August 27, 2005
More Taxes for Criminals
Apparently Wisconsin has decided to compete with North Carolina to see which state can give more money to active criminals. They are now giving money to illegals for mortgages. And of course, it's taxpayer money.
Why do we have laws at all? Apparently Democrats (primarily, but most certainly many Republicans) do not want there to be any borders to our country. They continue to entice illegals to come to this country, and they take money from the hard-working citizens and GIVE it to those who break the law. Congress, get off your damn lazy rears and defend our damn borders. Start arresting people who are not citizens who have BROKEN THE LAW and get them the hell out of my country!Posted by: Ogre at 10:21 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 26, 2005
Bush Says...
President Bush, August 24, 2005:
"So long as I'm the president, we will stay, we will fight, and we will win the war on terror."Awesome.
Posted by: Ogre at 01:30 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Can't Trust the Red Cross
Great. Now you can't even trust the damn Red Cross. It used to be a reputable organization, and in wartime you would always avoid the Red Cross, because you knew they were the good guys and not actively working against anyone. Now all that has changed.
It seems the Red Cross, in cooperation with the Italian government, operated upon, healed, and released to kill again, terrorists who were and are killing Americans. Nice. So soldiers, when you see the Red Cross now, you have to assume they're terrorists because if they're not, they are clearly actively supporting them.Posted by: Ogre at 12:00 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Talk like a Pirate Day
My most favorite holiday of the year is coming up!
September 19th (it be Monday this yearrrr), is Talk Like a Pirate Day! ARrrr! Since it is a Monday, most of my good readers will be able to participate at work! This should cause many opportunities for enjoyment of staff meetings and the like (pirate hats are optional). Some good phrases to prepare:"Shiver me timbers!" - like saying "oh My!" like my legs are shaking "Skuttle me Skippers" - Making a mistake and being judged for/by it. "Avast ye varmint" - Stop right there young man because you're in big trouble. "Weigh anchor!" - Let's go! "Yarr." - I agree.
Don't forget! And if you don't have a pirate name yet, you can get one here! My first attempt at a name was Bloody Tom Read. That one stinks, so I'm getting a new one... (Hat tip to Pirate's Cove who else?)
Posted by: Ogre at 11:33 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
ICANN Triple-X Domain
I wonder how many extra google hits I'm going to get from that post title? I tried to word it in a way that would generate the least, but no one really knows how Google searches, hits, and ordering show up (darn private companies and their trade secrets).
That is, however, the topic of this week's Christian Views Symposium. For those who haven't seen this before, the Christian Views Symposium is a weekly question on a current topic. Everyone is encouraged to answer the questions proposed, either on their own blog, or in the comments to the question. Feel free to join in, whether you're Christian or not. This week the focus is on the recent rejection of the triple-x domain name ending (in place of .com, .org, etc.). The questions this week:Should ICANN approve the .XXX domain?
Will approval of this domain legitimize pornographers?
Will this have any affect on how families protect themselves and their children on the Internet?
Posted by: Ogre at 09:30 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
It's Official: Your Vote Doesn't Count
The North Carolina Legislature has officially decided that your vote absolutely does not matter in this state. The voter may have elected a Republican for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction last November (2004), but with a simple majority vote, the Legislature decided that they would rather have a Democrat, so they threw out the election results and replaced them with their own decision.
To review, there were over 3.3 million votes cast for the office of public instruction. After the votes were counted by Democrat-controlled boards of elections, the Democrat candidate had a lead of 8,535 votes. However, at least 11,000 votes, primarily in heavily Democrat areas were cast illegally. The State Supreme Court agreed that those votes were completely, 100% illegal according to the Constitution, and they should not be counted. However, the Democrat-controlled legislature did not like being told that they have to obey the Constitution. So they passed a law in February that would change the rules for the PREVIOUS election (yes, that's illegal, too). They then decided that they would simply take a vote and agree the 11,000 votes, despite being absolutely and unquestionably illegal, would be valid. The Democrats completely ignored the Constitution and voting laws and just decided with a majority, party-line vote, that the people did not know who to vote for. I'm not sure why we need to have elections any more, as the legislature now has given itself absolute power to change any election result they do not like (and that's honestly not an exaggeration). Of course, if we haven't had a Superintendent for Public Instruction for the past 9 months, I'm not so sure we need one at all now...Posted by: Ogre at 08:04 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Lottery Fails: Observer Whines
It's pretty much official for the year -- the Lottery has failed to pass in North Carolina, at least until next May. The Charlotte Observer continues to whine incessantly that people of North Carolina will not be able to give more of their money to the state to spend.
There are various reasons to oppose the lottery, and I'm pretty much in agreement with most of them. It IS a harmful situation. It is bad for society. It's also NOT a function of government -- it is simply something the government should not be doing. Finally, if gambling is such a good idea, why should the state be the only one allowed to do it? If it's going to be legal, why can't individuals run a system, too? But the socialists at the Charlotte Observer complain and complain because anything that puts more money in the hands of Those Who Know Better (Democrat Legislators) makes the Observer happy. They don't care how more money gets taken from those who work, they just want more. The current article actually bemoans the fact that people who live in NC have to use gas money to gamble in South Carolina! Hey idiots, if you don't want to spend the gas money, stay at home and don't gamble!Posted by: Ogre at 05:03 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 25, 2005
I'm a Geek
Now there's geeks and there's geeks. Some people know they're geeks, and that's cool (these days). But there's others, like the fellow that I saw with this license plate last week:
I don't think he knew he was a geek -- I'm guessing most people wouldn't get it. Now me, I AM a geek, but I know it. Since Mu.nu went down, I decided to go buy a new car. With the gas prices and all, I decided to trade in my Ford Ranger (12-15mpg) for an economy car (30mpg). So here's what I ended up with:
Posted by: Ogre at 06:49 PM | Comments (24) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
French continue to Hate
The French continue to hate America. I know this isn't news to most people. In this case, the French are mad because an American, the amazing Lance Armstrong, won the French bike race so many times.
Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc is claiming that Lance was using illegal drugs when he won the first championship in 1999. A look at the details does beg some questions -- Jean is basing his claims on an "anonymous" sample, claiming to have matched the sample up with Mr. Armstrong. If the sample was anonymous, how in the world did it get matched to Mr. Armstrong? Lance Armstrong himself questions how those results were leaked to newspapers and how they were matching himself. In addition, Jean shows his French bias and misunderstanding of reality when he claims that Armstrong owes it to the world to explain "Why, How, By Whom?" You see, Mr. Marie, the onus is actually on YOU to prove your allegations first. To claim that "someone" has shown you he was doping is meaningless. That would be akin to me claiming that Mr. Marie had a banana up his rear during the last meeting of the Tour de France committee, and it was up to HIM to prove he didn't. Finally, he showed his Frenchness by speaking with Lance Armstrong for 30 minutes by telephone and never once made any allegations or suggestions to Mr. Armstrong that there were any problems. He only made his accusations through the press. Typical two-faced idiot. People of France, this is how you're perceived around the world because this is the type of person that makes your national press. Are you proud?Posted by: Ogre at 03:02 PM | Comments (13) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Silver Ring Thing
I imagine most of my good readers have not heard of the Silver Ring Thing, unless you have teenagers in your house. The Silver Ring Thing is
Real life questions and answers about sex. Silver Ring Thing uses sketch comedy and music videos to make the abstinence point. Don't worry. We'll help you get our point! Our program features high-tech club-style lighting, videos and, of course, a sweet sound system.
So basically, it's a program that's designed to get teens' attention, then get them to commit to no producing babies out of wedlock. Sounds like a good thing, right? Not to the ACLU. The ACLU doesn't like it because they honestly support abortion, and they NEED teens pregnant to get as many abortions as they can. The ACLU sued to stop funding of this group that was trying to help teenagers. Not because there were Bibles or any conversions, or even the now-evil mention of the name "Jesus." The ACLU sued because "it derives from a Christian ministry." And of course, they're winning the battle in the federal courts. Apparently nothing can derive from a Christian ministry. We seriously need to hurry up and get those laws against murder off the books. And what do the founders of the Silver Ring Thing say is the history of the group?
Silver Ring Thing (SRT) sexual abstinence program was created by Denny Pattyn and the Youth FORUM Southwest leadership team in 1995. The program was designed to attract the attention of the typical 21st century teenager and offer them protection from the destructive effects of America's sex obsessed culture.
Sorry, the ACLU cannot have that. The ACLU really is anti-American, anti-freedom, and overall anti-Christian. These people are scum. If you support the ACLU with your money, you're supporting scum. This was a production of Stop The ACLU blogburst. Almost 100 blogs already on board. If you want to join us go to our portal and register. Its very simple. We will add you to the mailing list and send you the rest of the info at that point
Posted by: Ogre at 01:30 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Tarheel Tavern
Have I mentioned yet that I'll be hosting the blog carnival for North Carolina bloggers, The Tarheel Tavern? Well, I am.
If you're blogging in, from, or about North Carolina, be sure and send your carnival posts along to me (email in upper right corner there) this week! This week's suggested topic (if you don't have one of your own) is "Memories." Please feel free to join in if you meet those conditions above. A note: I just decided to head to the beaches of North Carolina for the weekend, so the actual Tavern will be posted either Sunday night or Monday morning -- I'm leaning towards Monday morning for the greater exposure potential, but we'll see.Posted by: Ogre at 12:00 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Buy an econo-box!
If you live in Hawaii, I hope you've got a fuel efficient car or a bicycle. Your state has decided that you don't need any gasoline, so they are doing all they can to reduce the supply of gasoline to the islands. How? It's called price controls.
I did mention some time ago that Hawaii was considering these price controls. I had hoped that the economists there would talk some sense into the government officials. Clearly they did not. Starting September 1, wholesalers may not charge more than $2.74 a gallon (including taxes) in Honolulu. Strangely enough, there's no cap on the retailer's profits -- so the retailer could, in theory, charge whatever they want for the actual sale to the consumer. It will be very interesting to see how the wholesalers respond to this -- I anticipate various truck unloading fees, dock fees, road fees, etc., so the retailer ends up with the same current cost. The law is intended to force Hawaii's two refiners to charge less. The legislators claim "refiners were taking advantage of the small, isolated market to charge exorbitant prices." Apparently the legislators have never heard of a free market economy. The ONLY logical result will be supply shortages. I estimate by Labor day CNN will start carrying stories about gas lines and shortages in Hawaii. The only good I can see coming of this will be that other states will see a horrible failure here and they will not try it in my state. Then again, the legislators in North Carolina can be rather dense when it comes to reality. Heck, the governor thinks it's cheaper to borrow money and pay it back with interest than to spend money you already have.Posted by: Ogre at 11:03 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Close Walter Reed?
News reports indicate that the base realignment and closure committee wants to close Walter Reed medical center. Ok, that's fine, I don't care about which bases are open and which are closed, as long as it's efficient and we're protected. Supposedly, that's what this group is all about: "combining their strengths rather than working separately."
However, this seems quite odd to me. The report says:One-time costs, including construction and renovations, would total $989 million.
But it also says:
The Pentagon would save $301 million over 20 years
Maybe it's me, but I'm not seeing any savings there.
Posted by: Ogre at 10:15 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Tax Cuts in NC?
Is it possible? Have there been tax cuts in North Carolina? No, not really. The legislature did pass some tax credits, though! That sounds good, doesn't it? Tax credits to give people back some of their massive tax burden? Well, sorry, those tax credits are not for you.
The tax credits that just passed will cost the state between $2 and $5 million. They only apply to aviation fuel used by airplane and NASCAR racing. Yes, if you're just a regular person, you get incredible tax increases (including brand new taxes on candy, cable TV, satellite TV, services, newspapers, and other things), but if you're a NASCAR team or an airline, you get a reduction in taxes. I heard a caller on a local radio show yesterday ask a question, and I never heard anyone give a good answer. Other than the weather, what reason is there for anyone to move to Charlotte, NC? Most newcomers move there because they're transferred for work. Most people who have been there more than a few years have left. I just wonder why more people don't just up and leave the state completely.Posted by: Ogre at 07:33 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Utterly Irresponsible Spending!
I've mentioned before that the Democrat-led North Carolina Legislature is very irresponsible in spending money. I don't think anyone could see this one coming.
First, a little history. For the past 12-14 years, the North Carolina General Assembly has been breaking the law -- they have been taking tax money collected for the purpose of making roads and has not built roads with them -- they've transferred the money to the general fund for any spending they want. Now they're billions behind in road spending with no way to make it up. Even after raising taxes over $100 million this year, they still can't find the money. What to do? BORROW MORE MONEY! This is the absolute height of irresponsibility! This is worse than borrowing from Peter to pay Paul -- this is stealing from Tim, then when you spend all that money, steal more from Phil, never mind paying back anyone. And even worse, they are planning on paying the money back...with FEDERAL FUNDS! So you the taxpayer, anywhere in America, is going to pay for this debacle. And it gets even worse. Governor Easley actually believes it is cheaper. Yes, he honestly thinks that borrowing money and paying it back with interest rather than using the money as you said you were going to is better and cheaper. These Democrats really have got to go in the North Carolina General Assembly.Posted by: Ogre at 05:00 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 24, 2005
Blogger Fund Raising
I just found out about a boy who has diabetes, and he's trying to raise funds to help combat diabetes. He's even got a web page set up for donations, since he's going to walk on Sept 11 in Denver to help raise money. Oh, and the boy walking? He's six! Head on over and donate if you can afford just a little.
Posted by: Ogre at 05:31 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Programming Note
For any who tried to visit earlier today, I apologize. The site was down yesterday afternoon, some of the night, and most of the day today. It seems there was some catastrophic disk failures, but all appears to be ok now. Normal blogging will resume soon, and I still plan on hosting the Tarheel Tavern this weekend, so be sure and send your submissions along!
Posted by: Ogre at 05:18 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Insane Budget Complaints
The budget has finally passed -- the North Carolina Democrats passed it a month and a half late, as my regular readers know. There were dozens upon dozens of new taxes on everything from candy to cell phones to services, and corresponding massive increases in spending EVERYWHERE. But that's not enough:
But while there’s a net increase in education funding, many school systems, including a number in Western North Carolina, are feeling squeezed and micromanaged by Raleigh.
So you can give an extra $125 million for new enrollments (almost $4,500 per student), and increase spending all across the board, giving more and more and more and more to schools, but they still complain they don't have enough. Will these people on the left and on the government teat (including the education system engineers) ever understand that more money does not have ANYTHING to do with better education? Or do they just honestly not care at all about education and only want more of MY hard-earned money?
Posted by: Ogre at 05:00 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
August 23, 2005
More Carnivals
I've been pretty slack these last couple weeks at submitting my entires to different blog carnivals -- but that doesn't mean you can't go read them (even if they are lessened by my lack of presence).
This week's Carnival of Kids is up. Head on over for some laughs and some kids that you will wonder how they will ever live long enough to become adults. My own (second) most favorite carnival is also up: Henry the VIIth...errr... I mean Carnival of Liberty, the 8th. If you like freedom, you absolutely have to read the articles in this carnival. It's growing every week, but it always highlights the latest in freedom or the lack thereof. I think about half my posts qualify for that carnival. Go! Read!Posted by: Ogre at 08:26 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Tarheel Tavern #26
Yes, the wonderful North Carolina blog carnival, The Tarheel Tavern is now up at Pirate's Cove. Be sure to head on over and read all about blogs posting in North Carolina -- all sorts of varied topics always show up, it's lots of fun.
Next week the Tavern will be...HERE! Hooray! I love hosting the Tavern because I make time to read so many of the different blogs and different people across the Tarheel state. There used to be a rule that there was no political blogging in the Tavern carnival, and it still stays mostly away from vehement politics. Now there's just the one rule for playing in the carnival -- you must blog in or about North Carolina. So, if you're blogging in North Carolina, be sure to submit your entries to me at my email way up there in the upper right corner of this blog. I think the official entry deadline is Friday midnight, but I usually put my post together Saturday afternoon or evening, so submit by Saturday and I'll be sure and include you. Some hosts, in the past, have concocted a theme for the tavern. As usual, anything goes, but if you need some help for a theme, I'll call it "Memory Lane." That would include posts about North Carolina history, your personal history, or just thoughts and ideas of the past, especially in North Carolina. Be sure to submit your posts and come back and read this weekend!Posted by: Ogre at 01:35 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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