For Your Consideration

Summers Here...Where is the Zarex?

My quest for Zarex Drink Syrup continues...

Just as I was getting ready to send another email to the folks at HomeTown-Treats, they sent me an email assuring me they were still working on trying to aquire the stuff.

So for the moment I am sitting on my hands anxiously awaiting word that they can find it, stock it, and send some to me.

You guys will be the second people to know.  I will have to let my wife know first and get permission to use the credit card to get myself some first.

I will continue to keep you advised.

In the meanwhile...be sure to check them out.  You may just find some other wonder snack from the area where you grew up.  Just be sure to use the dash "-" in the web address or you'll end up at some crappy website trying to ride on their coat tails.

http://www.hometown-treats.com/

To answer your next obvious question...No, I don't get paid to sing their praises.  I just think they have a wonderful idea.

NSA, Phone Records and the "I Accept" Check Box

Why is the NSA collecting US citizen’s telephone calling data, a big story?  Why isn’t the same amount of outrage directed at credit card companies, software companies that use adware, spyware and “cookies”?  Hell, even your local grocery store collects data about your purchases.  I don’t see many urgent news stories stirring up mass hysteria over their collecting of data.

Even before the introduction of high tech tracking, we had no real privacy.  Even the slowest learning clerk at the local 7-11 will eventually recognize you and remember what brand cigarettes or beer you purchased.  Back in the day “party lines” were not political; they were telephone lines that serviced a number of homes instead of being dedicated to just one household.  If you were bored you could pick up the telephone a listen to your neighbor’s conversations.

Now things are just more automated.  We sign up for discount cards, which save us a few cents on the dollar in exchange for allowing the tracking of our purchases.  Why?  So stores can make money targeting us with advertisements and those extra coupons, which are spit out along with your purchase receipt.

Now, we trade our info for software tools and toys like specialty search bars and messenger programs.  All which collect and track data.  We allow it routinely when we check the “I Accept” box when installing their software.

So why is it okay for all these groups to collect data?  It’s a trade-off.  We willingly trade a small amount of our privacy for a few pennies…for “easier” web searching…for faster service and to save us from having to repeatedly sign-in to a website.

But the second it involves the government we have some primal, knee-jerk reaction.  Well folks, it is no different and no more complicated than checking the “I Accept” box.  The trade-off is that we slightly increase the likelihood of stopping a future terrorist attack.

Yes, I admit it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.  But what would I give to save just one life?  A hundred?  A thousand?  I admit I’d give a lot.  So if they want my phone records…they can freaking have ‘em.

I don’t know how much good it would do anyway.  I imagine tracking phones usage records is a lot like the “butterfly effect” or playing “6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon”.  Given the time and data I am sure you could link my phone use to yours.  I call my friend, who calls his Mom, who calls her hairdresser, whose husband works at the local auto repair shop and he calls you to tell you, your car will be ready later that afternoon at twice the estimated repair price…and BINGO!  We are connected.  Trying to find calling patterns of terrorists out of that mess must be a nightmare.

But blaming the government for reacting to a threat, instead of blaming those who pose the threat is sure as hell not gonna get us anywhere.

Happy Birthday Kaeden!

Today is my youngest son's birthday.

He is turning 4 and he seems ready to take on the world, so long as the world allows him the opportunity to take time to watch Spongebob Squarepants, Ed, Ed and Eddie and to play in his new sandbox (lid included to prevent the cats from using it as a litterbox {More memories from my childhood}).

My mother called and after wishing him a wonderful birthday, reminded me of my birthdays...with complete recollection of the outfits I wore (my mother dressed my brother, who is a year younger, and I in matching outfits for a number of years...Sailor suits {handmade by my mother}, Irish fishermen's knit sweaters {purchased while visiting Endland and Ireland}, and lederhosen {bought visiting friends in Germany} for crying out loud).

We thought we were the coolest at the time.  It was not until years later that we would cringe when the photographs would come out.  We were then mortified to have or friends or girlfriends see us dressed like extras in a Village People video or like canidates for a Hilter Youth group.  But at the time we envisioned ourselves as quite the pair of international and worldly young men.

Actually I guess the outfits cause me no more cringing than the pictures of us dressed in, the then popular, bell bottoms, plaid Sears Tough Skin pants (with the bulletproof knee reinforcements) or worse yet...the frilled blue shirt worn under my Prom Tux (Man I wish now I had choosen the pleated shirt...it just wasn't popular at the time).

Somehow I doubt I will remember my son's Spongebob shirt next year...much less 38 years later.

I just can't seem to decide if thats a good or bad thing.

Either way, I hope his birthday is a wonderful and memorable one for him

Zarqawi Meets The Three Stooges?

Intially the previously unshown events in the newly released uncut version of the captured Zarqawi video amused me.

I have to admit I take some dark glee from the murderous bastard fumbling with a machine gun which had jammed and he clearly did not know how to clear the stoppage.

Even funnier was the member of his "posse" attempting to help, by grabbing it's red hot barrel.  Believe me this is a mistake only the newest and greenest military recuits make.  Even then it is a mistake that is only done once.  I personally made the mistake of allowing my finger to slip into one of the cooling holes in the foregrip of an M-16 while in training.  My finger touched the gas return tube.  I spent the next couple of days nursing that finger.  It is a mistake I will NEVER repeat.

But Zarqawi does know how to pull a trigger and to order subordinates to behead hostages.

His incompetent weapons handling skills do not negate his fierce hatred and his desire to see Americans killed.  I just don't want anyone to dismiss this man as a total idiot.  In fact his incompetence with a weapon makes him all the scarier...at least it should, especially to the other terrorists standing next to him when he has access to a gun.

It has also been reported that the athletic shoes he was wearing in the video were a pair of New Balance shoes.  Perhaps we could woo him to put down the guns and become a paid spokesperson for New Balance.  But he may prove incompetent at that as well.

Maybe he could just get a job stocking shelves in the Foot Locker store down at the local shopping mall.  Certainly he should not have access to women's shoes since I am told they can be used as a implement of torture and anything over a three inch spiked heel can considered a deadly weapon.

The Failure of Moussaoui

Life in Prison.

The jury has denied Moussaoui the opportunity to be a martyr.  Instead he will spend the rest of his days reflecting on his failures.

His failure to participate in a terrorist attack on American citizens and his failure to die for his cause.

I find I am relieved.  I had not expected to feel much either way actually, but somehow this feels more complete...more like it is over and done.  I am sure the jury feels much the same way...only much more intensley.

Now if there was only some way to prevent him from spreading the poisonous hatred to other inmates.  I encountered a number of inmates who had embraced radical Muslim beliefs during my time as a prison guard.  I higher number than I would have expected in my part of the country.  I suppose it is a natural extension of hating those who incarcerate you.  Just taken to the Nth degree.

I imagine prison officials will end up putting Moussaoui in some sort of protective custody.  I would imagine his plans and attitude would make him less popular than Jeffrey Dahmer, the cannibalistic serial killer, who was killed by another inmate while in prison.  It says alot to me that a vile, sadistic, murdering cannibal would probably be a more popular cell mate than Moussaoui.

So in a sad and sick way I guess we end up having to give aid and harbor a terrorist.

I'm just glad it's over for now...and that he failed.

The "New" Black Panthers

Oh man...sometimes the news gives me a headache.  Yesterday was that kinda day.  The particular story which I hold responsible is the news of the "New" Black Panter Party holding a protest at Duke University over the "La Crosse Team Rape".

Don't get me wrong...if those guys are guilty, I hope they rot in jail the rest of their lives.

But for crying out loud...The "New" Black Panthers!?!  Isn't that a bit like having Klu Klux Klan Lite (Same Hate, Less Killing) take your side?  Heck, even the Black Panther Party has a section on their website trying to distance themselves from the "new" and watered down version of the Black Panthers.  I guess they are not hateful enough.

The Black Panthers.  What a wonderful group to emulate.  Founded by the highly educated and motivated Dr. Huey P. Newton.  A man, who despite accomplishing some good things, advocated change through whatever means possible...including violence.  Newton was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter for the murder of a police officer and was later tried and aquitted for the killing of a 17-year-old prostitute.  He was also suspected of funding Black Panther activities by shaking down drug dealers, pimps and prostitutes.  Still, he is proudly touted on their website, minus any mention of killings and extortion of course.

Were I to be assaulted, the last people I'd want posing in my corner was a hate group like the Klan or Black Panthers (new or old versions) trying to get some free media attention and fanning the flames of hatred.

Personally I think it should be more about the victim, the crime and the assailants.  We need to proceed under the assumtion the woman's claims are real and valid and fully investigate the incident.  If evidence exists which backs up her allegations it needs to go to trail...Period.

I just wish we could deny hate groups from gaining any traction from hitching a ride on public sympathies for the victim and fear of an alledged crime which has far more to do with control, fear, sex and domination than it does with any racial tensions and fears.

The Star Spanglish Banner?

I see some significant amount of press aimed at the new Spanish language version of the Star Spangled Banner.

Call me crazy but the whole thing is not generating the same outrage in me that it seems to cause in others.

The words to our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner” were written by Francis Scott Key in the form of a poem.  Key wrote it after being held on a British warship during the British naval shelling of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Maryland during the War or 1812.  The poem was later put to music, the tune was that of a song written by an Englishman celebrating music, food and drink (wine) called “To Anacreon in Heaven”.

Due to its widespread popularity, Congress later adopted it as out National Anthem.  The flag that inspired it is preserved and hangs today in the Smithsonian Institute.

Somehow it seems the Spanish version Nuestro Himno (’Our Anthem’) was produced by another Briton.  Just how the heck that works is anybodies guess.

Anyway, here is the translation of it…

By the light of the dawn, do you see arising,
what we proudly hailed at twilight’s last fall?
Its stars, its stripes yesterday streamed
above fierce combat a gleaming emblem of victory
and the struggle toward liberty.
Throughout the night, they proclaimed:
“We will defend it!”
Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave
above the land of the free,
the sacred flag?
Its stars, its stripes,
liberty, we are the same.
We are brothers in our anthem.
In fierce combat, a gleaming emblem of victory
and the struggle toward liberty.
My people fight on.
The time has come to break the chains.
Throughout the night they proclaimed, “We will defend it!”
Tell me! Does its starry beauty still wave
above the land of the free, the sacred flag?

Not a direct translation to be certain as liberties were taken to with the language to keep with the music.  But far from insulting in my eyes.

I have been present at many functions were the Nation Anthems of other countries were performed.  I for one would have liked to of had a translation that at least covered the gist of what their Anthem was all about.  I think this does that for people who only speak Spanish.

I am proud to stand with anyone who sings this version and like me, feels our American flag and the ideals it stands for are worth defending and praising.

I personally find it much more insulting when a born and raised American citizen who has enjoyed our freedoms all their lives refuses to sing our Nation Anthem or refuses to show respect for our flag.

This picture for example of perfectly healthy American citizens sitting on a curb while and elderly gentleman rises from his wheelchair to pay respect for the passing American Flag.

That is what should really be insulting to those bitching about a Star Spanglish Banner.

FALCON II and The Fringe Benefits of Hunting Sex Offenders

Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement is now releasing some of the arrest figures attributed to Operation FALCON II, a week long combined effort to apprehend fugitives, in which violent sex offenders were a priority target.

Officials are justifiably proud to announce they captured 1,102 sex offenders.

The fringe benefit to this sweep is that they also apprehended 7,935 other fugitives wanted for being gang members, murderers, kidnappers, robbers, drug dealers, carjackers and burglars.  For a total of 9,037 arrested criminals.

Bravo!

The only bad thing I can say is that this type of concentrated effort cannot be maintained.  Not because Law Enforcement doesn’t have the desire to hunt these criminals down but because they simply do not have the manpower or funding to maintain this type of effort indefinitely.

Which gives me an idea…

You know those silly check boxes on your tax forms asking if you wish to donate $3.00 to the Presidential Election Campaign?  (The one I generally don’t check off, because I would rather donate to the candidate of my choice instead of donating anything to a candidate who is diametrically opposed to my beliefs.)  Well if they added a box to the tax forms asking “Do you wish to donate $3.00 to the tireless, unrelenting, unmerciful manhunt, prosecution and perpetual incarceration of Child Molesters and Sex Offenders?”  That would be a box I would check off without a second thought.

We could even take it a step further…you know how Firefighter’s stand at traffic lights asking driver’s to “Fill The Boot” for Muscular Dystrophy?  Maybe the Police could put a Child Molester in a set of pillory-stocks with a sign around their neck asking for donations to fund the hunt for fugitive sex offenders.

Just a thought.

The War Brought Home

Despite what some people may think…I am NOT a fan of the war in Iraq.  I’m really not a fan of war at all.  I do however; feel that at times it is necessary.

If you want to hate the war, I understand that…even admire it.  But the second you spew any venom directed at the troops stuck in this mess…you and I part ways and I find it hard to forgive and harder to forget, hatred directed at our troops.

Get a clue for crying out loud…these young men and women are stuck in a grinder of failed diplomacy, politics and religious hatred.  They are there to put an end to it.  Hate the grinder and not the meat.

But it is not my intent to argue the reasons for our current conflict or any other for that matter.  Our troops are there.  They are rebuilding, training, fighting, dying and being horribly wounded on our behalf.  Any argument about the cause of war at this point is merely academic.  It would do nothing to shorten the time our troops will be in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Nor will it lessen the wounds or suffering or those directly effected by the war.

So Hell Yeah, I support our troops.  It would be wonderful to have them all come home today, but that isn’t going happen.  So until that time…I will be happy to pass them all the ammunition they can use, pay to armor their Hummers, have some of my taxes go to bullet resistant vests or even mow their lawns while they are deployed.

I received an email from a friend.  One of those stupid chain emails I routinely delete with just the slightest glance or no real regret.  I was incapable of doing that this morning.  Maybe because it caused my eyes to well up and I couldn’t clearly see the delete key through my shimmering tears.

So I have decided to share it with you despite my misgivings of chain mail and my usual mistrust of any truth these emails may have.  This one just seems to transcend my ingrained skepticism.

I hope it touches something inside you like it did for me.

A Simple Thank You

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.

Heading out I asked?

No.  I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No.  He is with me right now.  He was killed in Iraq.  I'm taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut.  It was an honor for him.  He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew  them after many conversations in so few days.  I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you.  Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight.  He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family.  I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier.  We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested.  I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Stuart Margel, Washington, D.C.

Here are two very very touching photos honored as this year's International Picture of the Year.

 

First Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. 

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: "See the people in the windows?  They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines.  You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives.  They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.”

Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."

Kung Fu Fighting and Other Songs That Get Stuck In Your Head

My malicious nature was inspired this morning, by a song.

I am one of the many people that suffer exquisitely from songs that get stuck in my head.  Like an old LP album with a deep scratch, my internal needle sticks and the song is repeated ad nauseam and tends to stay for days on end, providing a defective soundtrack to everything I do.

Being of a generous nature, I like to share.  So when I stumbled on Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Fighting” this morning I immediately sprung into action.  I called Dave Lakhani of Bold Approach.  Knowing he was probably in flight on a business trip to San Diego.  I got his voicemail.  Thrilled, I asked forgiveness for the evil I was about to do and proceeded to blare 30 seconds of the most insidious portion of Kung Fu Fighting into the phone.  I can hardly wait for his angry return call.  I am certain he will try to counter with Tommy Tu-Tone’s 867-5309 (Jenny Jenny).

Unsatisfied with the lack of immediate response I called my wife, certain she had nothing better to do than to try to conduct business with the song stuck in her head.  Her immediate respond was to curse and then say…”You gotta call Dave”!  That’s part of why I love her so much.  She is surely equally as evil as I can be.

For those of you inclined to infect yourselves I found it as the soundtrack to a Google Video somebody with more time on their hands than sense, made of his two cats play fighting. Here is the link…

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8810348619140081740&q=cats&pl=true

And for even more ideas I found the Top 192 Most Annoying Songs to Get Stuck in your Head according to the keepersoflists.org.

Enjoy at your own risk, I assume no responsibility for your decline in productivity.  Just remember it’s nice to share!