Ogre's Politics & Views
November 03, 2006
Buy Me Beer
Oh my. This is dangerous.
Want FREE BEER? Click here.
Yes, you can now buy beer for your friends over the internet. That's insane. But hey, I'll drink it!
Blame
Tammi, she pointed this one out to me.
Posted by: Ogre at
04:03 PM
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1
Buy me a case or four too!!!
Posted by: Raven at November 03, 2006 10:54 PM (DjxXc)
2
Hey, hey! One at a time!
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 10:55 PM (196ug)
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Sue Myrick gets it
I heard a radio ad on the way into work today. Sue Myrick (R-NC9) gets it. I can't find the text of the ad, but it general goes something like this:
Radical muslim jihadists want to kill us. And they are coming across our southern border. I want to stop them. I want to add guards to the southern border and I voted for a border fence.
She gets it, she really does.
Keep in mind when you vote next week, this IS the Republican Congress. Sure, Bush has some serious problems with the border and immigration, but he's not up for election, the Congress is. Vote Republican if you support Sue's position. Vote Democrat if you oppose it.
Posted by: Ogre at
03:08 PM
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A nation is like a family. Those who are most likely to harm you already live here.
Again, a politician is pandering to the public's fear of screaming idiots from overseas.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 05:47 PM (x4Fjq)
2
It's not really pandering when those fears are realistic.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 07:38 PM (oifEm)
3
Violent crime committed against individual Americans by other Americans does not seriously threaten the interests of wealthy, powerful people in spite of the fact that our national murder rate is between five and six 9/11's every year.
Acts of terrorism do threaten wealthy powerful people and serve as a vehicle to unify voters and focus their attention on a perceived, common threat. Foreign terrorists are not a minor problem, but your children are far more likely to be killed by a family member, neighbor, or classmate.
Guess which threat receives the most attention today.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 10:16 PM (x4Fjq)
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Guess no one who died in NYC or the Pentagon were "wealthy, powerful people."
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 10:54 PM (196ug)
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Sue Myrick is just another manipulative psycho that wants to gain power by clouding the people's judgment with fear. Say NO to being manipulated through fear!
-------
http://www.achildsdesire.org
Posted by: David.C at November 10, 2006 06:13 AM (UZfH0)
6
I'm sorry, but fear of people who are honestly working their entire life to kill me is a very rational fear.
Posted by: Ogre at November 10, 2006 10:54 AM (GPb4I)
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More Hatred for Freedom
The sorry, utterly useless morons at WakeUpWalMart again complain about freedom. These people are so full of irrational hatred, it never ceases to amaze me. I have some problems with some WalMart policies, but they are based on freedom, not hatred.
The organization actually claims that WalMart DARES to attempt to cut labor costs. Seriously. They are complaining that a company wants to cut costs. Would they be happier of WalMart raised all their prices? What absolutely irrational stupidity!
Chris Kofinis, a spokesman for the deranged anti-freedom morons, claims that it's anti-family to actually require people to show up for work. He claims that WalMart has adopted a new, restrictive attendance policy. Obviously, Chris has never worked a day in his life. EVERY place I've worked will fire you for not showing up. Apparently WalMart DOESN'T. I've fired people who have been late TWICE before. I guess Chris would really hate me for exercising my freedom. And make no mistake about it -- this is very clearly and obviously STRONGLY anti-freedom. You see, if WalMart cannot fire people for not showing up for work, then according to Chris, everyone has a right to be paid for staying home. That's assanine.
But yes, there's more! WalMart also has decided to allow employees some options when it comes to health care -- and again, according to scumbag Chris, that's BAD! And of course, if health care costs go up, employees shouldn't have to pay for it. In their view, everyone has the personal right to health care, AND they shouldn't have to pay for it. That's slavery people, plain and simple -- because if I don't have to pay for health care, but YOU have to provide it, what freedom do you have?
People like this need to be put out on the street to fend for themselves -- if they are listened to, freedom and liberty will continue to decline until we have none left. Oh, how I yearn for freedom.
Raven agrees.
Posted by: Ogre at
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1
Rewarding those who chronically do nothing is obviously a recipe for economic disaster, but our current sustem only rewards two kinds of people:
Those who already have the financial resources to acquire education for themselves and their children, to make investments in their future, and to maintain a lifestyle that allows enough free time to participate in and influence the decision making process. (If you're established, you stay established.)
Those who possess the entreprenurial skill to begin with very little and turn an idea into a fortune. (A tiny minority of people.)
No one else, regardless of how hard working or moral they are seems to matter. This system sends a clear message to young people who fall into neither favored group and are now being tempted by the rewards of criminal behavior.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 03:13 PM (x4Fjq)
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I don't buy that. Although it's more difficult than ever today, thanks to useless social programs, hard work still can pay off. And if the rewards for criminal behavior are higher than the potential punishments (which they clearly are), then there is no disincentive to criminal behavior.
I know of what I speak for at one time I had literally nothing but the clothes on my back. I had no house, no vehicle, nothing. I CHOSE not to engage in criminal activities, but instead decided to work. And no, it's wasn't entreprenurial skill, it started as working nights cleaning up a 7-11.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 03:17 PM (oifEm)
3
The media and popular culture tends to focus upon motive whenever someone commits a media worthy act. The nut who murdered those Amish school girls is a good example. Everyone will strain their imaginations trying to figure out why he targeted what has to be the most outwardly harmless demographic group in America. They should not waste their time on such things.
I've frequently emphasized the absence of inhibition (See Lesson V) as the most important element in any crime, particularly the absence of empathy. Belonging to a society and an economic system that treats individuals like disposable labor units maintains a culture where it becomes normal to think of everyone you simple dislike or find inconvenient in the same context. We emphasize the rhetoric of the Golden Rule, but our most powerful institutions practice the precise opposite. A society where the disposability of people is normal is a society where abortion and assisted suicide become painless, unembarrassing concepts.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 05:22 PM (x4Fjq)
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That's an...interesting point of view you have. Based on what you've said here, it appears that you believe there is no such thing as objective reality. Do you believe that? Is everything relative, or is there such thing as an absolute truth?
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 07:35 PM (oifEm)
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WOD-
I disagree with you. Way back, I didn't even have a HS diploma. I was 16, a very recently recovered heroin addict, a new Mom...on my own. I got a job at a factory, working nights at first so my family could watch my baby. It was hard brutal work, with a lot of rules. I neeeeded that job though, so I never once broke the rules. Many around me did though and whined when they got called on it.
I went back to school, got my HS diploma and went to college for a nursing degree. It was extremely difficult to do this: Work full time, take care of a very young child,and go to classes 5 nights a week AND study (nursing is very hard). I depended upon NO one to help me. I took no grants and other free for alls from my government. I wanted to make my effort MINE, and when you do that, you tend to value your work and job a little more.
One doesn't have to be rich to get on in this country. And one doesn't have to have an entreprenurial spirit to get by either.
All that is needed is the will to do the best you can, and to work hard to get what you want in life.
Posted by: Raven at November 03, 2006 11:08 PM (DjxXc)
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WOMD said:
"Belonging to a society and an economic system that treats individuals like disposable labor units maintains a culture where it becomes normal to think of everyone you simple dislike or find inconvenient in the same context. We emphasize the rhetoric of the Golden Rule, but our most powerful institutions practice the precise opposite."
Where did this come from?? I am confused. The Golden rule?
No business can afford to be SO nice to it's employees that the business suffers loss of customers and therefore revenue. Employees have enough rights in this country too- more than enough in my opinion.
The relationship between a boss and a subordinate is business in nature. While everyone expects the boss to be polite and YES, follow the Golden rules, the boss has the obligation to make sure his employees are doing their jobs correctly-- this includes making sure their attendance isn't bad. Like it or not, there has to be some rules. Or chaos will rule.
Businesses have an obligation to weed out those who are not interested in working. It's simple.
We cannot be a nation of too many dogooders. Even socialism would collapse under such ideas as the anti Wal Mart crowd aspires to.
Posted by: Raven at November 03, 2006 11:16 PM (DjxXc)
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Ogre,
My philosophy of existence is very simple.
The universe is a logical, structured place which appears to follow laws of physics that do not conveniently change to suit the needs of whoever's in charge of the government or the predominant religion this week. It's not unreasonable to assume that whatever created the universe is also a logical entity with a sense of purpose. I don't believe that there's an all powerful deity micromanaging everyone's lives and deciding who to punish. That's where religion crosses the line into politics. Our creator established the laws of physics, set the initial conditions, and simply allowed the universe run its course, hoping for a particular outcome.
One of the more obvious processes going on in the universe is the tendency for simple structures, systems, and processes to evolve into more complex ones. This is not restricted to clouds of hydrogen turning into stars. Simple forms of life become more complex over time and we are the current end result. What the end result is supposed to be in a few thousand years remains to be seen, but it's not a wild leap of faith to assume that our creator would like civilization to actually work, become more stable, and more complex. Given the human tendency to accumulate knowledge as a means to becoming more powerful and more survivable, one could speculate that we really are the children of God, and that it's up to us to find our own way to maturity.
But, there's a problem. It's the problem that I described in my August, 2005 post, "How to rationalize domestic terrorism."
We are developing technology, and subsequently developing our ability to cause harm faster than we are conditioning each new generation to feel empathy for others. I predict that within a few decades; 30 years was the time I used in my post, some individual with the right technical knowledge is going to give the insurance industry a really bad day.
And what does this have to do with Wal-Mart?
As I stated in a previous comment above, "the absence of inhibition (See Lesson V in my weblog.) is the most important element in any crime, particularly the absence of empathy." Motive is not important. There's always a motive to harm others. There's always something to gain. Allowing large, powerful institutions like Wal-Mart to "reduce labor costs" by firing American workers and subcontracting to slave labor firms overseas is an example of intentionally causing harm to others in pursuit of one's objective. How difficult will it be 30 years from now for some technophile at MIT to follow the same line of reasoning when he decides that the earth is just too damned overpopulated?
If I had the opportunity to step into a time machine and travel a century or so into the future, I'd be very shocked to find an intact civilization here. I think we're screwed and I can't find anyone who feels comfortable even admitting that there's a problem.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 04, 2006 12:30 AM (x4Fjq)
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WOMD-
You're totally weird. And off base. ALlowing powerful institutions like Wal Mart to reduce labor costs?? Since when is holding staff accountable to policies a bad thing? What do you say to the hospitals and nursing homes who have even stricter attendance policies than Wal Mart? What will you say to the patients who have no nurses at work on any given shift, because the powerful hospital had to relax it's policies so as nt to offend those who like to call out a lot?
I work in nursing and I have never seen a policy as lax as Wal Marts. Get a grip and-- go live on your Utopia wherever it may be.
Posted by: Raven at November 04, 2006 01:54 AM (DjxXc)
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Raven,
If I blindly devote my life to ancient scripture, writings that have been translated multiple times and could easily have been created by flawed, corruptable men, then I am a devout follower, someone to be respected.
If I choose to find meaning in the structure of the universe, something that corruptable men have no influence over and only God could have created, I am "totally weird."
Thank you for reinforcing my beliefs.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 04, 2006 12:30 PM (x4Fjq)
10
I find it interesting that you, WMD, believe in a theory that is supposedly based on facts and logic, but in fact, to actually exist, has to have no actual logical chance of existing.
I am sure you do think that we're causing harm faster than we feel empathy. I'm quite sure when the bow and arrow was invented the same thought was felt by many. Ditto the catapult, gunpowder, and the atomic bomb. We're still here.
And it is quite a strange and different point of view to claim that people should only be viewed objects that should not be harmed in any manner, at any time, by any one. I'm not sure how you can connect that view with any sort of reality that's ever existed. As Raven has suggested, perhaps you're imagining some strange utopia that has never, nor will ever exist on this world. It will, however, exist somewhere else -- a place that you strangely seem to have absolutely zero desire in going. Yes, what a strange view to have for a supposedly rational person.
Posted by: Ogre at November 04, 2006 04:20 PM (196ug)
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The bow and arrow, the catapult, and gunpowder can be manufactured and employed by an individual determined to cause harm. But none of these weapons can be employed to cause harm to society on a statistically significant scale.
Nuclear (nukular) weapons can be employed to cause statistically significant harm to entire societies, but they are expensive, difficult to obtain, and generally in the hands of complex and disciplined groups of people, none of whom have anything of significance to gain from mass murder.
I'm predicting that well before this century ends, our biotechnology industry will mature to the point where a single individual will acquire the ability to undermine the accuracy of the actuarial tables. He will be able to precipitate sudden, economically significant changes of behavior in large portions of our population. Large industries depend upon the predictability of aggregate populations in order to maintain economies of scale. And I'm not the only person who forsees this type of scenario.
The January/February, 1998 edition of Foreign Affairs featured an article titled, The New Threat of Mass Destruction by Richard K. Betts, Director of National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and Professor of Political Science and Director of the Institute for War and Peace Studies at Columbia University. His article included a catchy subtitle: What if McVeigh had used anthrax?
I've been called worse names than wierdo or irrational before, but I'm not the only one who sees a problem.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 04, 2006 04:57 PM (x4Fjq)
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Two different points in the thread here.
The first is that you're saying the universe is logical and only works according to known, man-defined, laws of physics. To do so, however, is simply impossible when mathematics is applied to the theory.
The second is the idea of mass destruction. No, no one thinks it's not a threat (well, except Democrats). But notice the dire predictions from 1998 hasn't happened yet. But that's the point of the current war on terror and international affairs -- the insane leader of Iran shouldn't have nuclear weapons, because HE WILL use them because he is irrational. The US has them, but is currently rational enough NOT to use them.
Posted by: Ogre at November 04, 2006 06:10 PM (196ug)
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NC Spends Money for Jobs
The board in Winston-Salem is discussing how much money to spend and where to spend it on "economic strategies" to "ensure more jobs come to the state." Again, there is only ONE possible reaction to this "news" that can come from anyone even remotely interested in freedom:
WHY?!?
Can someone find somewhere, anywhere, in either the US or North Carolina Constitution that says, "Government shall be tasked with creating all jobs for all people of the state?" I can't find that. In a free country, government would be completely, 100% neutral towards jobs and job creation. What if I don't WANT a new job and they create one for me anyway? How much longer before they force me to accept these jobs they're creating?
Government creating jobs is absolutely wrong. That's exactly how socialism and communism work: government creates the jobs. Government should, instead, DECREASE jobs in the state by firing 3/4 of the damn state employees and bureaucrats. And if you're a state employee, yes, I'm talking to you. If the government did that, know what would happen? The economy of North Carolina would absolutely EXPLODE as freedom took hold and others who wanted freedom would absolutely FLOCK to the state to take part of the new opportunities.
But that would require elected officials who wanted freedom. Not too likely in North Carolina, and it'll never happen as long as Democrats are in control of the state legislature.
Posted by: Ogre at
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Politicians are not rewarded for improving the living conditions of citizens. They're rewarded for doing what athletes and popular celebrities do. They facilitate the formation of fantasy. The fantasies promoted by athletes and other celebrities are relatively obvious. And in a world where so many people feel left out, politicians have found that the fantasy of inclusion is a powerful drug for the masses. Vote for me and I will pass laws that force those big wigs at the gigantic, evil corporation to share the wealth that your labor has created.
It's an old game, made all the more interesting by the invention of mass media.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 03:21 PM (x4Fjq)
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They're rewarded with cash from people who pay them to give them cash. IT's a sick "game" is what it is -- and everyone except the politicians are the ones who lose. EVERYONE.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 03:34 PM (oifEm)
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Politicians are in the fantasy business.
If you believe in God and Heaven, they'll be delighted to promote legislation that feeds into your beliefs.
If you believe that life is some sort of lottery where those who are chronically lazy and parasitic were simply dealt a bad hand, they'll be equally delighted to reinforce the idea that the government should blindly transfer the fruits of someone else's labor in your direction.
Don't be fooled by either party. They're both pandering. They're just pandering to different demographic groups.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 05:32 PM (x4Fjq)
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There's no question they're pandering. None at all. A true statemen wouldn't, but we haven't seen one of those since at least 1988.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 07:35 PM (oifEm)
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November 02, 2006
Jewels of the Caravan
*** Update: Added the picture!
Today, highlighting acts I like at the
Carolina Renaissance Festival, I'd like to present
The Jewels of the Caravan. Very, VERY unfortunately, I forgot to upload the picture last night, so I have no picture to show you of them. Now feel free to head on over to
their web site, where you can see much better pictures than anything *I* could take.
This is a "high-energy troupe performs a variety of ethnic dance and music, influenced by India, Africa and the Middle East. Invigorating the festivities with the gypsy spirit of celebration, they captivate their audience." And they're not kidding.
(Click to enlarge)
It's a great show, but unfortunately, it's show times often conflict with
Dextre's shows, so I don't get to see this show too many times -- much to my regret. Folks, it's more than just some lovely ladies up and dancing -- even though it is that, too. You will be memorized by the skills and abilities of this group. They are extremely talented, and I can't imagine the time and effort that goes into learning how to dance that well together.
Yet another show that I highly, highly recommend if you can find the time to head out to the festival. This weekend, I'll be there all afternoon Sunday, hopefully taking more pictures of some acts I didn't get last weekend! Be sure to keep coming back if you want to read more reviews, or just to visit the festival vicariously as
some do.
Previously:
Blackenshear the Curious
The London Broil
Dextre Tripp
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With each new RenFest review I come to the realization that this festival is the most amazing and varied I've ever known about.
It just has come closer to me than NC... it just has to!
Posted by: michele at November 03, 2006 01:05 PM (1Akxj)
2
And this one is really big, from what I've seen. Many of the other festivals are smaller than this one. I know a number of the performers at this fair also travel to the fair in Arizona, but that's no closer to you.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 01:08 PM (196ug)
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Stop the ACLU
Crossposted from Stop The ACLU
I was going to talk about the dishonest argument the ACLU made in its
attack on Hazelton, PA for trying to crackdown on illegal immigration problems. They argued that it was not the place of small communities to create laws fashioned to their own unique problems on illegal immigration, but the Federal government's responsibility. Of course this argument does not reflect the ACLU's true beliefs on the topic. If the Federal government created a similar law as Hazelton the ACLU would find a different argument to oppose it. The argument was, however, good enough to convince a
Clinton appointed judge to temporarily block their ordinances.
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Black claims Decker Perjured himself!
The Jim Black (speaker of the NC House, Democrat, guilty of elections violations and possibly more, strongly supported by Democrats across the state) situation gets more and more interesting. Now Jim Black is claiming that Michael Decker, the Republican who was paid cash to switch parties and ensure Democrats would retain power (and gerrymander for 10 years), has openly lied while under oath.
That's a pretty strong accusation, isn't it? It's not a lie about sex, so apparently it really counts as a lie. Either way, Black is now openly saying that
Decker is a perjurer. So now, someone should get some (more) jail time. If Decker is indeed lying, he should be charged with perjury and throw in jail. If Decker's telling the truth, then Black is lying, and needs to go to jail on federal corruption and racketeering charges.
The Meck Deck is following this closely as well.
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Fair Taxes
By Jonathan of Publius Rendezvous
Here is an update of candidate positions/incumbent positions on the FairTax. More information like this can be found at the "FairTax Scorecard."
Posted by: Ogre at
03:06 PM
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Democrats
Folks, this IS your Democrat party, whether you want to admit it or not. Seriously. The official position of the National Democrat Party is that the military is stupid and not needed. No matter what your local candidate says, if you vote to put Democrats in charge, you ARE voting for this position.
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.
I wonder if the concept of treason even exists any more.
Hat Tip to
Darleen.
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Posted by: oddybobo at November 02, 2006 04:03 PM (mZfwW)
Posted by: Ogre at November 02, 2006 04:08 PM (oifEm)
3
In 1984, my drill sargeant said it best, "You joined the army 'cause you had nowhere else to go."
I don't believe that John Kerry hates war veterans. He was simply stating that military service is one of the few options open to those who lack special skills and/or advanced education. But this being an election year, he foolishly chose to phrase an element of common knowledge as a put down of the opposing party.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 05:41 PM (x4Fjq)
4
So maybe in your case, you had nowhere else to go. There are hundreds of thousands that had plenty of other places to go, but CHOSE to defend this country. Most of our all-volunteer military is that way.
I do believe that Kerry honestly hates the military, as does the entire Democrat Party leadership.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 07:37 PM (oifEm)
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I tend to believe that those who appear to hate the military are only being opportunistic. The war's going badly, so pander to the anti-war sentiment. If Iraq were relatively peaceful and democracy was flourishing there, Kerry et al would be equally quick to praise our glorious efforts to civilize the world through superior firepower.
Politicians are ready to believe whatever the voters want to hear.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 04, 2006 12:56 AM (x4Fjq)
6
That might be believable if they had changed their view. Kerry has hated the military his entire life. Heck, even when Clinton won the presidency, he cringed when he saw military jets fly over because he despised them so much. Instead, those who hate the military (Democrats) instead USE the military they hate so much in an opportunistic way.
Posted by: Ogre at November 04, 2006 04:15 PM (196ug)
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Garbage is Racist
Well, so says Sue Sturgis when whining and complaining that
North Carolina communities with significant numbers of people of color are more than twice as likely to be located near landfills and other solid waste facilities
Once again, the only proper answer to that proclamation in a free society can be: "SO WHAT?" What business is that of yours, Sue? Why does it matter to you? Is it only so you can have a reason to take more of my money? Somehow I suspect that it is.
What would you like us to do? Would you demand that we build a landfill in a few golf courses where there's nice houses? Would you decide the location of the next landfill based on skin color of residents instead of economic considerations? Perhaps you'd force all people of color to move away from landfills -- to perhaps MORE EXPENSIVE areas that they cannot afford?
She also highlights shocking new research that indicates that landfills are more likely to be placed in areas where average home values are under $100,000. I wonder how much taxpayer money was wasted on that piece of brilliance. Again, where did you think we'd build landfills -- on the most expensive land we could find?
Oh, guess what? Sue is a member of "Institute for Southern Studies" a "nonprofit research and education center." Once again, nonprofit in North Carolina is a group that produces NOTHING and instead is financed, unwillingly, by the taxpayers of North Carolina via the Democrat General Assembly.
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You mean poor people live in less desirable locations?!! I never would have expected to see that.
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 03, 2006 05:43 PM (x4Fjq)
2
I bet we spent at least $50,000 in tax money to fund research to find that out.
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 07:38 PM (oifEm)
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Where can I find such a research position?
Posted by: Weapon of Mass Disturbance at November 04, 2006 12:57 AM (x4Fjq)
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Apply for a government grant. They are all over the place. However, you usually have to have bribed a politician or belong to an institution who has bribed a politician to actually win the grant.
Posted by: Ogre at November 04, 2006 04:15 PM (196ug)
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November 01, 2006
Blackenshear the Curious
Third this week, in my reviews from the Carolina Renaissance Festival, is Blackenshear the Curious. Unfortunately, by the time I got to his show with the camera, it was getting very crowded. Therefore, I have only this weak shot of him (sorry).
(Click to enlarge)
Also missing (from the picture) is her wonderful assistant, Jayna Lee. Together they perform "Curious magic and impossible illusions." And there's fun and comedy, too. Jayna Lee is the acrobat and contortionist. And she's good! Blackenshear is the magician, and with 15 years of practice, he's getting pretty darn good, too!
This is another great live show with a couple of entertainers who really know what they're doing. Their stated goal is to entertain, and they absolutely do a great job of it. His illusions are indeed impossible. As an amateur magician in my youth, I've always been intrigued with magic tricks. He performs some classics and some really good ones that I still haven't figured out after having watched them for years!
I haven't had a chance to talk much with these two after performances, but I think that's mostly just because I haven't been in the right place at the right time. They sure seem like truly wonderful and nice people. And Jayna Lee is so bubbly and cheerful all the time: think cheerleader on steroids (but in a good way).
If you ever get a chance to head out to this show, be sure and stop by and see these two -- you won't regret it at all!
Previously:
The London Broil
Dextre Tripp
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Methinks Jayna's steroidal bubblishnes has affected thee. ;-)
It all sounds very good, but what I want to know is: did he get to saw her in half?
BTW, I noticed something different on my cell yesterday but thought it was a fluke. Did you...?
Did you make changes to your template?
Posted by: michele at November 02, 2006 11:51 AM (k5fMO)
2
You did! I can make comments from my cell now! Yipee!! I don't have to use my work computer to read you & possibly get in trouble.
[Doing a happy dance!] You are best Ogre Ever! And I mean in the most mean-spirited way. [Skips away in total joy.]
Posted by: michele at November 02, 2006 11:59 AM (k5fMO)
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Oh, no. You have NO idea how bubblish Jayna can be. If I had the ability, I'd record some of her bubbliness and share it here...
Posted by: Ogre at November 02, 2006 12:13 PM (oifEm)
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You really need to share the "click to enlarge" trick! As my 16 year old grandson would say, "kewl"!
Posted by: DagneyT at November 06, 2006 10:56 PM (LbULG)
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That's a simple one -- you just take your image that's in your ___ tag and surround it with a href=insertImageNameHere. Then, to scale the image, you just add a height= and/or weight= inside the image tag and it's small.
Posted by: Ogre at November 06, 2006 11:14 PM (GPb4I)
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Writing...
Since NaNoWriMo has started, posting may be a little bit slower for the next week as I adjust to a new schedule of doing "stuff." I've got a huge post about liberty and freedom floating around in my head right now -- and maybe that will get incorporated into the novel, we'll see.
But be sure to stop by each afternoon, as reviews of the
Carolina Renaissance Festival will continue all week.
Posted by: Ogre at
03:48 PM
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More Filth in NC Elections
We are told over and over again that "our vote matters." People are asked to vote because "just one vote can make a difference." But I think the main reason people do not vote is because they simply do not believe this "common knowledge." In addition, in NC, the "elected" officials select their consitutents, NOT the other way around. And if the "right" people aren't elected, well, just cheat:
Why, therefore, with such evidence pointing towards a non-resident registering and voting using a candidate's address, did the District Attorney not investigate? Perhaps the answer to that question lies in the personal relationship between the Gaston County District Attorney, Michael Lands, and Patrick McHenry.
Go
read the whole thing. It's sickening.
Posted by: Ogre at
01:01 PM
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1
Hey, as far as I know, we still have secret ballots here in America. Register under his address and vote for his opponent!
Posted by: Echo Zoe at November 01, 2006 11:40 PM (8POA1)
2
Register? Why? You don't need to do that here in NC. All you have to do is show up and they let you vote -- literally. You can use your name or someone else's, it doesn't matter.
Posted by: Ogre at November 02, 2006 09:55 AM (196ug)
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Charlotte's Money Surplus
The city of Charlotte has too much money! Literally! They honestly believe they have collected too much money from the taxpayers, and they do not know what to do with it! I couldn't make this crap up -- they're serious.
Now, predictably, greedy moochers are lining up by the droves to try and claim the money. Some want it for more arts development, some want roads, some want "Travel and tourism" expenditures.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there's NO ONE lining up to represent the taxpayer. There's not ONE member of the bureaucracy, not ONE city council member standing up and saying what a real statesman would say, and what honestly SHOULD be said:
"We collected too much from the taxpayer. Let's give it back to the people who worked hard and earned it."
Posted by: Ogre at
11:08 AM
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1
C'mon man, thats just the council members bragging, if they want they can always just stick it in the back or put it to use with doing up some extra facilities of some sort.
Posted by: Jim Scout at November 02, 2006 04:27 AM (gbcyK)
2
You can be sure they won't buy more roads or policemen with it.
Posted by: Ogre at November 02, 2006 09:56 AM (196ug)
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October 31, 2006
The London Broil
The second in the series about the Carolina Renaissance Festival brings us to another great act by a group of really nice guys. Today I'd like to highlight The London Broil.
These are a bunch of nutty guys who bring "Comedy & Juggling, Together at Last." These guys have been performing together since 1999, and they just keep getting better. They have an absolutely great show that does bring together comedy and juggling.
When I was there, it was quite windy that morning. There was much discussion about the juggling of fire in the wind. Louie didn't seem to mind. Matt was a little nervous, but they did it anyway.
Again, they're just a great group of guys. I've stopped and hung around with them before and after shows, and they're just nice people (I'm starting to sound like a RenFest groupie...). The show is absolutely outstanding -- if you like Monty-Python humor, you'll even get all the jokes (otherwise just laugh politely when everyone else laughs).
(click to enlarge)
Previously:
Dextre Tripp
Posted by: Ogre at
07:09 PM
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1
Awww...looks like a good time!..:-)
Posted by: Angel at October 31, 2006 11:40 PM (SNSwU)
2
It is just plain ALWAYS a good time at this fair. Everyone is so relaxed, it's insane. Everyone appears to be having a good time. Everyone who is there actually wants to be there. It's a wonderful environment.
Posted by: Ogre at November 01, 2006 02:27 AM (196ug)
3
Mr. Negative Ogre needs these large doses of positive! Glad you found the perfect venue to receive your required FUN injection.
Posted by: DagneyT at November 06, 2006 11:00 PM (LbULG)
4
Oh yes, indeed! I spend absolutely as much time as I possibly can at this place -- it truly is fun and you can forget all the problems of the world while you're there!
Posted by: Ogre at November 06, 2006 11:12 PM (GPb4I)
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NaNoWriMo 2006
ONE DAY LEFT! Yes, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) starts TOMORROW! Sign up today! Come on, if you don't have time, that's half the fun!
National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.
Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.
I'm ready, I think!
Posted by: Ogre at
05:04 PM
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Offend a Mexican? You're Fired.
And yes, this time it's in America. Thank you, Clear Channel Communications for making your allegiance clear: you are more interested in the almighty dollar than in retaining the country of America. Hey morons, if America didn't exist (and it won't long at this rate), you wouldn't be able to make ANY dollars. Stupid, short-sighted morons.
In
this case, two guys were fired because they offended a Mexican in America -- there's no reports on whether those Mexicans were working here legally or illegally, nor is it reported whether they are illegal criminal aliens working here.
First, folks, being offensive IS NOT a crime under the U.S. Constitution. Sure, under the version written in pencil by activist liberal judges it is, but NOT in a free country. I have the right to offend you, no matter what you think or say, as long as I have freedom.
Now the company certainly has the right to fire anyone they want. That's freedom. However, in this case there's nothing offensive that appears to have happened except the folks who got fired complaining about criminal activity. Apparently now, according to Clear Channel, complaining about criminal activity is a firing offense.
Bill
has more details and updates.
What a damn load of crap. America, the land of the free and home of the brave, is no more.
Posted by: Ogre at
03:02 PM
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sheesh...does it get any more self loathing than this...I wanted to link up Ogre but couldnt find the TB URL..is it the same as permalink hun?..
Posted by: Angel at October 31, 2006 11:43 PM (SNSwU)
2
Sorry, trackbacks are broken.
But thanks for the linky!
Posted by: Ogre at November 01, 2006 02:27 AM (196ug)
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Guard the Borders!
By Heidi at Euphoric Reality
I was having a helluva time writing an article for this week's GTB Blogburst. Over the weekend, I started three articles and each one fizzled out for lack of inspiration. For instance, I started one on President Bush's new fence bill - the one that has no funding - and it was hard for me to work up any outrage, since I wasn't surprised at such an empty gesture. In fact, I was expecting nothing less from this President, and that's a sorry indictment of how faithless he's become. The President's abrogation of this issue has boiled my blood for years, and is one of the main reasons why I am no longer a Republican, but now a furious and rebellious Independent. As I mulled over what to say about Bush's latest nothingness, I realized that anything I had say about his treason on this issue, I've already said before - and then some.
So I started another article about the effect of the immigration issue on elections; or rather, the effect it should have, but isn't. Because here we are at election time again, having to hold our noses to go elect more of the same do-nothing politicians. Yeah, the same types who have successfully ignored the will of the people for so many years. Out of a nation of 300 million people, you'd think we could field a few really top notch candidates for leadership at any level. But noooo...
The point is that I remain uninspired and severely jaded. Call it writer's block, or call it a crisis of faith, but... I. GOT. NUTHIN'.
So, in a late hour attempt to find some really good material to offer our faithful Blogburst readers, I sent out a request to our affiliates for their favorite links this week, which I could compile for everyone's convenience. Thus, this week's Blogburst is a little bit of a Trick or Treat - some chilling, and some funny. Which is apropos, considering that our nation's immigration policy is a monstrous nightmare for mainstream Americans.
The Nightmare on Main Street Edition of the GTB Blogburst
Posted by: Ogre at
02:02 PM
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Richard Pombo: For Property Rights
The Radical left is pouring millions into his race in order to defeat him and replace him with a liberal politician who, according to his own statements, wants to raise taxes, repeal the federal death penalty, and give amnesty to illegal aliens. His call for an immediate withdrawl of our troops is a dangerous idea that could leave us vulnerable to domestic terrorist attacks here on American soil.
His name is Richard Pombo. He has probably never asked you for anything before, and he isn’t now. We are.
Posted by: Ogre at
01:03 PM
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I hate to break it to you, but Pombo does not need any help. He has raised over $3 million from oil/gas industries and other corporations. The RNCC dumped $1 million more on this race. You are just being fooled by Pombo's campaign staff. He has all the money he needs. Don't be fooled into giving away your hard-earned money.
Posted by: Wayne Johnson at October 31, 2006 04:20 PM (oMrHD)
2
Well if his opponent raises $10 million, what good is $3 million?
Posted by: Ogre at October 31, 2006 04:25 PM (oifEm)
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Thank You: Truckers
I just want to take a quick moment to thank the two flatbed truck drivers that gave me the opportunity to watch them in their racing efforts first thing this morning. I'm sure you were doing it to liven up everyone's ride into the office today.
And congratulations to truck driver #2 who managed to win the 1/4-mile uphill drag race with a top speed of 43.5mph with a time of 41.376 seconds. Next time, however, the race will be more appreciated if you could race somewhere OTHER THAN the 65-mph interstate.
Posted by: Ogre at
12:03 PM
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Yet another reason why I'm glad I don't have to drive to get to work. It's nice just to listen to music on my MP3 player and read a book.
Latest read: Essays on Moral Relativism
Posted by: michele at October 31, 2006 06:08 PM (y9UuV)
2
Oh, you would have enjoyed this, then -- nice and slow...
Posted by: Ogre at October 31, 2006 07:40 PM (oifEm)
3
Please don't lump all of us together. There are alot of out here that know better.
Posted by: sean at November 03, 2006 02:34 PM (ufDeu)
4
Please don't lump all of us together. There are alot of us out here that know better.
Posted by: sean at November 03, 2006 02:34 PM (ufDeu)
5
I'm sorry, I know that -- I was really saying this one mostly tongue in cheek. I think truck drivers as a whole a MUCH better drivers than anyone else out there, really!!!
Posted by: Ogre at November 03, 2006 02:44 PM (196ug)
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