At the time I filmed this Rant, I was concerned that our dear Republicans were attempting to make political hay over this tragedy.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
John Gibson goes a little too far
Fox News Radio talk show host, John Gibson said on his show today that he was "on the tiger's side," while referring to the mauling death of Carlos Sousa Jr., by a 9 year old Siberian Tiger at the San Francisco zoo, Christmas day.
The segment included sound bites (often heard on Gibson's show) of Tony the Tiger's tag line, "Therrrrrrre Grrrrrreat," as well as bumper music featuring Survivor's 80's hit "Eye of the Tiger."
Gibson was pointing out that San Francisco police think Sousa and his two teenage friends may have been taunting the tiger while the animal was in it's enclosure.
I will be the first to say that stupid should hurt. And if it's proven that the teens were provoking the tiger, even going as far as to dangle a leg into it's area, they probably had it coming.
But why parody this tragedy? Did Gibson parody the assassination of Benazir Bhutto? Nope... he said something to the effect that it was time for serious people to come forward.
While I doubt that Sousa's father (whose interview was also played on the show) heard any of this mockery, I would think Gibson should have been just a little more (dare I say?) sensitive.
Or at least more serious...
The segment included sound bites (often heard on Gibson's show) of Tony the Tiger's tag line, "Therrrrrrre Grrrrrreat," as well as bumper music featuring Survivor's 80's hit "Eye of the Tiger."
Gibson was pointing out that San Francisco police think Sousa and his two teenage friends may have been taunting the tiger while the animal was in it's enclosure.
I will be the first to say that stupid should hurt. And if it's proven that the teens were provoking the tiger, even going as far as to dangle a leg into it's area, they probably had it coming.
But why parody this tragedy? Did Gibson parody the assassination of Benazir Bhutto? Nope... he said something to the effect that it was time for serious people to come forward.
While I doubt that Sousa's father (whose interview was also played on the show) heard any of this mockery, I would think Gibson should have been just a little more (dare I say?) sensitive.
Or at least more serious...
Grocery worker fired for stopping shoplifter
BY DAVE GERSHMAN
The Ann Arbor News
John Schultz says he lost his job at Whole Foods Market in Ann Arbor after he tried to stop a shoplifter from making a getaway. But the company says he went too far and violated a policy that prohibits employees from physically touching a customer - even if that person is carrying a bag of stolen goods.
Schultz says he had just punched out for a break at 7 p.m. on Sunday when he heard a commotion at the front door of the store, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. He said he came to the aid of the manager who yelled for help in stopping a shoplifter. Schultz, the manager and another employee cornered the shoplifter between two cars in the parking lot.
Schultz said he told the shoplifter he was making a citizens arrest and to wait for the police to arrive, but the shoplifter broke away from the group and ran across Washtenaw Avenue and toward a gas station at the corner of Huron Parkway.
Before the man could cross Huron Parkway, Schultz caught up and grabbed the man's jacket and put his leg behind the man's legs. When the manager arrived at the intersection, Schultz said, the manager told him to release the shoplifter, and he complied, and the shoplifter got away.
Schultz said he was called to the store's office the next day, on Christmas Eve, and was fired because he violated a company policy prohibiting employees from having any physical contact with a customer.
Kate Klotz, a company spokesperson, said the policy is clear and listed in a booklet that all employees have to acknowledge that they received before they can start work.
"The fact that he touched him, period, is means for termination," said Klotz.
Schultz said he acted as a private citizen on property that isn't owned by Whole Foods, but Klotz said where the incident happened doesn't change the policy.
"He is still considered an employee of Whole Foods Market regardless of where he was and what was happening," she said.
The police report of the incident doesn't mention Schultz's involvement. It says police responded to the call of retail fraud at 7:09 p.m. and could not locate the shoplifter.
The thief was described as a thin white male, 5-foot-10, in his mid-20s, wearing a black jacket, tan pants and carrying a backpack.
The report says store employees were suspicious when the man walked into the store and they watched as he filled up a basket and then took it into a bathroom. When he came out, his basket was empty, but his backpack looked full. Then he filled up a canvas store tote bag with groceries, and walked
out the door.
The manager and the other employee told police they caught up to the shoplifter at the corner of Washtenaw and Huron Parkway. It says one of them grabbed the tote bag away from the shoplifter, and the suspect walked away. The bag contained $346 worth of food and other products.
Schultz, 35, of Ypsilanti Township, had worked at the store for five years, most recently as a fishmonger. He wants his job back.
"The fact that I worked at the store at (the time of the robbery) is coincidental," he said. "If I had went over to the book store on my break and they were being ripped off, I would have helped them."
Reporter Dave Gershman can be reached at 734-994-6818 or dgershman@annarbornews.com.
What a load of bullshit! This is why hoodlums think they can get away with what they do.
The Ann Arbor News
John Schultz says he lost his job at Whole Foods Market in Ann Arbor after he tried to stop a shoplifter from making a getaway. But the company says he went too far and violated a policy that prohibits employees from physically touching a customer - even if that person is carrying a bag of stolen goods.
Schultz says he had just punched out for a break at 7 p.m. on Sunday when he heard a commotion at the front door of the store, 3135 Washtenaw Ave. He said he came to the aid of the manager who yelled for help in stopping a shoplifter. Schultz, the manager and another employee cornered the shoplifter between two cars in the parking lot.
Schultz said he told the shoplifter he was making a citizens arrest and to wait for the police to arrive, but the shoplifter broke away from the group and ran across Washtenaw Avenue and toward a gas station at the corner of Huron Parkway.
Before the man could cross Huron Parkway, Schultz caught up and grabbed the man's jacket and put his leg behind the man's legs. When the manager arrived at the intersection, Schultz said, the manager told him to release the shoplifter, and he complied, and the shoplifter got away.
Schultz said he was called to the store's office the next day, on Christmas Eve, and was fired because he violated a company policy prohibiting employees from having any physical contact with a customer.
Kate Klotz, a company spokesperson, said the policy is clear and listed in a booklet that all employees have to acknowledge that they received before they can start work.
"The fact that he touched him, period, is means for termination," said Klotz.
Schultz said he acted as a private citizen on property that isn't owned by Whole Foods, but Klotz said where the incident happened doesn't change the policy.
"He is still considered an employee of Whole Foods Market regardless of where he was and what was happening," she said.
The police report of the incident doesn't mention Schultz's involvement. It says police responded to the call of retail fraud at 7:09 p.m. and could not locate the shoplifter.
The thief was described as a thin white male, 5-foot-10, in his mid-20s, wearing a black jacket, tan pants and carrying a backpack.
The report says store employees were suspicious when the man walked into the store and they watched as he filled up a basket and then took it into a bathroom. When he came out, his basket was empty, but his backpack looked full. Then he filled up a canvas store tote bag with groceries, and walked
out the door.
The manager and the other employee told police they caught up to the shoplifter at the corner of Washtenaw and Huron Parkway. It says one of them grabbed the tote bag away from the shoplifter, and the suspect walked away. The bag contained $346 worth of food and other products.
Schultz, 35, of Ypsilanti Township, had worked at the store for five years, most recently as a fishmonger. He wants his job back.
"The fact that I worked at the store at (the time of the robbery) is coincidental," he said. "If I had went over to the book store on my break and they were being ripped off, I would have helped them."
Reporter Dave Gershman can be reached at 734-994-6818 or dgershman@annarbornews.com.
What a load of bullshit! This is why hoodlums think they can get away with what they do.
US police fatalities spike in 2007
By MATT APUZZO, Associated Press Writer
A record number of fatal traffic incidents and a double-digit spike in shooting deaths led to one of the deadliest years for law enforcement officers in more than a decade.
With the exception of 2001, which saw a dramatic increase in deaths because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, 2007 was the deadliest year for law enforcement since 1989, according to preliminary data released jointly by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors.
The report counted the deaths of 186 officers as of Dec. 26, up from 145 last year. Eighty-one died in traffic incidents, which the report said surpassed their record of 78 set in 2000. Shooting deaths increased from 52 to 69, a rise of about 33 percent.
"Most of us don't realize that an officer is being killed in America on average every other day," said Craig W. Floyd, chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Officer fatalities have generally declined since peaking at 277 in 1974, the report said. Historically, officers have been more likely to be killed in an attack than to die accidentally and shootings outnumbered car crashes. But those trends began to reverse in the late 1990s. This year, about six of every 10 deaths were accidental.
Floyd credited technology improvements with helping reverse the trend. Safety vests save lives and non-lethal devices such as electric stun guns prevent some fatal encounters, he said. He attributed the spike in shooting deaths to the increase in violent crime nationwide.
"Law enforcement is the front line against violent criminals," he said.
Of the 81 traffic deaths this year, 60 officers died in car crashes, 15 were hit by cars and six died in motorcycle crashes.
Police departments have worked to limit high-speed chases and only seven of the car crashes were attributed to such pursuits, Floyd said. Crashes involving a single police cruiser responding to a call were far more common, he said.
After traffic crashes and shootings, physical causes such as heart attacks were the leading cause of death, contributing to 18 fatalities. Other causes of death included smaller categories such as airplane and boating accidents, for an additional 18 fatalities.
Texas led the nation with 22 fatalities followed by Florida (16), New York (12), and California (11). The report includes the death of 17 federal law enforcement officers, including five Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents killed in two bombings in Iraq.
Source
Next time you meet up with a cop, show a little respect and appreciation... OK...
A record number of fatal traffic incidents and a double-digit spike in shooting deaths led to one of the deadliest years for law enforcement officers in more than a decade.
With the exception of 2001, which saw a dramatic increase in deaths because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, 2007 was the deadliest year for law enforcement since 1989, according to preliminary data released jointly by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors.
The report counted the deaths of 186 officers as of Dec. 26, up from 145 last year. Eighty-one died in traffic incidents, which the report said surpassed their record of 78 set in 2000. Shooting deaths increased from 52 to 69, a rise of about 33 percent.
"Most of us don't realize that an officer is being killed in America on average every other day," said Craig W. Floyd, chairman of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Officer fatalities have generally declined since peaking at 277 in 1974, the report said. Historically, officers have been more likely to be killed in an attack than to die accidentally and shootings outnumbered car crashes. But those trends began to reverse in the late 1990s. This year, about six of every 10 deaths were accidental.
Floyd credited technology improvements with helping reverse the trend. Safety vests save lives and non-lethal devices such as electric stun guns prevent some fatal encounters, he said. He attributed the spike in shooting deaths to the increase in violent crime nationwide.
"Law enforcement is the front line against violent criminals," he said.
Of the 81 traffic deaths this year, 60 officers died in car crashes, 15 were hit by cars and six died in motorcycle crashes.
Police departments have worked to limit high-speed chases and only seven of the car crashes were attributed to such pursuits, Floyd said. Crashes involving a single police cruiser responding to a call were far more common, he said.
After traffic crashes and shootings, physical causes such as heart attacks were the leading cause of death, contributing to 18 fatalities. Other causes of death included smaller categories such as airplane and boating accidents, for an additional 18 fatalities.
Texas led the nation with 22 fatalities followed by Florida (16), New York (12), and California (11). The report includes the death of 17 federal law enforcement officers, including five Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents killed in two bombings in Iraq.
Source
Next time you meet up with a cop, show a little respect and appreciation... OK...
What the talking heads won't tell you...
Fox News radio host, John Gibson was salivating. Sean Hannity's subbie, Kirby Wilbur (from Seattle) was wringing his hands with joy. Throughout the Conservative talk world, hosts were singing the praises of the latest Gallop poll that declared President Bush as the most admired man in America.
Now I'm not here to slam the results. I am not a card carrying Bush Basher. In my opinion, he's made some mistakes, but I like the fact that he's stuck to his convictions.
While all the talking heads I listened to did mention that former president, Bill Clinton was second in the poll, and former veep Al Gore was third, nobody mentioned how close the poling was.
I will...
Here were the top 4...
1 George W. Bush 10%
2 Bill Clinton 8%
3 Al Gore 6%
4 Barack Obama 5%
Those numbers tell you anything? They tell me that's far from a ringing endorsement. And while the con jockeys will all heap praise on our beleaguered president, fact is this poll seems to show the respondent's decided lean toward the left. None of the current Republican presidential contenders garnered more than 1% in this poll.
What's even more amazing (and not mentioned) is the fact that Hillary Clinton was voted most admired woman with a score of 18%. (She was... her score wasn't) Oprah came in second with 16%. Secretary of State, Condolizza Rice came in a distant 3rd with only 5%.
If this poll is any indication of which direction this country is leaning, the Conservatives are in big trouble. They have been looking for a charismatic leader since Reagan. None of these current candidates come close.
I'll bet Bill and Hillary are dusting off their old White House nick-knacks. Any takers?
Now I'm not here to slam the results. I am not a card carrying Bush Basher. In my opinion, he's made some mistakes, but I like the fact that he's stuck to his convictions.
While all the talking heads I listened to did mention that former president, Bill Clinton was second in the poll, and former veep Al Gore was third, nobody mentioned how close the poling was.
I will...
Here were the top 4...
1 George W. Bush 10%
2 Bill Clinton 8%
3 Al Gore 6%
4 Barack Obama 5%
Those numbers tell you anything? They tell me that's far from a ringing endorsement. And while the con jockeys will all heap praise on our beleaguered president, fact is this poll seems to show the respondent's decided lean toward the left. None of the current Republican presidential contenders garnered more than 1% in this poll.
What's even more amazing (and not mentioned) is the fact that Hillary Clinton was voted most admired woman with a score of 18%. (She was... her score wasn't) Oprah came in second with 16%. Secretary of State, Condolizza Rice came in a distant 3rd with only 5%.
If this poll is any indication of which direction this country is leaning, the Conservatives are in big trouble. They have been looking for a charismatic leader since Reagan. None of these current candidates come close.
I'll bet Bill and Hillary are dusting off their old White House nick-knacks. Any takers?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
'Merry Christmas' greeting still tricky in age of political correctness
Delma Francis
Merry Christmas! The exuberant greeting of the season used to bring me such joy — both to give and to receive.
But I almost never hear it — or utter it — anymore. The fear of offending a non-Christian has taken this pleasure from the season. I have become PC on the issue, I'm afraid.
I believe I am pretty strong in my faith (I never write Christmas with an X) but I would never deliberately belittle anyone else's by wishing someone I knew to be of another faith a merry Christmas. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season, and to force my belief in him on someone who believes he was a great man, but not the Messiah, would be tacky and insensitive.
Sadly, holiday greetings have inspired violence this season. Almost two weeks ago, three Jewish subway riders on New York's Q train were attacked by a rowdy group of 10 after Walter Adler responded to a wish of "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Hanukkah." And who came to their rescue? Hassan Askari, a Muslim student from Bangladesh.
Unbelievable. To quote Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along?"
How do non-Christians react to greeting?
Adler handled the Christmas greeting in a perfectly acceptable way by responding with his religion's greeting of the season. How do other non-Christians feel when they're wished a merry Christmas?
It depends whom you ask.
Marcia Zimmerman, senior rabbi of Temple Israel in Minneapolis said, "You feel clearly part of the minority population at this time of the year. It's a very important time for Christians, and I find beauty in the tradition." But how she feels when people wish her a merry Christmas depends on where she is at the time, Zimmerman said. "If I'm in a church as a visitor, OK, but if I'm in a grocery store or department store, there's an assumption there that we are all of one religion. We are of many traditions."
"My fellow Jews may or may not agree with me, but this is a huge, huge meaningful holiday for the majority," said Gail Rosenblum of Minneapolis, a former colleague of mine at the Star Tribune. "There is no meanness when someone says 'Merry Christmas.' It's an assumption (that I'm Christian). I just say 'Thank you. Have a happy holiday.' "
Rosenblum says she also doesn't mind receiving Christmas cards. "I have a love for the season." She's come by that honestly. Her father's love for Christmas carols saved his life during World War II. Stationed onboard the troop carrier Leopoldville on Christmas Eve 1944, headed for the Battle of the Bulge, 19-year-old Sidney Rosenblum joined about 200 other soldiers on deck singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "We Three Kings of Orient Are" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
A few minutes later, a little past 6 p.m., the bottom stern section of the ship was hit by a German torpedo, killing hundreds. If not for the lure of the Christmas music, Sidney Rosenblum would have been below deck, probably among the dead.
Christmas carols saved his lifeBut beyond that amazing story, Rosenblum says she is secure enough in her faith that she doesn't get caught up in all the political correctness of Christmas greetings, adding, "I feel sorry for my Christian friends who get bogged down in saying, "Happy holidays,' and calling parties holiday parties. They're Christmas parties. I can enjoy it without owning it."
I also worked with Mike Meyers, a Minneapolis atheist, who says he's unaffected by wishes of a merry Christmas. "It doesn't mean anything. It's become a secular holiday. It hasn't mattered to me since I wanted a red bike under the tree."
"It doesn't bug me because we celebrate Christmas, just not the Jesus part," said Nicole Bue, an 18-year-old senior at Brooklyn Center High School whose grandfather is a Buddhist shaman. "My family doesn't have an official religion...we kind of observe our grandfather's beliefs out of respect, but my dad said it's up to us to decide" what religion to embrace.
Is Shruti Mathur, a Hindu from Wilmington, Del., bothered by being wished a merry Christmas? "It probably depends on my mood that day," she jokes.
Mathur, who grew up in Minnesota and worked at the Star Tribune, said her family celebrated the secular side of Christmas, with a decorated tree and gift-giving, but Christmas greetings do bother her in the sense that "it brings that sense of 'otherness.' You're just trying to make your place in the world, and someone else's opinion means more. But you balance it like everything else. There's no need to berate a drugstore clerk for saying, 'Merry Christmas.' Just wish it back."
Source
Here's a unique idea...
If your not a Christian and someone wishes you "Merry Christmas," respond in kind with in what ever manner that's appropriate for your faith. What better way to share the joy of the season with people of all faiths.
Merry Christmas! The exuberant greeting of the season used to bring me such joy — both to give and to receive.
But I almost never hear it — or utter it — anymore. The fear of offending a non-Christian has taken this pleasure from the season. I have become PC on the issue, I'm afraid.
I believe I am pretty strong in my faith (I never write Christmas with an X) but I would never deliberately belittle anyone else's by wishing someone I knew to be of another faith a merry Christmas. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season, and to force my belief in him on someone who believes he was a great man, but not the Messiah, would be tacky and insensitive.
Sadly, holiday greetings have inspired violence this season. Almost two weeks ago, three Jewish subway riders on New York's Q train were attacked by a rowdy group of 10 after Walter Adler responded to a wish of "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Hanukkah." And who came to their rescue? Hassan Askari, a Muslim student from Bangladesh.
Unbelievable. To quote Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along?"
How do non-Christians react to greeting?
Adler handled the Christmas greeting in a perfectly acceptable way by responding with his religion's greeting of the season. How do other non-Christians feel when they're wished a merry Christmas?
It depends whom you ask.
Marcia Zimmerman, senior rabbi of Temple Israel in Minneapolis said, "You feel clearly part of the minority population at this time of the year. It's a very important time for Christians, and I find beauty in the tradition." But how she feels when people wish her a merry Christmas depends on where she is at the time, Zimmerman said. "If I'm in a church as a visitor, OK, but if I'm in a grocery store or department store, there's an assumption there that we are all of one religion. We are of many traditions."
"My fellow Jews may or may not agree with me, but this is a huge, huge meaningful holiday for the majority," said Gail Rosenblum of Minneapolis, a former colleague of mine at the Star Tribune. "There is no meanness when someone says 'Merry Christmas.' It's an assumption (that I'm Christian). I just say 'Thank you. Have a happy holiday.' "
Rosenblum says she also doesn't mind receiving Christmas cards. "I have a love for the season." She's come by that honestly. Her father's love for Christmas carols saved his life during World War II. Stationed onboard the troop carrier Leopoldville on Christmas Eve 1944, headed for the Battle of the Bulge, 19-year-old Sidney Rosenblum joined about 200 other soldiers on deck singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "We Three Kings of Orient Are" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
A few minutes later, a little past 6 p.m., the bottom stern section of the ship was hit by a German torpedo, killing hundreds. If not for the lure of the Christmas music, Sidney Rosenblum would have been below deck, probably among the dead.
Christmas carols saved his lifeBut beyond that amazing story, Rosenblum says she is secure enough in her faith that she doesn't get caught up in all the political correctness of Christmas greetings, adding, "I feel sorry for my Christian friends who get bogged down in saying, "Happy holidays,' and calling parties holiday parties. They're Christmas parties. I can enjoy it without owning it."
I also worked with Mike Meyers, a Minneapolis atheist, who says he's unaffected by wishes of a merry Christmas. "It doesn't mean anything. It's become a secular holiday. It hasn't mattered to me since I wanted a red bike under the tree."
"It doesn't bug me because we celebrate Christmas, just not the Jesus part," said Nicole Bue, an 18-year-old senior at Brooklyn Center High School whose grandfather is a Buddhist shaman. "My family doesn't have an official religion...we kind of observe our grandfather's beliefs out of respect, but my dad said it's up to us to decide" what religion to embrace.
Is Shruti Mathur, a Hindu from Wilmington, Del., bothered by being wished a merry Christmas? "It probably depends on my mood that day," she jokes.
Mathur, who grew up in Minnesota and worked at the Star Tribune, said her family celebrated the secular side of Christmas, with a decorated tree and gift-giving, but Christmas greetings do bother her in the sense that "it brings that sense of 'otherness.' You're just trying to make your place in the world, and someone else's opinion means more. But you balance it like everything else. There's no need to berate a drugstore clerk for saying, 'Merry Christmas.' Just wish it back."
Source
Here's a unique idea...
If your not a Christian and someone wishes you "Merry Christmas," respond in kind with in what ever manner that's appropriate for your faith. What better way to share the joy of the season with people of all faiths.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Bus driver allegedly asks decoy for sex
Thu Dec 20, 8:09 PM ET
A Detroit school bus driver taking children to class is accused of trying to buy sex from an undercover officer posing as a streetwalker. Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans didn't identify the 30-year-old driver.
Evans said the man stopped twice Wednesday to talk with the officer posing as a prostitute. The first time he had one child aboard and the second time he had four children, ages 5 to 9 on the bus.
The sheriff said the driver gave the officer a paper with his phone number and told her he wanted to rendezvous after delivering the children. Instead, deputies arrested him and delivered the children themselves to McKenny Elementary School.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press said prosecutors are considering what charges to bring.
With kids on board? What a sick son of a bitch. Has our society really dropped this low?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Political Correctness Watch - When is a mosque not a mosque?
When it is funded by US taxpayers, of course. After all, the 1st amendment does not mention "separation of MOSQUE and State", does it?
A Minnesota community college has "a Muslim place of worship" featuring "a schedule for Islam's five daily prayers," according to a local newspaper columnist who visited the campus. Tax-supported Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn., also has a "sign requesting that shoes be removed" and a barrier that divides men's and women's "prayer spaces," writes Katherine Kersten of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
College officials denied it was anything more than a "meditation" room available for "all faiths." The description of the facility, however, led one faculty member to tell Kersten the room is "unprecedented" and "goes beyond religious toleration." "For all practical purposes, this meditation room is essentially a Muslim prayer room," said Chuck Chalberg of Normandale's history faculty.
WND has reported on "accommodations" for Muslims in public institutions, such as schools and airports, and the outrage triggered by the expenditure of public funds on a religion-specific facility. At Normandale, Kersten reported, an "arrow informed worshippers of the direction of Mecca, and literature urged women to cover their faces." She reported college officials converted a racquetball court into a "meditation" room during remodeling of some school facilities, which held another "meditation" room for students' use. Her description continues:
A row of chest-high barriers splits the room into sex-segregated sections. In the smaller, enclosed area for women sits a pile of shawls and head-coverings. Literature titled "Hijaab [covering] and Modesty" was prominently placed there, instructing women on proper Islamic behavior. They should cover their faces and stay at home, it said, and their speech should not "be such that it is heard." "Enter into Islaam completely and accept all the rulings of Islaam," the tract read in part. "It should not be that you accept what entertains your desires and leave what opposes your desires; this is from the manners of the Jews." "
[T]he Jews and the Christians" are described as "the enemies of Allaah's religion." The document adds: "Remember that you will never succeed while you follow these people."
A poster on the room's door advertised a local lecture on "marriage from an Islamic perspective," with "useful tips for marital harmony from the Prophet's ... life." Other fliers invited students to join the Normandale Islamic Forum, or participate in Ramadan celebrations. One thing was missing from the meditation room: evidence of any faith but Islam. No Bible, no crucifix, no Torah.
Normandale President Joe Opatz did not take a reporter's call with questions, instead deferring to college spokesman Geoff Jones, who said the article is "not accurate." Jones said the school is open to "diversity in terms of beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds." The room, he said, was "created for use by any person for meditation purposes." Jones confirmed it does have a partition that partially divides the room "that is something that was placed there." But he denied there are any brochures, information or religious symbols or representations in the room. "When I visited the room . there were no postings other than announcing it was a meditation room," Jones said. "We've always sought to have persons of all cultures and backgrounds welcome here. As such we have student clubs and speakers from the community . that promote the dialogue and the discourse," he said. "As a public institution, we have a responsibility to allow freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This is America," said Jones. But he also confirmed there is no set schedule for the various groups to use the room. "It's just been the ebb and flow [of meetings]," he said.
Opatz, on his website welcome to the school, called Normandale the "crown jewel" of the community college system. He suggested the "clubs, student government, recreational sports and other organizations" provide "a winning combination for a lasting success." The school website lists the Baha'I Club, Campus Crusade for Christ, College Democrats, Dental Hygiene, Ethiopian Student Union, Gay & Straight Student Alliance, Latter-day Saint Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Oromo Student Union, Somali Student Association and other special interest groups active on campus.
Ralph Anderson, dean of student affairs, told Kersten the college not only prepared the room but also posted signs at the room's entrance asking students to remove their shoes, which is a Muslim custom. Anderson called it, "basically a courtesy to Muslim students." He also told her the room is divided by sex, because "Muslim students prefer that. ." Anderson refused to respond to questions about such segregation in a public facility. "I don't want to comment on that," he said.
Chad Lunaas, a former student at the school, told Kersten he frequently on Fridays would discover that "every sink and toilet stall had someone washing his feet." He said he was intimidated by Muslims who "seemed to be in charge." The student also said Muslims took over the meditation room. "They made people who are not of the Muslim religion feel very uncomfortable, especially if they were female," he said.
Comments on Kersten's column blog were vehement. "Each and every time this topic comes up I see my former Liberal friends compromising their principles of 'Separation of Church and State' by supporting the open display of religion in public places when it concerns any religion other the Christianity," said on. "Again, if you are against the public display of religion you are against ALL public displays of religion, PERIOD."
Another poster asked, "Why is a publicly funded instituion (sic) providing any accomodation (sic) for any religion on its campus? If you want religious accommodation (sic), go to a private educational institution that will accomodate (sic) this religion." WND also has reported on a decision by officials at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., to appoint a practicing Hindu to head the college's religion department.
The issue of Muslim accommodations in public facilities such as airports already has attracted attention in Indianapolis, Phoenix and several other locations.
In a letter to Indianapolis officials, Rev. Jerry Hillenberg of Hope Baptist Church asked for a meeting over plans being developed by the airport authority to install footbaths on the airport property. "I still desire to speak personally with you about this issue. It cannot go unchallenged and unattended to," he wrote. "It remains a concern of the public at large, and certainly is a concern of this pastor and our congregation. "All of the input that we have received from the citizens of this city, county, surrounding counties, across the country, and around the world; has run 10 to one against the installation of these religious implements," he said. "Most realize that public property, owned by the taxpayers, cannot be used by Christians for religious displays or implements of their religiosity. Then, the question amongst them becomes: Why can it be used for Muslims?"
Source
Playing devil's advocate here, but either we have seperation of church and state, or we don't. We can't expect to allow public prayer for Christians and not for Muslims.
That said, the Muslim, or any other, students should not be able to expect a special room set aside just for prayer.
A Minnesota community college has "a Muslim place of worship" featuring "a schedule for Islam's five daily prayers," according to a local newspaper columnist who visited the campus. Tax-supported Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn., also has a "sign requesting that shoes be removed" and a barrier that divides men's and women's "prayer spaces," writes Katherine Kersten of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
College officials denied it was anything more than a "meditation" room available for "all faiths." The description of the facility, however, led one faculty member to tell Kersten the room is "unprecedented" and "goes beyond religious toleration." "For all practical purposes, this meditation room is essentially a Muslim prayer room," said Chuck Chalberg of Normandale's history faculty.
WND has reported on "accommodations" for Muslims in public institutions, such as schools and airports, and the outrage triggered by the expenditure of public funds on a religion-specific facility. At Normandale, Kersten reported, an "arrow informed worshippers of the direction of Mecca, and literature urged women to cover their faces." She reported college officials converted a racquetball court into a "meditation" room during remodeling of some school facilities, which held another "meditation" room for students' use. Her description continues:
A row of chest-high barriers splits the room into sex-segregated sections. In the smaller, enclosed area for women sits a pile of shawls and head-coverings. Literature titled "Hijaab [covering] and Modesty" was prominently placed there, instructing women on proper Islamic behavior. They should cover their faces and stay at home, it said, and their speech should not "be such that it is heard." "Enter into Islaam completely and accept all the rulings of Islaam," the tract read in part. "It should not be that you accept what entertains your desires and leave what opposes your desires; this is from the manners of the Jews." "
[T]he Jews and the Christians" are described as "the enemies of Allaah's religion." The document adds: "Remember that you will never succeed while you follow these people."
A poster on the room's door advertised a local lecture on "marriage from an Islamic perspective," with "useful tips for marital harmony from the Prophet's ... life." Other fliers invited students to join the Normandale Islamic Forum, or participate in Ramadan celebrations. One thing was missing from the meditation room: evidence of any faith but Islam. No Bible, no crucifix, no Torah.
Normandale President Joe Opatz did not take a reporter's call with questions, instead deferring to college spokesman Geoff Jones, who said the article is "not accurate." Jones said the school is open to "diversity in terms of beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds." The room, he said, was "created for use by any person for meditation purposes." Jones confirmed it does have a partition that partially divides the room "that is something that was placed there." But he denied there are any brochures, information or religious symbols or representations in the room. "When I visited the room . there were no postings other than announcing it was a meditation room," Jones said. "We've always sought to have persons of all cultures and backgrounds welcome here. As such we have student clubs and speakers from the community . that promote the dialogue and the discourse," he said. "As a public institution, we have a responsibility to allow freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This is America," said Jones. But he also confirmed there is no set schedule for the various groups to use the room. "It's just been the ebb and flow [of meetings]," he said.
Opatz, on his website welcome to the school, called Normandale the "crown jewel" of the community college system. He suggested the "clubs, student government, recreational sports and other organizations" provide "a winning combination for a lasting success." The school website lists the Baha'I Club, Campus Crusade for Christ, College Democrats, Dental Hygiene, Ethiopian Student Union, Gay & Straight Student Alliance, Latter-day Saint Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Oromo Student Union, Somali Student Association and other special interest groups active on campus.
Ralph Anderson, dean of student affairs, told Kersten the college not only prepared the room but also posted signs at the room's entrance asking students to remove their shoes, which is a Muslim custom. Anderson called it, "basically a courtesy to Muslim students." He also told her the room is divided by sex, because "Muslim students prefer that. ." Anderson refused to respond to questions about such segregation in a public facility. "I don't want to comment on that," he said.
Chad Lunaas, a former student at the school, told Kersten he frequently on Fridays would discover that "every sink and toilet stall had someone washing his feet." He said he was intimidated by Muslims who "seemed to be in charge." The student also said Muslims took over the meditation room. "They made people who are not of the Muslim religion feel very uncomfortable, especially if they were female," he said.
Comments on Kersten's column blog were vehement. "Each and every time this topic comes up I see my former Liberal friends compromising their principles of 'Separation of Church and State' by supporting the open display of religion in public places when it concerns any religion other the Christianity," said on. "Again, if you are against the public display of religion you are against ALL public displays of religion, PERIOD."
Another poster asked, "Why is a publicly funded instituion (sic) providing any accomodation (sic) for any religion on its campus? If you want religious accommodation (sic), go to a private educational institution that will accomodate (sic) this religion." WND also has reported on a decision by officials at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., to appoint a practicing Hindu to head the college's religion department.
The issue of Muslim accommodations in public facilities such as airports already has attracted attention in Indianapolis, Phoenix and several other locations.
In a letter to Indianapolis officials, Rev. Jerry Hillenberg of Hope Baptist Church asked for a meeting over plans being developed by the airport authority to install footbaths on the airport property. "I still desire to speak personally with you about this issue. It cannot go unchallenged and unattended to," he wrote. "It remains a concern of the public at large, and certainly is a concern of this pastor and our congregation. "All of the input that we have received from the citizens of this city, county, surrounding counties, across the country, and around the world; has run 10 to one against the installation of these religious implements," he said. "Most realize that public property, owned by the taxpayers, cannot be used by Christians for religious displays or implements of their religiosity. Then, the question amongst them becomes: Why can it be used for Muslims?"
Source
Playing devil's advocate here, but either we have seperation of church and state, or we don't. We can't expect to allow public prayer for Christians and not for Muslims.
That said, the Muslim, or any other, students should not be able to expect a special room set aside just for prayer.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Owner Says Stolen Dog Slaughtered For Food
HONOLULU -- The owner of a stolen pet said his dog may have ended up slaughtered for a meal in Moanalua Valley this weekend.
Cady was a 50-pound German Shepard, Labrador mix. He got his name from being his owner's golf buddy. Frank Manuma said Cady was stolen at Moanalua Golf Club on Sunday.
"He was gone, and the leash was gone, and all that was left was his dish plates and his water," Manuma said.
Manuma said he left Cady on a long leash with food and water. He said he never imagined something bad would happen to the pet.
"They said they saw these two people force the dog into the car and took my animal away," Manuma said.
Two men were brought back to the golf course for questioning.
"He killed the dog because he had to feed his family. What I heard about the abduction is what I just said, they abducted him, and took him, and, and they slaughtered him," Manuma said.
Cady's dog house sits empty. Manuma said he and his wife are reeling over what happened.
"It hurt us a lot, my wife and I. She wasn't here when it happened. She just flew in last night. I had to break the news to her. Needless to say we lost a lot of rest time over this," Manuma said.
Two golf course employees were arrested for second-degree theft. The golf course manager said both employees have been fired, and that Moanalua Golf Club is cooperating with police.
Source
And to think there are blissfully ignorant folks out that that think this kind of thing dosen't happen.
Cady was a 50-pound German Shepard, Labrador mix. He got his name from being his owner's golf buddy. Frank Manuma said Cady was stolen at Moanalua Golf Club on Sunday.
"He was gone, and the leash was gone, and all that was left was his dish plates and his water," Manuma said.
Manuma said he left Cady on a long leash with food and water. He said he never imagined something bad would happen to the pet.
"They said they saw these two people force the dog into the car and took my animal away," Manuma said.
Two men were brought back to the golf course for questioning.
"He killed the dog because he had to feed his family. What I heard about the abduction is what I just said, they abducted him, and took him, and, and they slaughtered him," Manuma said.
Cady's dog house sits empty. Manuma said he and his wife are reeling over what happened.
"It hurt us a lot, my wife and I. She wasn't here when it happened. She just flew in last night. I had to break the news to her. Needless to say we lost a lot of rest time over this," Manuma said.
Two golf course employees were arrested for second-degree theft. The golf course manager said both employees have been fired, and that Moanalua Golf Club is cooperating with police.
Source
And to think there are blissfully ignorant folks out that that think this kind of thing dosen't happen.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A question for the Barack Obama campaign
Because I support dramatic changes to the heathcare system, I have been leaning towards a Democrat for President. Hillary is out of the question, as far as I'm concerned, and I don't care much for Edwards either.
I like the energy that Barack brings to the campaign, as well as his unwillingness to engage in the mud slinging that his opponents are all too willing to do.
With this in mind, I still have some Conservative values, and a Democratic President with too liberal of a Congress scares the hell out of me.
I sent this message to the Obama campaign, lets see it I get a reply.
*********************************
I want to support Barack in the worst way. However, it's been my experience that whenever there is a Democratic president and/or majority in Congress, society seems to come down with the political correctness disease.
Hyphenated-Americans, No reference to God allowed, the consistent fear of offending someone with words, out of control multi-culturalism just to name a few, all dividing this country almost to the point of no return.
As a leader, what will Barack do to encourage all Americans to pull together for the greater good of this country?
I like the energy that Barack brings to the campaign, as well as his unwillingness to engage in the mud slinging that his opponents are all too willing to do.
With this in mind, I still have some Conservative values, and a Democratic President with too liberal of a Congress scares the hell out of me.
I sent this message to the Obama campaign, lets see it I get a reply.
*********************************
I want to support Barack in the worst way. However, it's been my experience that whenever there is a Democratic president and/or majority in Congress, society seems to come down with the political correctness disease.
Hyphenated-Americans, No reference to God allowed, the consistent fear of offending someone with words, out of control multi-culturalism just to name a few, all dividing this country almost to the point of no return.
As a leader, what will Barack do to encourage all Americans to pull together for the greater good of this country?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Roids and HGH... Did it give these guys some unfair advantage?
These are players on the Mitchell Report that I've never heard of. Have you?
Paxton Crawford
Marvin Bernard
Bobby Estalella
Armando Rios
Mike Carreon
Jack Cust
Matt Franco
Ryan Franklin
Tim Laker
Mike Lansing
Nook Logan
Josias Manzanillo
Cody McKay
Bart Miadich
Hal Morris
Daniel Naulty
Jim Parque
Adam Piatt
Todd Pratt
Stephen Randolph
Adam Riggs
Brian Roberts
Ricky Stone
Ron Villone
Fernando Vina
Jeff Williams
Todd Williams
Kevin Young
David Bell
Paul Byrd
Jay Gibbons
Darren Holmes
Ismael Valdez
Steve Woodward
If this stuff was supposed to aid your performance, what happened to these less than lackluster carrers?
Paxton Crawford
Marvin Bernard
Bobby Estalella
Armando Rios
Mike Carreon
Jack Cust
Matt Franco
Ryan Franklin
Tim Laker
Mike Lansing
Nook Logan
Josias Manzanillo
Cody McKay
Bart Miadich
Hal Morris
Daniel Naulty
Jim Parque
Adam Piatt
Todd Pratt
Stephen Randolph
Adam Riggs
Brian Roberts
Ricky Stone
Ron Villone
Fernando Vina
Jeff Williams
Todd Williams
Kevin Young
David Bell
Paul Byrd
Jay Gibbons
Darren Holmes
Ismael Valdez
Steve Woodward
If this stuff was supposed to aid your performance, what happened to these less than lackluster carrers?
Friday, December 14, 2007
YouTube a valauable tool
I've always had a problem when posting on this blog, my mind races much faster than I can type. Hell... sometimes it races faster than I can speak.
I have found that recording my "rant" then uploading it to YouTube to be a valuable tool when I just don't feel like typing.
Concequently, I've also developed a small (very) following on YouTube's site, with some viewers posting their comments directly on the video's home page.
As I learn more about making videos, I hope to make my point come across much clearer than it is at this time. In the mean time, I appreciate you watching the "rant," and hope to hear your input in the future.
I have found that recording my "rant" then uploading it to YouTube to be a valuable tool when I just don't feel like typing.
Concequently, I've also developed a small (very) following on YouTube's site, with some viewers posting their comments directly on the video's home page.
As I learn more about making videos, I hope to make my point come across much clearer than it is at this time. In the mean time, I appreciate you watching the "rant," and hope to hear your input in the future.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
A little more on Joe Horn
I was a little worked up list night when I cut that Rant, so I don't think I got my point completely over.
While I don't think Mr. Horn used very good judgement, you can't blame him for his actions. Unfortunately, I think the court of public opinion, and more importantly, the court of justice seem ready to convict this man of murder.
If you agree with Mr. Horn's actions, he's going to need your help. This man is going to need the best legal team money can buy. I'd like to see someone (a lot more prominent than me) set up some kind of defense fund.
I also haven't heard from the residents of the house that was broken into by these hoodlums. I wonder if there has been any expression of gratitude directed toward Mr. Horn by these folks. I sure as hell hope they aren't condemning his actions.
While I don't think Mr. Horn used very good judgement, you can't blame him for his actions. Unfortunately, I think the court of public opinion, and more importantly, the court of justice seem ready to convict this man of murder.
If you agree with Mr. Horn's actions, he's going to need your help. This man is going to need the best legal team money can buy. I'd like to see someone (a lot more prominent than me) set up some kind of defense fund.
I also haven't heard from the residents of the house that was broken into by these hoodlums. I wonder if there has been any expression of gratitude directed toward Mr. Horn by these folks. I sure as hell hope they aren't condemning his actions.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Omaha mall shooter wanted to go out in style
Police: Nine killed in shooting at Omaha mall, including gunman
Well jackass, your 15 minutes is up. Now you're just dead.
I would almost hope he don't get a funeral or a public burial. Chunk him into the incinerator, for all I care, then flush his ashes down the toilet. How's that for style?
The worst thing that news outlets could have done is plaster his picture all over the place. Hell... I wouldn't have even released his name. (won't be mentioned here)
Fuck the tears for his wasted youth. You want to kill yourself, rock on, jump off a fuckin' bridge or somethin'. Leave the innocent alone.
Well jackass, your 15 minutes is up. Now you're just dead.
I would almost hope he don't get a funeral or a public burial. Chunk him into the incinerator, for all I care, then flush his ashes down the toilet. How's that for style?
The worst thing that news outlets could have done is plaster his picture all over the place. Hell... I wouldn't have even released his name. (won't be mentioned here)
Fuck the tears for his wasted youth. You want to kill yourself, rock on, jump off a fuckin' bridge or somethin'. Leave the innocent alone.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Three Points to Ponder
Can't take credit for this.. Still right on the nuts...
Three Points to Ponder
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments
C O W S
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.
________________________________
T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.
________________________________
T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:
You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment
Three Points to Ponder
1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments
C O W S
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.
________________________________
T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.
________________________________
T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S
The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:
You cannot post 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians...It creates a hostile work environment
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Warning... Islamic radicals on the loose again
According to an AP story, thousands of Sudanese, many armed with clubs and swords burned pictures of a British teacher Friday and demanded her execution for insulting Islam by letting her students name a teddy bear Muhammad.
My question is why any of the civilized nations of the West have anything to do with these whack jobs.
I have a friend up in Minnesota who teaches at an Islamic school, mostly to Somali children. I worry about her after this. God forbid, what would happen if little what’s his name with too many syllables to pronounce goes home and tells his parents that his teacher had a pork cutlet sandwich for lunch? Would we see a likewise demonstration at her school?
You may never think that would happen this country, but there are many areas like the Twin Cities that have many immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia or even the Sudan. I still think it's only a matter of time before these radicals, living here as our "guests," stage some sort of off the wall protests because some dumb ass suburbanite named his dog Muhammad.
This kind of thing makes me want to rename my dog. Except I have too much respect for the mutt.
(Yes, I edited this post just a bit. When I first heard this story, my mind was racing a bit.)
My question is why any of the civilized nations of the West have anything to do with these whack jobs.
I have a friend up in Minnesota who teaches at an Islamic school, mostly to Somali children. I worry about her after this. God forbid, what would happen if little what’s his name with too many syllables to pronounce goes home and tells his parents that his teacher had a pork cutlet sandwich for lunch? Would we see a likewise demonstration at her school?
You may never think that would happen this country, but there are many areas like the Twin Cities that have many immigrants from Somalia, Ethiopia or even the Sudan. I still think it's only a matter of time before these radicals, living here as our "guests," stage some sort of off the wall protests because some dumb ass suburbanite named his dog Muhammad.
This kind of thing makes me want to rename my dog. Except I have too much respect for the mutt.
(Yes, I edited this post just a bit. When I first heard this story, my mind was racing a bit.)
Evel Knievel dead at 69
Daredevil Evel Knievel dead at 69
When I was a kid, I idolized this guy.
Here is arguably the most famous moment from Evel's career...
When I was a kid, I idolized this guy.
Here is arguably the most famous moment from Evel's career...
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
My question to the CNN/YouTube Republican debate
I shouldn't be upset that my question did not make it to the candidates. After all there were almost 5,000 entries.
It's a good question, one that was not addressed in this debate. That leads me to believe that the Republican candidates are not interested in giving all Americans access to health insurance, this I guess I'm not too interested in voting for any of them.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
NFL's Sean Taylor dies of gunshot wound
NFL's Sean Taylor dies of gunshot wound
I remember this guy. He was the one that recovered a blocked a field goal attempt against the Cowboys last year. that play set up a game winning field goal for the Redskins. It was a play that sent Dallas into a tailspin, and they almost missed the playoffs after a promising start. I don't remember much from his season this year.
This tragedy hits hard, not only to the Redskins and their fans, but anybody that follows football. This kid had a bright future in the NFL, now it's all gone, thanks to this thoughtless act.
Did Taylor know the attacker? I doubt it. By all accounts, this was a random home invasion gone real bad.
Let's take a moment to pray for for this young man's family.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Man... What a boring day
When I've got time to post stuff here when I'm in the cab, you know it's a slow day. The malls on the south side are packed, but no body's taking cabs to or from them.
Later tonight on the Video Rant, I will get into this phenomenon called "Black Friday."
Later tonight on the Video Rant, I will get into this phenomenon called "Black Friday."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to women
Santas warned 'ho ho ho' offensive to women
This is in Australia, the last place I thought this PC garbage would catch on.
Mark my words, it will only be a matter of time before this crap reaches the US.
This is in Australia, the last place I thought this PC garbage would catch on.
Mark my words, it will only be a matter of time before this crap reaches the US.
Yi. who?
Get over it already. Yi ranks 25th amongst NBA Eastern Conference forwards in scoring (what the All-Star game is about), 45th in field goal percentage and only 16th in rebounding. Hardly all star stats.
I don't claim to be a basketball fan, but I can tell you who the top 10-12 players in the NBA are. This guy obviously aint one of them.
I'm guessing here, but I think the All-Star ballot is compiled pretty much at the beginning of the season, so that the printed version can be distributed at the games. When I filled out my on-line ballot, I noticed 2 things. First, there are a lot of players that are having decent years that are not on the ballot. Second, it's as easy as kissing Jessica Simpson to include any player you want via the "write in option."
I don't get it. There are 2 players from China in the NBA. Yao Ming and this other guy. As I remember, Yao was a celebrity before he played a minute. Not every Chinese (or any other international player) is going to have that "star status" before he plays a season or two against the best basketball players in the world.
I could have saved myself alot of research time and hunt-and-peck typing by just summarizing; This is the Chinese media were talking about here.
Friday, November 16, 2007
CNN.com - 36 million drivers would flunk drivers tests
CNN.com - 36 million drivers would flunk drivers tests
This doesn't surprise me at all. Just today, I encountered 2 accidents on the way in to work.
People drive like idiots. It's not just here in Corpus, although I'm not surprised that Texas ranks 25th in the national driver's safety test mentioned here. What does surprise me is that Nevada is ranked 19th. Vegas drivers are the worst bay far. I guess they're better in Reno and other areas of that desolate state.
They say the biggest problem is excessive speed, I believe it. It's noting to see folks running over 90 mph down our main drag in Corpus. God forbid if you're in the left lane (going 5-10 over yourself), these guys will fly up right on your bumper until you move over.
The cops out here aint much better. They have a tenancy to fly up on slower traffic without lights or siren, and expect the rattled motorist to get out of the way.
My industry has a reputation for bad drivers, although most know they have to be careful, otherwise the company's insurance will drop them it they have accidents or too many tickets.
It's really just a matter of taking your time and showing a little courtesy. Really... It only takes a minute or two more of your life to do it the right way.
I think I'm going to take that test.
Update...
Just took the test mentioned above. I scored 95% (1 wrong out of 20). Most of it is simple common sense.
Take the National Driver's Test
This doesn't surprise me at all. Just today, I encountered 2 accidents on the way in to work.
People drive like idiots. It's not just here in Corpus, although I'm not surprised that Texas ranks 25th in the national driver's safety test mentioned here. What does surprise me is that Nevada is ranked 19th. Vegas drivers are the worst bay far. I guess they're better in Reno and other areas of that desolate state.
They say the biggest problem is excessive speed, I believe it. It's noting to see folks running over 90 mph down our main drag in Corpus. God forbid if you're in the left lane (going 5-10 over yourself), these guys will fly up right on your bumper until you move over.
The cops out here aint much better. They have a tenancy to fly up on slower traffic without lights or siren, and expect the rattled motorist to get out of the way.
My industry has a reputation for bad drivers, although most know they have to be careful, otherwise the company's insurance will drop them it they have accidents or too many tickets.
It's really just a matter of taking your time and showing a little courtesy. Really... It only takes a minute or two more of your life to do it the right way.
I think I'm going to take that test.
Update...
Just took the test mentioned above. I scored 95% (1 wrong out of 20). Most of it is simple common sense.
Take the National Driver's Test
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A bit too much
I guess I wasn't cut out to be a bus driver after all. I turned in my resignation from the RTA today. I'm real sad about this, but I'm a realist. I felt safety was an issue, as I never really felt totally in control of any bus I drove.
I know it was only a week, but after clipping a street sign with the bus Monday, I couldn't help but think, what if that was a kid on a bike I hit. I never even knew I hit the thing until the other trainee yelled "oh shit" when it happened.
So I'm back in the cab for now. One nice thing about the cab business, it's very forgiving as long as you do what you're supposed to do.
I know it was only a week, but after clipping a street sign with the bus Monday, I couldn't help but think, what if that was a kid on a bike I hit. I never even knew I hit the thing until the other trainee yelled "oh shit" when it happened.
So I'm back in the cab for now. One nice thing about the cab business, it's very forgiving as long as you do what you're supposed to do.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
A Whites-Only Bathroom on the First Coast?
A Whites-Only Bathroom on the First Coast?
Now this is the kind of thing black folks should be up in arms about.
Now this is the kind of thing black folks should be up in arms about.
Maybe tougher than I thought
With my first week of training under my belt for the RTA, I'm finding this to be a challenge, on two fronts.
First, this whole bus driving thing is not as easy as it looks. Right turns are especially a pain in the ass. I'm going to wind up owing them for some tires at the rate I go over curbs.
Safety is huge there, understandably so. This last week, four hours a day are dedicated to defensive driving techniques. This part hasn't been hard to digest, because I am a firm believer in safe driving.
The other front is the one that concerns me. I miss the freedom and independence that cab driving offers. The daily cash aint hard to live with either.
I do find myself questioning this decision. Not because the RTA is a bad job. It's just when you become used to doing the same thing for so long, it becomes more than just a job, it's a part of your life.
I am taking time over this weekend to evaluate this situation. If I find this is not right for me. I want to get out before they invest too much time and effort into my training.
I guess I'll have to wait and see.
First, this whole bus driving thing is not as easy as it looks. Right turns are especially a pain in the ass. I'm going to wind up owing them for some tires at the rate I go over curbs.
Safety is huge there, understandably so. This last week, four hours a day are dedicated to defensive driving techniques. This part hasn't been hard to digest, because I am a firm believer in safe driving.
The other front is the one that concerns me. I miss the freedom and independence that cab driving offers. The daily cash aint hard to live with either.
I do find myself questioning this decision. Not because the RTA is a bad job. It's just when you become used to doing the same thing for so long, it becomes more than just a job, it's a part of your life.
I am taking time over this weekend to evaluate this situation. If I find this is not right for me. I want to get out before they invest too much time and effort into my training.
I guess I'll have to wait and see.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
DOG = Disingenuous asshole
What a bunch of boo-hoo bullshit. Does anyone think this snake oil salesman is really sorry for the remarks he made on what was supposed to be a private phone conversation.
I don't think Duane Chapman is a racist. I do think that all he is concerned with is getting his reality show back on TV. Otherwise, he might have gone on the offensive against the hypocrisy in today's culture that demonizes any white person for saying things that black people say all the time in the hip-hop-crisy culture.
What's the worst that could of happened? He loses the TV show and goes back and makes his living as a pretty good bounty hunter. On the other hand, a network like Spike might show some seeds and put him back on the air.
Instead, we get this unheartfelt, weak ass apology. Most folks that have been there know that you can take the person off the streets, but you can't take the streets out of the person. Dog Chapman is an uneducated man of the streets, that made well for himself for his balls out style of catching fugitives, not for his educated verbiage. Many white folks from his background talk the same way, myself included. I cannot say I would have handled it much differently than he did if I thought I or my family were being goaded in to a reaction of some sort.
Dog, if you're sorry and you mean it, apologise to the young lady you were directing your vermin toward, and stay off Hannity and Larry King in what is nothing more than a pathetic attempt at damage control.
I don't think Duane Chapman is a racist. I do think that all he is concerned with is getting his reality show back on TV. Otherwise, he might have gone on the offensive against the hypocrisy in today's culture that demonizes any white person for saying things that black people say all the time in the hip-hop-crisy culture.
What's the worst that could of happened? He loses the TV show and goes back and makes his living as a pretty good bounty hunter. On the other hand, a network like Spike might show some seeds and put him back on the air.
Instead, we get this unheartfelt, weak ass apology. Most folks that have been there know that you can take the person off the streets, but you can't take the streets out of the person. Dog Chapman is an uneducated man of the streets, that made well for himself for his balls out style of catching fugitives, not for his educated verbiage. Many white folks from his background talk the same way, myself included. I cannot say I would have handled it much differently than he did if I thought I or my family were being goaded in to a reaction of some sort.
Dog, if you're sorry and you mean it, apologise to the young lady you were directing your vermin toward, and stay off Hannity and Larry King in what is nothing more than a pathetic attempt at damage control.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
'DOG' WHIMPERS EXCUSE: GUESS I'M NOT BLACK
By ERIC LENKOWITZ
November 7, 2007 -- It took Duane "Dog" Chapman 54 years to figure out what the world has long known - he's not black.
The blond-haired bounty hunter explained last night that he thought his prolific use of the n-word was OK because of a bond he shares with the black community. He said that in the wake of the recent uproar it has caused, "I now learned I'm not black at all.
"I thought that I was cool enough in the black world to be able to use that word as a brother to a brother. I'm not," Chapman told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."
"I didn't really know until three or four days ago what that meant to black people.
"I never realized it is like stabbing a black person in the heart," he said, choking back tears.
The reality show star - whose series has been axed by A&E - came under fire after a profanity-laced tape surfaced last Wednesday on The National Enquirer's Web site, on which he berates his estranged son, Tucker, for dating African-American teacher Monique Shinnery.
Chapman believes Tucker got $15,000 for the tape and speculated he used it for drugs.
In a videotaped interview with the Enquirer, Shinnery said, "I believe that Duane is a racist because I have heard many times what he says about me - not just this one time, but a lot of things he says and a lot of things he does."
Chapman began crying when he saw Shinnery's clip, and said, "I'm so sorry, honey, I'm so sorry. I'm not like that. I'm very sorry."
----------------------------------------------------
Sell out...
When I started reading this, I thought, cool, he's gonna unload on the hypocrisy that makes it ok for black folks to use the "N-word" without any problem.
Instead, he seems to be more concerned about losing his honey pot, better known as his less than entertaining reality show.
You'd think he could have at least got on his worthless son's ass, who supposedly recorded what was supposed to be a private conversation, and sold it to a rag that my dogs are even too good to piss on. Nah... He's just gonna grovel.
More than likely, it's too late. I'm sure A&E will replace DOG with another riveting program, like a cooking show featuring Graham Kerr's and Julia Child's love child.
Peace out...
November 7, 2007 -- It took Duane "Dog" Chapman 54 years to figure out what the world has long known - he's not black.
The blond-haired bounty hunter explained last night that he thought his prolific use of the n-word was OK because of a bond he shares with the black community. He said that in the wake of the recent uproar it has caused, "I now learned I'm not black at all.
"I thought that I was cool enough in the black world to be able to use that word as a brother to a brother. I'm not," Chapman told Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes."
"I didn't really know until three or four days ago what that meant to black people.
"I never realized it is like stabbing a black person in the heart," he said, choking back tears.
The reality show star - whose series has been axed by A&E - came under fire after a profanity-laced tape surfaced last Wednesday on The National Enquirer's Web site, on which he berates his estranged son, Tucker, for dating African-American teacher Monique Shinnery.
Chapman believes Tucker got $15,000 for the tape and speculated he used it for drugs.
In a videotaped interview with the Enquirer, Shinnery said, "I believe that Duane is a racist because I have heard many times what he says about me - not just this one time, but a lot of things he says and a lot of things he does."
Chapman began crying when he saw Shinnery's clip, and said, "I'm so sorry, honey, I'm so sorry. I'm not like that. I'm very sorry."
----------------------------------------------------
Sell out...
When I started reading this, I thought, cool, he's gonna unload on the hypocrisy that makes it ok for black folks to use the "N-word" without any problem.
Instead, he seems to be more concerned about losing his honey pot, better known as his less than entertaining reality show.
You'd think he could have at least got on his worthless son's ass, who supposedly recorded what was supposed to be a private conversation, and sold it to a rag that my dogs are even too good to piss on. Nah... He's just gonna grovel.
More than likely, it's too late. I'm sure A&E will replace DOG with another riveting program, like a cooking show featuring Graham Kerr's and Julia Child's love child.
Peace out...
Monday, November 5, 2007
May be the toughest job I'll ever love
Man...
First day of behind the wheel training at the RTA. Keep in mind, I've never operated anything bigger than a small shuttle bus, in Vegas, that was transformed into a wheelchair accessible van.
This was a completely different animal.
I understand why the RTA requires 6 weeks of training before they turn me loose on the public. As is stands now, I'll want (and need) every moment of that.
I guess it aint all that bad. I only curbed the rear wheels twice in the first hour and a half.
Still got a long way to go...
And I love it...
First day of behind the wheel training at the RTA. Keep in mind, I've never operated anything bigger than a small shuttle bus, in Vegas, that was transformed into a wheelchair accessible van.
This was a completely different animal.
I understand why the RTA requires 6 weeks of training before they turn me loose on the public. As is stands now, I'll want (and need) every moment of that.
I guess it aint all that bad. I only curbed the rear wheels twice in the first hour and a half.
Still got a long way to go...
And I love it...
I can't tell you..
How good it feels to have my work day done after 8 hours.
When I get done with training, I'll maybe sign up for some overtime.
Maybe...
When I get done with training, I'll maybe sign up for some overtime.
Maybe...
Saturday, November 3, 2007
As of today, it's just a hobby
About 2 months ago, I got a wild hair and dropped an application at the local city bus garage. I was a little disheartened when I got a "thanks but no thanks" reply in the mail.
My first reaction was to grumble a little bit on this blog and just let it go. After all, this just proves my theory about the stigma associated with career cab drivers.
But something told me to follow up. So I sent an e-mail to the head of the HR department. I told her that I found it surprising that someone with my experience in for hire transportation would be turned down so quickly.
Apparently... So did she.
So, I got the interview, and hit the baby out of the park.
The result... After 26 years (some good, some not so good) of 12-14 hour days, groveling for a pittance of tips, worrying if your next fare is that psycho Hannibal Lechter wannabe you read about in the paper, it's all over. I am now an employee of the Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority.
OK... I'm just a bus driver (in training), but this marks a big change in my life. Other than the time I helped my buddy open his business up in Wichita Falls (and knew I'd have to fall back on the cab industry), this is this first time I've taken a completely different career path. One that will have good pay (for this area), great bennies (including paid vacation and sick leave) and a professional, no pressure management and support team. To my friends in Las Vegas, all this is without the presence of a labor union.
So, will I turn my back on the industry that has been a huge part of my life for the last quarter century? Lets say there'll be a weaning process. I'll still pick up a shift here and there. I'll still read the stories about the struggles that cab drivers in this country have with getting just a smidgen of respect.
But if I can offer one word of advice to the few of you that still read my ramblings, don't wait until your life is half over to get out of this business. Many of you are smarter and much more talented than I'll ever hope to be. Put that gift from God to good use. Don't waste it on this dead end profession.
My first reaction was to grumble a little bit on this blog and just let it go. After all, this just proves my theory about the stigma associated with career cab drivers.
But something told me to follow up. So I sent an e-mail to the head of the HR department. I told her that I found it surprising that someone with my experience in for hire transportation would be turned down so quickly.
Apparently... So did she.
So, I got the interview, and hit the baby out of the park.
The result... After 26 years (some good, some not so good) of 12-14 hour days, groveling for a pittance of tips, worrying if your next fare is that psycho Hannibal Lechter wannabe you read about in the paper, it's all over. I am now an employee of the Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority.
OK... I'm just a bus driver (in training), but this marks a big change in my life. Other than the time I helped my buddy open his business up in Wichita Falls (and knew I'd have to fall back on the cab industry), this is this first time I've taken a completely different career path. One that will have good pay (for this area), great bennies (including paid vacation and sick leave) and a professional, no pressure management and support team. To my friends in Las Vegas, all this is without the presence of a labor union.
So, will I turn my back on the industry that has been a huge part of my life for the last quarter century? Lets say there'll be a weaning process. I'll still pick up a shift here and there. I'll still read the stories about the struggles that cab drivers in this country have with getting just a smidgen of respect.
But if I can offer one word of advice to the few of you that still read my ramblings, don't wait until your life is half over to get out of this business. Many of you are smarter and much more talented than I'll ever hope to be. Put that gift from God to good use. Don't waste it on this dead end profession.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Aint this the truth?
12 Rules of Life really are:
1. Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.
2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.
3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are "I apologize" and "you are right."
4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
5. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.
6. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her - believe them.
7. Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, "Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?"
8. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.
9. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!
10. Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
11. Work is good, but it's not that important. Money is nice, but you can't take it with you. Statistics show most people don't live to spend all they saved; some die even before they retire. Anything we have isn't really ours; it was given to us by God; He just letting us borrow it while we're here...even our kids. So enjoy it while you have it.
12. And finally.. Be really good to your family and/or friends. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.
contributed by Scott Deeke
1. Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.
2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.
3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are "I apologize" and "you are right."
4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
5. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.
6. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her - believe them.
7. Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, "Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?"
8. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.
9. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!
10. Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
11. Work is good, but it's not that important. Money is nice, but you can't take it with you. Statistics show most people don't live to spend all they saved; some die even before they retire. Anything we have isn't really ours; it was given to us by God; He just letting us borrow it while we're here...even our kids. So enjoy it while you have it.
12. And finally.. Be really good to your family and/or friends. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.
contributed by Scott Deeke
Friday, October 19, 2007
Clinton health plan for Americans only
Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally would not be covered by her proposed universal health care plan.
The New York senator said she supports basic health services for illegal immigrants, including hospitalization and treatment of acute conditions. But she said the magnitude of the nation's health care challenge means her universal coverage proposal would not cover the 12 million people living in the country illegally.
Full Story
This perplexes me...
On the surface, this sounds great. I have supported some form of universal heath care for a while now. And now, the "liberals" leading candidate says that this heath care would only be available to Americans. If you were to accept this at face value, you'd have to say that was fairly reasonable.
What scares me is if Hillary and a few more liberals get voted into office, who's to say that the millions that are now in this country illegally would eventually become legal? There was nothing in this story that said anything about her heath care plan being available only to citizens.
There's no doubt that something needs to be done to get more, if not all, Americans covered with health insurance. I also feel that it should be a personal responsibility, not that of business owners. Unfortunately, like auto insurance, a great number of people would not participate unless it was somehow mandated.
Ms. Clinton's plan seems to be the the most workable. Question is, how much other liberal garbage will we have to swallow in order to achieve this?
The New York senator said she supports basic health services for illegal immigrants, including hospitalization and treatment of acute conditions. But she said the magnitude of the nation's health care challenge means her universal coverage proposal would not cover the 12 million people living in the country illegally.
Full Story
This perplexes me...
On the surface, this sounds great. I have supported some form of universal heath care for a while now. And now, the "liberals" leading candidate says that this heath care would only be available to Americans. If you were to accept this at face value, you'd have to say that was fairly reasonable.
What scares me is if Hillary and a few more liberals get voted into office, who's to say that the millions that are now in this country illegally would eventually become legal? There was nothing in this story that said anything about her heath care plan being available only to citizens.
There's no doubt that something needs to be done to get more, if not all, Americans covered with health insurance. I also feel that it should be a personal responsibility, not that of business owners. Unfortunately, like auto insurance, a great number of people would not participate unless it was somehow mandated.
Ms. Clinton's plan seems to be the the most workable. Question is, how much other liberal garbage will we have to swallow in order to achieve this?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Jason Whitlock: NFL buffoons leaving terrible legacy
You get one NFL Truth today. Watching Chad Johnson and Larry Johnson undermine their respective head coaches, Marvin Lewis and Herm Edwards, on Sunday gave me a singular focus, forced me to contemplate an uncomfortable truth.
African-American football players caught up in the rebellion and buffoonery of hip hop culture have given NFL owners and coaches a justifiable reason to whiten their rosters. That will be the legacy left by Chad, Larry and Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, Terrell Owens, Michael Vick and all the other football bojanglers.
In terms of opportunity for American-born black athletes, they're going to leave the game in far worse shape than they found it.
Full Story
In football, it's all about discipline. More so than any other major sport. Guys like the ones mentioned have no discipline. Problem is that while you more than likely can't win with them, you sure as hell can't win without them.
I don't think you can blame the hip-hop culture for this. These individuals, along with many others cannot separate their profession from their social life, whatever that social life may entail.
Are we really foolish enough to think that life is imitating art here? Remember that for all the thugs in the world that listen to rap and hip hop, there are many, many more good if not outstanding citizens that enjoy the same genre.
These days, people watch professional sports as much to be entertained as to cheer on the local team. Until the public that dumps millions of dollars to watch these "buffoons" no longer considers their shtick entertaining, the list of TO wannbes will continue to grow...
...Regardless of the music they listen to.
African-American football players caught up in the rebellion and buffoonery of hip hop culture have given NFL owners and coaches a justifiable reason to whiten their rosters. That will be the legacy left by Chad, Larry and Tank Johnson, Pacman Jones, Terrell Owens, Michael Vick and all the other football bojanglers.
In terms of opportunity for American-born black athletes, they're going to leave the game in far worse shape than they found it.
Full Story
In football, it's all about discipline. More so than any other major sport. Guys like the ones mentioned have no discipline. Problem is that while you more than likely can't win with them, you sure as hell can't win without them.
I don't think you can blame the hip-hop culture for this. These individuals, along with many others cannot separate their profession from their social life, whatever that social life may entail.
Are we really foolish enough to think that life is imitating art here? Remember that for all the thugs in the world that listen to rap and hip hop, there are many, many more good if not outstanding citizens that enjoy the same genre.
These days, people watch professional sports as much to be entertained as to cheer on the local team. Until the public that dumps millions of dollars to watch these "buffoons" no longer considers their shtick entertaining, the list of TO wannbes will continue to grow...
...Regardless of the music they listen to.
Get well soon...
About 2 weeks ago, I decided to take a break from listening to talk radio, so news that one of my favorite talkers had come down with a staph infection while reporting on the rapid spread of this deadly disease, caught me by surprise.
Eric Von Wade has been a favorite of mine since I moved to this area a little over a year ago. I hadn't heard about this until tonight, but I guess he was hospitalized on Tuesday to remove the abscess from his chin. He has since been released, and is recovering at home.
From what I know of Eric, he's otherwise in good heath and takes good care of himself. I'm sure he'll recover from this just fine.
May God be with him.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sympathy for cab drivers?
Unfortunately, this is the perception most folks these days have of cab drivers. So when cabbies turn to the general public for support of better working conditions in their industry, the plea usually falls on deaf ears.
As is the case with most situations, only the negative is news worthy. Stories of good deeds are usually shuffled to the back of the newspaper, while stories of tragedy make front page news.
As I get the news feeds for Cabbie Shack, I rarely see stories about the drivers that go beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to service the public (I know they're out there). Instead, about 90% of the news I get to post is negative.
I don't know what the answer is to reverse the trend.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
A day off...
Something's not right... It's 2:30pm, and I'm not in my cab or the bags van.
Wait a minute... It's Thursday. It's our day off!!!
That's right, after 75 plus hours (including a 15 hour day last night), we get to veg for a day.
Don't worry, we'll be right back at it tomorrow, but be advised...
Next week, we get 2 days off.
Wait a minute... It's Thursday. It's our day off!!!
That's right, after 75 plus hours (including a 15 hour day last night), we get to veg for a day.
Don't worry, we'll be right back at it tomorrow, but be advised...
Next week, we get 2 days off.
Not qualified to be a bus driver
I guess 26 years of professional driving wasn't enough.
And they wonder why I'm cynical.
And they wonder why I'm cynical.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Redneck Bus Driver?
Doesn't have the same ring, does it? None the less, I dropped off an application with the RTA here in Corpus.
I always will love the taxi industry, but I need medical coverage. As I've stated before, I have no interest in retuning to Vegas, the only town I know where cabbies are deemed employees. I guess I need to start looking for another line of work.
This maybe harder than you think. There seems to be a stigma attached to cab drivers. Especially anyone who's been in it as long as I have. Most of the ignoramus consider cab drivers to be uneducated and lazy. While I'm not one of them, some cabbies are intelligent enough to be a part of Mensa. If you don't know what that is, then you must be dumber than me. Hmmmm...... As far as lazy... Well, I was working 60 hour weeks before the term "workaholic" became a part of the vocabulary.
Besides needing benefits, one problem I've noticed is that nobody I've seen in the last 10 years could run a cab company as well as I could (in my opinion of course). With 2 possible exceptions, most companies and or governing bodies have let their business go to the dogs. Especially here in Corpus. Problem is, I like the city too much to move on. So either I deal with it, or find another line of work.
Any Ralph Kramden comments will be swiftly deleted.
I always will love the taxi industry, but I need medical coverage. As I've stated before, I have no interest in retuning to Vegas, the only town I know where cabbies are deemed employees. I guess I need to start looking for another line of work.
This maybe harder than you think. There seems to be a stigma attached to cab drivers. Especially anyone who's been in it as long as I have. Most of the ignoramus consider cab drivers to be uneducated and lazy. While I'm not one of them, some cabbies are intelligent enough to be a part of Mensa. If you don't know what that is, then you must be dumber than me. Hmmmm...... As far as lazy... Well, I was working 60 hour weeks before the term "workaholic" became a part of the vocabulary.
Besides needing benefits, one problem I've noticed is that nobody I've seen in the last 10 years could run a cab company as well as I could (in my opinion of course). With 2 possible exceptions, most companies and or governing bodies have let their business go to the dogs. Especially here in Corpus. Problem is, I like the city too much to move on. So either I deal with it, or find another line of work.
Any Ralph Kramden comments will be swiftly deleted.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
If Micheal Vick does any time...
... then this sick fuck should rot in jail.
According to the Corpus Christi Caller Times:
A 26-year-old Victoria man arrested last week in Robstown on misdemeanor charges of public lewdness and disorderly conduct could face more serious charges if authorities determine a dog was sexually assaulted.
District Attorney Carlos Valdez, who received the case on Wednesday, said he is awaiting DNA results taken from the female dog to show whether Eduardo Ramos III had any sexual contact with the animal and is researching possible charges.
Full Story
This just makes me want to hurl. I can't type fast enough to express my feelings here.
If this guy is convicted, he needs to go away for a long, long time. This may be at least as sick as having sex with a minor. (Back off... I'm not trying to lessen that offense)
Any person that would have sex with any animal should just be locked up for life, because they are are that much of a serious threat to society.
I've seen the pictures on line. I know this shouldn't be so shocking. I can't help it.
So lets play the what if game...
What if this fucker is lucky enough to find any human to have sex with. Can you imagine the potential threat of disease this "man" is passing on to a potential partner.
I need to stop before I spend a sleepless night over this shit.
According to the Corpus Christi Caller Times:
A 26-year-old Victoria man arrested last week in Robstown on misdemeanor charges of public lewdness and disorderly conduct could face more serious charges if authorities determine a dog was sexually assaulted.
District Attorney Carlos Valdez, who received the case on Wednesday, said he is awaiting DNA results taken from the female dog to show whether Eduardo Ramos III had any sexual contact with the animal and is researching possible charges.
Full Story
This just makes me want to hurl. I can't type fast enough to express my feelings here.
If this guy is convicted, he needs to go away for a long, long time. This may be at least as sick as having sex with a minor. (Back off... I'm not trying to lessen that offense)
Any person that would have sex with any animal should just be locked up for life, because they are are that much of a serious threat to society.
I've seen the pictures on line. I know this shouldn't be so shocking. I can't help it.
So lets play the what if game...
What if this fucker is lucky enough to find any human to have sex with. Can you imagine the potential threat of disease this "man" is passing on to a potential partner.
I need to stop before I spend a sleepless night over this shit.
Am I just mellowing in my old age?
Just really don't seem like I have much to write about.
I've been posting allot on Cabbie Shack, but most of that is simple copy paste stuff.
I did see a story from Cincinnati about cab drivers that work the airport there having to shell out 60% of their fares to their company, plus pay a lease of a hundred bucks and all of their gas used. I sure hope there's something I'm missing in that story, or those guys are just plain hosed.
Otherwise, I really am having a case of writer's block. I'm sure there's still stuff happening that's pissing me off somehow, but by the time I get to the computer, I've forgotten about it.
I've stopped listening to talk radio for the most part. It's become the same old crap day in and day out. While I only get to hear the conservative crap here in Corpus, I'm sure the liberal crap is just as boorish.
I'm to the point where I just want to relax. I fought the good fight while driving in Vegas. Those guys have shown the ability to stick it to the establishment pretty well. I applaud their efforts.
Yes... I'm still here, and trust me, there will be some topic that lights my fire once again.
Someday...
I've been posting allot on Cabbie Shack, but most of that is simple copy paste stuff.
I did see a story from Cincinnati about cab drivers that work the airport there having to shell out 60% of their fares to their company, plus pay a lease of a hundred bucks and all of their gas used. I sure hope there's something I'm missing in that story, or those guys are just plain hosed.
Otherwise, I really am having a case of writer's block. I'm sure there's still stuff happening that's pissing me off somehow, but by the time I get to the computer, I've forgotten about it.
I've stopped listening to talk radio for the most part. It's become the same old crap day in and day out. While I only get to hear the conservative crap here in Corpus, I'm sure the liberal crap is just as boorish.
I'm to the point where I just want to relax. I fought the good fight while driving in Vegas. Those guys have shown the ability to stick it to the establishment pretty well. I applaud their efforts.
Yes... I'm still here, and trust me, there will be some topic that lights my fire once again.
Someday...
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Sign of the times
Indianapolis - Outside the Hope Baptist Church on the west side is a preview of this weekend's sermon - what some might consider an unusual subject - as the sign reads, "No tax-funded footwashing sinks."
The topic refers to plans to install footwashing basins on the Indianapolis airport property to accommodate Muslim cabdrivers who practice the ritual several times a day. But Pastor Jerry Hillenburg considers the plan "a violation of the constitution."
Full Story
I never thought I'd find myself siding with the Muslim drivers, but there is one thing not mentioned here.
While I don't claim to know this as fact, it's a pretty sure bet that these drivers pay extra for the "privilege" of working the airport. Where else does this money go? It really is high time that these cities use at least some the money paid to them in licence fees to benefit the drivers, regardless of their religion.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Brings back memories
Of late, I have been reading and posting on a forum targeted to cab drivers in Las Vegas. RightInTheNuts.com is the latest site in a long list of likewise forums to attract the opinions of disgruntled hacks.
I ran a forum about 6 years ago called VegasCabbie.com. It's good to see that the tradition has not been dropped, as the internet has fast become the leading source of information available to anyone about any subject. I understand that RightInTheNuts.com is at the top of Google's list when searching for particular categories.
You couldn't pay me enough to drive a cab in Las Vegas again. The companies, the Taxicab Authority and yes, some of the drivers have absolutely ruined that market. There are over twice the number of cabs on the streets out there than when I started in 1998. I know Vegas has grown, but not that much.
I sense more desperation out there now. Drivers are even more frustrated than before I left in 2003. A well organized strike (wildcat... the union contracts have a no strike clause) would send a strong message to the companies that the drivers have had enough.
I sure wish them the best...
I ran a forum about 6 years ago called VegasCabbie.com. It's good to see that the tradition has not been dropped, as the internet has fast become the leading source of information available to anyone about any subject. I understand that RightInTheNuts.com is at the top of Google's list when searching for particular categories.
You couldn't pay me enough to drive a cab in Las Vegas again. The companies, the Taxicab Authority and yes, some of the drivers have absolutely ruined that market. There are over twice the number of cabs on the streets out there than when I started in 1998. I know Vegas has grown, but not that much.
I sense more desperation out there now. Drivers are even more frustrated than before I left in 2003. A well organized strike (wildcat... the union contracts have a no strike clause) would send a strong message to the companies that the drivers have had enough.
I sure wish them the best...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A little history from 2002
Sunday, August 04, 2002Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Taxi driver uses Web site, radio show and column to share what cabbies are thinking
By JOHN PRZYBYS REVIEW-JOURNAL
To the locals and tourists who ride in his cab, he's John Shannon, who navigates the congested streets of Las Vegas so they don't have to.
To his fellow drivers, he's "Hound Dawg," top dog of the VegasCabbie.com Web site and host of the weekly radio show "The Dawg Shift."
Both the Web site and radio show represent narrowcasting in the purest sense, featuring news, advice, discussion and whatever else might be of interest to Southern Nevada's legions of cab drivers.
Shannon, 39, knows about the job firsthand. He's been driving in Las Vegas for about four years, and before that spent 17 years as a cab driver in Minneapolis.
In fact, Shannon and his wife, Diane -- also a driver, who operates a wheelchair-accessible cab -- became hooked on the city when they tied the knot here.
"I said, `We've got to come back here and live,' " Shannon said. "When I first proposed the idea, it was, like, `No way.' Now I couldn't get her to leave if I wanted to."
VegasCabbie.com started about 2 1/2 years ago as a hobby for Shannon, who figured the Web site would be a good way to work on his computer programming skills.
Originally, Shannon designed it as "kind of a tourist information site, maybe as a kind of link between cab drivers and potential passengers."
But, he said, "I wasn't getting a whole lot of play with that."
Shannon decided to focus the site toward drivers. Last September, he put up a message board on which cabbies could post their opinions, questions or comments, and VegasCabbie.com was off and running.
The site began at a time when Shannon was developing an interest in "the politics of the industry."
"I started attending (Nevada) Taxicab Authority meetings. I'd gotten myself involved with the Professional Drivers Association, which is a group that is representing taxi drivers' interests. I just saw a bunch of stuff that was happening and decided I'm obviously not the only one who had an opinion about this, and I wanted to hear everybody else's opinions."
Word of mouth and general Web-surfing have brought increasing numbers of contributors to the site, which Shannon said totaled at least 19,000 page views during July.
In mid-March, a companion radio show, "The Dawg Shift," joined VegasCabbie.com as a forum for valley cab drivers. The show airs at midnight each Wednesday night/Thursday morning on KLAV-AM 1230 and also can be heard via live Webcast and through archived shows available through the Web site.
"It's a little bit of something for everybody," said Shannon, who also writes a column for Trip Sheet, a local cab driver-oriented publication. "It's totally open to whatever the guys want to use it for."
Recent postings include opinion pieces about news issues, bits of Internet humor, even a note from a new driver seeking advice.
"There was a guy not long ago looking for a roommate. So it's little things like that," Shannon noted.
The most talked-about issue lately has involved strip club operators, Shannon said -- "who was paying, who wasn't paying and who started this whole deal with cutting off cab drivers from receiving tokes from strip clubs."
"One of the biggest things, too, now has been the overallocation of taxi cabs," he added.
Another issue is cab drivers who want to own their cabs. "The way it's set up here, it's not impossible to do so, but it's damn close," Shannon said.
Shannon also posts stories about issues that can affect cab drivers in less overt ways.
For example, "strip clubs are big news for guys out here," Shannon said, so, "we've been following the issue of the county trying to change how lap dances are done."
Shannon said he's so far found no need to delete the posts drivers contribute. "It's their opinion and it's their right to post it, and if I don't agree with it I'll reply to it, as will other people," he said.
"I'm not afraid to banter in discussion with anybody that wants to talk about an issue, whether they agree with me or disagree with me."
In fact, Shannon jokes, "I'm not above sarcasm and I'm not above, quite frankly, being a jerk sometimes over the air."
Shannon, who drives for Union Cab Co., said his own bosses "have never given me a lick of grief about anything I ever said on the radio, posted on the Web site or even said in Trip Sheet magazine," despite the fact he's occasionally taken the company to task over its radio dispatching.
While cab drivers remain VegasCabbie.com's primary audience, Shannon would welcome comments from cab riders, too.
"It's not just for drivers, but also for people who come into contact with drivers as well," he said.
"I've encouraged people on several different occasions, people who have had dealings with cab drivers, `If you've gotten a bad ride or something like that, tell us about that. If you have something on your mind, we'd sure love to hear about it.' "
Taxi driver uses Web site, radio show and column to share what cabbies are thinking
By JOHN PRZYBYS REVIEW-JOURNAL
To the locals and tourists who ride in his cab, he's John Shannon, who navigates the congested streets of Las Vegas so they don't have to.
To his fellow drivers, he's "Hound Dawg," top dog of the VegasCabbie.com Web site and host of the weekly radio show "The Dawg Shift."
Both the Web site and radio show represent narrowcasting in the purest sense, featuring news, advice, discussion and whatever else might be of interest to Southern Nevada's legions of cab drivers.
Shannon, 39, knows about the job firsthand. He's been driving in Las Vegas for about four years, and before that spent 17 years as a cab driver in Minneapolis.
In fact, Shannon and his wife, Diane -- also a driver, who operates a wheelchair-accessible cab -- became hooked on the city when they tied the knot here.
"I said, `We've got to come back here and live,' " Shannon said. "When I first proposed the idea, it was, like, `No way.' Now I couldn't get her to leave if I wanted to."
VegasCabbie.com started about 2 1/2 years ago as a hobby for Shannon, who figured the Web site would be a good way to work on his computer programming skills.
Originally, Shannon designed it as "kind of a tourist information site, maybe as a kind of link between cab drivers and potential passengers."
But, he said, "I wasn't getting a whole lot of play with that."
Shannon decided to focus the site toward drivers. Last September, he put up a message board on which cabbies could post their opinions, questions or comments, and VegasCabbie.com was off and running.
The site began at a time when Shannon was developing an interest in "the politics of the industry."
"I started attending (Nevada) Taxicab Authority meetings. I'd gotten myself involved with the Professional Drivers Association, which is a group that is representing taxi drivers' interests. I just saw a bunch of stuff that was happening and decided I'm obviously not the only one who had an opinion about this, and I wanted to hear everybody else's opinions."
Word of mouth and general Web-surfing have brought increasing numbers of contributors to the site, which Shannon said totaled at least 19,000 page views during July.
In mid-March, a companion radio show, "The Dawg Shift," joined VegasCabbie.com as a forum for valley cab drivers. The show airs at midnight each Wednesday night/Thursday morning on KLAV-AM 1230 and also can be heard via live Webcast and through archived shows available through the Web site.
"It's a little bit of something for everybody," said Shannon, who also writes a column for Trip Sheet, a local cab driver-oriented publication. "It's totally open to whatever the guys want to use it for."
Recent postings include opinion pieces about news issues, bits of Internet humor, even a note from a new driver seeking advice.
"There was a guy not long ago looking for a roommate. So it's little things like that," Shannon noted.
The most talked-about issue lately has involved strip club operators, Shannon said -- "who was paying, who wasn't paying and who started this whole deal with cutting off cab drivers from receiving tokes from strip clubs."
"One of the biggest things, too, now has been the overallocation of taxi cabs," he added.
Another issue is cab drivers who want to own their cabs. "The way it's set up here, it's not impossible to do so, but it's damn close," Shannon said.
Shannon also posts stories about issues that can affect cab drivers in less overt ways.
For example, "strip clubs are big news for guys out here," Shannon said, so, "we've been following the issue of the county trying to change how lap dances are done."
Shannon said he's so far found no need to delete the posts drivers contribute. "It's their opinion and it's their right to post it, and if I don't agree with it I'll reply to it, as will other people," he said.
"I'm not afraid to banter in discussion with anybody that wants to talk about an issue, whether they agree with me or disagree with me."
In fact, Shannon jokes, "I'm not above sarcasm and I'm not above, quite frankly, being a jerk sometimes over the air."
Shannon, who drives for Union Cab Co., said his own bosses "have never given me a lick of grief about anything I ever said on the radio, posted on the Web site or even said in Trip Sheet magazine," despite the fact he's occasionally taken the company to task over its radio dispatching.
While cab drivers remain VegasCabbie.com's primary audience, Shannon would welcome comments from cab riders, too.
"It's not just for drivers, but also for people who come into contact with drivers as well," he said.
"I've encouraged people on several different occasions, people who have had dealings with cab drivers, `If you've gotten a bad ride or something like that, tell us about that. If you have something on your mind, we'd sure love to hear about it.' "
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Much ado about nothing
I guess I'm not sure what all the commotion is about, pertaining to Vanessa Hudgens' nude photo that has popped up on the internet. I would hope that there is no great outcry to remove her from her popular show on the Disney Channel, "High School Musical."
This needs to be seen for what it is. A young lady (over 18) who wanted to send her boyfriend (also over 18) a sexy photograph of herself via e-mail. As we all know, e-mail is not as private as we'd like it to be.
So now the whole world (those who care) knows what Ms. Hudgens looks like in the buff.
Big deal!
This photo (yes I've seen it) isn't pornographic by any means. It wasn't really all that provocative. She is a cute young lady with a nice body. My God, how many fit that description?
The best part is that hardly any of us would have known about this if the National Enquirer hadn't broke this "huge" story. Isn't it a shame? That rag sells better than most of the nation's newspapers. It just goes to show what is important to our voyeuristic society. A society that can't wait to see the career of this young lady go up in flames.
Just where are our priorities?
This needs to be seen for what it is. A young lady (over 18) who wanted to send her boyfriend (also over 18) a sexy photograph of herself via e-mail. As we all know, e-mail is not as private as we'd like it to be.
So now the whole world (those who care) knows what Ms. Hudgens looks like in the buff.
Big deal!
This photo (yes I've seen it) isn't pornographic by any means. It wasn't really all that provocative. She is a cute young lady with a nice body. My God, how many fit that description?
The best part is that hardly any of us would have known about this if the National Enquirer hadn't broke this "huge" story. Isn't it a shame? That rag sells better than most of the nation's newspapers. It just goes to show what is important to our voyeuristic society. A society that can't wait to see the career of this young lady go up in flames.
Just where are our priorities?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Ok... I'll write something constructive
I know it seems of late that all I'm doing is shilling a line of t-shirts with stupid little sayings.
Well, you're right...
Fact is, things are going pretty good these days. Not much to complain about. I haven't even recorded a rant in about a month.
This is a sad time of year for me. Summer's winding down, baseball season is almost over and this town goes into shutdown mode as the tourist season comes to a close. Sure, the winter Texans will soon be here, but they just don't provide the same energy to the landscape or the economy.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the coastal bend area. Temps are still in the mid to upper 80's and beach traffic is considerably less congested.
Football season is upon us. I don't care for it as much as baseball, but I still follow the Cowboys and Texans (that's the team in Houston these days). I even have found myself paying attention to the Texas Longhorns. I never liked watching college football until seeing Texas' incredible season of 2005 culminating in a national championship. Last year was a little disappointing, but I think they can turn it around this year.
With Fred Thomson's announced candidacy for President, it reminds me that I still have no clue who I'm going to vote for. I'm in a tough spot. I support the war effort as long as we continue to fight to win. I am in favor of stronger border security which includes building a wall. You would think any Republican candidate would make for an easy choice.
Not so fast...
I also am in favor of some form of universal health coverage. I think that a system that everyone participates in would make costs lower for all. The cost for this would be based on your current health, not on your income. Fat guys like me and smokers would be expected to chip in more than the healthy folks. Unfortunately, it would have to be a payroll deduction to guarantee compliance, but an individual would still have the choice of the type of coverage and deductible to suit their needs.
Yes, I'm beginning to ramble here. I'll close it out for now.
Remember to buy a t-shirt.
Well, you're right...
Fact is, things are going pretty good these days. Not much to complain about. I haven't even recorded a rant in about a month.
This is a sad time of year for me. Summer's winding down, baseball season is almost over and this town goes into shutdown mode as the tourist season comes to a close. Sure, the winter Texans will soon be here, but they just don't provide the same energy to the landscape or the economy.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the coastal bend area. Temps are still in the mid to upper 80's and beach traffic is considerably less congested.
Football season is upon us. I don't care for it as much as baseball, but I still follow the Cowboys and Texans (that's the team in Houston these days). I even have found myself paying attention to the Texas Longhorns. I never liked watching college football until seeing Texas' incredible season of 2005 culminating in a national championship. Last year was a little disappointing, but I think they can turn it around this year.
With Fred Thomson's announced candidacy for President, it reminds me that I still have no clue who I'm going to vote for. I'm in a tough spot. I support the war effort as long as we continue to fight to win. I am in favor of stronger border security which includes building a wall. You would think any Republican candidate would make for an easy choice.
Not so fast...
I also am in favor of some form of universal health coverage. I think that a system that everyone participates in would make costs lower for all. The cost for this would be based on your current health, not on your income. Fat guys like me and smokers would be expected to chip in more than the healthy folks. Unfortunately, it would have to be a payroll deduction to guarantee compliance, but an individual would still have the choice of the type of coverage and deductible to suit their needs.
Yes, I'm beginning to ramble here. I'll close it out for now.
Remember to buy a t-shirt.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Damn good Chinese vittles
The Bamboo Garden Restaurant - 1220 Airline Rd (@ McArdle) Corpus Christi
I had come to the conclusion that I couldn't find a Chinese buffet in this town that was worth a damn, but I was in the mood for some Mandarin fare, and this place caught my eye.
I figured with several reader poll awards from the Caller-Times, this place my not be too bad.
It was fantastic to say the least. Now this was not a buffet. I ordered chicken chop suey. Real nice portion for being on the lunch menu. By fay the best Chinese food I've experienced in this town.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
What is it about...
...a Greyhound bus station that attracts every scumbag within a 5 mile radius?
I wanted to catch an Astros game before the season ended. I didn't want to make the 200+ mile drive by myself, so I figured I'd take the bus.
The ride from Corpus was long but uneventful. The ride back was a different story. The ride itself wasn't bad. It was the 3 hour wait at the bus depot that turned my stomach. Crackheads, panhandlers, hustlers and the just plan delusional all could be found hanging out in front of Houston's Greyhound station.
They neighborhood around the station didn't look all that bad other than a high rise building across the street that looked to be abandoned.
The station itself was a mini fortress surrounding the area where the buses loaded and unloaded. There were 2 separate waiting areas. One for ticketed passengers and one for everybody else. How they let some of these people who had no intention of riding the bus or waiting for someone who did slither in and out of this area with little to no challenge from "security" is beyond me. At one point, a guard did come out and shoe everyone that was loitering out front, but that only lasted for a couple of minutes and the were right back.
Houston is a beautiful city. A little big for my liking, but beautiful none the less. It's a shame folks traveling by Greyhound bus have this garbage as a first impression. Then again, Greyhound doesn't actually attract the cream of the traveling public. I could have flown, but why? The stadium was less than 2 miles from the station.
It's a shame. It looks like Greyhound actually invested some money in that facility, but unless they do something to clear out the vagrants, the place will be a slum in 10 years or less.
Solution... maybe Greyhound should require ID for all travelers. Anyone under 18 would have to have a parent or guardian purchase the minor's ticket. God knows you need ID to fly. I think you also need ID to take the train these days.
By securing passenger ID, now you can start a database of those who have been kicked off the bus for bad to criminal behavior and suspend the trouble makers from future travel.
When I was a kid, I rode the bus frequently from Kansas City to see my grandma in Nebraska. These days, you don't dare sent a pre-teen alone. Old folks are also afraid to "Go Greyhound."
Greyhound has a golden opportunity. Flying is becoming more and more of a pain in the ass. Amtrak is nice, but it too has it's drawbacks. If managed correctly, Greyhound could become the preferred means of travel for shorter distance interstate trips.
Someone just needs to take out the garbage.
I wanted to catch an Astros game before the season ended. I didn't want to make the 200+ mile drive by myself, so I figured I'd take the bus.
The ride from Corpus was long but uneventful. The ride back was a different story. The ride itself wasn't bad. It was the 3 hour wait at the bus depot that turned my stomach. Crackheads, panhandlers, hustlers and the just plan delusional all could be found hanging out in front of Houston's Greyhound station.
They neighborhood around the station didn't look all that bad other than a high rise building across the street that looked to be abandoned.
The station itself was a mini fortress surrounding the area where the buses loaded and unloaded. There were 2 separate waiting areas. One for ticketed passengers and one for everybody else. How they let some of these people who had no intention of riding the bus or waiting for someone who did slither in and out of this area with little to no challenge from "security" is beyond me. At one point, a guard did come out and shoe everyone that was loitering out front, but that only lasted for a couple of minutes and the were right back.
Houston is a beautiful city. A little big for my liking, but beautiful none the less. It's a shame folks traveling by Greyhound bus have this garbage as a first impression. Then again, Greyhound doesn't actually attract the cream of the traveling public. I could have flown, but why? The stadium was less than 2 miles from the station.
It's a shame. It looks like Greyhound actually invested some money in that facility, but unless they do something to clear out the vagrants, the place will be a slum in 10 years or less.
Solution... maybe Greyhound should require ID for all travelers. Anyone under 18 would have to have a parent or guardian purchase the minor's ticket. God knows you need ID to fly. I think you also need ID to take the train these days.
By securing passenger ID, now you can start a database of those who have been kicked off the bus for bad to criminal behavior and suspend the trouble makers from future travel.
When I was a kid, I rode the bus frequently from Kansas City to see my grandma in Nebraska. These days, you don't dare sent a pre-teen alone. Old folks are also afraid to "Go Greyhound."
Greyhound has a golden opportunity. Flying is becoming more and more of a pain in the ass. Amtrak is nice, but it too has it's drawbacks. If managed correctly, Greyhound could become the preferred means of travel for shorter distance interstate trips.
Someone just needs to take out the garbage.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Atlanta considers banning baggy pants
Read the story here...
While my first reaction is "hell yah," the reality is that this is just another law that is taking the place of parents instilling values to their kids.
While my first reaction is "hell yah," the reality is that this is just another law that is taking the place of parents instilling values to their kids.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Worse than "Nappy Headed Hos?"
I think so.
Micheal Savage's comment wishing death on some Latino protesters is horrible. Should he be fired? Hell yah, I just fired him. I will never listen to his show again, even out of curiosity.
That's the great thing here, we don't have to listen to any of these guys, we choose to. Now if enough people feel the same way as I do, his listenership will drop and the network or the local stations will have to make other arrangements.
Sixty protesters outside the studio don't amount to a hill of beans. Savage's show reaches over 8 million listeners, or so he says. I personally don't believe all of national talk radio has a total of 8 million listeners.
In my opinion, Savage's remarks did more harm to the cause of securing the border than good. Nobody I know that shares the opinion of securing the border wants to see anybody die, including the ones dying from dehydration out in our deserts. I can see the current Conservative movement screaming to Savage, "get off my team!!"
I don't see Savage recovering from this. Calling Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly "fraudulent Conservatives" won't help his cause much either.
Let's let the market decide his fate. My guess is that in a couple of months, he'll be lucky if he can host the morning drive in Bancroft, Nebraska.
Micheal Savage's comment wishing death on some Latino protesters is horrible. Should he be fired? Hell yah, I just fired him. I will never listen to his show again, even out of curiosity.
That's the great thing here, we don't have to listen to any of these guys, we choose to. Now if enough people feel the same way as I do, his listenership will drop and the network or the local stations will have to make other arrangements.
Sixty protesters outside the studio don't amount to a hill of beans. Savage's show reaches over 8 million listeners, or so he says. I personally don't believe all of national talk radio has a total of 8 million listeners.
In my opinion, Savage's remarks did more harm to the cause of securing the border than good. Nobody I know that shares the opinion of securing the border wants to see anybody die, including the ones dying from dehydration out in our deserts. I can see the current Conservative movement screaming to Savage, "get off my team!!"
I don't see Savage recovering from this. Calling Limbaugh, Hannity and O'Reilly "fraudulent Conservatives" won't help his cause much either.
Let's let the market decide his fate. My guess is that in a couple of months, he'll be lucky if he can host the morning drive in Bancroft, Nebraska.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What drove me up the deep end
I've seen a lot in this business all these years. For the longest time, nothing really bothered me. Drunks puking in the cab, people that piss themselves, ugly ass crack whores trying to barter services and people who spend their entire food stamp allotment all at once and try to stuff 3 carts full of groceries in the cab, all of it was just part of the job. I've even been robbed once, shot at 3 times and had at least 3 dozen no pay run offs, but I kept working the streets. I didn't want to be that guy who sat at the airport for over 2 hours, waiting for that big ride.
That's all changed...
I think what did it for me was a fare I picked up at one of the city's housing projects. The guy stunk like stale beer and cigarette smoke. When I got him to his destination, he got out of the cab, walked over to a trash receptacle that was right on the street and took a leak. When he finished, without as much as wiping his hands on his pants, he pulled cash out to pay me.
Now I'm not easily grossed out, but I thought to my self, "what a classless asshole." Not that I'll be invited to the tea room anytime soon, but I do try to show some semblance of manners.
I've just had enough.
I could go on and on about some of the things I've seen, but I think you get the picture.
Working the airport is as boring as whale shit, but at least most of these folks wash their hands after using the can.
That's all changed...
I think what did it for me was a fare I picked up at one of the city's housing projects. The guy stunk like stale beer and cigarette smoke. When I got him to his destination, he got out of the cab, walked over to a trash receptacle that was right on the street and took a leak. When he finished, without as much as wiping his hands on his pants, he pulled cash out to pay me.
Now I'm not easily grossed out, but I thought to my self, "what a classless asshole." Not that I'll be invited to the tea room anytime soon, but I do try to show some semblance of manners.
I've just had enough.
I could go on and on about some of the things I've seen, but I think you get the picture.
Working the airport is as boring as whale shit, but at least most of these folks wash their hands after using the can.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Not so fast...
I think I might have gotten through to the powers that be at our company. It isn't that I'm tiered of driving a cab, I'm tired of the crackheads that pass for a quarter of the people who call us for service. After 26 years, I have just had enough.
The company's owner agreed to put us on "airport duty", to go along with the lost luggage detail we're on 3 days per week each. That's ok with me. Those bags shifts can wear an old fat guy like me down in a hurry. Working the airport can be boring at times, but at least, I don't have to worry about what's oozing in and out of my back seat.
I'm happy something could be worked out. I really enjoy working for Green-n-Go, but I was ready to bolt.
I'm glad it all worked out... I hate drama.
The company's owner agreed to put us on "airport duty", to go along with the lost luggage detail we're on 3 days per week each. That's ok with me. Those bags shifts can wear an old fat guy like me down in a hurry. Working the airport can be boring at times, but at least, I don't have to worry about what's oozing in and out of my back seat.
I'm happy something could be worked out. I really enjoy working for Green-n-Go, but I was ready to bolt.
I'm glad it all worked out... I hate drama.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The worst thing about this job - Redneck Rant
Is it the clientele or me that is changing?
Download
Well... I did something about it... I quit.
It's not quite that simple. I've decided to lease a cab and be an airport jockey. I never thought I'd do that, but I've finally burnt out on working the hood.
Green-n-Go aint a bad company. Just a few too many petty rules for for a guy with my tenure in the business to deal with.
A good cab company has 3 rules, pay the lease, don't abuse the equipment and don't wreck the company's good name.
So, wish us luck...
DownloadWell... I did something about it... I quit.
It's not quite that simple. I've decided to lease a cab and be an airport jockey. I never thought I'd do that, but I've finally burnt out on working the hood.
Green-n-Go aint a bad company. Just a few too many petty rules for for a guy with my tenure in the business to deal with.
A good cab company has 3 rules, pay the lease, don't abuse the equipment and don't wreck the company's good name.
So, wish us luck...
You are what you make of yourself - Redneck Rant
It doesn't matter where you come from or what's happenened to you in the past. In this country, you have the power to make a future for yourself.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The Redneck Rant
I'm finding out that a lot of times I'm just too tired at the end of the night to post things on this blog that have come to mind during the course of my day. So I've opened up an account with Gcast.com. It's a service that allows me to create my own podcast, right over the phone.
I will archive the pod-casts on this site as time allows. Otherwise, go to http://www.gcast.com/u/RedneckCabbie/main to see what else is bugging me besides rude drivers and bad tippers.
I will archive the pod-casts on this site as time allows. Otherwise, go to http://www.gcast.com/u/RedneckCabbie/main to see what else is bugging me besides rude drivers and bad tippers.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Minneapolis bridge colapse
Man, that shook me up a bit. I spent the first 17 years of my career as well as most of my life in the Twin Cities. I've checked with most of my friends back there. Fortunately, none of them were even close to that area.
So just what happened? Every indication points toward a tired old bridge that just gave out. I know zilch about engineering, so I can't even speculate. No mater how it happened, the tragic nature of this event can not be overstated.
From what I've seen, I tend to agree that foul play was not involved. I hope I'm right, because if it were an attack, it was sure pulled off with out much difficulty.
The only thing that puzzles me is that there are bridges in this country in far worse shape than that one. Why haven't they given out?
May God be with the survivors, the ones who perished and their families.
So just what happened? Every indication points toward a tired old bridge that just gave out. I know zilch about engineering, so I can't even speculate. No mater how it happened, the tragic nature of this event can not be overstated.
From what I've seen, I tend to agree that foul play was not involved. I hope I'm right, because if it were an attack, it was sure pulled off with out much difficulty.
The only thing that puzzles me is that there are bridges in this country in far worse shape than that one. Why haven't they given out?
May God be with the survivors, the ones who perished and their families.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A revelation... One of the things that had separated me from my conservative friends was my support of some form of universal healthcare coverage. I'm a little selfish about this, as my blood pressure and type 2 diabetes take a sizable chunk out of my income to pay for medications. |
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Benoit... Makes ya think...
I'm having a real tough time with this. I don't know why anymore than any other high profile murder-suicide case.
I've been a fan of pro wrestling since I was old enough to watch TV. When I was 7, a lady wrestler by the name of Betty Niccoli took me backstage to meet some of the biggest stars of the time. To this day, I've wanted to pass on my gratitude to her.
On Monday, the day of this tragic occurrence, WWE was scheduled to hold their flagship show, RAW, in Corpus. I had to deliver a suitcase to one of the "divas" that was at the arena. To my surprise, security let me in the backstage area. I delivered the bag and got to hang around for a few minutes and chat with some of the wrestlers. This brought back some real fond childhood memories. This was about 2:30pm, our time.
I think it was a little after five when I'd heard on the radio that the show had been postponed. At first, the word was that Benoit had been found dead. It was an hour later when I heard that his wife and son were also dead.
I don't think I've ever went from euphoria to depression so quick in all my life. I was just in that arena, talking with these guys. Not a one of them had any clue that one of their "brothers" was gone. I couldn't help but shed a tear for them.
A whole different situation...
When I first started watching wrestling in the late 60's the majority of the guys were little more than six-one or two and weighed not much more than 250 pounds. A guy over 275 was considered huge. Very few had the chiseled physiques that are commonplace nowadays.
Most of the action was "mat wrestling." You didn't see the high flying maneuvers other than a well placed dropkick now and then. Guys could easily have a 25 year plus career, just because injuries were few.
I don't think the average person understands the wear and tear on these "sports-entertainers'" bodies from a nightly of routine sick "bumps" they endure in just a regular match. Now throw in tables, chairs, ladders, metal trash cans and steel steps, and it's a wonder any of these guys survive a week.
Add to that the continuous pressure put on these guys to just look good. Guys with average at best wrestling talent are given a "push" solely on their physiques or charisma. Chris Benoit was a good example of this. Despite his incredible wrestling talent, his "mic skills" and, until recently, his build kept him mostly at upper mid-card status.
It's not uncommon for most of the guys on the WWE roster to be performing while in some form of chronic pain. The company has several doctors on staff capable of prescribing any number of pain pills and anti-inflammatories, including steroids. Benoit was only one of many that surely had (and have) a steady diet of these medications, just in order to keep performing.
So who's to blame here? Nobody other than Chris Benoit himself. May he burn in hell for his actions. Every one of these guys that performs in a WWE ring has endured the same pain as Benoit. Not a one of them have gone off the deep end like that. And while there is a long list of wrestlers who have died at an early age from complications of drug use or by committing suicide, to my knowledge, only two (Pillman and Guerrero) were under contract with WWE at the time of their death.
I miss the good old days of rasslin'. The action was in (or at least around) the ring. Not in some back lot with an exploding limousine. But that's not what sells tickets and pay-per-views. We push these guys to fly around the ring into immovable objects or each other. And when we go home, they hobble off to the next city and put their bodies on the line once again for our enjoyment.
Meanwhile, pundants and high brow intellectuals will dissect this senseless tragedy and blame the elements of an industry they know little to nothing about. One, that by their own admission is, beneath them.
And the bottom line is that this is no more or less horrific had it happened to a plumber's family. Let's try to pray for the Benoit family, and worry less about things we can only speculate on.
I've been a fan of pro wrestling since I was old enough to watch TV. When I was 7, a lady wrestler by the name of Betty Niccoli took me backstage to meet some of the biggest stars of the time. To this day, I've wanted to pass on my gratitude to her.
On Monday, the day of this tragic occurrence, WWE was scheduled to hold their flagship show, RAW, in Corpus. I had to deliver a suitcase to one of the "divas" that was at the arena. To my surprise, security let me in the backstage area. I delivered the bag and got to hang around for a few minutes and chat with some of the wrestlers. This brought back some real fond childhood memories. This was about 2:30pm, our time.
I think it was a little after five when I'd heard on the radio that the show had been postponed. At first, the word was that Benoit had been found dead. It was an hour later when I heard that his wife and son were also dead.
I don't think I've ever went from euphoria to depression so quick in all my life. I was just in that arena, talking with these guys. Not a one of them had any clue that one of their "brothers" was gone. I couldn't help but shed a tear for them.
A whole different situation...
When I first started watching wrestling in the late 60's the majority of the guys were little more than six-one or two and weighed not much more than 250 pounds. A guy over 275 was considered huge. Very few had the chiseled physiques that are commonplace nowadays.
Most of the action was "mat wrestling." You didn't see the high flying maneuvers other than a well placed dropkick now and then. Guys could easily have a 25 year plus career, just because injuries were few.
I don't think the average person understands the wear and tear on these "sports-entertainers'" bodies from a nightly of routine sick "bumps" they endure in just a regular match. Now throw in tables, chairs, ladders, metal trash cans and steel steps, and it's a wonder any of these guys survive a week.
Add to that the continuous pressure put on these guys to just look good. Guys with average at best wrestling talent are given a "push" solely on their physiques or charisma. Chris Benoit was a good example of this. Despite his incredible wrestling talent, his "mic skills" and, until recently, his build kept him mostly at upper mid-card status.
It's not uncommon for most of the guys on the WWE roster to be performing while in some form of chronic pain. The company has several doctors on staff capable of prescribing any number of pain pills and anti-inflammatories, including steroids. Benoit was only one of many that surely had (and have) a steady diet of these medications, just in order to keep performing.
So who's to blame here? Nobody other than Chris Benoit himself. May he burn in hell for his actions. Every one of these guys that performs in a WWE ring has endured the same pain as Benoit. Not a one of them have gone off the deep end like that. And while there is a long list of wrestlers who have died at an early age from complications of drug use or by committing suicide, to my knowledge, only two (Pillman and Guerrero) were under contract with WWE at the time of their death.
I miss the good old days of rasslin'. The action was in (or at least around) the ring. Not in some back lot with an exploding limousine. But that's not what sells tickets and pay-per-views. We push these guys to fly around the ring into immovable objects or each other. And when we go home, they hobble off to the next city and put their bodies on the line once again for our enjoyment.
Meanwhile, pundants and high brow intellectuals will dissect this senseless tragedy and blame the elements of an industry they know little to nothing about. One, that by their own admission is, beneath them.
And the bottom line is that this is no more or less horrific had it happened to a plumber's family. Let's try to pray for the Benoit family, and worry less about things we can only speculate on.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Is the honeymoon over?
So, I’m listening to Savage yesterday. Man, he is just steamed about Trent Lott’s statement about Conservative talk radio. Apparently, he feels this medium needs to be “dealt with.”
I don’t think Savage could have more dismayed if his old lady had walked out on him. It was actually kind of funny to listen to.
I’ve come to feel that guys like Savage, Limbaguh, Hannity and even the cute little Ms. Ingram are just a bunch of blowhards. That said, what are they doing that is so bad? Lott says Conservative talk radio is “running America.” I’d like to know what America he’s talking about.
The aforementioned talking heads have the lions share of listeners in the talk radio market. Yet, I’ll bet of the 60% that were opposed to the current model of the immigration bill, not very many of them felt that way because Rush told them so.
I personally don’t think there cannot be any form of immigration reform that does not seal the borders, both north and south , round up and deport as many illeagals as possible, before any easing of current regulations can occur. This is my opinion. It is the same opinion I’ve held long before I’d ever heard of some of these radio personalities.
Still, it seems that Senator Lott thinks that we the people can’t function without our marching orders from our favorite talk show host.
God, I hope mine doesn’t tell us to jump off the Harbor Bridge on Monday. It could get messy.
I don’t think Savage could have more dismayed if his old lady had walked out on him. It was actually kind of funny to listen to.
I’ve come to feel that guys like Savage, Limbaguh, Hannity and even the cute little Ms. Ingram are just a bunch of blowhards. That said, what are they doing that is so bad? Lott says Conservative talk radio is “running America.” I’d like to know what America he’s talking about.
The aforementioned talking heads have the lions share of listeners in the talk radio market. Yet, I’ll bet of the 60% that were opposed to the current model of the immigration bill, not very many of them felt that way because Rush told them so.
I personally don’t think there cannot be any form of immigration reform that does not seal the borders, both north and south , round up and deport as many illeagals as possible, before any easing of current regulations can occur. This is my opinion. It is the same opinion I’ve held long before I’d ever heard of some of these radio personalities.
Still, it seems that Senator Lott thinks that we the people can’t function without our marching orders from our favorite talk show host.
God, I hope mine doesn’t tell us to jump off the Harbor Bridge on Monday. It could get messy.
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