Rock The Vote But Don't Rock The Boat

Howdy All,

Time for some political commentary. This is in reference to a headline found on the Drudge Report. You've been warned....

Okay, so traditionally liberal media outlets like MTV and Rolling Stones magazine predictably fell in line with the John Kerry train and decided that America's hip and cool would do what they could to oust the evil Republicans that have taken our nation hostage. So sure of their actions as they were, they invited the Kerry daughters to host the MTV music awards. Much to their surprise, these two girls were met, not with unanimous cheers, but jeers and booing as well when they prompted the audience to vote for their father. Of course, dissenting is not permitted when it is not fighting the good liberal fight, so they audience was shushed by one of the daughters.

Okay, disregarding the great humor that this must have presented, or the optimistic tone it presents to our venerable incumbent candidate, this is a statement to all those at Viacom, the parent company of MTV, and their ilk.

Long ago MTV lost their audience in my generation, those at the tail end of Generation X, and the pioneers of Generation Y, because of their decisive actions toward political agendas, as well as their continuous move away from actually airing music videos, except for today's top 40 hip hop crap and rap. We knew the day would come when shows like Headbanger's Ball and 120 Minutes would come to and end, but the assumption was they would be replace by equally as enjoyable video programming. Instead we found, in their place, reality television and on location beach specials. Basically anything that grated America's moral fiber could be found on MTV.

Now, it would appear, MTV has lost touch with their only saving grace, Gen Y. This young generation, much like the Baby Boomer generation during the 80's, have cast aside the bunny fluffy ideals of their flaky liberal parents, and embraced more conservative and capitalistic ideals. These kids aren't listening to Rolling Stones magazine for their political stance, nor waiting for MTV to tell them how to vote. Today they have the benefit of 24 hour news access, and immediate info from the internet. Let us also not forget that most kids will rebel against their authority figures, and with the left leaning of today's educational institutions, it would stand to reason that these kids find appeal in the conservative family values being dissuaded in the classroom.

Here's to the future, and to another generation of level headed kids. It never fails when people start having families and earning money that they realize it is because of their own abilities and hard work which affords them success. Likewise, they begin to understand that it is not their job to take care of the lazy or less intelligent as penance for their success. God bless America. Save us from all the stupid people.

-Pooh out.

Dark Ages

Howdy All,

Well, another day in paradise, and a long morning in the quiet lull of a camp wide power down. We were informed earlier in the week that the extremely large generator powering our offices and many of the housing containers would be shut down and replaced with an even larger power generator. Even with such a warning, many were openly perturbed and disgruntled. Although I took the whole matter in stride with a Coke Light in hand.

Imagine if you will, that an entire city block surrounding your office were to lose power for about 4 hours. Also, remember that the brown out would not be the cause of any correlating emergency or catastrophe, but just a chance to work on some power grid systems. No phones. No internet. No A/C. Heck, no coffee from the employee breakroom. Of course the example is not entirely parallel to the state of events here. Certainly we did not have the luxury of running to the nearest Starbucks with power in order to ride out the inevitable, but you see the point. It was not tragic by any stretch of the imagination, and it was actually quite pleasant sitting outside, enjoying the morning, but it really puts our necessities into perspective.

It all reminds me of an article I read recently in a Popular Science, or Popular Mechanics about a columnist who accepted the challenge of living, for 10 days, without technologies and luxuries not afforded nor invented before the year 1954. It was an interesting read. The writer actually spoke to a psychiatrist during the course of the challenge because of the withdrawal related nightmares he began having by day 5. We are hooked on it.

Now, don't get me wrong, or misinterpret this as the rantings of a technophobe. I love my widgets and gadgets littering my desk. I thoroughly enjoying checking the same webpages a dozen times a day to see if there are changes. I like not having to sharpen my pencil because it's mechanical, which I will use on the Post-It notes covering my computer screen. All I'm saying is that out here I have learned to appreciate these niceties as more than expected necessities, but rather as afforded luxuries, not quickly to be taken for granted. I like turning on my computer. I like the A/C. I like my cold Coke Light.

Oh, and Al Sistani sucks eggs. I will not trust any cleric in this country unless proven otherwise. In order to stay diplomatic and unhateful, I will chalk his behavior up to stupidity, as much as I contribute much of this country to stupidity. We will learn 'em.

-Pooh out.

This Is How Rumors Get Started

Howdy All,

My legs hurt, and I can't imagine what the cause could be. Yesterday morning, I was persuaded into going for a light run with one of my coworkers. We could not have spent more than 15 minutes with our light workout, and yet, I found myself sucking wind, and walking funny.

Well, this morning, much to my surprise, I found my legs almost irreparably damaged, or so it seemed. My walk to work was also much more strenuous and time consuming. This whole subculture of runners and joggers can all go run themselves off of a cliff. As far as I'm concerned, it would only prove natural selection, and benefit the gene pool to rid ourselves of all these crazy people.

All considered, I will continue this self inflicted abuse and attempt another morning run. I'm not expecting miracles, nor do I ask for advice or encouragement. If you want to pray for my sanity and well being, I can understand, and it would be much appreciated. Perhaps I will come to my senses and store the running shoes back into the closet where they belong.

-Pooh out.

God Is Patient Too

Be patient.
Be patient.
Don't be in such a hurry.
When you get impatient
You'll only start to worry.
Remember.
Remember.
God is patient, too
And think of all the time that he has had to wait on you.

I thought this appropriate as many of you begin a new school year. As well, for those of you in Iraq dealing with the foolishness running rampant around here, this will prove useful. Though many a person will recognize this little ditty from childhood Sunday school, I did not learn it until I attended college, and it has stuck with me ever since. I hope it will stay with you as well. Good luck and God speed with all your endeavors.

-Pooh out.

Mom

Howdy All,

I thought I would take this opportunity to pay homage to a wonderful woman, known to those who love her as "Mom." She, like many moms, has her moments of doubt, worry, and pride of her children. Recently I received a letter from "mom" and I decided that it would not do her justice to merely respond, but rather that she needed to be recognized for her efforts in a public forum.

We all have a "mom" over which to dote, but I have to argue that mine is extra special. Yes, perhaps it could be argued that I hold some bias, but I think her merits speak for themselves. I just happen to be the messenger on this occasion. First, and foremost, she gave birth to me. Now, I do not think even she truly understood the gift she was giving to the world, but I digress. Perhaps it would be rash of me to presume that I would have become the person I am without her influence or guidance. Over the years, I have come to appreciate that perceived tortures that a concerned mother can bestow upon her children. The constant questions, the overbearing concern for wellbeing, the overt praise for even the most simple of achievements, and especially the over abundance of good cooking. I know that I will never be a thin man, but I was also never a hungry boy, and that is not a thing to disregard. This is the woman who gave me my siblings, however bittersweet that may be construed, and also taught me how to make my bed. This is the very woman who was brave enough let me run off to college, yet concerned enough to cry when first seeing my dorm room.

My mom is, without doubt, a wonderful and amazing woman. Only after I was married myself, did I come to understand why my father doted over her so much. The duplicity of "mom" is something both endearing and mysterious. She is both a woman of frailty and need, as well as a tough as nails protector for her children. To her husband, my father, she is a little beauty to be protected and cared for. To her children, she is the headstrong, overprotective keeper she has always been to me. For all our frustration over her constant attentions, she also becomes more and more loved and endeared by us. Her affections have never gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

I will take this final moment to say, with all sincerity, that I love my mom. She is what she has always tried to be, for all her doubts and misgivings. She is a good mom with good kids. Thanks Mom.

-Pooh out.

There She Goes

Howdy All,

I know, I know. "It's about time!" I've been busy. Okay, not really that busy, but I'm getting more sporadic, so you should be used to this by now. I am sorry, though. I know this is a good way to keep everyone informed of my endeavors, but there really isn't anything new to tell these days.

Because of this, I thought I would discuss my wife. She is off again on another jet setting adventure across the country. Well, it is a short trip this time, and at least it is stateside this time. She has, this summer alone, seen the Mediterranean, and northern Ireland. She is having fun, though, and I enjoy hearing of her adventures. That's why I'm over here, I suppose. What kind of husband would I be if I didn't indulge my lovely wife in a bit of high adventure while I am away? Besides, she has another riveting school year approaching, and the least we could do was to provide her an escape from drooling little heathens during the summer.

Okay, I hope I have provided you with a bit of distraction from you otherwise unspectacular day. It's Monday, so get to work, quit messing around and remember that you work for The Man. At least the venerable Dennis Hassert is trying to rid the world of a great evil, otherwise known as the IRS. Let that bring a smile to your face.

-Pooh out.