Fat Man's Corner

I Love Old People

2012-01-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

I was sitting in the living room at an older couple’s house last week with my son and one of his friends. They crack me up. They talk on and on, smoke scary amounts of cigarettes, and talk on and on without really ever saying much of anything. But I love ‘em anyway. You know how it is, you just kind of nod and say “uh huh” every now and then. They do the rest.

Occasionally, though, a real gem sneaks in.

During one of the husband’s typical ramblings about his past he said, “I’ve had three women and two dogs.” Then after a brief moment of reflection while he took another puff of his cigarette he said, “I really loved those dogs.”

Then he went on without realizing what he’d said, still reflecting on days gone by.

I burst out laughing and nearly fell on the floor. I had to stop him because, even though he saw that something had struck my funny bone, he had no idea what it was. I guess I was the only one in the room that caught it, maybe the only one trying to pay attention. ‘Cause when I repeated what he’d said, everyone cracked up.

Almost as funny was the fact that, even after she had a good chuckle about it herself, it took a couple of minutes before it really dawned on his current wife. How does the saying go? “That’s when the fight started.”

smh&g

Great Blogging Quote

2011-10-12T13:12:00.000-04:00

My wife and I watched the movie "Contagion" last night. This quote made me laugh out loud:

"Blogging is not writing. It's graffiti with punctuation!"

BWAAA HAhahahahahaha !!!!!!!

:-)

Painting Pictures of Egypt - Sara Groves

2011-10-07T09:57:00.001-04:00

I've typed and re-typed all kinds of thoughts inspired by this song. In the end I felt I should just post the song and let it go at that. It touched me. Maybe it will touch you.

May the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you into all truth and comfort and peace...

Sara Groves – Painting Pictures of Egypt

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
And the places I long for the most
Are the places where I’ve been
They are calling out to me like a long lost friend

It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable
When you move so much
And the place I was wasn’t perfect
But I had found a way to live
And it wasn’t milk or honey
But then neither is this

CHORUS:
I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacks
The future feels so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I’ve learned
And those roads were closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
And I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
I am caught between the promise
And the things I know

CHORUS: (2x)
Oh, those roads were closed off to me
While my back was turned

BRIDGE:
If it comes too quick
I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick
I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

Grrr ...

2011-09-19T11:08:00.006-04:00

Saturday was a bad day ...

The plan was to mow the lawn and paint my daughter's bedroom. But the mower wouldn't start. The battery was dead. That's the first time that's happened since I bought it some 7 or 8 years ago.

Hmmm ...

"No problem", I thought. "I'll just boost it with my car battery." I wasn't sure if there was any danger in damaging the mower battery by using my car battery. But, what the heck, right? When I tried to lift the plastic hood on my mower I cracked it three quarters of the way to the headlights - right down the middle of the hood !!!!

Crap !!!! I had forgotten the hood release latches on the sides of the hood.

The mower still wouldn't start. The engine was turning over now that the jumper cables were connected. But it still wouldn't start. "Perhaps it's out of gas", I thought. I had mowed the lawn a few times since the last time I put gas in it.

So I go to the gas station to get gas, put it in the mower, and reconnect the jumper cables. Still wouldn't start.

Humph. No mowing today.

So I put on a slightly better old T-shirt to go to Wal-Mart to get the paint for my daughter's bedroom. When I get there I realize the ball shorts I'm wearing have no pockets in them. So I carry my wallet, my car keys, and the color selection in my hand to go get the paint only to find out that Wal-Mart has run out of the base material they need to mix the paint I wanted.

No problem, I usually get my paint from Lowes anyway. So I go to Lowes with my wallet, keys, and color selection in hand. I grab a cart just like I did at Wal-Mart to carry my wallet and keys. While the nice young lady in the paint department was mixing my paint I went down the aisle to pick up a paint pan and trim brush.

While looking for those items I realized I had left my cart unattended for a few minutes. When I got back to my cart, sure enough, my wallet and keys were gone !!!!

Stupid, stupid, stupid !!!!!

It's my own fault for leaving them unattended. I had something like $77.00 cash in the wallet along with my debit cards and a few shopping cards. I figured the cash was the price I paid for learning not to leave my wallet unattended. And the debit cards are for accounts I keep at near zero balances all the time. So I didn't think any real financial damage could be done.

The manager was sympathetic and nice enough to check the lost and found and to review the surveillance tapes for any clues. No such luck. He asked if I wanted to call the police. But I wasn't sure if it would do any good.

I searched every empty shopping cart I could find hoping that someone had mistakenly and innocently taken my cart instead of theirs. I checked the parking lot several times in case the thief might have ditched my wallet and keys after taking the cash. I asked the manager if they could check the trash cans as they empty them in case my stuff might have been dumped there.

I called my wife from the phone at the service desk to tell her to come and get me and bring the extra set of keys for my car. Heh, can you believe it, she couldn't find HER car keys !!!! But she finally found them and rushed to my rescue with the extra set of keys for my car. But she didn't actually have my extra keys ...

And wouldn't you know it, that was my fault, too. That very morning I had decided to remove my extra keys from the gawd-awful batch of trinkets my daughter had attached them to way back when. My wife had grabbed that gawd-awful batch of trinkets.

Sigh ...

So I drove my wife's car back to the house to get my extra keys while she went into Lowes and paid for the paint. By the way, where we live EVERYTHING is at least a half hour drive from our house.

But you know what? None of that seemingly never ending series of unfortunate events warrants the "Grrrr ..." in the title of this post. Not the broken down mower; not having broken the hood on the broken down mower; not the stolen wallet; not the missing cash; not having to drive back home to get my extra keys; not the inconvenience of having to cancel debit cards and order new ones; not even the aggravation of all that combined.

You know what made me mad?

While I was waiting for my wife, I decided that it might be prudent to have a police report on file just in case there were some transactions on my debit cards that I needed to dispute. So I go to one of the women working at a desk near the entrance to the manager's office and told her that I had, in fact, decided to call the police after all.

"OK", she said.
"Can I use your phone?".
"You can't use this phone."
("Oh", I thought, "Maybe I have to use the phone at the service desk like I did earlier to call home.")
"Do I have to use the phone at the service desk?"
"No. You can't use that one, either."
("Hmmm ...")
"Will you call the police for me?"
"We're not allowed to call the police. And if the police come here, they can't look at the camera without a subpoena."
(Why did she feel the need to add that bit about the cameras ???)
"YOU'RE not allowed to call the police ?!?!?"
"No."
"You mean to tell me that if you see a crime being committed right here in front of you, you're not allowed to call the police?"
"That's right."
"I find that hard to believe", I said and walked away.

The more I thought about that, the angrier I got. There were several people there I know so I used one of their cell phones to call the police. I also told another employee that I wanted to see the manager again.

When the manager came out I told him what the woman had told me. I'm pretty sure during my description the term "horseshit" was used. I told him I hadn't at all been angry until then.

To illustrate the ridiculousness of what she had told me I said to the manager, "So if I shoot that guy standing over there in the aisle, none of you are allowed to call the police. The poor guy has to hope he survives the shooting, has a cell phone on him, and is somehow able enough to call 911 himself."

Are you feeling the "Grrrr" yet ????

The manager apologized, assured me she had simply misunderstood store policy, and offered to let me use the phone to call the police. Oh, and when the police came, the manager took the officer straight to the cameras so he could review them all he wanted...

Later, as we were leaving, I thanked the manager for being sympathetic and helpful and for everything he tried to do to help me. I'm sure I'll repent for the horseshit remark as soon as I send a nasty letter to Lowes identifying the women who refused to help me.

By the way, as I was sitting on one of those Z-Track lawn mowers in front of the store keeping an eye on my car, the thought occurred to me that we have been blessed so much over the years that they (the infamous they; conveyors of conventional wisdom and ever the other from "us") could never steal or take away enough from us to put us on the negative side of life's ledger.

I waited until Sunday to paint my daughter's room. It looks great! I did, however, kick the paint can over and spilled paint all over the carpet ...

This is the Stuff - Francesca Battistelli\

Better Man

2011-09-15T08:57:00.001-04:00

Heard this song on the radio this morning. I remember way back when it first came out. That's when I knew Clint Black was the real deal !!!!!!

Better Man

Live Bullet !!!!

2011-08-15T14:20:00.004-04:00

One of my all time favorite rock albums has always been Bob Serger and The Silver Bullet Band - Live Bullet.

Here are a couple of tunes from that effort that should ALWAYS be played back-to-back:

Travelin' Man and Beautiful Loser

And here's one that always brings me to tears because it reminds me of how my very best friend thought of his girlfriend right up until the day he was killed in a horrible car crash - right after dropping me off at my house.

Jody Girl

Some other great songs from Live Bullet:

Nutbush City Limits
Ramblin' Gamblin' Man
Katmandu

... and of course ...

Turn the Page (Sorry, couldn't find a link to the actual "Live Bullet" version)

How Could I Have Forgotten This One ???

2011-08-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

John Prine and Iris Dement - In Spite of Ourselves

Maybe it's the welcome break in the weather ...

2011-08-11T10:27:00.004-04:00

Maybe it's something else. But, for whatever reason, I'm in a love song kind of mood today.

:-)

Zack Brown Band - Whatever It Is

Zack Brown Band - Whatever It Is (LIVE)

Sara Bareilles - Many the Miles

Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey

Billy Joel - She's Got a Way

Billy Joel - She's Always A Woman

Paul McCartney - My Love

Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful

Styx - Lady

Paul McCartney & Wings - Maybe I'm Amazed

Elton John - Your Song

Rod Stewart - You're in My Heart

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

And this one is just cool: Eric Clapton - The Core

And I Love Her

2011-08-08T16:38:00.002-04:00

The Beatles - And I Love Her

I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love
You'd love her too
I love her

She gives me everything
And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings
She brings to me
And I love her

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

True Story ...

2011-08-04T08:37:00.000-04:00

My wife and I were eating at our local Dairy Queen yesterday evening. A couple we know were a couple of tables over from us. My wife asked about one of their daughters. "Is she dating anyone?"

The other woman misunderstood my wife's question. She thought my wife was asking her if SHE was dating anyone. She said, "Who? Me?"

My wife and I started laughing. Then the other husband said, "No. Nothing good ever happens to me. We've been married 33 years."

Then after a short pause he said, "I would have gotten less for murder."

I almost fell out of my seat !!!!!!!

:-)

OUCH !!!!

2011-08-03T08:39:00.000-04:00

Had a wisdom tooth pulled yesterday afternoon. It was a tough one. Took the dentist about an hour to get it out after I was numbed. He ended up having to cut the tooth into sections and pull them out separately.

Heh, he kept getting frustrated. I asked him once, "Want to cuss, don't you?"

He said, "Well, ... yes."

He called me at home at 7:30 last night to check on me. That was nice.

I am so very sore today !!!!!!!

Hands and Feet

2011-07-18T11:56:00.002-04:00

I saw my son grieving himself to tears as he tries to help a friend overcome a vicious drug addiction. His friend is going through withdrawals right now. It's not pretty. We took some groceries to his friend and my son is staying with him now to help him through this very difficult time.

That's a scary thing for me to witness. On the one hand I wish my son had no contact with such things. As a dear friend said, "I wish there was only one hand" sometimes.

But on the other hand, my son said, "I can't NOT try to help, Dad. I've been raised that way. I've seen you do it all my life."

And then this question: "What can I do?"

Of course my counsel, as best as I'm able, comes from Christ and what little I've learned in my short time volunteering at the mission. I suggest Jesus and rehab.

But right now the friend is not interested in Jesus...

Lord help me to help my son to help his friend.

R.E.A.C.H.

2011-07-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

Reach Every Addict with Christ's Help (REACH).

Last week one of the guys in our reach counseling meeting let it slip that his wife could sing. So this week a couple of us brought our guitars and we had a little jam session after the meeting.

She was embarrassed and almost too nervous to do it. But this incredible young woman sang for us.

omigoodness !!!!! She was soooooo good.

She and her husband had already melted our hearts with a humble, loving, sincere thankfulness for their deliverence from the deadly grip of drug addiction. What a lovely couple! What an incredible testimony to Christ for His deliverence, healing, and restoring power in their lives !!!!!

And now we find out she is a gifted singer, too.

omigoodness !!!!! (I know. I already said that.)

Thank You, Jesus, for blessing us with this lovely couple. Thank You, Jesus for the work of healing and restoration You are doing in their lives !!!!

Amen.

A Word Spoken in Due Season, How Good Is It !!!! Prov. 15:23

2011-07-01T09:43:00.000-04:00

I saw an old friend at the funeral home last night. I'm sure she had no idea this was going to happen, neither did I. But she spoke the Word of God to me - exactly the words I needed at this moment in my life.

Hallelujah to the Lord on High !!!!

I can barely remember a couple of specific things she said. But I was washed with comfort and healing by the Holy Ghost as she spoke blessings and confidence to me directly from scripture.

Thank you, Diane Williams.

Thank You, Jesus, for speaking to my heart yet again. You are an incredible God, a Holy Lord, a Loving Master. You are healing. You are restoration. You are goodness. You are comfort. You are my God.

Keep Me In Your Heart For a While

2011-06-29T16:34:00.002-04:00

I just heard "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon. I've always loved that song. It reminded me of a very special friend of mine from high school.

Tim Brown was from upstate New York not far from Buffalo and moved to our tiny Ohio town during my sophomore year. We all called him New York.

At first annoying, Tim became one of my very best friends. I loved him dearly. He was one of the very few I kept in contact with over the years. But even that was sporadic. It would come and go in spurts. Years of nothing interrupted occasionally by a month or so of letters, phone calls, and emails.

During our last splash of emails a couple of years ago, Tim turned me on to another incredible song by Warren Zevon. I'd never heard it, though I had loved most of the stuff I'd heard on the radio decades earlier. You know, "Werewolves of London", "Lawyers, Guns, and Money", and "Excitable Boy".

All good stuff, but nothing as hauntingly beautiful as "Keep Me In Your Heart for a While".

Turns out it was an incredibly gifted dying man's farewell song.

My friend hanged himself not long after our "last splash of emails". I found out through another high school friend whose wife happened to work with Tim's younger sister.

What a tragedy !!!!

You are in my heart, Tim. I will keep you there for more than a while ...

Ugh! I Am So Sick !!!!

2011-06-28T16:24:00.000-04:00

I felt it coming on yesterday morning: scratchy throat, head ache, sniffles, cough, and an overall tired feeling.

I would have gone home from work early. But I had too much to do. I would have stayed home from work today. But I had too much to do.

I wish I could go home right now. But I have too much to do. And after work I have to umpire a couple of baseball games.

Ugh !!!

Oh, and my knees hurt, too.

Where do I make reservations for my pity party ????

Negative Assumptions

2011-06-22T16:40:00.002-04:00

How is it that people who should know better of you are so quick to assume the worst about your motivations?

How is it that you pour your heart out - your whole life out - to and for others, then their first thought when you hit a bump in the road is that you wish them harm?

How Can That Be ???

How can it be that someone for whom you have faught tirelessly instantly assumes you've never been there for them?

How Can That Be ???

Patty Griffin

2011-06-21T10:36:00.003-04:00

Patty Griffin is an incredible artist. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate her amazing talents.

The emotion and soul of her sound alone haunts me. Then a lyric here or a line there piques my heart. I listen more closely. Then I find the full lyrics and read while I listen.

And I'm blown away !!!

Do that with these songs.
Just listen.
Then listen a little more closely.
Then find the lyrics and read while you listen.

See if you don't become a fan, too!

Forgiveness
When It Don't Come Easy
Every Little Bit
Let Him Fly
Long Ride Home
Be Careful
No Bad News
Tony
Stay on the Ride

There are so many more...

Check out Patty Griffin. I promise you won't be sorry.

:-)

Never Alone

2011-05-24T09:27:00.001-04:00

Wow!!!

Sometimes a song is sent saying exactly the right things at exactly the right time and a heart is known exactly.

It's good to know in your belly that you're never alone !!!!!!!

Never Alone – Lady Antebellum

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it’s time to go home
May you always have plenty
The glass never empty
Know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I want it
I'm not gonna promise
That the cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you
When it’s time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

Amanda Shires

2011-05-13T15:59:00.001-04:00

Another great find on YouTube:

Amanda Shires: Shake The Walls

Amy Speace (HT: Music Fog)

2011-05-13T14:36:00.002-04:00

I love YouTube !!!! Every now and then I stumble across something really incredible and I know I would have never seen anywhere else.

Check out this video by Amy Speace.

Thanks to Music Fog for the incredible service you are doing when you record and post such incredible stuff for the rest of us to enjoy !!!!

Split Second !!!

2011-05-09T12:08:00.002-04:00

I came a split second – I mean a SPLIT SECOND – from biting the dust this morning !!!!

It was really foggy on the way to work this morning. And, as usual, I was getting aggravated at all the cars and trucks that drive in heavy fog with their headlights off.

On one particular straight away I was driving about 65 mph. I usually drive about 75 on that section, but it was really foggy this morning. Then all of a sudden there’s a white SUV almost COMPLETELY in my lane. The passenger side tires were the only thing in the other lane. And they were on the yellow center lines !!!!

I barely had time to hit my brakes and swerve to the edge of the road as I saw the blonde woman driving look up and realize we were about to have a hellova crash. She swerved back toward her lane and missed me by probably less than a foot !!!!

I don’t think I would have survived that one !!!!

My first thought was “DAMN !!!!”

Then I thought, “Well that would have been over pretty quick.”

Heh, then I thought, “Everyone at work would assume it was my fault.”

Seriously, though, I almost bought it this morning …

Woo Hoo !!!!

2011-05-06T09:51:00.001-04:00

I'm so very proud of my baby girl. She has worked so hard.

Congratulations Brittany. I love you very much !!!!!

:o)

Friends Are Forever

2011-05-04T16:53:00.001-04:00

Shortly after I graduated from high school I moved away from the town I grew up in. I had some very dear friends in my home town. And I missed them very much. Here's my question:

By moving away, did I lose those friends?

The answer is NO. I did NOT lose those friends.

I did, however, lose the almost daily contact I had enjoyed with them for years. I missed that. I really did. Over the years the painful longing faded. I was building my new life. They were building theirs. But so many times the oddest things would trigger memories of those old days. A song, a situation, a movie, a smell, different foods. Many times memories of my old friends were triggered. I love that !

It was 25 years before I saw many of those friends again. Man! It was great to see them again !!! We hugged. We laughed. We shared the crazied stories about the craziest memories we all shared. It was awesome !!!!

And you know what I found out? I hadn't lost ANY of those friends. You know why? Because friends are forever.

I've been chosen

2011-04-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

I first posted this in Fatman's Religion. But I decided to post it here, also.

I don't think I've ever done this before. I think I'll simply paste this directly from an email I received from a friend in North Dakota:

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to pick him up after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom ," he shouted, and then said those words that will forever remain a lesson to me....

"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."

whether you've been chosen to lead or follow
whether acknowledged or unknown
whether yours is to speak or be silent

may you always clap and cheer !!!!!!!

Blogging

2011-04-26T13:40:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun when I first set up this (these) blog(s). But it's been so long since I've posted anything. Seems like Facebook has taken over the world these days. But Facebook communication seems so short and fast that there's precious little thought and waaaaaay too many mindless apps.

However, thanks to a dear friend's rediscovery of their own blog, I think I just might resume blogging. We'll see how it goes...

Sara Groves - When It Was Over

2011-04-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iicvu76TA7Y

I really, really, truly love this part of this song !!!!!

Oh love, wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Make us whole, make us whole, make us whole

There is a love that never fails
There is a healing that always prevails
There is a hope that whispers a vow
A promise to wait while we’re working it out
So come with Your love and wash over us

Oh, oh, oh

Love, wash over a multitude of things
Love wash over a multitude of things
Jesus save us from a multitude of things
Make us whole, make us whole, make us whole

There is a love that never fails
There is a healing that always prevails
There is a hope that whispers a vow
A promise to wait while we’re working it out

There is a love
There is a hope
A promise to wait, a promise to stay
So come with Your love and wash over us

You see, that's the problem!

2007-04-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

Softball question from NBC's Brian Williams to Democratic Presidential candidates at last night's "debate":

What would you do if Al Qaeda successfully attacked two major American cities at the same time?

Part of Democratic "Superstar" Barack Husein Obama's response:

"... so that we can take potentially some action ..."

That, my friends, is exactly the problem with the Democratci Party today. Even in the friendliest of settings with a question specifically designed to grant the Democratic candidates a forum to showcase their toughness when it comes to national defense, the Democrats' annointed rock star can only muster the suggestion that he might POTENTIALLY take some action!

P. A. T. H. E. T. I. C.

(HT: Dean Barnett on Hugh Hewitt's blog)

How long have we had conflict with Islamic Oppression?

2007-04-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

You have to read this article by Christopher Hitchens!

Hitchens quotes President Madison:

'“It is a settled policy of America, that as peace is better than war, war is better than tribute. The United States, while they wish for war with no nation, will buy peace with none.”'

Stinging words for the MSM

2007-04-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

Jack Kelly rips the Main Stream Media for their inexcusable exploitation of the Virginia Tech murders (HT: Hugh Hewitt).

Plain and Simple

2007-04-23T08:55:00.000-04:00

And you thought Jeff Foxworthy was just a redneck commedian (HT: Hugh Hewitt).

At the 2007 CMT Country Music Awards, Foxworthy talks about why he loves Country Music.

More Repercussions for the MSM

2007-04-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

Mike Gallagher, who, to his great credit refuses to acknowledge - or even name - the insane murderer at Virginia Teck, makes the argument that freedom to legally carry guns is the answer to ending mass murder by armed lunatics in this article at Townhall.com.

That idea will certainly be debated - and attacked ferociously in the press - in the coming weeks and months. But Gallagher certainly speaks for me when he blasts NBC and the rest of the Main Stream Media.

Take this, NBC:

"Did you notice something about the videotape that NBC enthusiastically played over and over again in order to achieve their ratings victory Wednesday night on the Nightly News? The NBC logo, complete with the familiar peacock, was superimposed over the mass murderer’s image in the upper left hand corner so that every single media outlet that played it or printed it on the front page of the newspaper would be sure to give NBC a nice, juicy plug.

How ghastly.

Perhaps NBC could offer the next mass-killer-to-be a free NBC baseball cap or t-shirt that he can wear while videotaping himself killing a bunch of innocent people. That would be a promotional bonanza, too, eh? "

Mitt Romney on Professor Librescu

2007-04-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

In a speach last night, Mitt Romney quoted something he had read on a website regarding the heroic Professor Liviu Librescu of Virginia Tech.

"Though not in height, he was in so many ways a man of stature. America is a nation of stature thanks to men like Professor Librescu."

Amen!

Is anyone else focusing on this man's heroic sacrifice? You can bet a classroom full of students will never forget.

The Sickness that is the MSM

2007-04-19T08:22:00.000-04:00

Once again the Main Stream Media misses the point - badly!

NBC makes the worst decision possible in airing the videotaped rantings of an evil lunatic. What do they hope to gain? Viewers? At what cost? The glorification of a madman and the likely encouragement of others to follow suit.

Unbelievable!

Didn't anyone stop to think that this might be a bad idea? This is exactly what the murderer wanted. Thanks to NBC and its willing accomplisses in the MSM, he got it.

Main Stream Media may be beyond help. The scoop on the scandalous, or better yet, shocking and horrific is their nirvana - so much so that any thoughtful reflection regarding the consequences of their own actions vanished decades ago.

Put this episode at the top of the very long "Shame on the Media" list.

Liviu Librescu - Update

2007-04-18T11:03:00.000-04:00

Apparently no one else in Professor Librescu's room was killed.

He gave his life to save ALL of theirs. Incredible!

For all the negativity in the world today, Librescu is a shining example of the good that still exists. I encourage everyone to think about this man and his heroic act. Say a prayer for his family. And, while you're at it, ask the Lord to grant you at least a small portion of the spirit that was this man's life force.

Professor Librescu - Virginia Tech

2007-04-18T08:19:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted on this blog. I've been very busy - too busy. And I really don't have time now. But I was so moved by the story of the 76 year old professor at Virginia Tech who sacrificed his life to save the lives of his students.

Liviu Librescu was a Holocaust survivor who was born in Romania. He blocked the door to keep the murderer out of his classroom while he told his students to flee. As they jumped out windows to safety, Professor Librescu was fatally shot while still blocking the door.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

God bless Professor Librescu. May his sacrifice be an example to us all and a blessing to those he saved.

Here's a link to the Fox News website. Scroll down to the section on Professor Librescu. There is a link to a Fox News video report.

BAM!

2006-12-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how little it takes for a serious accident to occur and how quickly it can happen!

I was driving around a mild curve when I sneezed twice. When I looked up I didn't even have time to react.

BAM!

Head on collision with an on-coming vehicle!

Thanks to God Almighty and automotive safety engineers everywhere, both the other driver and I walked away from this horrific crash!

Can the bar be placed ANY lower?

2006-11-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Alan Comes defends Nancy Pelosi for considering appointing impeached and convicted former judge Alcee Hastings to the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee. I say "former" judge because a House controlled by Democrats impeached Hastings and a Senate controlled by Democrats convicted Hastings and removed him from the bench.

Nancy Pelosi actually voted in favor of impeaching this man!

Why does Colmes think Hastings is a fine and dandy choice to chair the House Intelligence Committee?

Because he isn't an actual convicted "felon"!

Can you believe that, folks?!?!? Can it possibly get any better than this?

Note Gingrich's humerous disbelief at such an argument.

Christianity in America just as dangerous as Radical Islam

2006-11-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

Rosie O'Donnell, in all her wisdom, says that radical Christianity in America is just as threatening as radical Islam.

Is that so, Rosie? (Cheesy Music Warning)

Do liberals have even a clue as to what they are saying?

Does Democratic victory equal American Defeat in Iraq?

2006-11-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

Absolutely not!

Conservatives and Republicans worry that, with all the pre-election rhetoric from Democrats regarding the war in Iraq, the will of the American people has been worn down to the point that we, as a nation, are ready to surrender to Islamic Fascists in Iraq. I agree the Democrats and the media (that's redundant, I know) have relentlessly and, sadly, effectively attacked America's actions in Iraq to the point that the public is weary with it all.

Liberals and Democrats, with their recent hard-faught electoral victories, now feel emboldened to enact the rhetoric they've been spewing over the past few years. That's understandable. They made their argument to the public and the public put them in office.

Islamic Fascists rejoice as they see the very propoganda they've been spreading since long before 9/11/2001 officially adopted by a major political party in the U.S. and used as a vehicle to give that party control of both houses of the United States Congress.

I think, however, that all three of these groups are fundamentally misunderstanding the way things work in the United States of America. You see, the 2006 elections - won decisively by the Democrats - is not a mandate for surrender in Iraq.

America couldn't possibly have given the Democrats a mandate to enact their plans because the Democrats have never offered a plan. All they've been doing is complaining about the implementation of the existing plan - along with some seriously scurrilous accusations about the Bush Administration and the United States Military.

Rather, the 2006 election is the American people's way of saying, "OK, Democrats. You've been shouting at us for three years now about how things are going in Iraq. We see clearly that building a new nation in the Middle East is not the same cake walk as overthrowing a murderous despot in the Middle East. You say you can do it better. Let's see what you've got."

Now the Democrats have to put up or shut up. What the despairing Republicans, emboldend Democrats, and euphoric Islamic Fascists are overlooking is that now the Democrats, armed with little more than well-worn terrorist propoganda, have to actually put their plans before the members of Congress and the public and have them thoroughly examined.

They are no longer the back seat drivers complaining that we just missed a turn. They've now been put into the front seat and given the map - Bush is still the Commander in Chief, thank God! Now the Democrats have to tell us the direction they think we should be driving. That, my friends, is a much more difficult task.

This is where, in my opinion, the Democrats' plans begin to fail. The American public has simply said the Democrats can no longer be dismissed on the issue of the war in Iraq. They've been given the right to be heard. What they say now will determine for decades to come whether or not Americans will entrust them with the awesome responsibility of our national security.

I'm an optomist. I am confident that, given a full airing of opposing views, America will quickly discard the lunacy coming from many in the Democratic Party. Let the debate begin in earnest. Before too long I think the Democrats will be publicly humiliated for their behavior over the past three years. The Islamic Fascists will once again be stunned by their total misreading of Amercian resolve, though sadly, I can't say I blame them for having questioned it.

Check out this article by Donald Lambro. Apparently some of the strongest arguments the Democrats have been making are already beginning to crumble.

I don't know what he's saying ...

2006-11-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

... But whatever it is, it's a lie!

That's basically the argument Senator Harry Reid is making regarding the idea that Jack Abramoff is implicating the Senator from Nevada in the far-reaching lobbying scandal being investigated in Washington these days. (HT: Irish Pennants)

How silly and predictable.

Another Surprise!

2006-11-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

Hezbollah has been re-arming itself in preparation for more attacks against Israel - right under the noses of the International Peacekeeping Force assigned the singular task fo not allowing this to happen!

Again, whosaw this coming?

Suprise! The Iranians have plutonium!

2006-11-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

Who would've guessed that the Iranians have been developing plutonium and enriching uranium - materials that could be used for nuclear weapons?

Did anybody see that coming?

It looks like it won't be Michael Steele

2006-11-14T14:13:00.000-05:00

This is sad. (HT: Carol Platt Liebau) I was looking forward to what Michael Steele might bring to the Republican Party.

I don't know anything about Senator Martinez, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. My initial concern is that he will not be a full-time party chairman. It appears he's going to keep his Senator's seat and be the Republican Party Chairman at the same time.

I wonder about that ...

I know she's devisive, but ...

2006-11-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

... you gotta love Ann Coulter!

"Democrats support surrender in Iraq, higher taxes and the impeachment of President Bush. They just won an election by pretending to be against all three. "

Oh, and then there's this little gem:

"The Democrats certainly have their work cut out for them. They have only two years to release as many terrorists as possible and lock up as many Republicans as they can."

I don't care who you are, that's funny!

This could be cool

2006-11-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

Michael Steele may run for the Republican National Committee Chairmanship. (HT: Irish Pennants)

Quote of the Day

2006-11-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Here's a great "interview" from A Large Regular (HT: Hugh Hewitt).

Money quote regarding the new responsibilities facing the Democrats in Congress:

"The back seat drivers will finally have to go on record for what they think is the best course instead of always complaining that we just missed a turn."

That is too cool! Why can't I write great stuff like that?

Even in Defeat

2006-11-09T08:35:00.000-05:00

Judging by the reactions I'm seeing from Republicans after losing control of both the House and Senate to Democrats, I have to say that even in defeat Republicans are showing much more class than the Democrats.

You know what I'm talking about. Six years later Democrats are still whining about the "stolen" election in 2000. (By the way, even liberal media outlets have proven that claim to be false time and again.) They're still crying about the 2004 election. Heck, even BEFORE the 2006 election took place, the Democrats were claiming the Republicans were going to cheat and steal this one, too. By the way, what has come of those claims now that the Democrats have won?

But the absolute lowest thing the Democrats did, the most character-revealing thing, was to blame the voters themselves. They claimed the American electorate was too stupid to know what was good for them. Red staters - you know, those of us that live in "fly over" country, the very heart of America! - could not understand the nuances of government and policy. You see, we need to be lorded over by the elite class, those who know better than we do what is right and fair and just - for our own good, of course.

Of course Republicans are tryinig to figure out what happened this year. Naturally there will be some finger pointing and the blame game will be played. When you lose you're supposed to try to figure out what happened and correct the problems. That's the right thing to do.

But I haven't yet seen a Republican leader claim this year's election was stolen. I haven't yet heard a prominant Republican blame the media. And I certainly haven't heard Republicans blaming the voters.

Instead I see Republicans looking at themselves as the cause for their own defeat. God bless 'em. That is refreshing!

Check out Indiana Congressman Mike Pence's letter to his Republican collegues announcing his intention to run for Republican Leader in the 110th Congress (HT: Red State). He blames no one for the Republican loss except Republicans themselvs. In fact, he acknowledges the wisdom of the American people for recognizing that Republicans have strayed from their "Contract with America".

Others are saying the same thing. Fred Barnes and Hugh Hewitt agree. Many other pundits and politicians are singing the same tune as well.

That's class, folks. And it's encouraging. It tells me that Republicans may well learn their lesson from the American people and ammend their ways.

So even after a stinging defeat I'm encouraged. This is the way the system is supposed to work. This is what makes America great. Common, every day people like you and me (even us red-staters) can say to those in power in our government, "That's a load of crap! Throw the bums out!"

Not only can we say it, we can do it.

Only in America, folks. Only in America.

Evidently Not !

2006-11-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

It's been a way too long since my last post. We're implementing major overhauls in our computer systems at work and I simply haven't had the time. I still don't have the time, but last night's election results demand comment.

My last post offered a generic campaign approach for Republicans to use this election cycle. The general idea was to ask the American public if, given the current situation, they don't think it wise to keep the "adults" in charge.

Evidently not!

Last night the American public all across the country SMACKED DOWN the Republicans.

As much as I hate the result - and I do! - I have to give credit to the Democrats for their victory. They relentlessly stayed on message. They were smart enough to run moderate and conservative candidates in most races. They framed the argument and, in the minds of most Americans, they won the argument.

That's the way our system is supposed to work.

I wish I had time for more commentary, but I have to get back to work.

Congratulations Democrats.

Learn your lessons, Republicans, and keep fighting the good fight.

Guaranteed Republican Political Ad Formula

2006-08-10T17:19:00.000-04:00

The Democrats seem awfully assured of political victory this November. I think the record speaks for itself as to who Americans should trust with the reigns of power in this most difficult of times.

I can see the Republican political ads now. They could follow the same formula (brand recognition is key) for multitudes of issues:

1. Here's the problem.
(insert situation needing resolution).

2. Are the Democrats aware of this problem?
(insert video & audio of Democrats, "We hate Bush!).

3. Here's what we think about it.
(insert well thought out, common sense analysis of the problem).

4. How do the Democrats characterize the problem?
(video & audio of Democrats, "We can't win!).

5. Here's what we're doing about it.
(insert actions taken).

6. What have the Democrats done to solve the problem?
(Democrats, "We hate Bush!).

7. Here's how it's working.
(insert metrics showing actual progress to actual actions taken to solve actual problems).

8. Are the Democrats happy to see these positive changes?
(Democrats, "We can't win!).

9. Here's what still needs to be done.
(insert forceful, persuasive argument for proposed action).

10. What do the Democratic propose?
(Democrats, "We hate Bush!).

11. You, the American voter, will make the decision this November.
Do you want serious, mature, determined action?
(announced over video of Hussein captured, Zarqawi killed, etc.)

Or, do you want the Democrats in charge
(Pictures of Kennedy, Kerry, Pelosi, Dean, etc. with quotes from each showing how much they hate Bush and how much they believe we can't win.).

12. These are tough times.
Don't you think the adults should be in charge?

Light posting for a while

2006-08-09T13:39:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted anything in about a week. Posting will be VERY light for a while. We're in the middle of a major hardware and software conversion at work.

I'll be OK, though. I'm only up to my ankles in it. The problem is I jumped in head first!

Let Israel Finish This!

2006-08-02T15:30:00.000-04:00

Read this.

I couldn't put it better myself. (HT: Ms. Underestimated)

Nic Robertson is getting pummelled

2006-07-27T20:57:00.000-04:00

Michael Reagan joins the criticism of CNN (HT: NewsBusters).

It seems the hurrier they go, the behinder they get!

Related articles:

Hezbollah Whores
I knew I couldn't be the only one
CNN Admits being Hezbollah Puppet

Update:

CNN Reporter exposes Hezbollah's media tricks. If CNN is aware of these tactics - and you know they are - how can they report the way they do with a straight face?

I get the feeling

2006-07-27T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'm no expert. I only watch the news and read blogs. So what the heck do I know? But I get the feeling ...

That Israel is finding out that Hezbollah is tougher and more organized than they thought.

That Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran are finding out that Israel is far more serious about this war than they thought.

That the Bush Administration has a better idea of what to do in the Middle East than past administrations from either political party.

That Islamic Terrorist Leaders are getting desperate.

That journalists think Israel is about to give up.

That Israel is in no way about to give up.

Be Wary of Statistics, Very Wary

2006-07-26T14:07:00.000-04:00

My 9th grade trigonometry teacher used to tell us that when anyone shares percentage statistics with you, you should always ask, "Percent of what?" She was teaching us to be wary of statistics. They can easily be, and often are, manipulated inappropriately in order to fool you into believing something the presenter wants you to believe.

John Stossel exposes that exact tactic regarding public education studies in this article in the Jewish World Review (HT: Carol Platt Liebau).

Is it redundant to say, "Shame on the New York Times."?

Hooray for Condi!

2006-07-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

The only way to ensure peace between warring factions is for one side or the other to be defeated and for the winner to impose terms of surrender upon the loser.

That sounds harsh, I know. And certainly the winners can be beligerent in victory and impose terms so harsh or humiliating as to set the table for future violence. (World War II may have been avoided if the terms following World War I hadn't been so humiliating to Germany.) But what other time in history has peace been established without a clear victory first?

Can't think of any? Me either.

Thankfully, the Bush Administration, unlike past administrations, seems to understand this. Secretary of State, Conoleeza Rice, has resisted the common urge to call for an immediate cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

An immediate cease fire would stop Israel from defeating the terrorist thugs that started this current war. It would also allow those same terrorists to regroup and prepare for another wave of violence.

Instead, Rice calls for more comprehensive terms for a cease fire. These terms are apparently unacceptable to Hezbollah. So the fighting continues.

Good. This buys time (and signals U.S. approval) for Israel to continue to take the battle to Hezbollah.

It's about time the U.S. stopped hindering a sovereign nation - an ally of ours - from defending itself from brutal murderers.

Just Move the Israelis to Europe, Right?

2006-07-26T10:22:00.000-04:00

Wrong!

Michael Medved has a helpful article on Israel's rightful claim to the land they now call and have always called home. Read it. The Arabs' "historical claim" to the land postdates Israel's by a couple of eras. They didn't conquer the area until about 600 years AFTER the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.

Note the Medved article quotes a Princeton University scholar who in 1946 claimed "There is no such thing as 'Palestine' in history, absolutely not."

On the other hand, the mideastweb.org article claims that King Herod used the term "Philistine Syria" to refer to the southern part of Syria. Romans later used the term "Palaestina" which became "Palestine" in English.

Perhaps the Princeton scholar was correct and "Philistine Syria" - Palestine - never was an autonomous country.

But one thing is certain from looking at both these articles. Jewish historical claims to the land go back much further than any Arab claims.

So what does that settle?

Nothing, except that it is ridiculous to claim that the source of the current troubles in the Middle East have anything to do with Israelis migrating to the area after World War II.

I knew I couldn't have been the only one!

2006-07-25T14:32:00.000-04:00

In a post last Thursday I railed against CNN for propogandizing for the terrorist group Hezbollah.

It looks like I'm not the only one who noticed.

Newsbusters has an interesting post on the same subject (HT: Carol Platt Liebau). It appears Nic Robertson admits CNN only showed what Hezbollah wanted people to see. And apparently other networks are doing the same thing.

How pathetic!

Nobel Peace Laureate: Killing Protects Life

2006-07-25T13:08:00.000-04:00

Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, suggests that to fulfill our duty as humans to protect human life we must sometimes take human life.

I agree with the general premise that sometimes we have to kill the bad guys to keep them from killing the rest of us. It's sad. But it's been proven true throughout the history of mankind.

I part with Williams, however, in that she wants to kill President Bush.

If only those so opposed to America and its current president would have such passion against the terrorists who are ACTUALLY TARGETING INNOCENT CIVILIANS!

Senator Specter Wants to Sue President Bush!

2006-07-25T11:11:00.000-04:00

As a staunch supporter of President Bush, I can see why many Republicans would be upset by this proposed legislation (HT: Sweetness & Light) by Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Spector.

But it doesn't really bother me.

I don't have a problem with the various branches of government challenging the authority - or alleged over-stepping of authority - of the other branches of government. That's what checks and balances are all about.

Some people are likely to get in a huff because of the timing. After all, we're in the middle of a war! But it's times like these when the issues of authority are most likely to be tested. What other times are you likely to have the President, the Congress, and the Courts struggling with issues concerning national security?

Besides, I think this particular episode shows the strength of the American experiment. We are confident enough in our present position and in our future that in the middle of World War III we do not shy away from constitutional challenges of authority.

In particular I think this shows the strength of the Republican Party. President Bush campaigned hard for Arlen Specter against the wishes of many conservatives in the Republican Party. Yet Specter still feels free - in his mind, obligated - to pursue such legislation.

Which is the Big Tent Party, again?

We're Killing Iraqi Civilians!

2006-07-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

Dan Hallagan aka "Aslan" at Logic Times has a brilliant essay on the subject.

Blogs like Logic Times are the epitome of the value of blogging. Where else can a Fat Man sitting in front of a PC find such excellent commentary?

I only wish "Aslan" would post more often!

Minimum Wage Sense

2006-07-24T13:22:00.001-04:00

I always use the following economics 101 arguments when discussing raising the minimum wage:

At the very least, increased wages will only increase the cost of goods for everyone and therefore negate the intended benefit to those working for minimum wage, which is to increase their purchasing power.
Some businesses, however, may not have the luxury of simply raising their prices.
Those businesses will be forced to either stop hiring - definitely a bad thing.
Or, they will be forced to reduce their profit (I know that's a bad word for some people).
Some businesses operate on a very thin profit margin. They may actually be forced to close their doors.

But Betsy Newmark has a great post that adds some very good information on the subject. I really hadn't appreciated just who it is, exactly, that works for minimum wage. I guess I just accepted the inference that it was poor people trying to raise a family on low wages.

Maybe, as with most subjects, there's more to it than that.

Horrible Weekend!

2006-07-24T13:22:00.000-04:00

I had planned on blogging like crazy this weekend. But unforseen events made that impossible.

I'll be back to full-bore blogging soon! I promise.

CNN's Hezbollah Whores!

2006-07-20T11:13:00.000-04:00

CNN EXCLUSIVE!

ONLY ON CNN!

That's the way it was billed Tuesday night, July 18, 2006. As the lead story on CNN's top 3 prime time shows, CNN Senior International Correspondent, Nic Robertson, was given the headline-grabbing lead story for each of the flagship shows.

First, Wolf Blitzer, on The Situation Room gave Robertson's report top billing calling him the bravest and best war correspondent in all of journalism. Immediately following The Situation Room, Paula Zahn, on Paula Zahn Now also gave Robertson's report top billing. Naturally, on the next show, Larry King Live, CNN's Larry King did exactly the same thing.

I fell asleep before I could see Anderson Cooper 360. So I don't know if Anderson Cooper followed suit or not.

So what, exactly, was this ground-breaking scoop that could only be uncovered by CNN?

The report consisted of Nic Robertson following a Lebonese man around a neighborhood in southern Lebanon that had been bombed by Israel. Breathlessly they ran through streets and allies with microphone and camera as the Lebonese man shouted, "Where is the U.N.? Where is the International Community?"

Robertson was quick to remind the man that these were civilian neighborhoods, not military installations as Robertson himself repeated often in his report. A quick aside: How many of us thought Hezbollah was a military establishment? I always thought they were a terrorist group that hid among - that's right - CIVILIANS!

As Robertson credulously pointed out - often - that these were indeed civilian neighborhoods (with fine-print-speak that he hadn't had time to investigate the site himself), the Lebonese man grew ever increaslingly angry at - you guessed it - ISRAEL.

It wasn't until the third or fourth showing of this footage did CNN allow the viewers to see this Lebonese man vowing to fight Israel to the death and that "they" would, "Never give up! Never give up! Never give up!"

For this, Wolfe Blitzer dubbed Nic Robertson the bravest war correspondent on earth.

This same segment was aired again at the top of the Paula Zahn Now show. However, and to her credit, during a live interview with Robertson following the report, Paula Zahn asked Robertson how he could be sure he could trust this Lebonese man as a news source.

... Deer-in-the-Headlights look ...

Nic Robertson finally sputtered on about having seen the rubble himself and not seeing any military equipment. He reminded the viewers of his vast experience with scanning rubble in war zones. But he never answered the question about this Lebonese man. Zahn didn't follow up on it, either.

Next was Larry King Live. Of course Nic Robertson's story of the evil Israelis bombing innocent civilians was again the lead story. As is his M.O., Larry King asked zero probing questions of Robertson.

But then a funny thing happened. Larry King segued into a report by Christiane Amanpour by lauding the efforts of Nic Robertson in his hit piece on Israel. As Amanpour commented on Robertson's report, she let slip an interesting tidbit of information that the viewers had here-to-fore not been informed of - but of course most of us already knew.

This Lebonese man was a Hezbollah Media Representative!

That's right. This "civilian" who was so outraged with Israel's actions is one of Hezbollah's press agents. You remember Hezbollah? Evidently CNN doesn't. They're the ones who attacked Israel and got this whole mess started.

Do you think Hezbollah would like to paint Israel as the bad guys? Of course they would. That's what they've always done. The only thing they need is a willing dupe who will swallow and regurgitate whatever Hezbollah feeds them.

Let's see...

Who could possibly be so easy?

Yes. Of course. CNN!

They've been whores for tyrants and terrorists for decades. They've been so loose with their morals for so long they've reached the place where they can't say no.

No posting today

2006-07-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Covered up at work - aaarrgh!

And I was going to go off on CNN's "Hezbollah Whores", too.

Oh well, I'll get to it tomorrow.

The Greatest Danger to Israel

2006-07-18T16:06:00.000-04:00

Jack Kelly argues that the "great danger in the Israeli-Hezbollah war is not that it might escalate, but that it might not."

He makes the point that Israel has a rare opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah. World opinion, he argues, will not be the deterant to Isarael that it has been in the past.

It does seem that, so far, there has been no full-throated opposition to Israel's offensive against Hezbolah.

Carol Platt Liebau Rips the U.N.

2006-07-18T11:24:00.000-04:00

Check out Carol's post regarding the United Nations' Human Rights Commission.

Moon the NYT

2006-07-18T09:41:00.000-04:00

Don't you sometimes just want to MOON the New York Times?

Day by Day does it with class today!

Israel gets it

2006-07-18T08:58:00.000-04:00

Consider what the Iranians are saying about Israel.

Consider what the Iranians are doing to aquire nuclear weapons.

What would you do if you were responsible for the protection of Israeli citizens?

At least the Israeli Air Force Chief Major General, Eliezer Shkedy, understands the nature of the threat. Here is an excerpt from his interview with David Horovitz for the Jerusalem Post (HT: Hugh Hewitt) :

Let's change the subject: What can you tell us about Iran?

There are three indisputable aspects: Their leader, President Ahmadinejad, talks of the Jewish people and the State of Israel in terms that no other world leader would dare use.. You recall his conference on "The world without Zionism." Then he moved onto the Jews, to Israel.

Two, he is trying to develop capabilities to deliver his attacking capabilities - land-to-land missiles with ranges to reach central Europe, Russia, China, India, certainly Israel. Missiles from planes. Planes that can carry this weaponry.

Third, he is trying with all his might to reach a nuclear capability. There's no argument about his intentions. The nature of the centrifuges that he is producing is incontrovertibly not for peaceful purposes.

This combination of thinking, capability of delivery and nuclear weaponry can come to constitute an existential threat to Israel and the rest of the world. It is no coincidence that the president of the US speaks as he does about Iran, and other world leaders do, too. (Emphasis added)

At least Israel understands the threat. I'm convinced the rest of the world does, too. The sad fact is that, even with an understanding of the threat, some supposedly advanced nations refuse to support Israel's right to defend itself.

Thankfully, so far, the United States has stood firm with Israel. I hope we continue to do so regardless of what others might say. We simply cannot allow the desires of Islamic radicals to be fulfilled.

Isn't this what got them in trouble in the first place?

2006-07-18T08:39:00.002-04:00

MSM has been framing the news in "how you should feel about this" terms for decades. That's not so much what has gotten them in trouble lately, though. It has much more to do with the fact that what they want us to think is so far removed from what America is all about.

Americans don't mind opinion or emotion when discussing current events. Conservative talk radio is openly biased with opinion and emotion. And it's extremely popular with the public. What Americans do mind, however, is the continual drumbeat of America bashing that has been the main course of traditional journalism for more than a generation.

Americans are proud of who they are and the country they live in and what it stands for. If you continually throw mud at what we believe is the greatest country on the face of the earth you will, in the words of Merle Haggard, get on "The Fightin' Side of Me".

We need more of this, too!

2006-07-18T08:24:00.000-04:00

This story reminds me of when presidential candidate Bush was overheard calling someone an a--hole. What could have been embarrassing and hurtful to the campaign turned out to be a refreshing look into the real man. It actually helped.

Straight talk is all too rare in politics. When what is said makes sense, most people aren't offended by the rough language.

By the way, what's up with private conversations taking place in Russia involving U.S. officials finding their way into the public domain?

Not a Good Idea

2006-07-17T09:58:00.000-04:00

According to this Townhall article, the U.N. wants to send peace keeping troops to Lebanon.

This is a terrible idea!

It strikes me as outdated policy to try to preserve Hezbollah in Lebanon. Why in the world would anyone want to preserve the status quo where Hezbollah is simply asked to stop shooting at Israel so that Israel can be pressured to stop defending itself?

Rather, now that the blinders are off and the true nature and desire of Islamic Fundamentalists Terrorists groups like Hezbollah and Hamas are clear for all to see, why don't we allow Israel to defend itself fully? Why not allow Israel to completly destroy Hezbollah? Wouldn't that be a sure fire way to stop them from lobbing missles at Israeli civilian targets?

By the way, has anyone noticed that it's Hezbollah that is firing rockets indiscriminantly into civilian areas? Israel, on the other hand, is for the most part hitting legitimate military targets.

The time has come for the enemies of peace to be defeated. They have proven they cannot be negotiated with. They have gotten nearly everything they've ever demanded from Israel. And still they initiate unprovoked attacks. It's no longer a matter of negotiated settlements. Let one or the other side be soundly defeated. Then let the winners determine the terms of peace. Historically, that's the only way peace has ever been established between warring peoples.

We need more of this!

2006-07-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

By avoiding the Religious War temptation (see previous post), the Bush Administration hopes to be able to defeat the terrorists while winning the hearts and minds of the Muslem community. A difficult task to say the least! But it may be our only hope.

In an open letter to his "Palestinian Arab Brethren", Youssef M. Ibrahim encourages the Palestinians to lay down their arms and make peace with Israel (HT: Jack Kelly).

Right now violent conflict seems to be escalating in the Middle East. That's understandable - predictable, actually. The Bush doctrine threatens to replace despair and hatred in the region with freedom and opportunity, thereby destroying the very base from which the Islamic Terrorists operate.

Increased violence is a natural consequence. These madmen do not wish to go down at all, much less go down with a whimper. They would rather bring the whole region (world) down with them than allow their people to enjoy freedom and peaceful coexistence with the West.

These are critical times. If the West can maneuver through the coming minefields successfully, the world will see something it has come to believe impossible - Peace in the Middle East. If not, the mess and carnage can hardly be imagined.

The West has done a pretty good job of showing it is not Satan incarnate in the manner in which it has conducted itself so far in the War on Terrorism. Rather, it has shown itself to be compassionate and caring as well as devestatingly effective militarily.

What we need now - what the entire world needs - is for reasonable, moderate Muslems to come forward like Mr. Ibrahim has done concerning the Palestinians. A substantial number of well known, respected Muslems need to speak out publicly in favor of peace and life over death and destruction.

If this happens, I believe we will have reached a critical mass that will result in Islamic Terrorism being rejected overwhelmingly by Muslems worldwide.

Oh, how I pray this comes to pass!

UPDATE: Could Hezbollah's actions against Israel backfire and cause them to lose support in Lebanon?

SDI Will NEVER Work!

2006-07-14T15:51:00.000-04:00

Neither would electric light bulbs - until they did work.

If something is worth while, you have to keep working at it until you get it right. It looks like the recent THAAD missle test at the White Sands Missle Range proved we are making progress.

Perhaps one day those currently scoffing at the Strategic Defense Initiative will be eating their words ...

... in the relative comfort and safety afforded them by the successful deployment of an effect missle defense system!

Religous War?

2006-07-14T14:12:00.002-04:00

I've heard people say that we (the West) may not be fighting a religious war, but the Islamic Terrorists are. It's hard to argue against that statement. Some advise the West to stop kidding themselves and admit this really is a religious war and fight it accordingly.

Don't embrace that advice too quickly. At the very least, read this article at The American Thinker first.

Religious wars are ugly, very ugly!

And dragging the West into a religious war may be the only chance the Islamic Terrorists have of winning.

Can you believe this guy?!?

2006-07-14T11:32:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it? I can.

Jacque Chirac is already condemning Israel for their response to unprovoked acts of war from Hamas and Hezbollah. (HT: Little Green Footballs)

In an earlier post I poked a little fun at Europe for suddenly liking the U.S. once North Korea started testing long range missles. One Salient Oversight took exception in the comments to that post.

Salient, it's things like this stunt pulled by Jacques Chirac that makes Europe in general and France in particular such a favorite target for American ridicule.

UPDATE: Thankfully, it looks like President Bush isn't consulting Chirac regarding Israel!

It's about 1948 not 1967

2006-07-14T09:53:00.003-04:00

The current, coordinated attacks on Israel by two of its neighbors has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the Arab/Islamic world's fight with Israel has nothing to do with occupied territories or the plight of the Palestinian People. It has everhthing to do with Israel's right to exist as a nation on planet Earth.

According to Charles Krauthammer, that's what it's always been about.

The Arab/Islamic world has NEVER recognized Israel's right to exist as a nation. And they have ALWAYS plotted and fought to erase Israel from the face of the earth.

In 1948 Israel became a sovereign nation. Arabs/Islamics have tried ever since to destroy this new nation.

In 1967, in response to attacks from surrounding countries, Israel occupied the Gaza strip and Lebanon. Arabs/Islamics have used these occupations as a propoganda tool against Israel ever since. The West, unfortunately, has been gullible enough to take up this false cause.

Shame on us!

I agree with Michael Medved's articles here and here. We, the United States of America, have put one of our greatest allies, Israel, at great risk by pressuring them to negotiate away their security in hopes their maniacal neighbors would be appeased.

Did I say, Shame on us?

Now that every single occupation issue has been removed from the table (Israel has removed itself completely from all occupied territories), Arabs/Islamics now attack Israel from those very territories.

It is abundantly clear that Israeli occupation of Palestinian and Lebonese territories was never the issue.

Israeli existence is the issue.

That has always been the issue. It's time we realize this and act accordingly.

UPDATE: Betsy Newmark has more here.

UPDATE II: Carol Platt Liebau adds her thoughts here.

Light posting this week

2006-07-12T13:24:00.000-04:00

I've been tied up in meetings since yesterday morning and will be for the rest of the week.

Posting will be very light.

To Preempt or Not to Preempt

2006-07-10T13:27:00.000-04:00

After 9/11 President Bush took the United States in a new National Defence direction. He boldly and effectively argued that the citizens of the United States should not wait for another devestating attack before we act against those out to destroy us.

America, and the world, responded favorably. After invading Iraq in the first true test of this new policy, the American public was faced with a choice. Should we, as George Bush argued, maintain the policy? Or should we, as argued by John Kerry, withdraw from Iraq and revert to a defensive posture?

America decided to "stay the course" much to the dismay of leftists and liberals worldwide.

The Iraq War is in its final stages. It has been a difficult war, true enough. But if you looked beyond the establishment media you would have learned that the United States and its allies have executed this war quite well, thank you.

However, the media-aided left has relentlessly attacked our war efforts in an attempt to destroy domestic support for the Bush Administration's successful new foreign policy of preemption. And their efforts have had some success.

We now have been faced with a perfect test of our resolve to preempt. North Korea has boldly pronounced its nuclear weapons ambitions and accomplishments and even test fired long range missle systems. Iran is stubbornly pushing its way into the nuclear club as well. There could be no stronger case made for preemptive action! Not to mention Syria continuing to pour terrorists into Iraq to kill our soldiers.

According to Bush's preemption doctrine, the United States could destroy North Korea's missles before they are launched. That would be in line with his publicly stated and acted upon policies. It would no doubt be acceptable to most Americans. Newt Gingrich and others have advised taking this course of action against North Korea.

But George Bush chose not to do this. Why?

Has the left successfully weakened our nation's resolve to the point that we do not have the will to act so forcefully in our own self defense interests?

I wish I could say no. But even though conservatism has been enjoying greater success in America over the past few decades, the left still has lots of weapons with which to fight against a strong, successful America.

It would be foolish to underestimate the power of the press. From the beginning of the campaign in Afghanastan to today, the media has predicted failure, world wide condemnation, and highlighted every stumble no matter how slight.

People grow weary of this. Nobody wants to be told every day, year after year, that their team is losing and everyone hates them. Soon even the most supportive will be ready for it all to be over. With that mood it's hard to gather support for yet another aggressive campaign.

No wonder the Bush Administration has not been more aggresive against North Korea, Iran, and Syria.

But I think this is a mistake.

I think preemption in Iraq has been very effective. The fierceness with which the Islamic terrorists are fighting against the positive changes in Iraq is proof positive. If freedom in Iraq would not be so good for America and so devestating to the terrorists, they would not be wasting their time with it.

The fierceness with which America's other enemy - the left - has fought against this policy of preemption is further proof that the policy is correct. The left has consistently sided with the enemies of America. There is nothing to indicate they've had a change of heart now.

I say press on all the harder regardless of what the left and the media have to say. We're already in the heat of the battle. Why stop now? We're winning for goodness sake! I think the American public could easily get behind a policy that takes out North Korea's missles, destroys Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons, and smacks Syria down for aiding in the deaths of American troops.

The left has only one card to play - "America is bad". There's no way that can compete with "America is Great!"

I think, given a straight forward explanation of the situation, a sizable majority of Americans would gladly support preemptively draining the swamp that breeds the reptiles that seek to do us harm.

Preempt already!

Gingrich in '08 ?

2006-07-10T12:44:00.000-04:00

Gingrich for President in 2008? I hadn't thought about it until I read Mary Katherin Ham's article at Townhall.com.

Hmmm...

Prove America is Great and Honorable

2006-07-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

The United States of America is, in my opinion, the greatest country in the world. It is full of genuinely good people. I see them everywhere I go. Down to earth, honest to goodness gentle, loving people who are kind to one another, helpful and caring to the core of their being.

The great freedoms and success enjoyed by the citizens of the United States of America are not what caused this country to be so full of such good people. It's the other way around. We are great as a nation, and we enjoy such freedom and success because of the good people of this country.

It's not that this great country attracts good people, even though this is true. Rather, it's that good people keep this country on the right track.

But with all this goodness and freedom, it is also true that there are evil people in this country. There are heinous crimes committed all the time, gruesome murders that defy comprehension.

Thankfully, these crimes are the exception and not the norm. People wouldn't be flocking to this country from all over the world if brutal murders were a common, accepted part of American life.

We also have the greatest military in the world, perhaps the greatest military that has ever existed. Is there any that can withstand its might? And with all this dominant power our military conducts itself with unprecedented honor and humaneness. Ours goes out of its way more than any other military in history to avoid killing innocent civilians. We design our weapons and our tactics with this ideal as one of our top priorities.

What other military can legitimately make this claim?

Even while fighting an enemy that hides itself among civilians and actually targets civilians, we stay true to this lofty and honorable ideal. Again I ask, what other country or military can compare to this?

But just like our general population full of genuinely good people, our military population is bound to have a very small percentage of evil people. Certainly there are those in the military who, without any moral compass or guiding goodness, would commit brutal crimes against humanity.

So it is no surprise that in open warfare there will be occasions where genuinely evil people mixed in with the population of genuinely good military personnel will commit horrible crimes hoping the fog of war will provide them cover - especially in urban warfare where battles rage in the midst of civilian populations.

But the fact that it is understandable on a statistical level makes in no more acceptable on any level.

Reading the story on Townhall.com about the arrest of U.S. Soldiers for the rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the murder of her mother, father, and little sister sickens me more than I know how to describe.

What kind of sick, twisted mind would premeditate this crime? What kind of sick, twisted mind would go along with a freak who suggested such a thing? Perhaps everything that happened wasn't premeditated. Maybe they didn't intend to murder from the beginning. But apparently they intended to rape from the beginning! And only a sick, twisted (have I said that enough?) mind would allow itself to go so out of control as these men allegedly did.

Now, there have been other claims of brutality on the part of the U.S. during this war. But usually those claims prove to be either entirely false or laughably overstated. But something in my gut tells me this one may be true.

I hope I'm wrong. I will not try to consider these soldiers innocent until proven guilty. I actually WILL consider them innocent until they have been proven guilty. They deserve that. We all deserve that.

But if this IS true, I hope the punishment is very extreme and very public. I hope the President addresses this particular case publicly, emotionally, and forcefully. It cannot be ignored by the administration or swept aside with token attention.

We are the greatest country in the world. We have the greatest military in the world. We are a force for good in the world. This case damages our country in the eyes of the world and in the hearts of our very own citizens.

And it should.

The burden we now have is to prove that we still are the greatest country in the world. We have to prove that this crime is not acceptable to the United States of America. We have to prove to the world that we are different. It has to be clear to everyone at the end of the day that in the United States of America this kind of behavior is abhorent, unusual, and despicable.

Our enemies will be using this incident, proven or not, to paint all of America as brutal murderers. We will be described as unholy imperialists trying to take the world over by force.

I encourage everyone to consider a few things when listening to such garbage:

What does your heart tell you? Does it tell you that America is an evil regime? A danger to the rest of the world? Or, generally, does America try to do good in the world?

Has your experience in the United States been one of brutality on a regular basis? Or, like me, would you have to say that nearly everyone you know is a genuinely good person and you feel unusually blessed to be lucky enough to live here?

What does it tell you about someone who would take an isolated instance of pure evil and use it to portray an overwhelmingly good country as evil? I remember my freshman trigonometry teacher, Mrs. Watkins, telling us to be very wary of statistical presentations and to ALWAYS CONSIDER THE SOURCE of every argument.

I hate that this brutal, evil crime happened. My God, we are trying to save those people not brutalize them!

But I still love this country. I still believe in our core values. I still believe that we are trying to accomplish very worthy goals in Iraq and the Middle East.

For those that agree with me, I encourage you to be strong and steadfast in your beliefs. Do not be discouraged by the coming onslaught of "America is the bad guy" rhetoric. Rather, be more determined to rebuke such nonsense.

Let us prove we are the greatest country in the world by rejecting the actions of these soldiers but also by not losing our resolve to complete the work set before us. Let us prove to our allies that we can be counted on. Let us prove to our enemies that we will continue the fight and not be discouraged.

Update:

Sweetness and Light had much more on this story a couple of days earlier.

Suddenly Star Wars is Worth a Look

2006-07-07T16:18:00.000-04:00

Wretchard wonders if North Korea has made a few believers - at least hopers - in Reagan's much maligned Strategic Defense Initiative.

Funny how Old Europe was all "America ain't so great" when they perceived the Big Bear we had protected them from for 50 years was no longer a threat (I always maintained that was the stupidest thing imaginable.). But now that some nut-with-nukes is taking target practice with long range missles, America suddenly seems like the good guys again.

I thought Europe was supposed to be the grown ups we were to emulate. Seems to me they act more like a fickle teenage girl. You never know what they want because they never know what they want. But they're definitely all about the preening!

You know what? I'm going to apologize for that comparison. Teenage girls have never been as fickle - or as preenish - as Old Europe!

Ban all Power Tools!

2006-07-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

Jack Kelly wonders if there will be a movement to ban all power saws after this incident.

You gotta love Jack Kelly. Check out his Irish Pennants blog every chance you get.

New Media Changes Everything

2006-07-07T12:02:00.000-04:00

I received one of those "chain" emails today. It claimed to reveal some dastardly editing on one of the inscriptions on the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

With the effective, emotional tactic of portraying an elderly couple from the greatest generation angered and hurt, the "appalled observer" claims that the engravers of the WWII Memorial deliberately omitted "so help us God" from the text of FDR's speech announcing that Pearl Harbor had been attacked.

Naturally, I was upset! Here's that blasted PC crowd again - liberal scoundrels, all - trying their best to remove all references to the Divine Lord from our nation's history.

There's some considerable truth in that statement. However, before I forward emails like that to all my friends and family, I like to do a little fact checking.

God bless the internet!

I found the inscription information for the memorial at the National WWII Memorial web site under the Inscriptions link.

*****
Eastern Corners PEARL HARBOR DECEMBER 7, 1941, A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY…NO MATTER HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE US TO OVERCOME THIS PREMEDITATED INVASION, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, IN THEIR RIGHTEOUS MIGHT, WILL WIN THROUGH TO ABSOLUTE VICTORY.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt
*****

Sure enough, just like the email told me, the quote from FDR is missing "so help us God". There IS a conspiracy!

Still, I thouht it wise to check the actual text of the actual speach itself. What I found was that the phrase "so help us God", while definitely a part of FDR's speach, was actually three paragraphs below the text used for the WWII Memorial inscription.

Hmmm.

Certainly the designers of the memorial could have used the paragraph that included "so help us God" (I bet it was considered.). And perhaps there were those who opposed that paragraph because of its reference to our Lord and Savior. But it's simply not true and definetly unfair to suggest that the designers deliberatly edited the phrase out of the text used on the WWII Memorial.

So what does all this mean?

It means that we now have the tools and information at our fingertips to investigate nearly every claim by anyone who wants to convince us of anything.

That. Is. Powerful.

No longer can the general public be expected to lap up everything the MSM spoon feeds us. The same tactic used in that chain email has been used by old media for decades. Throw some half truths in with some pointed inuendo and wrap it all in credulous emotion and you have the recipe for what has passed for the bulk of main stream journalism for years.

So here's the new deal:

Someone is trying to convince you of something
Consider the source of everything you hear or read
Fact check everything they are telling you
Spread the word
The more people involved the better
They won't be able to ignore us or shrug us off
They won't be able to pull another Rathergate
The public will be better informed and better served

I love this stuff!

Are the majority of Americans against the War?

2006-07-06T12:36:00.000-04:00

It's a muggy night in Houston
And all the intersections are like full service stations

Listening to Somewhere North on the 40 Acres CD by Caedmon's Call during lunch today my mind drifted from the song to thoughts of this particular form of entrepreneurship.

Initial images of desperate, scary men forcing themselves on trapped and helpless drivers gave way to the question: Could this be a legitimate business? Could someone with the right attitude and proper authorzations actually make a living doing this? Could you establish yourself as a service and not an annoyance?

Of course you could. You could provide the service without demanding payment. You could smile and do the job for free and accept any tips the drivers may offer. I'd almost be willing to bet a majority of the customers would be more than willing to tip a pleasant and efficient service provider if they presented themselves well.

I could see the happy helper smiling and washing and creating a pleasant experience for the busy city drivers. Why, they could even spread the joy by wishing people well as they finished their work.

"Have a great day" they would say with disarming warmth.

They could even encourage people to feel good about their communities.

"Go Wildcats!"

"How 'bout them Hornets!"

Or even the nation: "Pray for our troops."

-- STOP RIGHT THERE --

That would never work.

I believe the vast majority of Americans would in no way be offended by this kind of remark. I think most would actually appreciate it. But surely there are those who would not only be offended, but would be pushed to the brink of an outright fit at the thoughts of supporting the American military while they are actually engaged in battle!

Most entrepreneurs would simply avoid any potentially controversial subject that might solicit a negetive reaction from their customers. They'd play it safe instead. And who could blame them. They want to make a living not get into political arguments.

Isn't that the way it is with almost everybody? Most people avoid discussions that might become argumentative - Ann Coulter notwithstanding.

With all the screaming from the left against the War in Iraq in particular and all things Bush in general, its understandable that some would get the idea that America is losing its resolve in this conflict.

But is that really true?

I'm no expert (on anything), but I have this gut feeling that the majority of Americans understand what is at stake in this war. I believe most Americans believe this war is justified and worth fighting. And I believe most Americans think the right man and the right party are in charge at the right time.

I'm an average Joe. My circle of friends are neither elite nor uninterested. They're normal Americans, mostly blue collar. I live in a part of the country that is overwhelmingly registered as Democrat. Yet almost everyone I talk to believes we need to stop Islamic terrorists and stop them now.

If that's true then why aren't more people saying so? Well, just like any entrepreneur (or any normal human being), most people simply don't want to argue about it. Besides, in the last national election the War in Iraq was the number one issue. I think it's fair to say that Americans have spoken on this issue.

So don't be fooled by the continual shrieking from the liberals in America. It's their right to speak their mind. It's their job to try to convince as many people as they can of the rightness of their cause. But just because they're the loudest, that doesn't mean they're the majority.

My contention is that the majority of Americans know we're doing the right thing and they know which party will continue to do the right thing. I think they are polite enough, however, to express their opinions on election day rather than argue about it all the time.

Just Do It !

2006-07-05T13:30:00.000-04:00

I created this blog over a year ago. This is my first actual post. How pathetic is that?!?!?

I thought I'd learn more about blogs before I jumped in. I thought I'd read and comment on other blogs to get my feet wet. Well, I've done some of that. But my goodness, it's been over a year.

Am I REALLY that much of a slacker? (Yes!)

I've read and commented on other blogs. But I haven't investigated how to blog on my own at all. I'm somewhat of a techno-tard (Is that a word? Can I "coin" it if it isn't?), so I have been and still am more than somewhat intimidated by the prospect. Besides, commenting on other blogs was so easy.

That's been the biggest problem. It's so easy to read other blogs. And it's so easy to comment on some blogs. Heck, I even got a "Hat Tip" credit on Carol Platt Liebau's blog once. Man, I felt like a celebrity or something! Why in the world should I do all the work of creating and maintaining my own blog when my skill and intellect can be recognized world wide via Carol's blog?

The other problem hits a lot closer to home. Reading all these blogs has shown me how many truly talented, intelligent, and thoughtful people there are in the world. Geez, there are so many great thinkers out there! How could I possibly add anything worth while? How could I possibly compete? Besides, so many of them seem to do so much research on each topic. I KNOW I can't compete with that! And so many of them are professionals in the particular area they choose to blog about. What am I an expert in???? (Nothing!)

But the more I posted comments on other blogs, the more I began to feel like I've been cheating. I've been using someone else's space to vent my feelings (That's all they are, afterall. I think I've already established I'm not an expert on anything.) But more importantly, I've been cheating myself. I've allowed someone else to determine which subjects I comment on. Sure, there's a certain set of current events and issues that a lot of people are going to want to comment on. But what about the issues I care about that don't get blogged very often? What about those unique perspectives I may have on today's hot topics?

OK, so there probably won't be a boat load of those unique perspectives comeing from me. But you never know.

A blog offers me my own personal space. I can write about whatever I want. I can explore my own thoughts. I can be serious or poke fun. I can jump from politics to sports to religion. It's my blog. I can do what I want with it!

When I first created this blog I expected my first post would be a "get-to-know-me" kind of thing. I thought I'd put together some well-organized, insightful, brilliant (of course!) autobiographical sketch that would make millions of people inistantly interested in everything I had to say. But instead, after over a year, I've decided to JUST DO IT! Whatever was on my mind as of a few minutes ago would make up the content of this historic first post.

I still have no idea what Fat Man's Corner will become. But I guess, for now, I could at least introduce myself and mention a few areas of my personal interest:

Hi, I'm Greg Helton. I'm from Ohio. But I've lived in Salyersville, KY for the past 21 years. The hills of Eastern Kentucky have been good to me. I have a beautiful, loving wife, three gorgeous children, and two perfect grandchildren (Yes. They. Are. Perfect!).

Pleased to meet you.

Interests:

Politics - This is what introduced me to blogs in the first place
Family - I thoroughly enjoy mine!
Religion - Christian
Sports - Especially at the High School and College levels
Sports Officiating - I've been a referee/umpire for 10 years or so
Music - Raised on Country & Bluegrass, Came of age on Classic Rock, Love Contemporary Christian
Movies - When I have time, I enjoy many genres

Oh well, I can see the creative urge is petering out right about now (several minutes ago, actually). So I'll wrap it up.

This here's my blog. I have no idea what I'm gonna do with it. But it's mine and I love it already. I hope I'll be able to engage others with it as well as use it as therapy for myself.

Thanks and God bless,

Greg