Here it is... the last day of 2005. I woke thinking "Today, I am going to reflect on my life this past year." So, I did. All told 2005 was a very interesting year! A lot of good things happened to me this year! I was able to see and do things this year that I have never done before! Also, there were things in 2005 that I wouldn't want to repeat in 2006. No resolutions this year. I am just trying to improve on what worked last year and get rid of what didn't.
I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years!
Vice
P.S. I got your badgering, Nikki! Hey everyone - she's blogged again!
Judge Lets Man Change Name to Jesus Christ - NEWS - STRANGE - Comcast.net
Wow. That's all I can say. I wonder what exactly he is going to do now, take up carpentry?
The judge said Espinal's "reasons were primarily those applicable to his own private religious beliefs and he stated no desire to use his proposed name to secure publicity, to proselytize, to fund-raise or advise others that he had been cloaked by the courts or government with a religious authority."
Um, yeah, he's unemployed. I don't see how he could not want any funds-raised (even the real Jesus Christ worked as a carpenter). If he were able to convince non-atheists he is the real Jesus Christ and could ask them personally, "Give me some money." They would. And if he could further convince atheists he is the real Jesus Christ then they would give him money, too. Aren't they looking for proof? :-) The only thing he needs to do is set up shop next to the Salvation Army bell ringers. I wonder would he claim that income on his taxes. Wouldn't that be unconstitutional, though, right? Where would be the separation of church and state be then? Does he get to draw unemployment?
Vice
Journalist/reporters and the papers they toil for...
"There is a large billing for bad news in the media and not much room left for the good news. People have right to hear the good news as well as the bad. The media has a responsibility to providing accurate, balanced coverage reporting both the bad and the good on equally objective footing. Moreover, as consumers, we have the responsibility to hold the media to that standard of balanced objectivity." - http://shvedova.blogspot.com/2004_05_01_shvedova_archive.html May 30, 2004
I would like to hear your comments on that statement. Any takers? Fleur? JK? Nikki? Anyone....?
Vice
Was the New York Times right to publish details of a secret program that allows spies to eavesdrop on Americans without a warrant?
Yes, we need to know 70% 50970 votes
No, security needs secrecy 30% 21700 votes
Total: 72670 votes
This QuickVote is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent the opinions of Internet users in general, nor the public as a whole. The QuickVote sponsor is not responsible for content, functionality or the opinions expressed therein. - www.cnn.com -December 17, 2005
Interesting, this question at first glance made me think that we were allowing spies (as in foreigners) to spy on us. Anyway, I think the NY Times should have taken this to the Intelligence Committees of both the House and Senate. I think this is much larger than getting the "story". I know that journalist are to be impartial observers reporting the news as it happens. Um, no, the bottom line is they need to keep their paper in business. Broadcasting potentially sensitive information like this doesn't help to protect America or its citizens. I think to get things done in this age of terror we can't play at the table with our hand showing. If we tip our hand to the bad guys they just come up with even more innovative ways to defeat us.
Do I oppose wiretaps without a warrant? Yes. My issue is that this something that is now being argued and debated in the court of public opinion. People always want to know what they aren't supposed to know. I think journalist bear a greater responsibility in what they report.
Vice
NSA eavesdropping wider than W.House admitted: report - Yahoo! News
What are you trying to pull, Mr. President? Just what exactly do you think is actually going to be accomplished if you are circumventing the law? The wiretaps issued by FISA were normally done retroactively so you can't argue that there wasn't enough time. It has to be the scope of the wiretaps or who the wiretaps are on. I've heard it was journalists. :-) (I'm only kidding!) I have always seemingly had some sort of ire for Freedom of the Press protections. Yes, I agree they need to be there, but I'm not always sure that it's prudent. And no, I have no other suggestions so, I won't argue that. But it is not looking good for the home team, Mr. President. We don't want excuses, we want answers...
Vice
Christmas was good! Santa showed up and delivered the goods. He managed to once again "amaze" and "wow" my son. I tell you, it's a sight to see, a child on Christmas morning! It's something to see that's for sure! It's good that my son is so excited and happy on Christmas morning, because normally after a night of not much sleep the last thing I want is to be jumped on by a 7 year old!
As I got my wind back and my son off of my chest, we gathered around the tree and he began to open his presents. As he opened each gift he verbally thanked everyone. That was nice. :-) We talked about the Christmas story. We talked about family. Then we did what every good family should do Christmas morning. We shot each other. Yes, Christmas morning was good!
After blasting away my son and being equally pummeled by him we went and had dinner with Rob, his wife, his father and family and his best friend and his family. It was very good! Everybody who had a hand in cooking did a wonderful job! After a good meal, a good conversation and respite we did the only natural thing left to do on Christmas. We shot each other.
It was like living in the Wild West. With guns blazing and bullets flying everywhere, there was nowhere to hide. I don't think Hollywood could have scripted better action! The firefight started out between the four kids. As a parent it's my job to show my son the fine art of shooting. He became my assistant gunner keeping me full of ammunition. I taught him the basics of aiming center mass. Then we moved onto the finer points of headshots. Nothing is more gratifying than when your kid looks up at you and thinks you are the greatest person in the world after putting two bullets in the foreheads of your enemies. And don't think I was the only one. Eventually, no kids had weapons; it was man against man with help from the women and kids in the house, who without the means to fire bullets resorted to throwing them. Yeah, I hear what you are saying, "Men acting like children, bad ones at that! They should have let the kids play with the toys!" Um, this was war and no one but the dog was exempt from taking a few rounds.
But as kids attention spans are short so is their patience and their loyalty. They wanted the weapons back. So after a little complaining and effort on their part, they got the weapons back. And instead of continuing the battle, they turned on their parents! Now, defenseless, except for the threat to ground children who broke the rule of "No firing weapons in the house", the parents were sufficiently riddled with a barrage of bullets from 4 kids armed to the teeth with ammo and the will to shoot at those that feed them!
Eventually, parents were pushed back to their respective seats on the couch and chairs, worn down. All except Rob's father who managed to wrest a weapon and stood tall in the middle of the action and continued to return fire down range. Steady hands and dead on accuracy! He shot them all, each every one of those traitorous kids! It was great!
If you ever want to pick up the pace at your next party - shoot your guests - family or friend, it doesn't matter; they will eventually shoot you, too! Nerf guns are great! I hope everyone's Christmas was that fun!
Vice
Ok... This is much better than last year... I'm done and will be able to get a couple hours rest before I have to put my game face on. :-) I can't wait until my son wakes up!
Vice
NFL - Dallas Cowboys/Carolina Panthers Recap Saturday December 24, 2005 - Yahoo! Sports
"Julius Jones ran for a season-high 194 yards and two touchdowns as the Cowboys became the first team in 10 games to gain more than 300 yards total offense against Carolina. Glenn finished with 88 yards on four catches and the game-winning score.
Jones did the most damage, running roughshod over the Panthers and passing the 100-yard mark for the first time this season. He scored on a 43-yard touchdown run to put the Cowboys up 17-13 late in the third quarter. "
Ok, I can't say much more than "Wow!" All we need is one more win and for the Redskins to lose. What a better way to end the season :-) Playoffs or no playoffs!
Vice
Hey! Well, it's Christmas Eve. It's time for all the little ones to be in the bed dreaming of sugarplums and whatnot. Yes, it's time for Santa to get to work. Not wanting to repeat last year's debacle, Santa did a lot more prep work this year. He's no different than anyone else, I imagine. He must constantly refine his processes to stay marketable. I hope that everyone's Christmas Wishes are granted somehow, someway this year.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
God Bless!
Vice
JK has done what I am soon to do and that is updated/upgraded his blog, JK's Journal. It looks good! I can't wait to upgrade mine! I have questions for you, man - but they can wait until after Christmas!
Vice
I admire the way Fleur handles the mob at the mall on the last shopping day before Christmas. Not happening! Not for me! That used to be me, not anymore! Online - it's all online! By the way - those who are ViceSounds.com faithful already know Fleur from her wonderful poems. And in case you forgot - go back and read them again. At any rate, she has become part of the blogging fray! She is truly a wonderful writer. I am looking forward to hearing more from her.
Good luck to you all, who like her are out braving the malls today. Y'all are crazy! More power to ya! Haha!
Merry Christmas!
Vice
19 States to Miss Fair Vote Law Deadline - Yahoo! News
It's amazing - We need laws to ensure that in this so-called democratic country that when we go to the polls our votes will be counted - fairly and accurately. Voting is something we start doing in elementary school. "Who wants to play kickball? Raise your hands!" Then someone counts and then usually someone else counts to verify accuracy - or just to know - but that doesn't matter. Hands are tallied and a fair and accurate vote happens. Simple, huh? Well, as seen in countries around the world and here in the United States, this is somewhat impossibility. Hopefully, our nation of confederated states can get this stuff together.
Vice
CNN.com - Judge rules against 'intelligent design' in science class - Dec 20, 2005
According to the way I understand things, this was the best decision. The State cannot mandate a church or way of thinking for us to believe. It's the law of the land, it is what makes it possible for freedom of religion (all though that is being trounced upon - maybe I will blog about that on another day). This is about a specific instance in court. In this specific instance I think the courts are right. I would love to discuss this further... curious as to your thoughts...
Vice
CNN.com - Democrats call for investigation of NSA wiretaps - Dec 18, 2005
The only thing that I think is prudent is that this is not tried publicly. This should be something that Intelligence committees handle. It should not be something that is used for political ammunition. I'm curious as to the scope (how many wiretaps) and for how long are they authorized. The program needs to be reauthorized every 45 days. What does that say about taps that are currently in progress? I have other questions as well, but I hope the answers to those questions are covered somewhere. Intelligence information is sensitive and John Q. Public does not need to know necessarily a lot of information.
In the age of terror, things like this are necessary. I have the same question as Sen. Arlen Specter (Republican from Pennsylvania) - Why circumvent the courts? I want to say more on this, but I will reserve commenting any further until more information comes out. This will be interesting watching how this unfolds.
Vice
Senator Accuses Times of Endangering U.S. - Yahoo! News
Do you think we allow too much?
Vice
Once again the air is crisp, gingerbread and cinnamon scents fill the air and there is an air of merriment and good cheer everywhere. Some people are busier than ever and some people's traits - like procrastination come out in full force. It's amazing that everybody is trying to be at the same place at the same time. Parking lots, malls and grocery stores are jam packed full of people.
Where you on your Christmas shopping? It's December 18th. This year I'm way ahead of where I was last year (and the years previous) at this time. I'm basically done. I have a couple of items to pick up still, but these are last minute items - these people weren't on my list at all! I mentioned merriment and good cheer, right?
I did almost all of my shopping this year via the Internet. No, I didn't have to fight the crowds, but it does present its own set of challenges.
1) You can't actually see the merchandise. You can't try it on. And if you aren't exactly sure what it is you are buying - as in the case of receiving a wish list from a child :-) - you have to put a lot of faith and trust in advertisers.
2) Customer service is a lot different. During the Christmas season you can actually use bullying and other tactics such as crying to get your way with a store keep. Not on the Internet! The customer service is often as cold as the wires coming out of the back of your computer. You are normally stuck with sending an email - response times vary widely!
3) Shipping and handling. Ok, shipping, I understand to a point, but what the freak is handling?!? Someone must handle the package anyway whether the package is sent to me or a store front. I have noticed over the years the shipping and handling fees are now becoming one line item. You know what would possibly make me feel better about these fees - their distribution.
I am certain that part of the shipping fee is given to the Shipper (i.e. UPS, FedEx, USPS, etc...) and then the company takes a little off the top (any place to squeeze a little profit). Dealing with the issue of the handling fee mutatis mutandis I think that handling fee should be paid to the people who throw my merchandise in the back of shipping trucks or cram the items in the box. The handlers. You know, some lady named Gladys or Margarita (depending on what part of the country the shipping warehouse is located) and/or a dude named Mitchell or Juan (I'm sighting location again). Maybe, they should get proceeds from the handling fee. They should only get the proceeds after a successful delivery. And if I must return the merchandise I then become the handler - I should get my handling fees returned to me. Ah, utopia!
4) Delivery dates are stated, even guaranteed, but... ya know! Nothing like waiting for Little John’s most desired Christmas toy which is expected to be delivered by 23 December. Hate it for ya, it it’s a no-show!
5) Along with not being able to have hands on the item you desire, you also can't often times tell whether an item is in stock or not. At the store you can see your item on the shelf. You can also tell if the item you want is sought after or if a competing item is the rage.
I can say from the early days of online ordering it has gotten a lot better. You aren't constrained to store hours or locations. And with the Internet being as pervasive as it is you can pretty much find items and reviews for said items from actual item owners - not store ads and their marketing hype.
I hope that you all are able to make Christmas good for those you encounter. One week of shopping left!
Vice
I didn't think I would be reporting this - but the Christmas tree is up and decorated! My son is happy! All it is waiting for Santa to make his delivery and we are good to go!
I am proud of my accomplishments this year. Last year Santa was kind enough to decorate our tree when he came by to deliver presents. I also thought I heard him baking his own cookies and wrapping gifts all on Christmas Eve! He didn't get done until the wee hours of the morning! I could have sworn that he left around 6:30am, right about the time I finally drifted off to sleep! Sleep was quite short! 7:03am my son bound into my room to tell me all that Santa had done for us! He's such a wonderful person. I hope he didn't forget to drop off presents at your house last year due to the delays at my home. Sorry! He did inform me, quite sternly, that I am responsible for the decorating and baking from here on out. Thanks, Santa! I got it!
We should be good to go this year!
Vice
Things are starting to come together. Been doing a lot of behind the scenes things with ViceSounds.com. I have been working with JK and doing some digging around myself and getting things fixed. I am still working on the photo page. End state is that I want to be able to allow people to create their own photo albums. Great strides were made this week. That is now possible, but those photo album owners can only upload one photo at a time. :-) Yeah, so there's some work that still needs to be done. I have also been looking at the music page trying to see if I can make it better. I am also looking at doing a site redesign. For now, I want functionality - that allows me to be lazy as far trying to decide how it's going to look.
I was also thinking about doing notifications for the blog. I used to do that awhile ago when I first started this blog. Should I bring that back?
Hey, now that I am thinking about it - any ideas you want to push my way? Anything you want to see on ViceSounds.com? Just curious... :-)
Vice
Segregation-Era Signs Found in Arkansas - Yahoo! News
That article made me think...
This is a part of history I'm eager for my son to get to in school. I'm curious how historians will tell the tales of an America that seems distant to kids now two generations away from the height of the struggle. As I look back on things I recall that history was "remembered" differently by those who were close to the action than those who watched it. I recall a few of my teachers stepping lightly, yet swiftly, through the subject matter. At the time, I remember my dad complaining about how little was actually covered in my history book. My teachers for the most part seemed to do the best with what they had - which wasn't too much.
Now, in this day and age more than ever, teachers have hindsight, they have real life experience that can look at that past and evaluate it rather than try to make sense out of something that evolved almost daily. They have an opportunity to set things right. Their responsibility is even greater as America is now at a point where it is redefining its role in the world. It's a challenge, but I think we as a society (including the teachers) should hold them up to a higher standard than before.
And, of course, I am not throwing this responsibility completely on them. By and large, teachers are a hard-working community, but they are largely motivated by what the community will tolerate. They don't have to do more than what we are willing to accept/pay for. Does anyone really? :-) (Fine line there, or is it?) Parents need to step up to the plate. Albeit, social injustice still remains here in the US. It is more than a black eye in historical face. It's a cancer in our historical body. But things are not like they were almost half a century ago. There is always a hope of a cure, but until then we need to deal with it. There are places in this country where it seems to be in remission, but then flares up.
We are so connected to information we must be careful not to do ourselves and our kids an injustice by repeating mistakes of the past. We must continue to fight racism against people of all nationalities. I go to work and I look at the people I work with. The mix looks like something Walt Disney created: Men and women of differing creeds, colors and beliefs working together harmoniously. Ok, maybe not always harmoniously, but we can work together. It almost brings a tear to my eye. I want my son to grow up recognizing the differences in races, yet treating them with the same respect he expects to be treated by them.
So, as I wait for the Class of 2016 to progress on with their studies, I’m doing my best to give him history more accurately than it was told to me. In the past Dr. Dre would not have been able to sign Eminem to a major record deal and Christopher Columbus didn’t discover anything!
Vice
"Ownership is the American dream. Debt, however, is the American reality." - Vice
You will soon see this to be true! Don't be discouraged - it gives us purpose - a reason to live! Or a reason to work! haha!
Vice
Told you so,JK! ;-)
Poor Stanley. Of all the good you have done, your fate is yours alone.
Stanley Tookie Williams is hoping Govenor Schwarzenegger grants him clemency. Williams was refused a stay of execution by the California Supreme Court. He is set to be executed early Tuesday morning. He is being executed because he was found guilty of killing a man during a robbery and very next month killing a couple and their daughter back in 1979.
Why is this case getting so much attention? Williams is the founder of the the Crips street gang. A gang. Not just a gang of brats. These are the real-deal killers. The Crips have been blamed for thousands of murders! Williams is a bad man. Or at least he was. Since incarceration he has been speaking out against violence and writing children's books about why gang life is not a good thing. Numerous times his name has been submitted for Nobel prizes for peace and literature. He has apologized for starting the Crips, though, but maintains his innoncence about the crimes he was sent to death row for.
Does he deserve his fate? I think so. While I think his seemingly monumental change of heart and all his work to right that severe wrong he founded, he was still found guilty of murdering 4 people. That's the bottom line. Can you imagine how many prisoners have changed their ways in prison? I'm sure quite a few have. I think that even though he has done good, he has not paid for his crimes. Apparantly, the California Supreme Court, a federal district court judge in Los Angeles, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court have all seem to agree.
Vice
P.S. And for Gov. Arnold - Terminate him!
Talk about a nail-biter! Did anyone catch the Cowboys/Chiefs game? Out of Dallas' 13 games 10 have been decided by 7 points or less. Today's game went to the final 2 seconds with a missed field goal from KC! But, Dallas was victorious! 31 - 28.
Ok, I just watched the Packers/Lions game. That was another good game. No, it wasn't a play off game or anything like that, it was a game about pride. I wasn't disappointed. I saw some really strange things going on at the end of the 4th quarter and even into overtime. I don't care about Favre's season this year, he's still one of the best quaterbacks to play the game. It was good to see them pull off the win. Green Bay over the Lions 16 - 13.
"...16 and 0 is a nice footnote..." says Tony Dungy coach of the Indianapolis Colts. What? Bump that! Let them boys get it. I say get your wins, you have clinched home field advantage, you have a first round bye, and you are the best team in the NFL. Why not cap your season with a 19 - 0? If anything, play your starters the first 2 or 3 quarters get your points then sit them down, but make them play every game, keep them in rhythm.
The Texans... My goodness! Could anything be more obvious than the last plays of that game? I applaud them doing whatever they need to do get Heisman winner Reggie Bush. They need any and every bit of help they can get.
This was a good week to watch football.
Vice
Air marshals doing their thing! Go America!
Am I being callous?
No.
They have a job to do and I hope to God they continue to do it with extreme prejudice! The skies here in America are uneasy enough. I know everytime an American gets on a plane the thought crosses their mind, "What if...?" Well, keep a few junkyard dogs in the yard and that will limit foolishness all together.
I heard the argument the air marshals should have done more to ascertain what the "victim's" status was. Why? People are not in the mood for someone taking a chance with their lives. We want to be able to board any airplane and fly hither and yon without fear of some terrorist deciding to send himself to glory and/or make his statement.
'Nuff said!
Vice
I spent the last few years scratching my head about an issue I've had with the servers www.vicesounds.com is hosted on has now been fixed.
- comments are now allowed
- registration is now allowed on the photo page
- blog update notifications can be emailed now
- And a host of other goodies that go on behind the scenes on the website
Needless to say, I'm happy...
Vice
Calling JK! Where are you?
I'm trying to do more work on my website and with my music. I am working (term is used loosely) with JK on a project currently - more details to follow on that It appears is Nikki has been doing a little writing lately and has once again graced her space on vicesounds.com with another poem. Make sure you check it out.
Vice
I just found out - there will be an exception to the rule! The US Government is all about helping people. BlackBerry will be able to retain their US presence - for the government! That's congress in action! Can't balance the budget, can't win the War on Terrorism and can't even out the trade deficit with China, but the thought of not getting their email timely is unbearable. I know they were thinking of Joe Taxpayer on this move, right? They know they wouldn't be able to keep their jobs if the taxes were raised so they could chit-chat on their BlackBerries! Also, the other piece to this touching story is the sheer act of the US government's willingness to give Canadians a second chance. Sure they infringed on someone's patent (otherwise known as stealing), but, hey, they already have the BlackBerry in hand and it works wonderfully. Gotta love that! Tells you what I know - The US is so kind we help all, even Canadians. I like the fact the we Americans are so forgiving. That's the touching side of capitalism...
Vice