I am all for fiscal responsibility. No really I am, but is it responsible to spend "countless" dollars on warmongering in the Middle East? Especially when we were after just one guy. Is it responsible to hand out massive tax breaks to mega corporations (calling them "our job creators" btw) who have shown unbelievable record profits? Profits that btw don't go to the employees, and those employees are generally not from our country and are paid slave wages.
Ok, so. Here we are. Our country has two choices either be completely fiscally disrupted by anti-government wackos, or make a fucking deal like has been done ... well forever. Personally, I still think we are the best country to live in the world. We're lucky very very lucky. Yet, we have so many people that hate everything. I mean everything. Why? Here's the run down. Overblown neo-intellectual egos, sociopaths, denial freaks, the paranoid, and the just plain fucking batshit crazy made up of generally a cod re of white bigots, racists, and or the ultra rich greedy. A testament to this country's mental health system which is a complete sack of shit.
Answer, stop putting these idiots in office ... they achieve nothing but negative results. So, unless you are out of your fucking mind, and want "negative" results then I would vote for someone other than the GOP/Republican Party or whatever they're calling themselves these days.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Debt
I think we are about to see a "bunch" of classic Republicans congressmen betraying their fringe Tea Party obstructionist loony freshmen congressmen just to get the debt ceiling raised before it is to late. I hope at least this is what happens. Those supporting the Tea Party's radical "budge not" policies I hope will see only this term in office, and some folks that know how to make deals replace them. In the end the big machine has to move otherwise everybody pays the price. The Tea Party is too crazy they want everyone to "eat" that price no matter what. The Tea Party as I said before is only a minority. A loud mostly insane white minority of anti-government, rightwing extremists that finally got listened too against "realities judgement.
Psycho Babble from the Far Right
Our nation is being held hostage by a minority of crazy rigthwing fanatics (The Tea Party) that are influencing their side of congress to behave like complete fools as well as possible presidential candidates in 2012. I talk not as someone from the left, but from the side of "reason". There seems to be little of that these days. All there seems to be is ugly lynch mob like shouting from people that are probably not to long away from needing a straight jacket. The Tea Party are people who want our nation to crumble and fall. Wow, that kind of sounds more like traitors than patriots to me. I want a compromise over the debt preferably left leaning if possible. I realize that money must come from a variety of sources including might I add getting our soldiers out of countries that they should have never been to begin with. It appears however that congress will not budge, and now are calling Republicans that are will to compromise a plethora of less than kind names. I feel like "those" Republicans need to team up with Democrats, and get this issue solved in a way that doesn't kill the elderly and poor. Of course, this is all coming from a stalwart liberal progressive so I guess I don't expect to be listened too by insane barbarians on acid.
Buon Giorno!
Wishes his sister and brother-in-law a great trip to Italy home to the greatest collection of classic Western arts ... and lots of pasta.
It's The Arts
Downtown Sculptures of Knoxville, TN: Abstract Rubbish
by Mark Byars
Most of the sculpture in downtown Knoxville, Tn are unfortunately what I call "rubbish". Any time I see steel sculpture "painted" in a variety of cheery colors, and even worse they don't work together it gives me the cold chills. Creating a piece of steel sculpture is an undertaking that in itself, and most times if not always using a monochromatic color scheme is going to be the direction to go to create a balanced work. At the same time there is a piece downtown that is pure "orange". It is that color probably not because the artist thought it was the true color the piece should be, but because he was directing it to an audience that equated "orange" with the VOLs (Knoxville Tennessee's major college football team). Sad, very sad. I make these arguments directed towards works that are "abstractions", but the same argument applies to a subjective bronze sculpture of a person. Colors, can be an embarrassing eyesore in the realm of metal sculpture, and only in very rare instances will it actually be able to work in balance and form. When it comes to abstraction the "obvious" isn't always a great idea.
Obvious in color choice, subjectivity, and or just a reckless choice of colors that damage the form of the work of art.
On a positive note are all of downtown Knoxville's sculptures rubbish? No. Unfortunely, the vast majority of abstract works are a visual hodge podge, and a mess. The standard subjective sculptures are generally well executed. Overall, I have to say even with bad works on display give Knoxville an A for trying.
by Mark Byars
Most of the sculpture in downtown Knoxville, Tn are unfortunately what I call "rubbish". Any time I see steel sculpture "painted" in a variety of cheery colors, and even worse they don't work together it gives me the cold chills. Creating a piece of steel sculpture is an undertaking that in itself, and most times if not always using a monochromatic color scheme is going to be the direction to go to create a balanced work. At the same time there is a piece downtown that is pure "orange". It is that color probably not because the artist thought it was the true color the piece should be, but because he was directing it to an audience that equated "orange" with the VOLs (Knoxville Tennessee's major college football team). Sad, very sad. I make these arguments directed towards works that are "abstractions", but the same argument applies to a subjective bronze sculpture of a person. Colors, can be an embarrassing eyesore in the realm of metal sculpture, and only in very rare instances will it actually be able to work in balance and form. When it comes to abstraction the "obvious" isn't always a great idea.
Obvious in color choice, subjectivity, and or just a reckless choice of colors that damage the form of the work of art.
On a positive note are all of downtown Knoxville's sculptures rubbish? No. Unfortunely, the vast majority of abstract works are a visual hodge podge, and a mess. The standard subjective sculptures are generally well executed. Overall, I have to say even with bad works on display give Knoxville an A for trying.
Nine mosquito myths debunked
Nine mosquito myths debunked
By Sarah B. Weir 
More fromGreen Picks blog
The first buzz of a mosquito is an unpleasant reminder that summer fun comes with a pesky price. We examined the science behind common mosquito myths and found that while some have a basis in reality, many are plain bunk. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance -- they carry harmful diseases such as encephalitis and malaria.
Here's what you need to know about the season's most unwanted guest:
1. Lemon dish soap and Listerine repel mosquitoes
Fiction: This myth has been widely circulated around the Internet. According to the Florida Medical Entomology Lab at the University of Florida, these household products do not work to thwart mosquitoes. One of the most effective repellents is DEET. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends repellents with Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
If you use a product containing DEET, read the label and do not over-apply. DEET is a powerful chemical that can be harmful if used incorrectly. Make sure the repellent has an EPA-approved label and registration number. Use caution with small children and stick with a formulation that is made for kids.
2. Ultrasonic devices repel mosquitoes
Fiction: Save your money. According to theDepartment of Entomology at Purdue, these gadgets don't work. Bug zappers do kill mosquitoes, but they also electrocute many beneficial insects including those that eat mosquitoes, so the scientists at Purdue recommend against using them.
3. Taking B vitamins repels mosquitoes
Maybe: According to the Mayo Clinic, B vitamins change a person's odor, which may indeed make them less attractive to mosquitoes.
4. Eating garlic repels mosquitoes
Fiction: According to current research, consuming large amounts of garlic only works against vampires and bad dates.
5. Skin-So-Soft products repel mosquitoes
Fact: BUT, buyer beware: According to a study by the University of Florida, Skin-So-Soft and other products containing Citronella oil are only effective for between 3 and 10minutes after application.
6. Creating a bat or insect-eating bird habitat will rid your yard of mosquitoes
Fiction: While these species do eat mosquitoes, they probably won't eat enough to make a noticeable difference at your next garden party.
7. Meat tenderizer calms an itchy bite
Fact: The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of meat tenderizer and forming a paste to apply to a bite. Using an ice pack can ease discomfort as well. OTC remedies to try: hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion.
8. Mosquitoes die after feeding
Fiction: Unfortunately, the female mosquito (males don't eat blood, they feed on nectar) can live to bite again. Females will die if they don't get their first blood meal, which they require in order to lay eggs.
9. Mosquitoes transmit the HIV virus
Fiction: According to scientists at the Centers for Disease Control, Rutgers University, and others, mosquitoes cannot transmit the HIV virus from human to human. They do carry the West Nile virus and other serious diseases.
Nearly one million people die each year from malaria, mainly children under the age of 5. You can help eradicate this preventable disease.
(Photo: Getty Images)
The first buzz of a mosquito is an unpleasant reminder that summer fun comes with a pesky price. We examined the science behind common mosquito myths and found that while some have a basis in reality, many are plain bunk. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance -- they carry harmful diseases such as encephalitis and malaria.
Here's what you need to know about the season's most unwanted guest:
1. Lemon dish soap and Listerine repel mosquitoes
Fiction: This myth has been widely circulated around the Internet. According to the Florida Medical Entomology Lab at the University of Florida, these household products do not work to thwart mosquitoes. One of the most effective repellents is DEET. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends repellents with Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
If you use a product containing DEET, read the label and do not over-apply. DEET is a powerful chemical that can be harmful if used incorrectly. Make sure the repellent has an EPA-approved label and registration number. Use caution with small children and stick with a formulation that is made for kids.
2. Ultrasonic devices repel mosquitoes
Fiction: Save your money. According to theDepartment of Entomology at Purdue, these gadgets don't work. Bug zappers do kill mosquitoes, but they also electrocute many beneficial insects including those that eat mosquitoes, so the scientists at Purdue recommend against using them.
3. Taking B vitamins repels mosquitoes
Maybe: According to the Mayo Clinic, B vitamins change a person's odor, which may indeed make them less attractive to mosquitoes.
4. Eating garlic repels mosquitoes
Fiction: According to current research, consuming large amounts of garlic only works against vampires and bad dates.
5. Skin-So-Soft products repel mosquitoes
Fact: BUT, buyer beware: According to a study by the University of Florida, Skin-So-Soft and other products containing Citronella oil are only effective for between 3 and 10minutes after application.
6. Creating a bat or insect-eating bird habitat will rid your yard of mosquitoes
Fiction: While these species do eat mosquitoes, they probably won't eat enough to make a noticeable difference at your next garden party.
7. Meat tenderizer calms an itchy bite
Fact: The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing a tablespoon of water with a tablespoon of meat tenderizer and forming a paste to apply to a bite. Using an ice pack can ease discomfort as well. OTC remedies to try: hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion.
8. Mosquitoes die after feeding
Fiction: Unfortunately, the female mosquito (males don't eat blood, they feed on nectar) can live to bite again. Females will die if they don't get their first blood meal, which they require in order to lay eggs.
9. Mosquitoes transmit the HIV virus
Fiction: According to scientists at the Centers for Disease Control, Rutgers University, and others, mosquitoes cannot transmit the HIV virus from human to human. They do carry the West Nile virus and other serious diseases.
Nearly one million people die each year from malaria, mainly children under the age of 5. You can help eradicate this preventable disease.
Diet
I have been experimenting with my diet over the last couple of weeks, and have pretty much proven that mainly my diet has way too much carbohydrates in it especially bad ones with a high glycemic index. Pizza for instance isn't just high carbs it is high fat depending of course on what kind of pizza it is. The result is this with too high of the carbs I am tired even lethargic at times during the day. Fought wanting to fall asleep during the daytime hours. Yawned continously. The only good note what that going to sleep at night wasn't difficult. With carbs curbed my energy level jumped, and I wasn't even remotely as tired during the daytime.
So, very limited carbs, diet coke, and trimming some fat seems to be the answer with a moderate amount of exercise.
So, very limited carbs, diet coke, and trimming some fat seems to be the answer with a moderate amount of exercise.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hacking Scandal
An old friend just asked me what I thought of the whole Rupert Murdoch hacking scandal. I told him that he would get away with it. He has always gotten away with everything. He has the money, the power, and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal. Even have enemies murdered most likely. I consider him and his family the equivalent to the mob. These are seriously evil people. Such is never stopped with ease. Any battle with this lot will be truly epic.
Stayed in from clubbing this weekend. Went to see Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part 2 Sunday night. Great movie, and had an equally great weekend, but now it is back to work. Yesterday, I was off Monday ended up watching the pilot for the new SciFi Channel show Alphas. It really sucked. The acting was so awkward that it was really hard to watch. I am hoping Game of Thrones will prove a better watch. The show Torchwood is proving entertaining.
Well, my low glycemic diet is working. I finally went below 230. So I am going to continue with this.
Well, my low glycemic diet is working. I finally went below 230. So I am going to continue with this.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Low Glycemic diet
I'm trying out a low glycemic diet, and thus far I am more awake during the day, and feel much more energy ... have I lost weight? Nope, but I am sure that isn't to far behind once I start the walking program. Yeah, walking. This program doesn't require much more than lite exercise, walking, jogging, a little bit of weights. I still plan on pumping it up a bit, but I'm trying to get my body to wake up.
Meth? WTF?
I came across some before and after pictures of people on "meth". It was a horror show. I absolutely don't understand why anyone would ever do it. I mean the physical scars are horrific, and must have to be painful. I notice that it does seem to be mainly "white trash" types thus it leads me to believe these aren't the smartest bunch off the tree. Then again, I know it isn't just confined to under-educated redneck types.
I mean, jeez, the chemicals in this shit are unbelievable that anyone would put that into them. My nephew that works as a paramedic said 5 years average life span for users and 10 for makers. Scary stuff folks.
I mean, jeez, the chemicals in this shit are unbelievable that anyone would put that into them. My nephew that works as a paramedic said 5 years average life span for users and 10 for makers. Scary stuff folks.
The Last Harry Potter Movie
I definitely want to see the last installment of Deathly Hallows though I am wondering why critics are late in being posted on the yahoo movie site ... heck, even the users reviews seem to have been removed.
I saw a review on Rotten Tomatoes, and it was quite favorable. So many movies this summer. sigh.
I saw a review on Rotten Tomatoes, and it was quite favorable. So many movies this summer. sigh.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Ann and I went to my sister and brother in laws cabin in Gatlinburg over the weekend. It was a hotdog and hamburgerfest that I will be paying for dietwise all week long. Stayed in for the 4th watching movies, taking naps, going to a popular Indian restaurant for lunch, move movies, and that was about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)