Jenny McCarthy - Poster Child for the Stoopid, Now with Puppets!

Sunday, November 30, 2008
We all know that I think Jenny McCarthy's campaign against vaccination is a dangerous piece of work, and that I think she's the poster child for the stoopid.

She hasn't taken any kind of break from spreading her drivel, but now she's getting the attention she really deserves. Via Skepchick, here's The Rant Puppets on Jenny McCarthy, Poster Child for the Stoopid:




Hee!

Comment of the Week

Saturday, November 29, 2008
This week's Comment of the Week award goes to none other than Random Michelle K, who, upon hearing that rheumatoid arthritis actually attacks joints, says:
I would much rather rheumatoid arthritis attack the Taliban and Osama bin Laden. And if it took a swipe at W, that wouldn't be so bad either.
So congratulations to Michelle, who has the foresight to envision a better tomorrow for us all.

Happy Anniversary to Me

Today is the First Anniversary of Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men.*

Wow - a whole year.

In spite of the fact that this year has flown by in meat space, it feels like I've been blogging forever. I mean, clearly I haven't - the archives don't lie, at least in this case. But my on-line presence has become an integral part of my life, and I thoroughly enjoy interacting with others through this medium.

Of course, I also enjoy having a space where I can rant publicly at no charge to me, so there you go.

So a big "thanks" to the Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men community, who have made this experience enjoyable, challenging and fun. Here's to future rants, and more bloggy fun.

*And I didn't miss a single day. Nope, not a single one.

I'm Too Cool for School

Friday, November 28, 2008
So my Christmas Prezzy arrived today from my Smart Man:


That's right - it's an Amazon Kindle!

I will now pause so you can gnash your teeth with bitter, bitter envy.

As you can see, I only have two volumes on it. The Rights of Man, by Thomas Paine ($0.99 at the Kindle store) and Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore ($5.99 at the Kindle store). Both arrived in seconds.

It will probably take me some time to fill it up with books - I have three shelves in my bookshelves dedicated to my "to read" pile, and I can't see purchasing volumes that I already own just to have them on my nifty new device. But any future purchases will be downloaded, provided they're available in the Kindle store.

I read a bit of The Rights of Man on it to see how the user interface was, and so far I'm pretty darn impressed. The electronic paper is easy to read, even in poor or bright light, and I like that I can increase or decrease the font size, depending on how tired my eyes are. The protective case is pretty sturdy, and it makes it easy to hold the device like a regular book.

Also, my end of year bonus was deposited today, AND the Smart Man did all the laundry! It's shaping up to be a pretty good day. Go, me!

And go, Smart Man, who hooks me up with the latest in geekitude, and does chores. You rock.

Boogie Blogging Friday

It's Boogie Blogging Friday, and here's The Incomparable Boogie™, giving thanks for the things he values in his doggy way:
Boogie's a simple creature, and it doesn't take much to please him.

There's something to be said about living simply.

Who Cares? Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 45


Brittney's kids have potty mouths! 3 year old Sean even drops the "F" Bomb! Will the kids do the smart thing and tell both his parents to fuck off? Who Cares!

A Day to Give Thanks

Thursday, November 27, 2008
What I'm thankful for this year:
  • My Smart Man, and his Smart Mouth, who keeps me laughing and sane.
  • My Smart Boy and my Hot Daughter, who are slowly growing into adults I'll be proud of.
  • My Hot Mom, who worries because she loves me, and provides comic relief.
  • My Hot Sister, who understands me, and my Smart Brother-in-Law, who understands her.
  • My extended family, who are there when you need them, and aren't when you don't.
  • My Boogie-Dog, who brings little bits of joy to every day of my life.
  • My meat friends, who make me smile and laugh, and give me a reason to be my best self.
  • The UCF, a community I didn't know I needed until they came into my life.
  • My job, which I love and pays well, and allows me the economic freedom to pursue the things I love.
  • My health.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Civic Literacy Report Quiz

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Via Random Michelle, I took the Civic Literacy Report Quiz this morning.

I received a 96.97% on the quiz, because I couldn't remember the topic of the Lincoln/Douglas debate in 1858.

You want to know what's appalling? The average score for Americans on this quiz is 49%. College educators scored 55%.

I don't even have a bachelor's degree, and I scored better than college professors? How sad and pathetic is that?

Day Without a Gay - December 10, 2008


December 10, 2008 is International Human Rights Day, and in support of my friends and family on the LGBT spectrum, I'll be "calling in gay" on December 10th, and instead donating my time to service.

Information on this project can be found here, but it's essentially an effort to mobilize the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and their allies in a positive way by using International Human Rights Day to show love through volunteerism. Any time is a good time for volunteerism, but to do so in support of my friends and family who are daily discriminated against because of who they are is a Very Good Thing.

Go, volunteerism. Go, activism. Go, solidarity.


H/T to MWT, who made me aware of the movement.

Nerd Love

Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I've been listening to Fareed Zakaria's The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad.

I've always enjoyed his columns in Newsweek, but he's even smarter than I thought.

Would this be considered "Nerd Love" or "Policy Wonk Love?"

'Tard of the Week - President George W. Bush

Seriously, has this guy even read the Constitution?

As popular as President-Elect Obama is in some quarters, as quickly as he's bringing his cabinet together to address the issues that will be his responsibility on January 20, 2009, I have news for you, GWB: You're still the president.

That means you don't get to prance around in a Peruvian poncho, ducking and dodging responsibility for taking action in our current economic crisis. You don't get to ask the incoming Obama administration for "advice" in some strange attempt to get out of your responsibilities early. You claim to have some historical connection to Harry Truman - well then, man up and abide by Truman's mantra.

Here's the scoop, you 'tard - Barack Obama has no authority. NONE. Under our Constitution, (a document I believe he's read, being a Constitutional Law professor and all), he can't do shit until he's sworn in. That means the buck stops with you. Get off your ass and make some decisions. You've already fucked up your legacy beyond any saving, and trying to lay low while the economy collapses in an attempt to make this Obama's problem is beneath even you.

Get to deciding, deciderer.

But Bridges are Smart

Monday, November 24, 2008
I, for one, welcome our new Nanite Overlords.

People Are Stupid

Last night I was watching Television with my Smart Man, and as he zipped by a commercial we heard the following snippet:
"I didn't know rheumatoid arthritis could attack my joints!"
Really? You didn't know arthritis attacked joints? Because it so typically attacks soft tissue and organs?

Leaving aside for a moment how incredibly inappropriate Direct to Consumer (DTC) ads by pharmaceutical companies are, how stupid do these marketers think the general population has to be before they write a commercial like this for their campaigns?

Here's a clue, you fuckwits: If your target audience actually has rheumatoid arthritis, and they don't already know the disease attacks joints, they are way too stupid to be making medication recommendations to their physicians about their care.

Seriously. Who thinks this shit up, and then gets paid for it?

Books - A Meme

Sunday, November 23, 2008
I got nothing for this Sunday, so I'm stealing from Vince and Ilya and continuing a meme on Books.

We love books. Yes, we do, precious.

What was the last book you bought?
Lamb, by Christopher Moore. I checked out the audio book of A Dirty Job at the library on Steve's recommendation, and enjoyed it tremendously. Then a few other folks I know recommended Lamb, and I decided to try it. Christopher Moore is funny, funny guy.

Name a book you have read MORE than once
Many, many books. Especially when I was younger, including Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan universe, and Heinlein's entire catalog. Plus the Preston/Childs Pendergast series and a bunch more...

Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein. I read this as a directionless teen, and it made me think, really think, about what my citizenship meant at its fundamental level. It also subsequently informed my military service. Another was Something to Die For by James Webb. It helped me to distinguish and define my military service in light of the fact that most politicians don't give a rat's ass about our military men and women.

How do you choose a book? (E.g. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews?)
Author and recommendations from friends. I don't typically care much about reviews.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Both, although I do lean a bit towards fiction. My audio book queue has about as many fiction as non-fiction. I try to alternate between the two. Paper books are typically fiction.

What’s more important in a novel, beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Both. A gripping plot will not forgive crappy craft (cough, JRRT, cough), but beautiful writing doesn't matter if I don't give a shit about the characters.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Maureen Smith, Lazarus Long, Miles Vorkosigan, Jane Sagan, Bean, Aloysius Pendergast, Bink. Really, I could go on all day...

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Lamb, by Christopher Moore (paper) and Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews (audio book)

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
The Assault on Reason by Al Gore. I finished it sometime last week, thank whatever gods you believe in. Mr. Gore has some good points and some interesting ideas, and gods know I'm not a fan of GWB, but a book length screed against the administration was not compelling reading (actually listening in this case).

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Yes, I have. If it fails to grab me by a third or half-way through, out it goes. Out, I say! Life is too short, and my bookcase is too full, to waste valuable reading time on tripe.

I'm Getting Old

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Because I find this story quite humorous, and I also find the output of the band "Revolving Reverence" to be a big, steaming pile of poo.

Thanks a Lot, Scalzi

The other day, UCF instigator John Scalzi wrote a blog entry on a new game called Left 4 Dead. Scalzi entitled his entry "Man, If Blowing the Heads Off of Zombies With a Scoped Rifle is Wrong, I Don't Ever Want to be Right."

Well.

The Smart Man reads Whatever. And he likes Zombies. And he likes computer games.

You see where this is going, right?

Last night the Smart Man and his Smart Friend stopped by Best Buy and bought two copies of this game. Today, they've spent the morning playing over the Internet, talking on the phone simultaneously.

Since our desks are in the same room, I've been hearing the following commentary all morning:

"Get off! Get OFF!"

"Ew!"

"Do you have a health kit?"

"Move, move, move, move! He's coming after me!"

"He's not dead!"

"If killing zombies is wrong, I don't want to be right!"

"This is the perfect, wholesome, family-friendly game for the holidays!"

All against the background of gunfire, explosions and game-based dialogue.

Yeah. Thanks a lot, Scalzi.



Disclaimer: I really don't care if the Smart Man plays games on his PC. I'm not a computer widow, and he's always amenable if I want us to do something else. I just found this scenario amusing.

It's That Time of Year, Part II

So yesterday I had my annual performance review, because it's that time of year.

I was a bit concerned about it, because while I feel I'm one of the top performers on my team, they've laid off six engineers this calendar year in my group, as well as pretty significant layoffs company wide. Most of the folks in my company with my skill set are at least somewhat concerned about the future of their jobs, and with college tuition looming large for next summer, I really don't want to be job hunting in today's environment.

While I still have no guarantees that my job will not be off-shored, my performance review went really well, and my bonus ended up being more than I'd hoped. I'll never say "no" to additional money, and I'm glad to have my portion of the Smart Twins' first year of college tuition in the bank.

So, yay me. Here's hoping that money makes its way to the University of Colorado and wherever my Hot Daughter decides to go instead of being rerouted to the mortgage company...

Comment of the Week

This week's Comment of the Week winner is Stonekettle Station's very own Jim Wright, who, in response to the news that my University would be forcing me to take a college course on leadership, weighed in with this pithy prediction:
Prof: "Miiiiz Murphy, will you please stop grinding your teeth and making that 'TONG!' noise? You're scaring the other students."
Bravo, Warrant Officer Wright. Nicely done.

Who Cares? Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 44

Friday, November 21, 2008

Is Mel getting a divorce? Will he pay his wife to keep his secrets? What does the church think? Who Cares!

Winter Break

Thursday, November 20, 2008
Well, I got my final paper back from my professor yesterday for my Nations, Cultures and Peoples class.

I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and the professor was as interesting and demanding as he was for my Law, Politics and Policy class. Yay, higher education!

So I'm on winter break until January 8th, where I will be attending a course simply entitled Leadership. From the catalog:
What is leadership and how do leaders lead? Can leadership be learned? What skills do 21st century leaders need? This course provides an opportunity to examine leadership theories, to develop a personal understanding of leadership, and to explore the relations of leaders and followers. The essential skills of effective leaders are explored, such as elaborating a vision, facilitating communication, working with groups and teams, overseeing finances, and facilitating change. Students will be encouraged to examine systematically their own leadership potential as they reflect on historical and contemporary examples of effective business and political leaders as well as leaders of causes and social movements.
Why, you may ask, would I take such a course after enjoying 140 hours of leadership training at the hands of the U.S. Navy? Answer: I wouldn't. It's required for my degree program, and the University will not take my Navy leadership training in lieu of this class. The two textbooks required for this class are The Leadership (LPI): Self Instrument, and The Leadership Experience.

Yeah.

I am hopeful the class won't make me want to stab my carotid artery with a butter knife, but don't place any bets on my continued mental health.

Spreading the Holiday Cheer

For the second year in a row, the American Red Cross will be coordinating and delivering holiday greetings to our service members overseas with support from Pitney Bowes.

While I don't think this type of activity is as important as, say, the new G.I. Bill, it sure beats the hell out of putting a magnet on your car.

I'll be sending a few myself, as well as my usual "Treats for Troops" contribution for a deployed sailor.

Divorcing the GOP

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I was looking at the news this morning, and ran across an article by Kathleen Parker called "Giving Up on God."

She contends that the GOP is slowly dying, because it refuses to evolve with the culture. From the article:
To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh.
This really struck a chord with me. Like many career military people, I was a Republican for years. While I've always been pretty liberal on social issues, the GOP addressed concerns that mattered to me, including a strong military, fiduciary responsibility and a foreign policy I could live with (literally).

However, once I left active duty, I found my political leanings starting to drift toward the left, more and more each year. This is atypical for most people - usually conservatism increases as you get older, not the reverse. But as time went on, I found myself more and more disgusted with the GOP, more disconnected, more marginalized, because I was not a person of faith.

So I dropped them like a hot rock, and registered as an Independent.

I stayed an independent for a long while, but registered as a Democrat for this year's election so I could participate in the primaries.

That decision really brought home the issues that Ms. Parker talked about. During the Douglas County Caucus this year, I attended the Democratic caucus, and the Smart Man attended the Republican. At the Democratic caucus, the attendees were diverse, excited, and the issues of the day and the platform revolved around jobs, economic development and civil liberties. At the Republican caucus, the attendees were all white married couples, and the only thing they were excited about was making sure their religious issues such as abortion, gay marriage and Creationism in public schools were included in the platform.

If I hadn't already divorced the GOP, attending that caucus sure would of done the trick.

If this election taught us anything, it's that the majority of folks in this country are ready for something new. Not the politics of fear, not the evangelical intrusion into public life, not the continuing marginalization of the poor, but something new. After the caucus, I commented that moderate Republicans needed to take their party back - now I wonder if it's too late.

You hear that, GOP? Evolve or die.

In light of the typical evangelical's view on evolution, I find that choice exceedingly ironic.

Next, A Plague of Frogs

It appears that convicted felon Senator Ted Stevens has lost his bid for reelection, making a Democratic Senator the first to hold that seat in almost 30 years.

Next up for Alaska, a plague of frogs.

Honestly, I never expected Alaskans to give Uncle Ted the boot.

Strange times.

'Tard of the Week - LCDR Brian Waite

You all recall how I was irked by the advertisement I found in my November 10th issue of Newsweek.

While doing my research, I discovered that LCDR Brian Waite, the Chaplain depicted in the ad, was more than a bit shady.

Consider these points:
  • He presents himself as "Dr. Waite," yet his schools are unaccredited.
  • He has repeatedly appeared in uniform to support and endorse non-military organizations and ideas, a direct violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and military regulations.
  • His first book, Islam Uncovered, was so virulently anti-Islam that he was summarily dismissed from his post as the Director of a Doctoral program for military chaplains at the Graduate Theological Foundation (GTF). Not only did the Foundation dismiss LCDR Waite, they canned the whole program, because they felt it had been contaminated by Waite's prejudice. This precipitated LCDR Waite's return to active duty.
As part of my research, I contacted the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to stopping the inappropriate and unlawful encroachment of religion into military life. They were unaware of the ad, and I helped them track it down so they could include it in a letter they were drafting about LCDR Waite.

You can find the letter to Secretary of Defense Gates here.

Well.

You know what? LCDR Waite is stupid. Over and above his bigotry, I mean.

Seriously - if your grand plan is to evangelize your belief system, and you intend to use your military uniform in that effort in direct violation of the UCMJ and Naval Regulations, why would you allow your name to be splashed all over the media? The photo in Newsweek clearly shows his name tag. The videos referenced in the MRFF letter have him being clearly introduced.

Talk about telling on yourself. This guy is on active duty, and is presumably familiar with the military regulations that govern the use of his military uniform as it pertains to endorsements and evangelism (i.e., you're not supposed to do it without prior written approval from the U.S. Navy. Which he evidently didn't have.). Yet he posed for this ad, and appeared in those hateful Revival Fires Ministries videos, and appears not to give a good Goddamn about violating the regulations and dishonoring his oath as a Naval Officer.

Maybe he thinks Jesus will protect him from the UCMJ.

What a 'tard.

Rockin' da House

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Pay attention to the little kid dancing on the balcony behind the band. That kid is into it.

Madeleine Pickens Saves the Day


I've always had a soft spot for horses. We kept horses when I was growing up, and I rode for many years with the Jefferson County based Westernaires.

Like many young girls, I eventually outgrew my obsession, but I have fond memories of my involvement with horses in my teen years.

So when the Bureau of Land Management decided to euthanize a herd of 2,000 mustangs and burros because no one was available to adopt them, it was somewhat upsetting. The BLM didn't want to euthanize the animals, but simply doesn't have the budget to maintain them.

Enter Madeleine Pickens, wife of energy kazillionaire T. Boone Pickens.

Bless their hearts, she and Mr. Pickens volunteered to adopt not only the entire heard of mustangs and burros who were slated for euthanasia, but also a herd of 30,000 currently in federal holding pens.

They're working out the details now in terms of finding land for the horses and burros.

Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Pickens.

All Clinton, All the Time

Monday, November 17, 2008
So the speculation is running fast and furious about whether or not President-Elect Obama will appoint Senator Hillary Clinton to be his Secretary of State.

The Washington Post speculates that including Hillary may hurt or help an Obama administration. On the plus side, the Clinton Foundation might work in partnership with the Secretary of State's office in order to more effectively help in areas of infrastructure or health-care development. Conversely, President Clinton's globetrotting and speech making might put Secretary Clinton in a bad place in terms of dealing firmly with other countries.

My own opinion? People who think President Clinton is capable of keeping his fingers out of the Secretary of State's soup - when she lives in the same household - are dreaming. President Clinton's personality and ego will not permit him to take a back seat. His behavior during Hillary's presidential campaign should prove that.

Don't get me wrong, here. I admire President Clinton. He was a reasonably effective president, in spite of his personal indiscretions. He's incredibly bright. His foundation has done some really outstanding work. But I have no illusions about who he is - an alpha male, all the way, and his ability to remain a private citizen in this scenario is questionable at best.

I don't think I can take the next four years listening to how Hillary and Bill are poking the pooch when it comes to U.S. foreign relations. Really, I think I'd rather take out my own eye with a fork.

May I suggest a second go for Colin Powell, instead?

Hmm...German Deli!

Sunday, November 16, 2008
This morning the Smart Man and I got up well before the sun in order to have brunch with my Hot Mom at a German Bakery and Deli in Loveland called Schmidt's.

Hmm...German Bakery!

It was delish, and included some of the best taters I've ever had, as well as some Bavarian style eggs that I'd be happy to have for any meal.

I'm a bit sleepy now, but it was worth it.

This afternoon we're going to go see Quantum of Solace.

How's your Sunday?

Argh! The Pressure!

Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Peer Pressure! I can't stand it!

All the cool kids are doing this meme, and since I have a penchant for jumping off bridges if little Janey down the street is doing it, too, I'm on the bandwagon.

Plus, the paper I'm writing this morning for my "Cultures, Nations and Peoples" class is starting to piss me the hell off, so I need a distraction.

----------------

The Rules

1. Pick one film to represent each letter of the alphabet.

2. The letter "A" and the word "The" do not count as the beginning of a film's title, unless the film is simply titled "A" or "The," and I don't know of any films with those titles.

3. "Return of the Jedi" belongs under "R," not "S" as in "Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi." This rule applies to all films in the original "Star Wars" trilogy; all that followed start with "S." Similarly, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" belongs under "R," not "I" as in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark." Conversely, all films in the "LOTR" series belong under "L" and all films in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series belong under "C," as that's what those filmmakers called their films from the start. In other words, movies are stuck with the titles their owners gave them at the time of their theatrical release. Use your better judgment to apply the above rule to any series/films not mentioned.

4. Films that start with a number are filed under the first letter of their number's word. "12 Monkeys" would be filed under "T."

5. Link back to
Blog Cabins in your post so that I can eventually type "alphabet meme" into Google and come up #1, then make a post where I declare that I am the King of Google.

Akeelah and the Bee
A Beautiful Mind
Calendar Girls
Dreamgirls
The Exorcist
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Galaxy Quest
Hotel Rwanda
I, Robot
Juno
Kill Bill
L.A. Confidential
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Notes on a Scandal
An Officer and a Gentlemen
Pan's Labyrinth
Quigley Down Under
Reign Over Me
Smart People
Traffic
An Unfinished Life
Victor, Victoria
Whale Rider
The X-Files
You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Zorro

Comment of the Week

This week's stellar comment was posted by our very own Nathan, who professes:
"Stabby is my default position."
Yes, Nathan, I believe it is.

Enjoy a week's worth of pomposity for your epic win, courtesy of Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men.

Boogie Blogging Friday - Now with 100% More Snow!

Friday, November 14, 2008
Today is the first snowfall of the season.

Boogie loves snow. When his leg hair is longer, a romp through the snow usually results in golf ball-sized snowballs adhering to his legs, in addition to the gallons of snow he drags in every winter on his beard.

Now that he's an Older Dog, we were a bit concerned that the cold would prevent him from enjoying snowy walks, since he gets a bit stiff in the hips these days. But if today was any indication, he's ready for another season of fun.

Who Cares? Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 43


After Jennifer Aniston attacked Angelina in Vogue, Angelina fights back! She was "totally thrown" by Jen's remarks! Will she steal John Mayer next? Who Cares!

In related news, Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men will switch to its new "All Brangelina, All the Time" format early next week.

Humbug and Hypocrisy

Thursday, November 13, 2008
The holiday season is approaching, and we all know what that means - happiness, good cheer, good will towards men, and hypocrisy.

It seems that the American Humanist Association has decided to run this ad on buses in Washington DC:



The ad is intended to convey the idea that Humanists abide by a moral code unrelated to a belief in a supernatural creator, and to make agnostics, atheists and other non-Theists feel less alone during the holiday season.

I think the ad is kind of cute, and relates the message without being in-your-face insulting to people of faith.

But you know the fundies aren't real hip on the idea of non-Theists enjoying the holiday season exclusive of a creator god. The usual campaigns surrounding "keeping the Christ in Christmas" and having religiously based decorations such as nativity scenes on government lands are out in full force, and they are Not Pleased with the Humanists entry in holiday advertising.

The reactions have ranged from irked to incensed to downright hostile, culminating in the following quote from Matthew Staver in USA Today:
"It's the ultimate grinch to say there is no God at a time when millions of people around the world celebrate the birth of Christ," said Mathew Staver, the group's chairman and dean of the Liberty University School of Law. "Certainly, they have the right to believe what they want but this is insulting."
So non-Theists have the right to believe what they want, as long as they don't try to include their beliefs in the public discussion? They can enjoy the holiday season in their own way, as long as they do so privately, and don't try to push their religious beliefs onto others by, say, putting up a FSM statue on government property?

The thing that irks me about this is the utter and complete hypocrisy of people like Staver.

Yes, Christmas is a religious holiday for millions of people. I respect and appreciate that, and I'm not one of those people who get all stabby when someone wishes me a "Merry Christmas." I respond in kind, and enjoy Christmas a secular event. For me, the holidays are about family, and food, and being thankful for the relationships that matter to me. Because I'm a non-Theist, I assign my own meaning to the winter solstice holiday, and I don't expect everyone in the world to believe as I do.

And there's the rub. Christmas in the U.S. has become very secular, very materialistic, very inclusive. Staver assumes that because of his personal beliefs about the holiday, that everyone should see Christmas a Christian, religious holiday and behave accordingly. To which I say, Why should I? I don't prevent Christians from enjoying Christmas as a religious event, I don't picket churches or other religious displays, I simply do my own thing and enjoy the season for what it means to me. I don't see why he can't afford me and mine the same courtesy.

There's certainly a historical precedent for my position. If I recall correctly, the Christians themselves "stole" the winter solstice holiday from the pagans and animists in an effort to co-opt their belief systems to Christianity. If I want to reverse the trend, I'm pretty sure the establishment clause allows me that right.

He also seems to think that there are certain rules that should apply to those nasty, nasty Humanists because they're so very offensive. Such as not expressing their beliefs publicly, or not trying to form a Humanist community. But the hypocrisy of an evangelical Christian who supports public religious displays believing such rules should apply to another group but not to his evidently escapes him and his ilk.

So I'm going to continue to enjoy the holidays, and I'll continue to fight against the unearned privilege of evangelical Christians who think that because their religious belief has heretofore been overrepresented in public life that being overrepresented is somehow their inalienable right.

And I'll also sincerely wish my Christian friends and family a very Merry Christmas, and hope their holiday means as much to them as mine does to me.

Girls Have Cooties

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Actually, everyone has cooties. But girls have more cooties than men.

I have only one thing to say to this news: Do Not, Do Not! Pppbbtt!

Farewell, Phoenix



I'm a bit busy this morning, doing the work for which I'm paid, so in my absence, enjoy this tribute to Phoenix, another JPL/NASA triumph.

Seems like JPL is outdoing itself on a pretty consistent basis when it comes to Mars exploration.

Spirit, Opportunity and Phoenix. Go, JPL, go!

Veteran's Day

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I'm a veteran. I enjoy recognizing my fellow veterans on this day, and I appreciate the fact that Americans now see the profession of arms as an honorable one.

But we don't do it alone.

From Rosie the Riveter to the American Red Cross, we have help, and lots of it.

So for all of us:

"Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause - honor to him, only than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle."

President Abraham Lincoln, December 2, 1863

It's That Time of Year

Well, it's that time of year again.

The fiscal year is over for companies who count such things from the first of October to the thirtieth of September.

And that means it's Annual Performance Review time.

::cue ominous music::

At the company where I work, your annual performance review has three major impacts on your professional life: The amount of the end of year bonus you'll get; the amount of the raise you'll get; and whether or not you'll still have a job if lay-offs become necessary.

This year, I'm most interested in the third item. On my team, if lay-offs are necessary, the person who is selected is always the one with the lowest numerical performance value. It seems that lay-offs are always around the corner in today's economic climate, and now is really not a good time to be unemployed, regardless of what industry you're employed in. So I'm hoping I'll be at the top of the performance list, if only to ensure some small measure of job security.

Of course, I'd also be a happy camper if I get a bonus and/or a raise - I'm going to have some college tuition payments that will require my attention next summer, and all contributions will be cheerfully accepted.

But honestly, it's an employer's market right now, since most folks are just happy to be working and having money coming in. So I'm thankful that I have a boss that does not take advantage of that fact to treat his folks like poo.

My own evaluation meeting isn't until mid-month. I'm he most productive of my team, so I think I'll do okay, but you never know.

No wonder people are depressed around the holidays...

I Remember

Thank you to my brothers and sisters-in-arms. Wherever you might be.

Your service and sacrifice are remembered - and appreciated.

Help Me Out Here

Monday, November 10, 2008
This advertisement was in my November 10th issue of Newsweek.

It...irks...me. And I can't figure out why.

At first I was just curious if this "Brian Waite" and his acolyte were real sailors, or models. Chaplain Waite is certainly a real Navy Chaplain - he wrote a book called For God and Country, and he's earned those decorations. I don't know about the acolyte, although his Dolphin is accurate...LT Waite is currently assigned to the Naval Submarine Support Command, and it makes sense that he would serve submariners.

So it's not a question of credibility. LT Waite is a Christian Chaplain, and one would assume he might use Bibles provided by the American Bible Society in his ministry.

So what's my problem?

I honestly don't know. Perhaps it's the idea that this "American Bible Society" is using symbols of my service to proselytize and evangelize. Perhaps it's the pervasiveness of evangelical Christianity in the Armed Forces today. Perhaps it's the insinuation that sailors in combat zones are inevitably drawn to the Bible, a corollary to that stupid "there are no atheists in foxholes" canard.

I don't know. But I am irked.

------------------

Edited 11/10/2008 2:30 p.m.: I need to trust my instincts. While I can see why an anti-Islam author might be just the spokesperson the American Bible Society would want, I wonder how the non-Christian sailors feel about him?

Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History, Volume XVIII

This is Billie Jean King. She was an extraordinarily gifted tennis player in the 1970's, and is the epitome of an ill-behaved woman.

Consider these facts:

- First female athlete in any sport to earn more than $100,000 in a single season in 1971.

- First woman to coach a co-ed team in professional sports - the Philadelphia Freedoms in 1974. And I love the song.

- Only woman to win U.S. singles title on grass, clay, carpet and hard surface courts.

- First female professional athlete to come out as gay in 1981.

- First woman commissioner in professional sports history for World TeamTennis in 1984.

- One of six inaugural inductees into the Court of Fame at the USTA National Tennis Center in 2003.

- First woman to have a major sports venue named in her honor in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006.

All of these accomplishments are noteworthy, but my own memory of Billie Jean revolves around the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" against Bobby Riggs. I was 8 years old, and I remember watching this event on television. I remember cheering with my Hot Sister when she won, and I remember my dad, a self-identified Male Chauvinist Pig, commenting, "Of course she won. She's young and strong - at the top of her game. He's 55 years old, ancient for a professional athlete. He was outgunned all the way." Her accomplishment became my accomplishment, and the accomplishment of all my little girlfriends, and I remember how very proud we were.

As an adult, I think I admire her most for her work to ensure women athletes receive comparable prize money with men. This was a clear case of equal pay for equal work, and she put her money where her mouth was on this topic, refusing to play in the U.S. Open unless the prize money was equal. She also fiercely supported Title IX, and I now realize one of the reasons she chose to participate in the game against Riggs. After the match, she told Newsweek "I just had to play . . . Title IX had just passed, and I . . . wanted to change the hearts and minds of people to match the legislation."

She has spent her entire life fighting for gender equality, not only in tennis and sports, but in all walks of life.

You did your job well, Ms. King, and your tenacity and courage in the face of incredible misogyny is an inspiration. You're an ill-behaved woman all the way, and I'm grateful for your leadership and example.

Sunday = Strawberry Jam

Sunday, November 9, 2008
Today, like most Sundays, was kind of a lazy day in which to putz around and do this and that.

I played Age of Empires III - The Asian Dynasties expansion pack.

I had lunch with my Hot Daughter.

I made a batch of strawberry jam.

No, you can't have any. It's for holiday gift-giving.

Now I'm going to play AOE some more.

Then I'll probably watch a movie with my Smart Man after dinner.

Exciting, exciting stuff. Try not to get over stimulated.

Comment of the Week

Saturday, November 8, 2008
This week's Comment of the Week award goes to the Hot Proprietress of Smug Puppies, Jeri, who makes this pithy observations:
Actually, being on a conference call with 60 people makes me want to stab myself.
Jeri, how right you are.

You win a sackful of win, and our undying admiration.

Yawn

Friday, November 7, 2008
Am I the only one who is greeting the news of Guns-n-Roses' long awaited album Chinese Democracy with a big yawn?

I've been over Axl Rose for years. I thought he had an interesting voice in the '80's - sort of raw and angry, but also well suited to the so-called rock ballads.

Now? I'm waiting for him to get over himself. While I listen to Slash play for Velvet Revolver.

Sorry, Axl - for me, you're a day late and dollar short.

Who Cares? Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 42


Larry King catches his much younger wife cheating! With an actor! Will Larry interview himself about his private pain? Will he interview his wife? Who Cares!

You Said It, Baby Girl

Thursday, November 6, 2008

'Tard of the Week - 52% of California Voters

Because taking away the rights of people who are "not like you" does not increase the value of those rights. It simply confirms your own prejudice and bigotry.

So you get to join the 55% of Coloradans who are also 'tards.

Stay strong, my brothers and sisters. We'll get there, it's just going to take longer than we hoped.

Good and Bad News

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A victory for reason.

A defeat for equality.

October 'Tard of the Month

In all the excitement, I almost forgot to put up the voting for the October 'Tard of the Month.

Our candidates this month include yours truly, who thought the presidential debates might actually give me some new information; the McCain strategists, who thought having Governor Palin complain about herself was a really fabulous idea; Robin Hayes, who assumes his constituents have the IQ of a wet dishrag; and DeAngelo Starnes, whose decision to show his true colors in e:mail bit him right in the ass.

You may be burnt out on voting, but I expect record turnout this time.

Hope

Yes, I am a sentimentalist. At this time, and at this place, I'm okay with that.

An Open Letter to President-Elect Barack Obama

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tonight, you became the President-Elect of the United States of America. This is a great moment in our history, and I'm so grateful I've gotten the chance to live through it.

As I sat listening to your acceptance speech, my heart filled with pride and awe, and hope, and fear. My tears were streaming.

I'm proud of my country, for looking beyond the superficiality of your skin color, to elect the individual who we thought would do the best job for our future. I'm proud of you, for attempting to start your presidency on a note of inclusiveness. I'm proud of Senator McCain, for being gracious in defeat, and recognizing that his loss to you does not dishonor his service to our country, or the sacrifices he's made. I'm proud of my state, whose electoral votes went to the Democratic party for only the second time in the last ten elections.

I'm in awe of the people who elected you, and came out in droves to vote in this historic election. I'm proud of the men and women, Republican and Democrat, who have engaged in our political process, some for the first time, because they believe that our nation can be fixed, and is worth fighting for. I'm in awe of your composure, holding yourself together in the wake of family tragedy, ready to lead us into a new era.

And I hope. Oh, how I hope.

I hope you will fulfill your potential, and lead us into that new era. I hope your promise of bipartisanship is true, and that you'll do what is necessary to accomplish the goals that have been supported by your mandate. I hope the promise of fairness, of equity, of honor, that has been missing for so long will be restored. I hope you will lead us, not down the easy path, but down the right path, in order that my children, and their children, will once again have a voice, and a country to be proud of.

And I fear.

I fear for your safety, and the safety of your family. I fear your effectiveness will be compromised by the divide between red and blue. I fear the inevitable compromises will chip away at your vision, and turn you into a lesser version of yourself. I fear you will bow to political pressure, and forget where you come from.

And yet...and yet. I hope.

Congratulations, President-Elect Obama. You carry a heavy load for me and my fellow citizens. Hope is heavier than fear, and you carry the hope of a nation.

Stay strong.

A Time to Vote

Here in the United States, today is Election Day.

It's a day where Americans will exercise their franchise. They will choose which laws, initiatives and propositions will become the law of the land. In many areas, they will choose which judges will retain their positions and uphold the rule of law in our courts. They will choose which individuals will represent them in our legislative branch, giving voice to their needs and desires in the hallowed halls of our government. They will choose which individual will act as our chief executive, leading our armed forces and becoming our face to the wider world.

Regardless of which laws you support or oppose, which candidates you love or hate, realize today what an awesome privilege it is to have a voice. In this republic, our citizens have the power to choose. To choose our laws, our leaders, our future.

Choose to vote. Choose.

Civic Duty

I'll be disconnected today. Not from reality, although that might be nice, but from mass media.

It's Election Day, and I'm a poll judge.

So I'll be working the poll location, helping my fellow citizens to exercise their franchise. There can be no cell phones, no computers, no television, no radio at the poll location. There can be no indication of the results of the exit polls, in case the weak minded will change their vote at the last minute so that they can vote for a "winner."

So I'll be in the dark until the polling place is closed, all the machines and ballots are reconciled, and the materials have been returned to the County Clerk for counting. We're expecting record turn-out, so it could be very, very late before I can return home.

A small price to pay to participate in the democracy of our republic.

I'll be taking tomorrow off, too.

Sympathy

Monday, November 3, 2008
Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, died today, one day before her beloved grandson stands to make history.

By all accounts, she was a heck of a gal, and did a heck of a job helping to raise her grandson.

Senator, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. And my greatest hope.

Attention College Educated Presenters!

"Irregardless" is not a word.

Using it makes you look like a dumbass.

That is all.

Lonely at the Polls

I live in Douglas County, Colorado.

This year, Colorado is a contested state in the General Election. This is new for us - we've been solidly red for many years. My county in particular is very red. The last time a Democratic candidate got the majority of Douglas County votes for President was in 1964, when Lyndon Johnson pulled in 1,442 to Barry Goldwater's 1,336.

If you think that means my county was predominantly rural during that time, you'd be right.

In 2004, John Kerry earned 39,661 to George W. Bush's 80,651. And that was a "close" year - typically the Republicans beat the Democrats by a margin of 2 to 1.

Douglas County is also a very active county when it comes to voting. In 2004, Douglas County had the highest participation rate among registered voters in the country, with over 98% of registered voters coming out to cast their ballots. This year, the County Clerk expects at least that level of participation. That's cool.

I'm curious to see what the statistics look like this year. I've been a liberal Democrat for a number of years, and in this county, that makes me a minority. But based on what I'm hearing and seeing, I may not be as lonely at the polls as I have been in the past.

Exciting times!

I'm a Sedan

30 miles per gallon

Created by The Car Connection


Jeez. How incredibly boring.


Spin of the Wheel to Stonekettle Station

RSS Feeds

Sunday, November 2, 2008
For those of you who enjoy Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men via RSS, you might have noticed I've been playing with the RSS Feed settings on Blogspot.

But it occurred to me that what I prefer really doesn't matter, since I'm not the one who uses them.

So - a Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men poll:

'Tis the Season

Around here, Christmas is a secular holiday. It's purely about family, friends, love and (of course) the prezzies.

With one or two exceptions, I'm done with my Christmas shopping. This is normal for me, as I refuse to go shopping after Thanksgiving. Refuse. Crowds give me hypertension, and I really don't want to start the season of joy with an aneurysm.

So now that November's here, I'm starting to think about getting my Christmas gifts ready to hit the post office. That will leave me most of the month to prepare goodies, and all of December to point and laugh at those who didn't get things done early.

So I'll be heading out to get packing material and such today, and I'll be off to the Post Office on Tuesday. Because if I get things done now, then I can enjoy Christmas then without stress.

Comment of the Week

Saturday, November 1, 2008
This week's Comment of the Week winner is our very own Eric, who became the master of irony with this gem in response to my post on agnostics and atheists in American society:
"Is it ironic if I give you an, "Amen, sister!" Because, you know, amen, sister."

Eric, you get a week's supply of "win" covered in "awesome sauce" for your superlative efforts. All hail Eric!

Pimpin', Yo

My Smart Boy is a vocal musician, and has been singing for six years. Last year he won the "most improved musician" award for the vocal music program in his high school, and this year he's leading the tenor section of his school's top co-ed choir. Go, Smart Boy!

And it's that time of year again. That time of year when the arts programs in our schools must beg for money in order to continue to function. Our local high school is especially fond of its football and wrestling programs, which usually means the arts are chronically short-funded. I won't even get into how disgraceful that is.

So the Smart Boy asked me to post his fund raising material here, so the students can afford things like sheet music and transportation costs to choral competitions.

The website is here, and the student check-out code to use so that the Smart Boy's school gets credit for the purchase is 147112.

Thanks for any help you can give, Hot Chicks and Smart Men.