Rantings from Lakebottom

Happy New Year

2006-01-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

A great story to start off your new year. Enjoy!

The Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant in the picture is Michael Burghard,
part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team that is supporting 2nd
Brigade 28th Infantry Division (Pennsylvania Army National Guard). I heard
the below story first hand last Saturday during a video teleconference
between his Brigade Commander and the 28th Infantry Division Commander. I
thought that others should hear it as well, as I think it demonstrates the
true spirit of most of our troops on the ground (from my experience).
John

Leading the fight is Gunnery Sgt Michael Burghardt, known as "Iron
Mike" or just "Gunny". He is on his third tour in Iraq. He had become a
legend in the bomb disposal world after winning the Bronze Star for
disabling 64 IEDs and destroying 1,548 pieces of ordnance during his second
tour. Then, on September 19, he got blown up. He had arrived at a chaotic
scene after a bomb had killed four US soldiers. He chose not to wear the
bulky bomb protection suit. "You can't react to any sniper fire and you get
tunnel-vision," he explains. So, protected by just a helmet and
standard-issue flak jacket, he began what bomb disposal officers term "the
longest walk", stepping gingerly into a 5ft deep and 8ft wide crater. The
earth shifted slightly and he saw a Senao base station with a wire leading
from it. He cut the wire and used his 7in knife to probe the ground. "I
found a piece of red detonating cord between my legs," he says. "That's when
I knew I was screwed."

Realizing he had been sucked into a trap, Sgt Burghardt, 35, yelled at
everyone to stay back. At that moment, an insurgent, probably watching
through binoculars, pressed a button on his mobile phone to detonate the
secondary device below the sergeant's feet. "A chill went up the back of my
neck and then the bomb exploded," he recalls. "As I was in the air I
remember thinking, 'I don't believe they got me.' I was just ticked off they
were able to do it. Then I was lying on the road, not able to feel anything
from the waist down."

His colleagues cut off his trousers to see how badly he was hurt. None
could believe his legs were still there. "My dad's a Vietnam vet who's
paralyzed from the waist down," says Sgt Burghardt. "I was lying there
thinking I didn't want to be in a wheelchair next to my dad and for him to
see me like that. They started to cut away my pants and I felt a real sharp
pain and blood trickling down. Then I wiggled my toes and I thought, 'Good,
I'm in business.' â?oeAs a stretcher was brought over, adrenaline and anger
kicked in. "I decided to walk to the helicopter. I wasn't going to let my
team-mates see me being carried away on a stretcher." He stood and gave the
insurgents who had blown him up a one-fingered salute. "I flipped them one.
It was like, 'OK, I lost that round but I'll be back next week'."

Copies of a photograph depicting his defiance, taken by Jeff Bundy for
the Omaha World-Herald, adorn the walls of homes across America and that of
Col John Gronski, the brigade commander in Ramadi, who has hailed the image
as an exemplar of the warrior spirit. Sgt Burghardt's injuries - burns and
wounds to his legs and buttocks - kept him off duty for nearly a month and
could have earned him a ticket home. But, like his father - who was awarded
a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for being wounded in action in
Vietnam - he stayed in Ramadi to engage in the battle against insurgents who
are forever coming up with more ingenious ways of killing Americans.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

Here are my Christmas presents to you!

A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

No one reads it anymore

2005-12-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hey all-

Its been 10 days since my last post and a lot has happened. Went to a memorial service for the Southeast caller and got to meet his family and friends. He was such a great guy. His smile and his words of wisdom will be missed.

Took the GRE and passed with a 1050. Better verbal scores then math...suprise suprise. I have registered at Troy State and classes start in January.

My mom got me a laptop for a combined Birthday/Christmas/going back to school gift. Thanks mom!

I got stood up last night...not the first time its happened and it wont be the last. Just tired of getting crapped on all the time. I'm too damn nice to people. I need to start being more of an ass.

New stuff happening at the museum next week, tune into the news to find out on Monday.

I'm tired. 10 days until Cristmas. Yeah...

The M1 does my talking

2005-12-05T12:25:00.000-04:00

Hey all-

Over the weekend, I had my birthday. It was a fun party...lots of football, friends, and alcohol. As a matter of fact, I still have plenty left (Christmas and New Years are coming up soon) so maybe another party is in order. The Victorian Christmas at the museum went well also, and the book signing was cool too.

OK, onto the real news. Bush's ratings have gone up in recent days. Some people are now realizing that we can't cut and run, but have to stay the course. The political cartoon in the Ledger today was excellent...it shows a group of Marines hoisting a flag (like on Iwo Jima) with a politician behind them saying, "Well, victory is in sight now, so let's go home" or something to that nature.

I got into an interesting discussion over my birthday dinner last night at Carrabas with my step mom on torture. My belief is that we use it when we have to. If torturing a terrorist scumbag will save the life of just ONE American soldier, then I think its necessary. My view is the gloves need to come off. Separate the politicians from the war. Let the Generals do the planning and the soldiers do the fighting. The Army is NOT Meals on Wheels...the Army exists to KILL PEOPLE and BLOW $HIT UP! Stop using it like a Humanitarian force.

During WW2, we bombed the hell outta Germany and Japan. We killed women, children, and old people. We killed them because they supported OUR enemies, the Germans and the Japs. Why then...are we not doing the same thing in the middle east? Because people would get mad at us? HELLO....9/11....they already hate us!

For over 3000 years, all these people have known is warfare and violence. That's the way to communicate with them. As the old WW2 poster says, the M1 does my talking!

I finally found it!

2005-12-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have found the pot at the end of the rainbow. Not quite exactly what I had wanted though...

Busy as ever

2005-11-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hey all-

I'll be signing up for classes at Troy State next week. GRE is in two weeks. Roommates are moving out...but should have already. They still have like half their crap in the house. New roommate moves in Thursday I think. That should be fun!

You know, since I stopped working on the radio, I now sleep in until about 7:30 or so. I used to be up at 5:30am. Its amazing what two more hours of sleep will do for you. At any rate, I got an e-mail from someone at the station saying there would be more changes coming, probably in January. I can't elaborate, suffice to say that Archway never fails to plant the knife squarely.

The articles on Southern culture appearing in the Ledger have been very interesting lately. The one on food was very well done...and they even featured one of my favorite places to eat in the whole world...Minnies Cafe! If you haven't tried it, you should.

Also, went to Locos on Sunday. The staff was very nice, and the food was really good too. They have a good selection of beers and the have about 4 very nice flat screen panel TV's up with sports on. Its just down the street from my house, so I'm very tempted to become a regular.

Speaking of being a regular, I was at the Cannon last night calling trivia and these four British guys come in the bar and order...of all things...a BUDWEISER! I was like, come on guys. They explained this is one of the few times they get to drink "American beers". They were all with the RAF (Royal Air Force) and were here to drop of some British field grade officers for expanded training. They seemed to have a great time trying to play trivia. They messed up on the President questions and the baseball question through them for a loop. But they got the one about Prince Charles ;-) It was cool talking to them.

My mom is doing well. Since the separation from my verbally abusive step-dad, she has lost about 40 pounds and dropped to a size 6. She said she doesn't feel the stress she used to and has cut back on her eating and has improved her exercise schedule. I'm so proud of my mom. She could have settled and stayed with him, but she decided to do the right thing and follow her conscience and go out on her own, something I would think would be hard to do after being married to the same person for almost 20 years. Time goes so quick, so when you hurt someone, tell them you're sorry. When someone hurts you, tell them. When you love someone, tell them. I've made that mistake before...but hey, life is all about learning right?

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things you can only say on Thanksgiving!!!!

01. Talk about huge breasts!

02. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.

03. It's Cool Whip time!

04. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!

05. That's one terrific spread!

06. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.

07. Are you ready for seconds yet?

08. It's a little dry, do you still want to eat it?

09. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!

10. Don't play with your meat.

11. Just spread the legs open and stuff it in.

12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at
once?

13. I didn't expect everyone to come at once!

14. You still have a little bit on your chin.

15. How long will it take after you stick it in?

16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.

17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!

18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen!

Mayor Bob

2005-11-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

I was on my way to a meeting at lunchtime at the Springer Opera House. It was a "Columbus Area Cultural Educators" Meeting where we talked about how to improve arts curriculum in the classroom. Now, since this is a noon meeting, we were asked to bring lunches.

So, I went down to Picasso Pizza on Broad to get a slice and bring it to the meeting since they have the best pizza in town. Well, to my surprise, they now do not open until 4pm! So, I decided to go across the street to the new City Market and snack on Otto's famous hot dogs.

After purchasing two of them, getting a Mt. Dew to drink, and buying a moonpie for a snack, I started back out the door to cross the street and go back to the truck. Boy am I glad I looked before I stepped out into the street. Mayor Bob came zooming by in his black car and I was sure glad that I hadn't stepped out into the street. As I watched his car travel south down Broadway, it slowed down to turn right onto 10th Ave. However, since CSU is building something on that corner, there was a big cement mixer in the way. The Mayor turned on his flashing lights and beeped at the man backing the cement truck up because he wanted to turn and the truck was in the way. The worker on the street directing the truck looked at him and waved and then continued to tell the truck to back up.

I watched for almost a minute as the Mayor had to sit and wait for the truck to move. I don't think he was too happy, but I hope he got to where he wanted to go because he was in an awful big hurry.

At any rate, the meeting went well. Oh, and the new thing to do in Lakebottom...visit Locos...the new Deli & Bar just across from the Lewis Jones. I have heard nothing but good things about it. I'm going to check it out sometime this week and let you know how it goes.

Oh, and things did not go well this weekend with "B". I was told that us dating was not possible because of distance. Oh well, at least I tried. Better to have tried and lost then never to have tried at all...right?

This one is for you Amanda

2005-11-18T15:36:00.000-04:00

OK, Amanda left me a voice mail saying I dont update my blog enough, so this one is for you.

I have recently found out that working the door at a nightclub/bar will make you suddenly popular with a lot of people. For some reason, there are now MANY more people who know my name. Odd how that happens, huh? Anyway, back to the blog at hand.

Working downtown also lets me see some things I wouldn't normally notice if I was just a patron. Last night was comedy night at the Loft, and we sold out both shows which was awesome. However, in the second show a LARGE group of people showed up, and a few already seemed to be a little tipsy when they got there, espically a pair of blond...um..."entertainers" that paid their cover and bar tab all with dollar bills (I washed my hands after taking money twice last night).

One of the girls was so trashed she knocked over some guys drink and was asked to leave, which she did. She stumbled down the stairs and out the door. I hoped she wasn't going to try and drive like that so I tried to stop her and ask her if she needed me to call her a cab and she said, "Nah honey Im fine" as she swayed back and forth almost falling halfway down the staircase. Her friends seemed unconcerned tha she just up and left by herself.

About 30 minutes later, as the comedy show was letting out, a guy from the Tap came in and said she "crashed" in the bathroom there and paramedics were taking her to the hospital. My guess is she didn't just have alcohol in her system. Anyway, her friends all rushed out to go over and see what had happened...where were they 30 minutes prior when she could hardly walk?

Anyway, another strange thing I saw was a 21 year old guy walk in with a woman (with some obvious milage) in her mid to late 40's. It made me stop and think for a moment what two people that far apart in age have in common. She can talk about disco, Jimmy Carter gas lines, Reagonomics, and the invasion of Grenada...all which happened before the kid was born. He can talk about acid metal, high school friends, getting drunk all the time, and his high school girlfriend. I mean, if it works for them, great, I just dont think I could be with someone that was at least a generation removed from me. It would feel to much like dating my mom...CREEPY!

Anyway, gotta go get prepared for God Bless Ft. Benning Day tomorrow. Have a great weekend. Oh, and AUBURN by 17. WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

Yes, I know....

2005-11-15T08:48:00.000-04:00

I haven't REALLY posted in a while. It's not because I didn't want to, it was more of a lack of time issue.

First of all, the good news. I have been accepted into graduate school. The bad news, I have to take the GRE next month :-( WISH ME LUCK!

"B" is coming this weekend for an Alabama/Auburn party and I hope I get to spend a little time with her even if we are on opposite ends of the sidelines for this one.

Look for me on WRBL at noon today and WTVM at noon tomorrow. I will be talking about the God Bless Ft. Benning event coming this Saturday to a museum (and civic center) near you!

Happy Birthday USMC

2005-11-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

Thats right, today is the 230th anniversary of the US Marine Corps. Semper Fi Mac! In honor of them, I post the following breaking news update...

WASHINGTON DC-President Bush has authorized the Joint Chiefs to begin drawing up a battle plan to pull France's ass out of the fire again. Facing an apparent overwhelming force of up to 400 pissed off teenagers, Mr. Bush doubts France's ability to hold off the little pissants. "Hell, if the last two world wars are any indication, I would expect France to surrender any day now", said Bush. Joint Chiefs head, Gen. Peter Pace, warned the President that it might be necessary to send up to 5 Marines to get things under control. The general admitted that 5 Marines may be overkill but he wanted to get this thing under control within 24 hours of arriving on scene. He stated he was having a hard time finding even one Marine to help those ungrateful bastards out for a third time but thought that he could persuade a few women Marines to do the job before they went on pregnancy leave.

President Bush asked Gen. Pace to get our Marines out of there as soon as possible after order was restored. He also reminded Gen. Pace to make sure the Marines did not take soap, razors, or deodorant with them. The less they stand out the better.

Columbus parking

2005-11-08T23:11:00.000-04:00

You know, with the street scapes project going on downtown, I almost feel I HAVE to park here in order to get to anything on Broadway.

Just making sure

2005-11-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 10 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

Can you pass?

Wild Celts on the loose!

2005-10-31T14:37:00.000-04:00

If you were in the downtown area on Saturday evening, you may have seen the reincarnation of William Wallace (or at least Mel Gibsons version of him) on the prowl. Yes folks, it was I showing off my Celtic heritage and hairy legs. Now, to set the record straight, I HAD sandals when the night began, but they broke. So, I went around downtown bare footed and realized just how short I am without shoes on. And yes, that is a real kilt and a real sword, and no I didn't go regimental. I expected I would be working, so I covered the boys up...but it was with a pair of plaid boxers!

Join me at the Cannon tonight for trivia at 8:00pm and afterwards for a party at Scruffy Murphy's lasting until who knows when. Happy Halloween!!

My take on it all

2005-10-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

So Harriet Miers decided to cave into pressure and give up. If I was as badly mauled by people who I thought were friends, I would probably throw in the towel too.

In his latest rambling, the President of Iran stated that Israel should be, "Wiped off the map." I think he just declared open season on his own country as far as I am concerned. You can mess with the CIA, you can mess with MI-6, but don't screw with the Israeli Mossad. They will hunt you down and kill you before you even realize your in trouble. They don't mess around.

As far as Iraq goes, I say put the National Guard units that are in Iraq on the Iraqi border with Iran, Syria, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Tell them to shoot anyone not crossing at a designated border checkpoint. That way, when they come home, we can put them on the US-Mexican border and they will have already been trained! Let the active duty Army & Marines clear out the a$$holes left in the Sunni areas.

The White Sox won the series in 4 games. Great, another World Series sweep. As I predicted last week on the air, White Sox would win. I thought the Astros would put up a better fight, but they were too busy bitching about the roof being open to concentrate on playing the game. Way to go Sox! Finally Chicago gets a baseball championship. Now, its time for the Cubbies to go all the way.

Come by the museum in the next few nights if you can. Our "PIRATES" program will run on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 to 9:30. $5.00 to get in. You'll have fun.

And finally, the new chief of CBS News is coming over from the SPORTS division. That should make for some interesting comparisons during the commentary section of the programs. I can hear it now. "Thanks, Bob. Today, Harriet Miers folded like the San Francisco 49'ers defense on a road game." That about says it all!

Playing catch up

2005-10-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Well, let me catch all of you up on the happenings of late.

First of all, I went out TWICE this weekend with "B". Yep, she drove down from Birmingham to hang out with her friend, "M". The first night, the three of us hung out, the second night, it was just "B" and I. We had a great time visiting different downtown destinations, and even a few places on the north end of town. During dinner, the two of us got into a conversation about relationships and "B" asked me what my intentions were! And, despite the fact that about 400 butterflies were doing the mambo in my stomach, I managed to get out the words that I wanted to date her on a serious level. We talked about it for a while and she basically said that she does like me, but we are too far apart right now (3 hours) and she just got out of a serious relationship a few months ago. I nodded and continued to eat my chicken when I suddenly didn't feel so good. I politely excused myself and just did make it to the bathroom on time to see a 15 dollar dinner end up in the toilet. The nerves had finally gotten to me. I covered it well. Fortunately I had some really strong gum and there was a cup in the bathroom to wash my mouth out with. I think it would have happened even if she had said YES (which she didn't). God help me if I ever propose to a woman...

This is "B".

I ran into a few other bloggers on Friday. It was good to see y'all again and thanks for reading. I will have to add your blogs on the links section of my page.

--->

Secondly, I worked my first night at the Loft on Saturday. Thanks to all those that came out and visited. I ran around all night bar backing, and trust me, I had a healthy respect for bar backs BEFORE I did the job, now I definitely have a deep respect for them.

Yesterday I inherited a grill from my Dad. He won a brand new one in an auction so he gave me his old one. Can you say...IRON BOWL PARTY?? Oh, and speaking of football, would it be out of line for me to want to HANG JOHN VAUGHN and burn him in effigy? For those of you who are wondering who that is, Vaughn is Auburn's kicker who missed FOUR FREAKIN FIELD GOALS this weekend in Auburn's 20-17 loss in overtime to LSU in Baton Rouge. We coulda been someone...we coulda been a contender, if he had only made ONE of those field goals!!

For all the things I love about "B", she has only one fault. She's an Alabama fan. That's OK though, I guess we can't all be perfect. ;-)

Doors close, doors open

2005-10-20T11:05:00.000-04:00

Well, that diddn't take very long. Some of my good friends downtown have taken pity on me and hired me on. Look for me at The Loft in downtown Columbus where I willbe working my happy second job. ;-)

You can see my myspace page at www.myspace.com/secondbsmn for more info.

Thanks for all your support and kind words.

"McFry, you FIRED!"

2005-10-19T05:59:00.000-04:00

So, do you remember the line in Back to the Future II where the OLD Marty McFly gets fired from his Japanese boss by fax for something that really wasn't his fault. That ALMOST happened to me this morning.

My morning show on the radio...has been canceled. Why? Because no one can hear it. Our signal strentgh at the station is SO WEAK, you can't even hear it at the station. No lie, my light bulb at home draws more power then WRCG does from 7pm-7am. So, because their signal sucks, they are letting me go. Doesn't make a lot of sense that I am being released off the payroll because of their technical problems. Guess their technical problems became my employment problem! So, the last show you'll hear will be Friday morning...if you can hear it. If anyone has a lead on second job, drop me an e-mail at georgia1861@charter.net

Oh, and on top of it all, my dryer at home broke so I have to get a new one this afternoon. When it rains, it pours! I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow...please...I need one.

France

2005-10-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

Eleven thousand soldiers
lay beneath the dirt and stone,
All buried on a distant land
so far away from home.

For just a strip of dismal beach
they paid a hero's price,
To save a foreign nation
they all made the sacrifice.

And now the shores of Normandy
are lined with blocks of white:
Americans who didn't turn
from someone else's plight.

Eleven thousand reasons
for the French to take our side,
But in the moment of our need
they chose to run and hide.

Chirac said every war means loss,
perhaps for France that's true,
For they've lost every battle
since the days of Waterloo.

Without a soldier worth a damn
to be found within the region,
The French became the only land
to need a Foreign Legion.

You French all say we're arrogant.
Well hell, we've earned the ri ght --
We saved your sorry nation
when you lacked the guts to fight.

But now you've made a big mistake,
and one that you'll regret;
You took sides with our enemies,
and that we won't forget.

It wasn't just our citizens
you spit on when you turned,
But every one of yours
who fell the day the towers burned.

You spit upon our soldiers,
on our pilots and Marines,
And now you'll get a little sense
of just what payback means.

So keep your Paris fashions
and your wine and your champagne.
And find some other market
that will buy your airplanes.

And try to find somebody else
to wear your French cologne.
For you're about to find out
what it means to stand alone.

You see, you need us far more
than we ever needed you.
America has better friends
who know how to be true.

I'd rather stand with warriors
who have the will and might.
Than huddle in the dark
with those whose only flag is white.

I'll take the Brits, the Aussies,
the Israelis and the rest.
For when it comes to valor
we have seen that they're the best.

We'll count on one another
as we face a moment dire.
While you sit on the sideline
with a sign, "friendship for hire."

We'll win this war without you
and we'll total up the cost.
And take it from your foreign aid
and then you'll feel the loss.

And when your nation starts to fall,
well Frenchie, you can spare us.
Just call the Germans for a hand,
they know the way to Paris.

Apologies all around

2005-10-17T10:36:00.000-04:00

OK so I have been slacking in my postings. Sorry about that. There was a lot happening this weekend. To sum it up, I will use bullet points-

My roommates announced they are moving out at the end of November. YES, PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED!
I am scheduled to begin Masters classes at TSU in January.
I am also scheduled to take the GRE in December. YUCK.
Trying to get my finances in order just in case I cant find another roommate.
Auburn played an away game and it wasnt on TV! (They won 34-17)
Feast or famine issues...by that I mean I have either three girls I'm talking to or NONE. There is no in between or so it seems.

Maybe its true what Dad says. You end up finding someone when your not looking. More later if I have time.

Will fall fall already!

2005-10-13T12:35:00.000-04:00

As I write it's a pleasant 65 degrees outside. However, the forecast for today, tomorrow, and the rest of the weekend is in the low to mid 80's! It's October. The baseball playoffs are on. Its the middle of college football season. It should not be this warm. Fall needs to fall. The good news is that its not quite hot enough to heat up the house past about 74 degrees inside and it doesn't get cool enough at night for the temp to fall below about 68. So, I have not had to use the AC or the heater in the house ALL WEEK. I hope that shows up on my next Georgia power bill because I'm getting really tired of paying 175-200 dollars a month to those a$$h0\e$.

The cost of home heating this year is expected to increase in some parts of the country by up to 60%. We had a lively debate on that topic today on the radio show. If I understand things correctly, Atmos Energy and other companies around here cannot just arbitrarily raise their prices without going through the Georgia Public Service Commission. That means that your letting the national media scare you, just like you let them scare you into a belief there was going to be a run on gasoline back after Katrina hit. Here are a few tips to help you save money this winter-

During winter months, light a fire for warmth instead of using the central heating unit. Wood is still cheaper than gas.
Check and make sure fireplace is working properly.
Wear seasonal appropriate clothing around the house. Get used to wearing sweaters and pants during winter months. You'll find that you won't need to turn the heat up as high.
Lower the temperature on your gas water heater. You really don't need water heated up to 180 degrees. Lower it a bit and save.
Turn off stove and oven a few minutes before time is up. Residual heat will finish the job perfectly.

Eighteen Innings of Agony

2005-10-10T17:48:00.000-04:00

And all because Adam LaRoche didn't hustle. If he had, instead of cruising around between 2nd and 3rd base, he would have scored safely and the Braves win. Also, what was Bobby Cox thinking when he replaces LaRoche with 46 year old Julio Franco! Don't tell me it was a defensive replacement because Adam is a far superior defensive first baseman. If Cox had left Adam in, I bet he stretches out and makes the catch that Franco had to come off the bag for from Chipper. Boom...double play and there is no Berkman grandslam. The Braves had so many opportunities, but they just played sloppy. I'm beginning to understand what it was like to be a Brooklyn Dodgers fan...better luck next year!

The Auburn Tigers has the week off to prepare for Saturdays game at Arkansas which has a very tough running game. Message to the Auburn Defense...be prepared to block!
Despite the off week, I had a fantastic time at Lakebottom Manor, courtesy of one good friend named Tyson (whom I have written about previously in this blog). Tyson is a DAWG fan and I am very happy he tolerates (although barely) my Orange and Blue leanings. After all, it is GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER.

Okay, I have a question for all of you to ponder and perhaps you can help me decide what I should do. I have a family member who will be sending me a significant sum of money in the near future. The question is, what do I use it for. I can-

A.) Use the money towards my Masters Degree
B.) Pay off most of my truck loan
C.) Use it to make the down payment on a house in about six months when I get out of Roommates from Hell Part 2.
D.) Some combination of the above options.

Cast your vote in the comments section. Thank you for playing!

BTW, I will NOT be calling trivia tonight at the Cannon because I will be working the museums annual black tie dinner/fund raiser. However, I am on the schedule to call it NEXT week, so come on down and play if you can. Oh, and Lindsay said to say hi to everyone. ;-)

Sleep always suffers

2005-10-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but everytime I have some type of stress in my life (family, friends, school, work, DAMN ROOM MATES) my sleep ALWAYS suffers. As it is, I work 11 hour days in two different jobs, so when I finally get off at around 5pm since starting work at 6am, I'm tired. Yet sometimes I can find enough energy to go out with friends and have fun in the evenings. Most of the time, I'm home by 11:00pm and in the bed so I can prepare for the long haul the next day. This week, that hasn't happened at all.

For starters, this weekend was a travel weekend so I got little to no sleep. Monday night I hosted trivia at the Cannon Brew Pub and didnt get home til about 11:00. Then with phone calls to return and e-mail to check, it was midnight when I got to bed. Last night, I had a big falling out with my irresponsible room mate and was up until almost 1am arguing with, what seemed like a brick wall. I'm trying a combination of chocolate, sweet tea, and mountain dew to stay awake. That and the fact that the Braves begin the playoffs today at 4pm.

As for the news, I'm taking the Presidents word on Harriet Miers. She seems to be a competent attorney and a conservative. While I would have liked to see someone else in the position, I'm satisfied with Miers.

New Orleans Mayor Nagin has said New Orleans has no money and has to lay off 3000 workers. Right. No money. Congress passes a 60 billion dollar aid package and you have no money. Guess they are so broke, Nagin can't even buy a clue!

On the local front, former Columbus Mayor (attorney) Frank Martin appeared before the City Council and raked them over the coals for their recent "failures." Martin cited, among other things, "The art sculpture fiasco, the failed sales tax, race relations, and lack of confidence in city governemnt." OUCH. The current Mayor responded later by saying to Attorney (former mayor) Frank Martin that, "There will be no debate. There was no debate when you were here." What caused all this you might wonder...tennis. I KNEW that game was up to no good!

Richard at the Columbus, GA blog makes some very good points about police officers in this city. It used to be if an officer was involved in a shooting, they took a 3 day leave while the Internal Affairs division investigated. Then they came back to work. Now, a police officer will sit out for up to NINE MONTHS with pay while a shooting is investigated. The CPD is a nationally recognized and certified Department of excellence. There is no reason, beyond trying to be politically sensative, that investigations of a CPD shooting should be done by the GBI who has enough to worry about without getting involved with our city police force. Thats what INTERNAL AFFAIRS is for. Wake up Columbus! We have lost 25 officers already to resignation just this year. Start demanding more of your city leaders.

Finally, one of my girl friends was in a car wreck yesterday, and still hasn't called me. I hope you're OK Lindsay! Im so sorry I couldn't be in New York and hang out with you this week. Call me soon. I'll be waiting...

You know your a democrat if...

2005-10-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

These are oh so true....

You pale at the execution of child killers, but defend the killing of unborn children as an expression of choice.

You think trees have feelings, animals can conceptualize and the fetus is a blob of protoplasm.

You are convinced that Frank Capra films and Norman Rockwell paintings are lies and distortions but "Platoon," "Dances with Wolves" and "Thelma and Louise" are realistic

You think a moment of silent prayer at the beginning of the school day constitutes government indoctrination and an intrusion on parental authority, while sex education, condom distribution and multiculturalism are values-neutral.

You think marriage is obsolete - except for homosexuals.

You believe homosexuality is genetically determined, but fascism and spouse abuse aren't.

You think AIDS is spread by insufficient funding.

You consider the Catholic bishops noble and idealistic when they oppose capital punishment and welfare cuts but dangerous fanatics trying to legislate their theology when they defend the right to life.

You are convinced that proponents of welfare reform hate the poor and opponents of affirmative action hate minorities, but AIDS activists who bash the Pope and People for the American Way types who go psycho over Protestant "fundamentalists" are guardians of democracy.

You attribute every minority problem to entrenched, institutional racism and the legacies of slavery and segregation.

You think the black middle class is a myth created by Republicans.

You don't understand all of the whining about affirmative action and are more than willing to sacrifice someone else's employment or education opportunity to assuage your guilt.

You see no correlation between welfare and the rise of illegitimacy, judicial leniency and surging crime rates, or addiction and an entertainment industry that glorifies drug abuse. But you believe Ronald Reagan is responsible for everything horrible that's happened in the past quarter-century.

You think those child-abusing, religious fanatics at Waco had it coming but the illegal immigrants roughed up by California deputies - after leading them on a high-speed chase - are the victims of the decade.

You own something that says, "Dukakis for President, " and still display it.

You've tried to argue in favor of anything based on, "Well, they're gonna do it anyway so..."

You've ever said, "We really should call the ACLU about this."

You believe that a few hundred loggers can find another career, but the defenseless spotted owl must live in its preferred tree.

You ever based an argument on the phrase, "But they can afford a tax hike because..."

You've ever argued that with just one more year of welfare that person will turn it around and get off drugs.

You think Lennon was a brilliant social commentator.

You keep count of how many people you know in each racial or ethnic category.

You believe our government must do it because everyone in Europe does.

After looking at your pay stub you can still say, "America is undertaxed."

You think the rich can get richer off people who have no money.

You've named your kids "Stardust" or "Moonbeam."

You've tried to argue that all of societies problems are based on the fact that McDonald's, by law, only has to pay $5.15/hr.

You utter the phrase "There ought to be a law" at least once a week.

You have ever used the phrase "protecting prisoner's rights".

You find yourself nodding vigorously and saying "someone finally said it right" during an episode of Oprah.

You've ever referred to the Military/Industrial Complex during a conversation.

You know you never laughed as a kid, the world was in just too bad a shape.

Your friends told you how much fun you had at the Phish show, but your not sure what year you saw them.

You file suit against the mall rent-a-cops for posting signs stating that your bags are subject to inspection.

You've ever argued that "you can't legislate morality".

You've referred to the Founding Fathers as "those aristocratic, chauvinistic, lily white, slave owning, land stealing oppressors of indigenous personnel".

You argued that a few more months of sanctions and Sadam Hussein would have folded like rookie poker player.

You know more than 2 people who have a degree in "Womyn's Studies."

You've ever said "But look at all the good Ted Kennedy has done for the women of this country!"

You blame things on "The Man."

You believe that Bart Simpson only needs a little more affection.

You argue that the only flaw with Marx is that Russia was an agrarian society.

You've ever called the meter maid a fascist.

You argue that the Second Amendment only refers to Federally organized militias.

You view Jane Fonda as a courageous heroine with strong convictions.

You've ever referred to "the glass ceiling."

You believe it because "Dan Rather wouldn't lie about something this important."

You ever told a child that Oscar the Grouch "is a victim of Draconian budget cuts."

You are outraged that Baseball Players make millions and the poor clerk at the unemployment office only makes 28 bucks an hour doing such good work.

You think that Al Gore macherena thing was a laugh riot.

You feel that Greenpeace is misunderstood.

You've ever stated "How does what he does in his personal life have any bearing on doing his job?"

You can't talk about foreign policy without using the word conspiracy.

You think Ralph Nader makes a lot of sense.

You think solar energy is being held back by those greedy oil companies.

You would rather have Bill Clinton make your investments than Fidelity.

You've never had to worry about marginal tax rates.

You have to use the term "mean spirited" in every sentence when talking about welfare reform.

You actually expect to collect Social Security.

You got teary eyed during the film "The American President."

You think Ayn Rand is an African currency.

You think the Free Market is where they hand out Government cheese.

You think Carter should be on Mt. Rushmore.

You believe personal injury lawyers when they say they are just trying to defend the little guy.

You know that those profit mongering drug companies could find a cure for AIDS if they really wanted to.

You actually believe the NY Times and Washington Post.

You know at least one vegan.

You think that the Teamsters are misunderstood.

You think public housing is great, but just NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard).

You think the anti-war protestors from '60s are the real heros.

You think that Supply Side Economics refers to your dope dealer's stash.

You actually think that poverty can be abolished.

You admire the Swedish welfare system.

You go to Gay Pride Day parades so that no one can call you homophobic.

You think that pornography corrupts women, but find nothing wrong with a 50 year old president seducing a 21 year old intern.

You want to know why we don't offer schooling in prisons (hey, isn't that what public schools are for?).

You tout the NAACP, but criticize anyone referring to a black man as a "colored person."

You feel that banning smoking in public indoor places limits your constitutional rights.

You honestly feel that alcoholics deserve social security disability benefits.

You've named your kids with hyphenated first and last names.

You've tried to argue that poverty could be abolished if people were only willing to redistribute their wealth.

You've ever referred to someone as a "bigot" or "Nazi".

You support diversity, as long as others agree with you.

You've ever uttered the phrase, "you hypocrite".

You answer to "No One".

You support PETA and Greenpeace, but still eat beef, fish, lamb, and wear leather garments.

You protest your neighbor clearing their yard of weeds.

You only let your kids watch PBS and listen to NPR.

You scream at the thought of agreeing with a Republican.

You've argued that Western values are no values.

You agree that all the world's problems can be traced back to white Anglo-Saxon men taking advantage of others.

You really think that guns kill people. Not people kill people.

You've ever said "reduce paper, save a tree".

You donate money because it makes you "feel good".

You don't mind contributing 4 months of your salary to the government. You're only sorry it can't be more.

You think people who make above minimun wage are rich and should be taxed at 90 percent.

You blame the Republicans for rainy weather.

You ever said, "differently abled" when you mean "crippled."

You think Newt Gingrich should be dipped in gravy train and fed to a pack of ravenous poddles.

You think heterosexual love is a male chauvinist plot to oppress women.

You ever referred to someone's GI Joe figurines and matching tac nukes as "war toys."

You think Al Franken is actually funny, but Rush Limbaugh is not.

You own an espresso maker, a cusinart, a vibrator, and a heated water bed and yet oppose off shore oil drilling and the construction of nuclear power plants.

You think that Doctors should be made into government bureaucrats, but that lawyers should not.

You can't write or speak the word "he" without following it with, "or she."

You think the phrase, "separation of church and state" is contained in the Constitution.

You think Michael Moore makes good documentaries.

You think organically grown vegetables are worth the higher price.

You think that pouring blood on a $1,500 fur coat is a sure-fire way to get your message across, but if anyone protests outside an abortion clinic, they're extremists...

You think the New York Times is fair and balanced, but Fox News is ultra right-wing...

You think homophobia is a far worse social disease than herpes.

You speak out on the "evils of corporate America" but spend a great deal of your time at Starbucks.

You think anyone who doesn't find Will & Grace funny is a homophobe.

You look at Yassir Arafat as a "man of peace".

You think that Bush is a flip-flopper, but Kerry is the epitome of consistancy.

No, I cant take credit for these. SEE THEM AT http://blogthings.com/democrat.html

Ho, Ho, Ho!

2005-09-29T12:20:00.000-04:00

I had to share this. Y'all have a good day.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - The Danish Air Force said Thursday it paid 31,175 kroner ($5,032) in compensation to a part-time Santa Claus whose reindeer died of heart failure when two fighter jets roared over his farm.

The animal, named Rudolf, was grazing peacefully at the central Denmark farm of Olavi Nikkanoff, when the screaming F-16 jets passed overhead at low altitude in February.

The reindeer collapsed and died, leaving Nikkanoff with the prospect of only one animal pulling his sleigh next Christmas. He complained to the air force, which agreed to compensate him for the cost of the reindeer and veterinary expenses.

"We got a letter from Santa complaining about his reindeer's death and looked into it seriously," said air force spokesman, Capt. Morten Jensen.

The air force checked flight data and veterinary reports and concluded the planes likely caused the animal's death.

"We're more than happy to pay if it means that children around the world will get their presents," Jensen said.

Nikkanoff said he was satisfied with the compensation and would use it to buy a new reindeer before Christmas.

Do you have Gas?

2005-09-28T13:24:00.000-04:00

This weekend I'm going to Mississippi. I'm sharing a ride with a group of friends, but I still think it's gonna cost and arm and a leg. The impact of Katrina and Rita will be felt at the gas pumps soon, if you haven't felt the pinch already of $3.00 a damn gallon.

So WHY the shortages? In a short answer, I'll tell you...LIBERALS. They want to stop exploration, they want to stop drilling in the Arctic so a caribou can look at more ice, and they want to shut down refineries for not meeting EPA code, and refuse to let the oil companies open new ones. It takes a mountain of red tape to start a new oil refinery. And I tell you that Limbaugh said it best when he said that OIL is the FUEL of Democracy. So, what can we do about all this?

CARPOOL! That's right boys and girls, if you ride alone, you ride with Osama. Find someone who works at your office who lives close to you (in Columbus, that's not that hard to do) and share a ride. Heck, find a few more people close by and have a car full. Take turns rotating who picks up and who drives so no one person has to bear the cost of gas alone. Or maybe, have an office car "pool" that everyone puts a dollar in a day or something like that and at the end of the week it goes to the person who does the driving. We have to learn how to conserve better. Turn your thermostat up during the day when you leave for work. I know I do and my cats don't realize its 78 and not 74 in the house. Do you know that in 20 years, China will consume as much oil as the rest of the world does RIGHT NOW! Is that amazing or what? Apparently the energy hogs are running wild in Asia.

Moral for the day...conserve...Conservative. Wow, I just described myself.

It's TWO in the morning...

2005-09-26T13:58:00.000-04:00

Photoshop is so cool...

Another fun filled weekend

2005-09-26T02:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, where did the weekend go? It seemed to fly by faster then Ted Kennedy heading for an open bar. My new e-bay goodies came in Friday and I had to have a few alterations made to one of the jackets, and it came out great.

I had a very exciting Friday night...I stayed home and watched TV. Three new shows- Ghost Whisperer on CBS, and Three Wishes and inconceivable on NBC. All three were pretty good, but I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see more of Angie Harmon in the last show. I always thought she made the best Asst. DA on Law & Order.

Saturday was perhaps one of the best days I've ever had. It started off with me going to the Auburn game. What the heck is up with WKU's mascot? It looks like a deranged Elmo...or like a red grimmace, you know that purple thing that McDonalds is not quite sure what to do with. Anyway, the "Hilltopers" got the top popped by the 2nd string quarterback for Auburn who played well. Final score- Auburn 37, Western Kentucky 14.

So, I admit, I think Ga. Tech was better then they were. They um...got massacred 52-7. The Va. Tech defense scored something like 4 defense touchdowns. Amazing. Of course, Georgia once again could not make the freakin spread against Mississippi State. The new college AP Poll is out, and Auburn JUST missed being in the top 25. We'll see if the AP can keep them out after they beat South Carolina next week.

Okay, so I get back from the game and my friend David calls me and tells me to come downtown to the Cannon to watch football, so I take a shower and head downtown (or uptown..whatever). I was there for a little while and I called a good friend of mine (we will call her "B") who was in town from Birmingham. Even though she is an Alabama fan, I know she likes football so I invited her and her friend (who I will call "M") down to watch the game with us.

They gladly accepted and headed down to the bar. After some great conversation, laughing, and drinking, me and Tyson (see the "to my friends" blog entry below) accompany these two fine young ladies to the Tap, then to the Loft to finish out the evening. However, it was only 2:30am and all four of us were having such a great time we didn't want to call it a night quite yet. So we decided to head back to "M's" house because she lived fairly close.

We got a great tour of her house, then "B" and I went in the living room while Tyson and "M" went outside to hang out. Now, understand that I have known "B" for about three years and have ALWAYS had a thing for her. Actually "M" and I have been trying to get her to MOVE here for the past several years. At any rate, things just never worked out where we were able to spend much time together because her schedule and my schedule are just usually so busy. At any rate, we really had a chance to talk and to get to know one another better. It was all very innocent actually. She fell asleep in my arms and I was asleep not long after that. And for all of you with a dirty mind, KNOCK IT OFF! I am a gentlemen and have way to much respect for "B" to try anything. And even though she had to leave for Birmingham this afternoon, I think she wants to see me again, and I sure would like to see her again too.

As for Tyson & "M", they hit it off too and I hope they will go out again. They are a good match.

Well, off to that place I call dreamland so I can entertain and inform for all of you tomorrow.

WTF?

2005-09-23T02:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I wake up this morning with a 102 fever and I feel like I've been hit with a bus. After a few more hours of sleep, I decide to try and go into work. Im there five minutes and I'm told...go home.

So, after checking e-mail and a few phone messages from yesterday, I head to lunch (home). I watched the Braves loose, the progress of the hurricane, and the Untouchables on AMC. What a great movie!

Now just to clear things up for DS, all I was saying by my statement yesterday was that you cautioned me into jumping to conclusions as the track was not yet forcast for the hurricane. I admit, you are the expert...the only thing I said was I thought it would be a nasty one like Katrina. So, hopefully there's no hard feelings because I really enjoy the morning forecast.

Okay, here are some predictions, we'll see how it goes.

BRAVES win the Division by 3 games. They play San Diego in the Division Series and win in 5 games. Then they play the Astros in the NCLS and loose in 6. Astros play the Red Sox and the Astros win in 7 in the series.

AUBURN wins homecoming this weekend against Western Kentucky by 41. I'll be there to cheer them on.

GEORGIA beats Mississippi State 32-17.

And for my upset...GA TECH beats VA TECH 28-27.

And now, Im heading for bed and hoping for some sleep. Did I mention I hate being sick?

Here we go again

2005-09-22T01:33:00.000-04:00

On Monday I said to Darren Stack, the Channel 3 weather guy that, "Rita looks like it might become the nasty younger sister to Katrina."

He didn't outright dismiss the idea, but he wasn't in agreement with it.

Fast forward to Wednesday evening. Rita is a Category FIVE Hurricane and its headed straight for the Texas coast. Over a million people are evacuating. God Bless Texas, they're gona need it.

Looks like the Braves bullpen blew it again. The game isnt over, but its 10-6 now after the Phils hit a grand slam in the 10th. Damn bullpen.

My room mate came to me today and said, "We've (my roommates are an engaged couple) gotten an apartment and we are moving out by Novemeber 1st. I hope you can find somebody to move in with you." she said as she stormed off.

Three hours later, she calls and apologizes and says that they can't get the apartment and that maybe we ought to sit down and discuss why we are at each others throat all the time. I agreed, so stay tuned for more room mate drama!

I can tell you why we dont get along...she doesnt clean up after herself. The main problem used to be their dog (which peed on the carpet and tore up the furniture), but the dog is now with his parents. Now its the fact they dont clean up after their cats, they leave their food and unfinished drinks all over the house, she NEVER helps clean, and she walks around here like someone died and made her Queen. That shit doesn't fly with me, since they wouldnt have a place to live if it wasnt for me and I'm paying ALL the bills here except for their share of the rent.

Oh yeah, and I have the flu too. What a wonderful freakin day.

Truth in advertising

2005-09-20T18:07:00.000-04:00

This is the most truth in advertising I've seen in a while!

You know, if it wasn't so sad, it would be a lot funnier!!!

Take a look at the front page of the ledger-enquirer today and you'll find a great story on the new million dollar+ flag exhibit that both Channel 3 & Channel 9 missed out on Friday night. It's still not too late to cover it ya know...

My absence

2005-09-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry about being gone for so long, I have been working feverishly on getting our new museum exhibit up and running. You can see it at http://www.portcolumbus.org/ramparts.htm Oh, and in case I didn't say anything about it, I had a great time calling trivia last week. Not sure if Im going to do it again tonight, but Im planning on being there for trivia at the Cannon Brew Pub this evening. Stop by and say hello if you can.

What a weekend huh? The Falcons loose, the Braves are sucking, Alabama won, and every damn Florida college team beat a nationally ranked opponent. The only redeeming thing that happened in sports this weekend was Auburn clobbered Ball State 63-3 oh and Georgia won too.

I did get the chance to go out to Ft. Benning for family day on Saturday and got to talk at length with several original veterans of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment who fought in Normandy and the Rhine. What a great group of guys. They really enjoyed our setup which consisted of a 60mm mortar with sight, a sighting stick, original maps, binoculars, field typewriter, GI foot locker, plus a host of original soldier gear, weapons, and the like. Some of them loved the reproduction K rations, others liked the August '44 issue of Life Magazine, while still another gentleman picked up my soldier bible and said this helped him live through the war. They told some amazing stories, and I was able to convince several of them to sign my GERONIMO book. Oh, and I got to jump out of the 34 foot towers...twice. ;-)

Now, as for what's going on in Lake Bottom and midtown...there is a big article in the newspaper today about the midtown project. It goes into depth about the statistics of the area and what should be done to help revitialize it. Here's an idea...build something there people want to go to! You're building everything on the NORTH end of town and thats why no one stays in midtown. Doesnt take a genius to figure that out.

The latest news on Cherokee Ave...they are temporarily putting aside the plan to change it from 4 lanes to 2 lanes because the COLUMBUS COUNTRY CLUB board of directors came out against the plan. Well, the City Council didn't directly come out and say that, but its not hard to add 2 and 2. Money talks, thats for sure, but hasn't it always.

I had a great time this weekend with all my friends. Thanks for letting me be your friend. When it comes down to it, life is about family and friends. Im very blessed to have both. Hopefully I'll have time to post tomorrow. Until then, have a great day...

To my friends

2005-09-15T02:12:00.000-04:00

You know, we had a conversation this morning on the radio about "what if you won the lottery". Well, it's up to about 250 million dollars now, and after taxes that leaves me with about 150 million. So, here is what I would buy for some friends of mine...

For Tyson, I would buy him his own Brewery. He home brews beer all the time and its pretty tasty, even if it does sometimes give you VERY bad gas.
I would also have to say that I would give him a loan to begin his movie studio. I can remember sitting around one weekend, just him and I, and coming up with about three great movie ideas. At least we thought they were great.

Now, for my friend Shawn, I would make sure that he didn't move to Australia in two months. Maybe I would buy a power plant and hire him to run it. Of course, I would let him have time off to continue to bartend. For Danielle, I would buy her a condo so she doenst leave for Australia either. For David and Jessica, I would buy them a condo so they didn't leave for Athens in the winter...maybe one right next to Danielle's. It seems like everyone is leaving!!

For Azer, I would buy her a dozen round trip tickets back to Atlanta from China so she could come and visit more often. We miss her!

I would donate generously to help the hurricane relief, I would donate to veterans organizations, and I would give to the humane society. I would help my family, and my friends...the ones who were nice to me BEFORE I won 150 million dollars.

But then again...in order to win...I would actually have to buy a ticket wouldn't I? Will someone loan me a dollar? I'll pay you back when I win...

What a weekend

2005-09-12T14:50:00.000-04:00

Hello all, its your friendly lakebottom host back from a fun filled gameday weekend. Originally, I was supposed to go out of town this weekend, but since the price of gas went up to an arm and a leg per tank, the plan fell through. Instead of spending money on gas, I spent it instead on chips, soda, and beer and I still didn't spend as much as I would have on one tank of gas. Actually, I filled up yesterday for 2.83 a gallon and it cost $48.00 to fill up the Ranger. OUCH!!

Friday night I went over to a friends house and we all played this game called Scene It. Its all about movies...who directed them, starred in them, etc. It was a fun game, and I hope we get the chance to play again. I say that because my team won...twice. ;-) My mom called while I was there to see how I was handling the news (see my previous blog). I told her I was still a little surprised but I was doing OK.

The GAMEDAY PARTY on Saturday was a big success. I think I had about a half dozen people over for the Auburn game (many of my friends WENT to the game...lucky SOB's), but the crowd really grew when the Georgia game came on. I must have had a dozen grown people in my living room cursing, crying, screaming, and cheering during that game. It was a lot closer then it should have been...but the loyal DAWG fans came out ahead in the end. They watched it on TV with the sound muted so they could turn up Munson on the radio. Now, all of you know Im a TIGER fan to the end, but Im kinda jealous of their announcer. He's so cool...and y'all gotta know hes drunk by the 2nd quarter which makes it even more fun!

On Sunday I had to make a trip to the mall. Now, normally I hate the mall because Im a guy. Don't get me wrong, the "scenery" is nice, but Im not a big fan of crowds or pressure sales people. Anyway, I went to the mall to buy a pair of khakis, and I went in the new side of the mall first and stopped by the Waldenbooks. There I found an interesting book on how Hitler and the Allies both repeatedly missed armour in their warfare. I read a little, but I need to buy the book. Anyway, I went into the GAP there and saw a nice pair of khakis for about 50 bucks. I walked out and thought to myself that I can do better then that. So I went down to the Eddie Bauer store and found a heck of a sale. Get this, two pairs of khakis and two nice polo shirts for 65 bucks. You can't beat that! Oh yeah, and my Mom called to check on me again.

I was going to go to a swing dance last night, but it got postponed at the last minute, so I ended up at Applebees and then...back down at the Brewpub for a beer to finish the night off. I talked to the manager there and he said he might ask me to do trivia tonight at the brewpub. I'll let you know tomorrow if it happened or if I just ended up playing...

Things that make you go...what?

2005-09-09T02:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I was sitting outside enjoying the company of some friends this evening when my cell phone rings. It's my mother calling from California. Its the second time she called that evening, the first time I had my phone on silent so I saw I had a missed call. If she's calling twice in one night, I figure its important, so I picked up. I excused myself from the table and walked away.

She said hello then something strange..."Are you sitting down?"

I was like, "Yeah". The first thing that went through my mind was that my step grandmother had passed away at 91 years old. Then I thought, what if its more serious...what if mom has like cancer or something. Holy crap! But what she said shocked me even more.

She said she was getting a divorce from my step-dad. Now, they have been married 20 years so this came as a big surprise for me. I was like, "what?" I didn't think I had heard her correctly. But I did...and she is...and I'm still kind of in shock about the whole thing.

I just took a weeks vacation and spent it with my mom, my step-dad, and my half-sister. That was only like a month ago, and everything seemed fine. Apparently it wasn't. She said he had become abusive and dangerous and that she didn't feel safe in her house anymore so she left. Good for her. I've heard too many stories about women who would stay in relationships like that, and Im glad my mom had the guts to say, "no more!"

My friend bailed on me for going out of town this weekend, so it was decided to have the GAMEDAY party at my house. Mississippi State vs. Auburn @ 12:30 and South Carolina vs. Georgia @ 5:30. Don't miss it!

Oh, and for all you die hard Auburn fans out there...did you ever think you would see the AU flag on the GREAT WALL OF CHINA? I didn't until I saw a picture from my friend Catherin in China. Great Master Sun Tzu say..."WAR DAMN EAGLE!"

News from the Chattahoochee Valley

2005-09-07T17:42:00.000-04:00

It's good to see the city, county, local organizations, and church groups coming together to form an outreach center to help out those stranded by the storm in Columbus. It is located at the former offices of Page Scrantom Tucker Sprouse and Ford, 1043 Third Ave. The building is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Third Avenue and 11th Street.

This outreach center for displaced persons from the hurricane will combine eight major areas- housing, education, health care, public assistance, counseling, transportation, employment and recreation.

Local citizens have made trips to the area with U-Hauls, trucks, and buses to bring much needed supplies to the area, and to bring back people who need help. Take Darlene over at the Ralston. She had 80 apartments available, and still has about 50-60 more open for those that need a place to stay. The local Red Cross knows, but I wonder if the word has gotten over to the Benning shelter yet that.

The price of oil is going down as well. As of right now, the price is about $65.00 per barrel, a lot better then the $70.00 plus we saw last week at this time. Steve Forbes this weekend predicted that by next year, oil would be down to $40.00 or less per barrel. Lets hope the drop in price is reflected at the gas pumps. Although I personally think that we'll NEVER see gas below $2.00 a gallon again. The oil companies now know that Americans are willing to pay that much for it...

In other news, Auburn defensive end Alonzo Horton got word that two of his brothers and his Aunt died in New Orleans as a result of the flood. My heart goes out to him. All of you in TIGER LAND please say a word of prayer for him and his family in their time of need.

Auburn takes on Mississippi State this weekend. Tune in at 12:30EST on Saturday to see Auburn recover from its non-division loss to Georgia Tech. This time SEC officials will be on the field. MAYBE THEY can call a fair game, unlike some ACC officials I remember. Tigers by 10. Try to fight THIS MISSISSIPPI STATE!

Also, another good SEC matchup takes place when the little game cocks visit Athens. Dawgs by 21. That ones for you Tyson.

Don't miss the Braves game tonight. Tim Hudson takes on former Brave Tom Glavine at Turner Field. Listen to it live on AM1420 WRCG or watch it on Fox Sports South.

Thanks to my friend David for linking my blog to his site. Visit his place at http://time2see.blogspot.com

Coming tomorrow...how do you say WAR EAGLE in Chinese?

Editorial from the Washington Times

2005-09-06T13:55:00.000-04:00

I couldn't have said it any better myself, so I won't try. Below is a great editorial...hope you enjoy!

Not much traction with the abuse
By: Wesley Pruden

September 6, 2005

George W. finally gets it -- in more ways than one. The tardy president was back on the Gulf Coast yesterday, bucking up the spirits of the damned and stiffening the resolve of the slackers.

He's getting it as well from his critics, many of whom can't believe their great good luck, that a hurricane, of all things, finally gives them the opening they've been waiting for to heap calumny and scorn on him for something that might get a little traction. Cindy Sheehan is yesterday's news; she couldn't attract a camera crew this morning if she stripped down to her step-ins for a march on Prairie Chapel Ranch.

The vultures of the venomous left are attacking on two fronts, first that the president didn't do what the incompetent mayor of New Orleans and the pouty governor of Louisiana should have done, and didn't, in the early hours after Katrina loosed the deluge on the city that care and good judgment forgot. Ray Nagin, the mayor, ordered a "mandatory" evacuation a day late, but kept the city's 2,000 school buses parked and locked in neat rows when there was still time to take the refugees to higher ground. The bright-yellow buses sit ruined now in four feet of dirty water. Then the governor, Kathleen Blanco, resisted early pleas to declare martial law, and her dithering opened the way for looters, rapists and killers to make New Orleans an unholy hell. Gov. Haley Barbour did not hesitate in neighboring Mississippi, and looters, rapists and killers have not turned the streets of Gulfport and Biloxi into killing fields.

The drumbeat of partisan ingratitude continues even after the president flooded the city with National Guardsmen from a dozen states, paratroopers from Fort Bragg and Marines from the Atlantic and the Pacific. The flutter and chatter of the helicopters above the ghostly abandoned city, some of them from as far away as Singapore and averaging 240 missions a day, is eerily reminiscent of the last days of Saigon. Nevertheless, Sen. Mary Landrieu, who seems to think she's cute when she's mad, even threatened on national television to punch out the president -- a felony, by the way, even as a threat. Mayor Nagin, who you might think would be looking for a place to hide, and Gov. Blanco, nursing a bigtime snit, can't find the right word of thanks to a nation pouring out its heart and emptying its pockets. Maybe the senator should consider punching out the governor, only a misdemeanor.

The race hustlers waited for three days to inflame a tense situation, but then set to work with their usual dedication. The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, our self-appointed twin ambassadors of ill will, made the scene as soon as they could, taking up the coded cry that Katrina was the work of white folks, that a shortage of white looters and snipers made looting and sniping look like black crime, that calling the refugees "refugees" was an act of linguistic racism. A "civil rights activist" on Arianna Huffington's celebrity blog even floated the rumor that the starving folks abandoned in New Orleans had been forced to eat their dead -- after only four days. New Orleans has a reputation for its unusual cuisine, but this tale was so tall that nobody paid it much attention. Neither did anyone tell the tale-bearer to put a dirty sock in it.

Condi Rice went to the scene to say what everyone can see for himself, that no one but the race hustlers imagine Americans of any hue attaching strings to the humanitarian aid pouring into the broken and bruised cities of the Gulf. Most of the suffering faces in the flickering television images are black, true enough, and most of the helping hands are white.

Black and white churches of all denominations across a wide swath of the South stretching from Texas across Arkansas and Louisiana into Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia turned their Sunday schools into kitchens and dormitories. In Memphis, Junior Leaguers turned out for baby-sitting duty at the city's largest, most fashionable and nearly all white Baptist church, cradling tiny black infants in compassionate arms so their mothers could finally sleep. The owner of a honky-tonk showed up to ask whether the church would "accept money from a bar." A pastor took $1,400, some of it in quarters, dimes and nickels, with grateful thanks and a promise to see that it is spent wisely on the deserving -- most of whom are black.
The first polls, no surprise, show the libels are not working. A Washington Post-ABC survey found that the president is not seen as the villain the nutcake left is trying to make him out to be. Americans, skeptical as ever, are believing their own eyes.

Wesley Pruden is editor in chief of The Times.

Volunteering and other things

2005-09-05T19:55:00.000-04:00

I can say that my hours this weekend with the Red Cross were very well spent. You dont realize how much a few short hours can help change lives. While I want to BE THERE to help, I understand now that the most I could do was to help those people out who were already here fleeing from the hurricane and flood. I fyou havent donated yet, please visit the charity of your choice and give today.

I heard the Braves are donating 1$ for every ticket sold in September. This could amount to over $100,000 if they have a good month. The Red Cross has raised over $100 million so far, but new damage estimates reach some 100 billion dollars or more for this disaster. This doesnt even include the money spent on helping the vicitims of the disaster. The Federal government came out yesterday and gave a body count of 59 dead in Louisiana so far but several officials have said to expect a death toll in the thousands.

I had a long talk with my friend in St. Tammany parish the other night. She was able to get a phone line out and clal me about 3:00am and we talked until about 4:00am about everything going on. She said that deputys are searching the north shore of Lake Ponchatrain for survivors, but they are coming across HUNDREDS of dead bodies floating in the lake. Not much they can do for them now. These are most likely vicitms of the 30 foot storm surge.

The draining of New Orleans will prove to be a monumental task. As has been pointed out before, the water in the city is now basically toxic waste. Where can that be pumped to? Surely they dont intend to pump it back into the lake! Human waste, oil, gas, trash, hazardous material, all mixed up together would not be good for the area to say the least.

On another note, the death of Chief Justice Renquist didn't come as a suprise to me since he had been in and out of the hospital over the past year fighting his cancer. I was suprised however that the President elevated John Roberts to be Chief Justice so quickly. Now the White House will have a task finding a new Associate Justice to replace Roberts. Its already the first week of September, and the Court sits in October. With the political backlash that is sure to come over the slow response to the hurricane (NOT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS FAULT) it might be difficult to get two new justices on the court.

On another note, I will have Robbie's 10 bucks ready tomorrow. However, I'm willing to go double or nothing that she is wrong about South Carolina beating Georgia next weekend. Lets see how much she REALLY likes Steve Spurrier...

So, Tiger Fans, what happened on Saturday. Well, I'll tell you. First off, the Offensive line didn't perfomr as it should have in the first quarter. Secondly, Cox was nervous, but made some bad decisions in the second half, and third, the secondary was missing tackles they should have made. However, the biggest factor in the loss was the ACC officials on the field MISSING CALLS when it came to Ga. Tech. There was a CLEAR instance of unnecessary roughness against Cox after the play had been completed, yet Auburn got a double penalty on the call and Tech gets nothing. Another obviouis case of bias in the ACC officals. Stay tuned to see how the Tigers play against the SEC next weekend.

The Braves defeated the Mets this afternoon thanks in no small part to the play of rookie right fielder Jeff Francouer. He threw another runner out at the plate, plus made a few good catches, stretched a single into a double, and tagged up and went to third on a routine fly ball to center. If his enthusiasm continues to spread among the clubhouse, the Braves could very well being home another World Series title to Atlanta.

Locally...Cherokee Ave is still being worked on and its such a pain! Avoid it at all costs. Also, Broad Street downtown continues to be torn up. They have moved on to the 1200 block now, so if your trying to get down that way, avoid Broadway. Have a great day, oh, and sorry about the spelling mistakes. I cant get spell check to work in the blog yet...DOH!!

The Cavalry Arrives!

2005-09-02T17:30:00.000-04:00

Well, after about five days of anarchy, the cavlry has finally arrived in New Orleans. Lots of police & lots of National Guard are now in the city and they are there to take the city back from the thugs. I agree with several people that the looters should be shot. They are shooting cops, shooting at rescue workers and shooting at medical personnel. Thank God most of them are bad shots.

Fire in The Big Easy is now becoming a problem, and I just heard that there are a few oil barges that are leaking oil into the Mississippi River just to the West of the city. As if it wasn't bad enough already.

So, whose fault is this? Why all the human suffering?

The answer is- the Hurricane IS NO ONES FAULT. It is a fact of nature!

Now, people in New Orleans KNOW they are below sea level. They KNOW that flooding is always a possibility. They KNOW they should have evacuated last week. But I dont think many of them ever THOUGHT it would happen to them. Folks in this part of the country are told to eveacuate at least once or twice a year, and usually they come back home and everything is fine.

As a friend of mine in New Orleans wrote to me, "We will be without power and there will be some wind damage, but we'll be OK." I haven't heard from him since Sunday evening.

On a brighter note, my friend from St. Tammany Parish (Slidell & Covington just North of New Orleans) was able to call me early this morning and tell me she was alright. I missed her call as I was in the shower, but she was able to tell me on a voice mail that things are "bad and getting worse" and that her apartment in Covington was OK, but her house in Slidell was gone under a tidal wave. There is apparently little to nothing left there. They just got water back, but have no power and no cell service. She was calling from a special land line in the jail where she works at. God bless you!

Pray for those on the Golf coast, pray that they are safe, and thank God that your not suffering as they are. And DONATE TODAY TO THE RELIEF EFFORT!!!!

Please Help the Hurricane Victims!

2005-09-01T21:20:00.000-04:00

Hey all-

Thanks to Tim Chitwood of the Ledger, welcome to my blog. He asked if I had one, I didn't, but I do now. Bookmark it now as it will be updated regularly.

Don't know if you realize this or not, but THOUSANDS of people are probably dead in our own backyard, the Gulf Coast. Millions are now HOMELESS, and in some cases everything they own is 10 feet under water. Imagine not being able to go home for a month or more and having nothing but the clothes on your back. That's what these people are going through. These are AMERICANS!

80% of the CITY OF NEW ORLEANS is underwater. Dead bodies are floating in the streets along with snakes, raw sewage, & storm debris. Unfortunately the cops have to deal with idiots who think looting is cool and now bands of armed thugs are roaming the streets.

I have a good friend just north of New Orleans and have not heard from her since Sunday night. Most indications are her home in Eden Isles in Slidell, LA is GONE. She had to stay because she's a sheriffs deputy and... I hope she's OK.

Gulf Shores and the coast of Mississippi were hit head on too, and there are over 100 dead in one county there alone so far. This is THE WORST STORM TO HIT US IN A CENTURY. If you haven't already, please visit

http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hurricanes

Choose a charity and donate NOW. You would want people to do the same if you were in a similar situation. Do what you can, ten, twenty, even fifty dollars if you can. Every little bit helps.

Now, please PRAY FOR OUR FRIENDS ON THE GULF. What are you waiting for? DONATE NOW!!! Here are some other items of interest-

Lewis Jones on 13th Street is hosting a food drive for the Red Cross.
You can also bring your food directly to the Red Cross on Rosemont Ave.
There are evacuees from the Hurricane here in Columbus at the Benning Hills Rec Center
If you want to go to the Gulf and help out, please dont just leave and go by yourself. Contact the Red Cross in Montgomery as they are gathering volunteers to go.
You can also volunteer at the Red Cross in Columbus if you want to help.

E-mail me if you know of others who are sponsoring food drives.

On a brighter note, NCAA football begins this weekend. My Auburn Tigers take on Georgia Tech on the Plains on Saturday evening. If you were listening, we had Coach Tommy Tubberville on the program on Tueday. Georgia will open at home against Boise State (the folks that play on the smurf turf).

More tomorrow...