30 August 2007

Peace Negotiations

For Your Entertainment:

29 August 2007

Douche Of The Week 08.29.07

Todays "Douche Of The Week" is another group award. Two years ago, Hurricane Katrina struck a large area in the southern United States. The key words here are "Two years ago." Here's the question: Why does a large portion of the area struck still resemble a third world country?



This is the United Freaking States Of America, the worlds only remaining superpower. There are no excuses for the conditions in places like New Orleans.

And how about the assigned saviors of this tragedy FEMA? It is safe to say they dropped the ball. It is safe to say they dropped the ball from a moving SUV, shifted it into reverse, and ran it over again, and again.

ABC's "Good Morning America" did a recent story on current conditions in New Orleans.

"In the two years since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, the federal government has provided Mississippi $23 billion to assist recovery. But tales of hope and renewal are far outweighed by horror stories of crippling bureaucracy and red tape, and residents say FEMA is to blame.

On Monday, Republican presidential candidate Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas joked that FEMA should really stand for "forget expecting meaningful answers." But answers were what we were looking for when "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts spoke recently with the agency's leader, David Paulison.

DeLisle Elementary was one of the few schools in Pass Christian, Miss., to survive the storm, though it was devastated by wind and rain. And when it rains now, school officials said it feels like someone is adding insult to injury.

Now students from three schools attend classes there -- 600 extra students going to class in 60 trailers supplied by FEMA. Because none of the trailers have indoor bathrooms, students must go outside to portable toilets rented by the government.

DeLisle Elementary, which is not connected to the city water system, needs FEMA to help pay for a new well. But approval for the $300,000 system has been bogged down in red tape and regulation for nearly two years.

"I think of FEMA as the Wizard, you know, in the 'Wizard of Oz'," Superintendent Sue Matheson said. "FEMA is out there somewhere behind a curtain, but we just can't seem to get to the right person that will tell us, 'Yes,' and put the water well in."

It is a complaint heard all along the Gulf Coast.

"It is frustrating the amount of time it has taken to get approval for the project," said Kevin Coggin, executive director of the Coastal Transit Authority. He's been trying for nearly two years to get public bus stations and restrooms approved. He said FEMA approved one plan, but then changed its mind.

FEMA, which was blasted for bungling its initial response to Katrina, has come under increasing scrutiny for the way it has handled rebuilding.

Cutting Through the Red Tape

One recent report showed only 43 percent of the money initially set aside for infrastructure has been handed out. And there are concerns about families still living in temporary trailers supplied by the agency.

And while there have been many successes, people here wonder if complicated rules are trumping common sense.

"We are appreciative. Very, very appreciative of the help that we've gotten from FEMA," Matheson said. "But we just wish that they could do away with some of the bureaucracy so we could actually get the job done as 'Good Morning America' does."

In an effort to help the people of Robin's hometown, "Good Morning America" cut through the red tape and spoke directly to the head of FEMA, David Paulison.

"If there's a well problem there, I can fix that," Paulison said. "We want to cut through that bureaucracy. And we're putting people down there who can do that. We've got people down there that can make decisions. And if it's getting to them, then I need to find out why."

Paulison said that the trailers along the Gulf Coast are the same ones that FEMA has been using for over 20 years. He admits they are the short-term solution, but said it was all they had to work with at the time. "We are working very hard to get you out of there," he said to Pass Christian's residents.

"I think while we, again, don't have a crystal, but what I suspect will be different, a lot more building will be going on, we'll have a lot more people out of the travel trailers, those mobile homes," Paulison said.

"The business is starting to come back. You see the hotels starting to be rebuilt, the casinos being rebuilt. Restaurants are opening up. So it is coming back, and it does take a while." "


For demonstrating a half assed attitude and effort to help out our OWN people, this weeks "Douche Of The Week" award goes to FEMA.



27 August 2007

Fun Monday 08.27.07

Lisa's Chaos is hosting this weeks "Fun Monday."

"I’d like to know more about you, what makes you tick. I’d like to know how you started blogging. Did you keep a diary under lock and key safely hidden as a child? Do you still? Do you share the same things on your blog that you would have, or do, in your diary? Why did you start blogging and why do you continue? May as well throw in any roadblocks you have run into while blogging. If you still have your old diaries we’d love to see them."

I only have been blogging for a couple of months now, so my answer to this assignment will be shorter than others.

I did not wake up one day, and decide "Hey, I'm gonna start blogging." My web interactions were mainly with forums/bulletin boards. But everyone here knows how dangerous those places can be if you are not part of the "in crowd." My wife Debs has been a full blown crack, I mean, blogging addict for some time, and I guess I needed to do something potentially fun, as well as having something else in common with her. I soon discovered that the ability to rant about anything I want to, without any repercussions was a refreshing way to vent.

I have never kept a journal, and I cannot see a journal anytime in my future. If I did keep a journal, I am sure a large portion of what I blog would be included. The only road block I had when I started out was getting used to how this thing works, which I am learning slowly.

I continue blogging because of the diverse and interesting friends I am making while I am blogging. Interaction is just another way of upkeeping my humanity.

Unfortunately, since I have never kept a journal, I do not have any old journals to reveal to anyone.

23 August 2007

Douche Of The Week 08.23.07

Warning: This may piss off you sports fans.




Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick conducted illegal dog fights. He attended the fights, paid off bets, and EXECUTED dogs that did not perform well by methods which included drowning and hanging.

I like dogs. In fact, there are many people I would rather execute than there are dogs out there. For messing with mans best friend, Michael Vick earns this weeks "Douche Of The Week" award, hands down.



Here is a video that honors man's best friend.

20 August 2007

Fun Monday 08.20.07

This week's Fun Monday is hosted by Uncaringbear The rules for this week can be both fun, and a tad bit dangerous.

Little White Lies

"Share with us a little white lie that you may, or may not, have gotten away with. Perhaps it's something more sinister than a little white lie - maybe even a deep dark secret that you've kept buried for years! All the better! Now's your chance to get it off your chest and confess: "Yes, I did eat that last slice of cheese cake", "No, I wasn't washing my hair that Saturday", "Those pants do make you look fat"!"

I'll just make it easier on myself if I just tell my standard little white lies, both past, and present.

Little White Lie 1:
"I have never touched a gun before"

Translation
"I have only competed with firearms since I was old enough to walk, and had training in both military and law enforcement circles. My beating you will be equated to clubbing a baby seal"

Little White Lie 2

**Note: This is work related and usually stated to inmates**

"Yup, I am new at this"

Translation
"I've only had years of work in maximum security prisons where you would become somebody's wife in a few days"

Little White Lie 3
"Honey, the steak is alittle pink"

Translation
"This steak is still alive and probably requires veterinary treatment. I think I'll name it George. Could I keep it?"

Little White Lie 4
"Of course I am not mad"

Translation
"I have become death, the destroyer of worlds"

Little White Lie 5
"I am just tired."

Translation
"It's time to call 911, I'm having a stroke"

I'll add more to this as I think about them. I am still tired from work.

Peace.

18 August 2007

Sci-Fi Shows Past To Present

Like your average American, I spend a third of my life in front of a television. I have seen shows come and go, some I liked, some I hated. My favorite category of television shows are science fiction. Now I will list all of the shows I liked past to present. I look back at some of these, and I wonder what I was thinking. This post will be You Tube intensive, so I hope your machines don't bust a chip.

Flash Gordon

-Remember all of those tv show reruns on UHF? This one was played alot every Sunday morning.





Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea

-Cheesy submarine packing nukes.



Lost In Space

-a family flying saucer. As a small child, I thought Penny was hot.



Star Trek-TOS

-The Captain is a player, and they blow stuff up. What's not to like.



UFO

-Ok, I was a really, really bored little kid.



Space 1999

-Well, it is now 2007, and out technology still sucks. I guess this show's vision of the future really fell through.



Battlestar Galactica

-This show wasn't bad in its original form. Politicians got their people destroyed because they pushed for peace with an enemy who wasn't hearing it.



Star Trek-The Next Generation

-Pichard was no Kirk, but his ship had balls. And Klingons became the good guys. Nice people to have your back.



Star Trek-Deep Space Nine

-This show started out alittle slow, but actually had an all out war in the last two seasons. Talk about going out with a bang.



Star Trek-Voyager

-Cute little ship.



Babylon 5

-War, sex, crime, what else can you ask for?



Space:Above and Beyond

-Good show, but it wasn't PC enough.



Farscape

-When the makers of the Muppets get bored, they make TV shows.



Enterprise

-What do you get when you try to make Star Trek alittle TOO PC? A shortlived disaster.




Battle Star Galactica BSG-75

-They got the original Battlestar Galactica, had the balls to rewrite the entire plot of the show, and threw in CGI, and you have a kick ass show. This is my current favorite.

17 August 2007

Douche Of The Week 08.17.07




Todays Douche Of The Week award is special in two ways. First, this is going to be a group award. Second, this effects me on a personal level. You see, I was home from work for only four hours when work called me up on the phone to come in again. Apparently, the animals we refer to as inmates had alittle temper tantrum regarding the new rule that they could not walk around the facility in their underware, or cuss out staff at will, with impunity. These animals, especially the young ones had the wrong impression that they ran the place, and when proven wrong, they had themselves alittle riot.
Of course, the riot was quelled, and we are on full lockdown. What this means to them includes the following restrictions for the next month or so:

>They stay in their rooms unless we are feeding them, or they are using the restrooms;

>They don't get to use the phones, TV's, or microwaves;

>They get to shower every 72 hours;

>They get no rec whatsoever;

>All meals are currently sack lunches;

>etc...

How this effects me and the people I work with:

>Mandatory 12 hour shifts;

>All of those much needed vacations are out the window, including my holiday time;

>We get to listen to these bastards whine about their inconvenient life.

For being such assholes when it comes to following simple rules, and for stealing much needed oxygen that higher life forms like cockroaches need to live, I declare with glee that the inmates of the Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility all earned the title Douche Of The Week.

There are three groups of people who are runner ups for this weeks Douche Of The Week award.

Runner Up #1: Those convict advocates who seem to be posting about the suffering of these "poor inmates". Two words: Fuck Them.

Runner Up #2: Armchair non-private Correctional Staff who think they are so damn superior to private staff. I've worked both public and private facilities. Officers on both ends of this spectrum face the same dangers, suffer the same effects on their family lives, and deal with the same stresses. I commend both public and private officers, but those Monday Morning Quarterbacks need to get bent. Two thousand inmates, and no locks. Don't screw with us.

Runner Up #3: TDCJ Parole Board. Inmates at a Pre-Parole do not need to be there for five years or more. If they get denied, send them back to a facility with the needed security measures. If they are in a gang, send them back to a facility with the needed security measures. If they are violent offenders, send them back to a facility with the needed security measures. If they are sex offenders, send them back to a facility with the needed security measures. What criteria is used when deeming an inmate eligible to be at a pre-parole? TDCJ seem not to know the correct answer either.


13 August 2007

Fun Monday 08-13-07

Beckie from Give It A Try is hosting this Fun Monday. This is a simple but fun one.



"I want to know what your favorite treat is. Is it sweet or sour? Is it plain or salty? Is it candy or chocolate? Is it homemade or store bought? For instance, if your favorite is chocolate, tell us what kind specifically - sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes not so much. I have heard a lot of talk about Junior Mints, but is it your favorite or just a tasty treat? It can be anything, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream or chips, maybe you have more than one favorite - that is ok, just show us your favorite(s) and tell us why you like it so much. C’mon, what gets you all juiced up?"

Ok, this answer will be alittle long because I love to snack. First, lets talk chips. My favorite chips that I can get in my town currently are Cape Cod's Jalapeno and Aged Cheddar chips. Very crispy, and full of taste.



Now if I can get my hands on them, I would love to feast on Blair's Original Habanero Chips. Very crispy, with a small bite to them.



Now any snack needs alittle spice once in a while. For my general use, I rely on good old Tabasco



Now the sauce I would really like to get my hands on is Blair's Sudden Death habanero sauce.



To wash it all down, I Do The Dew.



For a sweet finish, you can't go wrong with chocolate, any chocolate. My favorite just happens to be Godiva
samplers, any samplers.

I keep asking myself "Why did I have a stroke?"

09 August 2007

The New Forgotten War-Desert Storm




During the 1990's, we have heard much about the "Forgotten War", meaning the Korean War. Well, with this new decade, one National Memorial later, I think we need to revamp that title to mean Desert Storm.

Many view this current war as a continuation of Operation Desert Storm, but let's face it, World War II was a continuation of World War I. Yet these two wars are recognized as different.

Yes, Desert Storm had smaller American losses than the current (148 KIA, 145 Non-battle Deaths, and 467 WIA). But these were still Americans serving their country, and they served it with no less zeal then the current crop of Haji killers. Many Desert Storm Veterans are still suffering physical and psychological damage stemming from that conflict.

The only statement that is on the money regarding Desert Storm is "If only we were allowed to finish the job back then." Amen to that. Half a million US troops on the ground, and most of them non-dependent on gadgets to make it through the day, and the Liberal Scum kept at bay, things may indeed have been different, both with attaining victory, and the follow-up.

So why bother ranting about this Forgotten War? The only answer I can come up with is that I was there. I am tired of the insinuations that we risked less in that war than this one. I am tired of watching the news, and seeing those "allied" Iraqi hacks wearing the same uniform we once wore sixteen years ago.

My hat is off to the warriors who serve with honor, both in this war, and the last one.

Just Got An "R" Rating

This was bound to happen. Too many plain spoken people have used the F word one too many times, so this blog went from a PG-13 to Rated R. If I am going to get an R rating, I might as well do it right.

Ok, we have seen these Hajis post videos about their attacks on US Troops, including the cheesy music that is a psychological weapon in itself. But someone found one of their videos with an interesting twist. So if you don't mind the horrible music, and the mild violence in the end, feel free to see what a good terrorist looks like.

08 August 2007

Heroes

What is a hero? Many people have different versions of what a hero is. Fortunately for this blog, I get to choose who the real heroes are for this post.

Am I talking about these people?



Um.....no.

How about these people?



Hell the fuck NO!

How about these people?



HELL YEAH!

I even got a link to the names of true heroes.

HEROES

Please take the time to view at least a few of these names. You will never see their story in the news, so do these brave men and women honor.


"You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked."
Psalm 91:8

05 August 2007

Douche Of The Week 4 Aug 07

I am a Veteran. Now there is war humor, and then there is outright trash. Joking about our troops in Iraq is not only unproductive, but slaps the face of every American with a sense of honor.

For trashing our troops, joke or no joke, I hereby declare A. Whitney Brown "Douche Of The Week."

Pay specific attention to his closing statements.



01 August 2007

Middle Name Meme

Once again, I was tagged by Debs to participate in a bloggers game, this one called the Middle Name Meme.



"1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.

2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.

3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.

4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog."




I could take care of rules 1 through 3, but since I am still fairly new to this blogging, rule #4 is out of the question.

My middle name is Alfonso

A- Asshole, as in my Captain;

L- Lost, another TV show that I hate;

F- Family, which is the only thing that really matters to me;

O- Online, which is where my family and I spend alot of time;

N- Nuisance, a mild description of my neighbor;

S- Shooting, something I like to do in order to relax;

O- Options, things this life has little of.

As I said, there is no way I can comply with Rule #4.