The Great Debates

Just some quick thoughts on the debate between the Democratic candidates for President, some relevant to the candidates, some about CNN's presentation.

Wolf Blitzer is a douche-bag. A well-groomed, articulate douche-bag but still a screaming, self-important, douche-bag. Wolf Blitzer: Douche-Bag for CNN


Set design: Looks like aesthetics trumped utility. The sound problems with the journalists would not have made a difference if they were not seated at the end of a long triangle that stretched almost across the floor section of the auditorium. What the @#$! was going on here? This was a presidential debate, a set looking like something out of Star Trek (1960's Trek) was not necessary. I bet the cameramen cursed the set designer as he had to work around that damn triangle monstrosity while filming.

Wolf Blitzer is a douche-bag.

Camera work: Distracting. All the competent directors on vacation? Couldn't borrow one from MSNBC, C-SPAN, FOX, the local public access cable station?

Wolf Blitzer is a douche-bag.

As for the candidates - my opinion who did the best, in order: Biden, Kucinich, Obama, Clinton, Gravel, Richardson, Edwards and Dodd. Biden for his willingness to speak truthfully and his passion about Darfur - he might know something of just war theory, Kucinich for questioning basic assumptions about health care reform, Obama for not only addressing questions but understanding the larger concerns behind the questions, Clinton for her willingness to not to play hypothetical question games and her good humor in dealing with the question of her husband's role, and Gravel for giving all of them hell. Richardson, Edwards and Dodd just didn't do anything for me. I'm feeling quite a bit more positive about Clinton.

I liked the format of the debate and the voter questions. I got something out of it despite CNN's best efforts. I hope CNN ditches the stupid ass set design, poor direction and Wolf Blitzer, who is a douche bag, for the Republican debate.

Church Owls and Blood Donation

Went to church today. The sermon was about a language of reverence. I mentally drifted in and out. I do that on a regular basis. Not a reflection on the person giving the sermon but a personal shortcoming. I have to make a sincere effort to pay attention if I'm not participating.

One thing that did capture my attention was something about the drifting nature of word meanings. Queer was the example used. Harmless to hurtful and then reappropriated as a symbol of pride by the group harmed by it. Queer still has all those meanings. Humor often takes advantage of these drifting and multiple meanings. This bit brought to mind some of the discussion of this past week in the UU blogosphere.

This was the first Sunday of the new fiscal year and Walter wrote a check for our new pledge amount. We increased our pledge substantially. We doubled it. During Canvass I had to restrain myself from saying, "Walter and I upped our pledge, up yours." See some of that drifting meaning stuff at work.

A family of owls has taken up residence at the UUCBV. A couple of weeks ago, the children witnessed a parent owl feeding chicks. Today, a small pair roosted in a tree. It may have been the chicks from last week or two. It caused quite a stir. All manner of cameras came out. The fun part was hearing the sounds of joy when people spotted the owls among the leaves and branches. One church member wondered what was going through the heads of the owls as all this stuff was going on underneath them. "What's with all these yahoos down there?"

The Social Justice Committee set up a blood drive. I gave after church. I think they got at least 10 pints of blood from the church as a whole. I gave a little more than necessary because the two technicians were a bit busy with other people to cut me off. I was still within the margin of safety, otherwise I would not be typing this right now. If I went way over, there was a ready supply very handy.

Right now, Salvador is flying about creating a bit of mayhem and the dogs are outside getting very dirty.

Sunday is my cartoon gag writing day so I will have pen and paper handy as I watch the Democrats debate.

Running Log

Ran 3 days in a row this week. All 5K. Ran 10.21 miles, burned 1342.2 calories and weigh 176 pounds.

Wednesday: 5K - 38:24
Thursday: 5K - 37:10
Friday: 5K - 31:31

Almost time to start training for an October marathon in Waco (October 28, 2007). San Antonio (Nov. 11, 2007) looks interesting. After looking at the website and last year's course map, I think I will run in San Antonio instead of Waco. It starts at the Alamo and has several historic missions and other interesting scenery on the route. As a 5+ hour marathoner, I need scenery. Waco has nice scenery too.

Perhaps build a real vacation around the San Antonio marathon. I'm a bit worried that San Antonio has not updated their website and registration has not opened yet.

I could try a challenge - 2 marathons within a month of each other. While I'm having this moment of insanity, why not add the Marathons of Texas Challenge?* Run 5 marathons in 5 months - Waco, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and Austin! I think my family would have me committed if I did such a thing.

*Marathons of Texas - Dallas White Rock, Chevron Houston and AT&T Austin

Zany and mundane

If those were my underwear choices, I too would find the challenge of choosing invigorating. My favorite is the black pair with lightning bolts and fuzzy balls hanging from the hem. I assume Ernie or his wife does laundry more often than once a week.

I find this panel especially funny because Ernie probably wears perfectly normal clothing over that underwear. Mohawks, Vanilla Marley dreadlocks, unnatural hair colors, tattoos, multiple piercings, torn baggy clothes - yawn. Ernie and those like him are the real weirdos and much more interesting.

A lot of people don't like Ballard Street but I love the combination of zany and mundane.

Speaking of mundane, minus the zaniness: Mary is looking rather angry in delivering that platitude in the second panel. Could be that I'm not all that good at reading faces in real life and drawn ones are even more difficult. It's the more subtle expressions that elude me.

This Vera storyline has gone on for over a month! This is longer than Karen Moy's usual 3 week arcs. Saunders used to go 10 weeks on his arcs. I can only hope they were more interesting. Vera forgive Von and keep your independence.

100th Comic for 2007

I just posted the 100th comic for 2007. Now, you know why I rarely draw multi-panel comics.

When I wake up in the morning, I will be Past-President of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley. Oh the anticipation of all the wisdom that will flow through me. Oops, took a wrong turn. Anybody got any wisdom I can borrow? I'll trade you for some humor.

I look forward to putting my talents to a different use for the church. I've had my sights on the web site for a while. Thankfully, I found Faith and Web. I need to add it to my bookmarks.

Beware Evildoer!

I've enjoyed my adventures in the UU blogosphere so far. I find the great "brown bag" debate amusing. Ms. Theologian has links to the original articles and responses here. (Thank you for putting it in one convenient place).

I'm more in the "this silliness diminishes serious anti-oppression work" camp. I wonder if all oppression were eliminated what would the anti-oppression people do? I support removing oppression and racism and discrimination but the thing missing from all these eradication plans are benchmarks. What does a world without these evils look like? I can imagine it but is my vision the same as anyone elses's? How will we know when we get there?

Aside from those musings, this image popped into my mind while watching the conversation:

I can see a costumed crime fighter shouting, "Halt, evildoer! or I shall smite you with my BROWN BAG O' JUSTICE!" Imagine the voice of Patrick Warburton (Brock Samson from Venture Brothers) or maybe Charlton Heston. Just for fun shout it to a co-worker with a sense of humor or to your partner while in the bedroom.

I have found that progressive types do not react very well to my attempts at levity. I'll see what happens.

A young working woman like you needs to keep her strength up!

Vera works as a clerk typist. As a member of the administrative profession, I can assure you that the job is not that strenuous. Not something one has to carb load for. It has its stressful moments but the nutritional requirements do not equal those of an athlete, construction worker or any other physically demanding profession. I can skip a meal and still perform my professional duties.

I find Mary's expression in the second panel creepy. The more I look at it the more she sort of reminds me of a lady who attends my church. Just the looks not the biddiness.

Nearly three weeks now and no one knows what Vera did to anger her brother Von. Come on, Karen Moy, you've bored me to near death, now wrap this thing up! I did not read your damn comic for 4 days and missed nothing. A pen and ink drawing of paint drying would be more interesting at this point.

It's the little things

I was watching a rerun of The Daily Show. The lead story was about the hearings about the firing of the U.S. attorneys featuring Monica Goodling. Sheila Jackson Lee, representing the great state of Texas' 18th Congressional district which includes the wonderful city of Houston*, instructed Ms. Goodling to be "cryptic and brief" with her answers. After reading Ms. Lee's biography, I can assume that she has intelligence, so is it too much to ask for a U.S. Representative to know the meaning of the words that she chooses? It's embarrassing when a person in a position of power misuses words.

This member of the governed has certain expectations that her representatives at least display the same level of education and intelligence as she. It makes my head hurt when those expectations are not met. All I have is a B.A. and I know what cryptic means and the correct context for using that word.

Ms. Goodling displayed the same level of brilliance in not understanding the concept of "immunity" and not understanding some basic concepts concerning law. She should have known some of this after graduating from a "law school".

Maybe, I'm being too hard on these women but I don't think I'm holding them to an unreasonable standard. My standards are not that high. I guess that's why I've become increasingly cynical about this government. I find frightening when in answer to the question about those chosen to govern me, "You think you could do a better job?", I can say yes with some degree of confidence.

*I'm not being sarcastic - Texas is a great state and like visiting Houston (I like it enough to suffer through driving around in it).

Secretarial Violence and Hot Pockets

Ed Crankshaft has seen a few offices. He knows how deadly secretarial violence can become. Wielded by the right hands, a Swingline stapler can be quite deadly. I can build an IED with my office equipment. Don't tick me off or I won't build that chart from Excel data for your ass. I can understand the secretarial violence in Iraq, if Office 2007 has been implemented across the country. I almost engaged in secretarial violence, this morning, attempting to do something in Excel 2007 that was so simple in Excel 2003. Ended up doing it in Excel 2003 because I did not have the time to explore and learn the nuances of 2007. Yes, software implementation without training can lead to secretarial violence. Only Batuik would use violence and destruction as a set up for a lame pun.

The always amusing Ink Pen can be found here. Read it and other comics at GoComics.com and wonder why with so much brilliance to choose from that newspaper editors still run Cathy on the comics page. This Ink Pen cracked me up because I just finished the chapter in the God Delusion about the burnt offerings that Yahweh always demanded. I have read the Old Testament and often wondered why Jehovah was into barbecue. Since the God of Israel no longer requires barbecue I wonder what he accepts now. Hot Pockets!

I have more entries in my head about my fishing trip and Cindy Sheehan's resignation from the peace movement. Those will come later.

I'm bringing Abbey and Loki home from the boarding kennel this afternoon. I will be glad to see them. My workout for the afternoon will consist of cleaning the house and the backyard. Trying to get everything back in order after a vacation.

Running log

This week I ran/ cycled 13.01 miles and burned 1007.9 calories. Everyone tells me that I look thinner but the weight on the scale is not shifting in the downward direction. Maybe I should stop worrying about it.

Monday: ran 5K in 35:06
Tuesday: cycled 6.28 miles in 35:00
Thursday: ran 5K in 32:38

I'm going fishing this weekend. The annual family fishing trip to Toledo Bend Lake.

UU Blogs and Gratuitous Grainy Dog Photos

I've subscribed to UUpdates, a blog aggregator for UU blogs. I've suggested my blog even though I do not often talk about Unitarian-Universalism. philosophy, theology or religion. I rarely write about serious topics. I suggested it on the basis that I'm a UU lay leader and that I do write about church life and quite interested in reading other UU blogs and interacting with bloggers. I hope that this humble little blog gets added.

I came across this entry Why I Hate Al Gore? from Ms. Theologian. I can relate. I cannot say that sort of thing in church but in the wider community it's perfectly acceptable, even applauded. For me, he gives off an air of sanctimoniousness (what a word!). He's all about being green but then acts like every other American, except for buying carbon offsets.

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I promised dog photos and I deliver. I took these with my cell phone while playing on the floor with the dogs.

Abbey the Beagle in profile

One of three positions that Abbey often assumes (the other two are variations on laying down and standing).

Okay, four positions - this is the scratch my butt position. Abbey can be adopted via Woodstock Animal Foundation of Texas.

Loki demanding that I get away from the computer and pay attention to him. Loki is a Bullmastiff/ Pit Bull mix. He was adopted through Woodstock.

What soulless creature can say no to those eyes?

Okay, okay, Loki you have to get your head off my lap in order for me to get up and play with you.

What you get when you try to photograph and play with an 80 pound dog at the same time.

Some recent photos

Walter took these with his camera phone

At Casa Ole. I don't remember what was so interesting over there.

Walter and I in front of a fountain in a courtyard in front of Ben and Jerry's. I like ice cream, that's why I run.

Some members of the Board of the UU Church of the Brazos Valley. This was taken at the congregational meeting.

I normally wear contacts but on weekends I like to give it a rest.

Comics and Al Gore

Right now a sickeningly sweet smell invades my office. My co-worker is calling physical plant. I hope it's not anything poisonous. The smell is only at my end of the hallway.

I read today's Joy of Tech which lead me to this picture:

Al Gore in his office, May 2007 from Time Magazine. What does Al Gore really do with three 30 inch monitors? Sweet consolation prize for not becoming president. I guess he wants to fully explore his invention.

Icon: Vera's brother, Von

What did Vera do that pissed off Von so much that he threw her out? The perspective in the second panel is giving me a headache. The smell in my office is not helping matters much. I opened a window.

I believe you speak for all of us, Jeremy.

A couple of photos

A pair of pictures taken with my cell phone:

The flowers I received at the congregational meeting.

Something I drank for breakfast. I have not noticed any super powers so far. The drink was quite tasty although the color was a bit off-putting.

I think Motorola could have designed the phone better. Having to remove the battery in order to take out the chip that holds the photos, movies and music seems like bad design. I have a chip that has an adapter that allows me to plug the chip into my computer. The chip gives me more storage space for all my non-calling needs.

I've busted through the sleepiness wall and can take on the rest of the day.

The wall

Clouds! Gray! Depression!

Abbey had her stitches removed last night. She behaved quite well during the procedure. Not a single peep. She also slept through storm that came in early this morning. The same storm knocked out the power and screwed up my alarm clock. I did not get out of bed until 7:00 am.

I'm attempting to make it through the 10:00 am wall. Everyday, I have trouble staying awake from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Sometimes the sleepiness starts at 9:30 am. If I can make it to 11:00 am then I'm okay. The years of screwing with my natural rhythms are taking a toll. Morning people would be more tolerable if they did not act as if it was some kind of special virtue.

I'm looking forward to the fishing trip. Walter is looking forward to it more. He doesn't care whether or not we actually fish, he just wants to get away.

Still looking for someone to temp foster Abbey. Loki will be boarded.

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.

Running Log, Congregational Meeting and Other Things

This week I ran/ rowed 13.35 miles, burned 1638.6 calories and weigh 175.2 pounds.

Monday: ran 2.97 miles in 35:00
Tuesday: rowed 2.26 miles in 20 minutes
Wednesday: ran 3.10 miles on a nature trail and some sprints for about 35 minutes
Thursday: rowed 1.76 miles in 15 minutes
Friday: ran 3.26 miles in the park for about 35 minutes

Rather enjoyed the change in routine, especially using the rowing machine. Have become somewhat adept at changing clothes using the car doors as a stall. I wear t-shirts under my other shirts so the only problem is changing from pants to shorts. Someone could have seen me without my pants if they walked or drove up at the right time and angle. I tried to make the change quickly. My car is too small and I'm not limber enough to change completely enclosed in the car. If I planned a bit better I could have changed in my office before leaving work but the decision to run outside instead of in the gym was a spontaneous one based upon the weather.

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The congregational meeting lasted less than 2 hours and went pretty smoothly. I was too nervous to sit so I stood or walked around with the microphone throughout this meeting. I received a nice bouquet of roses in recognition for my year as Board President. I think I might have smiled a bit too much after the meeting adjourned. I will still serve on the Board as Past-President. I will not have voting privileges, just wisdom. Very capable people will serve on the next Board. I don't officially leave office until May 31.

Rev. Teri preached a great sermon and led an interesting worship service that provided a great lead-in to the congregational meeting. The entire congregation got up and had to sit elsewhere and next to someone else. It did add another perspective. Seeing things with new eyes. I'm sure the new Board members will do the same thing. See things with new eyes.

I enjoyed serving as Board President and look forward to seeing things through the eyes of Past President.

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Walter and I celebrate 13 years of marriage. The lace anniversary. We ate out last night and ate some ice cream at Ben and Jerry's today after the meeting. Right now, everyone except me, is taking a nice Sunday afternoon nap. I think I will join them.

Personality

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive. Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Screwy E-Mail

My home e-mail account is screwed up. I get to talk to tech support tonight. Woo Hoo. Walter set it the phone meeting. Also found out that we were assigned to the slow cable service, so the nice tech upgraded us to the preferred service which is less expensive and faster. Zoom.

Thankfully, I have a Gmail account so I'm not completely out of touch. Only the spammers cannot get to me. I like how Gmail organizes discussions. I will recommend it to next year's board members.

I used the rowing machine yesterday and stretched. I failed to take the printed out exercises with me to the gym.

Last night's meeting went well. I'm preparing for the upcoming congregational meeting. I think it will go better for me if I have a written game plan and general script. Motion, discussion, vote. Most of the board meetings the order is discussion, motion, maybe more discussion, vote. The Aggie rules of order.

I need to write a report for the meeting and work out logistics.

TCWC Nature Trail

Yesterday the weather was too lovely to exercise inside the gym, so I ran on the TCWC Nature Trail two times and did a few sprints in the parking lot. I felt uncomfortable running full speed because of the loose gravel in the parking lot but I think I moved fairly quickly. I haven't attempted a sprint off a treadmill since 1994. Old knee injury. I estimate I ran about 5K yesterday. I enjoyed the change in scenery and terrain. More play than exercise.

I've been deviating from my planned exercises quite a bit lately. I'm burned out on traditional weight lifting. Just seems rather boring lately. Tuesday I exercised on the rowing machine instead of lifting weights. I might do some body weight exercises or toss around a medicine ball this evening. I printed out an exercise routine called the "Five Tibetans". I might try that tonight. I have a meeting tonight so I don't have a lot of time to spend lifting weights.

If you live in Bryan or College Station and want to run on the trail, the directions can be found here: http://wfscnet.tamu.edu/tcwc/Directions.htm The entrance to the trail is marked by a couple of signs and there is a narrow gate to enter. No bikes or motor vehicles allowed. The trail is very narrow in a lot of places and quite swampy in one spot. There is tall grass that reaches into the trail so I would recommend pants or washing off as soon as possible. The trail is mostly flat. Right now the wildflowers are in bloom. Watch out for spider webs. Plenty of benches and trash cans on the trail and an emergency phone kiosk. I found it a good short fun route. I ran it twice in less than 30 minutes (I ran between 11:00 - 10:00 minute miles). If you want to take it at a slower pace and learn a thing or two there are markers on the trail with educational material on them.

Dynamic Gesticulation!

I'm jealous of Giella's ability to draw hands. Giella's perspective is often skewed, his continuity sometimes non-existent and his scene composition occasionally insane but he can draw hands. Maybe one's strongest skill is the last to go in the long downward spiral of Alzheimer's disease. Eventually, the art in Mary Worth will be reduced to stick figures with well-drawn hands.

Watch out, Mary! Vera is about to stuff a fist full of STFU down your gullet.