools are listed of various sizes from Head Start programs to University, 2,126 of these are in Virginia. There are 96,000 schools that would fall in the range of Head Start programs to University in reality. We don't know why the other 92,000 do not need protection, but the ones in Virginia do.
-Various things that are listed that are funny: Trees of Mystery, Inn, Rolls Royce Plant, Donut Shop, Jay's Sporting Goods, Auto Shop, Nix's Check Cashing, Assyrian American Association, Association for the Jewish Blind, Sweetwater Flea Market, 4 Cs Fuel and Lube, and I quote, "Beach at End of [a] Street."
Honestly, the report doesn't surprise me all that much. It's just a bit pathetic that our tax dollars are going to be distributed based on something this moronic. Perhaps by the time the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 rolls around, we'll actually figure out what we're supposed to be protecting.
The more I read into this report, the more of comic genius it is. That's a link to the actual report, instead of just a story about it (warning, its a pdf). CNN just doesn't do it justice when making fun of it.
Let's just hit some highlights:
-Indiana lists 65% of the Public Health Sector, including all 417 of its nursing homes.
-25 Golf Courses, 24 Swimming Pools, 34 Coca Cola botllers/distributors, and 3,773.... wait for it.. wait for it.. malls.
-The state of Washington has 65 national monuments, whereas Washington, DC only has 37.
-New Mexico Controls the Internet. In the "Information Technology" sector, New Mexico has 553 (73%), the next highest state (Virginia) has 68.
-4,164 schools are listed of various sizes from Head Start programs to University, 2,126 of these are in Virginia. There are 96,000 schools that would fall in the range of Head Start programs to University in reality. We don't know why the other 92,000 do not need protection, but the ones in Virginia do.
-Various things that are listed that are funny: Trees of Mystery, Inn, Rolls Royce Plant, Donut Shop, Jay's Sporting Goods, Auto Shop, Nix's Check Cashing, Assyrian American Association, Association for the Jewish Blind, Sweetwater Flea Market, 4 Cs Fuel and Lube, and I quote, "Beach at End of [a] Street."
Honestly, the report doesn't surprise me all that much. It's just a bit pathetic that our tax dollars are going to be distributed based on something this moronic. Perhaps by the time the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 rolls around, we'll actually figure out what we're supposed to be protecting.
Indiana is screwed.
If you were a terrorist, where would you strike?
New York? Been there, done that.
Los Angeles? So Hollywood.
Chicago? Nahhhh.
Indiana? Damn right!.
Statue of Liberty? No.
Insect Zoo? Yes.
Empire State Building? No.
Bourbon Festival? Yes.
Thank Goodness we have the National Infrastructure Protection Plan out there to protect us from harms way, ya know, the plan that ranks a Kangaroo Conservation Area the same as it rates, say, the Sears Tower, because a weighting system for each site doesn't exist.
Five years after 9/11, and now they are cutting budgets to New York and Washington, D.C. and giving the money to... Indiana.
New York? Been there, done that.
Los Angeles? So Hollywood.
Chicago? Nahhhh.
Indiana? Damn right!.
Statue of Liberty? No.
Insect Zoo? Yes.
Empire State Building? No.
Bourbon Festival? Yes.
Thank Goodness we have the National Infrastructure Protection Plan out there to protect us from harms way, ya know, the plan that ranks a Kangaroo Conservation Area the same as it rates, say, the Sears Tower, because a weighting system for each site doesn't exist.
Five years after 9/11, and now they are cutting budgets to New York and Washington, D.C. and giving the money to... Indiana.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
I Yelled at an Old Man.
Well, by the title, one would assume I'm the asshole in this situation, but please, read on.
I was picking up some Chinese food yesterday for lunch, an event that takes place pretty much every Monday at around 12:30. It's usually quite a boring adventure, with the only payoff being that I like Chinese food.
But I got a special treat this time. An older gentleman (and by older, I mean, using an electronic cart because he's old enough not to move well) decided that he wanted some Fried Chicken from the deli which happens to be connected to the Chinese Kitchen. Well being that the registers are connected for the two departments, he of course, decided that we were not in line, and that he should get served before us.
That, of course, was fine. I respect my elders enough that I can concede 2 minutes of my life so some old man can eat his chicken in a grocery store. However, after 2 or so minutes and various events that I didn't pay attention too, the old man begins yelling at the Chinese lady at the register and says "If you're going to live in this God damn country then learn the God damn language."
Without thinking, I yelled "HEY. There's no need for that." He turned around and told me to "Mind my own God damn business" and I repeated that there was indeed, no need for that. The lady walked away and called over someone from the Deli who finished his transaction, and thanked me for sticking up for her. I then got my Chinese food, and left.
All in all, it was pretty much a nonevent, but an event all the same. The old man wasn't going to do anything, I just didn't appreciate the act of him being rude to her, so I said something without even thinking about it.
But it brings up a relevent point. Back in May Congress approved a bill that would make English the "National Language" of the United States. The question to me is, Why? Most rights and services are already guaranteed under law to be provided in several languages, and this law doesn't do anything to change that.
This, of course, is a time where illegal immigration is the hot button issue, so I know what the answer is to "why" but it still bugs me. Political moves that do nothing but show someones "tough" on something, even though it won't do anything at all. It's a meaningless law that will hurt someone, somewhere down the road because someone, somewhere will decide that they don't have to find a Vietnamese translator for the immigrant that is arrested for shoplifting food. Then it will end up in the court system for years, and whatever state this happened in will end up having to pay millions to this person because they violated her rights. The only debate in my head is how high up the Court ladder it will go before it gets overturned.
After that, whoever the current Senator that wants to make a name for himself will propose a Constitutional Amendment making English the official language. Then it will be voted down, and we won't hear about the issue for a few more years.
My point? I hate hot button issues and get really annoyed at Senators that make laws that have no substance, just so they can appear like they care about something. That, and I yelled at an old man without thinking about it yesterday.
I was picking up some Chinese food yesterday for lunch, an event that takes place pretty much every Monday at around 12:30. It's usually quite a boring adventure, with the only payoff being that I like Chinese food.
But I got a special treat this time. An older gentleman (and by older, I mean, using an electronic cart because he's old enough not to move well) decided that he wanted some Fried Chicken from the deli which happens to be connected to the Chinese Kitchen. Well being that the registers are connected for the two departments, he of course, decided that we were not in line, and that he should get served before us.
That, of course, was fine. I respect my elders enough that I can concede 2 minutes of my life so some old man can eat his chicken in a grocery store. However, after 2 or so minutes and various events that I didn't pay attention too, the old man begins yelling at the Chinese lady at the register and says "If you're going to live in this God damn country then learn the God damn language."
Without thinking, I yelled "HEY. There's no need for that." He turned around and told me to "Mind my own God damn business" and I repeated that there was indeed, no need for that. The lady walked away and called over someone from the Deli who finished his transaction, and thanked me for sticking up for her. I then got my Chinese food, and left.
All in all, it was pretty much a nonevent, but an event all the same. The old man wasn't going to do anything, I just didn't appreciate the act of him being rude to her, so I said something without even thinking about it.
But it brings up a relevent point. Back in May Congress approved a bill that would make English the "National Language" of the United States. The question to me is, Why? Most rights and services are already guaranteed under law to be provided in several languages, and this law doesn't do anything to change that.
This, of course, is a time where illegal immigration is the hot button issue, so I know what the answer is to "why" but it still bugs me. Political moves that do nothing but show someones "tough" on something, even though it won't do anything at all. It's a meaningless law that will hurt someone, somewhere down the road because someone, somewhere will decide that they don't have to find a Vietnamese translator for the immigrant that is arrested for shoplifting food. Then it will end up in the court system for years, and whatever state this happened in will end up having to pay millions to this person because they violated her rights. The only debate in my head is how high up the Court ladder it will go before it gets overturned.
After that, whoever the current Senator that wants to make a name for himself will propose a Constitutional Amendment making English the official language. Then it will be voted down, and we won't hear about the issue for a few more years.
My point? I hate hot button issues and get really annoyed at Senators that make laws that have no substance, just so they can appear like they care about something. That, and I yelled at an old man without thinking about it yesterday.
Friday, July 07, 2006
We got him, because it's boring here.
As many of you know, I really like Wichita. Is it the most exciting place I've ever been? No. Not even close, but in all fairness, I have been to a lot of places. But it is my home, and over the years I've grown to have a great appreciation for it, not just because it is my home, but because of what it has to offer.
Most people that visit often wonder, what in the world does it have to offer.
Well, for one thing, it offers Wichita State Basketball.
And if you're a 6'3" Israeli basketball star, who lit the United States up for 29 points and 6 assists, it offers quiet.
And if "quiet" and "Wichita State Basketball" need to collide to bring him here. It works for me.
If you want to create your own visited countries map go there. If you want to join me for a Wichita State Basketball game next year, you'll have to give me a call. The season ticket people should be calling me anytime.
Most people that visit often wonder, what in the world does it have to offer.
Well, for one thing, it offers Wichita State Basketball.
And if you're a 6'3" Israeli basketball star, who lit the United States up for 29 points and 6 assists, it offers quiet.
And if "quiet" and "Wichita State Basketball" need to collide to bring him here. It works for me.
If you want to create your own visited countries map go there. If you want to join me for a Wichita State Basketball game next year, you'll have to give me a call. The season ticket people should be calling me anytime.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
He Had a Teddy Bear.
For the last few days since I made this thing, I keep asking myself, Why did I make it? Do I really want to spend my time doing this? Well, I didn't have an answer, until now.
There are certain things in the world that all my friends should be made aware of. But once you've told one person, you pretty much forget who you have told, and who you have not told. But now, all you have to do is come here, and you get to see those stories that are so great, that they made it to my Blog.
So without further ado, the story that all my friends should read. And remember, he had a Teddy Bear.
There are certain things in the world that all my friends should be made aware of. But once you've told one person, you pretty much forget who you have told, and who you have not told. But now, all you have to do is come here, and you get to see those stories that are so great, that they made it to my Blog.
So without further ado, the story that all my friends should read. And remember, he had a Teddy Bear.
Got your Ipod Phone?
So you got your new video Ipod and think you're the big man on the block? Well, you're not. The designs for the fifth generation of the Ipod have been gaining approval everywhere in the world patent law matters (EU and US that is).
Screw the Phone, I want the video game one.
Alas, I don't even have an ipod yet... and I play poker.
But the new designs are still pretty neato looking.
Screw the Phone, I want the video game one.
Alas, I don't even have an ipod yet... and I play poker.
But the new designs are still pretty neato looking.
Free House!
Apparently, you can find anything on Craigslist. Even a free house.
The Catch? You have to move it yourself.
The Catch? You have to move it yourself.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Human Body is amazing.. and not in THAT way.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Yeah, That's Right. I have one now.
Yeah. If you can have one, I can have one as well. Will I write anything? Meh. We shall see.
But if you get one, then I get one as well.
But if you get one, then I get one as well.
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