The voice of the Phat Man

Saving Face...A follow up to "I Thought the Democratic Party Was Democratic"

2008-06-02T09:35:00.005-04:00

For those of that haven't heard or just don't live in Michigan or Florida, the DNP finally made their ruling on the unseated Delegate in Michigan and Florida. Back in February, when our bogus primary went down, Michigan and Florida Democrats had been unfairly wronged. In Florida, the story is some what crazy. The Republican heavy House & Senate tried to pull a fast one by purposely moving the Florida primary up, knowing that the Democrats would loose Florida for breaking party rules. That's just plan wrong and what an injustice to those voters. Michigan...Well, the party just tried to stack the deck in Edwards/Clinton's favor and got caught. But, at least both States now have a voice, be it smaller then before, but a voice none the less. They made the right call, even if Obama wanted to let Clinton have all of Florida!

Clearly all of the anger, letters and voices were heard loud and clear, Hilary CANNOT just have all our votes. I didn't vote for her, how dare you try to take my vote and give it to her. That is no longer the case. Thankfully, we get half a vote. Obama will be here this week to help win over those delegates. I for one am NOT a Carl Levin fan. Even though he is a Democrat from Michigan, he is a text book case of cookie cutter politics. Over the past few years his ideas have moved farther, and farther away from the core beliefs of the party and in my opinion, just as crooked as the rest of the old timers. But, this weekend he helped save a little face. Pushing to get the 30,000 write in votes for Obama was classy. Him and the rest of the other Michigan Democrats really stood up to the plate and played fairly. It really burns me that Hilary is talking about appealing their decision. You know, she breaks party rules in Michigan by NOT taking herself off the ballot, but some how she wins the State? FUCK YOU! And now, she's in Puerto Rico talking about her victory there. She makes this big speech how she's going to fight the DNP's decision and, she is still counting MY vote in her tally. Sorry sister, but it's time to back off. It's over Hill. Do us all a favor and take your Annie Oakley ass back to New York.

I just want to point out that over the past few months I have been incredibly disgusted by how the Democrats have been playing ball. My political soul mate, Marguerite Fox, has been doing her best to help keep my head in the game when it comes to the Dem's, but I still can't get the sour taste out of my mouth at times. 95% of the time I agree with her, and the light she sheds has been great. But, Just because the Clinton's have a TON of money, doesn't mean they are the face of the party. I was disgusted to hear Hilary's camp say that this is now about sex and Hilary's getting screwed because she's a woman. The Clinton's have been playing the game just like the Republicans would have and makes me not even want to affiliate with the party. How can the Democrats let someone like that run? Money and Loyalty is all I have seen. They need to get a grip on the party and this election could slip their fingers, no matter how great Obama truly is. I for one am a firm believer in loyalty. I have the same attitude as the Clinton's do when it comes to loyalty, but not at the expense of sinking the ship. I am shocked that the Clinton's continue to have the kind of pull they do...sheep in wolves clothing man. But, the DNP changed all that this weekend and rightly so.

It looks like we have finally hit that fork in the road and I hope there is no turning back. If there is one positive thing the phony Clinton's have done for me, it would be making me believe in Obama. I don't think he's perhaps the best guy for the job (Is anyone really?). When you talk about experience on the Global level, he's a rookie. The next person in line has a painstaking job of rebuilding friendships, hope, and belief in our Government across the whole world. The President has to fix the problems in Iraq, and bring America's children home. Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi are still lurking in the third world and the price of fuel WILL be the deciding factor for all Americans this fall. It's almost like there is no hope at all down the road, but Obama has made me believe again. The fear and impending doom that the McCain camp is showing, makes me want to believe in Obama even more. Honestly, not since Bill Clinton ran the first time in the 90's have I felt so jazzed up. There is still a deep, rooted sense of racism in this country on both sides of the fence. We are on the brink of electing the first black man as President of the freest, most powerful country in the world. The 21st Century has finally arrived and it happened in 2008. America is finally waking up, clearing that fog from their eyes. Race is no longer an issue when it comes to the seat of Presidentcy. It has been too long since I believed in a politician. Obama says he is for change and continues to make strives that he is the face of change. Never have I felt like gambling on a politician but I am ready to roll the dice on Obama. I am proud to be a supporter and I encourage everyone to support him as well. He is the best chance we have right now folks. OBAMA 2008!

Time has moved forward that fast

2008-05-23T11:15:00.002-04:00

Time has become an infinite vortex that I can no longer predict, nor control. Ruby has taken everything I have had to offer off the table. In many ways this is great, because I can focus on being her whipping post. Being a father has really changed me recently. I must admit that there has been some mild postpartum for me. But, I have finally come out of the fog and I am really taking to the parent thing. Ruby is the light of my life. Never did I think that I would see life, her or Emily in a different light. Even with all the lack of sleep, missed work days and money going right into diapers, life is the best it has ever been.

On the other hand, 10 years ago today I began my Hookahville adventures. Really, within the past 4 years have I NOT been to a Hookahville. Actually, I haven't really been to shows too much since I stopped working for Michigan's hardest working rock band, Covert Operations. I couldn't even imagine just dropping everything to go to a show any more. The cost of gas alone is high enough to scare you from even going into town for the groceries. My family has puleld me away from music, friends, shows, video games and even other family members. Emily and I are just focused on raising the best kid possible. So why am I looking back? Well, Memorial day weekend is that time we look back and thank all of our Vets. The people like my grandfathers and all of the Vets from the past to the present are to be honored. The whole weekend is usually filled with music, friends, BBQ and the first real push off before the summer. I would like take a moment to reflect and thank those who fought over seas to fight & hold true to our core beliefs and freedoms. It might seem silly now a days, but we have thousands of proud men & women that are paying the price for having a President that believes so strongly about making money on oil. America's children are all over the place, not just in the middle east. The earth quakes in China, the relief in Burma, all sorts of relief to Africa. The duty and role of the current Military is far different today and I think that gets lost in the shuffle. Esepcially when the media is more concerned about beating every ounce of stupid they can from the Democractic Primary. Which Hilary should just bow out of. Thank you troops and we hope to see you all home and safe very soon. Have a good holiday folks

Back to my basics

2008-05-09T09:01:00.004-04:00

First off, I can't believe I have been slacking like this with my blogging. Overtime here at work got cut WAY down, which sucks, but I have been getting home around 5ish, which is good. By the time Ruby is asleep, dinner is cooked, I check my account in Ogame, play a little Xbox to unwind, it's 1am and I have to start it all over again in a few hours. Plus, chores around the house have gotten harder. Both Em and I have stuff we do around the house, and we've been trading off watching Ruby. Which is not bad, but we used to just bang everything out. Now, can't vacuum because she just feel asleep, chit like that. So, I thought I would take a moment and jump on my blog this morning.

So, Gas prices have finally hit over $4.00. Now, that's for premium, but regular is just 20 cents cheaper. I can't believe things are getting this bad. As much as I am dying at the pump, I ashamed that a Democrat wants to ride the same wave as a Republican. Hilary wants to suspend the gas tax, this countries largest and deepest resource of money. That's nice that all of the RICH politicians can get by, but that doesn't mean our Government can. How would McCain & Hilary plan to offset the lack of money coming in to PAY FOR SHIT! We are paying for a war in Iraq and Afghanistan, trying to help the Burmese after that Typhoon, pay ALL of the government employee's, cops, firefighters, schools, medicaid/medicare, etc, etc, etc, etc...Where is the money going to come from? These two are clueless and it's nothing but a cheap trick to fool you into thinking, "I really care about you." At least Barack has the bawls to say, umm, no way is that even possible. And now they are talking about a Barack/Hilary ticket...fuck that. I hope Obama tells them to "stuff their sorry's in a sack." At the end of the work day I am going to go take some photos of the gas station signs on the corner here. I'm shocked that Bush has allowed his buddies to rape & pillage this country. But, then again our body of congress has been too lack luster to do shit, but they blame it on having a Republican president that apposes everything. YOU ARE THE MAJORITY...Fight him! Spineless I tell you, spineless. Oh, I encourage everyone to check out View-Askew if you already haven't. I've got some more commentary up there and there will be more in the future.

So mother's day weekend eh? This will be the first time I get to do something for the mother of my child. Until now I've only been doing stuff for my mother. There's just something that feels really special about this weekend. I know, it's just a Hallmark Holiday, but it's a good one. Emily has been doing such a great job with Ruby. I know how tough it has been on her. Lots of frustration, lack of sleep, mentality, dealing with my bullshit and crankiness. I don't have too much in-store for her, but it's going to be special none the less. Plus, I get to throw in two Grandmothers & a Great Grandmother this weekend too. I just feel so blessed to share all of this with some great & supportive people. Both Grandma's have been awesome and continue to be a great rock for us to fall back on. I just wish I could do more to show my appreciation.

Obama has taken one step closer

2008-05-07T08:57:00.002-04:00

WOW!!! What a night in the Democratic primary. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Hilary backs out. But, reports are coming in that she's totally out of money and starting to pay for her own campaigning. Good. She & Bill have made millions by ripping off the American public for too long. Fucking crooked, corrupt, politician made to pay her own way if she wants to continue. I love it and it reminds me of many South Park episodes. I hope we are at the turn in the road. I want Obama to be able to focus on McCain! Here is a great article from the NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/us/politics/07assess.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Larry Wiggy tired today

2008-04-18T10:40:00.002-04:00

Not sure what the deal is. Sure, we didn't go to bed until after mid-night, but poor Ruby has been so gassy lately. We just switched her over to Soy Formula :( But, if it works then Emily is going to attempt to change her diet over to soy/lactose free. It will be tough because Emily is a milk & cheese girl. She hates soy milk, she says it taste like grass. So the newt week should be interesting. It's tough to tell if Ruby is handling the new mix, but things seemed a little better. But, she was still crying like mad. We've been slowly trying to break her away at night, she needs to start falling a sleep on her own and it's tough. She was up at the crack of dawn this morning. I didn't even need the alarm clock this morning. Thank GOD it's the weekend folks. Plan on doing so hard work (if it doesn't rain) and enjoy some Disc Golf. We have Red Wings Hockey tonight, series is tied 2-2 and they are back at home tonight. GO WINGS!! All righty....I am gonna go do some work

Last nights debate

2008-04-17T08:52:00.002-04:00

To start off, I didn't catch the whole thing. The biggest reason really is I can't stand ABC news. They are hands down some of the most water downed (dumbed down) news out there. At least FOX has all sorts of banners, sound effects, BIG lettering for their headlines/stories and their hosts are loud, vocal and good at selling you their version of the news. ABC is well, just that, your little kid learning his ABC's. Come on, Charlie Gibson, really? He's going to host the debates with Georgie Boy Stephanopoulos....ok. The guy just upgraded from the Morning talk show, now he's a serious news anchor, give me a break. So from what I saw (for a few moments at least) was Obama had to dodge and fight it out all night. I think thats good if you ask me and I'm glad he never took the gloves off. Unlike Clinton, who's ready to sink the Democratic party just so she can get the nomination and then loose to the ghost, excuse me, McCain.

Go check out Crooks & Liars for the all the good stuff on the debate. I have been cracking up left & right reading all the stuff they have on the debate. This article is a good place to start. The big rumor is that Clinton will be on The Colbert Report tonight. Producers from the show aren't confirming nor denying it. If she is, this should be interesting as The Daily Show & The Colbert Report have BEEN tearing into like mad. I know it's all for the sake of comedy, but you know those guys & the writers are using their wit to make a point and get it to stick in your brain. How can she go on a show where they tear her to shreds, does she think that she'll get the famous "Colbert Bump" while she is in Philly? Stay tuned folks, if she is on the show tonight it should make for some very good TV, because she's being an idiot right now

Stumbled onto this

2008-04-13T20:51:00.001-04:00

If you are a South Park fan, then you need to click here. NPR Radio did an interview with Eric Cartman. Good stuff.

Halo 3 has new maps!!

2008-04-13T18:32:00.003-04:00

The Legendary Map Pack for Halo 3 comes out for the Xbox 360. Make sure to click on the this link for all the good stuff. They are bringing back some classic maps, and some more new forge options. Looks like it's time to bone back up in the Halo!

Sunday blah

2008-04-13T11:20:00.002-04:00

So here I am Sunday morning and I'm bummed that this weekend is almost over. I used to cherish my weekends because of it's lazy days and not having to kick my brain into over gear. Now, I cherish the time that I get to spend with Emily & Ruby. Right now the two ladies are just getting up after an early morning feeding. Too bad it's snowing. Old man winter just doesn't want to let go. Oh, just read that Britney might be back to old ways. Head on over to Perez's website and get the latest dirt. I'm gonna jump onto the Xbox 360 before we gotta go run some errands. We sent some photos on over to the Wal, there digital photo processing has been good for the price. So far no complaints.

One more thing, I'm now a whore. I have added some Google Ads to my blog. I'm not going to push it on you, but I need to find ways to generate some more revenue with Ruby now joining us. Thanks All!!

Spring is finally here!

2008-04-12T15:44:00.002-04:00

So Grandma Even is over today using my PC to o some homework. Yep, mom has gone back to school. So I get to write my blog on her Mac Book. I'm super jealous of this thing. It runs so much faster and is so smooth. Everything is already pretty much installed. Typing my blog looks so much better on the Mac Book too. Plus Safari runs so much better then it does on my pc. Like I said, I am super jealous. Today I thought I would share some photos of my little bean, Ruby. She is the best little baby. She has her moments, and last night she gave us a run for our money. I wouldn't change a thing, she is awesome and I am loving every minute of it.

Funniest Bulletin Ever?

2008-04-10T16:18:00.002-04:00

as seen at my myspace blog,
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&pop=1&ping=1

The shit that goes on over there sometimes just cracks me up. I love it when folks are just being dumb, enjoy:

Funniest Bulletin ever?
Current mood: giggly
Category: Blogging

See below. My sides are hurting from laughing so hard. How do people even allow themselves to get sucked into the bull shit and to blame an entire community of on-line users....good chit. It’s too bad that this person can’t see and/or use the other abilities that MySpace offers. Sure, the advertising has been stepped up, but this is a free service & they keep improving on. Oh well. I’m glad I captured this before the bulletin became deleted. Too bad you can’t go back to the stone age huh?

I have left off the person(s) names, because I’m kind of guilty of what the person is talking about just by posting this blog. Too funny to pass up though:

Date: Apr 10, 2008 3:48 PM

Subject: Deleting MySpace

Body: XXX and I have decided that we are going to delete our myspace accounts due to the fact that it is nothing but a huge ploy for advertisement and the airing out of people’s dirty laundry. Why do I want to read your blogs bitching about this, that and the other thing... get a journal... a real one and keep it to yourself... so goodbye evil rumor mill... If you want to get a hold of us, pick up a phone or stop by (but make sure you call first). I feel free already... Peace

Still kickin', but with almost NO sleep

2008-04-09T09:11:00.002-04:00

First off, sorry for the major lag on the blog. As many of you know, Emily & I were expecting our first child at the end of March. Well....Things have kicked into high gear a little earlier then expected. Emily gave birth to Ruby Matilda Even on March 21st, 2008 at 6:52pm. Hands down the best experience of my life. So many feelings and emotions went through my head and still do. I can't believe that sometimes that she's real and actually in my arms. The gift of life is truly amazing and I have forever changed how I handle my life. Ruby was 9lbs 12oz at 21 inches long. My brother, mom and Emily's mom were there for when it all happened and left before a mini blizzard shook the area.

Emily & Ruby are doing great. Ruby is keeping her mom & dad scrambling every few hours to facilitate her needs. Shocking at how many diapers one little human can create. She is just the cutest little baby on the planet and sporting a full head of thick, dark brown hair. She has started waking up a little bit more each day and is opening those eyes and starting to check out her new world. Of course it gets me thinking on how fuct this place is and I'm sorry that little Ruby and others of her generation have an even bigger mess to clean up when she's get to be our age. One topic that I'd like to talk about today is Charity.

"Charity" is almost like the new fade in the 21st Century. Now, I'm not sure if it's supposed to be my Catholic upbringing or just pulse on America, but why is charity the new fade? I was always taught that Charity isn't supposed to be something that you broadcast about yourself. In fact, the bible states that you are NOT to reveal that you are the one giving charity. It is something you do for yourself, the donor & God. Now, I'm not going to all bible beater on you, but it makes sense. If you decide to donate money, time, food, clothes, etc, why are you doing it? Now, we aren't dummies because guys like Bill Gates HAVE to give otherwise the US Govt will come after him in the tax department. That's how it goes with big business and anyone that millions of dollars, you get a tax break if you donate. I myself have done this as well, not my motive for doing it, but a benefit that I have used. My biggest beef right now is American Idol. Don't get me wrong, it's great that a show like that is able to use it's star power to give Millions of dollars back to the people in need, but at what expense? Of course they are hoping for a major ratings boost. Which they'll get because they have been promoting the HELL out of it and are bringing in every HOT celebrity to help raise money. But now MySpace is doing a contest to get your name read on the show for donating and you could win a trip to the final taping of the show? Talk about exploiting a great cause MySpace. Any time that I give (nice try, I'm not telling you how much or when/where or even the who) I do it because even though I have very little, I am already better off then some folks in this world. I eat well, have a great secure job, make decent money, have decent health benefits, have an amazing partner and have been given the gift of a child to hold and care for, life is going pretty good. But, by no means are we rich. With me working solo, bills pile up faster and the money is even more reduced, but giving back is the right, moral, and kind thing to do. I know that even though I have very little to give, I will find a way to help out my fellow man. Any chance I can help someone I will. Call me a sucker or even gullible at times, but I'm just too much of a weeny to let someone struggle. Pennies, dimes, dollar bills...They all add up over time and can be used to help some little child that can barley get of bed because of a disease.

There's a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episode that hits in on the nail with this very topic. Ted Danson and Larry David both give to a charity but Ted decides to go as "anonymous" but at the same times tells all of his friends that he's anonymous. So of course Larry has issues with it and does the same thing to prove a point. Of course he's right and how idiotic is this when someone doesn't want the acknowledgment for giving, but rubs his friends noses in it. Basically my point is, if you give, shut your mouth. Give because it's the right thing to do, not to have power over people or to get a big tax break or even have your name in lights as a major contributor. Do it because your are helping someone that is less fortunate then you and could really use a hand.

Is time even real?

2008-03-12T18:16:00.002-04:00

Sorry that I haven't made a post in what seems like forever. There's been so much bullshit going on in the world that I honestly needed to take a knee. The new website that I'm a blogger on is up, http://view-askew.net

The site's creator, Marguerite Fox, is a dear friend and she's going to explore a number of her personal interests. I have offered up my services in a number of areas, so I won't know about what I blogging about until she gives me the assignment. This first blog is addressing the problems with the Michigan & Florida bogus Democratic primaries. I've touched on a few of items here and at my myspace blog, but it mainly goes over all the bull shit and how to get involved. I encourage everyone to check out the site.

Work has been insane. I plan on taking around two weeks when the baby is born to help out and do the baby thing. Shit, woman can take up to three months, I figure a few weeks is doable. So I have been training the gal who will be filling in for me while I am out. It's tough sometimes, because I'm not training her to do my total job. I'm only showing her bits & pieces, so I'm trying to find that medium. She's great, so I'm not too worried about. Business has really taken off again, but we have so many procedural issues to wave through that things are getting tough. Some of the newer management folks are really focused and committed to turning things around. But, we still have to deal with a frugal CEO that doesn't exactly see the same light as we do. We call it business as usual, which it is. So folks are trying to make changes, it's tough though. Our Sales VP is retiring so I can see some dramatic changes when he leaves. Don't get me wrong, GREAT guy and I've learned a whole lot, but this is new era and times are changing. Time to change drivers of the bus.

I'm not going to even talk right now about the primaries, Spitzer buying hookers, or John McCain possibly leading our country to a nuclear war. McCain is 72, how can a senior citizen possibly be a leader of this country? Shouldn't he have retired by now. Fucking scary folks, scary! All right, dinner is almost ready so I'm gonna bail. Emily is doing good, getting grumpy, but that's expected. She's been carrying a load for nine months, she can be cranking. We are almost at 38 weeks, so this kid could come any day. Room, baby stuff, etc are already to go. Just waiting for the bun to finish baking!

What is this white stuff on the ground?

2008-02-22T08:21:00.002-05:00

It's called snow, and for some reason people can't handle driving on the roads when we get half an inch on the ground. Spin outs all over the place this morning. So last night was a cool down night. I wanted to watch the debate, but found myself unable to tune in. Honestly, I already knew how it would play out. I almost want to say business as usual, but from what I read it wasn't. I should have tuned in. According to the NY Times & the LA Times Clinton can out swinging. And, at the end of the debate tried to pull a move that she did in New Hampshire, she got "emotional." You know what, if Hilary Clinton is getting emotional now then how is showing to handle herself in the national election debates against McCain? How is she going to take on the attacks from all the other countries? In my opinion, it shows a sign of weakness and it proves that she can't handle the real pressures of the job. Or, she's a phony and is trying to play into the hearts of Americans and try to trick you. I'm glad that Obama took the beating and kept it cool. I'm still not sold on Obama, but with Kucinich out of the race we can't back another four more years of political punishment called the Clinton Administration.

McCain is just a dirty as we thought

2008-02-21T08:56:00.001-05:00

Great, great article in the NY Times about McCain:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/us/politics/21mccain.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ei=5088&en=07ce95c3a45a7cd2&ex=1361336400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Take the Power Back

2008-02-14T15:54:00.003-05:00

This song alone has just fired me right back up. I'm over at one of the other forums I hang out at, and I just posted the lyrics to song by Rage Against the Machine. I have never in my life been so fired up about the delegate issue here in Michigan. It is the first time I have truly felt robbed of my rights as an American citizen. I've had run ins with the law about stupid stuff, but never have my given rights of being an American born citizen been jeopardized. Those mother fuckers in Lansing better get their act together. Last year RATM finally came back together, and rightly so. The message they spread in the 90's reins even more true today. We need a voice like theres to ring to the masses. That's it, I'm going home, turning off the The Dead and turning up the Rage! If you read the lyrics below I hope they inspire you, just as they have me!

TAKE THE POWER BACK

Bring that shit in! Uggh!

Yeah, the movement's in motion with mass militant poetry
Now check this out...uggh!

In the right light, study becomes insight
But the system that dissed us
Teaches us to read and right

So called facts are fraud
They want us to allege and pledge
And bow down to their God
Lost the culture, the culture lost
Spun our minds and through time
Ignorance has taken over
Yo, we gotta take the power back!
Bam! Here's the plan
Motherfuck Uncle Sam
Step back, I know who I am
Raise up your ear, I'll drop the style and clear
It's the beats and the lyrics they fear
The rage is relentless
We need a movement with a quickness
You are the witness of change
And to counteract
We gotta take the power back

Yeah, we gotta take the power back
Come on, come on!
We gotta take the power back

The present curriculum
I put my fist in 'em
Eurocentric every last one of 'em
See right through the red, white and blue disguise
With lecture I puncture the structure of lies
Installed in our minds and attempting
To hold us back
We've got to take it back
Holes in our spirit causin' tears and fears
One-sided stories for years and years and years
I'm inferior? Who's inferior?
Yeah, we need to check the interior
Of the system that cares about only one culture
And that is why
We gotta take the power back

Yeah, we gotta take the power back
Come on, come on!
We gotta take the power back

Hey yo check, we're gonna have to break it, break it,
break it down
Awww shit!

Uggh!

And like this...uggh!

Come on, yeah! Bring it back the other way!

The teacher stands in front of the class
But the lesson plan he can't recall
The student's eyes don't perceive the lies
Bouning off every fucking wall
His composure is well kept
I guess he fears playing the fool
The complacent students sit and listen to some of that
Bullshit that he learned in school

Europe ain't my rope to swing on
Can't learn a thing from it
Yet we hang from it
Gotta get it, gotta get it together then
Like the motherfuckin' weathermen
To expose and close the doors on those who try
To strangle and mangle the truth
'Cause the circle of hatred continues unless we react
We gotta take the power back

Yeah, we gotta take the power back
Come on, come on!
We gotta take the power back

No more lies
No more lies
No more lies
No more lies
No more lies
No more lies
No more lies
No more lies

Uggh!

Yeah!

Take it back y'all
Take it back, a-take it back
A-take it back y'all, come on!
Take it back y'all
Take it back, a-take it back
A-take it back y'all, come on!

Uggh!

Yeah!

For those of you in Michigan

2008-02-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

http://jackshow.blogs.com/jack/2008/02/essay-suppressi.html

Here is what's going on with the DNC in Michigan and how they are trying to FUCK us over. A great read!!

Hallmark Holidays

2008-02-14T10:56:00.002-05:00

2/14/08 is marked on the calender as Valentines Day and Hallmark couldn't be happier. Why? Because droves of people flood into their stores and buy all sorts of stuff that no one really needs, but try to help express their own love for another. Hey, I'm a sucker, I'll be in there at lunch getting some last minute V-Day stuff. I'll even be using a Hallmark Member Card (thanks Emily!). For those of you that are interested here is the link at Wikipedia about the history of Valentines Day. Me personally, just another day in the books. Emily and I celebrate, but it's more on a one to one level. We keep it simple and small, and this year I need to scale back with all the baby spending going on. I'm not really a big fan of the Hallmark Holidays, but this is a day that I can get into. Be sure to tell your loved one that you do love them and wish them a Happy Valentines Day!

Can't get my head straight

2008-02-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

So Texas & Ohio are March 4th. Why do I keep thinking they are right now?!? I think I am going to drop of the grid and stop watching the news for a little while. All they keep talking about is Texas & Ohio, so it's engraved in my brain. Sorry folks, not this bad with information usually. I retract

Man I have been out of it

2008-02-13T13:06:00.002-05:00

Sorry everyone, I'm a week ahead things. For some reason I thought Ohio & Texas were yesterday, and they are next week. Oh well, the message is still the same. And Obama came up HUGE yesterday. So there was a big thing via NPR about how the Michigan Democratic Party is totally trying to fuck us over. Basically Hilary is now claiming she won Florida & Michigan and she wants them counted, even though the DNC says no way. The DNC wants Florida & Michigan to do a caucus, which they should do if our delegates are to be counted! One of Emily's reasons for not voting, is it doesn't matter. I pride myself on the fact that I vote and participate in our electoral process. Voting is the ONLY way you are heard at the national/local level. supposedly Mark Brewer, the leader of the Michigan DP wants Hilary in and Granholm (our Gov) is behind him 100%. That God the DNC is holding firm and saying NO! Essentially, my vote never really counted and now the Michigan DP wants to confirm that your vote didn't mean SHIT!!!! I as asked by my friends Ron & Eileen if I wanted to ride out with them if we do have a caucus. I told them fuck ya! The only thing stopping me is if Emily goes into early labor because it would be sometime in March. I can't believe the counter argument of NOT voting is becoming a reality. I plan on writing Mr. Brewer & Mrs. Granholm a letter and quoting the reports from NPR. This is bull shit, and I'm sick of politics being a members only club. This country is voted on by the people and WE have the power to change it. I'm still not sold 100% on Barack, but he's our best change for a change. A Fresh Face in Washington DC is what we need. the Clinton's are just a crooked as the Bush's. What is the saying, it's still a wolf even if he is wearing sheep's clothing. Just because Hilary is a different face, doesn't mean she's not a wolf!

Obama still has a great chance

2008-02-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

All you Ohio & Texas kids need to get out to vote today!!! If you are ready for a change then Barack is your man. Don't let the Clinton's fool you, right now they are even baiting the Black vote versus the Hispanic vote. Don't be fooled, just because her last name is Clinton doesn't mean shit. Open your minds and do your research. People, McCain, Huckabee, and Clinton are the poster children for "business as usual." I'm sick of living in a country were it's being ran by lobbyist, after lobbyist and lobbyist. Special Interest groups need to get the FUCK out too!! If the founding fathers were alive today they'd just be in shock. I can imagine that Abe Lincoln would not be a member of the Republican party as it stands today. Don't be a sheep, be the Shepard. We need real change, and I believe that Obama is that change. Rarely have I voted for a Republican or Democrat. Both parties are just as crooked as the other and both only care about staying in power. Why do you think a third party is always pushed to the side and the major media doesn't even report on it? Because everyone is sleeping with each other. However, that does no mean that there are good people in the parties. If you truly want to see a change, then don't vote for someone because they are a woman, or black, or they ahve the name you recognize. The job isn't about experience either, because all the guys with best/most experience have already dropped out. Go and vote because you want to be involved and you want to make statement.

We revisit 9/11

2008-02-11T10:29:00.001-05:00

Well, well, well....The U.S. Government is finally getting around to charging 6 prisoners being held at the infamous Guantanamo Bay. First of all, let's just talk about the injustice that is going on down there. Guantanamo is text book example of how the current US administration does not give a fuck about basic human rights and treatment. I don't want to get into the whole "what is torture" debate, but some of those guys have been detained for years without any type of due process. Yes, I know they are suspected war criminals but, they have yet to prove that. Now, they are going after six of them for the death penalty. We'll see how much gets reported in the US media, because I actually read the article at the BBC.

Thought I'd share

2008-02-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

Some more baby room photos. Also, looks like Barack and Hilary are neck and neck. McCain clearly out in front.

I'm convinced that MSNBC is ran by children

2008-02-05T11:40:00.000-05:00

They are streaming live all day for Super Tuesday. Got it going now....these two are idiots. No wonder people can;t make up their minds. Could you put any more fluff into this election?

Barack Obama music video

2008-02-05T11:16:00.001-05:00

Pretty neat video from Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas

Perez Hilton for Clinton

2008-02-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

I must admit that I enjoy his website, but I was shocked to see him "pushing" Hilary Clinton. He has some influence in today's internet world, I just hope people don't listen. He's right most of the time, but I'm not sure if he has read and researched all the "wrong" with Mrs. Clinton. Here's the link if you have no clue who he is or what's is website is all about. At least Britney is off his radar

Let's light this powder keg!!

2008-02-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

So of course Barrack, Hilary & McCain were all on the Today show this morning. I assume that they were on the other news morning shows as well. What can you say? I never thought McCain would still be in it. Nice that Huckabee is staying in it to steal/push votes away from Romney. Man, the republicans don't want Romney or McCain so this should be wild. Too bad Barrack doesn't have more time to campaign. I think who ever wins California is the lock. I just hope that voter turn out is large for each state. I think for true change to start happening, the voters need to start voicing their opinion. That of course is done by voting, so get the fuck out there and vote!

Super Tuesday is going to be fun...right?

2008-02-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

Big flipping day tomorrow gang. I visiting some friends yesterday and my friend Eileen is a real pistol when it comes to politics, she calls me her political soul mate. She cracks me up sometimes because she's so passionate. She's a big Obama supporter and what's great is she follows it all, so her choice is made on a very educated level. I like stopping by because her and I could honestly talk for hours on the matter. She is so fired up for tomorrow. She said she'll be glued to the TV all day. Which is good because I can call over for their updates! So they say if Barrack could get just one more week of campaigning he'd be the lock. Any way...With all the Super Tuesday non-sense being jammed down your throats I wanted you guys to check out this article at the Huffington Post. Allison Kilkenny totally hits the mark again.

I must admit that I too will probably be glued to the TV for a few of the hours. Is the Democratic Party going to be insane and push for "business as usual" or will "change" become the new face?

Damn it

2008-01-31T10:10:00.001-05:00

It looks like those photos didn't post. I'll have to figure this out and I'll get them on here as soon as I can, sorry everyone

Sorry that it's been a little while

2008-01-31T09:27:00.000-05:00

Things have just been very hectic that past week. Before I get rolling on the latest political jargon I thought I'd update on the family. Emily is doing great. She's starting to look really pregnant, but then again we are at 8 weeks out. Baby room is DONE!!! We have to get the crib mattress and there's still one more baby shower to go, but for the most part everything is done. I will post some of the baby room's photos to the this blog at the end here. It's looks alright, but then again we are always our own worst critic. Emily is very pleased with how it looks and if she's fine with it then I am too. I also feel I could do a better job, but then again I don't plan on being at this place for a few more years then I'm OUT. Now that things are finally starting to fall into place I'm getting pretty pumped to see my little girl. We are done with our child birth class and we only have a few more doctor appointments before her birthday. I'm anxious and nervous at the same time. I can't say that I ever felt such a conflicting feeling. My stomach swirls when I think about, but then a wave of joy passes over. It's weird

I am going to off, so bare with me...For the folks in the metro Detroit area, who saw the Mayor's apology last night? Honestly, I had no intention of watching it but they cut into Seinfeld so I was kind of stuck. Sure, I could have changed the channel, but this does affect me. I know, I don't live & pay taxes in Detroit but Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. It's is our largest economic base and is still in the national spot light every day. The Pistons are not a joke, and are in the running for the NBA title. The Red Wings have the best record in the NHL (5 losses right?) and The Tigers have been re-born. The Auto industry still runs out of Detroit, so the city is not a joke. It sickens me that the voters down their are just blind to corruption. For those that don't know, Detroit's Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, has committed perjury in a local whistle blower case. I could spend all day giving you folks all the details. If you are curious please see the Detroit Free Press. You can click on the link and go from there. Kwame is basically a thug, no joke, he used to be a Detroit gang. Right now he has given his buddies from school and the neighborhood all sorts of lucrative deals & jobs. The media around here has been after him since 2002. Yes, there have been a number of positive movements in Detroit, but that's because of the people and companies willing to invest. In the past few years there have been all sorts of scandals, but this is the biggest to date. Basically he's been having an affair for the past few years with his assistant. So what's the big deal right? He's been using the cities money to go to hotels, mobile phone for 14,000 text messages, and all sorts of trips with his mistress (which he said he didn't have on the stand in a court of law). The voters/tax payers have been fronting the bill, and that's the problem Kwame and his people are trying to spin it like this is a private matter and to leave & his family alone. No, the problem is that you've been squandering public funds to fuel a private affair with another woman. His wife is a carbon copy of Hilary. She loves the life style, and likes all the perks that come with her husband being mayor so she's standing by him. Look, the dude's been cheating on your for YEARS and you're sticking around?

This now opens the door for some more lawsuits and such. How much more public money is going to be wasted on all this. There's speculation that the Wayne County Prosecutor won't be pursuing charges because this is an election year and she doesn't want to alienate the black vote in Detroit. That has yet to be seen, but it figures. Just another crooked, corrupt politician in the city of Detroit. It's almost like we have Colman Young Jr. in office. The voters of course are totally blind to the issue. There's a divide down there, but it seems like most of the folks see this as "the man" picking on Kwame and they need to leave him alone. Totally oblivious to the fact that this guy is pissing way all your money. Last night in his speech, which he didn't talk about the case at all, he even turned on the water works. See, even at the local level the politicians are just as bad. It saddens me that Detroit, with all it's growth, can't shake the corruption. I'm all worked up, so I'm not even going to go into the Florida primary, which Gulliani lost (heehee). So much for putting all your eggs into one basket! Alright, here's those photo's:

The Baby's Room

2008-01-23T15:11:00.000-05:00

WOW!!! For the past 4-5 days I have been doing nothing but work on the nursery. I took Monday off so I could finish priming and painting. The fumes were getting to be too much for Emily (most important) and myself. She even left for a few hours on Sunday, but it's not like I can open up all the windows when it's two degrees outside. The carpet was installed last night. Emily's friend Bob helped us out big time by giving us a great deal and even squeezed us in to install. I am SUPER glad that I didn't do it!! I would have had NO clue on installing carpet. I'm not a carpetner, nor do I want to be one. So working on this room by myself has been taxing on my system. Emily tries to help but I'll get all frustrated and then she gets frustrated and then it turns into a mess. We've been banging heads over this dame room and I'm just glad we are getting close to having it finished. The furniture is being delivered today, so we are only getting closer to having this room finished! Everyone that has a kid, like our moms, co-workers, and friends just laugh and chuckle. Kind of funny that the same pain everyone endures is universal when it comes to this kind of thing.

I continue to play video games in my sleep

2008-01-18T07:58:00.000-05:00

Woke up a few times last night, and when I awoke I knew I was dreaming of Call of Duty 4. I think the days of staying up and playing video games until I pass out are pretty much over. Last night our instructor in our Child Birth class (gross!!) made reference to having a baby almost like a right of passage, pretty much growing up. Last night I couldn't put the controller down. I kept thinking to myself, man, this is it. I can't be raising a kid, working a 40+ hour week and only do it on 3-4 hours of sleep a night. Just isn't going to happen unless I'm on some sort of stimulant, which I will pass on.

Speaking of stimulants, has anyone seen that Celebrity Rehab on VH1? I've pretty much been blown away with what they are showing. I know it seems silly, but we haven't had a mainstream show about this kind of stuff. Sure, there's Intervention on A&E and I think there's one more, but the one of VH1 is pretty out there.

Alight, back on track...I know that my days of video games are not over, but they certainly are going to be scaled back considerably. I know I have a fews before she will develop real thinking and understand, but I can't play a game like Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4 where's guys heads are being blown off with my daughter right there. I know kids are growing up different then I did, but just because parents can be idiots doesn't mean I have to follow the trend. My baby doesn't need to hear me talk like a sailor while playing either, and pick up some nasty speaking habits like I have. Alright, I have some idiot chick that sits kiddy corner from me and has the most obnoxious voice in the entire world. Not only does she talk so loud that you can understand every word, she talks like she's twelve. She has a college degree from the University of Michigan. Every other word from her mouth is um, like, ya know, etc. You have at least a $80,000 education from one of the nations top schools...you talk like a valley girl? Are you serious? Let me guess....Mom & Dad paid for your education, you partied most of the time while at school. Declared an easy major, and got a job at your best friends fathers company. Cake. And, folks wonder why minorities and the poor are pissed right now. This chick maybe works an actual 3 hours of the 8 and will always be able to skate through life. Man, that burns my ass. I've worked here almost a decade at this company and she probably makes just as much as I do, but it was just handed to her. Alright, I'm gonna go throw something at this chick

Great Article at Huffington Post

2008-01-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

Allison Kilkenny wrote a great piece at the post. It's great knowing that writers like her are still out there. Today's media is so force feed, and it's just their ideas that they are shoveling down our throats. I'm so sick of NBC, CBS, ABC & FOX with their water downed news and only reporting part of the news story. There's no profit in the truth...none. Why report on why NBC left Dennis Kucinich out of the Las Vegas debate? No, we are going to talk about the Detroit Auto show and all the shootings, car accidents, and robberies that happened. Then we'll tell you that gas prices dropped, throw in some sports & weather and call it a night. The era of investigative reporting is GONE! Sure, there's the local reporter that tells you about a bad landlord, or the mayor going to Hawaii on the taxpayers dime, but there's no HUGE blow-out stories about scandal and debauchery . I'm still shocked that Enron was the story it was, then again some stories are too big to pass on. There's another problem, they only pick up that kind of story if it's juicy enough. No, Britney Spears maybe being pregnant is more important. If you want a taste of some good 'ol journalism, then check out Allison's article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/allison-kilkenny/those-crazy-liberals_b_81901.html

Keep your stick on the ice people

What in the f*** just happned?

2008-01-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

Just read an interesting article in the NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/us/politics/16assess.html?ex=1358226000&en=9a48ebda7edb9804&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

No clear front runner for the GOP except that Romney does have the most delegates. When I went to vote last night I was shocked how many people are drinking the kool-aid. Of curse I was the only person in the place that voted Democratic, because they practically shot it out when they hand you slip to the ballot person. It's a primary, so I wasn't shocked at that, just that so many people are fucking blind. I always knew that around here it was a GOP base, but I can't understand why sometimes. How in the hell did a Democratic Governor ever get elected around here. I know that the economy is a big issue, trust me, my pocket book is yelling at me too, however, I just can't believe the Iraq has slipped so far back. Very disappointed that the DNP isn't giving us the delegates, which makes me hate Democrats even more. No matter which party, it all comes back to money.

Still trying to wake up

2008-01-15T07:50:00.001-05:00

Good morning folks. Thought I'd take a few minutes to post before all my co-workers start piling in. Got hit with about 1/2 and inch of snow last night and we are supposed to get another inch in the next couple of hours. I wish the weather would just hold like how it is. Last week it got up to 61 on Monday and just rocked me into a head cold. Any way, so today is the Michigan Primary. Emily and I had talked about her getting out to vote and check it out, but she's not going to come with me. That's alright, she said she wasn't voting because she hasn't been paying attention or who's even running in Michigan. I told her to just vote for who I was voting for, and she said nope. Which, is the right answer. I'm glad that she is NOT voting for that reason. You shouldn't be voting for someone just because you were told to. For those of you that don't know, I don't like to show support for either the Republicans or Democrats. But, I will vote for one of them if I feel they are the best/right choice. It's very tough in the latest primary here. Certain Democrats have pulled out. The DNP is throwing a hissy fit because Michigan moved the date up my a month or so. WHO CARES?!?!? Why would you pull those delegates, you are only hurting the party by doing that you idiots. Obama & Edwards are off the ballot. Which leaves us with Hilary, Dod (he's already bailed), Kucinich, Write In (which isn't counted) or undecided. The Obama & Edwards people want you to vote undecided and hope that they swing a vote in their favor come caucus time. That doesn't matter in book and I thinks it lame that Edwards & Obama pulled out. So really, in Michigan, our two choices are Clinton & Kucinich. WTF?!?!?

Then there's the Republicans. You look at the entire cast of supporting players and you've gotta be saying, "How did we get here?" The playing field is fuct man and it makes me sick. I used to like John McCain. When it comes to being a thorn in someones ass, John is the guy. He helped pass some good reform and I do believe he is a candidate for change, but have you heard any of his speeches over the past 3-4 months? The guy has gone cuckoo-for-coco puffs people and not in a good way. He said he would have gone into Iraq even if there weren't WMD's. Um....what? The guy that was tortured and practically enslaved is the guy that's just rushing in and killing people, that's not right. Oh, perhaps he's just trying to appeal to the base republican, well, what about us undecideds? Then there's Mitt....no way do we need some CEO in charge. Fuck that. The White isn't supposed to be run like a business. America isn't a giant Corporation that needs a new board member. He's been playing ads in Michigan like he's Michigan's favorite son. Well Mitt, if that's the case then why did you leave to go make your millions else where? Why go buy these homes in Massachusetts & New Hampshire? Why become Governor out east? Oh, now you care about Michigan, just not when you needed to make money. I hope the voters stick it to him here because there's a great deal riding on his campaign in Michigan. He keeps reminding us that his father used to be Governor here...so what. You bailed on Michigan years ago, go back out east Mitt! Then there's Huckabee....holy shit! The last thing this country/world needs is a right wing religious zealot put into the white house. Could you imagine our relations with the Islamic world if some bible beater took over. I'd entertain the idea of moving to Canada even more. He plays himself up as this good 'ol boy from the south that won't throw mud like the other guys. He's been running an ad here that says wouldn't you rather elect a guy that is more like your co-worker then the CEO....sure would, but it's not going to be you. Slick talking preacher....Sorry buddy, but I'm not a sheep following in your flock. Nope, I'm a Shepard and I'll lead myself thank you. He has no real plan laid out, at least from what I've seen. He's just keeps talking about how he's for a change. Change of what, because having Republicans in control has not been working out.

So my question for all of them is this....When are we going to break party lines, unite as a people, and do what's right for mankind? The founding fathers did not picture a country ran by two dominating parties. It was there vision for the country to be ran by it's people, not in the back pocket of some corporation. I haven't said who I'm voting for have I? Well, I plan on voting today for Dennis Kucinich. I honestly feel he's the very best choice. He's honest, up front, he has more experience then all three front runners, and I share his vision for America. Sure, he's from Toledo and I have some closer ties. But, I also want to send a message to Hilary that she's not our only choice. Just because you fucked the former president and carpetbagged your way into New York, doesn't mean you can run the country. This isn't about a woman not being able to do the job, because they can. They can run companies, can do just as many tasks as men, and they have RUN THE HOMES for centuries. Running America isn't that much of a step up. No, this is about Hilary being the Democratic poster child for what's still wrong in America. She cares more about her personal agenda and securing that Clinton legacy. We have been dealing with Bush/Clinton/Bush and now Clinton again? No way, it's not working this way...WE NEED A FRESH NEW START. Everyone in Michigan that reads this...PLEASE GO VOTE TODAY. I'm out, peace

My first blog here

2008-01-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

Welcome. My name is Mike and I felt it was time to expand from my MySpace blogging and bring into a more global place. I'm just getting things cleaned up and will be redesgining the site over time. For the time being, you can check out my other blog at http://www.myspace.com/even_caliber. I will be posting here more then my myspace blog, but until then you can get your fill there. And, you can get a taste of how my mind works and decide if you even want to keep reading. Thanks to everyone that has been reading my blogs and I look forward to moving up in cyberspace with all of you.