The Dread Frog God Speaks!

Post-Memorial Thoughts

2009-08-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back from the memorial for my Mom. We held it Saturday in Phoenix. I am sure my Mom would have been annoyed at Ted Kennedy's attempt to upstage her...:D

It was a good gathering. I finally got to meet the rest of my cousins - Ashley, Allan and Sophia (Kristen, who I have met a few times before, started at Cornell this year and couldn't make it). Great kids! (I am 43, and my cousins range in age from 19 to 10...:D). And it was good to see the rest of the family and friends.

I've attached a scan of picture my sister found in my Mom's stuff. What you see is me on the left and my older brother Mike on the right. I was 3, he was 5 (so this was 40 years ago...oh man...). My Dad was in the Navy, so of course we had sailor hats.

It was also truly the last time I remember where I didn't spend a significant amount of time pissed off at Mike for some reason or another. I have to tell you, I miss that time. It's my theory that the problems started when I realized I didn't have to listen or necessarily believe whatever Mike told me, and when he realized that I wasn't going to follow him blindly like I had before. Its been downhill ever since.

Mike, I am willing to accept you for who you are. Are you able to accept me for who I am? I think Mom would want us to at least agree to disagree...

Health Care Solution!

2009-08-23T13:11:00.001-07:00

I have devised the perfect solution to the health care situation, but first some back story.

Two areas related to health, in the last 15-20 years, have gotten more sophisticated, with better results and lower costs - laser eye surgery and plastic surgery. They did this despite their not being covered by insurance or any government program.

How did this happen? Free Market Capitalism.

The market wanted ways to avoid glasses - radial karotodomy (that was the eye surgery where they cut into your eye) was invented. Initially it was only 90% effective. And it cost in excess of $10k per eye. As time went by, the surgery morphed into something with computer controlled lasers, hit 98%+ reliability, and dropped to as little $400 per eye. The free market wins again.

So, having said that, here is the solution:

Remove the government from the position of "paying" directly for health care. Remove insurance companies from that as well. Basically, remove the floor on prices that exists as a result of their involvement. Let the free market fix costs and prices.

As to the people who need assistance, fund a series of community clinics for those folks. And make it impossible for "undocumented workers" to take advantage of them except in life-threatening situations. How do we fund it? Pass a $1 tax per office visit and prescription sold in this country. And let people who make less than $30k per year claim those on their taxes as a credit/deduction.

That would solve the problem inside 12-18 months.

Why Don't They Call Them Liars?

2009-08-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about this the other day, and I've noticed a tendency among politicians and the media - no one has the balls to call someone else a liar.

Opinion guys (like the Talk Radio hosts, and that idiot Olbermann) are more than willing to call someone a liar. But politicians and the main stream media won't. If a man stands outside and tells you the sky is yellow when its not, he's lying. What's so hard about that?

Another politician from the otherside will say "he's being less than truthful." The reporter will say that the comment was "misleading." Another will say that the politician was not "relating all the relevant details."

He's lying!

What has become of this country when no one will point out that the Emperor has no Clothes?

Nothing will change in this country until our elected officials and the allegedly impartial media decide to just say it like it is. If you can't be objective, please don't pretend you are. And lets all agree to quit lying, and pretending that others aren't.

Sometimes the truth is painful. Sometimes it only hurts one person. But by lying we are just "kicking the can" down the road for someone else to deal with, and putting off the pain.

"Health Care Reform" as envisioned by the Progressives is a Socialized Single-Payer Medical System.

"Cap & Trade" will only serve to stifle the economy and put more money and power into the hands of the Federal Government and a bunch of unelected bureaucrats.

And appeasing dictators get you nuclear weapons parked outside the White House.

So please, quit lying to people. Its beneath you.

Elizabeth Ross Lidberg (1943-2009)

2009-08-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, Elizabeth Ross Lidberg, my Mother, passed away in the ICU at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by her family. All four of her children were there. She'd be been admitted early in the morning on 7/31 after calling 9-1-1. They found her, performed CPR, and rushed her to the hospital. She did not reawaken before she passed.

She was my biggest fan, my most ardent supporter, and often my harshest critic. No matter what was happening at this end, she was always there for me. She tried to help me see a way out of or around any problems, and never let me give up. And she did this despite her own problems which were not insignificant. Between a series of health issues including Pulmonary Fibrosis and Breast Cancer, her health had been in a steady downward slide for several years. She was on constant oxygen and couldn't walk more than 10 feet without getting winded.

The most important part of her, though, was her mind. It was always sharp, all the way to the end. The last time I spoke with her, I helped her research who ran her apartment complex because she felt they were treating her unfairly (which they were). She never wanted a handout, she just wanted to be treated fairly.

She was very proud and never like to ask for help. She was embarrassed when others had to help her with simple things like taking out the garbage or getting groceries. Sometimes her embarrassment would come out in strange ways, and she came across as being a cranky old lady.

My siblings deserve a lot of credit for helping her where I couldn't (I'm in Texas while they are all in Arizona where she was). Annmarie and her fiance Jason were there as much as they could, helping her in any way possible. Chris drove up from Tucson as often as he could and gave her non-judgmental assistance as well. And Mike stepped up to help, too. Thank you all for your part in making her life as comfortable as possible.

I am proud of my father, who despite having been divorced from my Mom for several years, stepped up to help with rides to the doctor and the store. Toward the end, it appeared that the animosity between them had faded considerably, and I was very happy to see that.

My Aunt Mary (Dr. Mary Ross Collis, to be technical...:D), Mom's sister, also went above and beyond. I know she appreciated everything you did Mary...I know it.

My Uncle Allan (Dr. Allan Ross, an anesthesiologist), her Brother, offered medical advice and other support to Mom as well. His knowledge in medicine is profound, and the whole family appreciates the help he gave Mom as well as to us when we were trying to understand over the weekend what had happened and where it was likely to go. She loved you a lot, Allan.

My role the last few years was to act as sounding board and moral support. Whatever she wanted to talk about, whenever she needed it, I was there. Long phone calls on all kinds of subjects. Times when she just wanted to complain about her health, other people, things, whatever she needed to. I didn't judge, and offered as much support as I could.

She was always a reader, and over the last few years she and I had found several genres we mutually liked. I was able to turn her on to Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and a few others. We had long talks about the books, the characters, and the authors. That is a sharing I will deeply miss.

Over the last few years, she apparently shifted her politics based on what she saw happening. I remember when I was still at home that she told me she attended a rally for Jesse Jackson at ASU once afternoon. This is in sharp contrast with the opinion I know she held about Barack Obama and his cast of cronies. My Mom was also a Bush supporter, and had developed very real conservative viewpoints on many topics. Good to see you found the right side, Mom...:D

One of the things that I know brought her joy and excitement were her granddaughters, my daughters Jordan (11) and Dorothy (4). Jordan recently received the President's Award for Academic Excellence (GPA 90% or higher and 90% or higher on standardized tests) and the school's Award for Academic Excellence (for highest GPA in the school!) and she was very proud of her.

Mom, I miss you all the time. I keep catching myself thinking I need to call you about something, or to check on you, or let you know how this or that situation has resolved itself. You were a big part of my life, and I want you to know how much that means to me.

I know the last few years were hard for you. It was painful, and you were always sick with something. I remember when you told me you had gotten to 5 years cancer free, and how excited you were. I remember how they told you (more than 6 years ago) you had 3-5 years with the Pulmonary Fibrosis left, and how proud I was that you showed them they were wrong. You are in a better place now, without pain, without medicines, without needing oxygen tanks and a scooter, and surrounded by people that love you. Grandma and Grandpa I'm sure were there to welcome you with open arms. Time to rest - you deserve it.

I love you...

Never Too Early To Indoctrinate...

2009-02-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to Indoctrinate the little ones...normally I would write the jokes here, but I think the customer comments on Amazon do a pretty good job.

Playmobil Police Security Checkpoint

Playmobil Police Checkpoint

Oh, and could someone be sure and tell me when the Playmobil Political Prisoner Camp is released?

Racism in America

2009-02-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

I had an interesting experience today, and I feel the need to share. With this wonderful economy we have now, I have found myself working a side job to help with the bills. I delivery pizza for one of the major chains (starts with a "D").

I normally do this at night, but the Manager asked if I could work lunch today, as they were slated to be busy (lots of Valentine parties at schools, etc.). Alongside those, there were the normal lunch deliveries.

On one of the deliveries, it was to an office, and it was paid with a credit card. I had to wait at the front (nearly 5 minutes) for the person to come get their food. When she came to the front, I could tell there might be trouble. She was holding her wallet, credit card and driver's license out, and also had a couple of bucks. She tossed the ID and credit card at me saying "Do you need to see these?"

"Yes Ma'am" I replied. "We're just watching out for y'all." (Yes, I devolve into Texan sometimes...so sue me...:D)

(I need to add that it is store and franchise company policy to see photo ID and get an impression of the credit card. Failing this, we have to keep the food.)

She snapped back and said "What did you say?"

I replied "We need to check on all credit card orders to make sure that its really you using it and not someone else. It's company policy, and it really protects you as much as it does us."

She was no longer listening, and she was mad for some reason. After I made an impression of the card, she signed it, zeroed the tip line, and took her food. No cash either. As she walked away she looked at me with a strange look.

"You have a great day!" I told her and she went back through the security door.

When I returned to the store, unhappy that I was stiffed on the tip, I got another surprise. She had put in Feedback through the Internet that I was being racist! She claimed I had said "We need to Watch you" which was totally untrue. I was stunned.

Oh, did I mention that I am a big ol' goofy white guy, and the customer was an african-american woman? I didn't because that is not the first thing I notice about someone. I don't care about skin color, I care about what they can do and what they say they can do. Her automatic assumption was that I was discriminating against her.

Racism is alive and well in the U.S., and its not coming from any of the "caucasian-Americans" I happen to know. It's coming from those that refuse to remove their victim hat and take life at its face value. Assuming ill when its not present will only make a person angry and bitter at others and the world.

I understand that there have been problems. I understand that there have been abuses. But *I* didn't do it to anyone. No one in my family was involved in the slave trade in America (we didn't even get here until starting in the late 1800s). None of my family lived in the South, and I don't know of anyone in my family that has ever said or done anything that qualifies remotely as racist. To take it out on me amounts to perpetuating the very thing they claim to want to end.

Put down the "Victim" hat. You'll be much happier in your life.

Avian Reign of Terror Must End!

2009-01-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

As you all know, the Avian Liberation Front struck again yesterday when they caused the crash of US Airways Flt 1549 from LaGuardia Airport in New York, on its way to Charlotte, NC. All 155 passengers and crew were evacuated safely after the pilot heroically managed to bring the plane to a landing in the Hudson River.
This madness must stop. The ALF needs to know we mean business. There is only one way to stop this insanity...

KILL ALL THE BIRDS!

"Atlas Shrugged" and You!

2009-01-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

I had been contemplating an entry about how we are living in the world of "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, one of the most important books I have ever read. But Stephen Moore just wrote "'Atlas Shrugged': From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years" in the Wall Street Journal and I frankly cannot find anything to add. Excellent work, Mr. Moore! I recommend that everyone read the article and pass it along to others!

People's Republic of Madison succumbs to Global Warming (Hysteria)

2009-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Dateline: Madison, WI - The People's Democratic Republic of Madison, Wisconsin added another nail to it's coffin recently with the addition of several items "for consideration" on it's Agenda for the City Council. Not satisfied with having already moved so far to the Left that Marx and Lenin would both be considered hardcore conservatives in comparison, they are now looking at implementing policy related to the "demands of climate change." These changes would severely curtail personal and property rights even more than they currently are (it was easier to get a handgun in Soviet Russia than it is in Madison). I am truly amazed that anyone is willing to live there. They are also looking to implement policy "to allow the city to function" when oil and oil-related products "become prohibitively expensive because of the scarcity and high-cost of fuel." My only guess is that will entail a small fleet of steam-driven backhoes to dig the graves for the population when they completely give up. That's that American "Never Say Die!" attitude that we love so well!

A New Perspective On The Fairness Doctrine

2009-01-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

After hearing all of the back-and-forth on the alleged proposal to bring back the FCC's Fairness Doctrine, I have finally made a decision on what the correct position to take is.

I'm all for it.

Please understand a Fairness Doctrine truly could not apply solely to radio, as that would not be a fair and reasonable approach. It would also have to apply to television - including all the cable and satellite channels. This works for me.

The core of the Fairness Doctrine was to allow the "responsible, opposing viewpoint" a "reasonable" chance to air their views on a issue so that a slanted, one-sided argument couldn't unduly influence folks. Fine.

For Conservative Talk Radio and Fox News Channel, the solution is very simple: re-run MSNBC's Keith Olberman's nightly diatribe at 3:00 AM. There is more than enough venom and hatred for anything Conservative in that show to more than offset any Conservative argument in the other 23 hours.

For the other radio stations and channels, it will be a tad more problematic - let me provide some examples:

CNN will have to give Rush Limbaugh *at least* 2 hours everyday to counteract their programming, he may need more. Every moment of airtime they do at CNN drips with enough leftist propaganda that it all needs to equally counteracted.

The "major networks" (ABC, CBS, NBC) will need to provide an equal number of ours to their national news coverage to provide balance. They may also need to provide additional time due to the sociopolitical content of most of their programming. Certainly "The View" needs to be balanced out.

As BET often has programming about the political issues concerning the African American Community, they will need to turn over several hours of their programming each day to the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and the various White Power movements.

Univision, the hispanic network, due to political content related to the "plight" of hispanics and "undocumented workers," would have to give over several hours each day to groups like Grassfire.org, who oppose illegal immigration.

Lifetime television would have to give over several hours each day to NASCAR Racing and Professional Wrestling.

You might have noticed that I made no mention of Liberal Talk Radio...as no one listens to that anyway, there is no need to balance that programming...

Or, we could just all realize that with 500+ channels, thousands of radio stations, thousands of magazines and newspapers, and inumerable websites presenting every possible (and a few likely impossible) political viewpoints, there exists a "Fair" chance to get everything out into the public eye.

Instituting the Fairness Doctrine and applying it to only radio would be a mindless and cynical admission on the part of politicians on the Left side of the spectrum that they are not capable of offering political views in such a way as to not engender opposition. Silencing a viewpoint you counteract is the act of a totalitarian government, not a democratic republic. So Senator Boxer, with all due respect, please Shove It!

"I'd Rather Be Waterboarding!"

2009-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'd like to say a few words to the weak-kneed folks who are about to be administering our foreign policy as soon as the Messiah-Elect is sworn in - "Don't Do it!"

Which "It" am I referring to? Weakening this country and making it easier and much, much more likely we will be attacked by Al Queda Terrorists in the coming months.

How will this happen? By banning so-called "harsh" interrogation techniques, by gutting the provisions of the Patriot Act, and by treating Terrorists as simple criminals instead of foreign enemy fighters and spies in a time of war. Please allow me to explain.

Harsh Interrogation

The following activities are considered "harsh" interrogation and are slated to be banned as of a week from tomorrow:

Preventing captive from sleeping for an extended period (beyond 12 hours up to more than 48 hours) - which means that anyone studying for final exams at any real institution by cramming for the last 2-4 days is actually subject to "harsh" treatment...think they could sue for damages?

Loud "inappropriate" music - for this they mean Metallica, AC/DC, and other Heavy Metal Bands - I would suggest subjecting me to Rap Music (remember, the "C" in Rap is silent) in a neighboring car is worse. Or when I'm driving with my wife and she makes me listen to the station with the "Smooth Sounds of the Seventies" which always puts me at the brink of suicide...If we can't use Metal, how about subjecting these bozos to that last Madonna album?

Public Humiliation (aka Abu Ghrab) - subjecting prisoners to humiliating and degrading situations, especially involving women in positions of power over them. So that would make the average Fraternity Hazing into torture...or having to work for that last female boss I had (the ultra-feminist who wouldn't know a good idea if it crawled up her...).

Other psychological torture techniques as typified by my favorite "Waterboarding." Something you lefties don't realize is that anyone who is involved in administering that particular activity has actually been subjected to it themselves - its part of the training. This, I'm sure, keeps people from choosing to do it to everyone, and also helps them know when "enough is enough." That particular method successfully broke Khalid Sheik Mohammed in under 2 minutes. It is not physically damaging. If its psychologically damaging, please remember that these are TERRORISTS and they were planning on KILLING PEOPLE.

Club Gitmo - keeping the enemy combatants off our home shores. Why in God's Name would you want them here? If they got loose, who know's what they might do? Those prisoners are being treated far better than they have a right to expect. Oh, and all this talk about "shutting down Gitmo" forgets the fact that we have a base there that has been there for near 100 years, keeping an eye on Cuba since 1959, and it is not related to the prison camp. I was there (as a kid), and its a vital part of our defenses. We need that base. So please be more accurate and at least carp about the "prisoner facility" at Gitmo...or Limbaugh's term "Club Gitmo."

Tomorrow I'll post about the Patriot Act, and the misconceptions there. And Wednesday I'll talk more about the difference in treating a Terrorist like a criminal instead of a Foreign Enemy Combatant. In the meantime, please go to ThoseShirts.com and buy a "I'd Rather Be Waterboarding" shirt like I did...wear it around your Lefty friends and watch their head explode...:D (oh, and please tell them where you heard about this, and suggest they talk to me about an ad on my Blog...:D).

What I Believe (Part 1)

2009-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Some of you might be wondering exactly who does this Frog guy think he is, and what does he believe? (If you are not one these, please feel free to skip to the next post, which will again be witting, annoying and amusing, all at the same time...:D).

What follows are some of my beliefs. The list is not intended to be complete, and there are some areas which will require more nuance than I care to input. You'll just have to ask if I confuse you...:D Some of the concepts listed might make you think I'm a crank - I am, but not for the items you will see...:D Again, just ask and I will explain.

***

I believe a person has the sole right to the product of their work. That person is under no obligation to share that product for any reason externally forced upon him. Invalid reasons to give up the product of ones labors include taxation, guilt, and non-contractual "obligations" of any kind.

I believe a person has the right to defend himself if attacked, and an obligation to prepare a defense against force. Objectivists believe that this right of defense only extends to the individual who has attacked you. I say that if a representative of a group attacks you, you have the right to defend against that person and the group he represents.

The U.S. Constitution, as written and including the Bill of Rights, was the most enlightened governing document ever produced in the history of government on the Earth. Sadly, it has been used and abused almost from Day One by the very people it was supposed to restrict. Some of these "abuses" were ultimately good things (i.e. "Judicial Review"). Most were not. Examples of these violations include the Social Security, the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, and the Interstate Highway System.

Some areas and amendments of the Constitution have been deliberately misinterpreted to further various different agendas. Some of these abuses include the 14th Amendment ("Anchor Babies"), the 10th Amendment (too many abuses to list), and the 2nd Amendment (various laws restricting gun ownership, and reducing access to ammo).

The failure to secure the borders of the United States by elected governments of this country, especially in the face of massive waves of illegal immigration and terrorist threats, constitute virtual treason on its face. All members of Congress who failed to vote for border enforcement, and any President who did not sign approved legislation should be brought up on charges of Treason.

I believe that no one has the right to stop another adult from doing what they need to with their body. This includes abortion, prostitution, selling of your own internal organs, drug abuse, tobacco & alcohol, and suicide. That having been said, please don't expect me to pay for any procedures you choose to have (abortion), or any care that is a result of your choices (drug detox, cancer care for smokers, liver transplants for alcoholics).

States Rights trump Federal Rights. County/City Rights trump States Rights. And Individual Rights trump them all.

That having been said, there does not exist a right to "not be offended." These jackasses who go on about public religious displays because they are Atheists or something need to get over themselves. If you don't like it, don't look at it. I believe public land can be made available this purpose as appropriate for the time of year and as available. Should a government pay for a display? Not the Federal Government as that is specifically barred by the Constitution. A State or Local government can as long as that is not written into their State Constitution, or banned by local ordinance.

The "Separation of Church and State" is a myth, insofar as it does not appear in the Constitution, and does not reflect the true intent of the Founders. Don't believe me? When they signed the Constitution, there was a State Sponsored/endorsed Churches in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, among others. Do you really think they were planning to make those illegal?

I believe that the core statement of Marxism/Socialism, "From Each According to His Ability, To Each According To Their Need" is quite possibly the most Evil statement ever uttered or written by a Man.

I believe if everyone was not only encouraged to own and carry a gun, but in fact was virtually required to do so, the U.S. would have a damn site more polite society (simply because you wouldn't want to piss off Grandma if she could waste you for being snotty).

I believe that the U.S. Supreme Court should not be legislating from the Bench. They should be performing the vital function of reviewing the constitutionality of legislation, and arbitrating conflicts according to the law that exists and not making up something new if its missing. The best example of made up things is Roe v. Wade, because there is no Constitutional Right to Privacy. That issue should have been handled on a State level, not Federal.

I believe that Abraham Lincoln, when he decided to resist the secession of the Southern States to the Confederacy, committed Treason against the Constitution. It took balls to do what he did, and I admire that. But it was still a treasonous act.

It's getting late, so I'll continue this another night...feel free to comment and I'll clarify anything you might be confused by. And feel free to call me names too, but be prepared to defend them...:D

Princess Caroline vs. The Dread Frog God

2008-12-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Governor Patterson,

With the choice of Senator Hillary Clinton to be the next Secretary of State, you will have the opportunity to choose her replacement in the U.S. Senate. I know there are many worthy candidates available for the position, but I thought I might go ahead and toss my hat in the ring as well. I'm not above posting to my blog to let you know that, either...

To assist you with this complicated and politically charged decision, I have decided to compare and contrast myself with the other leading barely qualified candidate for the position, Princess Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg?...What happened to the Schlossberg? She lose it under the couch or something...?)

Princess Caroline's qualifications:

1) She lives in New York.
2) Her father was a great man. So was her Uncle Bobby.
3) Her last name is Kennedy.
4) Her Uncle Teddy (not a great man) is still in the Senate...apparently the brain cancer didn't affect any vital organs.
5) Did I mention she was part of the Kennedy Clan?
6) She can locate Syracuse on a map, or rather her driver and pilot both can, and that's all that matters, right?
7) She is connected enough to be able to possibly help you raise money for *your* re-election plans.
8) She's a Kennedy.
9) The Messiah-Elect really likes her.
10) Did I mention that she's a Kennedy?

My qualifications:

1) I've flown into JFK Airport.
2) I've been to Times Square within the last 4 years, and ridden on the subway and the LIRR. And I've been to the top of the Empire State Building (which I'd bet $5 she hasn't).
3) I've flown into LaGuardia Airport.
4) I am your political opposite, so you can't be accused of appointing me to further your own agenda.
5) My last name is similar to the guy that flew over the Atlantic in 1927 (and left from New York!), so people might think I'm related (I'm not, but I won't tell if you won't.)
6) I am sensitive to minorities and people with disabilities. I really like Ray Charles. Oh, and my wife knows sign language...(wait, that's for deaf people)...never mind that last part.
7) "Escape from New York" is one of my favorite movies.
8) I'll fly out to New York and say nice things about you if you appoint me.
9) I won't overshadow you with my celebrity.
10) I sing a killer version of "New York, New York" (with or without karaoke backup music!)

As you can see, I am much more qualified to be Senator than the Princess is. I feel certain that once you consider these qualifications, you'll make the right choice.

Happy New Year!

The Dread Frog God

Twitter, TCOT, & You

2008-12-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

I'd like to take a few minutes here and talk about a couple of interesting things recently. I've had friends on Twitter for quite a while, probably going back to when it started, but I never was interested in getting involved in it until recently. That happened when Hugh Hewitt decided to talk about Twitter on his program, and then several times after that. He feels that offerings like Twitter (and Facebook, and MySpace, etc.) are going to be crucial parts of the effort to win back Congress in 2010 for the Republicans. I tend to agree, if only because the Democrats & Messiah-Elect Obama made such a strong use of them during the 2008 election.

Then, he had on a couple of gentleman who had created a sort-of tag-a-long website called "Top Conservatives On Twitter" aka TCOT. (http://www.topconservativesontwitter.org) The site is based on self-identified conservatives, and ranks them based on the number of folks following their Twitter feeds. It went live on 11/28/08, and as of this writing has 1607 people on their list. As a person who considers himself a conservative but has registered as an Independent and a Libertarian over the years, this appealed to me. I rarely identify as a Republican. So I signed up for Twitter, and within a few hours I signed up for the TCOT list on 12/6/8. As of this morning I am #83 on the TCOT list, and 1505 people allegedly follow my "tweets" on Twitter. Not too shabby.

The potential for all of this is enormous. This is a chance for folks who previously felt they had no voice to be heard. Real people in the Conservative movement are on Twitter and they are reading the Tweets. I know I thought it was cool when I saw that Fred Thompson was now following my Tweets...:D

We had the first TCOT "Tweetup" in Dallas on 12/24, and about a dozen folks showed up (considering it was Xmas Eve, that was pretty good!). Half of the people who did were folks like me who were not previously involved in anything significant politically other than bitching and complaining to friends and family. Now we have a group that is getting attention. The Heritage Foundation has taken notice of the group. And the opinion of the list co-founder, Michael Leahy, that Michael Duncan should remove himself from the running to be RNC Chair caused a huge stir beyond Twitter, which shows how significant this all is.

TCOT has also spawned a news site, "The TCOT Report," that includes both major stories and smaller ones that may not hit the major news channels. It also includes links to the Blogs of TCOT members (note to TCOT folks, if your blog is not on their, send @michaelpleahy a tweet to have it added!).

To follow the discussion of the TCOT group on Twitter, go to the TCOT Report and read the feed on the site. If you agree with anything being discussed, I encourage you to go to the TCOT site and signup for the list (and join Twitter, of course, if needed).

(Thus ends my serious blog entry of the week. Comedy will resume with the next entry...:D)

(Child) Scientist Disproves Saint Algore!

2008-12-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

In a recent development in the sleepy Texas town of Rhome, a young man with a keen mind has successfully disproved part of Saint Algore's theories regarding Global Warming. I know you're all shocked, but its true.
Here is his blog entry on the subject.
Here is a blog entry from his mother on the same thing.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "How can Saint Algore be wrong?" The answer is, of course, that he isn't wrong - Archimedes was!

And in the spirit of Christmas we have a blog entry from Twitter & TCOT's own Reverse Vampyr which also disagrees with Global Warming, and also includes "The 12 Days of Global Warming."

Ed Genson, Shyster to the Stars!

2008-12-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

Yo, Gov. Blago!

I feel like I know you now, after all we've been through. Your unnatural hair, your grace under pressure (as evidenced by the affidavit), your need to go jogging in the face of reporters, and your Johnny Carson like delivery of your intention "I will fight, I will fight, I will fight!"

So I wanted to congratulate you on your choice of Ed Genson as a defense attorney. Many fine Americans have retained this individual to assist them when they were wrongfully accused, and so he has vast experience in that arena. I do have one concern - he is better at getting those accused to inappropriate behavior with minors (R. Kelly) off than he is with public officials. He has lost several cases, and had to work plea deals with others. I'm not suggesting that you do anything inappropriate with a minor, but if you stay with this attorney that might be your best bet.

Of course, you could just be guilty as sin and need to go down for the count on this one. It's one of the two, I feel certain...

Best Regards,

-Dread Frog God

Don't Forget the Pizza Guy!

2008-12-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

On a slightly serious note, I thought I would toss in a note about the much neglected Pizza Guy.
He shows up at your door, on very short notice, and brings you food. You didn't need to cook it, or even go in the kitchen. You got on the phone/computer, made a request, and magically it has appeared. Now be appreciative!
Realize that nearly all Pizza Delivery guys are paid like waiters, i.e. it is assumed they will be receiving tips, so they get *less* than minimum wage for what they do. When you fail to tip him, or just give him the change from rounding your total to the next whole dollar, it's like handing a few coins to a waiter.
If the food arrives cold, excessively late without warning (i.e. don't get mad if it takes 45 minutes if they tell you that when you order), or the guy is really scary looking, that is one thing. But if the food is hot, fresh, and there in a timely manner, please make sure to tip the guy. 10% is the recommended minimum. More is always appreciated.
Also, please don't make the mistake of assuming that the "delivery charge" you see added these days is the tip - it isn't. First, the driver doesn't get all of that (they get 1/2 to 2/3 of it). Second, that is for gas and "wear & tear" on their car.
Please don't fall into the negative feedback loop of not tipping. Drivers talk to each other, and they remember the bad tippers. This results in your order being the last in the stack to be delivered as they will be trying to reward the customers who reward them. So then you tip less, or even complain, and it gets worse. I know if drivers who will refuse to deliver to specific addresses. Its ugly.
So please, remember the humble pizza guy. What would Game Day and the Bowl Games be without him?

Pick Me For Illinois Senate Seat!

2008-12-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

Governor Blagojevich,

In the (new) tradition set by Caroline Kennedy, I hereby toss my hat in the ring to be considered for the Senate seat so recently vacated by our Messiah-Elect Barack Hussein Obama. There are many advantages to choosing me over other candidates, so please let me point them out to you:

1) My father was born in Illinois, so I have some roots there.
2) I worked in Illinois (right near O'Hare Airport) for about 18 months from 1998 to 2000. I haven't been back since. This is actually a blessing in that I do not currently have any interest in any current issues in Illinois. This should allow me to be completely impartial in how I handle those issues.
3) I don't have a lot of money, so there would be no question that I "bought" the seat from you.
4) I don't have any rich friends, so they can't buy it for me either.
5) With the exception of my new found realization regarding your in-the-closet capitalism (see post of 12/17/08), you and I do not agree on any political issues, which would preclude any questions about furthering some political goal you have.
6) I'm opinionated and willing to share. Everyone would know exactly where they stood with me.
7) I have absolutely no experience in Government (much like Mrs. Kennedy-Schlossberg), and therefore might be more qualified than one of the current crop of political hacks.
8) "The Blues Brothers" is one of my favorite movies. And I really liked "The Untouchables," too.

So please consider me for the post. I think this could be a real win-win for both of us.

-(Maybe someday Senator) Paul

Shoe Assassin Needs The Boot!

2008-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

The last several days, the MSM has had much fun with the shoe-tossing Iraqi Journalist. They thought it was funny.
What I want to know is...where the hell was the Secret Service? How did this idiot manage to get the second shoe in the air and not get capped? I want to know which Agent was in charge and why he hasn't been fired. Had this happened in the U.S., the "journalist" would be dead now, not begging for a pardon from the Iraqi PM...

Rod Blago - Visionary Capitalist

2008-12-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

Rod Blagoyevich, Governor of Illinois. Indicted and arrested by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald for allegedly plotting to sell the Senate seat formerly held by Messiah-Elect Barack Hussein Obama. Many feel he should go to prison, have his money taken from him, or worse. But I disagree, because I believe that the Blago has done the Nation a great service. I will explain.

In this country, we have markets and exchanges for handling all kinds of high value and high volume items. There is the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and even the Commodities markets made famous in that movie “Trading Places.” Why not an exchange to establish the fair market value for political offices?

An exchange of this type could eliminate the middleman so to speak, buy actually reducing the money needed to achieve state and national office. It could also reduce needless delays from elections. By establishing what the fair market value is for 2 yrs in an Illinois Senate seat at $1.5 million, Blago has done us a great service. As he had not yet bargained for the 5th Congressional District (soon to be vacated by Rahm Emmanuel), we are not as certain of the value it holds.

With several Senate seats being vacated due to Obama's various appointments, the interested parties are now able to determine roughly how much it will cost them to gain access to those offices. If 2 years are worth $1.5 mil, then 4 years should be worth about $3 mil, and a full term $6 mil or more. Doesn't that make it easier?

So please, we salute you Rod Blago-ya-dummy. Being a visionary is not easy, and we understand your pain. I'm sure history will be the judge, and you will be shown to be the Capitalist Hero you are!

Or he could just be an idiot. Its one or the other in my eyes...:D