Rantings Diversified

I challenge each and eveyone of my neo-com readers to watch this entire video and then tell me how you can possibly support this Stalinist for president!

Thanks to PunditKitchen for the pics.
For more funnies go check them out.

Moe Down 9
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Moe. Down is on!!!
The last time I checked this out they had canceled it.
I’m so glad the Moe.Down still exists. You see I was at the first Moe. Down and it was a blast. I have yet to make it back there. The first one was kinda’ like a little baby sized Woodstock at the end of the century. Everyone, whether you were what I call a fashion hippy or an old guy like me, got along and worked together to make sure nothing bad happened. It was like a weekend long Dead concert but with people who stopped and thought about each other. We did not leave the area trashed. No one did!!!
By the way I may have seen the Grateful Dead a few times.
Tucson, Az, twice
La Jolla, Ca,
Red Rock, Co.
Phoenix, Az, twice
San Fran, Ca.
Phila, Pa, four times
Reading, Pa.
Columbia, Md. Three times
Washington, DC
New York City , NY, twice
City Island, Harrisburg, Pa, twice
Farm Show Arena, Harrisburg, Pa
Hershey, Pa, twice
Portland, Me
Pittsburgh, Pa, three times
Erie, Pa
Allentown, Pa
Jamestown, NY

With all that said I am pretty freakin’ psyched to go see Moe. Down 9
Super thick chunks of broken life and reality…..
They say it’s nice that time of year on…..

This weekend is Memorial Day or as it was originally known Decoration Day. Last year I wrote a great long post about how it came to be and what it’s all about.
It was General Order #11 May 5, 1868 of the Grand Army of the Republic.
The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

This weekend we spend grilling and cutting grass and generally not being at work. The whole idea of this FEDERAL holiday is to remember those that gave their all in defense of our country.
In 1971 the holiday was changed to the last weekend in May so gub’mint employees could have a three day weekend.
Tomorrow, Saturday, I’m going to continue my futile work on my lawn and then in the afternoon, after Munster wins the Hieneken Cup, I’ll drive to FIGMR and visit my parents.
Sunday is Race Day. First is ‘The Brickyard’ then it’s the 600 in Charlotte, NC. Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is always the race day of race days.
I’m not a Danica fan. I’ve seen too many interviews with her and she’s a c**t not very nice person, in my opinion. After Indy is over I’ll go back to being a Junior fan. Boogity, boogity, boogity!!!
I’ve got the real wood charcoal all ready to go so I can enjoy hot sausages and burgers all weekend long but first I need to bring the grill and grilling table out from its winter dormancy in the garage. This is going to happen tomorrow morning.
To all of yous’ that think I’m going to stuff myself with nothing more than dead cows and pigs…..I have already figured to make a mess of, “foil dinners”.
I have no doubt that they have many names but in essence they are two layers of tin foil shaped into a boat kinda’ thing. Then one adds, in my case, Venison cubes, snap peas, broccoli heads, thick sliced new spuds, vidalia onions, chopped cherry tomatos, oregano, Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning and a big hunk of butter. Then you wrap it all up, tightly, and put it on the grill until it’s done. About 40 minutes Yum!
A long weekend of yardwork and racing and feasting….
Memorial Day weekend, Brianf style.
By the way, if you value your freedom, thank a veteran.
ps. You can click on the pic to embiggialize it.

It all starts with…
Absolute Vanilla. She use to be Atyllah the Hen. She is a phenomenal writer with a great sense of humor and occasionally she’ll blow you away with the injustices she sees in the world. She’s way good!
The Arse End of Ireland is on hiatus. Go tell her to come back to the bloggysphere.
Bainos Banter will put you in touch with Oz. No not the Tin Man and Judy Garland one but Australia. I call her Technogirly and she’s one of the best.
Kate at Because I Said So is a fun and insightful blog from way up there in New Englandland.
Bock The Robber is one of the best Irish bloggers. He’s got a great attitude and a pretty cool eye with his camera.
BrianDamage is a young guy from Dublin who tells some great stories. When I get there I want to have a pint with this mug.
Carmi Levy, from Canukistan. Yes it’s THE Carmi Levy. One of the best. Ya’ gotta’ try one of his ‘caption this’ contests.
Debbie Schlussel is my favorite political writer, period! If you want to read the truth then go read her blog.
Granny Lost The Plot, a great writer who posts once or twice a year! Grrrr! Go tell her to get with the program.
Grannymar, What can I say? She really is one of the best of the best. One of my top three reads.
HeadRambles. This is how it’s supposed to be done. It’s my first and favorite blog to read. He’s good.
Jefferson Davis, this mug is completely responsible for talking me into doing this whole bloggy thing. It’s all his fault!
Jihad Watch is another political blog I like. I don’t think I really need to explain what it’s all about. The name kinda’ explains it.
K8theGr8, An Irish girl with a great attitude, sense of humor and a knack for putting it all down on paper, virtual paper or on a screen or ….you get the idea.
Kathy Foley is a columnist from Ireland. I like her take on things.
Lette’s Blog is another GREAT blog I recently found. She’s funny insightful and she swears allot too, like me.
Michelle Malkin and Monica Crowley are two more political blogs I try and read everyday.
New Zealand Pubcast WAS a couple of blow-ins in Kiwi-land who USE TO do a really funny podcast while drinking beer in local pubs. Hint, hint guys!
OfftheMeatrack is yet another great blog from Ireland. He’s funny and he rants allot like I do. He’s good.
Problem-Child-Bride is my favorite writer, period. She is way beyond good.
Rachael Marsden was a political blog I liked but she hasn’t posted much recently.
Sameera’s Haven is one of the most poignant blogs out there. She is a very good writer.
Scribbles by Hanulf, Here we go again like I just said above, intelligent, poignant and really good. She just doesn’t post enough.
Six Meat Buffet is one of the best political blogs /commentary around.
Susan Abrams is yet another of the best writers around today.
That’s The Way it Crumbles…Cookie Wise. She is one of the oldest links on my blogroll and by far one the funniest people I’ve ever read. What a great attitude!
The Playaz Ball, These guys are going to take over the world if we’re not careful.
The West Virginia Surf Report, like Headrambles he shows us how it’s suppose to be done. I have been reading him for years. He’s the best!
What Can’t Be Looked For, A young lady who knows the joys of Wegmans, writes well, is very funny but again, doesn’t post enough.
And last but far from least is Wordnerd. A southern lady who is funny and one of the great writers here in this interweb thing.

So there ya’ go. Now go check them all out and give them some love and comments. Then you can come back here and tell me which ones you like and which you didn’t. I think you’ll love them all.

UPDATE 05.20.08
I just added another blog to my blogroll. It’s Life in Ireland – Living My Life. He’s a really good writer and has a great take on living in The Emerald Isle. He’s good so go give him some new comments in his new digs.

I am outraged.  I can barely put into words the trouble I’m having internalizing this.  Apparently a fellow blogger in Dublin Ireland was out with his girlfriend and was accosted by a bunch of thugs who wanted his cash money.  He fought them and kicked the ass of the guy who pulled a knife on him.  Now he is in jail.  Yea, WTF(?) was my reaction to this story also.
Please excuse my French but HOW THE FUCK did that happen?
If someone pulls a knife on me they are going to have their liver kicked out and then I’ll testify at their sentencing hearing.
I really and honestly do not understand the thinking behind this sentence imposed upon this guy.
Here where I live, in Pennsylvania, USA, if I am accosted and I feel, at that moment, that my, or anyone around me, life is in danger then I have the right to use ANY force needed to foil that attack.
That makes sense to me.
I’m sorry but the whole idea of someone defending themselves against attack and then being charged with assault make no sense whatsoever.
Below you will find the post that this guy wrote just after the incident; in it’s entirety as well as the link to his blog.
Please comment because, for real, I don’t understand why he is in jail and the scum who pulled a knife on him is out drinking Mangers and robbing other folk.

BrianDamage

Literally. One thing I have never been accused of is being a gentlemean, but if I feel a woman is being threatened, or indeed any friend of mine, regardless of gender, I’ll step in. One swift screw-jab to the temple is normally enough to at least incapacitate the perpetrator, if not outright TKO them.
So it was with some surprise that I encountered my first fight in several months when Cassie and I were at the Savoy a few nights past … we were out seeing Iron Man – great show, highly recommended – and afterwards we were planning to head to Eddie Rocket’s before getting a taxi back home.
So we expected no trouble, but passing the GPO three scumbags in white tracksuits appeared.
‘Areet bud? Having a good night?’ I responded coolly.
‘Yeah, fine so far.’
We walked on, but clearly the scummers thought to themselves here’s a guy with his girlfriend, easy pickings. What they didn’t know was that I had, like €20 in my pocket. Wasn’t even worth mugging.
‘Bud, ya got any change? I just need a few bob.’ Flanked by his homies, he ran ahead of us. I noted they were trying to block us in, and started looking for ways to run. I could throw Cassie over my shoulder and peg it if needs be.
‘Ah sorry, can’t help you.’ I saw a flash and to my horror realised the fucker was wielding a wee switchblade.  Shit.
‘I wasn’t asking bud. Now hand over that money a’ yours and your pretty little girlfriend won’t get cut up.’
While it was over in a flash, it happened in seconds, it seemed like a lot longer to me. I analysed the threat; three guys, one definitely armed, no Gardai in sight, the chance I’d get shived for twenty bob … fuck that. I’m not spilling blood for no reason. Not mine anyway. That fucker’s going down.
‘Reet man, decision time.’ He took a step towards Cassie. That step was all I needed. I burst towards him, threw my leading hand in to premptively parry a knife strike, and as I parried, I pivoted on my heel and brought my right hand up and literally smashed it into his jaw with the base of my palm. Continuing the strike, I brought my left hand back, smashed that palm into his face, then started in with elbow strikes to the face before finishing him off with a swift knee to the groin. Having dispatched him, I saw his mates try to leg it. As my instructor would say, don’t follow a fight; finish any already started. Looking down at the wheezing form on the ground, I kicked his shiv onto the road, stood over him, and spat on him.
‘Shitbag. Did you really fucking think I’d give you heathen scum money?’ Cassie was in pure shock, like nothing had registered since these guys first accosted us. I have to admit, I was running on pure adrenaline too, and later on I collapsed into bed without saying a word when it wore off. That was later though.
Deciding to finish the fight off, I drew back my knee and slammed it into the side of his head, sending him tumbling, probably unconscious to the ground. I grabbed Cassie’s arm, and with a quick glance to make sure he was on the ground, legged it to a taxi and didn’t say a word until the following morning.
Few days later a summons arrives for me in the post. Apparently the Alpha Scum caught my name and reported me for assault to the Gardai … next week I have to go to a sitting of the District Court. Dave’s representing me … should be interesting …

I just want to let you all know about my used movie store.  It rocks.  No, it feckin’ rocks.  It is The CDWarehouse.
I joke that the 20-somethings working there know me by name but it’s true.
I went there the other week and bought some flicks and to my astonishment it was the, “Your Lucky Day”, sale that they run every now and again.  I scooped 4 flicks for under 20 bucks.  Woo freakin’ hoo!
So today I popped in absolutely convinced that I was not going to spend more than 10 dollars.  I found two films of interest to me.  They were kinda’ like fillers to the collection if you know what I mean.  Not really ones I might have considered to see in a theatre but flicks I think I might like anyways.
They were, in order;
Pirates of the Caribbean, Three and Delta Farce
The Pirates movie I’m gonna’ watch as soon as I post this but the other one I just finished watching so you’re going to get a review of it whether you like it or not.  
Delta Farce stars Larry, The Cable Guy
Need I say more?
Didn’t think so.
Take your brain off the hook and enjoy it.
There is a running joke through it…
“What we got here is a Mexican stand-off!”
Then the Mexican guy turns and says, “Down here we just call it a stand off”
Ok, it’s that kind of humor but its well put together.
I liked it.
Alright, it’s taken me awhile to get to my point of this post.
Also today I moved my James Bond collection further to completion.
I got GOLDFINGER!!!
The crown jewel of my 007 movie collection.
C’mon Honor Blackman was a babe and a half in 1965!!!
I also snagged a copy of The Man with the Golden Gun.
YES!  YES!
Both of these cinematic adventures cost an entire 6 bucks!!!

So, now the only outstanding films needed to complete my collection are as follows;
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
And
Casino Royale (1956)
Casino Royale (1967)
Oh and yes, I do have, “Never Say Never Again”(1983)

Some of you may know I can juggle. It was Christmas 1980 and the young lady I was living with bought me a book called “Juggling For The Complete Klutz”. It came with three beanbags. I spent the two weeks of Christmas vacation teaching myself to juggle. A year later I was pretty good and went down to the 4th Avenue Street Fair in Tucson and hung out with the jugglers there. By the end of that week I had become a pretty good juggler. I had learned to pass and to throw behind my back and through my legs and a few more tricks.
Well that was awhile ago and I have practiced this craft from time to time but never with the ferocity I maybe should have. That said I really enjoy juggling to music and have done just that for many, many years.
I found this first video just a few weeks ago and was WAY impressed. By the second time I watched it I realized that I can do all the moves this guy is doing. Now I don’t mean to sound like I’m down on this guy but with a little bit of practice I could do the same thing.
Then!
With a little bit of research I found this second video. Holy Shit!
This mug has got skilz!!!
I have never met Jason Garfield but from the videos I found of him this guy is the best of the best.
I can’t even fathom some of the stuff he does.
The first video is pretty cool when you watch it but he does it with three balls. As I said before I can do it too.
The second video shows you the same routine done with five(!) balls.
This cat is too too good!!!
ENJOY

Well here we go again. It’s a Saturday night and I’m watching the race. This week they’re in Darlington, the ‘Lady in Black’. They are not racing tomorrow because it’s Mothers Day. NASCAR has never run a race on Mothers Day.
So would someone please explain to me why I bust my butt working the yard and it continues looking like poop? Technogirly said that her place is so big that by the time you get done working on the land it’s time to go back to the other end and start again. My place is not that big and sometimes it feels that no matter how much I do it continues to look like shite!
Ok, so last Thursday I raked the shite out of my front yard so as to re-seed all the bare spots. Maybe some background is needed here.
When the original owner was moved out of here they backed a big-ass truck through the front yard and loaded out and then when I moved in I backed a big-ass truck through the front yard and loaded in. This caused there to be two very deep ruts in the front yard. I posted a picture of my neighbor standing in one of the ruts awhile ago. I’m too damn lazy to look up when it was but it was probably about a year ago. Anyways, the ruts were about 2 feet deep. Last summer a local guy who does landscaping came by one evening and dumped a mess of (not so) clean fill on my front yard. That was nice of him and he pointed out to me that it saved him from having to pay to dump it. My neighbor Jody and I picked most all the rocks out and spread it one morning then I spread grass seed and straw. The problem was it was already late June and way too late to plant grass. Needless to say it didn’t germinate and weeds, thistle, violets and little baby oak trees took over my front lawn. Because of all that I didn’t bother with my lawn this past autumn, for a reason. Stay with me here. This spring, the first time I cut my grass I didn’t rake it first so I mulched all that crap that had accumulated.
Now we’re back to last Thursday. I raked all the mulchy stuff off the lawn and spread a mess of grass seed down. Then I covered most of it with some dirt and walked all over what I had just done so as to help with the soil to seed contact. It has been raining since Thursday afternoon. That helps. Today, Saturday, I raked all the leaves and shite from around the foundation. I then took notice of where the ivy was growing back and sprayed it down with Roundup.
Tomorrow I’m going to rake out and weed the bushes out front then go dump the leaves and stuff from today(boy, it’s nice having a pickup) and then finish spraying Roundup on the area where the pines trees use to be.
If I EVER finish just cleaning up the yard then I’m gonna’ bring the grilling table and grill out and put them on the porch.
If any of yous’ guys’ wish to come help you’re more than welcome.
I’ll make lunch and dinner!!
Oh, and I’ll buy the beer too!
Let’s go racin’ boys!

It’s chilly. Not really cold but it can’t decide if it wants to rain or not. The sun is in the witness protection program and federal agents are disavowing any knowledge of it as a matter of course.
I went to my local gun club for the first time in years today and helped with running the highpower rifle match. That was fun. I got to coach a teenage kid at his first real match. He did great and had fun doing so. I had a blast. I had forgotten how much fun the small local matches are. Even though I had to actually remove my self from the dormancy platform at an ungodly hour of the morning and be up, fully dressed and out WAY too early, I enjoyed it.

OK, let’s backtrack to yesterday, Friday. I have no idea what came over me but I went to SpraWl-Mart to do some grocery shopping. Alright, the reason I go there is I can get cases of water for $4. Yes 24 20 ounce plastic bottles of filtered water that I can drink up and throw away and fill up the land fills with poisonous plasitics that kill birds and fish and poison the land for generations to come and beyond but $4 is a good deal. I bought 3 cases.
So after doing some grocery shopping I get in line to be checked out and typical of any grocery store in any country of the world they didn’t have enough checkout lines open. I line up behind an extended family of extremely overweight folks from Puerto Rico. They were three sisters and a husband and the obligatory three kidlets. The kiddies, of course, were just running wild. Wild like the kids of bad parents who need removed from the gene pool do in public places. I can assure you that my son never acted like that because the first time he did he learned that I’m the dad and he’s the kid…in no uncertain terms. What ever happened to decorum and being polite? So they had four carts piled high with foodstuffs and I though it was no biggie because every other open line was filled with similar shoppers. I settled in for a wait to be checked out.
Well the mom of the kidlets just kept yakking and yakking and talking and talking and Geez(!) give it a rest I started thinking. At one point she told her son the reason he fell of the cart was because he was stupid.
I would have made a good lifeguard! Hey, you! Outta’ the gene pool!
I swear to god that the entire time I was in line behind these guys she never and I mean never shut up. Yak, yak, yak! There was no end to it. My nerves were starting to let me know this is annoying. Oh, by the way, I may be a ginger bearded ,old, gringo looking, kinda’ white guy but I speak Spanish.
After 20 minutes that felt like 17.5 hours they were paying for all their groceries with frickin’ FOOD STAMPS and she was still just yammering away. I turned to husband looking guy and said, “Oye, ese! ¿Nunca deja ella de hablar?”.
He roared with laughter shook his head no and winked at me and after she realised what she just heard she flipped out on me. Ha! She called me every name in the book.
I really dislike SpraWl-Mart!
On my way home from the match today I stopped at an auto parts store and picked up the little nylon bushing thing that holds the windshield wiper arm thing to the wiper motor thing. Then I installed it. Then I recorded the podcast with JD, Dr. Don and Baino.
Now it’s about 2130 and I’m watching the race. It’s the Richmond spring race. I’ve been to RIR and it’s a pretty cool place to see a race. Go Fast Turn Left. I’m a Junior fan but I never liked daddy. I use to be a die-hard Rusty fan. I was also a big fan of Dick Trickle and Jimmy Spencer. For years I have referred to Gordon as Dog-Shit-Monkey-Boy. I kinda’ want to like ‘Smoke’ but I don’t. I think Juan Pablo Montoya is gonna’ be the next big winning driver. Every race he does better and better.
Well, if you have followed any of this or even made to the bottom of this post…..good for you.
I have had nothing for awhile and have a mess of half written posts. Maybe by forcing myself to put this together it’ll release the block I have had.
So how was your Saturday?