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Category: political

another political debate

While surfing the television tonight, I decided to stop fiddling with my remote when I reached CSPAN2. I don’t watch CSPAN2 very often, but somehow seeing a fatter, older former Vice President Al Gore caught my attention. Who knows why, but I decided to tune in. I kept watching and suddenly it shifted over to old presidential candidate Bob Dole. Al Gore and Bob Dole in one room? Well, I obviously stayed tuned to see why. Then, a few minutes later, I saw that this lecture was taking place at none other than Southern Methodist University (SMU), the first university I attended!

I transfered from that university after only three semesters for many reasons which I won’t go into. Despite, one of the most cherishable things that I somewhat miss is SMU’s offering to its students of the Tate Lecture Series. This is a regular series of lectures/debates that offers students a personal chance to meet some of the most high profile people such as former presidents, genius scientists, and other high profile people. During my stay at SMU, I went to see David Gergen moderating Bill Bradley and Jack Kemp as well as Barbara Bush and Professor Stephen Hawking. Professor Hawking looked me straight in the eyes as he passed me on his wheelchair. I think I enjoyed his lecture more than the others even though I couldn’t tell you one thing he said to this day. In fact, I don’t remember what any of those people were talking about when I try to sit down and think about it. I have such a bad memory.

Anyway, I was only able to watch the last 30 minutes of the debate, but the arguments made by both people were very well thought out. I was surprised at what Al Gore said at times but it was interesting to hear both of their takes on today’s issues. If you have cable and have CSPAN2, try to see if you can find the lecture because if you’re interested in the issues they offer a good source of information from both sides of the tracks.

For more information on the Bush and Kerry’s views on some of the issues, check out www.issues2000.org. Yes, it’s current.

i’m working

I’m currently in a stretch of days where I am working almost everyday. I have Monday off but other than that, I’m working 14 consecutive and non-consecutive days. It’s a little frustrating because I should have my weekends off but that’ll start in July. Finally!

Something you should read about. Ever heard of the Induce Act? Well, if not, read up. You’re about to be criminalized for downloading music. In fact, this is going to criminalize almost everything in the country in one form or another. We all commit copyright violation. It’s just life. Wanna see proof that even companies like Apple are vulnerable? Have a nice day.

Sources: Lessig Blog, EFF

and so, the sun has set . . .

president ronald reagan

One of the most honorable presidents of our time. Goodbye President Reagan.

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so tired…

This summer is going to kick my butt! Why? I’m finally going to be tested to some limits which I’ve never been tested before. I’m going to be waking up early almost everyday this month with few breaks. This summer is going to be testing my limits financially and physically because of my financial situation. It’s going to be a heck of a ride!

My internship is going great, but I understand how tedious it will be at times. Today for about 7 hours straight, I was listening to music. Non stop. I had to dig into a bin full of unopened CDs and listen to just about every track on the CD to have an idea of what’s out there. Seriously, it wore me down. I was so tired of listening to so many different selections. However, on a positive note, I learned about a bunch of new groups out there and some really cool new songs. I guess the standout for all the songs I listened to was the brand new Ryan Adams CD. My favorite track? His remake of “Wonderwall”. I don’t know why but it was really cool. Not that it was that different from the original by Oasis but it was a nice arrangement. Somewhat reminiscent of Gary Jules’ remake of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears that was featured on the film Donnie Darko.

Since I will be working with music on a regular basis now, I think I’ll share more thoughts on some good tunes for others to listen to. However, I’ll also do this to remind myself because I tend to forget really easily.

Since moving here to my new pad, I am able to watch TV a lot more. I’m now aware of this Iraq situation with the prisoners. As disturbing as it is to find out what’s going on, I’m not really surprised.

I have a few friends who have been through the Army and Navy. I’ve heard only a few stories of uniformity and obedience to their superiors. If you aren’t an officer and you are told to do something, you do it. That’s just the way it is as I understand it.

With this said, I believe that Americans will learn more responsibility of these acts should be held accountable to the leaders of these military groups. As Lt. Gen. Lance Smith stated, the mistreatment resulted from a

failure of leadership from the brigade commander on down, a lack of discipline, no training whatsoever and no supervision.

Yet, I think it’s more than that and I have wonders about how high up this punishment should really affect. The sad thing is that there are leaders who are only there to be butt kissed and probably won’t be caught.

8-bit Mario Matrix

I am so addicted to this world wide web! Everytime few months and increasingly faster, there seems to be some awesome multimedia appearing from the underground. This comes from the fact that more and more people have too much time on their hands. Well, God Bless those people!

I have found a wonderful little 10 minute video called Super Mario Reloaded thanks to finding toomuchsexy.blog. If you’re a fan of the Matrix trilogy, you’ll probably enjoy this. However, if you grew up playing Super Mario Brothers, you’ll appreciate this that much more.

The unfortunate thing about this little fun parody of The Matrix is that it will probably be shut down because of the copyright law. Oh how I hope that Professor Lawrence Lessig can accomplish his quest to change the copyright laws.

protect your privacy

I don’t really care about the primaries. I don’t care about the people running. I’ve not heard a word about any of these people involved that has impressed me. But, I have heard and read some extremely disturbing news about Howard Dean.

case dismissed

How much did it cost to get dismissed from a $205 parking ticket?

$7.62 – developed film of parking space
$77 – missed hours of work times wage that I could have earned in the meantime
$78.00 – trips to and from downtown (cost according to AAA)
$3.00 – trips to Wal-mart to develop film (cost according to AAA)
(and 3 hours of my time talking to judge/peace officer)

*equals*

$165.62

or according to IRS:

$7.62 – developed film of parking space
$77 – missed hours of work times wage that I could have earned in the meantime
$2.16 – trips to Wal-mart to develop film (cost according to IRS)
$56.16 – trips to and from downtown (cost according to IRS)
(and 3 hours of my time talking to judge/peace officer)

*equals*

$145.94

What do according to IRS or AAA mean? Well, the IRS normally reimburses about $.36/mile for car travel expenses to businesses. This includes gas, insurance, future maintenance, etc. AAA ups this to about $.50/mile.

What did I gain from this? Well, I now know approximately how much it costs to get a ticket dismissed. This one was worth it being that I would have had to fork over $205 that I don’t have. The judge or whatever they call her said that because I brought photos of the side of the actual road where I was illegally parked she would dismiss the ticket. There are obviously some people who have tried to pull a fast one on her and because I was honest she recognized that I wasn’t trying to play games. I’m not admitting that I’m innocent; I’m admitting that I did not see the handicapped sign. And there were many legitimate reasons why I didn’t see the sign.

Does this mean that you shouldn’t bother if your ticket only costs $15 or so? Not necessarily. I had to make two separate trips to see this judge because she wanted evidence. I also had to go to the parking spot to photograph that evidence. I took a total of 29 pictures and gave about 20 of them to the judge for her to look for herself. After amounting extremely good evidence, she was more tolerable and persuasive. If you are absolutely going to lose the case, go plead for a reduction in the amount of the ticket. Many times they will help you out in some form. And it’s always fun to take on the law when you know you have a solid case.

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Do you know

Tommy Franks? He is the commander of American forces in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He appeared on Late Night with David Letterman tonight to talk about himself and the war.

I have never actually seen him talk for an extensive amount of time but he did a great job on the show. I wonder if he will eventually run for a higher office? His defenses of the wars in the Middle East were very well said.

David Letterman – What are the chances that we don’t find WMD in Iraq?

Tommy Franks – There was so much evidence found in people’s yards and around the country that it will only be time before we uncover something, enough to prove that Iraq was a imminent threat to the safety and peace of the United States.

DL – What if we don’t end up finding WMD after our searches? Would there be enough reason for us to have gone over there?

TF – Well, if the ruler in a country of about 26 million people kept saying things such as “The United States will be destroyed” or “The United States will understand the wrath of their misdoings” or “The United States will not live for much longer”, would it not be right to defend ourselves? The Iraqi ruler kept threatening our honor. With these kinds of threats for the past 11 years, it is our duty to take this guy out.

These are not exact quotes but rather interpretations that I regurgitate from what I saw. Obviously, he said these things with much more poise and logic. His conviction about the wars, his defense of the military’s actions were impressive. If he decided to lead this country in another position, he will probably have my vote.

why the copyright laws need reform

I have spent time in classes about the business of the music industry and I find how so easily I can reason and understand what this article says. I hope you find it enlightening in some way. Thanks Jonathan!

Hey Mickey, you’re so fine

case for war

Although I’m not a political person, I just want to direct you to a web page that has a great point. So many people out there are totally against war. Many others are for war. But there also seems to be a lot of us who are for peace but not against war. How can that be? I think it’s best expressed here.