Yesterday, as Teddy Kenendy was trying desperately to convince his Demoractic counterparts that they needed to filibuster Judge Alito, his head actually turned purple.  I caught it live on CNN.  It was priceless. 

 

It was a great Teddy scene.  What the heck is wrong with Massachusetts? 

 

You can check the video out here. 

 

Congrats to the Dems for not being idiots this time around.  Let the idiots (Kennedy and Kerry) spew their filibuster hoopla all day.  A filibuster would have been disaster for the party.  Now, you can show your constituents that you voted against him even though you lost.  They will either support your vote, or not...but at least you didn't cheat to get your way. 

I Netflixed Hustle and Flow.  My wife was like, "Eh, I don't really care to see it," but I was like, "I hear it's really good."

 

Should have listened to my wife.

 

I should start by saying the acting in this movie was really good.  I am quickly become a fan of Terrance Howard.  How many movies did this guy do last year?  Hustle and Flow, Crash, 4 Brothers, and I saw him on the Golden Globes doing an HBO movie, I think.  Way to hit the bigs, brother. 

 

Anyway, it wasn't just his acting.  Everyone did a great job.  My problem with this movie wasn't the acting.

 

The movie is about a pimp who has dreams of being a rapper.  He lives with his "bitches."  One, he sells at a strip club, one he sells on the street, and one is pregnant by someone (they don't know who) so, she's pretty useless at the moment...oh, except he kinda loves her...I think.

 

Anyway, my biggest problem is this: How can you root for a protagonist who is an a$$hole?  How can I go, "Man, I hope that pimp gets his big break!"?  Seriously...I would rather he stay in the ghetto and get his butt kicked.  Dude sells drugs and women, and I'm supposed to hope he makes it into the spotlight? 

 

Then, there were his stupid, non-poetic rap lyrics.  Here...I'll sing a refrain for you.  Haven't been able to get the stupid thing out of my head all weekend.

 

 

Something like that.  Tell me, is that something you wanna be humming during the work day? 

 

Anyway...if you are (or were) a pimp or a drug dealer, you may like this movie.  Anyone else...I don't know.  All depends on your taste, I guess.  But for me...I wish I had checked out The Postman, instead. 

 

(Speaking of the Postman...what does one say when their neighbor says, "Have you seen The Postman?!  I loved that movie!")

 

 

Judge Alito is up for confirmation next week...probably Monday.  Some key (read famous) Democrats are pushing for a Filibuster.  Dems like John Kerry, Teddy Kennedy (what is wrong with Massachusetts?), Joe Biden, and even Presidential hopefull Hilary Clinton.

 

I have bounced back and forth about the filibuster, primarily because I like that the option is there when I absolutely despise something that Congress wants to pass.  But, through the logical arguments of a former blogging friend who has since left the bloggisphere (hopefully to return, but I think Marriage has him whipped), I have returned to my original belief:  The Filibuster is the cheating crybabies tool to get their way.  We have a Senate elected to do a job.  That job is to debate and vote.  Not stall.  When the debate turns into reading phonebooks and teaching people who don't care about the State of Washington (thank you Senator Cantwell), it becomes a stall tactic.

 

The Democratic prodigy, Senator Obama, sums it up well in a recent interview.  The country elects Senators.  Regardless of how people feel about Alito, these Senators make it clear where they stand on the issues.  In the recent past elections, the Supreme Court has been an issue. 

 

If you do not like the way your Senator has voted, you vote against them.  The Constitution was drafted that way for a reason.  Is Judge Alito really non-mainstream, or is he simply not Liberal enough.  It's important not to confuse the two. 

 

Personally, I am not sure I am too happy with this nominee.  Obviously, he is qualified.  Nobody disputes that.  However (and this is what the Democrats should have latched on to instead of the racist BS they stupidly focused on), I sense he is a judge that will not vote as the Constitution dictates, but how he feels about an issue.  That is what his record said to me.  And, his answers during the hearing did nothing to change my mind.  Of course, the Dems really did nothing to call that to the country's attention. 

 

So, ultimately, he convinced the Republicans.  We voted the Republicans into office.  We have to accept what they do now...whether we like it or not.  If we don't like it, vote against them.  Don't cheat and say you're doing it for the American people.

 

Seriously...if you idiots Filibuster, any gains you are making in public opinion will be shoved backwards.  Remember Tom Daschle?

So, my wife and I rewatched last week's episode of Lost.  My wife missed it because she was at the Coldplay concert (you know how I know you're gay?).

 

Upon watching it, my wife realized a neat little tidbit that I wanted to share.  I didn't think of this.

 

When they're doing laundry, Hurley asks Libby, "Do I know you from somewhere?"  Libby responds, "Other than the plane?"  She doesn't go into much more except to remind Hurley that she stepped on her foot when he got on the plane.

 

Libby is a psycologist.  Hurley was in a psycho ward.  Did they know each other before?  If so, is she hiding that fact from Hurley or does she, like him, not remember.

 

Personally, I have been wondering if Libby is one of The Others.  She wasn't around right after the crash.  We don't know anything about her background. 

 

From Aarony Land:

 

So, this must be one of those filler episodes.  Or was it?

 

Charlie appears to be going nuts or something.  At least he's not using, again.  Was he going to?

 

Let's start with Charlie.  Was he really going bonkers or was the island trying to tell him something?  What was with the funky dreams.  If Charlie really was supposed to save the baby, was Baptism really the way he was supposed to do it?  That's really about all I have about Charlie.

The greater questions, I think, are about Locke.  What is up with that dude.  The music, expressions, and camera work almost made him come off as sinister.  Then, there was the preview for next week.  Something is going on with that dude.  Why did he keep the crack statues?  I can't believe he punched Charlie...THREE TIMES. 

 

Crazy stuff, man.  Another episode with more questions than answers.  This season isn't doing a whole lot to help us understand what the heck is going on. 

A couple additions to last week's earlier post.

 

1)  Did you notice that in Jack's flashback, he did not have any tattoos?

 

2)  Learned in the forums, that when "Zeke" reveals Kate, the person who passes her over is named Alex.  Remember Alex?  Rousseu's daughter?

 

hmmmmmmmmm

 

Okay...so it's not a Mariners thing.  But, I don't really want to make a general Baseball category because, usually, when I am talking about baseball, I am talking about the Mariners.

 

But, I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about how much I hate Barry Bonds.  Okay...hate is a strong word.  But, I do Hate his attitude and I also hate that he is still playing.

 

Why do I hate Barry Bonds?  It's an easy question to answer, and any baseball fan probably already knows.  Dude comes in a skinny runt.  Fast, strong...but skinny.  Then, all of a sudden, dude turns into a tank.  He stops stealing bases, but he starts hitting every other pitch out of the park.  He breaks Mark McGuires (suspect) home run record and now he's on a quest to beat the all time home run record. 

 

And, the whole time, he claims that he is not on steroids.  WTF ever.  It's all natrual.  RIiiiiiigght.

 

I hope MLB makes him pee for them every day.  If he's not juiced, he needs to prove it.  All these reputable records by legendary ball players are being shattered by cheaters and it drives me nuts.  Bonds is only 6 home runs away from passing Babe Ruth on the all time list.  47 away from passing Henry Aaron in as the all time leader.  He'll pass Ruth...but, unless he stays on the sauce, or plays for another year after this, I don't think he'll make it to Aaron.  So, I am willing to bet he'll keep juicing.  Catch him, and kick him out of the league. 

I am a little ansty today.

 

Bungie is interviewing a candidate today for a kind of entry level role. 

 

Quick background...when I was attending the Austin Game Conference in October, I met a young lady (not too far out of college), who was crazy excited about the chance to work in games.  She knows all about Halo and loves it almost as much as I do.  She is not a techie, but had many skills that would look good for a game producer (or Project Manager in Microsoft speak).  So, when I got back, I said to Michel (Sr. Producer) you should really talk to this girl. 

 

Bungie didn't have a role open at the time, but I thought her passion and aparent intelligence would impress them.  It did.  After a phone screen, they wanted to bring her in to meet the team.

 

So, now she is here.  Interesting thing about this interview is that she has Zero experience in games.  None.  I noticed a certain something in her that I felt would translate into an awesome team member.  So, that's what we are trying to figure out today. 

 

Are hires based on potential a good idea?  Hmmm...who knows.  I am sure that some have been made only to see the employee come in and collapse under the pressure of new requirements.  However, I am also sure that some have come in to rock the house.  For instance, Michel here at Bungie was hired out of college.  Now, he is very well known in the industry as the Producer behind Halo and Halo2.  Of all the groups that I think would best suit a new hire based on potential...Bungie is the one. 

 

But, still...the question we have to determine as much as possible:  Is she worth it?  Will she come in and Rock the House...or fluster under the requirements of a major game studio? 

 

It's out of my hands, now...it's all up to her. 

Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks on their first trip to the Superbowl.

 

Look out Steelers!  Go SEAHAWKS!!!!

Big Playoff game, this weekend.  I haven't decided yet if I want to go out to a bar to drink and watch it with a bunch of pals, or hang out and home and watch it on HD with a couple pals while drinking my own beer. 

 

Go Seahawks!

 

So, the other part of this entry is about fair weather fans.  First of all, I want to defend accusations against myself of being a fair weather fan.  I have been dissed for just now "jumping on the Seahawks bandwagon" when they are winning instead of sticking with them through the losing years.

 

Okay...let's get something straight.  I have never been a Seahawks fan.  I am not originally from this area.  I had no real reason to be a Seahawks fan until they started winning.  Why would I get excited about a losing team?  Sure, now they they are having an awesome season, I am interested and I will be rooting for them this weekend. 

 

Also, I would like to point out that I also joined the Mariners band wagon in 2001, the year the won 116 games.  Since then, I have been very loyal...far from fair weather.  I have attended opening day every year since jumping on.  I have attended multiple games in person and watched many many more on the tube.  I am always cheering and getting pissed when the lose.  To top it all off, I just purchased Season Tickets for the first time in my life. 

 

With all that out of the way...I pose a question.  Since when do "loyal" fans own a monopoly on a sports team?  I wonder how full Qwest Field would be on Sunday if you removed the fair weather fans.  How strong would the 12th man be then? 

Also...everyone is paying taxes on that goofy (originally unwanted) stadium.  It's only now that we're getting any return. 

 

Finally, as a Commercial Industry...sports teams need fair weather fans.  When people stop coming, they know it's time to make some changes.  Look at the Mariners.  They miss the days off record holding for most consecutive sell out crowds. 

So, there are a couple of episodes that should be addressed here.

 

First of all...Eko's episode:

Obviously, there are many similarities between Eko and Locke.  Singled out primarily by the face down of the monster (what the hell is that thing, anyway?). 

 

Eko is a "man of faith."  He appears to be trying to redeam himself in many ways.  His backstory was great.  But, I am more interested in his interaction with the monster.

 

He wasn't afraid of it, like Locke.  We got to see a glimpse of what was going on in the monsters "head' as well.  Was it reading his mind or was it showing him images it already knew from Eko's past?  I'm not sure.  It could have been showing him things that he feared or things that brought him sadness.  But, since Eko has faced his past, it didn't affect him as one would think it should.

 

Come to think of it, with the exception of the pilot, has the monster actually killed anything?  I don't think it has.  It ripped Shannon up, but that was a Boone hallucination or something that still doesn't totally make sense to me.  The monster seems to be all talk...ripping up trees and making loud noises and stuff.  Why aren't Eko or Locke afraid of it?  What do they see that nobody else does?

 

Now...last night's episode.  This was highly dissapointing to me.  First of all, JJ Abrams need to wrap up X3 and get back to Lost.  The directing on this episode was poor. 

 

Now...whenever we see the others, I want to be freaked out.  I have come to expect it.  They are shrouded in such mystery and everytime they show up, something bad happens.  This time, it was more like, "Let's have tea, shall we?".  Dude from the boat shows up and basically tells them to piss off or else. 

 

Or else what?  We know they're capable of killing.  Why didn't they kill anyone.  Why are they letting the survivors stay on the island?  Why weren't they scary this time?  You know, the more I reflect on it, the more I blame the directing.  It just wasn't played out well.   

 

If they are going to put us face to face with the Others, I would expect Jack to be asking things like, "Who the hell are you crazy F***ers?" 

 

Anyway...I didn't get much from last night and I'm kinda sad...that's the bottom line.

 

So, here are some new thoughts in General.

 

They tried to kidnap Clair.  We originally thought is was due to her baby.  After all, in Clairs backstory, much fuss was made over her baby.  It's how she ended up on the flight in the first place.  But, what if they were trying to kidnap her because she is "a good person?"  In next week's preview, we see them going after the baby.  They seem to like kids. 

 

Jack's wife Sarah said she is seeing someone else.  I'm putting a bazillion dollars down betting that she is seeing someone relevant to the story.  Someone on the island.  I am still working on who that might be...but I'll bet we find out the next time we see a story about Jack.  I'm also willing to bet that it's someone we haven't met yet, or Jack would recognize them.  Another hatch?  One of the Others.  Not sure yet.  I doubt it's one of the Others cause they've been there a while.

 

That's all for now. 

 

PS:  sorry for spelling errors.  Don't feel like spell checking.

 

 

This issue annoys the crap out of me (I've changed shorts twice today.) 

 

Once again, the Warshinton State Senate is debating a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against homosexuals in the workplace and in housing. 

 

So, there are some great arguments against this bill.  Arguments like, "Being gay is a sin," and "the government should not tell business owners or landlords what they can do."

 

Actually...those arguments are dumb.  Here's why:

 

If one actually reads the Bible, they will find that it talks much more often about loving thy neighbor and not passing judgment than it does about sending gays to aych-eee-double hockey sticks.  In fact, Jesus says that the most important Commandment is the one He gives: Love one another as I have loved you. 

 

Next, yes, the government can, at times, tell businesses and landlords what to do.  You need to pay taxes, you can't sell cigarettes to minors, YOU CAN'T DISCRIMINATE.

 

A black man walks into an apartment complex looking for an apartment:  I don't like Black People...TOUGH, it's illegal to discriminate based on race.

 

A woman walks in: I don't like women...TOUGH, it's illegal to discriminate based on sex.

 

An Irishman walks in: I don't like green...TOUGH, it's illegal to discriminate based on national origin.

 

Catholic...TOUGH

 

Republican...TOUGH

 

Gay person...TOU...wait a second.  Nope, you can't have an apartment because I don't like gay people. 

 

Tell me how that is right.  Come on, all you moral Christians out there that oppose this bill.  How is it right to discriminate against someone simply because you don't agree with a privite act.  Since when does ones actions in their bedroom determine how they are going to perform at work?  As long as they are not breaking any laws, there is no arguable reason why this should not be added to our discrimination laws.  Unless you want employers to start saying, "You may only apply here if you have sex with your spouse in the missionary position with only 2 candles burning at a time and Meatloaf playing on the radio.  It is my choice as an employer not to hire anyone else." 

 

If you want to debate gay marriage, I'll let you.  Go right ahead.  But, I have yet to hear any good arguments in favor of discrimination against any law abiding human being.  Oh, except for one genius opponent who argued against it simply by reading from the Bible. 

One of my girls captured her first major award yesterday.  Reese Witherspoon won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy of Musical (Walk the Line fell into the Comedy or Musical category?).

 

Now, how Ang Lee won Best Director over Peter Jackson or Brokeback Mountain won over King Kong...I'll never figure out. 

Okay...before you get all mad at me and call me names, hear me out.  We should be celebrating Civil Rights Day.  

 

Martin Luther King was a great dude.  He did great things and he had a major impact on the US. 

 

Here's my problem.  With the exception of Jesus Christ (and debatably Columbus) MLK is the only individual person with his own National holiday.  Now, Columbus Day is a stupid holiday and (with the exception of banks who take anything they can off) nobody celebrates it, so I don't count it.  And, as great as he was, MLK is not Jesus Christ.

 

I make this argument and people say, "What about Washington and Lincoln's birthdays?"  I say, "It's called President's day and it's celebrated for all of our US presidents from Warshington to Bush the Sequel. 

 

MLK was basically the most eloquent speaker during the age the finally saw Civil Rights given legitimacy.  He was a great leader during this time, but he was not the only person that made it happen.  He fought a battle that was being fought long before by people like John Adams, Abe Lincoln, JFK, and many others that fought alongside Dr. King himself.  Why are we celebrating a holiday for one man???

 

Next, MLK day has become an African-American holiday.  As African-Americans were at the forefront of the 60s Civil Rights movement led by MLK, these are the images we see when we celebrate his holiday.  This should be a day for all Americans.  We all benefit from Civil Rights, whether we're black, Hispanic, Asian, Native-American, Persian, Arabic, Norwigian, Icelandic, or Californian.  This is a day for everyone, but it has become a holiday for one group. 

 

Therefore, as I stated, I propose (as I have been proposing since Arizona rejected the idea of MLK day years ago) Civil Rights Day.  We can celebrate this on Martin Luther King's birthday and give thanks that we had his guidance when we needed it.  But, we won't forget everyone else involved, both then and now, in keeping all Americans free from discrimination of any kind. 

Okay...I was dinkin' over on Ms. Jones' site and I am stealing a topic from her.  Check it out.  Nothing has happened to me to spark this entry...I'm not fighting with anyone, I just read her post, posted a comment, I figured I'd post it here, too.  If anyone has any further opinions on what you think a friend is, feel free to post it.    (what are these guys doing?)

 

Friend (n): Someone whom one knows and likes.

I would put friends into 3 categories.

1) Acquaintances: These are people you "know and like." Coworkers, neighbors, church members.

2) Buddies or girlfriends: These are people you choose to hang out with. Have a beer, watch the game...or for girls, paint your nails and talk about boys.

3) Best friends: These are your closest companions. The ones you let spend the night when they are fighting with their spouse, the ones who will get out of bed at 2 in the morning to help you out if you have a flat tire and the ones who see you cry.

Anyone can be any category. It all depends on your relationship.

I have many acquaintances...about 30 buddies...and only about 3 people who would be best friends, one of whom is my wife. (awwww)

Comments?

Found this link of Fred Bieling's site (Making Conservatives Cringe in the links).  And, Fred, I would have to agree that the phrase "8 term Senator" is a bit disgusting.

 

 

Anywhoo...I've been watching/listening to the hearings.  I enjoy politics.  I enjoy listening to people fight.  Sometimes, I wish out Congress was a bit more like Japan's.  I want to see fist fights.

 

Now, I mentioned before that I think Joe Biden is a dick.  I think he lacks respect for the nominees (it was the same with Roberts).  Whether he likes them and supports them or not...they earned their nomination.  They have worked hard to get before that committee.  Go ahead, grill them...but be respectful about it. 

 

Kennedy takes it even further.  Kennedy all but accused Judge Alito of being a racist.  Come on, now. 

 

I was listening to Rush for a few minutes on my way to the dentist this morning.  Now, I typically think Rush is a moron.  He couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag if people didn't tell him what to say.  But, he made a good point today (or someone gave him a good point to make).  Do the Democrats, in an election year where they could possibly regain control of the Senate, really think that playing the race card is going to impress people? 

 

You know...I am pretty moderate.  And, I may even be downright Liberal on race and discrimination issues.  But, this makes me angry.  If he was a racist judge sitting on the Appeals Court, don't you think he would have been called out years ago?  Just because he was a non-active member (as far as anyone can tell) of some stupid little club that had a member who wrote an essay that could be deemed as racist...all of a sudden, Alito hopes to put minorities back in their place?

 

Do I support this nomination?  I don't know.  These hearings were crap.  Too much time was spent trying to prove or disprove that Judge Alito is racist.  Not enough time was spent asking about his views on the law.  Does he respect the law as it's written or will he interpret it to fit his opinion? 

 

He's going to be confirmed.  There is no reason to filibuster.  I hope he'll be good, cause the Senate sure did a crappy job of trying to find out. 

 

 

You know...I didn't check, but I swear I had a similar entry during the Roberts confirmation hearings.

 

Joe Biden is such a dick.  He is sitting there lecturing Judge Alito on discrimination.  He even said "I don't think you understand"...then he rephrased, "I don't think you appreciate how discrimination works.

 

Okay, jerk...this guy is a judge.  You're a greasy politician from Delaware.  By the way...how many black people are there in Delaware? 

 

Judge Alito has sat on many discrimination trials.  I guarantee you, he knows how discrimination works.  Senator Biden, on the other hand...I'm not so sure.  Senator, have you ever seen discrimination?  In your little namby-pamby New England state where everyone is either white or bleach white. 

 

UGH...Biden just said, "I want to talk to you about the real world, here."  Get over yourself, you pompous prick...and wipe that stupid smirk off your face. 

 

I get so annoyed listening to him.  He acts like he knows everything about everything.  The dude has spent practiaclly his whole life in Delaware.  Not that there is anything wrong with Delaware...I'm sure it's agreat place.  But, how can one claim to know all about the "real world" when they have lived in the smallest state in the Union all their lives?

 

I'm glad he's done talking, cause I'm tired of yelling at my screen.  Jon Kyle is on now...he's okay. 

I want to rant about Flaggers, Pharmasists and Med Techs.

 

Took a sick day today.  Been feeling crappy the last few days and decided to take today to see the Doctor.  I called yesterday and there was no availability.  The receptionist suggested I call this morning to see if there were any cancellations.  I did and there were.  "Can you be here in 15 minutes?" She asks.  Ummmm...well, I'm in bed, in my pajamas, and I haven't showered...but, sure. 

 

So, I throw on some clothes, make myself presentable, and head out...where I run into a detour.

 

Rant #1. 

Heading down my street, I see ahead a sign that says "Detour."  The sign is bright orange, has a large black arrow telling me which way I need to go, and, most importantly, is blocking the road I am traveling on.  Obviously, I need to turn.  However, just in case I wasn't 100% sure, standing next to the sign, in a bright orange vest, was a woman.  She was doing one thing over and over again.  Pointing in the direction of the detour.  That was her job.  Point.  These people make $20+ an hour.  To point.  I am all for creating jobs...but, not pointless ones.  $20/hr is a very good wage.  Why are we paying people that much to do exactly what the sign is doing?

 

Get to the doctor and he gives me some prescriptions (more cowbell) and orders a blood test.  I go down for my blood test.

 

Rant #2.

I've never worked in the medical industry.  However, from my experience, I have determined the the bottom of the med tech career ladder is the person who draws blood.  Why have I determined this?  Simple...every person who has drawn my blood is the youngest person I encounter all day.  Today...she looked almost 19.  Another reason it's the bottom...they always do it wrong.  I always end up bruised.  The only time I don't end up bruised (not true the last time) is when the Navy does it.  Are there any blood drawers out there?  Tell me, is it standard to move the needle around in my arm when you hit the vain the first time? 

 

Then I went to pick up my prescriptions.

 

Rant #3

I pick up my drugs and the pharmacutical tech says, "I'll get the pharmacist to go over these with you."  Before I can object, the pharmacist shows up.  How much do these people get paid to read me what's on the lable.  "Take 3 times a day with food."  Thanks, man...I couldn't figure that out myself by reading the freakin' bottle.

 

Ugh...being sick makes me cranky. 

So, I am home from work today.  My wife came home last night complaining that she wasn't feeling very well.  Today, I woke up not feeling very well. 

 

In situations like these, I am torn.  I don't feel aweful...I just feel not as good as usual and wonder if (especially since my wife wasn't feeling well yesterday) it's spreadable. 

 

Most times, if I don't feel well, I tell myself to suck it up and go anyway.  But, if I have something contageous, I risk infecting people that I work with.  So, I am curious...when not feeling well, when is it acceptable to stay at home as opposed to sucking it up and getting your lazy ass to work.

 

Lukily, Microsoft has made it very easy to work from home.  So, although I am not going in today, I can still crank out work (when I'm not writing this blog). 

 

However, when is it frowned upon to be out and when it is accepted?  Obviously, major illnesses and surgeries are accepted.  But, let's say a Head Cold?  What about a migrane?  Sore Throat?  Paper cut?  What's good and what's not?

 

I guage it by contageusness.  If I think I may spread something to others, I'll stay home.  Sore throats are a good example.  You cough and shake a hand that is promptly licked by someone else...they'll probably have a sore throat. 

 

So...if I wake up and my allergies are flaring...red eyes, runny nose, hacking green stuff...I'll probably fight it out.  Chances are, nobody will catch my allergic reation to cat hair. 

 

Okay...this is a rambling blog.  I'm cold and need a blanket.