Meh... I moved.

I'm no longer blogging at this address. You can find me on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=593852949

In Translation...

I'm a hard core Mac freak. I just realized that one of the new OSX.4 widgets is a language translator...

Technology is cool.

Je déteste des libéraux. Vous tout êtes un embarassment. Cassez-vous.

Bye!

The Art of Becoming A Backwards Racist Bastard

Am I becoming a racist? Gee, I hope not. I have always worked so hard to be a good person, to judge folks by their character - not by the color of their skin. But these days, I will admit shockingly to the world that when I see someone of Middle East descent, I (1) Don't want to be near them, and (2) I have anger towards them.

Listen, this thing... Militant Islam, Extremist Islam, Islamofacism, whatever you want to call it... it scares me. It scares me as I guess Nazism scared my father. Maybe the average Muslim isn't bent on Armageddon and nuclear destruction, but there can be no doubt that there is a group... a POWERFUL group that does.

Let's talk about the cartoon riots for just a moment.

First, Muslims say they are enraged because their religion prohibits full artistic depictions of Mohammed. Well, to all you pious Muslims out there, I have one thing to say. BULLSHIT.

From the website ZOMBIETIME: "From While the debate rages, an important point has been overlooked: despite the supposed Islamic prohibition against depicting Mohammed under any circumstances, hundreds of paintings, drawings and other images of Mohammed have been created over the centuries, with nary a word of complaint from the Muslim world. The recent cartoons in Jyllands-Posten are nothing new; it's just that no other images of Mohammed have ever been so widely publicized."

And these fine folks have documented their (my) position with nearly a hundred images from the past century. If you're interested, you can see them here, and I would urge you to do so.

Have you even SEEN the original cartoon? The one that made these insane bastards go apeshit? It's benign at best. It's an Arab (doesn't look anything like any other illustration of Mohammed I have ever seen) and in his turban is a bomb with a lit fuse. To me, the message: "Islam is Violent and ready to explode"



And What happened? The bomb went off and Islam exploded. The reaction from the European press was pretty severe, and their own bloggers and web pundits really tore into the Muslims... here is one example from a Danish site, called "Retecool" that contains images that are definitely insulting to Islam and more controversial. Note: just because you can't read Danish doesn't mean some of these images aren't controversial and offensive. Consider yourself forewarned.

But hey, that's part of freedom.



It makes me a little sick to show you that image, but does anyone remember Andres Serrano's "Piss Christ" where a crucifix was simply dropped into a jar of urine and called "art?" I don't remember Lutherans, Catholics, Episcopalians, Mormons OR ANY OTHER CHRISTIAN FAITH rising up and burning New York City in protest. Most of us were disgusted by it. Some peacefully protested. Some rightfully attempted to end GOVERNMENT FUNDING for such "art." But we remained civilized human beings through it all.

Why can't those wacky Islamists do the same thing?

And why... WHY are western leaders apologizing, gnashing teeth and asking citizens across the globe to stop drawing, posting and sharing such "inciteful" artwork? More than anything, this scares me. REALLY scares me. Why? Because the extremists just won! They have attacked free speech, and now free speech is being examined by governments who purport to protect it. All I can ask is "what's next?"



If I was a Muslim, and saw two clowns like this at GROUND ZERO in New York City, I would go over and kick the holy shit out of them myself. But they never do. They rarely speak up. And it makes me wonder... and rational, educated, people just like me wonder... is that what they believe? Does the Koran teach them to kill all infidels? Am *I* an infidel? What should I think or do?

When I am on an airplane with my family and there is a middle age Muslim-looking dude sitting nearby, should I be worried?

What is coming next? And by saying that am I admitting another defeat?

And if you think I am becoming a backwards racist bastard for saying so, I actually think I am OK with being one. It pains me to say so, but I know millions of people feel the same way - I'm just one of the few to actually voice that opinion. I don't want to feel that way, but they are bringing their terror here. They are virtually taking over Europe. What's next?

I live in a small town. Even we have a mosque. I never used to care. But I do now. I wish it didn't exist. I want it gone. It scares me. Makes me wonder what is going on in there besides free association and religious worship. Makes me wonder who funds it and why.

Tolerance and compassion is a two way street. I'm not seeing much from the other side, so mine is getting pretty thin.

I think a major clash of civilizations is on the horizon.

Um...

Holy crap. I have a blog?

Who knew?

Maybe I should post every now and then.

Laura... I'm a little disappointed.

HEY LAURA INGRAHAM! I'm a little disappointed in you.

As you might see from the links on my page here, I am a Laura Ingraham fan. I listen to her show almost every day, I am a premium subscriber online, and I really think her wit and style is great radio. But after trying to email her for the past two weeks, I have to admit that I am disappointed in the lack of her response to my subject matter.

Wait. Whooooa there, nelly. *I* actually expect a huge, famous, nationally syndicated talk show host to respond to *moi?*

Well, maybe not personally, but I really wanted her to relay the message I was sending her.

You see, Ingraham is one of my favorite hosts because on the air - like the title of her bestselling book - she tells pop artists (and actors) to "Shut Up And Sing." (Or act.) To me, leftist actors and musicians have RUINED my enjoyment of much of their mediums. I never quite understood how people, albeit talented, got the right to spout off their political nonsense to me. Most of these yutzes have very little formal education, if even a high school diploma, yet they feel 100% comfortable mouthing off against conservatives and making themselves look like complete dolts to anyone who actually follows the news.

Thank GOD I was able to see Bull Durham and the Shawshank Redemption before Sarandon and Tim Robbins went nutty. Thanks to their hardcore activism, combined with my lack of available time and money, I refuse to spend my money on projects by them and other activist-types. If an artist wants to hold a political opinion, fine. But, if that same artist wants to foist his or her opinions on me, then I'll just remove myself from the situation and not spend my money on them.



Now, don't get me wrong. I am clearly aware that 90% or more actors and musical artists that I watch and listen to are flaming liberals. Fine. I can live with that - it's a free country. But freedom of speech comes with a price. In business, I don't purchase products when I know a manufacturer openly supports causes I don't believe in. Same in my personal life. When Levi's cut off the Boy Scouts a few years back, I cut Levi's out of my closet. I just don't want all that stuff shoved in my face.

Unfortunately, a lot of Americans are stupid... so if Barbera Streisand, Bruce Springsteen or George Clooney say it is so, they believe it to be true. It's a constant source of annoyance for me.

I couldn't agree more. SHUT UP AND SING.

So why am I peeved at Laura Ingraham?

As you may have read below, I had a Journey (the band) renaissance this past summer after attending their concert in Las Vegas. Now, before the concert, I always loved their music. After their concert - well, I haven't been obsessive, but I guess you could call me a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BIG FAN. (REALLY.)

Why? Easy. Musical talent. These boys sound AWESOME on stage, as good as their studio albums. I didn't know musicians actually wrote songs and played their own musical instruments anymore. But secondly, from what I personally witnessed (Jonathan Cain soloing "The Star Spangled Banner") and what I have heard and read, these guys have what I would term as "Heartland Values." and it it SO REFRESHING to be able to love a band's music but not be constantly dodging their message. They seem to love America and not be ashamed to say so. Me too.

But, then I read this forum post at the official Journey Website. This is from a military wife to her husband who is serving in Iraq:

Hi Hubby, I just got home from the Journey concert. No, this could not wait until morning for me to tell you. I got a "5 star VIP" access. I was in the front row (center). At one point they played the Star Spangled Banner. I got emotional and started to cry.

The bass player noticed and "asked" (by saluting) if I had someone serving. I nodded yes. Then he bowed and made "praying hands". He kept looking at me off & on during the show, I guess checking to make sure I was okay (?). They played a song & dedicated it to the people serving. Thank God it wasn't a ballad, or I'd have been "done".

They did show scenes on the screens of military overseas, I kept biting my lip, just in case. I don't know what the song was, but the drummer was pointing to one of his cymbals & then at me. I just nodded. He kept motioning it and then the girls next to me said that "he's giving me one of his cymbals", so I assumed I made a mistake and didn't think much of it until the show was over. At the end, they all came down to bow & he took the cymbal with him & handed it to me. It says "For your loved one and you" signed by the drummer "Tell him Thank you for his service" Journey '05 I'm just stunned/speechless. Thought you'd want to know. I love you so much & I am very proud of you.

Always & Forever, Sweetling

Now, this story IS AWESOME. Seems like most bands these days would whip it out and piss on this woman for knowing someone serving in Iraq, but the members of Journey HONORED her. How cool is that!!!!?

Just yesterday, Ingraham spent nearly 20 minutes yapping about the Rolling Stones and their "Neo-Con" song, including playing the track and bleeping out the nasties. My problem isn't with her doing that, because people need to know. But seriously, if you are going to spend so much time focusing on the bad, then for Christ's sake, when the rare occasion for good comes along, why in the world would you not want to make people aware of it?

I don't get it Laura.

Unfortunately, my blog doesn't reach very many people, but I wanted to get it off my chest. I am also reprinting lyrics from Journey's upcoming album "Generations" (they are giving it away at their shows with paid admission) that I think illustrates the patriotism I am talking about. FYI - "Out Of Harm's Way" is the song the writer above is referring to, in case you were wondering.

-----

FAITH IN THE HEARTLAND

He goes to work in a brand new dawn
with the early morning sunrise
He's got his dream and he's holding on
It's getting harder every day

He loves a girl who speaks her mind
Don't always look at life the same way
Sharing truth that will heal in time

They wanna believe something real
Still they're searching
They're keeping the faith in the heartland tonight

Time moves on at the failing town
And he struggled with the changes
The stores are closed, friends have moved away
Now it's hope that sees him through

The kids have gone but they'll see them all
At the Sunday congregation
Sharing dreams which will heal in time

They wanna believe something real
Still they're searching
They're keeping the faith in the heartland tonight

Ooh it's the worlds that divide them
It's love that defines them
They're keeping the faith in the heartland tonight
In our darkest hour, oh we look to the sky
With a silent prayer, believe that god's on our side
In a land where freedom rings, and where eagles fly
Ooh yeah, yeah

They wanna believe something real
Still they're searching
They're keeping the faith in the heartland tonight

Ooh it's the worlds that divide them
It's love that defines them
They're keeping the faith in the heartland tonight
In our darkest hour, oh we look to the sky
With a silent prayer, believe that god's on our side
In a land where freedom rings, and where eagles fly
Ooh yeah, yeah

Ooh I just want to believe it
Give me something to believe in
We all need something to believe in
In the heart tonight

--------

OUT OF HARM'S WAY

He grew up in some forgotten midwest town
His mama raised him well
Barely getting by thought he'd be okay
As far as he could tell
Oh the plant in town closed ten years ago
Now an empty ghost it stands
For the last nine months he's tried to find a job
But there's nothing to be had

So he signs up to fight for Uncle Sam
It's the only choice he's got
To fight a desert war with another land
Only to find peace or not
He's a moving target in a desperate place
Every day is a twist of fate
Oh, his family wonders if he'll make it home
Know his faith's his saving grace

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Oh, they sent him home to his family
Nursing wounds that no one sees
Certain scents and smells trigger flashback spells
That rewind the tragedy
All these memories hold him prisoner
It's of the violence he regrets
What was his ticket out is his nightmare now
In a war he can't forget

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Now he's waking up in a strange land
To face an even stranger day
Brave one, standing tall
Keep them all out of harm's way

Journey... GENERATIONS

On August 5, I went and saw Journey in concert at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas with one of my best friends, Mike Honeycutt.



Again, a subject I will write at length about, Journey is an awesome band, regardless of what you might personally think or have heard about Steve Perry leaving the band. I first learned of Perry's replacement in 2001, AFTER listening to and LOVING their first album without Perry... "Arrival."

I personally feel that "Arrival" is one of Journey's strongest albums in their history, probably the best since the 1981 album "Escape."

Anyhow, the concert was part of a 30th Anniversary tour, and the show was AMAZING. They played for three and a half hours (yes, you read that right) and Mike and I sat about 30-35 rows back, right in the center. They were awesome seats.



The best part of the concert for me (besides the music that truly was the soundtrack of my adolescence) was when guitarist Neal Schon mesmerised the crowd with his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The crowd was pumped, his fingers were flying... and it was so cool to be at a musical event where people were... gosh, patriotic!

Anyhow, the concert was awesome. Here's the set list. The photos were taken by Marty Moffatt. You can see larger versions of these photos and a ton more by clicking here.



People & Places intro
Kohoutek
Of a Lifetime (Jon)
I'm Gonna Leave You (Jon)
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain (Jon)
Patiently (Deen)
Where Were You (Deen)
Feeling That Way (Jon/Steve)
Anytime (Jon/Steve)
Any Way You Want It

-intermission-

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Higher Place
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen (Neal)
Lights
Walks Like a Lady
Every Generation (Jon)
Who's Crying Now
Jon solo
Open Arms
Escape
Out of Harms Way
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

-encore-

Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

Miss Sheehan... Shut the hell up.

I've been trying to stay away from the topic of Cindy Sheehan - mainly because it makes me so damn angry. I keep waiting and waiting for this story to die, but for whatever reason, it never does.



Miss Sheeehan - you are a complete disgrace. Your son would be mortified and embarassed beyond belief with with the ass you have managed to make of yourself - at the expense of his memory.

Miss Sheeehan - you are a freaking crackpot. Stark raving looney. You are a sixties throwback reading liberal talking points, and the same libs who handed you those cue cards are USING you for every ounce of publicity they can get.

It's getting old now. Even the liberal media is getting tired of you and your shrillness. Your fifteen minutes are nearly up. After that, you might make the "Time Pictures of the Year" collectors issue, you might even make it into a Trivial Pursuit game as a counterculture question.

After that, you can go home... to your empty house. You have alienated all of your family and many of your friends. Your empty home will echo with the life of your lost son, and as you struggle with the fact that you represented the worst of everything he was not, you can rot in your own misery.

You may try to pick up the banner of another liberal cause or two, but you will soon learn that not even they will want you. Why? You're nuts. Your media value will be nil.

I am so glad that the counter-demonstration against you is growing in size and strength. That parents are going to your field of crosses, finding their son or daughter's name and uprooting it to proclaim that you do not speak for them or represent their views.

I don't know which is worse... your complete meltdown in front of a national audience, or the media who have over-covered you and your agenda.

Either way, I am sincerely waiting for the day that you finally shut the hell up.

Vega$ There We Were...

I've gotten a few questions about my previously mentioned trip to Las Vegas. I'm gonna give you the answers in a nutshell, and I am planning on expanding on them with several posts over the next month or so.

Yes, we went. Yes, I WON! Yes, we had a flippin' GREAT time. And in reality, after being home for about 5 days, I went BACK, mainly because our first vacation ended up costing us NOTHING and JOURNEY was playing in concert. So, I got back on a plane and headed over for another 3 days, had a great time at the concert, AND WON SOME MORE!

Yes, I love Las Vegas. And, in my never-to-be-humble opinion, I am getting pretty damn good at planning trips there. So, I am going to share some insights regarding hotels, meals, and entertainment - hopefully these posts might help you plan a great trip as well.

Stupid, Stupid Parents

Well, I guess my blog is small enough and read by few enough that I can say something that most people will find distateful.

WHAT THE HELL WAS NATALEE HOLLOWAY DOING ALONE IN ARUBA AT 18 YEARS OLD?

Now, I don't think she deserved any of this, nor did her family. Death is pretty extreme, right?

But really. This is a total joke. 18 year old children shouldn't receive an unsupervised trip to Aruba as a graduation present. This is a complete invitation for disaster. And it seems as if disaster is what her family has gotten. Parents everywhere, I hope you heed this warning. Don't put your children into situations they don't have the maturity or life experience for. This girl was a HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE.

ZERO life experience.

It looks like she was a beautiful, relatively intelligent girl. Smart for High School. Now the difference between book smarts and street smarts is revealed for all to see. What a complete and total waste. It's just so sad.

Don't get me wrong - I sincerely hope they catch her killers in Aruba. They deserve to fry. But her parents... her PARENTS... share in the responsibility for her death. It's the truth, plain and simple.

So stupid...