Tuesday, December 25, 2012

If I Were Santa Claus...

These are some gifts I would have delivered...

Lindsay Lohan: Her own island.  If she has her own island, there is no reason for her to own a car.  So she can be as drunk as she wants whenever she wants.

PBS: Commercials.  It's the 21st century.  Adapt.

George Lucas: a Neurolizer

Wiz Khalifa: a new hometown.  Seriously, how many of you Pittsburghers out there actually claim Wiz as one of us?

Tingles Matthews: some Ben Gay to help whatever is ailing that leg

Chris Brown: Three rounds with Wladimir Klitschko.  Go ahead Chris, throw a punch now.

UAW: A bill for the money lost on the GM bailout

Rachel Maddow:  I can't be mean on Christmas... on to the next one

New York City: A new mayor

Taylor Swift: relationship counseling

Nicolas Cage: A good script.

Ron Paul: an apology from the RNC


I hope you all had a great Christmas and got everything you wanted!


Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all.  May you have a blessed holiday.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

I Have Solved The School Safety Problem

I had a fantastic idea pop into my last night.  And just between all of us, it is one of my more amazing ideas, and that is saying something.  I can solve school security issues and eliminate pissed off airline travelers with one simple act: eliminate the TSA.

I'm sure you all understand how that fixes the latter of the two issues.  But how does it help with school security?  It's simple.  The TSA's budget for 2012 was approximately $7.1 billion dollars, with about $1.2 billion of that coming from taxpayers.  If the TSA is eliminated, that money is opened up for other use.  So, take that $7.1 billion and turn  it into grants for schools who wish to hire security personnel.  And in an effort to promote the hiring of veterans, if any school wishes to hire veterans as their security, they get extra funding.

To me this requires no debate.  Eliminating the TSA, who spend most of their day groping old ladies and bullying kids in wheelchairs, will increase commercial flight passengers and cut down on lengthy waits and other aggravations at airports.  Seriously, airport security and walk through metal detectors is adequate enough security at an airport.  The $7.1 billion being wasted by the TSA would be better used towards protecting American schools from unspeakable acts like Newton.

Now more than ever we must find a way to protect our schools and the children and teachers in them.  Turning the TSA budget into grant money for schools who want security on site is a simple, common sense approach to making schools safer.  I can't think of a single case where the TSA stopped a terrorist.  I'm sure that's because they are too busy trying to be politically correct and "randomly" searching grandma and handicapped kids.  Nevertheless, it's time to focus on a real problem in America: school safety.   So disband the TSA and focus on the children.  This approach is simple, smart and does not stomp on anyone's Second Amendment rights.  So, let's make 2013 about real change in our priorities and show the children they are number one on all our lists.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

My thoughts on the Newtown tragedy

I have been relatively silent on the shooting in Newton, Connecticut.  I wanted to give myself 24 hours before putting my thoughts down here.  Let me start with the most important words.

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to the town of Newtown and the Sandy Hook families.  I cannot imagine the horror and pain being felt throughout your community right now.  From the bottom of my heart, I express my deepest sorrow for your loss.

Now, as much anger as I have towards the individual responsible for this sick and cowardly attack, I am even angrier at the anti-gun zealots.  These degenerates couldn't even wait until parents had been informed their children had been murdered.  Minutes after this shooting occurred, these idiots were out there wiping their collective asses with the Second Amendment.  People, more gun control isn't the answer.  It's the problem.  

Imagine if you will, what Friday, December 14th would have been like if a couple Sandy Hook teachers had been armed.  I understand no one believes a tragedy like this could ever happen in their community,  but with 31 school shootings in America since 1999, it can.  The high school I went to had unarmed security during my years there.  Let's be realistic, unarmed security in a best-case scenario is a witness.  I'm sure you all know what the other scenario would be.  That high school now has walk-through metal detectors and police officers on site all day.  Now, for a smaller community, that may be a bit much.  Which brings me back to my original point.

What if school teachers were permitted to be armed?  If teachers with a legal permit and proper training were present in all school, school shootings would all but disappear.  These shootings occur because criminals know ahead of time no one in that building can shoot back.  (The same is true of most American malls, a place where other mass shootings seem to occur most often.)  This country must allow law abiding and handgun trained individuals to have their weapons in as many places as realistically possible.  I do understand in some places, such as airports and courthouses, it's not realistic and that's fine.  Those  places have armed personnel on site.  But a mall guard with pepper spray and a walkie-talkie isn't going to be a match against someone with a Glock.  However, a shopper with a Smith & Wesson most certainly will be,  The same is true of schools and universities.  We must have more good people with legal handguns and proper training to have them available at all times.  It is the only way to prevent future tragedies like Newton.

Now a few words about the gunman.

I am glad that bastard is dead and I hope Satan and his minions are developing a very special place for him in Hell.  It doesn't matter how unstable or psychotic a person is.  They know the difference between children and adults.  And if your intention is to commit suicide, why kill other people first?  Wake up in the morning and just get it done.  (However, I'd suggest a breakfast with some bacon.  The bacon may give you what you need to keep living.)  There is no punishment Satan can create which would be strong enough for this person.

And finally, I must acknowledge the actions of Victoria Soto, a 27 year-old teacher at Newton.  She gave her life to protect her students.  Miss Soto was approached by the shooter after she hid the children in closets and cabinets.  She told him they were in gym class and he shot her.  This kind of bravery, heroism and sacrifice is far beyond what any words can describe.  There is no greater love a person can have than to give their life for those they care about.

There are many lessons to be learned from this tragedy.  Limiting freedom and liberty does not make us safer.  Criminals and crazy people will always exist.  The best we can do is make sure the decent and good people can stand up to them.  Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and you just never know who they are and when they will be called for duty.

Again I offer my condolences to the Newtown community.  May all of your loved ones rest in peace.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Rainy night randomness

Raising taxes on the wealthy will not grow the economy.  It will not lower unemployment. And it sure as hell will not prevent the government from spending like drunken college kids at spring break.  It will only grant some false gratification to the bitter, jealous, whiny crybabies infesting this country.  John Fitzgerald Kennedy's approach to taxes is the only way to approach this: Cut everyone's taxes and the economy will get better. And when the economy is strong, the government collects more tax dollars.

The liberal hypocrisy rears its ugly head again in Michigan.  It seems the loony libs are only pro-choice when it comes to baby killing.  When it comes to joining a union, then you don't deserve a choice.

I hate the song "Little Drummer Boy" and it seems to be following me.  That song has played in the last three stores I have entered.

Italian dressing is a great marinade for both pork and chicken.

A lot of talent was born on my birthday, December 9.  There are two Olympic medalists, an Oscar winner (who is also a Golden Globe and Oliver winner), another Golden Globe winner, an Emmy winner, a Grammy winner and two NFL Hall of Famers with whom I share a birthday.  Additionally, there are also two Oscar nominees, a Grammy nominee and and Emmy nominee in the group.  Hopefully one day, I achieve something worthy of mentioning on that list.

Now, I am a former union member.  (SEIU1199P)  I hated my time in a union.  It pissed me off that just because of some stupid contract the most incompetent and lazy people in my department were not only able to keep their job, but received the same raise as me. ALL raises should be based upon job performance.  People who show up late twice a month with a hangover or can't follow a written recipe should not be allowed to remain employed.  I understand not all union employees are apathetic and lazy.  But what motivation is there to go above and beyond or become better  when you are guaranteed a raise just for showing up and doing the bare minimum?  The bottom line is unions have outlived their usefulness.

Everyone involved in this NHL labor dispute needs kicked in the ass.

Labyrinth is still great each time I watch it.

No NBA team should be called the Pelicans.  That's a name for a Division II school's team.

The best part about this time of year is all the peppermint flavored stuff you can buy.

Goodnight everyone.  And remember, if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Happy Holidays, Now Pay For My Vacation!

During a time when the economy is still struggling, unemployment is still at an unacceptable level, workers are staging protests for better working conditions and restaurants are cutting hours because of Obama's so-called signature legislation, he and his family are planning a Hawaiian vacation which will cost an estimated $4 million. Really, Mr. President? You can't tone it down a bit? What is wrong with a quiet family vacation to Camp David? I can't even buy Christmas gifts this year and you and your family are going to leave taxpayers with a $4 million vacation tab. So much for caring about regular Americans. We all know where you truly stand now.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Shall We All Be Cursed?


For behold, in those days and at that time,
When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,
And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;
And I will enter into judgment with them there
On account of My people, My heritage Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:1-2)

This is just one of the many Biblical passages dealing with the future of Israel and the fate of
those who stand against that great Nation.  The treatment of Israel by the mainstream media is 
not surprising to me.  Two of the most notable "journalists" (and I use that term very loosely 
here) to focus on blaming Israel and sympathizing with Hamas are Anderson Cooper and 
Rachel Maddow.  I had no doubt many in the mainstream media were closet anti-Semites, but 
for them to so brazenly utter it during coverage of the news and the reporting of death and 
devastation  is sickening.  And there is much the mainstream media isn't reporting.  Yeah, big 
surprise.  And other reporters are refusing to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel's capital.  
History lesson: Israel established Jerusalem as its capital in 1950.  Get your facts straight 
and report accurately.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have taken the loss of civilian life seriously.   Through the use 
of text messaging and leaflets as well as using "roof knockers" (loud but non-lethal explosives), 
the IDF have tried to warn citizens of Gaza of potential missile attacks.  Hamas has done 
nothing to warn or prevent the loss of human life.  Even as a ceasefire was being discussed, a 
bomb went off in a bus in the middle of Israel's main business hub, Tel Aviv.  So, with which 
side do you truly wish to stand?  Those who stand against Israel shall be cursed.  It's time for 
America to stand up and openly and fearlessly stand with Israel.  It's not just the right thing to 
do, it's the only thing to do.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Uninspired lately...

I haven't had the inspiration to write lately and it bothers me.  I don't want to write about politics.  Frankly, I'm sick of politics.I do think every day about what to write.  I do want to write about music more often since it is one of the things I love.  Hopefully I will be able to move in that direction here soon.  I have all the ideas, it's just a matter of getting it from my mind to the computer screen.  I will get there, I promise you all that.  And when  it finally clicks, you won't be disappointed.  I will make up for the recent lack of activity here.  I hope everyone is having a great weekend.


Monday, November 5, 2012

Remember, remember...

Yes, remember, remember the NDAA.  Remember, remember all the horror stories of the TSA. Remember, remember the Patriot Act.  Remember, remember the near passing of SOPA.  And remember, remember We the People stopped SOPA.  



Happy Guy Fawkes Day.

And keep those two lines above V in mind when you vote on November 6. 


Saturday, October 27, 2012

New employee menu -- part time job & no healthcare

ObamaCare mandates any business with 50 or more full time employees must offer basic healthcare to those employees.  (ObamaCare defines full time as 30 or more hours a week.)  This is not leaving a good taste in the mouths of the restaurant industry as many ownership groups and chains plan to slash full time jobs to part time and eliminate others altogether if the installation of ObamaCare proceeds as planned.  In other words, if Barack Obama is re-elected, restaurant employees will lose hours and jobs.

Darden is the world's largest casual dining company and owners of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn, Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze. They have already announced plans to trim as many full time jobs as possible to part time on a nationwide level to avoid qualifiying for the 50 full time employee mandate set by ObamaCare.  They are already doing test runs on this method in undisclosed areas to make any necessary adjustments before expanding.

Now, also consider 42% of Darden's employees are minorities.  So once again, the party which claims to champion minority rights and causes has once again caused more stress and hardship for these families and communities.

Denny's restaurant chain has an even high percentage of minority employees at 61%. 

Fast food chains will also trim their full time employees and operate primarily with part time staff.  McDonald's is leading the way and has already started this in many restaurants.  Peter Bensen, McDonald's Chief Financial Officer, believes ObamaCare could cost $10,000-$30,000 per franchise annually and reach approximately $400 million in annual costs.  For a fast food chain which heavily promotes its dollar menu and exrtra value menu, keeping costs down is a must and the cost cutting will be making sure individual franchises do not exceed 50 full time employees.

White Castle is another fast food chain which has announced plans similar to McDonad's and Quizno's and Burger King have discussed the option of slowing expansion because potential owners now believe it will no longer be as profitable or cost efficient to open a franchise. 

Papa John's has the most interesting approach as they claim it might be cheaper to simply pay the fine for not offering health insurance than to actually offer health insurance.  They would raise prices on all menu items 11-15 cents to cover the cost of paying these fines.  (All restaurants will use ObamaCare as an excuse to raise menu prices regardless if they qualify for the mandate or not, you can believe that.)

Some critics of the restaurant industry's tactic believe the lack of full time employees will hurt quality of service.  That is not true.  As as a former restaurant employee, I can assure you a staff made up of almost entirely part time employees will not change quality of service.  It just means there will be a more frequent rotation of employees throughout the day.

The potential changes for restaurant employees is just another negative result stemming from the government sticking its nose where it does not belong.  Within the restaurant industry, ObamaCare will only accomplish smaller paychecks for hard working people. 

This election is very important for those within the restaurant industry.  I will never be pompous enough to tell anyone how to vote, but I do ask all of you who work in the restaurant industry or have family who works in the industry to carefully evaluate who you plan to vote for on November 6 because your family's menu is at stake.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

A Big WTF & STFU to CNN

So, I walked into the cafeteria today to get a soft pretzel and a sweet tea.  CNN was, as it always is, on the TV.  And after about 45 seconds, my brain wanted to oooze out of my ears.  I walked in on the most jackasinie coversatrion I have heard yet during this political season.  A panel of half-wit libertards were discussing...no, wait a sec, it's worth it...CELEBRITY PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENTS!  Really?  No, I mean really?  The worst part about this was their combined IQs would still be lower than mine.  OK, be honest with me.  How many Americans really give a Snooki's ass about for whom Bruce Springsteen is voting?  He's been voting democrat for three decades, people!  Oh, Jayonce is supporting Obama?  *Shocked face.* Didn't see that coming.  Let me tell you this: Jay-Z wouldn't know an intelligent political thought if it was sucking his dick.  (And yes, I will be skipping the Super Bowl halftime show again!)  Do celebrity endorsements sway anyone's opinion?  Does George Clooney convince you to vote for Obama?  Does Kid Rock make you look more favorably at Romney/Ryan?  Do crybaby, washed-up 80s bands inspire you to fight the power and vote for Barack?  I mean seriously, who gives a shit about what celebrities are voting for which candidate?  Does Madonna whoring herself for Obama get you fired up?  (I sure as hell hope not!)  Did you dust off an old Jenna Jameson dvd after her endorsement of Romney? (I don't really want to know so keep it to yourself.)  I hate to break your egos Hollywood and music industries, but we don't care who you you vote for.  If you feel the need to make it public, wear a t-shirt. 

Saturday, October 6, 2012

America Needs A Big Johnson

The best candidate for president in 2012 does not have a chance to win and that is shameful.  The filthy, corrupt, power-hungry two party system is providing a slow, torturous death to America.  Gary Johnson (who has been endorsed by Ron Paul) could change that.  But sadly, he'll never get the chance.  I know my little blog doesn't mean much to the nation, but I am officially endorsing Gary Johnson for President of the United States.  Here is a look at Johnson and where he stands on some of the most important issues.

Gary Johnson started his own business in 1976, Big J Enterprises, and built it from a one-man venture into one of New Meixco's largest construction companies.  When he announced his candidacy for governor in 1994, he used $500,000 of his own money to start his campaign.

Johnson won the election for governor in 1994 campaigning on regulation of govenmet spending and growth, tax cuts and job creation. During his first 6 months in office, Johnson vetoed 200 of 427 bills. (By the end of his second term the veto total was 742.) His first term did include a few stare downs with the democrat controlled legislator. The only tax cut he was able to get passed was a 6-cents per gallon decrease of the gasoline tax and battles over the state budget cuased near government shutdowns on multiple occasions.  However, by the end of his second term, Johnson had managed to cut taxes 14 times without a single increase.  And during his time as governor, New Mexico had the highest job growth in America.

Johnson won a second term over challenger Martin Chavez, 55%-45% in a state with a 40% Hispanic population.  (This means many Hispanics voted for Johnson in that election, just to make that clear.)  His second term consisted of a continuation of the practices from the first term but did bring some daring proposals.  Johnson became the first governor to propose a state-wide school voucher system and he also prosoped the opening of two privately operated prisons to eliminate millions of dollars from the state budget.  Neither plan passed.  But neither did the democrats request for $93 million in EXTRA funding for the public school system. 

Johnson's presidential platform includes a 43% cut to Medicare and Medicaid and converting both into block grants with control of the spending given to the states.  he also favors a 43% cut in the military budget with the biggest cuts coming in the form of closing most overseas bases, civilian personnel and the nuclear weapons program.  He would also bring the troops home from the Middle East and would not support any aggression towards Iran.  Johnson also supports a state bankruptcy law, removing any possibility of a federal bailout of fiscally irresponsible states.

Gary Johnson supports the decriminalization of marijuana, calling the war on drugs "an expensive bust".  Johnson was a user of medicinal marijuana after a paragliding accident left him near death.  He believes too much money is being wasted on trials and incarceration of marijuana offenders.

Gary Johnson is a strong supporter of gay marriage and a  Johnson presidency would see the proposal of a Constitutional amendment protecting ALL marriage rights. 

Among the legislation Johnson would repeal is the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. Johnson would also repeal Obamacare believing the government in way can reduce costs while increasing access for the people.  Johnson would also repeal the perscription drug subsidies bill signed by George W. Bush.  He also believes it is up to the insurance companies to decide whether to cover the costs of birth control, not a government mandate.

He also would abolish the TSA and the Departments of Education (He believes the federal government has no business in education.) and Housing and Urban Development. 

When it comes to taxes, Johnson would establish a 23% national sales tax to replace the income tax and would eliminate the IRS.

Johnson has a limited pro-choice view on abortion. He believes a woman should have the right to an abortion up until fetal viability.  He also supports parental notification for minors and the non-use of public funds when it comes to abortion.

Eliminating the corporate income tax to enourage business growth and hiring and simplifying the tax code to prevent rewarding special interests and regulation behavior would also be on Johnson's agenda if elected president.

There would be no foreign aid provided unless to protect American interests.  Johnson believes America has enough building to be done here and should not be sending billions of dollars overseas.

Johnson believes the process through which immigrants obtain work visas should be simplified.  He wants to encourage legal immigration and also make certain the proper taxes are being paid.

On a lighter note, Gary Johnson is also an avid athlete who has been in several ironman competitions and has climbed four of the Seven Summits. 

This election day, if you are sick to your stomach with the two Big Evils, vote Gary Johnson for President.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Dear Neal Huntington

I've been a Pirates fan for 30 years.  So please pay attention to this.  These are the things I want accomplished before spring training begins.

Decline the option on Rod Barajas.  There is no debate on this. It must be done.

Sign Garrett "GI" Jones to a multi-year contract and announce he will be the every day right fielder.  His performance this year has earned him both of those things.  Give him what he deserves and give the Pirates a clean-up hitter for the next few seasons.

Re-sign Jason Grilli.  He earned a new deal just as Jones did.

DFA Charlie Morton.

Find a veteran left handed bat to come off the bench.  One of the Pirates biggest weaknesses was the lqack of a solid left-handed stick coming off the bench.  Jeff Clement is not the answer.

And now, for the big one.  Are you sitting down?  Trade Joel Hanrahan.  A closer of his talent and consistancy could bring you the two pieces lacking in this organization: a shortstop and a catcher.  Yes I like The Fort, but he is not suited to the the every day backstop.  And Clint Barmes may be a good defensive shortstop but he is a rally killer at the plate. One area where the Pirates do have depth is pitching.  The team's next closer is already on the 40-man roster.  You just have to decide who it's going to be.

Thanks, Neal.  I appreciate your time.  Can't wait to see them team agian in 2013.

Friday, September 21, 2012

The gutless, spineless Obama

So, let me get this straight.  Over the past couple weeks, there has been an all-out assault on American embassies in Middle Eastern and African nations.  In one of these assaults an American ambassador was MURDERED.  These assaults have been perpetuated by a bunch of heathens acting like animals becuase of a cheap, amateur short film which they believe is blasphemy towards Mohammed.  Let me say it another way.  A bunch of thin-skinned cry babies had their fragile, sensative feelings hurt by a YouTube video and they used it as an excuse to act like savages.  And through all of this, President Barack Hussein Obama sits back and does nothing.  His administration even went as far as to APOLOGIZE to these animals and offer up sympathy for their scarred little psyches.  Are you kidding me?  How can Americans stand there and allow our President and Commander-In-Chief of the military to be such a coward?  I'm not suggesting air strikes on these countries. I don't want any more innocent lives destroyed.  But how about some leadership and patriotism from our President?  It's pathetic and sickening.  America deserves better than a flaccid President with no testicular fortitude.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Holy $#!+ what a week!

So a Georgia chapter of the Ku Klux Klan had their application to be part of the Adopt-A-Highway program rejected by the state.  And surprsingly, the usually liberal American Civil Liberties Union is coming to their aide.  The ACLU contends, as does the KKK, that First Amendment rights were violated and judging by statements from the Georgia Department of Transportation, including this one, "Issuing this permit would have the potential to negatively impact the quality of life, commerce and economic development of Union County and all of Georgia.", both the ACLU and the KKK have a point.

Now, I have zero interest in anything the Ku Klux Klan has to say.  And I hope most other Americans feel the same way.  But just becuase I, or millions of others find the views reprehensable, does not mean those views should be censored or silenced.  So the KKK will have their name on a highway sign.  So what? They are loyal and dedciated so at least that strech of highway will be clean.

What in the hell is up with members of the royal family and naked pictures?  I thought that crap was for c-list actresses and crappy pop singers.  Seriously, save that crap for LiLo, Vanessa Hudgens and Demi Lovato.

The third world heathens in the Middle East rioting over a movie is sickening.  So some movie portrays Mohammed in an unflattering light.  Holy hell here comes the apocalypse.  Will murdering and raping people who had nothing to do with the filming of the movie change anything?  Will burning American embasies make the movie go away?  And the Obama administration's weak response is almost as sickening.  It was almost sympathetic to the rioters.  Instead of denouncing the violence, they made excuses and blamed the movie.  Really?  REALLY?  They called the situation volatile. Yeah, no shit! And it will only get worse unless our soldiers are permitted to put those rabid animals out of their misery.  No more dead marines or ambassadors.  (And why is Obozo partying with Jay-Z and Beyonce when all this is happening?)
On a side note, a movie called The DaVinci Code contained ideas considered blasphemous and offensive by some Christians.  But do you know what?  No one was raped or murdered because of The DaVinci Code.  No arsons were committed because of The DaVinci Code.  Just something to keep in mind.
Rahm Emanuel, even though you are a left wing nutjob and you did cave a little bit to the teacher's union, I am proud of you for making it clear teachers must be held to a specific standard of quality.  And as you gradually phase in the evaluations, I hope you weed out the bad apples and build the public schools in Chicago into something wonderful.  Any teacher who does not wish to have his/her job performance evaluated has something to hide.
Remember, you were born an original so don't die a copy.  See you next time.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Case Against Barack Obama

President Obama did not come through with his promises of change.  The country is worse off now than in 2008.  He does not deserve a second term in office.

Unemployment is still above 8% and has been for 42 consecutive months.  Within that 42 month period was a streak of ten consecutive months of unemployment above 9%.  Keep in mind these numbers are based only on those who made unemployment claims. It does not include those who are not eligible for unemployment or who have had their unemployment run out.  So in reality, the number is higher.

The economy is still bad.

The $50 billion GM bailout using taxpayer money was nothing but a political handjob to the United Auto Workers union.  GM was a dying corporation making poor business decisions and agreeing to profit-unfriendly contracts with the thugs and bullies in the UAW.  Included in that deal was a huge tax break to GM which made their 2011 tax rate -1.5%.  Not something us the taxpayers were made aware.  That negative tax break gave the illusion GM was profitable last year andthe bailout was working.  The federal government owns 500 million shares in GM and would have to sell those shares for $53 each to recover the bailout money.  The current GM share price as of September 5 is $21.76.  The UAW lost nothing in all of this.  But ask the non-union employees of spin-off company Delphi what happened to their pensions.   Thier pensions were stolen from them by a company without the intestinal fortitude to standup to bullies and thugs.  The GM problems go beyond awful contracts with the UAW.  How about That Chevy Volt?  And the Malibu?

Have I mentioned the economy still sucks?

Barack Obama has one of the most extreme left positions on abortion of any president.  That view may win over some ultra-leftwing feminazis but not the regular, hardworking middle of the road American.  President Obama even said if one of his daughters became pregnant as a teenager he would encourage abortion because having her keep the child would be punishment.  Really Barack?  You would rather abort your grandchild than teach your daughter an very important life lessson that actions have consequneces and responsibility is a huge part of growing up? 

How's that economy for you?

President Obama is preaching "tax fairness".  What is fair about tax-raping the incomes of those who worked hard and sacrificed to become successful?  What is fair about over-taxing someone because he or she has a unique and fantastic talent?  Nothing is fair about that, Mr. Obama.  It's about igniting class warfare and appealing to your base of the lowest common denominator in society.

And let's not forget the still stagnant economy.

America is not better off than it was when Obama took office.  He promised change and gave us nothing. He must be a one-and-done president or things will get even worse.

Monday, September 3, 2012

2012 NFL Predictions

AFC EAST

New England -- The win the division by default.  The Bills are not quite there yet and the Jets and Dolphins are nowhere close.
Buffalo -- Mario Williams makes the defense much better.  The offense will score some points with Jackson and Johnson.  They have a chance for a wild card.
New York -- The quarterback situation will doom this team.
Miami -- The rebuilding years continue.

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh -- In a close race for the division with Baltimore, the Steelers win a photo finish for the division.
Baltimore -- They will be the top wild card in the AFC.
Cincinnati -- In any other division, they'd be a wild card.
Cleveland -- The Browns are in the same boat as Miami.

AFC SOUTH

Houston -- Another division win by default.  The other three are nowhere close.
Tennessee -- There is talent on this team.  Once Jake Locker settles in, they will be good.
Indianapolis -- I never thought I'd call picking a team to finish third gutsy, but this fits.  Andrew Luck is already the second best quarterback in the division. And he has some talent around him.
Jacksonville -- Defense good. Quaterback bad. MJD unhappy.  Best receiver is a rookie.

AFC WEST

Denver -- How many default division winners will we have?  We're up to three. Manning makes the difference for the Broncos.
Kansas City -- Jamal Charles and Peyton Hillis will provide a solid running game and the Chiefs will be much more smash-mouth football this year.  They could challenge for the second wild card.
Oakland -- San Diego and Oakland could very easily flip-flop in the standings, but Oakland has a better edge on offense.
San Diego -- Remember the slump we saw last year? Expect more in 2012.

NFC EAST

Philadelphia -- The Eagles step up this year and take the division.  But it will be close.  New York will be right in it all season.

New York -- The defending Super Bowl champions will be playoff bound again.

Dallas -- This team is a hot mess.  Tony Romo may be down to his last chance.

Washington -- RG3 will be fun to watch.  The rest of the team won't be.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay -- The Pack won't run away with this division.  The Lions will make it interesting.

Detroit -- The Lions are very close to taking the division away from Green Bay. Maybe next year.

Chicago -- Put up or shut up for Cutler this year.  Get the duct tape ready.

Minnesota -- Christian Ponder...really? I'm still confused by that pick and it happened a year ago. AP isn't 100% and Percy Harvin is unhappy.  This is a disaster.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta -- The turmoil in New Orleans leaves the door open for Atlanta.  Matt Ryan will step up and take the team through that door.

New Orleans -- I'd like to say they could make a wild card, but this will be a tough year for the Saints.

Carolina -- The Panthers are getting better.  They aren't quite ready for the next step, however.

Tampa Bay -- The Buccaneers may be the most talented last place team in the NFL.

NFC WEST

San Francisco -- Another division winner by default.  But considering the other teams in the division...

St. Louis -- The second place finish depends on Bradford staying healthy.

Arizona -- Despite the quarterback issues, they still won't be the worst team in the division. They could actually surprise some people.

Seattle -- There will be some growing pains this year. A rookie quarterback starting over high priced free agent Matt Flynn and Marshwan Lynch the best offensive weapon...




Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Happy Humpday, Here's Some Thoughts

Michael Vick is the NFL's most overrated player.

Congressman Akin is a moron. Joe Biden is a clown.

The nominees aren't even official yet and the campaign is far too negative for my liking.

Gary Johnson is the most qualified candidate for President.  It's a shame he has no chance to win.

Nicki Minaj on American Idol(atry) is just another reason the show should be cancelled.

Avril Lavigne has very poor tatse in men.

So does Kim Kardashian.

Kirk Cameron, sometimes you need to tell it like it is.  Stop being so nice.

Nike's new LeBron shoe is ugly as hell.

The adult film industry needs to get it's shit together.

Why is the "Fast and Furious" scandal still being ignored by the mainstream media?

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Liberal Media Laziness

The dopeheads and lazy jafoffs in the liberal media through lack of research and twisting the truth had given some no-name rock band the Silver whatever-the -hell their name is 15 minutes of fame.

This lousy rock band apparently heard a rumor Mitt Romney was using their music.  Not true.  The truth is, one of their songs was played over the PA system during the setup of a Romney appearance.  Well Romney "using" their music got back to the band and their lawyer sent a "cease and desist" to Romney's campaign.  (From a legal persepctive, the Romney camp pays a licensing fee to play music publically, so the cease and desisit is basically meaningless.)  The Romney camp happily agreed to never again play music from this band no one ever heard of before saying it's not the kind of music to which they'd want to expose Romney's supporters.

Andrea Saul, a Romney spokeswoman, explains:

"As anyone who attends Gov. Romney's events knows, this is not a song we would have played intentionally," she wrote. "That said, it was covered under the campaign's regular blanket license, but we will not play it again."

Has anyone actually ever heard this band's music?  I didn't even know they existed until yesterday.  But I bet they are trending across America now because of the laziness and lack of actual journalism effort from the leftist media of the country. And have you seen a picture of this band?  The look like the Queer of the Month Club.  But now, thousands of people will enter this crappy band into Tweets and search engines everywhere.

I can't say I'm surprised by the lack of effort into fact finding and true journalism work from the anti-everything-good leftwing media when it comes to Mitt Romney.  But giving free promotion to crappy rock bands just cannot be tolerated.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Underrated rock bands: The Cult

When it comes to all-time underrated rock bands, The Cult must be at the top of the list.  They are an aggressive blend of Judas Priest and Queensryche with a touch of The Doors who arose from England in the early 1980s as a post-punk Goth rock band.  As their career progressed they fused in hard rock with their original sound to become one of the most distinctive bands of the 1980s. 

Their fourth studio album, 1989's Sonic Temple, provided them the breakthru they'd been looking for in the United States, reaching #10 on the Billboard charts and providing the hit singles "Sweet Soul Sister" and "Fire Woman".  This success follows on the heels of two moderately succesful albums, Love in 1985 which gave them thier first real taste of commercial success in the UK, with the track "She Sells Sanctuary" playing a huge role and Electric in 1987 which saw the band start to become more hard rock than Goth rock.  The band's huge hit from Electric was "Love Removal Machine".

Like most rock bands, The Cult had their share of in-band disagreements and personal problems and began a hiatus in 1995.  However, the band stormed back in a big way with "Painted On My Heart", a prominently featured song in the Nicolas Cage/Angelina Jolie action flick Gone in 60 Seconds.  This led to the release of a 6-disc boxed set titled Rare Cult and a new studio album in 2001 titled Beyond Good and Evil.  Despite good critical reviews and huge airplay overseas, BG&E was not the comeback album thge band hoped for and a second Cult hiatus began.

Ian Astbury, the band's singer and primary lyricist, has one of the most recognizable and distinctive voices in all of rock.  He recorded a song for the Doors tribute album and toured with the surviving memebers of the Doors as their vocalist for 2002's Doors of the 21st Century tour.  Oliver Stone offered Astbury the role of Jim Morrision for the 1991 bio-flick, but Astbury turned the role down because he did not like how Morrison was portrayed in the script. 

Astbury is also the reason Lollapalooza exists.  In 1990, he organized The Gathering of the Tribes, featuring Soundgarden, Ice-T, Iggy Pop, Indigo Girls, Public Enemy and other artists to play in Los Angeles and San Francisco.  The two day festival drew 40,000 fans and inspired the creation of Lollapalooza which began the following year.

The Cult is still recording and touring with their most recent release being Choice of Weapon, released in 2012.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Bad Movies I Love: Adventures of Ford Fairlane

Everyone has their favorite bad movies.  Near the top of my list is an early 1990's gem called The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.  It's one of those moviesd which is so ludacris and poorly acted you just have to love it.

The film stars shock comic Andrew Dice Clay as a "Rock N Roll Detective".  He's a crude, arrogant and sexist pig.  He's also behind on his bills because the rock stars pay him in gifts instead of cash.  However, the death of rock Bobby Black (played by Vince Neil), sets off a chain of wild and crazy events for Fairlane.

The movie has a lineup of co-stars which includes Wayne Newton, Lauren Holly, Maddie Cornman, Ed O'Neill, Priscilla Presley and Robert Englund.  Appearing in cameos are Gilbert Gottfried, David Patrick Kelly, Tone Loc and Morris Day.

You really can't expect much from a cast like that.  Ed O'Neill is the most disappointing as it appears he just played his role as Al Bundy in the form of the jaded Detective Amos.  And Priscilla Presley is just...well...yeah.  Lauren Holly has her moments in this movie but she totally could have stolen the show with some extra effort.

I can't say all the acting is bad.  Maddie Cornman is hilarious as airheaded groupie ZuZu Petals.  Robert Englund is obviously having a blast as a perpetually smiling hitman and Wayne Newton is delightfully sleazy as record executive Julian Grendel.  Andrew Dice Clay is great as the lead role.  His cocky swagger and crass demeanor is exactly what you'd expect from him. 

What's amazing about this movie is it landed director Renny Harlin to job of directing Die Hard 2, which to this day is still the best movie on his resume.  Some of the other cinematic masterpieces on Harlin's list are Cliffhanger, Cutthroat Island, Deep Blue Sea, 12 Rounds and Exorcist: The Beginning. 

I'm not going to go on and give away a lot of the plot details other than murder and a counterfeit CD scam. But this is a movie you all should grab if you see it in a bargain bin somewhere.  It's crudely hilarious and a great way to kill 90 minutes on a rainy Saturday afternoon when there ain't shit else to do.  It will have you laughing from start to finish, most of the time for the wrong reasons. 

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Riddle me this

Just a few things I need answers to:

Why is it when Ann Romney wears a $900 dollar shirt, she is blasted be the media and labeled as "out of touch" but when First Lady Oprah wears a $6800 to a pre-olympic ceremony she is called elegant? 

If it is now socially acceptable to label all Christians as closed-minded, bigoted homophobes, is it also OK to label all Muslims as sexist, anti-Semetic douchebags?  I just need to be clear on how this works.

Why did I see Tim McGraw shirts at Hot Topic?

Why does anyone in Pittsburgh still shop at Giant Eagle or Shop N Save when there are Bottom Dollars all over the city?  Do you all enjoy overpaying for groceries?

Why does NBC care what some journalist says on Twitter?


Until next time...say your prayers and take your vitamins.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Storm Warning...Ideas Created During a Power Outage at Work

I understand the NCAA allowing Penn State football players to leave without penalty.  But I do not understand why restrictions were not placed on how other coaches could target those players.  By not applying some regulations, the NCAA just increased the magnitutde of the "football first" mentality, the very thing they were trying to change.

The liberal media's hypocrisy has no boundaries.  Remember when the praised and salivated over the Chicks with Di...I mean Dixie Chicks' degredation of George W. Bush?  They were all about First Amendment rights then.  So why are they slandering, libeling and presenting character assassinations on Chick-Fil-A?  It's simple.  The liberal media has no morals, standards or anything resembling a core values system. 

Why is it every time a white cop is involved with the shooting of a minority, justified or otherwise, that cop is always labeled as a racist?

For those of you out there yearning for harsher gun control laws, think about this for awhile: Turkey solidified gun contril in 1911.  The Soviet Union tool guns away from the citizens in 1929.  China did the same in 1935.  Germany followed in 1938. In 1956, Cambodia disarmed the citizens and Uganda did so in 1970. The results?  Here you go: 55 million people murdered...by the government.

Hey Barack...it's jobs and the economy.  Just sayin...

Dear FOX, cancel American Idol.  Immediately.

USELESS MOVIE TRIVIA: Arnold Schwarzenegger was paid $15 million for Terminator 2 in which he spoke 700 words.  That is $21,428.57 per word.

What's the over/under for total votes Rosanne Barr gets as the Green Party candidate for President?

That's all for today. I shall return soon.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Pirates of the Allegheny

Zoltan!

Who would have expected the Pittsburgh Pirates to be having this kind of season?  Yes, the team of lovable losers and 19 straight losing seasons are 13 games over .500 and just 1.5 games back from the division lead.  And all this is despite and anemic offense for all of April and much of May. 

Andrew McCutchen is having an MVP season.  He leading the league in hitting with a .373 average to go along with 22 home runs and 66 RBI's.  But yet, opposing teams still pitch to him.  After a slow start, Pedro Alvarez has 21 home runs and 58 RBI's.  Neil Walker has upped his batting average close to .300 and Garrett Jones has added 13 home runs of his own. The bats have come alive after the team struggled to score 3 runs a game for the first part of the season.

The 1-2 punch of Joel Hanrahan and Jason Grilli is becoming almost automatic for the 8th and 9th inning.  As the setup man, Grilli has 56 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings with a WHIP of 1.06 and an ERA of 1.96.  Joel Hanrahan, an All-Star two years running, has 28 saves so far on the season.  And former first round pick Brad Lincoln is beginning to show the stuff of a closer-in-waiting.    The Pirates have the best bullpen in the league.  If they have a lead after 7 innings, it's tough to beat them.

Maybe the biggest surprise of the season is AJ Burnett.  AJ was acquired from the Yankees for basically nothing during the off season in what was obviously a "Please take him" trade after two disappointing seasons in the Big Apple.  Burnett has 11 wins for the Bucs so far this season and is said to have stepped up as the clubhouse leader not just for the young pitchers on the staff but for the entire team, especially rising star James McDonald, a 10-game winner so far this season and the leader among starters in strikeouts (104) and ERA (2.93).

Many Pirates fans rolled their eyes at Neal Huntington's "five year plan".  But guess what?  He's right on schedule.  He took the General Manager's job in 2007 and immediately began trading away the top talent and highest paid players.  He began spending big dollars on the draft and adding much needed talent to the farm system.  It's 2012 and the Pirates are in a pennant race at the end of July.  With the veteran leadership from Burnett and Clint Barmes who have World Series experience and the growing star power of Cutch and Pedro, don't expect a collapse like we saw in 2011.  This Pirates team is for real.

Believe.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thursday Morning Thoughts

I asked someone the other just what exactly has Barack done since taking office.  Well last night I realized just what he has done: He added $5.2 trillion to our national debt.  Thanks, B.O.

I've been a Pirates fan since I was old enough to read.  I am loving what they are doing right now.  No one, myself included, expected them to be eleven games over .500 in the middle of July.  Go Bucs!

I wonder what Ron Paul is going to say in his speech at the Republican convention next month... It's going to be fantastic whatever it is.

Dez Bryant is a piece of shit.  I mean seriously...who beats up his own mother?  Really, dude? 

Random fact:  WWE's John Cena has granted more wishes for Make-A-Wish than any other celebrity.

The Rockets overpaid for Jeremy Lin.

I need a vacation.

It's going to be 80s day for my iPod, methinks. 

I know this was a short post, but gotta go to work.  A longer post will be up this weekend.

Have a great Thursday.




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A Before Work Rant

Barack Hussein Obama has shown us all his intention in the upcoming campaign is to appeal to the lowest common denomiator and feul jealousy and anger towards those who have acheived success and wealth.  He insulted and slandered business owners by stating they don't deserve their success because their success is owed to the government, it is not from anything the business owners did.  Last time I checked, no memeber of CONgress is punching a time clock for the small business owner.  The president called Mitt Romey a felon, a comment he refuses to take back or apologize for.  The truth is, Obama is more cut out for hosting some "Fuck Whitey" show on BET than being President of the United States.  He doesn't have the proper attitude or demeanor for the job.  Without his Teleprompter, he says what he is actually thinking and the president can't do that.  It's time to get the afirmative action president out of office.

Listen up you dumbassed emo kids.  Who told you it was cool and trendy to pretend you are depressed?  Well, it's not.  Depression is not a phase or a fad.  It's s serious issue that hurts and sometimes destroys people.  Those of us who have dealt with depression either personally or with a friend or family member suffering from it, don't find this behavior acceptable.  So take off the makeup, stop cutting yourselves, listen to some better music and some colors to your wardrobe.

The "Call Me Maybe" song is the most annoying song I've had the misfortune of exposing to my ears in a long time.  Where do they find this kids who can't carry a tune in a bucket but get to have a #1 song on Billboard?  I miss the days when songs like "Livin on a Prayer" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" were at the top of the charts.

Why is the Republican Party scared of Ron Paul?  Oh, wait...nevermind.

All work on high traffic roads should be done from 10PM to 6AM.  You know I am right.

So Hillary Clinton is the most traveled Secretary of State...and that means what?  Has she accomplished anything?  I think the answer is...NO!

Is there currently anyone in the country more delusional than Franco Harris?  Dude, Joe Paterno was not a saint.  He had a role in the cover-up too.  He may have had the most influence in it, to be honest.  He was The Godfather of Penn State.  Accept it and shut up.

Who else thinks it is time for Miley Cyrus to pose for Playboy?  If so, raise your hands.

What is it with celebrities/athletes and DWI?  Yinz have enough money to rent a limo.  What the hell is wrong with you people?

Just for the record, Mark Appel: $3.8 million > senior year at Stanford.  How did you let Scott Boras brainwash you into that?  Or was it your own arrogance that led you to the decision?  Just curious.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.  I will return soon.

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTLovecraft


Saturday, July 14, 2012

From Linebacker U to Cover-up U, the fall of Penn State University

I've been silent about the Jerry Sandusky case since it began.  I wanted to wait until the investigations and trial were over.  Now all of that is complete.  My time has come.

First off, I am very happy a predator and monster like Jerry Sandusky will be in prison for the remainder of his living years. Due to the nature of his crimes, he will have no friends or allies.  He will die a lonely, broken man.  Honestly, he deserves worse.  But cruel and unusual punishment laws prevent that from happening.

The cover up and concealing of Sandusky's abuse of children is astonishing.  The truth about Sandusky was clear to the Gang of Four since 1998.  The fact it remained a secret until 2011 is unforgivable and disgusting. 

Former Penn State President Graham Spanier did not report the 1998 incident to the board of trustees and in 1999, following Sandusky's retirement (and lump sum payment os approximately $169K),  recommended Sandusky for emeritus status.  Graham Spanier is far from unintelligent.  He has a Phd from Northwestern in Sociology.  If anything, this should have been his time to shine.  Instead, he backed off and enabled a predator.

Gary Schulz, the former Vice President of Penn State, who is currently awaiting trial for perjury, believed in 1998 the matter had been "appropriately investigated" and declined further action towards Sandusky.  After the 2001 shower incident, Schulz discussed the reporting of suspected child abuse with legal counsel Wendell Courtney and Schulz asked campus police if the 1998 report was "still around".  Obviously nothing came of this discussion with Courtney and Schulz went on to help Sandusky's Second Mile charity purchase land from Penn State.  Like Spanier, Schulz is also educated, earning his master's degree in industrial engineering from Penn State.

Athletic Director Tim Curley, also awaiting trial for perjury, also knew about the 1998 incident immediately after it happened.  He did not limit Sandusky's access to athletic facilities and it is said he simply "touched base" with football coach Joe Paterno about the incident.  It wasn't until the 2001 incident Curley told Sandusky not to return to Penn State facilities with children.

And finally, Joe Paterno's role in this now appears to be the most significant.  Joe, like Spanier and Schulz was educated, having a degree in English from Brown University.  But it is now obvious he played the biggest behind the scenes role in the cover up.  We all knew Joe Pa had a lot of power at Penn State.  Especially when he didn't allow the board of trustees to fire him and dismissd them simply by telling them to get the hell off his porch.  It is the fault of Spanier, Schulz and the board Joe Paterno was able to gain Godfather-like power and influence at Penn State.  When other PSU employees who witnessed Sandusky's abuse of children say they were too terrified of what Joe would do to report the incidents, you know he had too much power.  Yes Joe Pa was a legendary football coach, but that's all he was, a football coach.  He never should have had the intimidation factor to control those who are paid to dictate policy and procedure.  If Joe was worried about protecting his legacy, then he surely chose the wrong path.  Yes, his coaching career may have been cut short if he had reported the incident to authorities.  But he would today be remembered as a hero and a man who put doing the right thing ahead of friendship and legacy. But as Al Pacino said in The Devil's Advocate: "Vanity is definitely my favorite sin".

What should Penn State's punishment be stemming from this case?  Yes, they will pay out millions of dollars to settle the lawsuits which will be forthcoming.  The NCAA says they will await response to their own questions before taking action towards the football program.  Many believe the football "death penalty" is warranted.  It is the toughest penalty the NCAA can give out and would ban Penn State football from competition for a minimum of one year.  Southern Methodist University football and University of Kentucky basketball have received this penalty from the NCAA in the past.  I understand the belief this would be a warranted punishment.  However, the punishment needs to extend beyond football.  The Department of Education must step in and bring the hammer down upon Penn State.   This means removing financial aid and grants from the university.

Power, pride and cowardice led to the continued abuse of children by Jerry Sandusky.  It all could have been stopped in 1998 if just one man had the decency or guts to step up and do what was right.  I hope this is a lesson to us all. 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Random Sunday Thoughts

It's another one of those time where I don't really have a solid idea of what to write about.  I want to take a break from the wrestling themed posts at least for this weekend.  So this will be another rambling post.  Hope you all are amused.

Adrian Peterson is a moron. Do I really need to elaborate?

Has there been any free agent signings more anti-climactic than the Parise/Suter signings?  Talk about a lot of anticip........................ation for nothing!

So, Obama goes to Pittsburgh to hold a rally for his "base" voters.  He does it at one of the most expensive universities in the state.  Well, at least he finally admits who his base really is: rich white people.

Uproar festival looks to be a fucking great show this year.  Who wants to go with me?

You know it's hot when your dog looks for a spot of shade before peeing.

Vicky Vette is my favorite MILF porn star.  I know that's useless trivia about me, but maybe one or two of you might care.  Lol.

What candy is more addicting: Swedish Fish or Sour Patch Kids? 

Why are they doing another Judge Dredd movie?  The first one sucked bad enough.  I like Karl Urban, but he should have SPRINTED away from this movie offer.  I smell a bomb coming for this one.

On the flipside, the huge budget production of The Great Gatsby from Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrman, looks to have Oscar written all over it...in pretty much every cateory possible.

Bucket list, serious version: visit Jeruselum

Bucket list, not-so-serious version: have a threesome

Is Mike Patton the most underappreciated front man ever?  If not the most, he's in the top three for sure.  (Hmmm...maybe a future full length post in there somewhere?)

Useless movie trivia: The original draft of Major League has the story based on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bought a Memorex iPod speaker dock recently.  Best $40 I've spent in a long time. 

What an easy way to get cool stuff in the mail for free?  If any of you know, please tell me.  Thanks.

You know the vampire craze is out of control when Steven Seagal make a vampire movie.  Just sayin.

And finally...HOW ABOUT THOSE PITTSBURGH PIRATES?!  BELIEVE IT, BABY!

follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTLovecraft

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

July 4, 1776

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Why ObamaCare is Bad for America -- A Denis Learyesque Rant

Alright, nowhere in the United States Constitution does is say the government is to be the Great Provider and Great Caretaker.  So why as Americans are we tolerating the implementation of a shitty federally contorlled healthcare system?  Well, it's sad to say but many Americans are selfish, lazy and have false sense of entitlement. The issue really is too many of us do not want to make sacrifices in the budget to allow for purchasing our own healthcare coverage.  But there are some simple ways to fit it into your budget.  How about not spending $100 at the bar every weekend.  Or stop giving money to tanning salons.  The sun is FREE!  Use it to get a tan.  Oh, you need to get a haircut?  Go to Fantastic Sam's.  No, you do not need $200 Nikes.  Get your priorities straight.  And you all know as well as I do, Obamacare will lead to abuse of the system.  Some jagoff will wake up at 3AM with heartburn and is absolutely certain it's a heart attack.  So he'll go to the ER.  And they'll give him some Tums and a fucking bottle of water.  Some even bigger jagoff will wake up Monday morning with a bad headache and of course knows he has a tumor and rushes to the ER only to be given some Ibuprofen and sent on his way.  It's this kind of crap which will increase health care costs for those of us who work for a living and are responsible and mature enough to purhcase healthcare for ourselves and our families.  We are willing to make thoise budget sacrifices and not jump aboard the whhhhaaambulance and demand someone else plays the adult in our lives.  Not only will health insurance providers raise rates, but your taxes will go up too.  Whether you use the crappy welfare healthcare soon to be spewed out by our governemnt or not.  Hospitals will become overcrowded and undersatffed.  Believe this: ObamaCare will cause waiting lists for simple procedures as sonograms, mammograms, MRIs and CAT scans. Just ask any Canadian.  All you liberal wacko women who want the government away from your "women's care", well with ObamaCare on its way, they are going to have their hands all over it.  Bet you didn't see that coming, did you?  Morons.  ObamaCare just reinforces the lazy selfish American stereotype.  And really do we want to use failing systems like France and Canada as models of how to do things?  ObamaCare is bad.  Its just far too many Americans wish to remain selfish and lazy and not self-supporting to realize it.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Let's Boogie! A look back at Disco Inferno, one of professional wrestling's underrated stars.

Disco Inferno debuted with WCW in 1995 primarily as a jobber and low card wrestler.  He would dance to the ring and in the ring and during matches wearing obnoxious bell bottom tights.  He'd often forget how to apply his submission finisher and carried a cheat-sheet with him.  So how was this guy underrated?  It's simple.  Glenn "Disco Inferno" Gilbertti was a technically sound, comedically talented wrestler who took a character many other people would have ran away from and carried it to a respectable level of mid-card success whiuch included multiple singles championships.

Disco Inferno's push towards mid-card status began in 1996.  He won the WCW Television Title September 22 on Monday Nitro and began a program with Perry Saturn.  Disco lost the title to Saturn on November 3 only to regain it December 8.   His second and final Television Title reign came to an end 4 week later at the hands of Booker T.  From this point on, Disco Inferno was primarily used for comedic roles only.

During the next three years, Disco formed, and dissolved, a tag team with Alex Wright - The Dancing Fools and later as Boogie Knights.  He also became an associate member of nWo Wolfpac leading to breif mid-card feuds with Konnan and Buff Bagwell.  Disco was also aligned with the Mamalukes as the group's "enforcer" and later was aligned with the Filthy Animals which influenced his brief name change to Disqo.

When WWE purchased WCW in 2001, they declined to purchase Disco Inferno's contract which led to a stint with World Wrestling All-Stars where he worked as a jobber and heel commentator. 

Disco Inferno wrestled briefly in TNA under his real name with a silly gimmick of his name always being spelled wrong.  He also served as the company's road agent from 2007-08.  In 2009 he left the wrestling business to become the host at Sapphire Gentlemen's Club in Las Vegas.

Despite the ridiculous gimmick and even more ridiculous hair and wrestling attire, Disco Inferno remains one of the underrated stars of professional wrestling.  Gilbertti was technically sound in the ring and had a knack for silly comedic antics.  He accepted a character which would likely have been undesirable for many others in the business and ran...uh, danced with it to a moderate level of success.  Disco Inferno may have just been a dancing fool for WCW but he did it 100% full speed ahead no matter what he was asked to do.  He never mailed it in or half-assed it and that right there is what he deserves the most credit for. 

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Professional Wrestling's Most Underrated Stars: Jeff Jarrett (The first in a series)

Professional wrestling has seen its share of underrated and underappreciated stars.  Very few however, stand out more than "Double J" Jeff Jarrett.  Jarrett has established himself has a top heel, or bad-guy, throughout his career, always being the one you couldn't trust and always looked out for only one person: Jeff Jarrett.

Jeff Jarrett debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in 1993 with a country singer gimmick.  He frequently used a guitar as a weapon by smashing it over the heads of his opponents.  In January of 1995, he won the Intercontinental Title for the first time, defeating Razor Ramon on Monday Night Raw.  He left the company in 1996 after a contract dispute and signed a one year contact the arch rival WCW.

Upon arriving in WCW, Jarrett declared himself a "free agent" and the bidding for his services began between the growing nWo and the legendary Four Horsemen.  He was inducted into the Horsemen in December of 1996 only to turn on the group months later, culminating in a brief feud with Steve McMichael.  Jarrett went back to the World Wrestling Federation in October of 1997.

Jarrett's second stint with the former WWF (now WWE), saw his star finally begin to rise.  He droppped the country singer gimmick and began a feud with original Degeneration X memeber X-pac which came to a peak with a "hair vs. hair" match which Jarrett lost.  In the following months, Jarrett became Tag Team Champs with the late Owen Hart, one of his best friends, and was also simultaneously the European and Intercontinental Champion (also known as InterEuro Champion).  His heel character developed most during this time as he was portaryed as a misogynist and abusive towards his female managers, Debra and Miss Kitty.  This is something Jarrett never gets credit for being able to pull off in a convincing manner. 

It was his feud with Chyna which sets Jarret apart in the world of underrated wrestlers.  Never before had a male superstar been put in a high profile one on one feud with a female wrestler.  (Not to mention never before had a female wrestler owned the Intercontinental Title.)  Jarrett and Chyna made it look good and it is something which has yet to be duplicated in the wrestling world.

In June of 2002, Jeff and his father Jerry began a promotion called Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a weekly pay-per-view event.  In 2004, they reached a deal with FOX broadcasting and TNA Impact! was born.  Jarrett continued his heel ways in TNA, constantly backstabbing and slandering other wrestlers to advance his own career.  He was involved in high profile feuds with such greats as Sting, Kevin Nash, and Kurt Angle, a feud which had very personal real-life ramifications as Jarrett married Kurt's ex-wife Karen.

Although he spent time as a babyface, or good duy, in TNA, Jarrett is best as a heel.  He has a talent for playing the jerk and the one you can't trust.  He does it in a believable and very convincing manner.  He was able to peak and reach top-level, main event status in TNA, but he will forever be one of professional wrestling's most underrated performers. 

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