February 14, 2006

On Counting Car Crashes

Harvey was wondering how many car crashes there really were in the Blues Brothers movie. While I can recite most of the movie lines from memory, I know the answer to the question is "a lot."

Mr. Google doesn't appear to have a definitive answer, so I'm thinking I need to sit down with the remote and starting counting -- but I'm not entirely sure how to count. I don't want to attempt to count the number of cars crashed, but the number of times one car crashes into another on the film (which will be a much larger number).

But what counts as a "crash?" In one scene, the state trooper cars are piling on top of one another. When the top car hits the pile, does it only count for each car it individually hits? Or should a car that lands on top of 2 other cars count as two crashes?

What about when a car flies through the air, hits one car, then rolls onto 2 more cars? Is that 1 or 3 crashes? Gee, this is going to be harder than I thought...

Posted by: Ogre at 08:06 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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Another Quiz

Grabbed from Ktreva:

You scored as trombone. Trombone.
This just means you dont fit anywhere else.

trombone

100%

String Bass

83%

Oboe

67%

Flute

67%

Percussion

67%

Violin

67%

French Horn

67%

Tuba

67%

Viola

67%

Clarinet

50%

Bassoon

50%

Cello

8%

Trumpet

0%

If you were in an orchestra, what instrument would match your personality?
created with QuizFarm.com

Great.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:07 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Carnivals

Hey, did you know that the Tarheel Tavern has been posted? Well, it has -- over at Captivated by Mandie. Go take a peek -- it's got a neat layout this week!

And another excellent layout for Valentine's Day can be found at the Carnival of Liberty. GREAT stuff there, as always.

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Saint Valentine's Day

Happy Saint Valentine's Day!

Now who the heck IS Saint Valentine? There's a few ideas, according to The History Channel:

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

That's appropriately romantic, isn't it? But maybe it was this guy:
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww.

Then again, it could be from an ancient ceremony where men soaked strips of goat skin in blood and slapped women with it (really!). I guess that's not romantic enough...

And something weird? 85% of all Valentines are purchased by women. I guess all the men are busy buying up all the flowers that can be grown...

Posted by: Ogre at 03:03 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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No Free Speech in America

First, we're told that multiculturalism does NOT allow southern heritage -- only approved cultures, like Islam and Black History, but no whites allowed in government schools.

At the same time, anti freedom lawmakers are considering banning free speech at certain times and places (funerals). Nope, sorry, that's just wrong. Instead, fight stupidity with more freedom, not less.

Government CANNOT fix problems! It certainly cannot fix any problems related to freedom and rights -- it can only take those away and reduce them. Government GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Posted by: Ogre at 01:05 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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Jim Black's Hypocrisy

Jim Black, self-anointed king of the state of North Carolina, and Speaker of the House, supported as completely and totally above the law by other state Democrats, really shows how invincible he believes he is. And it's likely he will get away with whatever he wants, as the only ones in place that could stop him completely and totally support him.

In this case, he really goes beyond the edge of sanity. Last year, after receiving large piles of cash from optometrists (he is also an optometrist), he slipped a law in that would require all government school students to have an eye exam from an optometrist before they would be permitted to enter the schools. That exam would cost from $100-150.

After outrage from numerous people, Black has agree to "modify" the law. How? By giving kids a grace period to get the exam -- they would still be required to have the exam or they'd be not allowed in school (and of course, if your child doesn't go to school, you will go to jail and they will take your child from you -- seriously).

And now, Black, instead of removing the law that pads his and his pal's pockets with forced cash, he's supposedly creating a "private foundation" to pay for the exams! Keep in mind that Black has a personal checkbook on an account funded by the taxpayers!

So, Black wants more money. He passes a law the absolutely requires citizens to pay him, personally, cash. When he's called on it, he uses taxpayer money from his personal account to start a "foundation" (that's sure to be further funded by the government) to put the money in his account.

And yet the Democrats (most of them) and the press in Charlotte (the Observer) simply cannot admit that he has done a single thing wrong.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:02 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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February 13, 2006

New, Sexist Olympic Events

Ok, some commenters here (Stevin, Trench) have suggested a few new sports for the Olympics. So...do you like their suggestions, or do you have some others?

  • Topless women's hockey
  • Lingerie Luge
  • Crotchless Cross-Country Skiing

Please email all complaints to someone OTHER than me for these suggestions...

Posted by: Ogre at 08:05 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
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New Blog Showcase Carnival

The New Carnival is here! The New Carnival is here!

Yay!

Welcome to the sort-of anniversary edition of the New Blog Showcase Carnival (or New Blog Carnival Showcase, if you prefer)!

First, a brief history -- the New Blog Showcase Carnival (or New Blog Carnival Showcase, if you prefer) was started a long time ago. When? I don't know. It was before this here blog was born, that's for sure.

It was initially started by the well-known NZ Bear. At some point in time, NZ Bear became too busy to keep the carnivals going, so Simon took it over. That was about Feb 14th, 2005.

Simon kept the carnival going until around June of 2005, then realized he couldn't do the carnival justice. Since that time, yours truly has been keeping the carnival going, including a cool new design to the main Showcase site (to make it even more carnival-like!)

The New Blog Showcase Carnival (or New Blog Carnival Showcase, if you prefer) is designed to highlight new blogs. That's pretty much it. Feel free to head over to that main page and read all about the carnival.

Perhaps you can remember some time in the past when you started your blog. Perhaps you remember making your first post and wondering why the entire internet was not in awe, reading your blog, and writing comments that proclaimed your greatness. And then, perhaps you can remember it was because not only was no one reading your blog, no one even knew about it!

The New Blog Showcase Carnival (or New Blog Carnival Showcase, if you prefer) hopes to alleviate those painful days. Each week the carnival showcases blogs that are new (less than 3 months old). Then, the carnival is promoted far and wide (you DO promote it, right?) so the new blogs can get exposure.

So, if you're a new blog, be sure and read about how to submit your blog (over on the main page). If you KNOW a new blog, be sure to get it submitted as well (anyone can submit a new blog). And if you're NOT a new blog, then each week you should check the main page and visit the new blogs. It only takes a minute and you might find a really great blog to start reading every week.

So, without further discussion, this week's New Blog Showcase Carnival (or New Blog Carnival Showcase, if you prefer):

Living the Scientific Life.

Well, that's it! No, really, no other new blogs were submitted this week.

Therefore, you have NO EXCUSE not to quickly head on over there and visit. If nothing else, you can go waste some time Playing Geography games!

And another entry: Big Heads, Little Helmets, and Plagiocephaly from Mom.

(This carnival also linked to The Ubercarnival).

Posted by: Ogre at 06:05 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Guard Our Borders

By Darnell McGavock at Independent Conservative

Contrary to popular belief, most illegals coming to the USA already had jobs in the country that they left. Also, they are seeking much higher paying jobs than some might believe. Their days of trying to just pick fruit are over!

Here are some details, although it is best to read this entire article:
more...

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The Little Red Hen -- expanded

One day as the Little Red Hen was scratching in a field, she found a grain of wheat.

"This wheat should be planted," she said. "Who will plant this grain of wheat?"

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Not I," said the Cat.

"Not I," said the Dog.

"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

Soon the wheat grew to be tall and yellow.

"The wheat is ripe," said the Little Red Hen. "Who will cut the wheat?"

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Not I," said the Cat.

"Not I," said the Dog.

"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

When the wheat was cut, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will thresh the wheat?"

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Not I," said the Cat.

"Not I," said the Dog.

"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

When the wheat was threshed, the Little Red Hen said, "Who will take this wheat to the mill?"

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Not I," said the Cat.

"Not I," said the Dog.

"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

She took the wheat to the mill and had it ground into flour. Then she said, "Who will make this flour into bread?"

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Not I," said the Cat.

"Not I," said the Dog.

"Then I will," said the Little Red Hen. And she did.

She made and baked the bread. Then she said, "Who will eat this bread?"

"Oh! I will," said the Duck.

"And I will," said the Cat.

"And I will," said the Dog.

"No, No!" said the Little Red Hen. "I will do that." And she did.

And then the Duck, the Cat, and the Dog screamed about the unfairness of the system. The Duck cried that it was unfair that the Little Red Hen got all the breaks in life. The Cat whined that the original grain of wheat belonged to all people because it was found on the earth, and therefore everyone, especially this children, were entitled to the bread. The Dog yelled that is was unfair that the Little Red Hen were able to work while others didn't have the opportunity to work, and it wasn't fair that the Little Red Hen owned property at all. more...

Posted by: Ogre at 02:03 PM | Comments (11) | Add Comment
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Ohio Governor 2006

If you're not in North Carolina, you might not be aware that it's against the law here to be a Libertarian. That's correct -- you can ONLY be a Democrat or a Republican, nothing else. If you don't like it, well, there's not really anything you can do about it, because you can't vote for your party, just D or R.

In Ohio, the Libertarians are trying to get some traction. Bill Pierce is attempting to run for governor. His running mate (I think), Mark Noble, stopped by this little blog to mention that they still need signatures to be permitted to run. They need 10,000 signatures to get their candidate on the ballot.

If you're in Ohio, feel free to head over to the web site and find out about Bill. If you're not, but you support them, you can easily donate on the site as well!

Posted by: Ogre at 12:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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"Surplus" in North Carolina?

So far in the NC fiscal year, the state has collected an additional $200,000,000.00 in tax receipts than they anticipated. Hold on, I'm going to go check my mailbox for my refund check for overpayment of taxes on the year.

Huh, it's not there. Instead, the NC Legislature will proceed with their current Democrat proposals to increase taxes. This is just further proof that the politicians are just plain liars. They continue to claim that the state doesn't have enough money. Now that they've collected $200 million MORE than they "absolutely needed" (for things like paying to raise oysters), they're going to increase taxes more.

The only answer a Democrat has (the state of NC is run only by Democrats and nearly always has been) when asked "How much" they need in taxes is the same thing: MORE.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:03 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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February 12, 2006

A Love Song

Eve of Destruction:

The eastern world, it is explodinÂ’.
Violence flarinÂ’, bullets loadinÂ’
YouÂ’re old enough to kill, but not for votinÂ’
You donÂ’t believe in war, but whatÂ’s that gun youÂ’re totinÂ’
And even the Jordan River has bodies floatinÂ’

But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you donÂ’t believe
WeÂ’re on the eve of destruction.

DonÂ’t you understand what IÂ’m tryinÂ’ to say
CanÂ’t you feel the fears IÂ’m feelinÂ’ today?
If the button is pushed, thereÂ’s no runninÂ’ away

ThereÂ’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave
Take a look around you boy
ItÂ’s bound to scare you boy

And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you donÂ’t believe
WeÂ’re on the eve of destruction.

Yeah, my bloodÂ’s so mad feels like coagulatinÂ’
IÂ’m sitting here just contemplatinÂ’
You canÂ’t twist; the truth, it knows no regulation.
Handful of senators donÂ’t pass legislation
And marches alone canÂ’t bring integration
When human respect is disintegratinÂ’
This whole crazy world is just too frustratinÂ’

And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you donÂ’t believe
WeÂ’re on the eve of destruction.

Think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
You may leave here for 4 days in space

But when you return, itÂ’s the same old place
The poundinÂ’ of the drum, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but donÂ’t leave a trace
Hate your next-door neighbor, but donÂ’t forget to say prayers

AndÂ… tell me over and over and over and over again, my friend
You donÂ’t believe
WeÂ’re on the eve Of destruction

Mm, no no, you donÂ’t believe
WeÂ’re on the eve of destruction.
more...

Posted by: Ogre at 08:25 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Eliminate the Yankees?

Well, how about this? Using the ever popular "Save the Children," campaign, an evil Red Sox team is trying to eliminate the Yankees!

General manager Tim Bawmann said many children in New England are devastated when they are assigned to be on a team called the Yankees.

Is that a riot, or what?
The Class A Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League say that if youth baseball leagues across New England change the name of a team from the Yankees to the Spinners, Lowell would pay for new uniforms.

Now that's some fun, right there! I think that's just awesome, even if the children are more devastated when assigned to a team called the Hated Red Sox.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:01 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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The "Fight On" Campaign

I'd like to introduce you to the "Fight On" campaign. I've mentioned it previously, but I'd like to do so again -- GM of GM's Corner has cancer. Apparently it's rather serious, though he won't admit it. As may of you might imagine, he could use some help.

Louisiana Conservative is starting a serious of Church Sermons (The First Church of Democrats). They are long posts, and really good satire. And as part of the sermons, he's passing the donation plate. Feel free to head on over and drop a dollar in the bowl.

You see, when asked about the cancer, GM said it was just a minor situation. But I've never seen removal of a lung called "minor" before. GM said, before he went into the hospital, that he was going to continue to fight -- hence the "Fight On" campaign. Do what you can, please.

Posted by: Ogre at 12:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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February 11, 2006

First USA Gold

The USA team has it's first gold of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Chad Hedrick won gold in the men's 5000m speed skating. Damn, those guys are fast. I went ice skating (in Florida -- don't ask) a few months back. I could stay on my feet without a problem, but speed was nowhere in my thoughts...

Posted by: Ogre at 11:13 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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USA vs SUI

More on the women's hockey. So far the US team really looks dominating. 12:09 into the 1st period and they're up 1-0, but they're really owning this game.

One of the reasons I do watch women's ice hockey is because these are amateurs. They are college students and the like who are playing their hearts out for a dream. They're NOT professional athletes -- I strongly believe that no professionals should be allowed anywhere near the Olympics.

And "elbowing?" That's illegal? The Swiss had a penalty called on them because one of them elbowed one of the US team in the head and knocked her down. I thought that was encouraged in hockey. I wonder if that's an Olympic rule.

Update: Domination by the US team, winning 6-0. VERY one-sided game. At one time, the US team had two players in the penalty box and STILL scored a goal. Very dominating.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:27 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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Women's Hockey?

Go ahead, call me sexist, but women playing ice hockey still seems odd to me. Don't get me wrong, they can certainly play, but it's still just not "normal."

That said, the Russian-Sweeten game is not too bad. It appears slower than the men's game, and there's certainly drastically less contact. Nice shooting by the Sweeten women, though. The Russian goalie is pretty good, but the Sweedes are really tossing that puck into the goal.

It's currently 2-0, Sweden leading, in the 2nd period.

Update: Sweden wins, 3-1. Not a bad game -- in the last period it got pretty competitive!

Next up (12:00pm EST): USA vs. Switzerland. The US is heavy favorites, but the Olympics are full of upsets...

Posted by: Ogre at 03:32 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Opening Ceremonies

Olympics_opening6.jpg

I somehow managed to stay awake for the entire opening ceremony. How, I don't know -- it was way past my bedtime, and NBC was spending more time showing commercials than show the ceremonies. The ceremony was excellent, but NBC's coverage was questionable at best. I know they have to make money, but still.

The coverage was also very deceptive. At 8:00pm EST, they said the ceremony would start in 40 minutes. It was 9:00pm EST before the ceremony started. They had nice coverage of the athletes, some practices, and the stories.

The ceremony was VERY long and drawn out. I was watching with a couple others, and one by one they gave up as the next commercial delay showed up. We all wanted to see the torch lit, but damn. Next time you want to run so many damn commercials, start at 5pm instead of 8pm.

The delays and commercials really took away from the ceremony itself.

I'm excited though, and ready to watch tons of sports by AMATEUR athletes (sorry, I don't watch the pros in the Olympics)!

Posted by: Ogre at 02:08 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Jim Black Protected By Board

Almost incredible, but I can't say unexpected. Picture this exchange at a hearing at the North Carolina State Board of Elections (D):

Board: Mr. Black, do you know anything about these checks which these individuals have already testified about? The individuals testified that they gave the checks to the optometrist's PAC signed, but with no payee. These checks were then made out to Michael Decker from your office. Can you explain that?

Jim Black (D): No, I don't know anything about them. I have no idea what you're talking about, I've done nothing wrong. If I filled them out and then gave them to Mike Decker so he would switch parties and become a Democrat because I paid him, that would be wrong, and I didn't do that.

Board: Mr. Black, we have the check right here. It's filled out in your handwriting.

Jim Black (D): Oh, THAT check. Well, yes, I might have filled out that one so I could bribe Mike Decker to switch parties and give me control of the House.

Board: Thank you. The board then suggests that the district attorney investigate Mike Decker for illegal campaign contributions and the optometrist's PAC for violating campaign finance laws. Mr. Black MAY have done something wrong, but we do not refer him to anyone else, we're going to re-convene in March to continue our own personal investigation.

Yessir, that's the Democrat State Board of Elections doing their absolute best to protect their favorite person, Jim Black, even when he admits breaking the damn law. Sorry, but once again these morons in state government have shown that Jim Black is very clearly above the law. They'll throw the book at someone else, an elected official, who has done exactly the same thing, but they won't do anything to Black.

Posted by: Ogre at 12:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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