A chronicle of daily life in America from a high school social studies teacher/father/husband. Just your average individual going on about, what amounts to, an average day.
Monday, January 28, 2008
January 28, 2008
1) George W. Bush actually says that Congress should have a balanced budget and that he will cut bloated government program. My question, does that include graft and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan?
2) He says that a decent education is the only way for many children to achieve their dreams, obviously it wasn't necessary for the Bush. He is harping on and on about failing public schools, what about failing private schools, like the ones he attended?
3) I am appalled at the beginning of his speech. He was actually threatening the Democrat dominated Congress with veto after veto. I was wondering, how does that give us the "State of the Union?"
4) He wants more manufacturing in the United States. I would like to see him support laws that will protect American jobs from being outsourced overseas.... for a change.
5) Energy security? How can he and his big oil buddies benefit from energy security? Where will the big profits come if the prices do not stay high?
6) Limit carbon emissions? Is he admitting that there is global warming? Then why not sign on the the Kyoto Protocols, as a starting point upon which to improve?
7) Ted Turner? Did I just see Ted Turner in the house of Congress for the State of the Union Address?
8) By asking Congress to pass laws banning unethical practices, does that included corruption in the Food and Drug Administration and will actually prevent the approval of drugs that kill, and are known to kill?
9) Did he just say that the Constitution should be respected? When did he have this change of heart?
10) By supporting faith-based groups, does that include the Muslim faith or will they continue to be discriminated as "terrorist" organizations?
11) Here comes the Social Security reform. Beating a dead horse. He is worried about deficits, um, did you pay attention to how many billions of dollars that flow into Iraq and Afghanistan (and not into New Orleans)?
12) Is it just me, or are you also repulsed every time Bush talks about "high ideals?"
I can't watch any more. I am done here. Actually, I expected him to get up and tell us how he and his friends have hoodwinked the United States and once his term is done how they will make off with billions of our tax dollars and the next president will deal with the economic problems caused by it.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
October 14, 2007
Last night, Mercer and I went to Goodnight's comedy club to see a friend perform his comedy routine. He and two other locals opened up for Victoria Jackson or Saturday Night Live fame. Now, I have never been a big fan of Victoria Jackson, her voice annoys me along with her ditzy performances. On the other hand, Big A was hilarious! He was the funniest act of the night. I am really glad I decided to go see him!
Today I played in a softball game with George's work team. They all seemed like nice guys and gals. As it turned out, this was their first win of the season. I'd like to say I had something to do with that, but let's be realistic. My defense in left field was solid. My batting was suspect. I popped up to the infield twice in two at bats. So much for the line drives I usually hit. I think I was a bit anxious and a little rusty. The ironic thing is that I came into the came expecting things to go opposite, good batting and poor fielding. Fortunately for me, according to George's scouting of his own team, the bats aren't the problem, it is more the defense. So I guess to an extent I helped by locking down left field today. Ah, October softball.
Today's Headlines:
House Dems Vow Continued Push for Health Plan (USAToday.com)
Did you know, the United States government is the only "industrialized" nation in the world that does not provide health care for its citizens? I did not know that. I bet you didn't either. (Did you also know that the United States is the only nation in the world to use nuclear weapons in war? I bet you did, but I had to throw that one in.) I am dismayed. Our "president" continues to ask for blank checks to fund defense and rebuilding in Iraq (did you know that Cheney and Rumsfeld did not relinquish their holdings in major corporations involved in the rebuilding in Iraq? I bet you didn't) but will not sign a bill that will provide healthcare to more children in the United States. He claims that it will cost too much. That's right, it will cost too much. Since when is Bush concerned about government costs? Then again, since when has he been concerned with children? Or anything that didn't benefit him personally? I know it looks unlikely that Congress will muster enough votes to override a veto but it is important enough for them to try. I am glad they are trying to push for increased healthcare for children. The way I see it is as an investment in the future. Studies show that better helathcare for children will lead to increased health in their later years. Logically, that will decrease the strain on the healthcare system in the future. On the other hand, by having the government provide healthcare for children, it will be difficult for government officials to pay back political favors to the insurance lobby. So logically, Bush has to veto this bill. Am I too cynical?
-MC
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
September 5, 2007
Today's Headlines:
Audit: Curtail Wake Principals' Power (News and Observer)
On May 7, 2007, I mentioned that the county had paid for an independent audit of all the schools. At the time I did not know the purpose of the audit, now I do. The News and Observer published today the results of the audit. One of the audit's claims is that principals have too much independence and power. That this independence is actually resulting in great disparities between schools. The audit suggests that the county reign in the principals in order to create more equality between the schools. I wonder how the principals, who do enjoy a good deal of autonomy will like the closer scrutiny from county? I wonder how much of an impact this will have in the classroom and on how the principal handles his employees?
Nutcracker, Bushwhacker, Yankees Backer (US News and World Report)
Hold onto your seat! Here it is, the campaign toy that will win the election hands down. Be the first on the block to own the Hillary Clinton Nutcracker! See for yourself, this is not a gag, it is the real McCoy.
Purchase it here! (and even if you don't this is funny)
Friday, August 31, 2007
August 31, 2007
Joe kinda dared me to blog about this today, I am feeling kinda snarky (thanks for the word Rebecca) tonight, so I will. Hi Joe, I know you are reading! Here is his email:
The stupidest quote I have ever heard a presidential candidate make:OK, now I am no big supporter or fan of John Edwards, I have never seen a Michael Moore movie (some people will surprised to hear that), and I too am no expert on the healthcare system of Cuba. In fact, my initial reaction to Cuba having a healthcare system is "and where do they have the money for that?" I mean seriously, they can't possibly sell enough cigars in order to pay for the entire country to have healthcare. But, I guess if you factor in the rent the US pays for its base in Guantanamo, then maybe. But before I go any further, I want to clear a couple of things up:
"I'm going to be honest with you -- I don't know a lot about Cuba's healthcare system," John Edwards, D-N.C., said at an event in Oskaloosa, Iowa. "Is it a government-run system?" - Aug 17, 2007
Thank GOD he is actually from South Carolina... I still can't believe my home state elected this no show as Senator for 6 years. I am actually glad he didn't show up for work... and you think Bush is stupid? That is freaking moronic...
“Doctor Moore, Doctor Michael Moore, please assist Senator John Edwards with his talking points, STAT!”
Just thought you would find this eye opening and funny!
Hope you are having a great day!
1) Nobody can compare to George Bush when it comes to stupidity. He had trouble with the word "mud" during his speech this week on the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
2) As far as no shows are concerned, Bush is #1 on that list. Has he actually reported to duty to the air national guard yet? Wasn't he on vacation more during his first year of the "Presidency" than any other (and his first year's vacations were cut short by 9/11)? You know, maybe we all would be a little better off if he stayed on vacation (with his brain, where ever that may be).
Today's Headline:Embattled Sen. Craig to Resign: Report (Reuters)
Where do we go from here? Hard to say, did he do it? Good question. What about this alleged entrapment? If it was entrapment then he was doing something he should have been doing, even if he was coerced into it by a law enforcement agent. So where does that get us? Oh yeah, another politician prone to hypocrisy. This conservative republican has voted against measures to expand homosexuals rights. And he was entrapped into a homosexual act. I can't be sure, but does this qualify as "waffling"? "Flip-flopping"? It seems that democrats and liberals aren't the only ones who can be accused of changing their mind. (We know Bush hasn't changed his mind for two reasons: 1) he is too stubborn, 2) you need a mind in order to change it)
Good night, and good luck.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
August 28, 2007
Dear Matthew,
The Democrat leadership believes failure by our troops in Iraq -- the
central front in the War on Terror -- is essential for them to win elections in
2008...
...and that any positive sign of progress in Iraq is simply a "problem"
for them.
Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, driven by polls and
politics, declared "This war is lost," even before the President's new strategy
began. Reid also has bragged, "We're going to pick up Senate seats as a
result of this war."
And Democrat House Majority Whip James Clyburn said that a positive
report in September from General Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker
would be "a real big problem for us (Democrats)." Meaning the Democrats' desire
for an arbitrary troop withdrawal -- and their party's 2008 electoral fortunes
-- would be in jeopardy if our troops succeed.
Matthew, America's national security should not be kicked around like a
political football. Republicans believe winning the War on Terror is vital
to our country's national security. The RNC needs your help to get this
message past the liberal media filter and directly to voters.
They need to know about the Democrats' "surrender and defeat"
politics.
Please click here to make a secure online contribution of $1,000, $500,
$100, $50 or $25 to help spread the word about the Democrats' political rhetoric
and defeatist agenda.
It is unconscionable that Democrat leaders are hoping
for our troops to fail so their party can gain a political advantage. And
it is unacceptable that the leading Democrat presidential contenders, Hillary
Clinton and Barack Obama, both claim to support our troops yet voted against
providing them with the resources to sustain their mission and keep them
safe.
Your urgent online contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50 or $25 to the
RNC today will help get the facts about the Democrats' true defeatist agenda and
their efforts to put politics above the War on Terror past the liberal media
filter.
Our President and our Party are counting on your help. Thank
you.
Best wishes,
Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee
(hyperlinks deleted)
They even thought that I might be more likely to sympathize if they personalized it by including my name twice. As if I would believe that this was a personal message sent only to me and no one else. As if my support, mine alone, will make the difference. The problem with the republican party over the last 8 years is that it has become more and more transparent assuming that the electorate is becoming increasingly dumb.
Today's Headline:
Bonds' Record-Breaking Homerun Ball Set for Auction
As it turns out, Matt Murphy, the owner of Barry Bonds' record breaking homerun ball would have only been responsible for paying tax on the baseball itself. Any hypothetical value of the ball will not affect the amount of tax that would have to be paid on the ball. Essentially, Murphy would have to pay an amount of tax that reflects the value of this ball as a gift from Barry Bonds. Since the ball costs about $9, he would have to pay tax on that amount. The problem with keeping the ball had to do with the security of owning the ball. In order to secure the ball in his apartment would cost far too much considering the ball would most likely be a target for burglary. Since he has chosen to auction the record breaking baseball, Murphy will have to pay tax on the profit he earns from its sale.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
August 21, 2007
Yesterday was a quiet day, as far as meetings are concerned. We didn't have any, today, just a couple of short ones, so I was able to spend plenty of time getting my room set. Yesterday I hung shelves and a bulletin board, so I felt productive.
Well, Evan's soccer practice was cancelled tonight right after the McDonald's he was in was struck by lightning! Michelle and I were at Evan's school for Open House and Dan had the boys at McDonald's. They were waiting outside under an awning for Dan to put some things in the car in the rain when the lightning struck. It scared the bejesus out of them, it would me too! The Open House was not as I had hoped. We were in the Media Center hearing a spiel from the two first grade teachers about the content of the course. Afterwards, they had to give the same presentation again for the "second session." We did not get to ask the teacher any questions, which is just as well because I wanted to ask what the difference was between the way they teach (Core Knowledge, which was abandoned a few years ago) and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (adopted in place of Core Knowledge). I also want to know why she is handing out so many "Yellows" to students who are doing things like blowing their pencil across their desk when their head should be down.
Something that bothers me: supermarkets. I am sure you will agree, but I think ALL supermarket should be laid out the same way! When I walk into a supermarket, I want to be able to go right for what I am looking for and get out. I shouldn't have to worry that if on my way home I stop at a different supermarket than the one I normally shop that I will not be able to find what I need. There is nothing more frustrating than walking back and forth through a supermarket for a single item and not being able to find it. And I don't mean some obscure item, I mean something like yogurt.
Today I received an email from John Kerry. He was urging me to support his push to get everyone out of Iraq for a vote this September. I don't think he was in the Senate the day General Patraeus said that a draw down plan would begin in spring 2008. I think that was one of the things that was pointed out in the 2000 election that Kerry didn't spend enough time actually in the Senate. I guess that is the problem with politicians, they don't listen and they don't pay attention.
I was reading a blog on Rudy Giuliani today. Maybe you'll find it interesting. (I am trying to build traffic to my friend's blog!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 15, 2007
Michelle and Evan are busy packing for they leave to go to Massachusetts tomorrow morning to return Monday afternoon. Evan is picking out his movies, toys, games and finding it to be a difficult task. That is OK, maybe he will spend more time outside playing - the weather is supposed to be much milder, highs of 70s lows in 40s.
Today's Headlines:
Petraeus Says He Will Propose Troop Cuts (USA Today)
What I really like is all the bickering in Washington about troop cuts. Republicans arguing to wait until Patraeus gives his September report. Democrats arguing that we need to be out as soon as possible. Maybe this is just what was needed for both sides of the aisle to come together for a change. Republicans get what they want because many were arguing that the troops should stay for as long as it takes (and Patraeus is showing signs that perhaps enough time has been spent there on such a large scale) and the Democrats get what they want because troops may be brought home as early as this spring. The only thing that could derail this is an excuse for the "President" to invade another country - unless this troop draw down is designed to free up soldiers for just that, an invasion elsewhere. (Remember, you heard it here, first!)
NYPD Warns of Homegrown Terror Threat (USA Today)
This is such a slippery slope there is no telling where the slide will end. If we were to look objectively, we could find terrorist possibilities among any person not happy with their government (local, state, or national). We can narrow it down to any and every demographic. This would give the government an excuse to surveil any person or group that has the slightest sound of contradicting the regime. In which case democracy will be gone, and freedoms will be a topic for ancient storybooks. Diversity, free though, individuality all fair tales and so will be the inventive spirit and scientific advancement. In their place will be fear, oppression, singular thinking, discrimination, all run by a police state. We are living in a dangerous time where everyone is dangerous and their thoughts can be incriminating. But who will be next? Which group will be singled out as terrorists?
Thursday, August 9, 2007
August 9, 2007
Again, the Constitution is being trampled. Out of fear of looking soft on terror, Democrats gave in to the White House's requests regarding Surveillance. In this case, sensationalism is winning out over principles and rights. The essence of our country and democracy is being lost. In this, the terrorists of 9/11 have been successful. Remember, the right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do.
"So this is how democracy dies - with thunderous applause." - Senator
Amidala, "Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
Today was a rather slow day. I didn't do too much and before I knew it, it was time to pick Evan up from school. My grandfather is slated to come home from the hospital tomorrow, which is, of course, good news. My sister had her a physical therapy session today, the first since Tuesday's surgery. I don't know how that was, but I am sure it was not without pain.
My summer is drawing to a close as beginning Monday I will be up at school supervising the seniors as they decorate the newly inaugurated "Senior Wall." Although the supervision will essentially cut my summer break short by a week, I am kind of excited to greet the students back for their final year. It is a bit exciting. I am the only advisor to stick with them since freshman year. I am looking forward to it. But I am not looking forward to doing it in the intense heat! The high temperatures everyday this week have been above 100 degrees. Today I saw readings of over 105! The air conditioner was struggling to get the house to the 77 degrees we keep it set. Evan has been disappointed at school, with it being so hot, they have not had recess. Instead they have been exercising in their classroom to a video. In addition, I did not allow Evan to attend soccer practice today. Although the practice did not begin until 7pm, it was still 97 degrees, and in my and Michelle's opinion, that is a dangerous temperature to have children running around in. We were both surprised to see that the Town of Apex did not suspend outdoor activities today due to the intense heat and the heat advisories. Tomorrow promises to be just as hot and humid as today. I know it is going to be a hot one when it is already 80 degrees, in the shade, at 8:30 in the morning!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
August 7, 2007
I found this article rather interesting yesterday. Rudi Guiliani's daughter will be supporting Barack Obama in the upcoming elections. According to her Facebook page, Caroline does not want her father to win the presidential election.
The temperatures here have been through the roof. It is 10:45pm here and it is still 90 degrees! You know you are in for a hot day when it is above 80 degrees at 8am. I thought I would beat the heat and tack up the wires for the speakers I installed on the deck. By noon I was back inside changing out of soaked clothes. I was soaked through to my underwear - not a pleasant feeling! It is difficult because after I drop Evan off at school, it is already after 9. I try to run any errands before coming home. So if I get home around 10:30 - 11:00am this week it is already too hot to get anything done outside. And next week will be out because I have to be back a week before the workdays thanks to the senior class who decided that it would be the best time to get the newly inaugurated "Senior Wall" completed. Ever since I signed on as advisor for the class of 2008, new events have been added to the responsibilities of the classes thereby adding to the responsibilities of the advisors. I am not sure I would have taken on the task had all these chores been in place when I signed on. But, this is the last year coming up. I have had several different co advisors, I guess I was the only one foolish enough to persevere through it all.