Today’s Minutemen Working to Secure Our Borders

It’s a shame that our government is failing us in this area. But it’s great that men and women all over the country are working together to help fix this problem.

The following comes from the Minutemen HQ email alert:

Beginning this Saturday, April 1 st, thousands of Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (“MCDC”) volunteers will take to America’s border line to do the job our federal government—and those who advocate for “no nations, no borders”—refuse to do: secure our nation’s frontier against foreign invasion and international terrorism.

MCDC-led civilian border observation operations will be conducted in all four southern Border States—Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, as well as several states along our northern frontier. The operations will be mounted around the clock for the entire month of April.

Minuteman Civil Defense Corps volunteers abide by a strict standard of conduct that includes a ‘no contact’ policy regarding suspected illegal aliens, with an exception to provide emergency water and medical assistance. Volunteers will report to the authorities any illegal activity seen on the border.

You can help too! Volunteer Now | Contribute Now Or, at least spread the word.

South Carolina Wins Back-to-Back NIT Titles

Sure it’s not the NCAA, but don’t tell South Carolina. They’re on Cloud 9 after winning their second straight NIT by beating Michigan 76-64 last night. Michigan, by the way, won the NIT two years ago.

Clearly, South Carolina deserved an NCAA bid but made the best of it. Not many experts were talking about the SEC as a strong conference, but with the NIT Champ and two left standing in the NCAA Final Four, the SEC was this year’s power conference. Don’t forget, their last loss was to Florida (favored to win the NCAA this weekend) by a mere 2 points.

Dojo Info

1. TVC Chairman Holds Marriage Summit At Prominent African-American Church
   Rev. Jeffrey Brown said, “I’m upset by the characterization of this as a civil rights movement. We fought too long and too hard to have any kind of comparison. Rather than a civil right, marriage is a social regulation that has always had restrictions. … You can’t marry whomever you want to marry.”
2. No. 22: Going big-time — I have an office
   Paul Shirley is one step closer to actually being relevant. Just kidding, fun look into the behind the scenes development of a TV show. This one, from a NBA extra with a sardonic sense of humor.
3. Sand Fantasy
   No, it’s not sex-related… it’s a site made of up of amazing sand art. I can’t describe it any better than that. Go look for yourself.
4. High property taxes driving a new revolt
   Property tax is insane. We already paid sales tax on the car, why do we have to keep paying more taxes? Then they can change the tax code and rip us off further. Well, some people are fighting back! Good for them.
5. A Look at How War in Iraq is Preserving Life
   Of course war includes death. But is our war against terrorism resulting in less death than had we not gone to war in the first place? [via Hondo]

Unan1mous: Show 2

Just in case you didn’t think Jonathan was evil personified, now you know. Of course, he is just playing the game. But it’s one heck of a game. Lying seems to come natural to the guy. Is it just me, or does anyone else think he sounds like a politician?

Steve, the recipient of all the goodwill in the house, was majorly screwed by Jonathan. It wouldn’t surprise me if Steve’s pals back home track down Jonathan’s family and hold them hostage. This show is insane!

Speaking of insane, Richard actually is. A couple of those solo moments when Richard was staring at the camara gave me the Willies. “Leave me alone,” says Richard. You know what I say? “Uhh… Mommy?”

Kelly just wants out. And for me, the sooner the better. Her holier than thou attitude is what turns off the very people she’s supposed to be loving.

So, how long do you think they’ve been in the bunker? Steve’s sobby phone call home made it sound like weeks? Vanessa, Jamie and others are plain freakin’ out. What do you bet, it’s been like a day or two?

One other point, how incredibly stupid is Burger King’s BK Crispy Chicken Sandwich commercial? Here’s the jingle:

Big buckin’ chicken
You are big
and you are chicken

Let’s all make a vow never to visit Burger King again and maybe they’ll go out of business. Please? I’ll pay you. Argh! It’s in my brain!!

The Juvenile Adult

Big story on New York Metro site focusing on how today’s generation is hitting middle age, but we’re still immersed in the stuff of our youth. The author titled his piece, Up With Grups. I think it’s an incredibly interesting piece as I myself have been unable to eject my inner child in favor of a boring, middle-aged, responsible adult. Ok, scratch that part about responsible, but “Yeah!”… I still can’t believe I’m turning 40 next month.

The author sees a focus on “stuff” or being “cool.” I just see it as an identity thing. Or in the case of tennis shoes, a comfortability thing. What’s the benefit of dressing up if you don’t value the opinion of superficial people? Because we all know that worthwhile friends care more about the person inside that whether their jeans have a designer label stiched to them, right? Appearances are only skin-deep or some crap like that. I want people to like me, but not because I’m wearing the right gear or listening to the in band, but because of how I treat other people.

You know how some people are nothing like what they were in high school? I’m not one of those people. I think I’m almost exactly the same person. (My wife might want to debate that point.) But what does that say about me? Am I part of the minority? Majority? Do I even care? No. Not really. I am, who I am, and that’s all that I am.

To put it in Seinfeld-ese, I’m an anti-pretendite. The Pretenders are so 1980. I’m more of a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy; complete with old jeans, hand-me-down shirts and my Subdivisions tape playing in my car. (Ok, you caught me, if I could afford a new car, my Subdivisions CD would be playing in my car’s CD player.)

When it comes to language, I was taught that foul language was a sign of an unimaginative mind. Despite what many think, our society is not “progressing” towards greater enlightenment because base language is a sign of regression. Just out, a new poll shows that that 64% of Americans use the F-word “from several times a day to a few times a year.” Is that their attempt to stay young and (potentially) cool? Or, is it just a bad habit they can’t shake?

I’m not saying saying this focus on a youth movement is new or even unnatural. I’m just saying, it’s better to stay true to your self, than to pretend to be something you’re not. Now excuse me while I go play Joust with my kids.

Traditional Marriage Is Best for Children, Period

It isn’t about politics. It isn’t about being politically correct or incorrect. It isn’t even about choice, or freedom or any of the other basic tenants of our country. The issue of marriage is truly about, what’s best for society.

As the world diminishes the value and role of marriage, the building block of society decays. So what are the benefits of a traditional marriage for children? Rather than repost them here, click over and read them for yourself. The short list:

• Complementary Parental Roles
• Less Risky Behavior
• Safety Benefits
• Better Health
• Economic Benefits
• Higher Academic Scores
• Better Parent-Child Relationships

And that only looks at it from the point of the child. It’s also the better situation for the adults as the article shows.

This comes up now because in Arizona the legislature is currently working HB2696 that says that married couples deserve priority over gay couples when adopting children. Of course, those on the losing side of that decision cry, “Prejudice!” even when all the facts support that decision.

But what that does is take the focus off the child and puts it on the adult. Is that really where it belongs?

A Moment of Zen 3/29/06

My first impulse upon seeing this amazing photo was that it was computer-generated. I’m not sure whether that’s more of a compliment to the power and proficiency of the new computer systems or a slight to the amazing photography skills of Mr. Duran?

America Says ‘Feel Free to Break Our Laws’

Question: When is a law not a law?
Answer: When the government doesn’t enforce it.

Oh yeah, also when the government caves in to political pressure to change a law already broken. It’s called “amnesty” not a “guest worker program.”

My TV Life

If I were a stronger person, I’d follow Ned’s advice to Kill Your Television. But alas, my willpower can’t stand up against the following lineup.

Sundays

Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition: Sundays @ 8:00, ABC
Feel good TV. More please!

Mondays

King of Queens: 8:00, CBS
Consistently great stuff from Kevin James.
Miracle Workers: 10:00, ABC
One of the few, “good for you” shows on the air.

Tuesdays

Scrubs: 9:00, NBC
Funniest show on TV! Bonus episode at 8:30 tonight.

Wednesdays

Unanimous: 9:30, FOX
Love the concept. We’ll see if it holds interest throughout.

Thursdays

Survivor: Panama: 8:00, CBS
Still love the show. Unscripted keeps it fresh.

On Deck

The following dramas are better seens as a giant, non-stop movies. So, we wait while avoiding promos until the DVDs are released. Then watch them concurrently in a massive TV binge, of sorts.

24: Mondays @ 9:00, FOX
Season 4, in my opinion was just as strong as its predecesors. No date for Season 5 DVDs.
Lost: Wednesdays @ 9:00, ABC
Season 1 was awesome. You never know what might happen next. No date for Season 2 DVDs.

Contemplating

As if I don’t already watch enough TV, these shows are also intriguing.

The Unit: Mondays @ 9:00, CBS
I’ve heard good things, but it’s up against Miracle Workers. TiVo is becoming more and more necessary.
Heist: Wednesdays @ 10:00, NBC
Interesting show, at least the premiere was. Quite clever.

If the Mood Hits

The Apprentice: Mondays @ 9:00, NBC
Sometimes it’s just fun to watch them squirm in the boardroom.
House : Tuesdays @ 9:00, FOX
His quirky, anything-goes attitude is a refreshing change of pace from the cookie cutter CSIs and their clones.
Seinfeld: Weekdays @ 11:00, Local
Can’t go wrong with the Sein!
America’s Funniest Home Videos: various time slots, ABC
It’s for the kids. No, really.

Miracle Workers Is Supremely Healthy

How could I have known before, that Miracle Workers (Mondays at 10 EST) would be so good for me? It’s not the kind of show that you really look forward to. No action, no laughs, no pre-fab drama, just inspiring stories about people striving for help and the doctors efforts to help them.

I think Congress should pass a law that requires all citizens to watch this show. It would make us all better people. Not only do I appreciate my good health, I’ll have a better understanding of how to deal with those less fortunate than I.

(Of course I’m joking. Congress should just go on a permanent break.)

Dojo Info 3/28/06

1. Cat Survives 80-Foot Fall
   This doesn’t happen everyday.
2. Anthrax victim dances as he awaits release
   Ho, wait a sec… isn’t anthrax fatal? Not for this guy.
3. Supercomputer Maps One Million Atoms of a Complete Virus
   “Ok HAL, let’s take this thing down.”
4. Hawaii Boasts Lowest Jobless Rate in U.S.
   If you’re already looking for a new job, why not, right?
5. Afghan Christian convert released from jail
   Wow. This is an amazing story.

Good, No Great Idea

Oh no they didn’t?!?

Case Against Rahman Dropped

Word today comes that the case against Rahman has been dropped (for now) due to lack of evidence. That’s a sham, because Abdul went on record saying he had become a Christian. What actually happened is that the Afghan government decided it wasn’t worth the damage to their image.

This is wonderful news but the issue is far from over. Truly, as long as most Muslims hold that for anyone to believe anything other than their faith deserves death, we’ll have dispute, violence and chaos in our future.

We should keep Rahman, and all those persecuted for their faith, in our prayers as the Muslim clerics have vowed to see him dead.

h-haus: Energy Efficient and Stellar

h-haus asks this question: “Can an energy-efficient house also be aesthetically pleasing?” Then they answered it. Of course. Personally, I didn’t think it was that tough of a question to begin with. 8^)

Abdul Rahman Speaks

More common sense talk from Tony Perkins:

Reports from Kabul quote Afghan officials saying a Christian convert might not be sentenced to death. Abdul Rahman must be insane, they say, and Islam is compassionate toward the mentally ill. Such talk is itself unbalanced. Contrast it with the quiet dignity of Rahman himself. He told BBC: “I am not an infidel or a fugitive. I am a Christian. If they want to sentence me to death, I accept that.” Who cannot be moved by such courage and commitment? Rahman is being held in a prison where the guards threaten his life. “We will cut him in little pieces,” one of them told Western journalists. President Bush raised the issue in his Wheeling, West Virginia speech yesterday. The President said he was “deeply troubled” and pledged to do everything he could to protect Rahman. This is welcome news. Also to be commended is the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). I had criticized their lack of response, but now CAIR has publicly called for Abdul Rahman’s release and said that the Koran supports religious freedom. Who should appreciate religious liberty more than American Muslims? When Cassius Clay and Lew Alcindor converted to Islam and became Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, other religions did not threaten them with death. To the contrary they were blessed tremendously by the freedoms they enjoyed in this country. This is a fundamental test of civilization.

What’s happening is wrong on so many levels.