usonia

Personally, I don't like the ruling but I'm not a constitutional scholar so what do I know? However, I've been thinking about this a lot even before this case came along and I think there is a very simple way around it that to me at least, seems like it would easily pass constitutional muster. The basic idea isn't mine but I don't remember where I read it so I can't give credit where it is due. Any person running for public office may only accept political contributions from the people or organizations living or based in the area they will be representing. For example, why should a corporation based in California be allowed to contribute money to a senatorial campaign in New York? Or, why should anyone living in New York City be allowed to contribute money to the campaign for the mayor of the city of Buffalo, New York? The only office that would not really be unaffected is president since that person represents the entire country. Of course this will never happen because the entire political system has been rigged by both parties to their own advantage making it nearly impossible for any other party to emerge. I also think that a 'None of the Above' option should be a mandatory choice in any race for public office.

Yep, I saw it the weekend after it was released. I went to an IMAX 3D showing but that was a plus and not necessary. Visually, it really is amazing. The basic plot of the story is OK but predictable. However, I still enjoyed it more than I thought I would and I'd definitely recommend it. Go see the 3D version if possible. I can't imagine the 2D version would be as visually interesting.

I guess the best thing that has happened to me lately is that nothing bad has happened. I'm working. I'm healthy. I have a place to call home. I'm not scavenging for food. I'm not dodging bombs and bullets. My life isn't perfection by any means, but all things considered, I don't have anything to complain about.

Well, I just finished up one of the most relaxing, most enjoyable Thanksgivings I've ever had. I had just a few friends over for dinner. It was great. I made everything; cranberry sauce, turkey, stuffing, sweet potato cassarole, mashed potatoes, gravy and southern style green beans. I even made bread for the first time in my life and it all actually came out really well. The only thing I didn't make (I bought it) was the pumpking pie because I ran out of time. I'm almost amazed it all came out so well and I actually made it. The best part was that it was so relaxing. There was no family drama and very little stress. Everybody knew I was doing some stuff for the first time and they were all very supportive. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but when we all get together it can be crazy. This was so much better. I hope everyone had as nice a time as I did.

I hope whoever it was that shot the video helped the littley guy out of there.

As soon as I come up with a good comeback, I'll post it..but..um, well, don't spend much time waiting for it....

Since this is Halloween month, how about a horror sighting? A new Lexus GX470 with fake portholes on the fenders. Now that was bad enough in and of itself, but the idiot only put 3 on each side even though it's a V8.

Absolutely, happy Independence Day to everyone! Sadly, the biggest threat to this country is from its own population. We are like children. If we don't soon realize that not everything we want is necessarily good for us and that everything has a cost, it's all over.

I went to see the IMAX version this afternoon. I liked it a lot, but if you do go to the IMAX version, sit in the back. I was in the middle of the theater and it was way too close. Everything is so big it's visually overwhelming and I feel like I missed seeing details I would like to have seen. But it is definitely worth seeing as a summer fun film.

I love pulled pork and I don't have a true smoker, but I make do with my trusty Webber kettle grill. It's tough to keep the heat low and the smoke going for the number of hours required to do the complete job in the grill. So, I found a recipe that goes something like this: 1, Put a rub on the meat for several hours or over night. 2. Get a small amount of charcoal burning in a pile on one side of the grill and add some wood chunks that have been soaked in water. 3. Put the meat on the grill on the side opposite of where the charcoal is located, cover and let smoke for about two hours. 4. Wrap the meat up in foil and put in a low oven for about 3 hours to completely cook the meat. 5. Take out and let cool to where you can pull it apart. Yeah, it's a compromise method, but it's easy and it tastes great.

With China's population problem, they'll probably start a government program to encourage it!

Hey, leggo my ego!

There is nothing I can say other than I know how you feel. It's just not right.

Human or marshmallow?

Pictures can be misleading so my opinion may change when I get to see the real deal. However based on the photos, if all the GMC badges were removed I would have guessed it was a product of one of the Asian companies. It's that unattractive and bizzare looking. The rear is the least offensive part. The front is just too much and way over done. On the sides, they made the same mistake they made with the Sierra/Silverado. They give it these busy fender flare-things front and back and the middle of the vehicle is smooth as a bar of soap. There is nothing coherent in the design of this thing. Sad, just sad. The other thing I just noticed is the interior lighting. Is GMC taking over the red dash lighting in the event that Pontiac goes away?

I was hoping I'd get to grill this weekend for the first time since last fall, but the weather was totally crappy with rain mixed with snow. I guess it will have to wait. I just love the first bbq of the season.

If you are interested enough, read the opinion the justices wrote. It's only 6 pages long and is pretty easy reading. It explains why they came to the conclusion they did from every angle and argument. I thought their logic was perfect. I don't understand how any state's constitution that has the concept of equal protection in it, can then turn around and exclude a segment of the population in granting rights.

I think I'm a space alien.

I guess I'll be the voice of dissent. I never read Watchmen but I knew the basic plot going into the movie. It didn't seem like that interesting of a story but I was really looking forward to seeing it based on what I had read and the previews. It was long and it felt like it too which is never a good thing when you see a movie. I won't give anything away, but to me it was a lot of nothing. There were a couple of semi-interesting parts, but overall it seemed like it didn't know what it wanted to be. It tried to be serious, but the gory parts were over the top silly and I never bought the idea that these 'retired' heros could beat the crap out of a gang of thugs on the spur of the moment when it looked like some of them hadn't seen a gym in ages. Plus, for people who supposedly had no super powers (except for Dr. Manhattan), they sure seemed to be able to do some super human stuff at times. Bottom line, it was just too goofy for me.

This was really interesting. I've never seen that BMW model with the covered headlights. The car in the Bavarian Cream ad is especially sharp!

...Love when you can Cry when you have to... Be who you must That’s a part of the plan Await your arrival With simple survival And one day we’ll all understand... "Part of the Plan" - Dan Fogelberg

"Is there really that much of a real difference to the consumer between a midsized Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonota, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord..." No, of these, they're all equally ugly!!

It would have to be Chrysler or Ford because I don't buy a foreign. If the world ends and Ford and Chrysler are gone too, then I guess I become Amish and get a horse. But seriously, I don't see GM going away completely. They will probably go through bankruptcy but they will emerge again and still be around in a smaller form.

Well, I'm certainly no expert but it sounds like you should stay with white wines. In general, they tend to be "milder" than the reds. Keep in mind that the drier it is, the less sweet it will be. One good choice would be a reisling which is my personal favorite. Some chardonnays can be good but I would look for an un-oaked version. Typically chadonnays are aged in oak barrels and I personally don't care much for that oaky taste in a white wine. Pinot Grigio could be a good choice. I'm not much of a fan of the white or pink zinfandels, but again, that will be your personal taste. Seyval blanc is another you might like. There is so many kinds and such variation with categories that you might really like one winery's reisling and hate another. I'd recommend going to a local wine store and if you're lucky, someone there will be truly knowledgeable. With some input from you, they can point you to some good choices from the various categories. If you are just starting out with wine, get some good stuff. My first experience with wine was some real cheapo stuff and I never touched it again for years. Now I truly enjoy whites and reds. Keep in mind that 'good' doesn't always mean expensive.

Then I'm officially impressed.