Newsday.com - Long Island News
The above article is typical of what I expect most movie-goers are saying with regards to Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11." Not many people are going to the film with an open mind and after seeing it, most say that their opinion has not changed.
I found some of the quotes rather interesting:
John Berner was especially moved by a scene depicting Bush's initial reaction to news of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks while speaking to a classroom full of children. "The look on his face really showed someone who is not in control," said Berner, 42, of Huntington.
Mr. Berner, I have news for you, no one was in control. How on earth could we expect to be in complete control of an attack that virtually no American could even conceive of before 9/11. I am reminded of a quote from World War Two (attributed to Eisenhower I believe) that "no plan survives first contact with the enemy." It goes without saying that Bush wasn't in "control." No one was.
Michael Freed said people should see the film, regardless of their political leanings. "You have no right to have an opinion unless you see the movie," said Freed, 51, of Plainview, who caught the movie in Farmingdale yesterday. "It's the same way people want to have an opinion about this country, but they don't vote."
I have no right to have an opinion unless I see the movie? What kind of opinion is that? Does Michael Moore have sole and singular control of what has happened in the past three years? Guess what. I have an opinion about what happened because I lived through it. I saw, along with the rest of America, the towers come down. I followed the reports that led to the Taliban. I listened to both Preesidents Bush and Clinton as they said that the removal of Hussien was the proper thing to do. I do not need Moore to tell me what to believe, I thankfully can think for myself. I hope the rest of America willl too.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Friday, June 18, 2004
My Comics
Thankfully, it has been a quiet week. Work has been "normal" since the big push for the ministry heads meeting. Now with that accomplished we have a lull in the action until about mid-July when the church is going to get started to prepare for the Fall schedule (sounds kind of redundant doesn't it).
To reveal a little bit more about me, I collect comic books. I am a big fan of the X-Men, Spiderman, and the Fantastic Four (all from Marvel). Something else that has started this month is DC Comics Identity Crisis. The premise is, "If you can't get the hero, get their family. It looks like it is going to be stunning. Only the first issue has been released but if it sets the tone for the rest of the series, this should be one of the best stories DC has put out (well, Brad Meltzer gets the credit). The repercussions for the DC universe will not be as great as the Crisis on Infinite Earths series but it looks to be quite the shakeup.
I save my anime and Robotech obsession for another day.
To reveal a little bit more about me, I collect comic books. I am a big fan of the X-Men, Spiderman, and the Fantastic Four (all from Marvel). Something else that has started this month is DC Comics Identity Crisis. The premise is, "If you can't get the hero, get their family. It looks like it is going to be stunning. Only the first issue has been released but if it sets the tone for the rest of the series, this should be one of the best stories DC has put out (well, Brad Meltzer gets the credit). The repercussions for the DC universe will not be as great as the Crisis on Infinite Earths series but it looks to be quite the shakeup.
I save my anime and Robotech obsession for another day.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Tickets and Battle Anniversaries
The GMail account has been really the only highlight of my weekend. I did not have a weekend at all essentially. I had to go to work on Saturday morning. On my way around the Baltimore beltway (the west side), I was flagged down by a nice State Police Officer for speeding. I have not gotten a ticket in almost 8 years (since before I was married). Anyway, my commute did not improve.
Long story short, I got to work late. I am glad that my bride did not hold the ticket against me. She knows I have a pretty heavy foot and has been "encouraging" me to slow down for some time. She also thinks I should go to court rather than just pay the fine. I should be able to get probation before judgement, avoiding the points but probably paying the fine.
Had to work Sunday afternoon as well (I do work for a church afterall).
On the history side of things, the 189th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo (or Mt. St Jean). June 18th will mark the end of the Hundred Days that Napoleon was looking to reinstate himself on the throne of Europe. Also, the American Civil War battle of the Seven Days that saved Richmond in 1862 and saw the rise of a man named Robert E. Lee to command of the Army of Northern Virginia took place this month.
Time to head to my other job.
Long story short, I got to work late. I am glad that my bride did not hold the ticket against me. She knows I have a pretty heavy foot and has been "encouraging" me to slow down for some time. She also thinks I should go to court rather than just pay the fine. I should be able to get probation before judgement, avoiding the points but probably paying the fine.
Had to work Sunday afternoon as well (I do work for a church afterall).
On the history side of things, the 189th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo (or Mt. St Jean). June 18th will mark the end of the Hundred Days that Napoleon was looking to reinstate himself on the throne of Europe. Also, the American Civil War battle of the Seven Days that saved Richmond in 1862 and saw the rise of a man named Robert E. Lee to command of the Army of Northern Virginia took place this month.
Time to head to my other job.
GMail pt.2
Well, today it happened. I was able to get a coveted GMail account from a very nice person named Mollie B. I posted my plea on the GMail Swap page and she came through for me. I hope that I will soon be able to invite others so that I can return the favor.
Friday, June 11, 2004
GMail and Hattrick
I know that some of you Blogger users out there have gotten the offer to use GMail. I keep hoping that one day when I login that I will see the mythic invite. Until then, I guess I can always go with GMail Swap. Since I just moved, put everything in storage, and am still looking for full-time employment, there is not anything that I can offer except my thanks. I wonder if anyone will go for that.
On another note, my Hattrick team, Severn United, finally promoted into the next series, IV.48. Of course they will probably be crushed by the teams at this level. It is amazing how addicting a soccer (or Football for the rest of the world) simulation can be. I have played it for a year and a half and finally got my team to move up. Should be interesting next season (which run in 16 week increments). Check it out. It's free, fun, and people from all over the world play it so you can have competitions and matches with other users half a world away. Now I need to concentrate on how to get GMail and keep my team at a competitive level.
On another note, my Hattrick team, Severn United, finally promoted into the next series, IV.48. Of course they will probably be crushed by the teams at this level. It is amazing how addicting a soccer (or Football for the rest of the world) simulation can be. I have played it for a year and a half and finally got my team to move up. Should be interesting next season (which run in 16 week increments). Check it out. It's free, fun, and people from all over the world play it so you can have competitions and matches with other users half a world away. Now I need to concentrate on how to get GMail and keep my team at a competitive level.
My Morning Commute
Anyone familiar with Maryland is probably also aware of the two beltways around Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Fortunately I do not have the "Two Beltway Communte" but today it might as well have been both. I am currently residing in Lutherville, MD and work in Arnold. Basically a 35-45 mile trip one way which takes about one hour depending on traffic. Well, today that trip turned into a two hour crawl around the Baltimore metro area.
I just do not understand. When it rains, it is as if people lose all control of their senses when it comes to driving. Things are bad enough when it is dry, but now it is like they have never driven a vehicle before. It is no wonder there are more accidents, so many people are looking at what has happened in other fender benders (or much worse as was the case this morning) that they get involved in an accident themselves because they are not paying any attention to what they are doing or where they are going, they smack into the person in front of them. Why are people so compelled to look at this wrecks? What could they possibly learn or want to know? It makes my commute longer because of their rubbernecking! I hope going home will be better.
I just do not understand. When it rains, it is as if people lose all control of their senses when it comes to driving. Things are bad enough when it is dry, but now it is like they have never driven a vehicle before. It is no wonder there are more accidents, so many people are looking at what has happened in other fender benders (or much worse as was the case this morning) that they get involved in an accident themselves because they are not paying any attention to what they are doing or where they are going, they smack into the person in front of them. Why are people so compelled to look at this wrecks? What could they possibly learn or want to know? It makes my commute longer because of their rubbernecking! I hope going home will be better.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Memorial Weekend Trip
My wife and I went camping over the Memorial Day weekend. We went to the George Washington National Forest. We stay at the Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge, VA. We went with some friends of ours from church.
While we were down there I got the chance to go to the National D-Day Memorial. Barb, my wife, and I drove to Bedford, VA, where the memorial is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have never driven along this road, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic driven with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings of three national forests. It definitely stretches out your drive time (speeds around 45mph with lots of twists and turns; probably not for those who are prone to car sickness), especially compared to I-81 which the parkway parallels.
At any rate, the drive and the memorial were well worth it. The "Landing" portion of the D-Day memorial is particularly poignant. The statues and the sounds with the water (blowers in the water make splashes and sounds that simulate the zip of bullets and the popping of mortar rounds) provide a great effect. Besides those sounds, the park was quiet even though there were hundreds of people present. I guess the approach of the 60th anniversary caused people to pause and take account of what it was the American, British, French and Canadian soldiers accomplished that day.
All in all it was a great trip. This was the first time I had been camping in years, since middle school probably, half a lifetime for me. I would like to make camping a regular event again but for now, it is back to work.
While we were down there I got the chance to go to the National D-Day Memorial. Barb, my wife, and I drove to Bedford, VA, where the memorial is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have never driven along this road, I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic driven with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings of three national forests. It definitely stretches out your drive time (speeds around 45mph with lots of twists and turns; probably not for those who are prone to car sickness), especially compared to I-81 which the parkway parallels.
At any rate, the drive and the memorial were well worth it. The "Landing" portion of the D-Day memorial is particularly poignant. The statues and the sounds with the water (blowers in the water make splashes and sounds that simulate the zip of bullets and the popping of mortar rounds) provide a great effect. Besides those sounds, the park was quiet even though there were hundreds of people present. I guess the approach of the 60th anniversary caused people to pause and take account of what it was the American, British, French and Canadian soldiers accomplished that day.
All in all it was a great trip. This was the first time I had been camping in years, since middle school probably, half a lifetime for me. I would like to make camping a regular event again but for now, it is back to work.
From Move to Movie
The move is done! Woo Hoo! I hope that this will be the last time I have to move my family on my own.
Anyway, I had a great weekend, even if it was raining and too short. I got the chance to see the new Harry Potter movie at the Muvico at Arundel Mills Mall. The critics are right about it being a darker film than the previous two movies (but I liked both of those as well). From what I have heard, most of the story from the book is left out of this film. The essential elements are there but basically it is only the frame of the story. My sister told me to read the book, which I am planning on doing soon (perhaps before I go and see this one a second time).
As always "your mileage may vary" but I thoroughly enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban. I hope that the same director will come back to helm the Goblet of Fire film and maybe Rowling will get the other books done in a couple years.
Anyway, I had a great weekend, even if it was raining and too short. I got the chance to see the new Harry Potter movie at the Muvico at Arundel Mills Mall. The critics are right about it being a darker film than the previous two movies (but I liked both of those as well). From what I have heard, most of the story from the book is left out of this film. The essential elements are there but basically it is only the frame of the story. My sister told me to read the book, which I am planning on doing soon (perhaps before I go and see this one a second time).
As always "your mileage may vary" but I thoroughly enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban. I hope that the same director will come back to helm the Goblet of Fire film and maybe Rowling will get the other books done in a couple years.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Parenthesis to History (washingtonpost.com)
Parenthesis to History (washingtonpost.com)
I think that Krauthammer has missed the point. His compliants about the National WWII Memorial are off the mark. Asking questions about why are the states named. These are where the nation sent its sons out to fight and in some cases die. Take the 29th Infantry Division for example. Part of this division landed in the first wave at Omaha beach on D-Day (and has its own memorial. These men were formed from a National Guard division, as were most of the divisions that the United States created to fight in Europe and the Pacific. They came from Maryland, Virginia, as well as some from Pennsylvania. It was a regional and state division like most National Guard units. This is why the D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, VA. That town suffered the highest casualty rate on D-Day, losing almost 20 of her sons in a single day at one place.
Krauthammers point about the stars (4,000 gold stars representing 100 combat deaths) is also misplaced. In fact, men did die by the hundreds in battles. Kasserine, Sicily, Italy, D-Day, St. Lo, the Ardennes, the Rhinelend, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. These and many other place saw young men, from small and big towns all across the United States and its territories, give their lives to defend and bring freedom to the peoples of Europe and Japan and the Pacific.
To make these kinds of complaints regarding the WWII Memorial shows that one, Krauthammer just dislikes the memorial itself or its location, and shows his ignorance of the US Military's structure during World War II. Our boys were killed by the score for what they believed was an important task. In my opinion, he cheapens their sacrifice and this nation's long overdue "thank you" by bringing his personal dislikes to the table.
I think that Krauthammer has missed the point. His compliants about the National WWII Memorial are off the mark. Asking questions about why are the states named. These are where the nation sent its sons out to fight and in some cases die. Take the 29th Infantry Division for example. Part of this division landed in the first wave at Omaha beach on D-Day (and has its own memorial. These men were formed from a National Guard division, as were most of the divisions that the United States created to fight in Europe and the Pacific. They came from Maryland, Virginia, as well as some from Pennsylvania. It was a regional and state division like most National Guard units. This is why the D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, VA. That town suffered the highest casualty rate on D-Day, losing almost 20 of her sons in a single day at one place.
Krauthammers point about the stars (4,000 gold stars representing 100 combat deaths) is also misplaced. In fact, men did die by the hundreds in battles. Kasserine, Sicily, Italy, D-Day, St. Lo, the Ardennes, the Rhinelend, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. These and many other place saw young men, from small and big towns all across the United States and its territories, give their lives to defend and bring freedom to the peoples of Europe and Japan and the Pacific.
To make these kinds of complaints regarding the WWII Memorial shows that one, Krauthammer just dislikes the memorial itself or its location, and shows his ignorance of the US Military's structure during World War II. Our boys were killed by the score for what they believed was an important task. In my opinion, he cheapens their sacrifice and this nation's long overdue "thank you" by bringing his personal dislikes to the table.
Monday, May 24, 2004
My Aching Back
Well, we are now mostly moved into storage. All of our "heavy" items are in the storage space and we actually have some space left (after some creative maneuvering). I had a couple of friends help me out and we accomplished most of what I wanted to get done. My wife and I are exhausted and bruised but we are happy about how things went.
Now we get to play house for six weeks in our friends home while they are out of town. This home must be in the center of the cicada infestation around Baltimore. I mowed the lawn on Saturday evening and those insects were deafening. I am not kidding. I could still hear them clearly above the mower engine. I hope I do not go insane listening to continuous chirping.
All in all things are going well as we enter into our first week. We have managed to keep the fish alive and the carpet clean. Just a few more boxes and one or two trips to the storage facility and the Great Move of '04 will be finished.
Now we get to play house for six weeks in our friends home while they are out of town. This home must be in the center of the cicada infestation around Baltimore. I mowed the lawn on Saturday evening and those insects were deafening. I am not kidding. I could still hear them clearly above the mower engine. I hope I do not go insane listening to continuous chirping.
All in all things are going well as we enter into our first week. We have managed to keep the fish alive and the carpet clean. Just a few more boxes and one or two trips to the storage facility and the Great Move of '04 will be finished.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
I am Running on Close to Empty
Well, we are moved, partly. We have the storage place and have started to move the boxes in. What is not so clear is the amount of help we will have on Friday when we start to move the furniture. Even now, there are still plenty of small things that need to be boxed and moved.
The stress of the whole project is starting to get to me. I am having a hard time sleeping and as a result have less and less energy to get things done. I still have to work at my regular jobs on top of this. I cannot wait until Friday evening when the major things will be behind me.
And, still I am waiting for word of full-time employment. Believe it or not, in my denomination, it has been particularly difficult to find a pastoral position. I have been searching for over a year now and have only seen movement in the past six months. By God's grace my wife and I have come through it with our sanity intact. Full-time employment and a permanent house, I am looking forward to those blessings.
In the meantime, we are going to be wandering. Six weeks at on place and then we move on to the next. As unstable as it sounds, my wife and I are feeling rather content. I just want to get the physical act of moving out of the way.
The stress of the whole project is starting to get to me. I am having a hard time sleeping and as a result have less and less energy to get things done. I still have to work at my regular jobs on top of this. I cannot wait until Friday evening when the major things will be behind me.
And, still I am waiting for word of full-time employment. Believe it or not, in my denomination, it has been particularly difficult to find a pastoral position. I have been searching for over a year now and have only seen movement in the past six months. By God's grace my wife and I have come through it with our sanity intact. Full-time employment and a permanent house, I am looking forward to those blessings.
In the meantime, we are going to be wandering. Six weeks at on place and then we move on to the next. As unstable as it sounds, my wife and I are feeling rather content. I just want to get the physical act of moving out of the way.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Director Moore Launches Bush Tirade at Cannes
Entertainment News Article | Reuters.com
Why is it always easier to make political statements slamming your government overseas (in France no less which already thinks poorly of the US)? Come on Michael, show some gumption and do that back here in the States.
It would be nice if he put a logical argument rather than this ad homonym diatribe. Using grieving mothers to make you point about the war in Iraq? Following that logic, we should have pulled out of World War Two (or One for the matter, and Korea). No one wants to see their child die. But using their grief to schill your political adgenda is low. Our boys were killed by the thousands during the Second World War but crushing the totalitarian powers was worth the cost. Does not Iraq, a people who have been sorely oppressed for decades deserve the same resolve?
Any way that is just my opinion.
Why is it always easier to make political statements slamming your government overseas (in France no less which already thinks poorly of the US)? Come on Michael, show some gumption and do that back here in the States.
It would be nice if he put a logical argument rather than this ad homonym diatribe. Using grieving mothers to make you point about the war in Iraq? Following that logic, we should have pulled out of World War Two (or One for the matter, and Korea). No one wants to see their child die. But using their grief to schill your political adgenda is low. Our boys were killed by the thousands during the Second World War but crushing the totalitarian powers was worth the cost. Does not Iraq, a people who have been sorely oppressed for decades deserve the same resolve?
Any way that is just my opinion.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Idiocy Runs in My Family
I finally did it. Last night after coming home from my second job, my wife asks me if I want to go out to eat. I was hungary (as it was 8:45pm) but I did not want to miss the series finale of Fraser. She suggests we go to Taco Bell and come right back. I think that is a good idea and we head out the door. She asks me if I have my keys and I check my pocket and say "yes" and close the door. When I reach into my pocket to lock the deadblot, I realize the keys I have with me are for my jobs and not my house/car keys.
Needless to say my wife was upset. I knocked on our neighbor's door just as he was coming out. I told him our situation and he graciously let us use his phone. I called the rental management company but they will not be able to get anyone to our townhome for another hour and would charge us an arm and leg for the service. My neighbor said that there was no chage if you needed to be let in during business hours.
Long story longer, I figure we can crash at one of our folks place as they only live about 30 min. away. I have a spare key to my car in my wallet but upon opening my vehicle I find that I indeed had put the Club on my car and could not drive it (like I said, idiocy runs in my family). We borrow another phone from a different neighbor, our neighbor had gone to get something to eat and fortunately we live in a very friendly area (even though there is a heavy crime rate) and contact my parents (unbeknownst to me, my wife had gotten a phone from another couple who were leaving and saw our situation and she called her folks (idiocy runs in my family you know)). Both sets show up be we go with mine so I will definitely have a ride back in the morning so I can unlock my apartment and get my stuff for work.
One eventful night. I had cereal for dinner and missed Fraser. At least God is gracious in that we have nice neighbors who are willing to help us out and parents that live close by to give us a free place to stay. Even though their son/in-law is an idiot.
Needless to say my wife was upset. I knocked on our neighbor's door just as he was coming out. I told him our situation and he graciously let us use his phone. I called the rental management company but they will not be able to get anyone to our townhome for another hour and would charge us an arm and leg for the service. My neighbor said that there was no chage if you needed to be let in during business hours.
Long story longer, I figure we can crash at one of our folks place as they only live about 30 min. away. I have a spare key to my car in my wallet but upon opening my vehicle I find that I indeed had put the Club on my car and could not drive it (like I said, idiocy runs in my family). We borrow another phone from a different neighbor, our neighbor had gone to get something to eat and fortunately we live in a very friendly area (even though there is a heavy crime rate) and contact my parents (unbeknownst to me, my wife had gotten a phone from another couple who were leaving and saw our situation and she called her folks (idiocy runs in my family you know)). Both sets show up be we go with mine so I will definitely have a ride back in the morning so I can unlock my apartment and get my stuff for work.
One eventful night. I had cereal for dinner and missed Fraser. At least God is gracious in that we have nice neighbors who are willing to help us out and parents that live close by to give us a free place to stay. Even though their son/in-law is an idiot.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Moving Along
I got home from work last night and dove in to help my wife with packing up boxes. As you might imagine, as historian and seminary graduate, I have quite a number of books. Well suffice to say, my work is cut out for me. I did manage to pack up two book shelves (only three shelves each) and used a total of eight boxes. I have two more full shelves that are the same size and another three full bookcases upstairs. I guess my weekend is planned out for me.
Work is also moving along well. I am hoping to gain full-time employment. I currently work as the manager of a church facility and at a bookshop (a dangerous prospect for a man with limited income and a fascination with books). Both are part time and neither has benefits. Perhaps I should look into working at Starbucks. From what I understand, they provide benefits for employees that work 20 or more hours a week, which would fit my schedule.
On other fronts, I have been asked by the men in my church to lead another tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. Since our church's men's retreat is hosted near the battlefield, during out freetime, I give the guys a tour of the battlefield park. It goes much too fast as our time is always limited. But this time we would be able to take all day some Saturday and actually get to walk around the sites. If you have not been there, even if you are not interested in history, you should take a look. Gettysburg National Military Park is a powerful place. Check it out.
Work is also moving along well. I am hoping to gain full-time employment. I currently work as the manager of a church facility and at a bookshop (a dangerous prospect for a man with limited income and a fascination with books). Both are part time and neither has benefits. Perhaps I should look into working at Starbucks. From what I understand, they provide benefits for employees that work 20 or more hours a week, which would fit my schedule.
On other fronts, I have been asked by the men in my church to lead another tour of the Gettysburg battlefield. Since our church's men's retreat is hosted near the battlefield, during out freetime, I give the guys a tour of the battlefield park. It goes much too fast as our time is always limited. But this time we would be able to take all day some Saturday and actually get to walk around the sites. If you have not been there, even if you are not interested in history, you should take a look. Gettysburg National Military Park is a powerful place. Check it out.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Blog 2.0
This is the second time I have tried to keep and web journal. The first one did not take because I had a hard time trying to keep up with it. I hope that this one will be an improvement but I am almost immediately facing a challenge.
My wife and I are moving to house sit for some friends of ours. We will be there for about 6 weeks and then we will need to find temporary housing while I continue to look for permanent employment. I will save the long story for later but suffice to say, our lives have been and at least through the summer will continue to be in a state of flux.
My wife and I are moving to house sit for some friends of ours. We will be there for about 6 weeks and then we will need to find temporary housing while I continue to look for permanent employment. I will save the long story for later but suffice to say, our lives have been and at least through the summer will continue to be in a state of flux.
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