It's time again!

This week's New Blog Showcase Carnival is up!

And the always wonderful Tarheel Tavern has been posted!

Posted by: Ogre at 03:54 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 30 words, total size 1 kb.

Oh, I bet Syria is absolutely terrified. Did you hear? The United Nations is REALLY serious this time. They've gone and done it. They're really getting ready. The UN has gone all the way on this one. They mean it. Really.

What did they do? They passed a resolution.

Oh, but they're not kidding this time! The resolution DEMANDED that Syria fully cooperate with the UN in investigating the Syrian Assassination death of Lebanon's former prime minister.

Oh, and if Syria doesn't cooperate? The infamous "further action."

The U.N. is really an absolutely useless organization -- and it's even more useless when the United States pretends to play along. It is long past time for the U.N. to follow the well-paved road of the League of Nations. And it starts with the U.S. just getting the heck out.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:19 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 142 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Politics is difficult when it involves just one culture. More than one culture and failure is immenent (ie. ex-jugoslavia). Politics involving all culutres is a license to steal, commit really bad things, and give politicians a job when they could not get one elsewhere.

Posted by: David Anderson at November 01, 2005 05:58 AM (viRxg)

2 From what I've observed in the last decade, ALL politics is a license to steal, commit really bad things, and give politicians jobs.

Posted by: Ogre at November 01, 2005 06:32 AM (/k+l4)

3 This quote was recently published due to the uproar over the illegal pay raises the PA legislature voted themselves at 2 AM. I thought it applied to this piece too. And then there was Boise Penrose, the legendary -- and, yes, often unsavory -- Republican U.S. senator of Pennsylvania, whose words long ago nailed squarely on the head the composition of the current state Legislature. His sentiments were recounted in the Feb. 14, 1931, edition of Colliers Weekly: "In politics we must choose between the strong man whose real interests are elsewhere and who will leave office the moment bigger opportunity beckons, and the weakling who will cling because he can't hold a job anywhere else. "Public office is the last refuge of the incompetent."

Posted by: Tomslick at November 01, 2005 08:32 AM (xNjHI)

4 Nice. I might have to add "and thieves."

Posted by: Ogre at November 01, 2005 08:56 AM (/k+l4)

5 The exact phrase is "Expresses its intention to consider further measures": http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=19630 So. Pathetic.

Posted by: Harvey at November 02, 2005 10:58 AM (ubhj8)

6 Sorry, that's right -- they're not actually threatening further action, they're threatening to CONSIDER further action. Scary, huh?

Posted by: Ogre at November 02, 2005 11:22 AM (/k+l4)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

A couple weeks ago, the US government arrested 36 illegals who were breaking various laws, including immigration and employment laws. They were working for a government contractor company and were from numerous countries: Congo, the Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, and Togo.

These 36 were "placed into removal proceedings." So they might be deported, but they might not. I can't find the details on these individuals, but usually they are released while awaiting their trials. Many never show back up again, of course.

I have waited a couple weeks to see what might happen to Cree, Inc., the company at which these illegals were working. So far, it's absolutely nothing. North Carolina does have laws against hiring illegals. Companies are supposed to be punished.

I'm waiting, Attorney General/Candidate for Governor Roy Cooper. When will you do your job?

__________________________

This has been a production of the Guard the Borders Blogburst, posted every Monday at Euphoric Reality. GTB seeks to raise awareness about the illegal immigration issue. If you would like to join the blogburst, send an email with your blog's name and URL to kit.jarrell at gmail dot com.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:05 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 204 words, total size 1 kb.

Elected Government Official:

Convicted of lying to a grand jury. His response: nothing. His punishment: zero.

Non-elected Government Official:

Suspected/accused of lying to a grand jury. His response: quickly resign. His punishment: pilloried in the press before even being convicted; loss of job; likely end of a career.

Why the difference?

Because the elected government official was a Democrat and a close friend of the press, while the non-elected official was a Republican, hated by the press.

So, what have the Republicans learned from the Scooter affair? Likely nothing, but they should learn just to never talk to the press. Ever. Republicans, the press is NOT your friend. No matter how nice they are, keep in mind that they really do hate you -- because you are Republican.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:03 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 134 words, total size 1 kb.

Last week I mentioned that Governor Easley was making a blatant attempt to buy the votes of teachers in North Carolina by giving them cash. There was to be no improvement in education, no incentive to do anything better, just free cash for votes.

After that announcement, Senate Majority leader Tony Rand admitted that the cash was clearly only for buying votes:

It will be important ... who gets elected to the General Assembly

This is just another reason to get education out of the hands of the government and into the private sector. If government didn't have a monopoly on education, this wouldn't be possible. If you think there's too much money in government, this is just one of the many examples that show why there is.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:55 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 168 words, total size 1 kb.

Sick as a dog today, that's why posting is pretty much non-existent.

"Sick as a dog?" What's the deal with that? Is that a good or bad thing? I mean, I've seen plenty of dogs that are perfectly healthy. So if I claim I'm "sick as a dog," does that mean I'm really healthy? Or does this saying only apply to actual, sick dogs? If it does, shouldn't it be "Sick as a sick dog?" But then that would be rather pointless, wouldn't it?

I guess that's better than "sick as crap." I don't even want to think about that one -- but then "crap," just like the dog, isn't necessarily sick. I mean sure, it might be sick to look at, but it could be perfectly normal and healthy crap...

I'm going to go before my exploding head makes me tip over. Again.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:12 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 146 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Get better... and remember what I told you about drinking on a work night...

Posted by: Contagion at October 28, 2005 02:34 PM (Q5WxB)

2 Feel better friend!

Posted by: oddybobo at October 28, 2005 03:11 PM (6Gm0j)

3 Hang in there, Ogre. Hope you feel better. Dog? Crap? I prefer: "Sick as a parent with school-age kids." Seems to *achoo!* fit perfectly **SNNNOOORT** with my *caugh!* life right now, indeed for the last 6 years... 8-}

Posted by: The MaryHunter at October 29, 2005 08:55 AM (SRaIZ)

4 Get well soon! Hope you don't have a flu virus.

Posted by: Always On Watch at October 29, 2005 10:04 PM (M7kiy)

5 Get better, Ogre. I hear drinking blended puppies and Hobo soup works wonders.

Posted by: William Teach at October 30, 2005 08:31 AM (eSZb/)

6 Hey, Ogre - so sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Did you heat the bathwater before you took your once-every-5-years-bath? It may have helped, but I understand the trauma of a bath for an Ogre may have overcome your natural resiliance. Perhaps if you found a few moonbats to slay and gnaw on you might feel better? Many hugz to my blog-bro, and hope you're feeling better real soon! -- R'cat CatHouse Chat

Posted by: Romeocat at October 30, 2005 04:46 PM (k1vkj)

7 "Sick as a parent with school-age kids?" Indeed, appropriate. Of course, that's just yet another argument AGAINST government education, isn't it? Thanks, everyone, for the kind words. Sleep and alcohol continue to be the best cure I can find! And you know, C'Rat, perhaps if these baths keep causing sickness, I'll just avoid those damn things...

Posted by: Ogre at October 30, 2005 08:16 PM (7PCNv)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Colmes, of Fox News, had an interview with failed candidate John Kerry. Again, I know some of my good readers just don't have the time to watch or read the transcripts, so the staff here at Ogre's Politics and Views has read the transcript and prepared a translation for those who don't speak Washingtontonian. more...

Posted by: Ogre at 01:07 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 543 words, total size 3 kb.

Want the real news about what's really happening with the U.S. Military without having the formerly mainstream liberal media spin on things? Head on over to the US Central Command Web Site. And you can sign up for their email news bulletins, too.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:04 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 49 words, total size 1 kb.

Tell me again why I should send children to government-run (public) schools?

Questions of safety, crowding and public confidence in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools resurfaced Thursday after lunchtime fights at North Mecklenburg High turned into chaos.

Seven students were sent to hospitals, 15 were arrested, and police shot two with Taser guns. The remaining students at the state's largest high school were sent home as a precaution.

You see, according to the Observer, if we just pass the school bonds next month, then there won't be overcrowding and these sorts of things just won't happen. There's at least 4 other places in the article that they mention "overcrowding."

Of course, that's all a complete and total intentional lie.

First, there is plenty of school building space right now. However, the school board, primarily to get more funding, but also to show their displeasure with anyone who DARES to live in the suburbs, intentionally overfills schools. For every thousand students too many in one suburban school, there are about 1,100 EMPTY seats in urban schools. That is absolutely intentional.

Second, it's a complete lie that more school bonds will lead to more schools for the suburbs. The school board has said again and again that they want to spend MORE money on the inner-city schools -- the ones that are at 50% or less capacity.

And don't worry -- those involved in the brawl will likely be suspended -- at least for a day. They'll be back soon, however, because the school board refuses to allow anyone, even convicted felonious sex offenders, the "opportunity" to attend the government school.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:03 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 313 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Even in the mid-1970's, when I was teaching in the supposedly-elite and supposedly-excellent Fairfax County Public Schools, we were having to deal with knife fights in the halls. The administration forbade us to tell about the events. If news such as you're pointing out here is getting out to the public now, I submit that matters are so bad as to be beyond belief. According to recent articles here, every single high school in Fairfax County has gang presence. All the counseling and money in the world won't fix problems of character--character on the part of students, parents, and teachers. And, mostly, the administrators are just serving out their time and waiting for retirement. I left the public-school system in 1978 and never looked back! I took a terrible hit in the pocketbook, but I went into private Christian education, where I stayed for 18 years. When PC struck the Christian schools in my area, I again bowed out (I needed to caregive my dying father, anyway). The Lord opened the door--I now teach groups of homeschoolers. Again, another paycheck hit, but I haven't compromised my principles. PS: Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm still without a car today, but wanted to take time to visit here. I'll come by more regularly once my schedule straightens out.

Posted by: Always On Watch at October 28, 2005 07:18 AM (ywZa8)

2 It's getting harder and harder to avoid the government and all the problems it causes. I don't know what it will take to get people to understand that not everyone belongs in a public school. I don't think the government ever will -- and that's one of the primary reasons that government should not even be involved in education at all. I'm glad to hear that things have really worked out for you! And I'll bet teaching homeschoolers is loads of fun. I'd like to do that, but I can't take the paycheck hit that would happen -- I'm teaching now, but in a private school where I can really do what I want. If students don't behave -- even if they're just disrepectful -- they're out the door, no questions asked.

Posted by: Ogre at October 28, 2005 07:37 AM (/k+l4)

3 Well, tasering the students is a good start.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at October 28, 2005 08:11 AM (QriEg)

4 Yeah, but they only tasered two of them...

Posted by: Ogre at October 28, 2005 08:58 AM (/k+l4)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Can someone please explain to me what in the world is taking so damn long? I don't see why there's not another name already in place. I mean, let's go already! You know Bush has to have a list of people, and he's probably got them ranked.

If I were Bush (and maybe this is why I'm not president), I'd have announced both at the same time:

Today I am saddened by the withdrawal of Mier's name from the nomination process. However, we need a supreme court that has all it's members. Therefore, today I submit xxxxx for the Senate's consideration.

Yes, I know that the Democrats in the Senate will at least attempt to block anyone and everyone that Bush submits, bar none. Just for fun, Bush should nominate Bork (Teach's idea)!

Come on, Bush, get off your rear and LEAD already!

Posted by: Ogre at 07:02 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 164 words, total size 1 kb.

Know what we just don't see enough of these days? Llamas. I think this might be why:

Posted by: Ogre at 05:37 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 19 words, total size 1 kb.

1 that and because you (and a few others) seem to have the lock on all the llamas for your nefarious purposes!

Posted by: oddybobo at October 27, 2005 05:45 PM (6Gm0j)

2 And you can't have ANY of them!

Posted by: Ogre at October 27, 2005 05:51 PM (/k+l4)

3 Are you sure that doesn't say Ogre's spit?

Posted by: VW Bug at October 27, 2005 09:36 PM (9PYn2)

4 Lemme check again... Yup, nothing about Ogres there!

Posted by: Ogre at October 28, 2005 07:28 AM (/k+l4)

5 Seems that Ogre is now standing beside the sign.

Posted by: vw bug at October 28, 2005 11:57 AM (9PYn2)

6 I got nailed by a llama once: We've a garden center nearby that has some llamas that you can feed. My now-6 yo daughter, who was 2 at the time, witnessed the spitting event and was traumatized... to the point that she laughs hillariously even now whenever I wear the same shirt that got spat on. No respect, I tell ya.

Posted by: The MaryHunter at October 29, 2005 09:00 AM (SRaIZ)

7 Nailed by a llama. Good thing this is a PG-rated site or people might wonder about you, MaryHunter...

Posted by: Ogre at October 30, 2005 08:21 PM (7PCNv)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Eric of Eric Grumbles Before the Grave is dying for links. He wants to grow thumbs so he can evolve past the "Large Mammal" stage.

Now I've already got him linked in two or three different places (at least) in my blogroll, but here comes another link.

He's got some good stuff to read there, too, so if you feel inclined to giving a (an intelligent designed) hand to his evolution, send him a link!

Posted by: Ogre at 04:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 83 words, total size 1 kb.

This week there is a special entry for the Stop the ACLU Blogburst -- an interview with the president of the Alliance Defense Fund, Alan Sears (not to be confused with the struggling department store Sears). Read it (in the extended entry) and find out about the Alliance Defense Fund and what they're all about. more...

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 2109 words, total size 14 kb.

It is ironic that our founding fathers wanted to free ourselves from European Imperialism but modern constitutional scholars believe that we are in fact subject to their whims...

Posted by: Ogre at 11:02 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 36 words, total size 1 kb.

Wow. Did I call this one right on, or what? Back on 10/19 I posted here and here:

Instead, I think Miers will come up with a “personal issue,” or give some other reason to withdraw her own nomination.

I am concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and our staff and is not in the best interest of the country...[because]... I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:24 AM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
Post contains 106 words, total size 1 kb.

Want to see if sex offenders live near you (and your kids)? Check out this map. Sorry, North Carolina readers, North Carolina is not yet mapped (but 37 states are and NC is on the list to be added soon).

(Hat Tip to And Rightly So).

Posted by: Ogre at 10:06 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 52 words, total size 1 kb.

Gubn'r Easley, of North Carolina, announced that "he" will give all North Carolina teachers $750. His gift will cost taxpayers $450 million. And since the North Carolina legislature is the one who determines spending, it's not quite clear HOW he can give them that money.

He gives them this money in an attempt to buy their votes. Statements by Easley's office make it unclear whether he is trying to buy the votes of teachers for himself, with aspirations towards a higher political office (US Senator?); for gubernatorial candidate Roy Cooper (200 , current state DA and candidate; or for Democrats in general.

What was clear is that this cash bribery attempt has nothing to do with teaching, education, or child learning. Easley says he wants to raise ALL teachers' salaries, currently at an average of over $60,000 per year, even if the individual teachers do nothing at work -- the important thing is to give them more money so they will continue to vote Democrat.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:09 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 174 words, total size 1 kb.

It seems the bureaucrats in North Carolina have a solution to the growing crime problems in North Carolina: let more prisoners free.

What's that? There's no crime in North Carolina? Well, I'm sure if you listen to the city of Charlotte or any other currently elected politician, city boosters, or chamber of commerce, that's what you'll hear. However:

Violent Crime Rate, National, 2004: 465.5, down 2.2%
Murder Rate, National, 2004: 5.5, down 3.5%
Forcible Rape Rate, National, 2004: 32.2, down 0.2%
Robbery Rate, National, 2004: 136.7, down 4.1%
Aggravated Assault Rate, National, 2004: 291.1, down 1.5%
Property Crime Rate, National, 2004: 3517.1, down 2.1%

Violent Crime Rate, NC, 2004: 447.8, down 1.4%
Murder Rate, NC, 2004: 6.2, UP 3.7%
Forcible Rape Rate, NC, 2004: 27.4, UP 7.8%
Robbery Rate, NC, 2004: 137.9, down 5.0%
Aggravated Assault Rate, NC, 2004: 276.2, down 0.5%
Property Crime Rate, NC, 2004: 4160.2, down 2.6%

Take your time and analyze those numbers (from the FBI statistics).

Note the actual rate numbers. In four of those categories, North Carolina is doing worse than the national average -- in two, North Carolina is actually INCREASING in the crime rate while the national average is down!

In addition, in 3 out of 6 of the categories, North Carolina actually has a rate higher than the national average. So in order to keep this trend going, the Department of Parole is going to let MORE violent repeat offender criminals out on the street.

Why can't government do one of the very FEW things it is actually supposed to do? They're SUPPOSED to protect us from criminals, but they're too busy wasting our money, raising taxes, and starting a gambling business. Thank you, North Carolina Democrats.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:07 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 292 words, total size 2 kb.

Oh, I need one of these. Actually, I just want the controller -- I can think of a lot of people that could be aided by wearing the headset while I had the controller...

Posted by: Ogre at 04:06 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 40 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Weren't you working on a plan to reenlist? What's up with that?

Posted by: Jape at October 26, 2005 05:26 PM (jeXxM)

2 I was told to wait -- they'll call me... ???

Posted by: Ogre at October 26, 2005 05:59 PM (iJFc9)

3 No thank you. Not interested. I can barely control myself from walking into walls, I don't need anyone else to assist me.

Posted by: vw bug at October 26, 2005 08:33 PM (YDxO1)

4 Ah yes, if they would only do as I command, all would be well! Just wanted you to know, I come here often and I really enjoy reading what you write and I love the format. Good job!

Posted by: Patty-Jo at October 27, 2005 03:50 AM (tIPJZ)

5 See, VW, this would be perfect for you! We (that's the Royal "we" with the controllers) would make sure you didn't walk into walls! Really we would, trust Us! And thanks, Patty-Jo! But beware -- the format may change any time...I've been working on a new layout now for months and months, and I've finally found some time to work on the final adjustments...

Posted by: Ogre at October 27, 2005 05:41 AM (iJFc9)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

All the wrangling and fighting in the US Congress can now end! The budget problems are over! You see, the state of Louisiana, the one who wanted tens of billions of dollars in federal money, apparently just doesn't need the money any more, so Congress can just stop sending truckloads of cash to them!

Louisiana Libertarian outlines all the things that the state is currently spending money on, removing all thoughts that the state actually needs federal help.

For example, the state is spending $200,000 on a "recreation area at the Pearl River Canal;" another $50,000 on another recreation area in Kentwood, LA; $190,000 building a basketball gym in New Orleans; $200,000 on a "multi-cultural center" in Tensas; $400,000 on a Film Theater in Caddo; and tons more!

Head on over and read about all the things that LA is wasting money upon -- there's clearly NO need for any federal aid, so the feds should immediately stop all funding and reject the Governor's declaration of LA as a disaster area.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 177 words, total size 1 kb.