Homercles: Space Monkey Man of Tomorrow
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Has Ric Flair ever actually completed a move off the top rope?
Just curious. I'm not your average wrestling mark, but I love the way the fans treat Flair, even when he's a bad guy. He does the same 4-5 spots every week, and gets treated like a god among men.
And in completely unrelated news . . .
A quote attributed to Hillary Clinton (found via Allahpundit), regarding the largely uncharismatic John Kerry:
"You don't have to fall in love. You just have to fall in line."
Boy, that'll rally the troops. Translation: it's not about the candidate, or the ideas; it's about beating Bush. If they actually do win, what plans have they actually made for governing our nation? Talk about a quagmire.
Apr 29
Cardio
Time:1:01:00
2004 total:75:32:00
Weights + Cardio: 86 Days (70 to go)
And in completely unrelated news . . .
A quote attributed to Hillary Clinton (found via Allahpundit), regarding the largely uncharismatic John Kerry:
"You don't have to fall in love. You just have to fall in line."
Boy, that'll rally the troops. Translation: it's not about the candidate, or the ideas; it's about beating Bush. If they actually do win, what plans have they actually made for governing our nation? Talk about a quagmire.
Apr 29
Cardio
Time:1:01:00
2004 total:75:32:00
Weights + Cardio: 86 Days (70 to go)
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Somewhat good news, I think.
My mom and stepdad had their diabetes nutrition class this week at Mercy. What was relayed back to me was pretty much what I'd expect.
1) Fast food is right out.
2) Fruit is okay, but fruit juice is out
3) Fiber is good, for the diabetes, and for the high cholesterol.
4) Basically, what you eat isn't as important as the portion size.
Now I'm not diabetic, but my cholesterol is over 200, so I'm looking at making some changes in my diet. Don't really eat that much fast food, so ditching that is not a problem. I've added a ton of fiber to my diet, but I still tend to eat large portions. Think I'll try the "put a normal portion on the plate, then put some of it back" approach.
Apr 27
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 74:31:00
Weights + Cardio: 85 Days (71 to go)
1) Fast food is right out.
2) Fruit is okay, but fruit juice is out
3) Fiber is good, for the diabetes, and for the high cholesterol.
4) Basically, what you eat isn't as important as the portion size.
Now I'm not diabetic, but my cholesterol is over 200, so I'm looking at making some changes in my diet. Don't really eat that much fast food, so ditching that is not a problem. I've added a ton of fiber to my diet, but I still tend to eat large portions. Think I'll try the "put a normal portion on the plate, then put some of it back" approach.
Apr 27
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 74:31:00
Weights + Cardio: 85 Days (71 to go)
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Thank you, anonymous poster
It's nice to have a rational discussion with someone coming from a different viewpoint. There may be hope for this godforsaken planet yet.
Just out of curiousity, since my friends are usually the only people who comment, may I ask how you found this page?
Apr 25
Cardio
Time:0:56:00
2004 Total: 73:34:00
Weights + Cardio: 84 days (72 to go)
Just out of curiousity, since my friends are usually the only people who comment, may I ask how you found this page?
Apr 25
Cardio
Time:0:56:00
2004 Total: 73:34:00
Weights + Cardio: 84 days (72 to go)
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Haven't done much poli-blogging lately
I've really been trying to keep an open mind about things, and listen respectfully to the other side. Everytime I do this, though, something always happens.
Do me a favor: go to Google and look up Pat Tillman. Find a Reuters or AP piece first, so you have a relatively unskewed framework. Then, sniff around any of the regional Indymedia sites. Perhaps you will understand, then, why I am filled with acid-churning, gut-clenching disgust for the far left. In their little fucked-up world, Rachel Corrie is a saint for protecting smuggling tunnels in the Gaza Strip, and Tillman is just another bloodthirsty warmonger who was righteously served. There is not even the basic, fundamentally human, respect for the dead,whether his views on things were "correct," or not.
I think I'm really starting to hate them, and I don't like having this feeling.
Apr 24
Cardio
Time: 1:01:00
2004 total: 72:38:00
Weights + Cardio: 83 Days (73 to go)
Do me a favor: go to Google and look up Pat Tillman. Find a Reuters or AP piece first, so you have a relatively unskewed framework. Then, sniff around any of the regional Indymedia sites. Perhaps you will understand, then, why I am filled with acid-churning, gut-clenching disgust for the far left. In their little fucked-up world, Rachel Corrie is a saint for protecting smuggling tunnels in the Gaza Strip, and Tillman is just another bloodthirsty warmonger who was righteously served. There is not even the basic, fundamentally human, respect for the dead,whether his views on things were "correct," or not.
I think I'm really starting to hate them, and I don't like having this feeling.
Apr 24
Cardio
Time: 1:01:00
2004 total: 72:38:00
Weights + Cardio: 83 Days (73 to go)
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Full of blooming onion
and other assorted Outback goodies. Too bloated to work out, but still able to move my pudgy fingers over the keyboard long enough to record workouts from the past couple of days.
Apr 20
Cardio
Time: 0:55:00
2004 Total: 70:40:00
Weights + Cardio: 81 Days
Apr 21
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 71:37:00
Weights + Cardio: 82 Days (74 to go)
Apr 20
Cardio
Time: 0:55:00
2004 Total: 70:40:00
Weights + Cardio: 81 Days
Apr 21
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 71:37:00
Weights + Cardio: 82 Days (74 to go)
Monday, April 19, 2004
The crunch is over for now
Midterms are finished, so I can breathe easy for a couple of days before the gear-up for prom. Time to clean this sty. Well, after I catch up on sleep, that is. Someone's in heat again.
Apr 19
CardioTime:0:56:00
2004 Total: 69:45:00
Weights+Cardio:80 Days (76 to go)
Apr 19
CardioTime:0:56:00
2004 Total: 69:45:00
Weights+Cardio:80 Days (76 to go)
Sunday, April 18, 2004
2 Days off and nothing done
At least, that's what it feels like.
Got my midterm quizzes graded. We spent fifteen minutes every day last week reviewing for it, with problems almost exactly like the real test, and half of them managed to improve. A fourth scored about the same as on the last test, and a fourth did worse. Oy Vey.
Procured a new computer today. It's sleek, and it's sexy. And it damn well better last longer than four years this time.
Bought Kill Bill 1 this weekend. I'm still sorting out whether it's thumbs up or down. Fantastic music, though; that much is certain.
Meanwhile, the house is still a mess, I need to iron shirts either tonight or tomorrow, and prom is coming up. Calgon, take me away!
Last thing: I read tonight that Hamas has secretly elected a new leader. Unless they just yanked some yokel off the street, it's still a fair bet Israel will figure it out. Or, barring that, work their way through the likely candidates. Either way, without a public figurehead, Hamas will find it a bit harder to manipulate global sympathy. I'm sure, however, al-Jazeera will take up the slack.
Apr18
Cardio
Time:0:55:00
2004 Total: 68:49:00
Weights + Cardio: 79 Days (77 to go)
And can I just mention how nice it is to have more days to my goal behind me than ahead of me?
Got my midterm quizzes graded. We spent fifteen minutes every day last week reviewing for it, with problems almost exactly like the real test, and half of them managed to improve. A fourth scored about the same as on the last test, and a fourth did worse. Oy Vey.
Procured a new computer today. It's sleek, and it's sexy. And it damn well better last longer than four years this time.
Bought Kill Bill 1 this weekend. I'm still sorting out whether it's thumbs up or down. Fantastic music, though; that much is certain.
Meanwhile, the house is still a mess, I need to iron shirts either tonight or tomorrow, and prom is coming up. Calgon, take me away!
Last thing: I read tonight that Hamas has secretly elected a new leader. Unless they just yanked some yokel off the street, it's still a fair bet Israel will figure it out. Or, barring that, work their way through the likely candidates. Either way, without a public figurehead, Hamas will find it a bit harder to manipulate global sympathy. I'm sure, however, al-Jazeera will take up the slack.
Apr18
Cardio
Time:0:55:00
2004 Total: 68:49:00
Weights + Cardio: 79 Days (77 to go)
And can I just mention how nice it is to have more days to my goal behind me than ahead of me?
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Car Swarrrrrrrmmmm, nothing but Car Swarrrrrrrmmmmm
Israeli gunships killed Hamas leader Rantisi today. The inevitable wailing, and car swarming followed. Now they'll seethe and vow violent revenge. A nonbinding resolution condemning the assassination will no doubt be issued by the UN tomorrow.
Cripes, I could set my watch by this.
As with Yassin, I will take no joy in Rantisi's death. But, honestly, anyone but the most hardcore leftybots would have to admit that he had it coming.
Cripes, I could set my watch by this.
As with Yassin, I will take no joy in Rantisi's death. But, honestly, anyone but the most hardcore leftybots would have to admit that he had it coming.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Our Lady of 18-Month Financing, hear my prayer . . .
Gee, I'd really like a computer that doesn't crash every hour. C'mon Best Buy. Help a brother out.
Apr 15
Cardio
Time: 1:02:00
2004 Total: 67:54:00
Weights + Cardio: 78 Days (78 to go)
Woo-hoo! Halfway to goal!
Apr 15
Cardio
Time: 1:02:00
2004 Total: 67:54:00
Weights + Cardio: 78 Days (78 to go)
Woo-hoo! Halfway to goal!
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Not what I expected
They're going a different direction on Angel than what I expected. Different, but good. We're in the home stretch now: six more episodes (five after tonight) then finis. I hope the end is good; I was a little disappointed in the last two seasons of Buffy.
Apr 14
Cardio
Time: 0:58:00
2004 Total: 66:52:00
Weights + Cardio: 77 days (79 to go)
Apr 14
Cardio
Time: 0:58:00
2004 Total: 66:52:00
Weights + Cardio: 77 days (79 to go)
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
While not completely toast,
this computer's on its last legs, I think. Yesterday, of it's own volition, the image on the screen began ghosting, and it's been that way ever since. I checked connections, updated drivers, you know, all the simple stuff, and no dice. My best guess is that the graphics chip on the motherboard is al fugged dup. It's either that or the monitor, and I'm not dropping a couple hundred on a computer I was going to replace next year anyway.
So, I'm waiting for either inspiration on how to fix it on the cheap, or 18 month financing at Best Buy.
Que Sera Sera. It could always be worse.
Apr 13
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 65:54:00
Weights + Cardio: 76 Days (80 to go)
So, I'm waiting for either inspiration on how to fix it on the cheap, or 18 month financing at Best Buy.
Que Sera Sera. It could always be worse.
Apr 13
Cardio
Time: 0:57:00
2004 Total: 65:54:00
Weights + Cardio: 76 Days (80 to go)
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Not counting it as a workout day
I got 23 minutes in, good rhythm, brisk pace, and then I got a phone call that I had to take. I'm still going to add the 23 mins. to my 2004 total, though. Sort of a make-up for a couple of lesser workouts last week.
2004 Total: 64:57:00
2004 Total: 64:57:00
Happy Easter, Y'all
Went to drunkle's for Easter. Ho-lee cow. His liver's been leaking fluid into his abdomen; Mom told me on the d/l that when the doctors examined him, he was thirty inches around the waist, and 55 inches around the abdomen. I swear, he looked about eighteen months pregnant.
I think I have developed a measure of empathy for him, though, or, at least, sympathy. Looking around his house, seeing the pictures of him with his daughters, my God he looked alive then. Scruffy, but alive. I had forgotten he'd ever looked like that.
I think I do feel a measure of sympathy. I don't know how his mind works, but if I were in his shoes, and I had come to the point that it's pretty well manifest that I am well and truly fucked, I don't know how I'd deal with it.
But it's over and done. I didn't get a chance to share the misery with my stepdad, as there was barely enough cooked for him to eat alone. Oh well, good intentions, brick, road to hell, yadda yadda yadda.
One last thing.
He is risen. And in rising He gave me hope.
I think I have developed a measure of empathy for him, though, or, at least, sympathy. Looking around his house, seeing the pictures of him with his daughters, my God he looked alive then. Scruffy, but alive. I had forgotten he'd ever looked like that.
I think I do feel a measure of sympathy. I don't know how his mind works, but if I were in his shoes, and I had come to the point that it's pretty well manifest that I am well and truly fucked, I don't know how I'd deal with it.
But it's over and done. I didn't get a chance to share the misery with my stepdad, as there was barely enough cooked for him to eat alone. Oh well, good intentions, brick, road to hell, yadda yadda yadda.
One last thing.
He is risen. And in rising He gave me hope.
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Gardening as therapy
The previous owners of my house were right: yard work is actually kind of therapeautic. I tore up the garden plot closest to the house and terraced it into two levels. The lower level I'm covering with landscape fabric, and then river rock. The upper level will get seeded in a couple of weeks, as soon as I can find a breed that needs indirect sunlight, has a long bloom, and isn't on the menu for the deer that wander my neighborhood at night.
Kind of funny: while I was levelling out the rock section, I accidently dug up a hibernating toad. Poor little guy; it was certainly a rude awakening. I moved him to another plot, and covered him with dirt, so I either let him get back to dozing, or I killed him. Hope it's the former.
I spent about five hours on it, and I must confess to being pretty whipped. Not sure if I'll work out tonight or not. I should, because I know I won't on Monday. Still, I'm four months into the year and halfway to my goal (well, almost). Or, I could just go to bed. I may actually sleep well tonight.
Person of the day: Mom. She talked her parents into moving the Easter thing up here, and making it a shorter affair. Mom told me privately that she couldn't take a whole day of their crying over her brother, aka my drunkle. I'm glad she did, because I was dreading exactly the same thing myself. Her feelings for her brother naturally run much deeper than mine; she was the only one with any stroke in the family that wasn't blissfully oblivious to his drinking. She tried three times, as I recall, to get him into rehab.
Interventions don't work when it's just one person. I should've backed her. I should've spoken up. Even if they wouldn't have listened to me, which is a safe bet, I'd be more comfortable with myself regarding this situation.
Kind of funny: while I was levelling out the rock section, I accidently dug up a hibernating toad. Poor little guy; it was certainly a rude awakening. I moved him to another plot, and covered him with dirt, so I either let him get back to dozing, or I killed him. Hope it's the former.
I spent about five hours on it, and I must confess to being pretty whipped. Not sure if I'll work out tonight or not. I should, because I know I won't on Monday. Still, I'm four months into the year and halfway to my goal (well, almost). Or, I could just go to bed. I may actually sleep well tonight.
Person of the day: Mom. She talked her parents into moving the Easter thing up here, and making it a shorter affair. Mom told me privately that she couldn't take a whole day of their crying over her brother, aka my drunkle. I'm glad she did, because I was dreading exactly the same thing myself. Her feelings for her brother naturally run much deeper than mine; she was the only one with any stroke in the family that wasn't blissfully oblivious to his drinking. She tried three times, as I recall, to get him into rehab.
Interventions don't work when it's just one person. I should've backed her. I should've spoken up. Even if they wouldn't have listened to me, which is a safe bet, I'd be more comfortable with myself regarding this situation.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Heh.
Found via Michele at Asmallvictory.net:
Apr 8
Cardio
Time: 0:50:00
2004 Total:63:32:00
Weights + Cardio: 74 Days
Apr 9
Cardio
Time:1:02:00
2004 Total: 64:34:00
Weights + Cardio: 75 Days (81 to go)
Apr 8
Cardio
Time: 0:50:00
2004 Total:63:32:00
Weights + Cardio: 74 Days
Apr 9
Cardio
Time:1:02:00
2004 Total: 64:34:00
Weights + Cardio: 75 Days (81 to go)
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Note to self: don't answer the phone
Mom called back at 6:30 this AM. My drunkle's likely looking at a liver transplant. Fucking lush.
What did he expect to happen? Fucking pissed away a marriage, a job, kids, everything I ever wanted. And he loved beer just a little bit more. How could he be so oblivious to his own deterioration. When a doctor tells you five years ago that your liver's taking heavy damage, wouldn't that be a sign that maybe you should stop? Or if you suffered delerium tremens when you were sober, wouldn't that be a sign?
I think my uncle, the one I remember, died a while back. Now there's nothing left but this walking-dead piece of drunken trash. You know, I think I hate him a little bit. Yes, I think I do. To tell you why would be to violate my word to another; suffice it to say, the uncle I used to know would likely despise the drunkle.
Best example yet of blind love: Grandma telling Mom that she was shocked by the diagnosis, because he hasn't drank for years. I guess I never realized how powerful delusions could be.
Arggh. Fuck.
I'm heading out for another walk. I think I need another sunset.
What did he expect to happen? Fucking pissed away a marriage, a job, kids, everything I ever wanted. And he loved beer just a little bit more. How could he be so oblivious to his own deterioration. When a doctor tells you five years ago that your liver's taking heavy damage, wouldn't that be a sign that maybe you should stop? Or if you suffered delerium tremens when you were sober, wouldn't that be a sign?
I think my uncle, the one I remember, died a while back. Now there's nothing left but this walking-dead piece of drunken trash. You know, I think I hate him a little bit. Yes, I think I do. To tell you why would be to violate my word to another; suffice it to say, the uncle I used to know would likely despise the drunkle.
Best example yet of blind love: Grandma telling Mom that she was shocked by the diagnosis, because he hasn't drank for years. I guess I never realized how powerful delusions could be.
Arggh. Fuck.
I'm heading out for another walk. I think I need another sunset.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Bloody Hell Part 2
Almost made it out the door before the phone rang again. Mom called back to tell me my drunkle's heading up to Iowa City for tests. Seems he's got a large lump portruding from his abdomen. He drank away his entire life, a job, a wife, two beautiful daughters, and now I can't help but wonder if this is the beginning of the final act in his little theater of self-destruction. What a waste.
And if you were to call me a total prick, based on tonight's missives, you'd be preaching to the choir.
I did make it out, though. Went east, into a new neighborhood under construction, where I saw some nice duplex condos. There was a long stretch of empty road, maybe a mile, where there was nothing save for construction equiptment and signs. I turned around, and headed west just in time to see a beautiful sunset. I mean, I know it's cliche and everything, but it really was a sight to see. Made it home just as it was well and truly night out.
I didn't have my watch on me, so I'm going to make a conservative guess and figure one hour of exercise.
Apr 7
Cardio
Time: 1:00:00
2004 Total: 62:42:00
Weights + Cardio: 73 Days (83 to go)
And if you were to call me a total prick, based on tonight's missives, you'd be preaching to the choir.
I did make it out, though. Went east, into a new neighborhood under construction, where I saw some nice duplex condos. There was a long stretch of empty road, maybe a mile, where there was nothing save for construction equiptment and signs. I turned around, and headed west just in time to see a beautiful sunset. I mean, I know it's cliche and everything, but it really was a sight to see. Made it home just as it was well and truly night out.
I didn't have my watch on me, so I'm going to make a conservative guess and figure one hour of exercise.
Apr 7
Cardio
Time: 1:00:00
2004 Total: 62:42:00
Weights + Cardio: 73 Days (83 to go)
Bloody Hell
*sigh*
My stepdad was diagnosed with diabetes today. His entire lifestyle's gone tits up. It's not like he was a hard-drinking, fat-devouring slob before; but when you look at the list of what foods are acceptable, and what's right out, there's not a whole lot of culinary joy left.
This. Sucks. Balls. I know I'm not supposed to like him, because he's not my real father and all (cue the angsty adolescent sturm und drang), but my God, he is such a good man. I have known very few people with a heart as kind as his, and fewer still who could endure being part of my extended dysfunctional family, but he does it.
Being able to talk to him makes these verdamnt family things a lot less of a chore. Like Easter.
Just realized: what's he going to eat on Easter? So much for ham, mashed potatoes, cheesy veggie medley, and every other fucking thing on the table. What, maybe a baked chicken breast and some plain veggies?
Suck ass.
I think I'm going to ask to eat whatever he gets served; I'll take leftovers of the good stuff home, but while we're there, I want to show him some empathy and support. Of course, I'll probably get that same tired bullshit if I do, that "YOU'LL RUIN EASTER" for turning my nose up at Grandma's cooking.
Of course, this might be a sign that maybe I need to change my eating habits, too. Damn it. Better to sacrifice a little now, than have to go through major changes later.
And while I'm feeling self-absorbed, I may as well bitch about my assignment for next year. I'll be teaching 2 remedials, and 3 regular ed. How i despise teaching remedials. I suppose that's because you can't really teach a remedial. You can maintain order, or try to actually impart some knowledge, but the clientele involved makes it very hard to do both.
Based on prior experience, I can expect an average of 3 pregnancies, 6 probationaries, 4 halfway-house residents, and at least 20 special ed, ranging from resource (not so bad), to SCI (could go either way), to BD (very bad juju).
I'll make it work; I always do. And I'll probably be embarrassed by the sheer bitchiness of this post, but I need to vent.
Now I think I'll go and try to salvage my day. Maybe take a walk in the warm spring sun, recharge the batteries.
My stepdad was diagnosed with diabetes today. His entire lifestyle's gone tits up. It's not like he was a hard-drinking, fat-devouring slob before; but when you look at the list of what foods are acceptable, and what's right out, there's not a whole lot of culinary joy left.
This. Sucks. Balls. I know I'm not supposed to like him, because he's not my real father and all (cue the angsty adolescent sturm und drang), but my God, he is such a good man. I have known very few people with a heart as kind as his, and fewer still who could endure being part of my extended dysfunctional family, but he does it.
Being able to talk to him makes these verdamnt family things a lot less of a chore. Like Easter.
Just realized: what's he going to eat on Easter? So much for ham, mashed potatoes, cheesy veggie medley, and every other fucking thing on the table. What, maybe a baked chicken breast and some plain veggies?
Suck ass.
I think I'm going to ask to eat whatever he gets served; I'll take leftovers of the good stuff home, but while we're there, I want to show him some empathy and support. Of course, I'll probably get that same tired bullshit if I do, that "YOU'LL RUIN EASTER" for turning my nose up at Grandma's cooking.
Of course, this might be a sign that maybe I need to change my eating habits, too. Damn it. Better to sacrifice a little now, than have to go through major changes later.
And while I'm feeling self-absorbed, I may as well bitch about my assignment for next year. I'll be teaching 2 remedials, and 3 regular ed. How i despise teaching remedials. I suppose that's because you can't really teach a remedial. You can maintain order, or try to actually impart some knowledge, but the clientele involved makes it very hard to do both.
Based on prior experience, I can expect an average of 3 pregnancies, 6 probationaries, 4 halfway-house residents, and at least 20 special ed, ranging from resource (not so bad), to SCI (could go either way), to BD (very bad juju).
I'll make it work; I always do. And I'll probably be embarrassed by the sheer bitchiness of this post, but I need to vent.
Now I think I'll go and try to salvage my day. Maybe take a walk in the warm spring sun, recharge the batteries.
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Beautiful Day Today
So of course, I take exercise today in my basement. Foolish mortal.
Apr 6
Cardio
Time:1:01:00
2004 Total: 61:42:00
Weights + Cardio: 72 Days (84 to go)
Apr 6
Cardio
Time:1:01:00
2004 Total: 61:42:00
Weights + Cardio: 72 Days (84 to go)
Monday, April 05, 2004
Lo-og! Lo-og! It's big, it's heavy, it's wood.
Apr 3
Cardio
Time: 0:56:00
2004 Total: 59:03:00
Weights+Cardio: 69 Days
Apr 4
Cardio
Time: 0: 44:00
2004 Total: 59:47:00
Weights:Cardio: 70 Days
Apr 5
Cardio
Time: 0:54:00
2004 Total: 60:41:00
Weights+Cadio: 71 Days (85 to go)
Cardio
Time: 0:56:00
2004 Total: 59:03:00
Weights+Cardio: 69 Days
Apr 4
Cardio
Time: 0: 44:00
2004 Total: 59:47:00
Weights:Cardio: 70 Days
Apr 5
Cardio
Time: 0:54:00
2004 Total: 60:41:00
Weights+Cadio: 71 Days (85 to go)
Excellent . . .
You are a GRAMMAR GOD!
If your mission in life is not already to
preserve the English tongue, it should be.
Congratulations and thank you!
How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are a GRAMMAR GOD!
If your mission in life is not already to
preserve the English tongue, it should be.
Congratulations and thank you!
How grammatically sound are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Friday, April 02, 2004
Make me understand
Through a confluence of events, discussions, and things I've read and heard, it occurs to me that the Left really has no fucking idea what the Right is about. Maybe I'm not the most qualified to comment, as I'm not so much a conservative as I am a person who finds himself in agreement with the Right on several issues.
And I can articulate my beliefs with clear and impassioned reasons why I believe what I do, and it won't make any difference. It won't make any difference because modern politics is an exercise in polarization. I look at the photos of protestors, and I see narrow little protest-sign-sized ideas; I cruise through DU and read the screeds calling me alternately a sheep, an oppressor, or an uneducated hick. I listen with utter disbelief as actors, who enact the roles of heroes, demean the very ideas of heroism and right/wrong. (Remember the post 9-11 flap about calling firefighters heroes? Suddenly EVERYONE else wanted to say that *inset your career of choice* were the REAL heroes. Those firefighters, well, they knew what they were getting into.) I watch a popular culture trash the cultural heritage and values that made such a popular culture possible.
And I am fucking well sick and tired of the half-wit anti-Bush cartoons and op/eds that someone keeps posting in the faculty lounge. Moreover, I am tired of the way those things stay posted until one of us has to remind the rest of the faculty that we are an apolitical entity (or, barring that, until one of us takes it down.)
I find it abhorrent. Utterly revolting. It makes me angry beyond words.
But this is not productive.
My anger does not contribute to civil and rational discourse.
So here's what I'm going to do. While I'm in this frame of mind, I'm going to put up the things I believe. If you are Left-leaning, and willing to discuss in a civil manner, comment below. If you believe differently than me, I want to know what you believe, and why. If you simply want me to give reasons for why I believe what I do, then comment. I want to understand where the Left is coming from, and maybe see if moderate Democrats still draw breath. Similarly, I want others to understand where I'm coming from.
A few to cap off the evening:
1) Western civilization (Greco-Roman-European) is worth preserving. The advancements far outweigh the sins.
2) Christianity is a beautiful, noble faith that enriches the world.
3) There are such things as right and wrong. Moral relativism is nothing more than cowardice in the face of evil.
4) There is something seriously wrong with a large portion of Islam worldwide.
5) War (such as the one we're in now) is sometimes necessary. And sometimes, peace is another word for surrender.
6) As an American, I naturally and unapologetically value the lives of my fellow citizens above all others. In other words, given a choice of US or THEM, I will always choose US.
7) The role of government is to deal with infrastructure, education, and defense. And nothing else.
I'll go more into detail when I've got more pep. Time for beddy-bye. Polite comments are welcomed.
Apr 2
Cardio
Time: 1:00:00
2004 Total: 58:07:00
Weights + Cardio: 68 Days (88 to go)
And I can articulate my beliefs with clear and impassioned reasons why I believe what I do, and it won't make any difference. It won't make any difference because modern politics is an exercise in polarization. I look at the photos of protestors, and I see narrow little protest-sign-sized ideas; I cruise through DU and read the screeds calling me alternately a sheep, an oppressor, or an uneducated hick. I listen with utter disbelief as actors, who enact the roles of heroes, demean the very ideas of heroism and right/wrong. (Remember the post 9-11 flap about calling firefighters heroes? Suddenly EVERYONE else wanted to say that *inset your career of choice* were the REAL heroes. Those firefighters, well, they knew what they were getting into.) I watch a popular culture trash the cultural heritage and values that made such a popular culture possible.
And I am fucking well sick and tired of the half-wit anti-Bush cartoons and op/eds that someone keeps posting in the faculty lounge. Moreover, I am tired of the way those things stay posted until one of us has to remind the rest of the faculty that we are an apolitical entity (or, barring that, until one of us takes it down.)
I find it abhorrent. Utterly revolting. It makes me angry beyond words.
But this is not productive.
My anger does not contribute to civil and rational discourse.
So here's what I'm going to do. While I'm in this frame of mind, I'm going to put up the things I believe. If you are Left-leaning, and willing to discuss in a civil manner, comment below. If you believe differently than me, I want to know what you believe, and why. If you simply want me to give reasons for why I believe what I do, then comment. I want to understand where the Left is coming from, and maybe see if moderate Democrats still draw breath. Similarly, I want others to understand where I'm coming from.
A few to cap off the evening:
1) Western civilization (Greco-Roman-European) is worth preserving. The advancements far outweigh the sins.
2) Christianity is a beautiful, noble faith that enriches the world.
3) There are such things as right and wrong. Moral relativism is nothing more than cowardice in the face of evil.
4) There is something seriously wrong with a large portion of Islam worldwide.
5) War (such as the one we're in now) is sometimes necessary. And sometimes, peace is another word for surrender.
6) As an American, I naturally and unapologetically value the lives of my fellow citizens above all others. In other words, given a choice of US or THEM, I will always choose US.
7) The role of government is to deal with infrastructure, education, and defense. And nothing else.
I'll go more into detail when I've got more pep. Time for beddy-bye. Polite comments are welcomed.
Apr 2
Cardio
Time: 1:00:00
2004 Total: 58:07:00
Weights + Cardio: 68 Days (88 to go)
