The Confluence

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN (dadadada dadadadada dadadada dadadadadadada)

2008-07-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN (dadadada dadadadada dadadada dadadadadadada)

Hadron Collider world destruction countdown

Q&A: Amtrak CEO on American Ridership | Newsweek International | Newsweek.com

2008-07-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

I've been talking about this for years. The crumbling of America's passenger rail system over the past 80 years has been a national tragedy. Sounds like people are finally starting to come around:

Q&A: Amtrak CEO on American Ridership | Newsweek International | Newsweek.com

To all the teachers I know...

2008-06-03T11:56:00.001-05:00

Hilarious Chemistry Test

Peak Everything: 8 Things We Are Running Out of and Why

No air-conditioning in the office day...

2008-05-28T15:15:00.001-05:00

10 Free Security Downloads for Windows

Some great stuff online lately...

2008-05-16T13:55:00.007-05:00

Ha! Ironic website showing pictures of Rocky the grizzly bear and his owner Randy. They seem to be having a wonderful time. Too bad Rocky later mauled Randy's cousin Steve to death. I wonder if Randy still laughs with Rocky?

100 Must-Read Books: The Essential Man's Library

Put this in your pipe and smoke it: How to escape from a black hole.
-I am not convinced that the human mind can really wrap itself, so to speak, around the true nature of the universe. While I find information like this extremely interesting, I wonder if one day a scientist will actually discover (or piece together) something so incredible about the universe that his head will literally explode (or implode and turn into a black hole that will devour our planet).

10 Drinking Commandments

You don't know the power of the dark side...

2008-04-24T06:48:00.002-05:00

...Darth Vader pulls off small victory.

Aftermath...

2008-04-23T06:48:00.004-05:00

Pens are playing the Rangers and here's the Hillary breakdown...

Can science save the banana?

Thank god that technology is looking out for us...

Penis theft panic!!! (only in Africa)

4 Signs I Should Have Stayed Home Today...

2008-04-21T07:08:00.003-05:00

1) My son through an absolute fit going to daycare this morning.
2) My regular bus was abnormally packed this morning, including a straight-from-the-trailer couple who saved their half smoked cigarettes, which filled the entire bus with a putrid stink, and argued the entire way to town.
3) A woman got on the bus this morning with a cat in a box...a live cat...in a box. I guess she wasn't worried about other peoples' allergies.
4) Hillary Clinton is having a rally 2 blocks away from my office at lunch time.

...and this was supposed to be my day off.

Texas Polygamists

20+ Windows Vista Features and Services Harvest User Data for Microsoft

- From your machine!

We may truly be the unwanted child of the universe.

Some good stuff from Discovery...

2008-04-18T15:20:00.002-05:00

Road Kill is a problem.

Extinction isn't always as it seems.

Top 5 RTS Games for Windows. I agree with at least 3.

And we're back...

2008-04-17T12:03:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lull in posts. Work and a general distaste for the current state of the union has been weighing heavily on my shoulders. I've been taking solace in my family and laying off the web browsing as much as possible. I read a great post today, which you can find here. Best line:

"Johnny, it used to be you could be sure of one thing in this life: if you worked hard every day, went to church on Sunday, and voted Democratic, your kids could have a better life than you did. Now that's all over, and nobody even says nothin' about it! The Republicans don't care. The Democrats don't care...John--you managed to get out of here, so you must be smart...What the hell happened to this country?"

Five Lost Cities of the Future. Detriot, which I recently had the pleasure of visiting and is on this list, is clearly in bad shape. The mayor is a hustler with a huge entourage (someone should remind him that he is in Detroit), crime is rampant, there is literally no work with the exception of healthcare, and the biggest construction project being undertaken there is an enormous bridge to Canada! Sweet freedom! The reason why the healthcare field is booming is because the 50% of the peak population that still resides there is too sick to leave!

Whew...(sigh of relief)

2008-02-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks you for your time Mr. Dobson, but there's the door.

Best. Video. Game. Ever. (?)

On things to come...

2008-02-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

Phase change memory will make flash obsolete before it becomes the standard.

Jonathan D. Salant claims that Obama doesn't take donations from 'registered' lobbyists. He is probably going to get my vote anyhow, but if I can find proof that this is true, it's a sure thing. I urge anyone on the fence with the candidates to take this into consideration.

IP version 6

The eternal bond between Legos and Star Wars continues...

The Great American Jobs Machine is Conking Out...I like the lean and mean theory that is mentioned. My office could 'shed a few pounds.'

The latest M. Night Shyamalan film is The Happening

The candidates' tech policies. Good stuff.

The Presidential Election...

2008-01-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

Nice little site that helps determine which candidate best suits your personal beliefs on some of the leading issues.

Sorry for the lag in posts, here's some good stuff...

2008-01-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

Losing a game of chess is not the end of the world...

100,000 yr old skull found in commie China.

Can we still trust George Lucas?

2008-01-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

George, please don't screw this up.

Columbus the ladies' man. Hope to see a History Channel documentary on this...

Re: Mike Huckabee is a douchebag.

Rubik's Cube...

2008-01-08T07:47:00.001-05:00

...here you go Norm.

George McGovern steps from the pages of history and makes some powerful statements.

Some insight into the presidential candidates by always-entertaining Jim Kuntsler.

Bush is more trouble than he's worth...

Re: Mike Huckabee is a douchebag: Evolution Not 'Just a Theory', and Yes, Huckabee It Does Matter by Loretta Hidalgo of Wired.

Another day, another dollar...

2008-01-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

Awesome article from The New Yorker on Google.

Happy New Year...

2008-01-02T15:35:00.001-05:00

hopefully back with regular posts...

Here's a very interesting article that Steve sent me written by John Hockenberry about the main stream media (MSM).

Stay in your homes edition...

2007-12-23T19:03:00.000-05:00

Zombie Infection Simulation

Religion and sin during the holidays...

2007-12-20T13:18:00.000-05:00

Harold Meyerson outs right-wing christian conservatives for what they are, the modern day KKK.

Tom Gregory describes what its like to be non-christian in this country on Christmas. While I do celebrate Christmas and look forward to it every year as a day to spend with my family, I see his point and agree with his political opinion of the ridiculous and obscene "House Resolution 847: Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith". Short read: They Still Deliver My Mail on Yom Kippur

Have we taken ourselves to seriously? Isn't Christmas supposed to be a time of giving and remembrance? Why does the MSM always dredge up the buzz-killing 'War on Christmas' and the even worse 'persecution of Christians in the US' around this time? Persecution, Christians, and US are three words that combine to create one of the biggest oxymorons of the modern era. Why do the ones making the stink about being persecuted for their Christian beliefs always turn out to be rich white guys? I have no answers. Leave a comment if you do. I'll be trying to not watch TV and enjoy my holiday with some 'extra strong' eggnog. Merry Christmas, and up yours Bill O'Reilly.

Taking Christmas too far...

2007-12-18T08:52:00.001-05:00

Tony Snow joins Bill 'falafel' O'Reilly and the Neo-conservatives in fighting the imaginary war on god, because somebody has to protect the almighty from his flock. Be sure to read the equally hilarious comments under the article.

Senator Jeff Sessions outs himself as a fascist on the Senate floor.

Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu or any other, this is totally inappropriate for a public educational institution.

Mammoths and meteors don't mix.

Evening post...

2007-12-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

Why, oh why do I live on land?

One more week...

2007-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Most anticipated Video Games of 2008...looks to be a good year.

Mike Huckabee is a douche bag

Thank Bill Curry for pointing out that it is ok to ask tough questions about one's religion, if it will impose consequences on someone else's, i.e. Mitt 'Slick' Romney.

Al Gore won the Nobel Prize...

2007-12-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

...and we elected G.W.

Underwater Ocean Turbines as an energy source.

If you are even considering voting for Huckabee, I don't think we can be friends any longer.

Kangaroos start pulling their weight.

I'll be watching...

2007-12-10T08:15:00.001-05:00

Bush League Justice

Just added this link to my favorites down on the right: Global Public Media

The War on Drugs

2007-12-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

Very comprehensive history of The War on Drugs

11/30/07

2007-11-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

11/29/07-Happy 1st Birthday Logan!

Mike Huckabee is a schizophrenic.

Look how coal mining is destroying the American landscape.

After having personally experienced the devastating and unrelenting destructive aftermath of the BK gut-bomb, I may support the boycott for personal reasons...

Its the beginning of the holiday season...

2007-11-20T07:44:00.000-05:00

... 'mise well try something new. You must read the effects after the pic in the article. "Subject resigns himself to eternal damnation." Sounds like a rough night, lol.

Could they use these robots to lead roaches away from people? They could one day be the ultimate exterminator.

Christina Page discusses Romney's disturbing political legacy.

PS3 Edition

2007-11-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

If you own a PS3 and don't have Call of Duty 4, stop what you're doing and go buy it right now. Next, use the 'contact me' link on the right to get in touch with me so we can play online.

10 PS3 tricks not in your manual

Zombie Attacks...

2007-11-09T11:24:00.001-05:00

Possibly one of the earliest instances of zombie attacks in the history of all mankind.

At least someone still speaks up...

2007-11-06T07:49:00.000-05:00

If we only had some politicians that would stand by Olbermann's words...

I bet Ed Reed thinks twice before talking to Heinz Ward during their next game. I hope he got his socks off the field before they left to return to Baltimore last night.

Interesting history lesson about Pakistan from David Andelman, author of A Shattered Peace: Versialles 1919 and the Price We Pay Today.

The world's breadbasket...

2007-11-05T11:37:00.001-05:00

American farms have made this country the world's breadbasket, but what kind of food makes all the money? The kind that is causing the majority of health problems in the US: saturated fats and high-fructose corn syrup. Read about the latest fight over the farm bill here.

James Mulvaney discusses the abysmal situation in Pakistan. Problem is that Bhutto has been saying this for years. She discussed this situation and predicted almost everything that has happened recently back in 2003 when she spoke here is Pittsburgh.

Look for it...

2007-10-31T06:32:00.000-05:00

Trent Reznor and Saul Williams: Talking about their new collaboration. Offering it in the same style as the latest Radiohead album, which you could get for whatever you felt like paying. This might be the first album I've paid for in awhile.

Gphone: keep your fingers crossed.

Good idea, there have never been any Egyptian terrorists (can you sense my sarcasm through your monitor?)

Get your daily fix of paranoia here, but seriously, some of this stuff is terrifying.

Starting off another day...

2007-10-30T07:44:00.000-05:00

Great article on a new internet technology to speed things up tremendously.

US Army needs the oil more than US poor...

2007-10-25T06:58:00.000-05:00

I find it disturbing that I hear about things like this from political opinion pieces (which I take with a grain of salt), instead of outraged politicians. Guess its just business as usual.

The politics of reality...

2007-10-24T07:18:00.000-05:00

Arianna Huffington writes about the reality of current politics in this blog post. 'Reality' being the key word here. Not left-leaning, democrat, or liberal propaganda; just reality. I would not consider myself democrat or republican, in fact, I'm registered to vote with no party affiliation. I can sympathize with elements of both sides of the spectrum, although I will admit that over the last 8 years some might feel that I have been increasingly left-leaning. I like to think of it as leaning towards reality or rational thinking; something that I believe is in very short supply in the US today.

Unfortunately, many hospitals in PA (and presumably around the country, and the rest of the world) are affiliated with or run by religious organizations. In this day and age, it seems to me that this is an oxymoron and bad for the public at large and here is one reason why. Increasingly, scientific and medical research is conflicting with established religious beliefs. While the rational solution may be for the medical facility to overlook this conflict and administer the best medical care available, in fact the opposite is happening. Patients are being denied certain medical procedures and prescription drugs due to the facilities' religious beliefs. In many cases, these people have no other choice of medical facility, and the denial of a procedure or medicine based on religious beliefs of a medical facility and not scientific fact should be a CRIME.
This plays in the same way to the religious beliefs of pharmacists. Honestly, who cares what their pharmacist believes? They are not there to preach, but to dispense medicine that has been prescribed by a doctor. If I want a sermon, I'll go to church. If you want to preach and not dispense medicine there is a school for that, it's called seminary.

Jim David serves up a steaming pile of irony. Thanks Jim.

Someone tell Oklahoma Rep. Rex Duncan (R. (of course)) to give back his bible as well. What's really scary is that he is a highly decorated military officer. On the other hand, I am grateful that he is at least serving his country instead of being an armchair general... *cough-cheney*cough-bush

Erik, you'll enjoy this-After this statement, he should swing a huge bastard sword around his shoulders, over his head and drop the point on a defeated republican.

Found some great stuff today...

2007-10-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

59 Ways to Supercharge Windows
-All kinds of great stuff to download here!
-This is part of this article.

Here you go Norm...

2007-10-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

By the way, I need your email address. But check this article on dealing with the 'blue screen of death'.

Let Congressmen be roadkill...

2007-10-19T10:12:00.000-05:00

I would slow down for a turtle in the road (and have) before I would slow down for Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich.

Maybe someone will be lucky enough to catch Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia) in the road as well. Read here about how he is selling us all out to the large telcos after a record year of telco employee campaign contributions. These guys don't even try to hide this stuff; they're like vending machines, put your money in and choose what you want to get out of it.

Now if the PS3 only had some good games...

2007-10-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

PS3 Supercomputer!

Anti-Family Planning advocate Susan Orr appointed to oversee federal family planning programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Be sure to sign the online petition against this nomination here.
As an employee of a welfare-to-work program, I can confidently say that the current abstinence only programs are an abysmal failure. I would love to have Ms. Orr follow me around for a day.

Senator Craig doesn't just like assholes, he is an asshole.

Christina Page points out a scientific study that shows 'Pro-Life' policies actually increase abortions.

I'm gonna start saving my money. I'm gonna need it to pay the immigration tax to Canada; cause if Romney gets elected, I'm leaving!

Become invisible by opting out...

2007-10-17T10:49:00.001-05:00

World Privacy Forum: Top Ten Opt Outs

Back from a great weekend...

2007-10-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

Started the process of making a ton of wine. Looks like we'll have over 100 bottles between everybody involved. Thanks to Cochoran in the Strip for the $4 cases of grapes!

Also this weekend, my son started walking, got to carve his first pumpkin and had his first chilli cheese dog from the Brighton Hot Dog Shop! Pics will be up soon.

Great summary of movies being released in 2008!

Another example of a prominent and influential American veteran in a position to speak out about the war, but doing so too late to make a difference.

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

Chef Steff in the news again
I worked for Chef Steff for a year and a half and have no problem saying "No surprises there." This guy single handedly ran 2 great restaurants (and a marriage) into the ground in a little under 3 years; all while alienating business partners and making half a million enemies and angry customers. No doubt that Steff is up to his old antics: bullying employees, arguing with customers and freely serving alcohol to attractive underage girls. However, I'm sure the food is fantastic!

Columbus Day is bs...

2007-10-08T06:20:00.000-05:00

Great opinion piece from the NY Times: A Nation of Christians is Not a Christian Nation
by Jon Meacham

Done with Pittsburgh's Mayor...

2007-10-04T07:51:00.000-05:00

...thought it might be a good thing to have a young, inexperienced mayor, and it may be a good thing. But not if its Luke Ravenstahl, and here's another reason why. I am very much against the use of taxpayer funded vehicles and equipment being used for unofficial purposes. This situation, in addition to the golf outing fiasco and not speaking at a forum until his political adversary was removed from the room, among other things; all lead me to believe that the Mayor of Pittsburgh is abusing his power to the detriment of all Pittsburgh residents.

Another bout of internet ADD...

2007-10-03T06:19:00.000-05:00

...has kept me from posting in awhile. Just generally tired of all the politics in the news and how nothing ever changes. It was The Who that sang, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Thinking about taking a page from Steve and unplugging for awhile.

I did like this: "New Heart Device Allows Cheney To Experience Love"

The Age of Irresponsibility...

2007-09-21T06:50:00.000-05:00

The Age of Irresponsibility
by Michael Hirsch
Newsweek

Priceless...

2007-09-20T06:46:00.000-05:00

How to get your family banned from KMart.

Firewire who? USB 3.0

Want to see the government along with huge corporate entities screw American citizens? Doesn't get much worse than this.

Is crazy in the water?

2007-09-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

Just...speechless at this.

I'm obviously not an Eagles fan, being born and raised in Pittsburgh and all; although, I did spend about 2 1/2 years there working. During that time, pre-Steeler Superbowl win, I got tons of trash talk thrown at me by the local Philadelphia co-workers. Of course during those 2 years the Steelers summarily thrashed Philadelphia both in the pre and regular seasons, which always turned the tables come the next day at the office. Anyhow, getting to the point-Donovan McNabb is soooooo played and this is why. He has been playing the race card for the last 5 years and I think everybody is sick of it, I know my former eastern-Pennsylvania colleagues are.

MSM buries another shocking story...

2007-09-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

Apparently, no major news outfits felt that this was a top story-Howard J. Krongard, the State Department's inspector general, has repeatedly thwarted investigations and censored reports that might prove politically embarrassing to the Bush administration, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform charged today in a 13-page letter.

Its even worse than the first paragraph lets on. I highly recommend this read, but shame on everyone but the Washington Post for not running this on the headlines today. This is exactly the kind of BS that Americans have grown tired of. I want my tax dollars back, I think we could all use a slice of the squandered $3 billion.

Can't get universal healthcare, but our government is more than happy to cut a no-questions-asked blank check to a ridiculously corrupt contractor with no oversight whatsoever.

In other news...Blackwater, the United States' largest private army has lost its license to operate in Iraq. Sounds good for the Iraqi people and American tax payers (who have been paying these guys' salaries) and bad for the politicians they have been protecting; also with virtually no oversight and a seemingly blank (American tax dollar) check. Looks like the Iraqi government is going to investigate everyone else as well in their most intelligent move yet. Read about it here.

Steeler season starts this weekend!

2007-09-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

Interesting article on Fred Franzia, CEO of Bronco Wine. No, they do not make the Franzia boxed wine.

Awesome, little-known web-services.

Good blog on why Picard would be a better President than Bush, here.

At Norm's request...The Duct Tape Bandit!

2007-08-31T07:55:00.000-05:00

Yeah, this guy robbed a liquor store of $15 with his head wrapped in duct tape. While waiting in the police cruiser, he stripped off the tape and claimed that they had arrested the wrong man; even though he had the tape on when he got in the police vehilce...and was the only person in said vehicle at the time. Read an official news report here.

And here's the big payoff: Duct Tape Bandit 'Looked Like Cornholio' -this account on MSNBC's Countdown had Norm and I pissing ourselves; "They said Cornholio on national tv!"

I believe the last link also has embedded video that I highly suggest watching. Listening to this guy deny everything is almost as funny as looking at his busted up mug wrapped in duct tape. This happened a few weeks ago, sorry for the delay.

Internet Stuff

2007-08-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

Great classic stuff here, and great new and undiscovered stuff here.

Big difference between foreign policy and child molestation

2007-08-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

But apparently not for the Pope or President Bush. Read about it here.

Just a recap on "God's Warriors"...I watched the Christianity segment in its entirety. Scary stuff, some of it is just brainwashing, 'drink the kool-aide' ridiculousness. If you have been reading my blog, you know my feelings on Jerry Falwell, so I won't touch that here. Also a lot on 'activist judges' which is an oxymoron in itself. Also really surprised about the demonizing of Darwin, he was a scientist for god's sake. Guess what? If you have not done years and years of scientific research and earned at least a masters degree (if not higher) in said area of study, you are not an expert, but merely an amateur. Years of reading the bible does not qualify you to voice opinion on decades of intensive and ongoing scientific research. Who is to say that evolution is not god's plan? Another 'Guess What', human beings are more ruthless and evil towards each other than any animal I know (including monkeys). In my opinion our evolutionary path traded strength and speed for brains which allowed us to become the dominate species. It was our minds that allowed us to avoid (and ultimately hunt) larger and more dangerous animals on the food chain, hence eventually leading to our dominance on this planet; in other words, evolution.

Summer is almost gone...

2007-08-23T06:20:00.001-05:00

Would you like some sausage, daddy?

just...wow.

Do creationists not read?

And you're worried about the mercury.

I've been watching CNN's "God's Warriors" series the last 2 nights. Interesting stuff, if you can get past Amanpour, who tends to get on my nerve's. If you want to catch up, you can apparantly watch it through this blog, but the links probably take you somewhere else. Christianity airs tonight, looks like there is some good supplemental stuff on the official website (linked to above). My only complaint is that I would like more history then has been provided so far, but there are other sources for that I guess. A lot of interviews with individuals involved in specific, well known events as opposed to a history of extremism.

Now this is news!

2007-08-20T06:48:00.000-05:00

Where is the American media on this story? Sounds like a good time to invest in silica.

Great story, found here (may have to register, it's free!!!), about the War on Drugs. When will our country learn? We could seriously reduce crime, non-violent inmate population, and national debt with a rethinking and reorganization, which may mean some form of legalization. Unfortunately, I don't think it will ever happen.

What a philanthropic nation we are. Everyone tell North Korea "You're welcome!". Israel you say? Where was that money when New Orleans needed it? How about asking your congressman about that?

The emergence of "Universal" Health Care?

2007-08-16T07:08:00.000-05:00

Read about Massachusetts's healthcare experiment here.

This article pretty much sums it up: Greetings From Idiot America

Haven't posted anything about religion in awhile...

2007-08-15T06:56:00.000-05:00

Religion Beat Became a Test of Faith
By William Lobdell

A government by the people, for the people should be barred from spending tax dollars ($1.6 Billion) on political agendas.

Some Star Trek nonsense.

Your pets won't mourn you, they'll eat you.

New study about people who smoke at work, a real shocker.

Back from Vacation

2007-08-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

Hopefully have new pics up soon from a number of different events. I'll throw up a link when I do.

Good article on the 10 Best Movies that were never made.

Being pro-life and anti-welfare is an oxymoron...

2007-08-02T07:06:00.000-05:00

While this article about Romney's stance as a pro-lifer does not mention welfare, I have found that most right leaning politicians are constantly trying to cut money for the welfare system. So are they going to personally pay for all the babies born out of wedlock? There are so many examples of politicians fighting the welfare system that a quick Google search will turn them up, no need to post them here. For those of you that feel that welfare is a hand out; while not a perfect system; recipients cannot live off of the amount of cash assistance paid out. Also, at least in PA, you cannot receive cash without participating in a welfare to work program. The system can barely afford to cover all of the children it has now, how does campaigning against contraception and abortion address this issue, Mr. Romney? Instead of cutting access to contraception and abortion, how about more education about the financial implications of the state having to raise thousands of children that their parents don't want...

Comic book geeks make for some of the best comedy around...

2007-08-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

Erik, I know you'll appreciate this.

Countdown to vacation...

2007-07-30T12:46:00.000-05:00

The laminate floors are in and they look great. I'll post some pics, hopefully soon...

HOW MUCH JAIL TIME?

Harbinger of death...

2007-07-26T06:32:00.000-05:00

The Grim Reaper would take the form of a cat...

Uses for Coffee Grounds.

I know, I know, why do I keep reading Ruth Ann Dailey's editorials? I guess to see what kind of nonsense she comes up with next. In this one about the Duquesne School District, that was just disbanded at the high school level, she talks about ways to revitalize the community and keep the school open. Ms. Dailey, have you been to Duquesne recently? Probably not; the reason: its a dump. A town in its last throws of death, of which the closing of the high school is just one of the last remaining nails to be driven into the coffin. The poverty, violent crime and rampant crack addiction have made travel there almost suicide for non-residents, especially those of Ms. Daily's ilk. Ms. Dailey, please continue to worry about your own community and allow Duquesne to slip silently (as possible) into the night.

Animal sculptures

2007-07-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

Made of steel...yes, James...STEEL!!!!!

Real life Scrooge, he's British and everything! (Correction, Scottish, but close)

Hilarious stories from a Blockbuster employee. I know, I know, its a long read; but it pays off in the end.

Virtual Drinking Buddy - be sure to "make a toast"

Going unrecognized...

2007-07-24T06:29:00.001-05:00

The greatest person on Earth that you've never heard of...

While development has not proceeded, it is one of 3 new potential WalMart sites currently happening within a 15 minute drive of my house.

The many uses of vinegar.

Check out my del.icio.us links further down on the right hand side. These are mostly informative and/or great sites that I've found, mostly through StumbleUpon. Don't know what del.icio.us is? Check it here and add me to your network.

Punishment should fit the crime...

2007-07-18T06:25:00.001-05:00

I'm sure that alligators would be just as unforgiving to Mr. Braddy...

Wow...

2007-07-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

As those of you who read my blog have probably noticed, there is a Pittsburgh Bloggers icon on the right hand side. I am a member and a link to this blog can be found on their site. Nothing new here, its been there awhile. While I generally think Pittsburgh Bloggers is a fantastic idea, I realize now whats wrong with it: 99% of the blogs listed with Pittsburgh Bloggers are bloody awful. Not that I'm trying to be on a high-horse, I don't particularly think this blog is great either, but there are some damn terrible blogs coming out of Pittsburgh. As a matter of fact, after checking out a large number of those listed, I can't say there is one that I will return to. Most of the blogs have not been updated in months, let alone have anything remotely interesting posted.

I hope that someone has found some satisfaction with at least one of my posts. If not, let me know and I'll try harder. I don't know, maybe I'll start posting porn or something. Thanks for all the comments, all 5 of them! To be honest, I don't have unreasonable expectations. Most of my readers are close friends and family members and thats cool with me.

Awesome family tree site.

Bush's 'Ideals' ruining this country...

2007-07-17T07:26:00.000-05:00

"What is clear is that this administration wouldn't tax the devil to help a good cause, and certainly not Big Tobacco."

About time...

2007-07-16T07:59:00.001-05:00

Why is there even a debate about this? This should have been on the books for decades. I applaud Councilman Motznik for bringing this up for a vote.

Pics or it didn't happen!

Human evolution in action...

Nappy-ass weave costs beauty contestant her crown...

Kelly Clarkson

2007-07-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, Kelly Clarkson, created by Fox's American Idol garbage-entertainment juggernaut turns out to seem somewhat intelligent. I may not like her music, but she seems smarter than most other manufactured entertainers. Who knew?

A little civility goes a long way...

Evolution of the mammal snout...

More on the 'Pizza Bomber'

2007-07-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Dave for digging this stuff up:

Actual video of the bomb exploding and killing Brian Wells

Breaking...

2007-07-10T07:03:00.000-05:00

Here is more on the story of an Erie man who was killed when a bomb that was strapped around his neck exploded, killing him. I mentioned this a few months ago and the investigation has been going on for a few years. Its a crazy story, you just have to read it.

Wow, the entire series of notes (some heavily edited) given to Brian Wells and photos of the objects used, including the bomb, can be found here!

I agree with this editorial on wages for home-health aides, but they are not the only ones who deserve to receive at least minimum wage. Right now, businesses are not required to pay the new $7.15 minimum to part-time workers. Also, small businesses are not required to meet the minimum, for the immediate future. Aren't part-time employees and employees of small businesses entitled to the same privileges as everyone else? This is a perfect example of legislation favoring business and not the working men and women of this country who struggle to overcome poverty.

Baby mammoth discovered in Siberian permafrost. Looks like we'll see a live mammoth in our lifetime.

Oh, the irony...

Where do these people come from?

2007-07-09T07:32:00.000-05:00

Ruth Ann Dailey lives in a different reality than I do. Please read this and let me know if I alone think its unfocused and ridiculously pro-life. I read her column quite regularly, and find myself wondering who pays her for her awful opinions? Every 'straight-thinking american' that I know would think this editorial to be absurd. She seems to have totally missed the point of Mr. Toobin's statement when he points to 'extraordinary risk to the ...fetus'. I must admit, that not having read anything of Mr. Toobin's statements other than what is in Ms. Dailey's editorial it is painfully obvious that he meant that the fetus has very little chance of survival BEFORE the abortion procedure.
While I do agree that partial-birth abortion seems cruel and mostly unnecessary, I'm sure that it is not a decision that is easily made, or happily performed by any doctor arbitrarily. I've stated this opinion before and I will again, unless you have been in a situation in which abortion was a legitimate option, than you do not have any right to question whether or not it should be legal. Judging by Ms.Dailey's biography posted online, I would find it hard to believe that she was ever in such a situation.

And I thought nothing would come of this...

2007-07-06T06:46:00.000-05:00

Updates on the 'DC Madam' story here. We may get to see this list after all. I really want to see if there are politicians on this list that called for Clinton's impeachment. Will the MSM bring this to light? I'll keep tabs here.

Snoop the bloke.

Was Annie caught on film and put on the Huffington Post?

It may not have violated ethics rules, but it was an asshole move and has begun to turn people against our celebrity obsessed mayor.

Anyone who has followed the progress of invasive species in the Great Lakes will be aware that this editorial is a quarter-century late and a billion dollars short.

Stay far away from the convention center this weekend. You've been warned.

Backwards US MSM...

2007-07-05T06:48:00.000-05:00

Why am I hearing about this story from an Australian news site?

Biggest spider ever...this would make Matt Casey's head explode.

Good news in downtown Pittsburgh living...

Even Cleveland's wild animals suck...

2007-07-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

Being from Pittsburgh, hating all things from Cleveland, OH is a birthright. This includes everything, even its poor excuse for wild animals. I was delighted to find this story in the news today about Pitt and Cleveland's peregrine falcons. This is honestly the best story I've read all week.

Interesting comments on a study done by The Center on Race and Social Problems entitled "Pittsburgh's Racial Demographics: Differences and Disparities".

Internet ADD...

2007-07-02T07:47:00.000-05:00

Had a serious case of internet ADD lately. No noteworthy headlines or interesting finds to really comment on.

I read that the bombs in the UK, while kind of frightening, were not powerful enough to really be a threat. The whole Paris Hilton thing and the presidential debates have been wearing thin on my patience.

While Larry King did get a bump in ratings for the Paris interview, was it really worth marginalizing himself further? I don't know anybody under the age of 54 who watches this guy (the 'rents apparently still tune in from time to time, hence the age justification).

I'll try to get back on the ball this week...

Piracy argument hits a new low...

2007-06-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

The movie industry's argument against piracy hits a new low, read about it here. I would like to see some info on how much money corn farmers were directly making from the movie industry to begin with and does pirating movies directly affect the sales of microwave popcorn (that most people eat while watching movies at home)?

Net Neutrality

2007-06-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Excerpt of this blog:

Broadband Reality Check

So what's the real skinny?

There is no competitive marketplace for Internet access in the United States. More than 95 percent of residential high-speed lines are owned by telephone and cable companies. That is a rigid duopoly by any standard. (Source: FCC)

The result of duopoly control is higher prices for slower connections to the Internet. Compared to citizens in other developed nations, Americans now pay 10 to 20 times as much for far slower Internet services than those offered by modern European and Asian countries. (Source: Broadband Reality Check II)

A full 37 percent of ZIP codes have one or fewer choices of a wired broadband provider. (Source: FCC)

So, Mr Kneuer, when both your phone and cable provider are pushing to gut net neutrality, what other "free market" choices does a consumer really have?

On a different topic with overlapping themes, why is there no 'conflict of interest' law in our government? Why is it even possible for former lobbyists to hold government posts over what they were lobbying for? Lobbyists are supposed to go to government appointed employees with their point of view, not become the government appointee. This scenario plays itself out at every level of government and has clearly gotten worse under the current administration-but they are not solely to blame. I'll offer some proof at a later date, feeling lazy today...

Awesome! Gator tries to eat golfer!

Unfortunately, the gators usually lose in the end. I think its a great trade off that retirees flock to Florida for the golf and relaxation but have to dodge man-eating reptiles along the way. I think that gators who attack people should be praised and allowed to stay where they are to 'thin out the herd'.

What a great way to go. Be pulled under by a huge alligator, never to be heard from again. If I have a choice, I hope this is how I go out (when I'm old and of no use, of course). People that survive, should wear the gators teeth as a trophy of their conquest and badge of honor in the fact that it 'wasn't their time to go'. Yes, this sort of thing really happens, don't believe me? Read about it here - the dying thing, not the trophy teeth.

Are you serious?

2007-06-15T14:02:00.000-05:00

Is is just me, or am I the only one who thinks that the victims of Hurricane Katrina don't owe FEMA shit?

Why am I not surprised?

2007-06-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

High school alumni drops two fools in Ambridge-read about it here. Just for the record, he's not as hard as he looks in the mug shot. Couldn't even commit a crime right.

Here is another, more successful (in the category of committing crimes anyway), classmate and graduate of 1997 (as is the gentleman above). Who knows, maybe they will reestablish their connection on the inside.

Best of luck to them both!

Wilds of West Virginia

2007-06-11T19:35:00.000-05:00

All Deliverance jokes aside, West Virginia is a great place to get away to drink, shoot, play paintball and otherwise humiliate yourself for an entire weekend. I poured a little out for the great citizens of Great Cacapon, WV for staying out of our way (or we would have gunned them down like the white trash that they are). See you next year!

You can find all of my pics and the best of Warick's here. Also added the pics from St. Patty's day and a few more of the baby boy.

Never thought that there were really any lizards north of the Carolinas. I was wrong. I saw what appeared to be (according to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Repitles and Amphibians) the following species in WV, running all over the place (unfortunately I didn't have my camera or field guide handy (isn't that always the case?)):

Northern Prairie Lizard

Racerunner or Five-Lined Skink

It was pretty great to finally see lizards thriving in the Northeast. I saw three total, all at least 4-5 inches long; within about 15 minutes of each other. I would estimate that it was around noon. By the time I was back outside around 3-4 o'clock they were nowhere to be found.

Well Herm, the old lady ruined it for you again. Just when we thought you couldn't join us in West Virginia because of new job obligations, she mentions in her blog from Honduras for you to have a good time at the Kenny Chesney show. Nice cowboy boots, fag.

Don't forget to check out Kelly's blog from Honduras here.
Looks like she's having a great time!

Blog Comments are sometimes better than the blogs themselves...

2007-06-05T06:42:00.001-05:00

I read this blog this morning and found the following comment posted by spookcatcher. While I don't agree with everything he (she?) says, I found it humorous nonetheless. Here is the comment:

"The demise of America is as follows: 1. Women allowed to vote (equality), but with the advent of multiple types of birth control and abortion, alimony and child support are the burden of the male pocketbook. 2. The Congress and Supreme Court using interstate commerce laws as a back door to usurp the Constitution against all personal freedoms and property rights. 3.The advent of an interstate highway system that was not mandated to coincide witha national mass transit system, thus allowing the spreading out and division of households away from the work place and your home/neighborhood, which fostered a public education system that bussed kids away from the problems, instead of investing in the neighborhoods where they live with the problems. 4. The halting of public hangings, especially of corrupted public servants, along with enhancing law enforcement with a legal system that rewards prosecutors for conviction ratios through bogus plea bargaining, affording the rich to walk freely, as opposed to the societal rewards and safety that comes from convictions of the right/true criminals committing the properly evidenced crimes. 5. Oil. 6. The Electoral College, and the media sustaining a 2 party De-Mockeracy. 7. The income tax system. 8. Texas becoming a state, when it should have stayed a republic and redivided later after we discovered how many racketeers and fascist oligarchs had settled in the territory."

I particularly like the part about Texas. No offense to any of my friends currently living in or soon to be living in Texas (Mr. & Mrs. Chris Thompson). Never had a desire to visit, but maybe they can change my mind...

Awesome opinion piece from Madeleine Albert Berenson. This is an issue that has affected myself and my sister within the last 5 years. While we both chose life for a number of reasons, all choices were on the table at one point or another. In my opinion, life is a blessing to be cherished. However, I feel strongly that no one (especially old, unrelated white guys) has the right to tell anyone what to do or how to feel. This is a deeply personal decision that should be solely left to those directly affected, not those who are offended.

Congrats Herm! On your wife going to Honduras, I will be following her adventures in the 3rd world at her trip's blog.

See the pattern here? The only one I feel bad for in this story is the tiger that didn't survive.

What?!?! Humans as prey?

2007-06-04T07:03:00.000-05:00

Here is a headlining story of an Indonesian boy who was killed by a Komodo dragon. Why did this make the headlines? Have we really distanced ourselves so far from the natural world that we no longer see other wildlife as a threat? I would think that on the island of Komodo I would be on the look-out for 9ft, 200lb lizards. Why are people shocked when someone is killed by a Komodo dragon, on the ISLAND OF KOMODO? These monstrous lizards need to eat too, and if you're the only thing available, guess what? You're dinner! In our brief history on earth, we have been prey longer than successful predators. How quickly our collective consciousness dissipates...

Wow, June 1 already...

2007-06-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

The new issue of Harper's has some great articles including one editorial by different authors explaining how Bush has ruined this country. I would link to it, but you need a physical subscription. However, their website is pretty fantastic as well. If you don't have a subscription, you need one. Thanks to Steve and Leslie for mine!

Check this out - Is Bush getting worse?

I don't know whether the person who called in a bomb scare to the Pittsburgh Police yesterday was a douchebag or a genius. Depends on what they wanted to accomplish; chaos? Done. Stop someone from getting somewhere? Nobody could get anywhere. A bomb in a tunnel in Pittsburgh? The City was clogged with cars within seconds, effectively cutting access from every direction. One question that I have is why did they have to close the tunnels off completely? Don't they have real time cameras in these tunnels at all times? Couldn't they just review the tapes for anything suspicious? Why do I have a feeling this wasn't the last time this will happen. Glad my bus doesn't take the tunnels.

Awesome article about the re-wilding of Europe and also mentions the projects in North America and Siberia.

Platinum cast, diamond encrusted skull by Damien Hurst, valued at $98 million.

Re: I hate this guy. Both of them.

"11yr old boy shoots and kills physical manifestation of Jerry Falwell's soul."

Busy month coming up, Philly this weekend, wilderness of West Virginia next weekend...

Week of May 21st

2007-05-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Found a great article this morning about the possibility that the Great Pyramids at Giza were actually form-cast from an ancient form of limestone cement.

Now that my son is on the verge of being mobile, I've really been thinking about how many potentially hazardous materials we have in our home. I would really like to move to totally non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaning materials. Found a great post with some simple recipes over at The Simple Dollar.

I'm Just Heartbroken...

2007-05-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

Death is a terrible thing, and I truly feel bad for Jerry Falwell's family (whether because of his death, or having to deal with him-not sure which.) Anyhow, we'll see you in hell Jerry.

I love to see periodical scholarly journals come out swinging. like Scientific American.

Law enforcement (and reporting) at its worst...

2007-05-09T06:45:00.000-05:00

Caught this article on MSNBC today about drug dealers targeting children with drugs cut with candy. This is a perfect example of law enforcement and the media not having a clue about how to interpret or deal with illegal drugs. The fact that a police officer truly believes that a drug dealer sits around wondering, "How am I going to get rid of all these drugs? I know! I'll cut them with candy and try to market them to children." just shows how out-of-touch with reality they really are. Hey! Wake up! Drugs sell themselves, there is no marketing involved. Are drugs more readily used by younger and younger people? Yes, they are more readily available, especially in the inner cities of this country.

I work in a setting where I deal with the inner city population on a daily basis. I hear the talk, know the language and stories inside out. The only things a "career" drug dealer worries about are 1) How much money can I make with what I have? 2) Can I get more? and 3) What am I going to buy with all this money?

This is all The Sydney Morning Herald is going to give us?

Great news stories that are going nowhere...

2007-05-08T06:45:00.000-05:00

I keep waiting for the infamous D.C. Madam to spill the beans, but she's dragged it out so long that I think most people have lost interest. Here's the latest.

For the love of god, will Wolfowitz please just quit already. Can this guy be a bigger douche-bag? I can't even believe that they are offering him a deal. Why is it that when a menial employee screws up they are tossed out on the curb. But when the CEO destroys the company (and usually most of his employee's retirement packages) he is given $100 million dollars and a pat on the back? I can't wait for a large company with a piss poor CEO to toss him (or her) out in the cold with nothing but the shirt on his back.

Tuesday May 1

2007-05-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

Blog hits made a significant jump last week. Thanks to everyone who has been reading!

Mind-blowing article on the science of resuscitation.

Rupert Murdoch is the devil, and his empire is expanding.

"Buying the War"

2007-04-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last night on PBS's Bill Moyer's Journal, Bill Moyers aires a report called "Buying the War". I didn't get to watch the whole show, but what I saw was fantastic. It discussed how the MSM sold the war in Iraq to the American people, myself included. I actually felt guilty after watching this. Here is the official site. I highly recommend watching this and you can online.

2007-04-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

Someone Finally Reads My Blog!

2007-04-23T15:15:00.000-05:00

Finally, one of my friends admits that they were here and generally has positive things to say. One of the most interesting was this:

"I think it's hilarious that in your blog you regularly express shock at the horrible behavior of the right--I would have thought everyone would be used to it by now. I guess it's a good thing that you're not. "

I must say that I totlly agree. After thinking about it for awhile, I realized that the behavior of the political (and usually religious) right dosen't shock me as much as the fact that they continue to get away with this behavior and haven't been run out of office by the citizens of this country. Here are two gleaming examples: Example 1 Example 2

Okay, well maybe these are bad examples because neither of these gentlemen actually hold a current political office, but the fact that they are still prominent is disturbing enough...

Also, even Bush Sr. is sick of his boys.

The Future of Travel and Commerce

2007-04-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, check this link about connecting Siberia and Alaska via a tunnel : http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20670001&refer=home&sid=a0bsMii8oKXw

Can you imagine how something like this would change world travel and commerce? Connecting North America and the european continents would change this world forever.

Massacre

2007-04-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

Well, we've all heard of the shootings at Virginia Tech and have probably all logged a few dozen hours of CNN or other non-stop news channel. Not going to glorify this here; with each similar tragedy the MSM sensationalist beast grows larger and uglier. Everybody has questions, but lets be honest, there will never be satisfactory answers. No one really knows what drives the minds of mass murders. All the science and profiling can't replay the thoughts that went through these peoples' heads. All the politicians will tout their gun safety stances, or lack thereof and talk about improving school safety. Why can't someone just say the obvious: There is nothing that can stop a madman with a plan and a gun.

Condolences to the families and victims. Random and senseless violence, however, is a risk of life. Nobody is to blame but the perpetrator, and their reasons are their own.

Easter is past...

2007-04-09T09:19:00.000-05:00

Easter has come and gone and I'm no worse for wear. Found a few things this morning, have a look:

Re: I hate this guy (and this article pretty much sums up why)

I'm having a real issue with hypocritical politicians these days (I know, that pretty much means all of them); but especially guys like McCain and Romney. They both showed some promise as anti-right wing wacko and fairly progressive attitudes earlier in their careers. Now they both claim they have always been in agreement with Dobson, Falwell and the like. Pandering to incredibly right-wing hardcore evangelicals turns my stomach and immediately dismisses any glimmer of credibility in my mind. Religion is not the issue, or should I say it shouldn't be an issue in current political discourse. If you have good ideas that don't make life harder for the public at large, you probably have my support. Could care less who, or what you worship. I might take a page from Vansluyter's book and unplug from the MSM for awhile.

Craziest. Shit. Ever. (no pun intended)

2007-04-03T14:44:00.000-05:00

Elementary School Principal Admits Throwing Feces at a Child

I can't stop laughing at the comments listed on this Digg. Principal throws feces...hilarity ensues. Just read it.

The week before Easter...

2007-04-02T07:28:00.000-05:00

Should be lots of interesting articles on religion this week. We'll start with this one:

Props to Lizz Winstead for noticing that "The foundation of Christianity is being shaken again!"

Matthew Dowd is a day late and a dollar short.

Comprehensive collection of information on all the new constuction in Pittsburgh.

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." - Henry Youngman

Scotty gets beamed up.

Herd Mentality

2007-03-26T11:48:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to some thoughts on herd mentality at bus stops. I can kind of agree, as my commute is similar, especially on the way home. However, I find more humor in 'getting to know' your fellow riders.

There are certain people who I see on the bus everyday, without fail. I have no idea of their names, nor do I particularly care; but I do 'know' them in a sense. For example, I know that everyday there is a woman, who is rather manish I might add, who gets on the bus at the last stop out of town. Everyday, she looks annoyed and flustered at the number of people on the bus, especially when she dosen't get a seat. One would think that after months, or years, you would know that at that time of day and at that stop the bus is always crowded. She acts as if we know she will soon board and therefore should clear the seats and let her have her choice.

There is also the older, cougarish, blonde who literally jumps to the head of the line at the bus stop as soon as the bus arrives with such intensity, you would swear it was the last bus to leave Pittsburgh, ever.

But let us not forget the older black gentleman who, finding himself without a seat, holds onto the overhead rail in a manner to plant his croutch directly square in the face of the sitting passenger. That sitting passenger, in my opinion, suddenly realizes how lucky the rest of us are to be standing.

More on this later...

Woohoo! Free online documentaries.

The Philadelphian renaissance of Pittsburgh continues and grows.

Religion and politics is so played...

2007-03-23T08:08:00.000-05:00

Ellen Goodman has it right with her opinion on religion and politics.

Updated my Picasa page with new pictures. Check back again soon for a collection of St. Patty's day pics.

Wedding update: This is going to happen on 6/14/2008 at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church and the reception will be at The Fez in The Balconade Room in Hopewell, PA. Here is our photographers site.

2007-03-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

I agree with Chris Kelly, Tom Delay is an idiot.