Tuesday, December 30, 2003

No more, no more

Hey there! Sorry I haven't done much active blogging lately, but with the holidays, it's been a bit of a bear to even post a meme result. Ehh, go figure.

I've been formulating my New Year's resolutions, and among the more mundane ones (get some exercise, lose weight, try not to be such a bastard) I've come up with one that I truly hope I don't fall back on.

As of January 1, I will no longer listen to any politically oriented radio talk show. It seems like an exercise in masochism, and I refuse to degrade myself in this manner any more.

I have listened to talk radio for going on two decades now. When I started, Larry King was the top dog (even if his show was broadcast at midnight) and Rush Limbaugh was just an executive with the Kansas City Royals.

Rush Limbaugh is fond of beseeching his listeners to give him six weeks of listening to truly understand where he is coming from. I've given him far more than that, and far more than he deserves. I know a lot of people listen to talk radio in order to "Know the enemy" (and I suppose many conservatives tap into more liberal sources for the same reason). I just can't do it anymore. I have seen the "soul" of talk radio, and it is a dark, twisted place.

I am tired of being run down. I am tired of being told that, because of my opinions and political philosophy, I am somehow un-Christian, un-American, and unworthy of kindness. I am tired of being told that because I am a liberal, I am somehow in league with terrorists and despots, or "the enemy within", or simply put, a "traitor".

I am a 37-year old, college-educated, born-again Southern baptist who is happily married and expecting his first child. I toil under the apparently insane notion that all people are basically good inside, and that we can leave this world a better place than that in which we arrived. I believe in the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Eightfold Path, and the Bill of Rights. I love the land of my birth. I don't want to see it destroyed by terrorism, or from fear of the threat of terrorism.

I don't hate conservatives. I've known many in my time; I'm even friends with some. Simply because we see issues differently is no reason for me to think little of them, and vice versa. To hear people on talk radio describe it, however, you must either be completely 100% conservative or considered "the enemy".

I see a lot of political reactionism on both sides of the ideological spectrum, and I hear many liberals talking about how we should start our own network of programs and stations to counteract those on the right. With all due respect, I disagree. These programs thrive on opinions based on blurting out whatever comes to your mind. You aren't encouraged to think things through, to research, analyze, consider the opposing viewpoint. It's all "my opinion is right, and if you don't agree, you're an idiot."

I'd rather read, listen to and watch the news and come to my own conclusions on the issues of the day rather than be spoon-fed a daily dose of the "Two-Minute Hate" anymore. I'd rather base my positions upon analysis and research than "Ooh, Rush is for that? Well, I'm against that then!" or "What? Bill Clinton likes that idea? Well, obviously it's some kind of Commie plan. I hate it!"

In time, I may eventually tune back in to see what's going on. I hope I don't give in, though. Something tells me I'd be better off not listening to these radio bullies.

So long, Rush, O'Reilly, Hannity, Savage, Mike Reagan, Boortz. Pick on someone your own size.

Monday, December 29, 2003

Nobody tosses a dwarf!

Gimli

Gimli Gloin's son

If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Gimli, Dwarf, handy with an axe when orcs are about.

In the movie, I am played by John Rhys-Davies.

Who would you be?
Zovakware Lord of the Rings Test  with Perseus Web Survey Software

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Which Christmas Carol am I?

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
You are 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'. You take
Christmas very seriously. For you, it is a
religious festival, celebrating the birth of
the Saviour, and its current secularisation
really irritates you. You enjoy the period of
Advent leading up to Christmas, and attend any
local carol services you can find, as well as
the more contemplative Advent church services
each Sunday. You may be involved in Christmas
food collections or similar charity work. The
midnight service at your church, with candles
and carols, is one you look forward to all
year, and you also look forward to the family
get together on Christmas Day.


What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Tuesday, December 2, 2003

I'm in a Pixies kind of mood

So, here's some lyrics for you:

There was a guy
An under water guy who controlled the sea
Got killed by ten million pounds of sludge
From New York and New Jersey
This monkey’s gone to heaven

The creature in the sky
Got sucked in a hole
Now there’s a hole in the sky
And the ground’s not cold
And if the ground’s not cold
Everything is gonna burn
We’ll all take turns
I’ll get mine, too
This monkey’s gone to heaven

If man is 5
If man is 5
If man is 5
Then the devil is 6
Then the devil is 6
Then the devil is 6
Then the devil is 6

And if the devil is 6
Then God is 7
Then God is 7
Then God is 7
This monkey’s gone to heaven

Monday, December 1, 2003

Mondays at Clintster's

Hey all!


In case you forgot, today is World AIDS Day. Take a few moments to remember those who have passed on, and find out how you can keep from catching/spreading the HIV virus.


Thanksgiving was okay at our house, if a little quiet. S'okay, we figure it'll be our last T'giving alone together for quite a while. I cooked the turkey, and Kathy made green bean casserole. I think we make a pretty good team in the kitchen. :)

Unfortunately, yesterday was not so good. I woke up about 4am Saturday night/Sunday morning and puked my brains out. I think I had food poisoning. On top of it, I had a real stinger of a headache, so I was pretty much miserable all day Sunday. To top it off, I had to stay in my soon-to-be-converted office all day long, because Kathy was afraid that she'd catch something from me and endanger the baby. If we had a den or something it could've been a lot easier, but being stuck in an 8x8 room with no means of diversion except for a computer and a few books didn't make the time go by any easier. I'm only now getting over the headache (I think).

Anyways, hope your Thanksgiving was cool. 24 days 'til Christmas, y'all!