Once again, a reminder -- if you live in NC House District 95, or even anywhere near Mooresville, NC, you can go see the debate for the 95th district House seat Thursday night at 7pm at Fat Boy's, just off Exit 36 on I-77 in Mooresville.

If you're coming from the south, turn right at the end of the off-ramp, then get into the left lane and turn left at the first light. Fat Boy's will be on the left between you and the interstate you just left.

If you're coming from the north, turn left at the end of the I-77 off-ramp, take the overpass over the interstate, then turn left at the second light. Fat Boy's is pretty much the only building on your left (other than the urgent care center).

And if you can't make it there, I will attempt to live-blog from the debate. If I cannot get internect connections, I'll record and write up the debate and publish details right there!

Posted by: Ogre at 07:08 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 174 words, total size 1 kb.

Michelle Malkin points out Newsbuster's report on scumbag honored, esteemed, exalted, and celebrated member of the education establishment, Jay Bennish. In case you missed the case, he is a government employee who advocates treason against the United States.

He has been reinstated without any visible punishment and is permitted to continue teaching anything he wants in his "World Geography" class, including continuing to advocate that enemies of the United States should bomb this country. If there was any penalty, it may have been a minor "letter of reprimand" -- or it could have been a letter of commendation -- the school district will not say.

Either way, the taxpayers who pay his salary have been told that he can and will continue to preach for the destruction of the United States and the taxpayer will continue to pay for it, allegedly in the name of "academic freedom."

Of course, academic freedom ONLY applies to the left and Democrats. You see, a teacher in Miamidared to mention words from the Bible in school. "Students are upset." "It is distracting." The principle has "discussed his comments" with him and has not yet determined if he has violated any school policies.

So, if you mention the Bible in direct response to other students mocking it, that's insensitive, wrong, and may violate district policies. But if you openly advocate treason against the United States, you get rewarded and celebrated.

Now do you see why I continue to tell you the ONLY way to educate students in this country today is homeschooling? The government school system is a total cesspool of ultra-liberal thought. It has NOTHING to do with educating. If you have children, you are seriously doing them harm by permitting them to attend a government-run school.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:02 PM | Comments (18) | Add Comment
Post contains 305 words, total size 2 kb.

According to Stanley Riggs, of East Carolina University, the North Carolina legislature needs to stop the ocean tides. He's not really clear on how, but somehow by limiting property rights and taking land from individuals, he's pretty sure that it can be done. Oh, and riding bikes, too.

Mr. Riggs told NC legislatures that the ocean levels are rising and sections of North Carolina will be underwater "fast." He notes that a big hurricane will completely destroy the NC barrier islands, so the legislature had better work fast.

I'm guessing he has some weather-control machine that he stole from Bush that he's going to use to stop the hurricanes from hitting land and he's planning on using federal money to build some levees or something. Of course, all he's got so far is taking private land and banning the automobile. What a maroon.

Robert Balling, scientist from Arizona State University summed up the opinions of the vast majority of people (I know, they're too dumb to know anything) and a large number of scientists when he said, ""You can do anything you like and it will have no impact on the global CO2 levels."

Posted by: Ogre at 12:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 204 words, total size 1 kb.

If you want to see how the movie is progressing, please do click the image above and watch the featurette!

Posted by: Ogre at 07:07 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 64 words, total size 1 kb.

Hello, everybody! (Hello, Dr. Nick!)

A couple places for you to visit today (right now!):

First, my new renter from Blog Explosion: Rob in China. I can already hear you -- "What?" Well, "Rob in China" is a blog by Rob. And yes, he's in China. That's pretty much it! He says: "I write this blog as an American Entrepreneur that is on the ground in China, making contacts, making mistakes and hopefully soon, making some money!" There's some neat stuff, and lots of silly stuff -- so head on over and read a little bit.

For carnivals, there's always good ones. This week's Tarheel Tavern is up at Billy the Blogging Poet. The theme this week was "Because I can!" So be sure to check that out and see just a few of the things people in North Carolina are doing (that's why it's called the Tarheel Tavern) just because they can!

There's a blogad over there on the left from the people at Jim Black Must Go. Read about one of the most powerful elected officials in North Carolina -- who is still currently in his position -- and why he should immediately resign before he gets arrested. You can add YOUR ad that will appear there right here -- why not?

And finally, over there on the right side, where you see that big blank white space -- it's just waiting for you to put your ad there! That ad space is available for rent through Altmedia 101. They're spreading through the state, so be sure and check them out for all your NC advertising needs.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 275 words, total size 2 kb.

This week's Guard our Border blogburst brought to you by The Freedom Folks

Illegal Aliens March On Chicago

"Si, se puede!" was the cry of the crowd in Chicago today -- "Yes, we can!" Thousands upon thousands of illegal aliens and their supporters gathered in Union Park, then marched down Jackson Street to The Loop. Jamming the plaza, as well as the surrounding streets and sidewalks, they rallied to cheer on those who had come to speak.

They demanded legalization for all immigrants. They patted each other on the back for working hard and having dreams. They lauded politicians who devote themselves to representing "the people," which evidently, in their minds, includes "the people" who have come here illegally and don't get to vote. They demanded justice. They jeered HR4437, the House bill passed last December that would make coming here illegally a criminal offense, rather than a civil one, that calls for a fence on the border, and that would penalize anyone who hires and/or helps someone to come or stay here illegally.

Mayor Daley even got up to add his support, which made no sense:

"Don't let anyone tell you you're an immigrant," he shouted. "We're all immigrants!"

???

"Si, se puede!" Yes we can WHAT, one wonders? more...

Posted by: Ogre at 05:12 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 1529 words, total size 10 kb.

In the minds of the government of Florida, it is better for you to have no home and to live in the gutters and back alleys of the streets than to dare exist in a building that doesn't have smoke detectors. I only wish I could make up such horrible abuses of government.

In Lake Worth, FL, government officials came after dark (I'm sure they were paid overtime or double time for working during such hours) and forcibly evicted as many as 100 residents who were living in "dangerous" conditions. So what were those dangerous conditions that were worse than living in the gutters?

No rental license. Broken smoke alarms. Too many people (according to the government) in a space.

So now, thanks to government efficiency, between 100 and 125 people are literally living in the street. Yes, that's SO much better than having a broken smoke alarm.

Hey government -- try that in my house. You can evict my dead body because I ain't leaving. And know what? My smoke alarm battery is dead, too.

(H/T to One Happy Dog Speaks).

Posted by: Ogre at 04:09 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 198 words, total size 1 kb.

As part of my new, added coverage as a "professional" blogger, I'd like to introduce a new category -- Elections 2006. This category will be used primarily for news, views, and analysis of 2006 elections -- mostly for NC as that's where I am.

One of the first big coverage events will happen this Thursday evening. There is a debate between Karen Ray and Robert Brawley for the district 95 seat in the North Carolina House of "Representatives." I would like to live blog the debate, but the debate is being held at Fat Boy's Restaurant in Mooresville, NC. I'll try and pick up a wireless signal, but if I can't, I'll take notes and report back here after the debate.

District 95 is one of those that the Democrats created for Republicans. This means that the number of voters in district 95 will be larger than in Democrat districts -- often called "packing" the districts. Therefore, there's no Democrat opposition -- whoever wins the Republican primary will win the seat.

Karen Ray is the incumbent. She's been in the office for 2 terms, or 4 years. She's known as an ally of Jim Black -- so yes, she's more liberal than conservative. She is very low-key -- I've been watching for news reports about her, and there is absolutely nothing.

In 2002 these same two candidates faced off. Karen Ray won 2,522 to 1,948. At the time, in my opinion, Robert Brawley didn't run a real aggressive campaign. I saw him at the polling place with dress shoes and no socks -- I'm not sure that helped him, although it's possible that there had been an accident while kissing babies or some such thing.

In 2004, Karen Ray was unopposed as Robert Brawley ran for the statewide office of Commissioner of Insurance. He easily won his home area as it is strongly Republican, but lost, as does nearly every council of state office, to the Democrats.

Robert Brawley, however, served in the NC House from 1981-1998. He was a member of the House Insurance Commission for 16 years. So, what happened to Robert Brawley from 1998 to 2002? I don't know, but I'll be sure to ask him!

So be sure to check back Thursday night (perhaps late) for results of the debate. And if you want to meet Ogre, just come on out to Fat Boy's -- I'll be the one with the Ogre Press badge.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:06 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 420 words, total size 3 kb.

I'm confused. Yesterday I got my mail (yes, I know it was Sunday, I don't make it to the mailbox most Saturdays) and got a letter from "The Honorable Vernon Robinson." He's asking for support from "Fellow Conservatives." Okay, sounds good so far...but wait -- on the outside of the envelope it says:

Help me defeat the radical chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus

I know, personally, the head of the racist group. I once lived in his district. He's a super- uber-liberal racist, Mel Watt. He really hates white people. He hates freedom with a passion. He honestly believes that all white people are corrupt, incompetent individuals who would enslave blacks tomorrow if not for the massive power of the federal government.

Mel Watt has one of the most radical Congressional districts in the country. His district is a very long, narrow, winding, snake-like district that was drawn to ensure that a black Democrat would be elected and so that no other type of person will ever represent that district. So yes, I'm interested in seeing him displaced. The entire fund raising letter goes on to show that Mel needs to be sent home. I agree.

But...

According to the State Board of Elections, Mel Watt is in the 12th Congressional district, while Vernon Robinson is registered as a candidate in the 13th Congressional district.

Now me? I know what happened. I know that Vernon switched to the 13th -- but that was before March 1st. The letter I got had no date on it. The postmark is "Feb -- '06" -- whatever that means.

That fund raising letter isn't really honest. It may have been honest when it was written and perhaps even when it was contracted to be sent -- but not when I received it. That's wrong. Vernon -- your campaign should really apologize for that mistake and print follow-up letters that explain what's going on.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:07 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 391 words, total size 3 kb.

Jim Black is the Democrat Speaker of the North Carolina House. He is currently under investigation by various different agencies and people, including the FBI in regards to various alleged illegal activities. He refuses to resign. There are even Democrats who are calling for his resignation, so you know it's got to be REAL serious.

However, a poll released last week (without the actual questions or methodology, I might note) claims that "NC residents are unsure whether House Speak Jim Black ... should stay in office or resign."

I'd love to see the questions on that poll. And I'd love to see if the poll asked, "Jim Black: ever heard of him?" Or "Did you know that the NC House of Representatives has a speaker?" Or even "Did you know that NC HAS a House of Representatives?"

Then again, if you want an idea of the people polled, simply look at the result of "Should the minimum wage in NC be raised." 79% want it raised and therefore must have a government education which includes zero understanding or comprehension about basic economics. I wonder if those same 79% (a whopping 250 people of the entire population of NC) would answer Yes to the same question phrased differently, "Do you think that the legislature should pass laws that will force companies to fire people and raise all their prices for everything you buy?"

Posted by: Ogre at 12:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 240 words, total size 1 kb.

Well, I've read that you have to blog consistently for about 2 years before you "become someone" in blogging. Of course, I have NO idea what that means. However, I do know that many would love to sit around in their pajamas all day and get paid to type their opinions. I also know that it's not going to happen for, well, pretty much everyone, and certainly not for myself. However...

Professional: 3. Performed by persons receiving pay: professional football.

About a month ago, I heard about a conference for conservative leaders in North Carolina. I read about it, and I was considering going. However, since I'm not running for office this year, I wasn't sure how valuable it was going to be, since the conference seemed to be focused on getting elected. It was also a little expensive, so I didn't think I'd make it.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the organizers of said conference -- via this blog. I was invited to participate in the conference as a blogger -- I would be considered a member of the media with all the "stuff" that goes along with that. I had no idea how to respond at first.

I was incredibly humbled. I was told by the organizer that I had been suggested by someone at the John Locke Foundation. Now I like the John Locke Foundation. I give them a lot of donations throughout the year, but there's no way they can connect those donations with this blog. After much consideration, I finally decided to accept that offer.

Therefore, on April 7th and 8th you will get to see live blogging at this very site from the North Carolina Conservative Leadership Conference presented by the John William Pope Civitas Institute! If you are planning on going and don't know how to find me, look for the Ogre -- yes, I'm going to make a media badge with my picture on it -- the one from the top of this page.

Posted by: Ogre at 10:01 PM | Comments (15) | Add Comment
Post contains 388 words, total size 2 kb.

Will pay up $300 for a water hose that works. Must work with standard water hose connections and actually be capable of being pulled across the ground without twisting, kinking, or simply tearing in half. Lowe's and Home Depot's "contract grade" need not apply.

Posted by: Ogre at 06:59 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 50 words, total size 1 kb.

To me, there is a basic difference between liberals, or the left, and conservatives. This is a different view of people and of government. I use the terms liberal and conservative and not Democrat and Republican because there are a few Democrats who are conservative, and a few Republicans that are conservative -- but nearly all elected politicians end up turning into liberals. That primary difference is the use of government.

If one takes a liberal point of view, one supports government action. The conservative point of view primarily supports the individual's action. Quite often, both want the same result. For example:

Schools. Nearly everyone wants a better education system. Sure, there are a tiny few that don't, but that will always be the case. Liberals believe the only way to get a better education system is by using the unlimited force and resources of government. Liberals believe that an education system without massive government expansion and support will fail. Liberals believe that if there is ever a reduction in government spending on education, the quality of education will fail, despite zero evidence for that idea.

Conservatives, on the other hand, also want better education systems. However, the conservative believes that people can provide the solution and a better system. Conservatives believe that more and larger government education systems will not work -- as they have continued to show over time. More money is being spent on education than ever before, yet the government system is producing less and less educated people.

Another example: hurricane Katrina. Everyone (again, with a few nutcase exceptions) wants the people that were victims to be helped. No one truly wants people to just starve and die in the streets.

Conservatives believe in freedom -- they believe that the people of this country will band together and help them. Conservatives believe in people and believe that given a chance, that the people of this country will help them. That can be seen by the huge outpouring of support by private individuals after the hurricane itself.

Liberals, on the other hand, don't believe in people. Liberals believe that people simply will not help because they're racist or some other imagined reason. Instead, with liberals, the only way to provide help for these people is to forcibly take money from people and redistribute it with government inefficiency. And if government is wasteful with those resources, liberals believe they should take more because people will not help of their own free will.

In a way, the liberal view is a self-fulfilling prophesy. You see, when I, a conservative, see the federal government demanding hundreds of billions more of my money to be taken and given away, I see no more need to donate myself. Government is inefficient and incapable of doing nearly anything -- that can be proven with facts and data -- but government is the only solution looked to by liberals.

So now do you see a little more of the difference between a conservative and a liberal?

It's not that the conservative doesn't care -- quite the opposite -- the conservative cares and wants to help -- but the conservative wants to have the freedom to actually help instead of being forced, at gunpoint, to help an utterly inefficient and incompetent system (government).

Posted by: Ogre at 06:11 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 554 words, total size 3 kb.

1 I like your slant..its generous of ya to admit that others with opposing viewpoints actually have good intentions..

Posted by: Angel at March 12, 2006 10:52 PM (sbsb3)

2 I generalized. Of course, your mileage may vary...

Posted by: Ogre at March 12, 2006 11:03 PM (CyQ4M)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

The headline reads:

N.C. officials happy to see payday lenders leave

1. Roy Cooper is happy because he's running for governor. The only way in this state to run for governor as a Democrat is to work your way up through the state government to prove you can join the elite class and to show that you are qualified to tell everyone ELSE what to do. As the State Attorney General, you can be sure Mr. Cooper will be using this as part of his campaign.

2. Donations. Payday lenders were competition -- competition for banks. Banks are BIG in this state -- big as in huge donors to political campaigns. You can be sure that all the politicians who worked to remove these competitors to the banks will be well-rewarded with large piles of cash from all the banks in the state.

3. Control. Democrats really don't like freedom. Payday Lenders were a voluntary cooperation and exchange of goods and services between two peoples. Any time that happens, Democrats are disappointed. Democrats want to control ALL exchanges of all goods and services in the state -- they really, really don't like the free market because they don't have control.

No wonder the officials are happy -- freedom is reduced and they have more money. The people? They have nothing to do with this, and nothing to say about it. That is your Democrat Party in North Carolina today.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:07 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 269 words, total size 2 kb.

Ah yes, lads and lassies, it be the time for yet another Irish song for the Saint Patrick's Day Half-Month Celebration. Bein' that it be Friday, I thought a right silly song would be best. I be thinkin' this song was wrong long after the drinkin' started -- and if ye be drinkin' yourself, feel free to sing along:

'll sing you a song of peace and love,
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
To the land that reigns all lands above.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

May peace and plenty be her share
Who kept our homes from want and care,
God bless Mother England is our prayer.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

chorus:
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
So we say, Hip Hooray!
Come and listen while we pray.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

When we were savage, fierce and wild
She came like a mother to her child.
She gently raised us from the slime
Kept our hands from hellish crime,
And sent us to Heaven in her own good time.

Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
So we say, Hip Hooray!
Come and listen while we pray.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Now our fathers oft were very bad boys.
Guns and pikes are dangerous toys.
From Bearna Baol to Bunker Hill
They made poor England weep her fill,
But ould Brittania loves us still!

Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
So we say, Hip Hooray!
Come and listen while we pray.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Now Irishmen, forget the past!
And think of the time that's coming fast.
When we shall all be civilized,
Neat and clean and well-advised.
And won't Mother England be surprised?

Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.
So we say, Hip Hooray!
Come and listen while we pray.
Whack fol the diddle all the di do day.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:09 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 351 words, total size 2 kb.

Kender, not wanting to be left out of the half-month-long Saint Patrick's Day Half Month Celebration, sends along this group who "play edgy, progressive, Celtic music & song tinged with effervescent Pogue flavored liquid" -- a band called "Murder the Stout."

But with a song title like "Streams of Whiskey," how can the Irish resist?

Last night as I slept
I dreamt I met with Behan
I shook him by the hand and we passed the time of day
When questioned on his views
On the crux of life's philosophies
He had but these few clear and simple words to say

I am going, I am going
Any which way the wind may be blowing
I am going, I am going
Where streams of whiskey are flowing

I have cursed, bled and sworn
Jumped bail and landed up in jail
Life has often tried to stretch me
But the rope always was slack
And now that I've a pile
I'll go down to the Chelsea
I'll walk in on my feet
But I'll leave there on my back

Oh the words that he spoke
Seemed the wisest of philosophies
There's nothing ever gained
By a wet thing called a tear
When the world is too dark
And I need the light inside of me
I'll go into a bar and drink
Fifteen pints of beer

Posted by: Ogre at 06:01 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 231 words, total size 1 kb.

Ah, I'm not the only one celebrating this Saint Patrick's Day Half Month. It seems Italian Boudiccia has got an Irish tune she'd like to share to help us all celebrate:

In a neat little town they call Belfast
Apprentice to a trade I was bound
And many's an hour's sweet happiness
Have I spent in this neat little town.
A sad misfortune came over me
Which caused me to stray from the land
Far away from my friends and relations
Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Chorus:
Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

I took a stroll down Broadway
Meaning not long for to stay
When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid
Came a traipsing along the highway
She was both fair and handsome
Her neck it was just like a swans'
And her hair is hung over her shoulder
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid
And the gentleman passing us by
Well I knew she meant the doing of him
By the look in her roguish black eye
A gold watch she took from his pocket
And placed it right into my hand
And the very first thing I said was
Bad 'cess to the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Before the judge and the jury
Next morning I had to appear
And the judge he said to me "Young man
Your case is proven clear"
We'll give you seven years penal servitude
To be spent far away from the land
Far away from your friends and companions
Betrayed by the black velvet band.

Her eyes they shone like diamonds
I thought her the queen of the land
And her hair hung over her shoulders
Tied up with a black velvet band.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:09 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 379 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Ack! I'm not Italian. I'm a Celt. Only the better half is Italian! Boudicca did not allow herself to be conquered by the Romans. She took her own life before she allowed that. ;-)

Posted by: Bou at March 12, 2006 07:26 PM (iHxT3)

2 What? I swear you mentioned somewhere that part of YOUR lineage was Italian. I'm very sorry! I shall mail you an Irish beer in celebration and apology.

Posted by: Ogre at March 12, 2006 07:48 PM (CyQ4M)

3 I love that song. Another classic Re-enactor song.

Posted by: Contagion at March 13, 2006 01:25 PM (Q5WxB)

4 Really? I'm almost sure I've never heard it before. Weird.

Posted by: Ogre at March 13, 2006 03:19 PM (/k+l4)

5 Nope, nope, no Italian. I have German, French, Scottish, Irish, English, Native American and... I thin that covers it. No Italian. (thankfully... shhhhhh...)

Posted by: Bou at March 13, 2006 08:58 PM (iHxT3)

6 I'll tell! I'll tell you said that!

Posted by: Ogre at March 13, 2006 10:14 PM (CyQ4M)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

If you're a Texas resident (or if you can vote in Texas), be sure to check out Kinky Friedman. No, really! That's the guys' name. And he's running for governor of Texas -- as an independent.

I know that Texas hasn't elected an independent since their first governor, and I don't even know a lot of the policies of this guy -- but any time someone other than a Republicrat or Democan runs, I'm supporting them. Way too often these days, there's no difference between Republicans and Democrats.

Vote Kinky!

Posted by: Ogre at 04:07 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 96 words, total size 1 kb.

I'm a baseball fan. I mean, I really like the game of baseball. I watch it, I played it as a kid, I LOVE Yankee Stadium -- heck, I've stopped and watched a game of little league baseball when driving down the road just to watch it. But I'll tell you something -- I HATE this "World Baseball Classic."

I think it's anti-American.

Seriously.

All the Major-League players who are representing their "home" countries are saying, "Well, I pretty much think that America sucks, and my country is better. No, no, I'm not returning home because I get gigantic piles of cash from America, so I'll keep taking their money, but I think they're crappy."

This is just another example of trying to globalize everything. If these people want to come to America, they should simply join us here in America. If your country is so great, stay there! Don't bring your country here -- we already HAVE a country! Don't come here just to take our money and then return to "your" country when it's convenient for you.

The only way nations can survive in this world is to have a national identity. I know the left hates that idea, which is why they promote "multiculturalism" and other such crap. We have a country, we have a culture. If you don't like it, keep out.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:07 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 234 words, total size 1 kb.

Ah yes, another tune heard on the morning radio station that is sure to stay with you all day long, brightening your day!

Posted by: Ogre at 02:04 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 379 words, total size 2 kb.