The Worst End to a Night of Drinking EVER

But I mean seriously folks, who hasn't fallen asleep in a garbage truck before?

Housing Secretary to Resign

You'd think I'd get used to this, but I am always amazed and baffled at the ineptitude of almost everyone in the Bush administration. Of course the recent downturn in the economy is not completely this man's fault, or any individual in particular, but he did have an effect. Money quote to come out of this New York Times article:

In 2004, less than two months after his confirmation as housing secretary, Mr. Jackson told a House panel that he believed poverty “is a state of mind, not a condition.” Two years later, he said in a speech that he had canceled a contract for a company after its president told him that he did not like Mr. Bush. Mr. Jackson later said he had made the story up.

A Major Breakthrough in Genetics

The most sought-after gene has finally been found.

The Democratic Party is full of meanies.

In a conversation with two Democratic allies, she (Senator Clinton) compared the situation to the “big boys” trying to bully a woman, according to interviews with them.

Vote for Hillary Clinton, she's the poor little kid on the playground that got bullied out of the cool dodgeball at recess.

I've talked about my desire for the Democratic Primaries to end very quickly, and frankly I didn't use to care who was the eventual winner. Of course, I was rooting for Obama, but I realized that either candidate was electable and would beat McCain in the general election.

However, now that I have seen the tactics of Billary brought to light over the past few months, I can't see myself voting for her. The divisiveness, the Rove-style politics, and the playing of the race and victim cards have disenfranchised me from the junior senator from New York and her husband.

Does anyone else notice that when individuals and the media attack Senator Clinton, she always plays the victim card and cries foul. Anyone who disagrees with her must be a sexist pig or be one of the "bullies" trying to get her out of the race.

I have no problem with you staying in the race Mrs. Clinton, but please keep it clean. For the good of the democratic party keep it clean. You do remember the Democratic party don't you Senator Clinton? You know, that one entity that has bestowed upon you and your husband all the blessings you have? The group that supported you and your husband through the difficult times of Whitewater and the Lewinsky debacle. The people who continue to support you even though there is only a slim chance of you wrestling (yes wrestling) the nomination from Senator Obama. Keep it clean for those people and the American electorate as a whole. We deserve more from our politicians than the kitchen sink.

Class is in Session

James Brown taught Dave Matthews all he knew.

Random Thought #1

It seems like whenever you think you're going to have a lot of time and not a whole lot of activities or homework to fill that time with, any menial or mundane task fills that large space and you still never have five minutes to stop and think (or write a blog)!

All Hail Technoviking!

I thought this might be a good return to the blog. If I had half the moves of that guy I would be sooooo happy. Semi-NSFW (limited swearing).

Multiple Views of Obama's Race Speech

Interesting take on Obama's speech from Tuesday. This Washington Post Op-Ed contends that the speech can be applied to all sorts of situations involving hate and race, not just slavery and African-American/Caucasian relations.

In both cases, it is very easy to oversimplify the situation to black and white, American and Islamic, or inherently racist and inherently evil. We must dig deeper and move beyond this petty view of things to fully solve our differences.

Ouch!

“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic.”
~James Carville, an advisor to Senator Clinton and a friend to Former President Clinton

Hope wins out over Gratitude

Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama yesterday. A surprise move, I think, considering how the debates were always framed in an Obama/Edwards vs. Clinton/Richardson light.

Interesting piece by an LA Times blogger on the process that led up to the endorsement. It'd be hard to say no to the requests of a former President especially when he

... Invited himself over to Richardson's home last month to watch the Super Bowl and they talked and chewed chips, and Bill reminded Bill about all the important jobs he'd given him during the Clinton Administrations and how important the Hispanic governor's endorsement would be for Hillary now.

Now all Senator Obama needs is for a Pelosi, Edwards, or Gore to step up and unite the party.

Happiness is Not a Warm Gun, it's a Donation to a Nonprofit

Recent reports in Science show that individuals who donate to charity or spend their income on others are happier than their peers who spend the money on bills or frivolous items (such as a MacBook Air).

Now THAT'S a Strong Bridge

At least they can see the stars at night while watching Wheel of Fortune.

France to Cut Nuclear Arsenal

A great move in my opinion by France. While the message from Sarkozy is still strong against Iran for their alleged desire to acquire nuclear weapons technology, he still makes the point of starting to reduce the massive stockpile of weapons that France possesses.

The aspect of this that gives me pause, however, is the fact that he explicitly named Iran as the future enemy of The West. It appears as if the super powers of the world are aligning the us vs them as being The West vs Iran and possibly China and/or Russia. While they are possible enemies and definitely economic powers, did we learn nothing from the Cold War? Will we ever be able to get past the point of pointing guns at each other and realize that the best way to settle conflicts is with diplomacy and talking? Enough of the rhetorical questions for now.

Hope

Today Barack Obama gave one of, if not the, most important speech of his political career. With all the mud that has been slung about his pastor he needed to come out and address the issues forcefully and completely. I believe he did just that. I have absolutely no problem with individuals and the media bringing these sorts of contentions to light. Important questions and valid issues were brought up from discussing the senator's relationship and feelings towards Pastor Wright.

I highly agree with his analysis of race in America. We still have major problems and discrimination in this great country. They cannot be ignored or just wished away. They must be dealt with and dealt with soon. I do not want to feel the guilt associated with alienating and disenfranchising another generation of young Americans due to the inequalities inherent in our social landscape.

Note that I did say great country. Throughout the course of this nation we have proven that there is no problem too big or too complicated we cannot solve or at least improve the situation of. Even one as large and ugly as slavery.

The most meaningful part of the speech for me

There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that's when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother's problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn't. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they're supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who's been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he's there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war. He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, "I am here because of Ashley."

Yes We Can. Yes We Can. Yes We Can.

Can I be a Hippy Now

Reason #1390 as to why I want to be a flower child.

Stephen Colbert Plays the Bassoon

Reading the name of this video is enough to make me laugh!

Luck o' the Irish

Really, they're not that lucky at all. Throw in oppression, botched rebellions, a potato blight, a few other mishaps, and you have one of the most unlucky groups of people on the planet. While, you know, still being white.

Mike Huckabee's Recipe for Squirrel

I will never look at a popcorn popper the same.

Hammer Time

No pants required. Hat tip to Jeremy.

Staying Green on St. Paddy's Day

What is better for the environment, drinking your brewskie out of a glass bottle or an aluminum can? Thankfully Slate has the answer to this burning question that has been plauging Americans for centuries.

Even though this is a fairly ridiculous question, the writer realizes the true spirit of the holiday from the Emerald Isle,

... until then, enjoy toasting the man who apocryphally drove the snakes out of Ireland, and take comfort in the fact that puke is fully biodegradable.

Holy Mother of God

The Pennsylvania Primary isn't until April 22nd. That's six weeks from now. Count 'em, six. It's only going to get nastier and nastier between now and then. This just keeps going and going and going.

Clinton Lost Mississippi

I kind of like this theme for post threads, "Clinton lost x y z." Maybe we should just keep it up!?

Anyways... Senator Obama wins with by at least a 20 point margin in the magnolia state. From what I had read, this margin is kind of surprising. Everyone knew he was going to win, but by 10-15 points, definitely not 20. Another serious blow to Billary, even though we will continue to hear the flim flam about how Mississippi isn't a "big state" or how "race politics" dominated the contest here. Blah blah blah my name is Hillary Clinton and I think polarizing America is necessary and worthwhile, blah blah blah.

Clinton Lost Texas

She won the popular vote by a slim margin, but Obama beat her in the caucus by enough to win more delegates in total.

I Want This

"The walls between art and engineering exist only in our minds"

Saving Lives One Rice Grain at a Time.

Build your vocabulary, end poverty.

The Reason Why I Love Creationists

A collection of postings from creationist and fundamental Christian chat rooms.

My favorite,

The only thing I don't like about them is they sell foreign language versions of the KJB. I don't think that's right. We know the only true translation is the 1600's version in English.

It's too risky for anybody to translate that into other languages. Mistakes can creep in... and that can lead to heresy. True Christians should only read English.

This Just Makes Me Angry

How can the United States sit by and let this happen!? Is it solely because of our reluctance to anger the Saudis and therefore maintain a cheaper price for oil? There is absolutely no reason women should not be allowed to drive. It will lead to mixing of the sexes? Pusha. That's what I have to say. If you can think of a reason why women should not be allowed to drive, please let me know.

Another No-Bid Contract

John Ashcroft, the former Attorney General, recently received a no-bid contract to monitor a health insurance company as it follows through with a court decision against it on behalf of the federal government. The problem here is that his former subordinates hired him, yet he maintains that there is no conflict of interest. How in there world could there NOT be a conflict of interest!?!? I understand that he is extremely qualified for this job, but I don't think it's very kosher for him to still be intimately involved with the Department of Justice after serving as the head of it. No doubt he still has some sway with those people. It's also immaterial whether tax dollars are being spent here, the decision of this magnitude should be impartial and at least have a bidding process.

P.S. It hurts me deeply to link to Fox News, but they have the most coverage on this so far.

STD's in America

One in four teenage US girls have a sexually transmitted disease according to the CDC. A major problem in our country is a failure to be open and honest concerning such social taboos as STD's and HIV. The diseases are here, they're infecting the population, and they're shortening life spans. The time of just ignoring the problem or thinking that they will magically go away if we only teach children and teenagers abstinence only sex education is over. We must have a frank discussion about what is acceptable, what is not, and what is just a straight up reality when it comes to this issue.

As a side note, does anyone else think it is a little odd that I found this first on the BBC and not on an American news source's website? Another telling sign of the social pressures preventing these issues from being completely dealt with.

Montel vs. Fox

Montel lets Fox News have it. I'm tired of hearing about Heath Ledger's death. I feel so bad for him and his family and it is a tragic situation, but I think we need to have a little perspective here. Massive numbers of people are dieing in Iraq, Darfur, Gaza, Pakistan, and all over the rest of the world. There is coverage of them on major news media outlets, but not enough in my opinion. We'd all rather be sad and distraught over someone who sang "You're Just too Good to be True" in "10 Things I Hate About You." Craziness, absolute craziness.

When did this Happen!?

Poll of polls shows Obams ahead... by a lot!

Banking that Makes You Happy!

If only every bank was this cool.

Flashlight to Flash Fight

Thank God for the Second Amendment.

Please let me know why someone would need this.

I Refuse to be Hoodwinked

Barack makes his position clear on this "dream ticket" business. Bunch of nonsense if you ask me. Just another part of that kitchen sink that Billary keeps throwing at Senator Obama.

This is precisely the sort of political junk that I hate and the aspect of our government that Obama is fighting so hard to change.

No Need for Universal Healthcare

We've got all the drugs we need in our drinking water! Everything from caffeine to ibuprofen to birth control hormones. I knew I was uncomfortably energetic after that last drink from the fountain...

Border Crossing, Dukes of Hazard Style

There is something unsavory in the concept of having to build a wall around our country. It brings up thoughts and feelings of oppression and unwelcomeness. While drug dealers and other extremely illegal activities are unwelcome, many of these people are simply looking for a better life and opportunities their country is unable to provide to them. I suppose to look on the bright side, at least people are clamoring to get IN to the country and not OUT.

Problems in Camp Clinton

Interesting info from the New York Times. Money quote from Harold Ickes, a senior advisor:

Mr. Ickes cautioned about drawing firm conclusions about her from this period, when she faced the demands of being a candidate.

“It’s hard to draw conclusions about her management style,” he said, “because she is, in fact, not the manager of her campaign.”

I understand the term is "Campaign Manager" but if you aren't taken an active role in running your operation, then who is? Better question: do we want another figure head President like George Bush? A president who lets the likes of Karl Rove or Dick Cheney dominate his (or her) policies and actions?

Making Michael Proud

Bring it. Oh it has already been broughten. Skip to about 1:15 for the good stuff.

McCain vs. the Dems

This is reason why pollster.com rocks my face off. Note Hillary's current prospects against McCain.

Why doesn't the party and the super delegates see that the best chance for them to get back in the White House is with Barack? Independents and some former Republicans are so sick of the Bush/Cheney/Rove world that they would vote for ALMOST any Democrat. Note the emphasis on almost. Hillary though represents that almost. Whatever the reason she doesn't seem to be able to pull that moderate group as well as Barack.

Tired of the Election

Don't get me wrong folks, the huge surge in political acitivty, especially by young people is awesome, but seriously, can we just get it over with. I can't think of a better situation for the Republicans then the one we've got on our hands right now. We're all beating each other up while McCain is out there getting stronger and fundraising for the general election. Forget red states and blue states. The problem now is becoming dark blue and light blue states.

The State of Science Education

Amazing pictures from science fairs. They could be photoshoped, they could be real, but who really cares. They're just hilarious.

Yes We Can

Welcome everyone to my first attempt at a blog, Loose Gravel. The name comes from an amazing song by Willy Porter that I was randomly listening to as I set the layout up for this thing.

I intend on posting everything from hilarious videos on YouTube to my political thoughts to anything else that may pop into my mind at random times throughout the day.

The comments function is definitely turned on and I welcome any comments you might have about a post, even if that includes showing me what's up and tearing me down.

To start things off I wanted to make sure you had seen this amazing video supporting Barack Obama for President. First thing you'll learn about me is I support my boy B-Rock. I'll try and keep an open mind, but, like everyone else on this planet, I can be biased from time to time. Please keep me honest and as unbiased as possible with the comment section.