Dolphin Mine Detectors



A quote from PETA concerning the military's use of dolphins to find and mark landmines:

"Our troops deserve the best defense possible, but PETA opposes the use of dolphins, sea lions, or any other marine mammals. The project is cruel and cannot provide a reliable defense or surveillance for our troops. The Navy claims they are not putting these animals in harm's way, but they've removed these animals from their homes, relocated them to foreign waters in the Persian Gulf, and are forcing them to not only inspect the waters, but to actually swim up to potential terrorists under the water, clamp a cuff on their leg, and deploy a floating marker. How can anyone say these animals are not being put in harm's way?"
[TheSmokingGun.com]

Rush Limbaugh brought up a good point the other day: these dolphins are not forced to continue in their work for the coalition forces, but they do. Nobody is making these dolphins return to U.S. ships. If they are as intelligent as PETA believes (more intelligent than humans), then they obviously want to help out.

"Iowa town may make lying a crime"

Click here for the Associated Press story.

Ari Fleischer's "press gaggle" from onboard Air Force One this Wednesday:

Q Yes, why was the French toast named Freedom toast? (Laughter.)

Q Is that a White House decision?

MR. FLEISCHER: I'm not a Hobbit, so I didn't have a second breakfast. I had my breakfast before I came in. Is that what it said?

Q Yes.

MR. FLEISCHER: It said Freedom toast?

Q Yes.

Q Was that at the administration request, or was that --

MR. FLEISCHER: I just -- we're always proud of the men and women of our Air Force. (Laughter.)

Yesterday





"The driver of a Marine amphibious assault vehicle climbs down the vehicle after it slid into a canal during a heavy sandstorm, which turned the skies orange. (Sun photo by John Makely)"

[This pic and others found here.]

Former Iraqi Pwns Peace Activist

Right-click here and select "Save Target As" to download something really funny.

I AM A REAL AMERICAN

When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside
You gotta take a stand, it don't hurt to hide
If you hurt my friends, then you hurt my pride
I gotta be a man, I can't let it slide

I am a real American
Fight for the rights of every man
I am a real American
Fight for what's right - fight for your life!

I feel strong for very long
I don't take trouble for very long
I've got something deep inside of me
Courage is the thing that sets us free

I am a real American
Fight for the rights of every man
I am a real American
Fight for what's right - fight for your life!

If you hurt my friends then you hurt my pride
I gotta be a man I can't let them slide

I am a real American
Fight for the rights of every man
I am a real American
Fight for what's right - fight for your life!

[song by Rick Derringer]

The right thing to do is not usually the easiest....


When asked how it feels "to be a president sending soldiers into harm’s way," George Bush Sr. gave Newsweek the following answer:

"It’s the toughest decision by far that any president has to make. The first time I had to do it was in Panama, and literally I was physically in a vise because it just seemed so overwhelming. I went down to the hospital in San Antonio afterward and saw a soldier who had been wounded in the Panama strike, and he saluted and said, “The one thing I want to do, sir, is go back and serve my country,” at which I dissolved, of course."

[the entire interview can be read here].

The risk of American casualties is high, but it's important to remember not to let stories like this and this weaken our resolve against the war in Iraq. We knew full well that American deaths would occur going into this thing, so we shouldn't let the images and the stories (as horrific as they may be) distract us from the reason this war is ultimately being fought: to preserve the lives of many — both allied and Iraqi. We have a responsibility to protect our own, and an obligation as Christians to help those who can't protect themselves, including those that hate us (Proverbs 25:21, Matthew 5:44). The victory over Saddam will come at a cost of human lives, and through God's grace the cost may be minimal, but this cost does not negate our responsibility.

what decade does your personality live in?


quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd

Earlier today

I walked to Target and waited for the next bus to pull in. I don't have a problem with riding buses (or any type of public transportation), but it's rare that I'm afforded the opportunity. With no car, my options were limited, and downtown is too far away for walking. So, $1.10, one bus transfer, and one hour later, I'm in downtown Pensacola, walking along Palafox St., wading through the 10th-grade hippies waving their obligatory "SAY NO TO BUSH" signs and screaming at cars and passersby in little huddled groups of four. They were so cute and naive looking, so I took a few pictures. I had a really good lunch at Seville Quarter, took some pictures of a few buildings, and got back on a bus. I sat across from this black gentleman who felt it necessary to fill me in on why Bush is the anti-Christ, and how the fact that Bush ignored Russia proves this (he apparently had Scripture references that he said directly applied, but I could only make out about half of what he was saying). He also did the standard liberal "Bush isn't really president, Colin Powell is just for show, and the war is about oil and a personal vendetta" thing, but that wasn't nearly as fun to listen to. I explained to him that he was mistaken, and should read his Bible a little more carefully, as it appeared that he had somehow been previously unable to comprehend it. He just smiled, shook my hand, said something about me being a typical ignorant rich white kid, and got off at the next stop.

This desire on the part of liberals to oppose all things Republican makes me sick. If Gore were running this war, you would hear little to no complaining. It's incredible how totally unwilling they are to stop and let what's right determine their position, and not vice versa. But liberals aren't the only ones displaying distrust in — and uncontrollable angst against — Bush and his motives. Until today, I had no idea this liberal thinking had so thoroughly permeated Pensacola. I feel safer on UWF's campus than I did walking around downtown. I can understand the desire to avoid war, but I can't understand the willingness to let someone as evil as Saddam continue to murder his own and plot the destruction of the United States. Let's do a cost-benefit analysis here, people. We kill them now so they can't kill us later. To not do so is just cowardly and idiotic. These anti-war fanatics need to realize that peace is not the answer right now. As Pastor Schneider has told our church many times, strong faith in a weak plank will land you in the water, but weak faith in a strong plank will carry you across just fine. Give war a chance.

Slightly stunned

Just got through with a meeting of the Association for Computing Machinery. I'm not a member, and this is the first meeting I've gone to, but it took them all of 20 minutes to make me their treasurer. That's cool, I guess.

My day is complete

I just saw Justin Timberlake cry on MTV.

A recent convo with a liberal friend....

I NeEd a MiRaKLe: I'll admit to liking a publican
DiaVerde238: oh really?
DiaVerde238: who would that be?
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: COLIN POWELL
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: lol
DiaVerde238: LOL
DiaVerde238: what about Condi Rice?
DiaVerde238: or Arnold Swartzeneggar?
DiaVerde238: they're republican
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: no and no
DiaVerde238: why not condi?
DiaVerde238: she's awesome
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: you know who i can't stand
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: oh gosh i want to smack her
DiaVerde238: who?
DiaVerde238: better not say
DiaVerde238: katherine harris
DiaVerde238: cuz she PWNS
DiaVerde238: haha
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: I don't know her name, but she's an author
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: she wrote something bashing liberals
DiaVerde238: OH
DiaVerde238: yes she's awesome
DiaVerde238: lol
DiaVerde238: Ann Coulter
DiaVerde238: I LOVE her
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: YEAH
I NeEd a MiRaKLe: I hate her

Zell Miller

My favorite Democrat.

Reason #10,578 why PC pwns Mac:

2000 Presidential Election Loser Al Gore is New Apple Computer Inc. Board-Member!

Copenhagen

"Now, I went out last Sunday with my little Mary-Ann
She said please stay till Monday, and grabbed me by my can
She laid a big one on me, surprised me with her tounge,
But her suprise was waitin' there, between my cheek and gum.

Copenhagen, what a wad of flavor.
Copenhagen, you can see it in my smile.
Copenhagen, do yourself a favor -
Chew Copenhagen, drive them pretty girls wild.

So I went to the movies with my little Peggy-Sue,
I had my dip there in my lip just like I always do.
She didn't know that I was spittin' in my Coca-Cola cup,
She took a great big swoller' and threw her popcorn up! Oh!

Copenhagen, what a wad of flavor.
Copenhagen, you can see it in my smile.
Copenhagen, do yourself a favor -
Chew Copenhagen, drive them pretty girls wild.

The moral of this story is so very sad but true.
If you stay 'till breakfast friend, they'll want to marry you.
So try my little method and I promise you no doubt
Dip some Copenhagen if you want to snuff 'em out."


- Robert Earl Keen

Anti-war? Read this:

“There was a machine designed for shredding plastic. Men were dropped into it and we were again made to watch. Sometimes they went in head first and died quickly. Sometimes they went in feet first and died screaming. It was horrible. I saw 30 people die like this. Their remains would be placed in plastic bags and we were told they would be used as fish food . . . on one occasion, I saw Qusay [President Saddam Hussein’s youngest son] personally supervise these murders....”

[the rest of the article can be found here].

Car broke down....again.

Driving home from Niceville this afternoon, my engine overheated. Now my car's on the side of the highway waiting for a tow, and I need a drink. Any suggestions?

LOTR + The Chronicles of Narnia

Looks like Peter Jackson's company WETA is doing the special effects for "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe":

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Doug Gresham, the step-son of C.S. Lewis gave a lecture last night and 'Jon' was in attendance: 'He was asked what his opinion was of the forthcoming live-action Narnia movies. He said 'I rather think they are going to be great... since it was my idea.' He said that he had just inked the deal that morning to give a green light for production but didn't want to reveal studio names as 'that would all come out in the press soon.' He said that he would be co-producing it and Andrew Adamson would be directing. His main goal was that the special effects would not be the star of the show but instead, it would be his father's story. 'Never change the words of the master'. 'Lord of the Rings' tool/FX makers Weta have the contract to handle the film's technical elements whilst Andrew Adamson ('Shrek') will direct with a mid-2004 release planned."

Spring Break

Most of my spring break was spent in Pensacola waiting for my car to get fixed. They finally got it back to me on wednesday, so I drove an hour back home to Baker, and that's where I'm at now. I spent most of today hanging out at my alma mater, Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville. The campus has changed a lot over the last two years — they're almost done building a new library and an amphitheatre, and they've done a LOT of renovations. Almost didn't recognize it, but I saw a lot of the same people I went to school with, worked with, or was taught by. I saw friends I had completely forgotten about. It's kinda sad when you see students still attending a community college after two or three years. But it was kinda cool to see everybody again. I had a lot of good times with those people and on that campus.

Part of me wishes I was back there working on my A.A. again, hanging out in the Student Mall with my friends from church and my friends from school, not really concerning myself with plans. The next step was attending a university, and getting a job and settling down someplace was still far enough away to forget about. Now I'm a year away from graduating, and I'm going to have to start looking for work. That's exciting to me. I can't wait to settle down and start a family with somebody. But I do miss OW, and maybe I'll miss UWF when I'm done (although that doesn't seem likely). Oh well, time to move on.

Introducing....

the palabras al azar RSS feed.

21,000lb MOAB tested at Eglin AFB, Florida

From The Onion:




I think Tom Cruise is pro-war.

Girls Gone Wild!

This is awesome: Panama City Beach girls told to behave or be arrested.

song playing atm: Eminem's "Superman"

Florida voters are so stupid

"Bush Wants Voters To Reconsider Class Size, High-Speed Rail."

This site was registered in Quebec. Figures.

RootingOutEvil.org

Hmm....

Click here to see Leonard Nimoy opine on all things e-Business.

Cool

This is what happens when you drink too much.

From Lunchboxing.com:



"If you have never gone to a supermarket, washed clothing, flipped through a PETA magazine, or watched Television, there is a small chance that you have not heard of Tide detergent. Just in case you haven't, let's just say that Tide is a special type of soap that you put in a washing machine to help make your clothes clean...."

Superior Incompetence

There are four grammatical errors in a single paragraph e-mail my academic advisor just sent me, and the whole thing is in uppercase. The lack of professionalism worries me. She might make a mistake and tell me that Decision Support & Expert Systems isn't going to be offered again until after I should be graduating — which would keep me in college a year longer than I would like — but only after it was too late for me to register for the current course offering. Oh wait, she's already done that.

dude....

The mechanic guy in Pace gave me my car back this afternoon. As I was driving back to my apartment the Check Engine light came back on. I stopped at a Shell station, filled up, and then couldn't start my car up again. I finally got a wrecker to pick up my car, and he didn't make me pay for it, so hopefully the mechanic will foot the bill. Now I'm stuck in Pensacola a little longer (was hoping to spend Spring Break with my family), and I have a feeling they're gonna end up charging me more - that's usually how it works with those guys. At least I have Splinter Cell.

song playing atm: Metallica's "The Unforgiven"

Physical Demands

Work is primarily sedentary. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with travel to and from meeting and conferences. May carry light to moderately heavy items, such as reports, data products, notebooks, servers, switches, and monitors.

- Footnote on a job description I was looking at. I like the sound of 'primarily sedentary.'

yay

I just got my Palm m125 in the mail....came pretty fast. That guy's gettin' some good ol' eBay positive feedback.

Matrix stuff

Animatrix Episode 2. I'm only posting this for the sake of posting it. It's actually not worth watching. Episode 1 is pretty good though.

Finally

Well, my car's in the shop and I've had to start walking.

This has been bugging me for a long time

What's the word that describes the state of matter that falls inbetween solid and liquid?

LOTR stuff

Some Return of the King movie spoilers.

Found this on Duane's blog:

Taco Bell refuses to accept a $2 bill.

I'm confused

One of our elders at Trinity brought up during Sunday School a few sins we Christians tend to overlook. Specifically, speeding and cheating on taxes. I don't cheat on my taxes (that's a pretty obvious crime), but I speed all the time. It seems so insignificant, but there's no real justification for speeding. It's disobeying authority God has placed over us. Another thing Elder Larson didn't mention, but that I've noticed seems to be prevelant among reformed Christian circles, is the consumption of alcohol by minors. Is that not also against the law? It is in Florida, but we do it anyway (I do it all the time). Where's the justification for that? Why is that law okay to disregard?

Moscow, ID

This site contains the best pic of Moscow, Idaho, that I've seen, and it STILL looks like hell. I believe Pastor Wilkins once referred to the town as Mordor. That's apt. If it weren't for Bucer's, I don't think I'd wanna go back.

Music

I have 2,563 songs on my hard drive now. That may appear excessive, but I do actually listen to (and enjoy) all of them. Music is such a blessing, and there is apparently no shortage of good music out there. Good music transcends genre. You can find it in classical, rock, pop, contemporary Christian, country, and even rap and R&B, believe it or not. Right now I'm listening to Dixie Chick's "Home" album, Linkin Park's "Reanimated" album, JaRule's "Mesmerize," Phish's "Bug," Sixpence None The Richer's "Don't Dream It's Over," Beck's "Lost Cause," The Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why," Foo Fighters' "Walking After You," DC Talk's "You Consume Me," and a buncha songs by a few local Christian punk bands. Good stuff.

Wish I had his patience....

Watch as Bruce Willis endures a stupid interview by some dork.

Which Homestar Runner character are you?

LOTR stuff

Well, it looks like Peter Jackson won't be attaching a trailer for the next Lord of the Rings movie to the end of Two Towers like he did last year with Fellowship of the Ring. I'll still probably see it one more time before it leaves the theaters though....I don't think I can wait till August before seeing it again on DVD.

"The Ring" will be available on DVD tomorrow. I think I may buy it. No other movie has ever scared me so thoroughly. It's a good anti-TV movie, too.