The Bow-Tied Blogger

2010-07-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today is July 4, birthday of the nation. It is also the birthday of America's President, John Calvin "you lose" Calvin. Born 138 years ago, he would prove to be an exemplar of simple, New England values and limited government. He is sadly not given much spotlight in history, but proves to be a good role for government.

In fact, part of his praise/criticism is form his view of the role of Federal Government. He was more progressive on state issues, but not like today's progressive. He was even elected to Governor of Massachusetts on a platform that supported Woman's Suffrage. While he is known and vilified for firing the Boston PD, he has a very valuable point about Boston's security and the need for security.

He decreased the work week by six hours for women and children, cut expenditures, but didn't cut taxes (or raise them either), which actually makes him a more genuine fiscal conservative as he cut debt, which hasn't really been done federally for how long? Don't smirk Republicans...you failed too. Mr. Bush, you lose.

He did veto a bill permitting low grade alcohol, but Prohibition was law, and he was acting appropriately. He also vetoed a legislative pay raise.

As President, he was a supporter in separation of powers, but he did use the feds when appropriate as he granted American Indians full US citizenship and advocated stronger anti-lynching laws, though they were filibustered by Southern Senators.

He was a genuine fiscal conservative, and while one can criticize him for the Crash, how would they have handled it? He kept the Government small so FDR could expand it to experiment around with. Imagine the New Deal on the already bloated corpse of Bush's budget. Granted, the New Deal only did so much as did the Stimulus. Maybe it's time President Obama did a bit of Coolidge, but that isn't his philosophy. I can imagine if he slash agricultural subsidies to the bone, it would create one hell of a surplus and do loads of good for farmers in developing nations. Poor nations could grow wealthier, though their thuggish leaders would steal all that wealth.

Now, I submit a witty joke involving Silent Cal:

The term comes from an old joke, according to which U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife allegedly visited a poultry farm. During the tour, Mrs. Coolidge inquired of the farmer how his farm managed to produce so many fertile eggs with such a small number of roosters. The farmer proudly explained that his roosters performed their duty dozens of times each day.

"Tell that to Mr. Coolidge," pointedly replied the First Lady.

The President, overhearing the remark, asked the farmer, "Does each rooster service the same hen each time?"

"No," replied the farmer, "there are many hens for each rooster."

"Tell that to Mrs. Coolidge," replied the President.

Now I take you to some articles by Silent Cal honoring our 30th President on his birthday.

2010-06-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Senator-for-Life

I knew it would happen some day. Robert C. Byrd has died at 92. He eased poverty in West Virginia by redistributing billions of taxpayer dollars to his state.

I did receive a Robert C Byrd scholarship from 1996-2000 and I do not know how Louisiana received WV pork, but I did, and I thank him for that.

I will be respectful and avoid anything too mean for a while anyway, but I do not mourn a man who made it so long. He lived a good life, and is not related to me. Besides, a 92 year old Senator dying is not news, but inevitability

2010-06-22T07:35:00.001-07:00

I think everyone failed in this one.....

This is by far a very amusing and very sad story. Now, seventy years ago, the elusive Charles De Gaulle made his famous appeal of June 18 to resist German occupation.

Now, one group has a celebration, but they use sausage and wine in a predominately Muslim neighborhood, and the French Government bans it. Now, where do we begin with the failings.

First, the group arranging it is Bloc Identitare, a French nationalist group that undoubtedly is fond of DeGaulle. They are also a fascistic group that opposes diverse marriages and "Imperialsim", whether Islamic or American. Aside from it's hateful views, this group fails for using sausage, a meat highly associated with Germany. Why not just have beer with it, and some pretzels, ja? Americans don't celebrate July 4 with fish and chips or buggery, so you see the fail here.

Now, the French Government bans the event. I wouldn't be rude enough to have pork and alcohol in a Muslim area, plus I don't drink booze and am not that fond of pork either, but banning this event just draws attention, and shows a craven accomadationist tactic to placate a group you should be trying to integrate into your society instead of throwing politically correct bones.

Now the BI fails for its hatred and as for their crap about inter-marriage, you fail big time. There are two things I would encourage Frenchmen to do, get circumcised and court Algerian women. This is good for France's future, and instead of creating enclaves to isolate native Frenchies from newer Frenchies, we should encourage them to intermingle and assimilate.

And yes, America needs to work on this, too. Big time!! We're in danger of Balkanization if we keep to our destructive endogamous trends.

2010-06-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

I served in Iraq and I want to see Iraq succeed globally, but can we afford to do this, right now?

Well, maybe this is an investment and may help revive Baghdad U. The issue we may be in a double-dip recession and money is tight. Debt is piling pretty high for College loans. Thank you for working at Loyola, mother,and thank God I am an honorably discharged disabled vet who served in Iraq, but not all students have my good fortune. I'd rather we find a way to pay the costs privately and not use any federal money. I'll even chip in some money as I want to see a good University in Baghdad, even a regionally accredited one with reciprocation deals in the US and maybe one day on par with India's Universities. I would like some reciprocation.

First and foremost: Once Baghdad U is up and running, offer a few slots for Americans if their safety can be guaranteed. Better to get some white bread types and a few from minority groups who are not exposed to Arabic culture, so they can learn something new and not PC jibba jabba but the real thing.

These Americans can pay Iraqi rate tuition and would get quality education,plus each American can have a cultural ambassador and family to help them integrate and not pay American GI sucker prices.

Next, Baghdad has a Jewish Quarter, but no Jews. Iran has Jews used for propaganda purposes, but they are probably not in danger, except they may be restricted from speaking. Iraq will need to make Baghdad appealing to Jews as well, full citizens, and no pogroms. Let them succeed, then tax their achievements, plus they'll help Baghdad U be a success.

Final thought. ESL teachers. Give US and UK top billing. Hire certified ESL instructors in America to put their neck on the line teaching English grammar to Iraqi kids who want it or their parents want it. I am not advocating English over Arabic (Arabic words are definitely prettier), but in this world, knowing English is a good tool. I am being idealistic, but I first saw this article with dismay as another gimmie, but now I have some lemonade to sell :)

2010-06-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Discussing the Contract part II

Now on to resumption of my Contract with America discussion. Today's item will be:

The Taking Back Our Streets Act

Let's see what Wikipedia has on that.

An anti-crime package including stronger truth-in-sentencing, "good faith" exclusionary rule exemptions (H.R.666 Exclusionary Rule Reform Act, passed US House Roll Call 289-142 2/8/95), death penalty provisions (H.R.729 Effective Death Penalty Act, passed US House Roll Call 297-132 2/8/95; similar provisions enacted under S. 735 [3], 4/24/96), funding prison construction (H.R.667 Violent Criminal Incarceration Act, passed US House Roll Call 265-156 2/10/95, rc#117) and additional law enforcement (H.R.728 Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Act, passed US House Roll Call 238-192 2/14/95).

Now let's look at these bills.

HR 666 "Good-faith" exclusionary rule exemption: On a personal level, I like it. Hell, I think most people like to include good evidence, but the fourth amendment is very important. Also, HR 666? I may no longer be a Christian, but making that an HR for anything serious is probably not a wise idea.

This is a bill I'd vote against, because it is too easily abused, and we don't have a living, constantly evolving Constitution that can evolve away certain safeguards.

Conversely, I do believe public defenders are obligated to give training to police on searching for evidence and doing everything within the rules, so they don't screw up and some lowlife is back on the street. The defender is a public servant and so is the cop. Show him how to succeed in his job, so we can save some money on appeals.

H.R.729 Effective Death Penalty Act

In theory, I favor capital punishment, but I think it should be a state issue and have misgivings about it being in the federal hands. Well, terrorism against a federal building or by an external enemy may make it justifiable, but only within those parameters. I do think the President should be involved in the execution and should be able to look that person in the eye. The guy on death row may be scum, but we are still talking about a human being, and no matter how justified it may be to execute a bad human, the state is still taking a life.

H.R.667 Violent Criminal Incarceration Act

If we can afford to do it, we may need to. These are violent criminals, and a more dangerous bunch. Now, we need to cut some costs and do lifers really need the topnotch medical care they get? Let's cut back on expensive treatments and if some bleeding heart objects, then go get your MD and treat the convicts pro-bono. There's no reason for a decrepit murderer to have expensive medical care.

We can also pack the old farts into tighter cells to make room.

H.R.728 Local Government Law Enforcement Block Grants Act

Let's see how this is distributed. Right now, we are in a recession, and laying off cops is a bad idea when crime goes up. Some places coughcoughDetroitcoughcough are beyond help and just need martial law since Robocop was just a movie. We can turn Detroit into an urban combat center and MPs can augment the overworked Detroit PD. New Orleans has had the most corrupt police force in the nation, so martial law was needed from Katrina and still needed. Other areas just need a little more cash to keep order, so why not. We can divert all that money we give Hamas. More cops, less terror.

2010-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Blogger fight!!

Maybe I'm a sad creature that has nothing better to do with my time, but Debbie Schlussel had a spat with Emily Zanotti years ago and just recently, Debbie linked to another blogger I was unfamiliar with. Now I have just heard of Emily and Cassy Fiano for the first time, and I have either been in my own little world, or there are others like me who have heard about these two bloggers for the first time, and no doubt all three will get a little audience surge. I am familiar with John Hawkins of Right-Wing News, so Debbie didn't accidentally make me aware of three bloggers. I even made a comment, but I Cassy's outfit was much more modest, than I first thought, because the blouse wasn't tucked in. Plus if Debbie wants a hooker pic of Cassy, find a pic of her in ankle-high boots.

Now, maybe this is all a charade for a cat fight or mud wrestle designed to raise funds for Republican Congressional candidates in the fall. Maybe I'll get visitors to my blog if Cassy and Debbie get into a blog war, or maybe I just need a life :)

2010-06-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

In South Carolina, a career politician was defeated by a neophyte. Now, I feel bad for Alvin Greene. Keith Olbermann gave him an interview and he performed poorly, then Keith-O mentions that Republicans can vote in the SC Democratic primary.

Democratic Majority Whip James Clyburne is calling for an investigation, and while I am curious about where he could afford the filing fee, I want to know why it costs that much money to file for the Senate. Ten grand to be a candidate is a load of pro-incumbent crap. It should cost no more than the administrative costs of being on a ballot.

Now, while I feel bad for Alvin taking the hit he did, I am also disappointed in him. He has a Bachelors in Political Science, and he should know a bit more about his positions. Now, if he is a plant, he is a good one. He won the Democratic primary, and if he won because his name was first, then shame on the Democratic voters for making that a decision. Maybe I should change my name to Albert Abignale and run for office.

I am actually reminded of another election, twelve years ago, where Patrick Leahy and his sanctimonious droning faced a joke of a challenge from Fred Tuttle.

It would be surprising if Greene beat DeMint, but Greene doesn't have a job and DeMint will have twelve years of federal pension money. At most, hopefully Greene will get a job after this affair is done. He's a veteran like me and a little younger than I am, so I hope his fortunes improve. As for the obscenity charge, you're on your own.

2010-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am surprised, but not entirely. Bill Maher is to the left of me, which is normal for most people, but he takes up for Israel and brings up a point about people making themselves victims, because of America's Cult of the Underdog, which applies to most developed nations. It is easier to identify with the less fortunate side than asses the situation.

I will admit Bill Maher is an equal opportunity offender and no one gets a pass from him.

2010-06-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

Now, Michael Totten, a reasonable and sensible blogger with diverse views, now weighs in on the blockade. Now, I think the blockade needs to be relaxed a bit, but I fully back the IDF's actions against the flotilla, and I regret the loss of Turkish life, but I'd have no problem if the victims were dippy hippy, affluent, white American spoiled brats who hate their privileged upbringing and don't wish to really solve the issues they champion.

2010-06-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

It has now been almost a week, since the IDF intercepted a flotilla of ships planning to ram the embargo on Gaza. While I am a definite Zionist, I do not believe in solidarity and will not blindly side with Israel, but I did wish to get all the facts in. So far, Israel's only sin is sending in their Commandos on the ship when it was still in International waters. I don't think this was a good move. I do believe that once the activists attacked the Commandos, they became enemy combatants and the use of deadly force was justified after that.

Now, the activists were a nasty bunch out to challenge the Gaza Embargo. They could have sent the aid through normal channels but wanted to be defiant. Blogger Reut Cohen has very useful commentary about the international double standard applied to Israel and challenges Hamas claims.

Here is a twist. Hamas refuses the flotilla aid and let's see what the main ship contained.

Not very peaceful stuff. Now, this is an IDF website so you may oppose it's objectivity. Fine. Respond with proper challenges then. I am willing to learn new information.

Now, conversely, I should comment about the blockade. Meghan McArdle presents a list of allowed and prohibited items. I don't get the logic in it. Chemical fertilizer and pesticides are permitted...that is one I'd be concerned about after the Oklahoma City bombing, but I don't get the reason for the other bans. Maybe I am missing why they are a threat.

Overall, I'd rule 85-15 in Israel's favor. The Embargo is too restrictive and the raid was poorly done, but I understand why.

2010-05-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

Discussion of Contract with America

As I mentioned earlier, I was going to discuss teh Contract with America. Sure, it's 16 years old and the GOP has forgotten the whole notion of small government since Bush 2, but it is still worth mentioning, especially since it was an idea that had merit andis rarely critiqued. Today, I will discuss the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to wikipedia:

An amendment to the Constitution that would require a balanced budget unless sanctioned by a three-fifths vote in both houses of Congress (H.J.Res.1, passed by the US House Roll Call: 300-132, 1/26/95; rejected by the US Senate Roll Call: 65-35, 3/2/95, two-thirds required), and legislation (not an amendment) provide the president with a line-item veto (H.R.2, passed by the US House Roll Call: 294-134, 2/6/95; conferenced with S. 4 and enacted with substantial changes 4/9/96 [2]). The statute was ruled unconstitutional in Clinton v. City of New York, 524 U.S. 417, 118 S.Ct. 2091, 141 L.Ed.2d 393 (1998).

Balanced Budget Amendment. Great idea. As we can see, we actually had a surplus, though it would have been better if Clinton went after discretionary spending as well as the military. Bush could have accomplished that, though. Instead, he went Keynesian and ran up record deficits with Medicare Plan D. If the Amendment passed, Bush's gimmie programs would have been stopped.

Second aspect was a line item veto. I think it is an excellent provision that can be great at trimming pork, and I'd apply it to more than just fiscal matters. This way, populist measures that are unconstitutional could be excised, though that is ultimately the job of the Supreme Court, but it would be good if an added check were made.

This bill was ruled unconstitutional, so without a later court decision or a Constitutional Amendment, no dice. Now, is that an imbalance in power giving the President the power to veto part of a bill, but not the full bill? I don't think it is, but I am no lawyer, nor am I an expert on Constitutional law. Any thoughts would be great.

Now, other measures that could be fitted under this umbrella: A bill that would freeze all salaries (except the military, or all pay raises for them are automatically sent to their TSP account and not available as disposable income) of federal employees, including the President, Congress, and Supreme Court Judges during times of recession. This would prevent layoffs and prevent some expenses.

I'd also advocate end of life counseling to curb Medicare costs and audit any bleeding heart religious group raising any fits about it, and a triage system for end of life care. It is criminal to spend millions on extending a life by a few years that is no longer contributing to the IRS and next of kin should have veto power on expensive treatment. They should get the money, not some hospital that is crazy about running the tests in the name of our perverse longevity cult. Once I reach a certain age, there are a number of illnesses I won't bother treating. I care about minimizing pain at that point and not enduring the last five years of my life in a hospital bed. Well, my cut off point will be around 70.

Those are my thoughts on how to use some fiscal restraint.

2010-05-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hear! Hear!

Now for those that know my unique right-leaning, but not solidarity-driven, political views may also know that Calvin Coolidge is my favorite 20th century President. While many my age would say Reagan or Teddy Roosevelt and some more liberal than me would say JFK or FDR, I stick with Calvin Coolidge, a man with a dry New England wit who also favored limited government, and he was the last Republican President to win NYC, though he didn't get a full majority in Manhattan thanks to that wacky cheese head LaFollette.

Now, I recently discovered a Calvin Coolidge blog, Kai's Coolidge Blog.

The most recent blog post has an article from Pajamas Media that suggests Barrack Obama could be more like Calvin Coolidge. His re-inauguration oath is something Calvin Coolidge did, but President Obama's charisma and our own warped national mindset have him engaging in more populist activities, but the Silent Cal approach would be a nice change as the President would be there, but less of a celebrity, appearing only when needed. I don't see President Obama doing that, but it may help his imagine in the long run, but sadly it's not in our generation to be like these wise men of times past.

I also discovered another Calvin Coolidge blog, Silent Cal. Enjoy!!

2010-05-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Now, back in an ancient and forgotten time, the Republican Party stood for limited government, and not just when a Democrat was President. To win the House for the first time in forty years and to hold power for twelve consecutive years. The last time the Republicans accomplished this was from 1919 to 1931, also a period of twelve years, and both periods had two Speakers, with Gingrich in power from January 4, 1995 to January 3, 1999, followed by Dennis Hastert from January 6, 1999 to January 3, 2007. Previously, Frederick Huntington Gillett of Massachusetts (you heard that right) was Speaker of the House from May 19, 1919 to March 3, 1925, followed by Nicholas Longworth IV of Ohio from December 7, 1925 to March 4 of 1931, and he died the next month.

So a track record that was pretty good, and if not for Abramoff and Foley, the trend may have continued, except that Bush forgot what the term fiscal conservative meant and Pelosi knows to hide her truly creepy stare from the public until she decides to brainwash us into solidarity zombies, or something equally absurd I made up.

Now as part of a platform to achieve power, Newt Gingrich established his Contract with America. Now, you may love it or hate, but how much do you know about it? Due to ideological solidarity, your ideology probably determines your view, but how many people know the ten items and what they really like or really hate?

Why do I ask? Well, President Obama may want that authority. If you are for or against granting him that authority, replace Obama with Bush and see if you have the same answer. If you do, congratulations, you think for yourself.

Here's another link

Now I figure we (assuming anyone reads me) can go over the Contract with America and discuss the items. Knowledge over passion, after all.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act

The Taking Back Our Streets Act

The Personal Responsibility Act

The American Dream Restoration Act

The National Security Restoration Act

The "Common Sense" Legal Reform Act

The Job Creation and Wage Enhancement Act

The Citizen Legislature Act

Family Reinforcement Act

Senior Citizens Fairness Act

The line-item veto was part of the The Fiscal Responsibility Act and it passed, but was declared unconstitutional in Clinton v the City of New York. A pity about that,but I welcome President Obama to work to regain that authority, as long as he does it constitutionally..well I'll leave that to the judges. I somehow doubt Ol' Kleagle Byrd will be too receptive, as this will affect his ability to change the name of West Virginia to the State of Robert C Byrd, but that is expected.

2010-05-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Rand Paul won the Republican primary for the Senate seat in Kentucky and he botched it in an interview with Rachel Maddow. Now I am not likely to agree with Rachel Maddow on most issues, but she is no Keith Olbermann who will somehow call Rand the worst person in the World and find some way of connecting Paul's gaffe to Bill O'Reilly.

Rand Paul then reverses himself, but the damage is done. Now, I admire Barry Goldwater for many reasons, and he will ultimately be vindicated in history, as a principled and genuine conservative who felt every "good Christian should give Jerry Falwell a swift kick in the ass." Barry Goldwater was wrong in that issue and it was a big issue he was wrong on. Lyndon Bane Johnson used these events and with other manipulations won in a landslide, but thankfully the Vietnam War destroyed him and he only stole oxygen from our atmosphere for another 9 years. Thankfully he only sponged his pension for a little more than four years.

While Lyndon Johnson may have been credited with the 1964 Civil Rights bill and didn't sign the Southern Manifesto, but he was in his heart a racist and one of the crassest people to ever slither into the Oval Office. Barry Goldwater was a naive man who didn't understand racism and some of his failings were due to his naivete and his environment, but he did support the 1957 Civil Rights bill which LBJ only supported to gain power as a national figure and be JFK's VP, and let's not forget who's home state JFK was killed in.

Rand Paul made a colossal failure in failing to address the evils of Jim Crow laws, which are even evident in Bacon-Davis as labor laws were made to protect white union labor form minority competition. The use of federal power in the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a loaded gun and there are times when that is the only solution. To support such power with total solidarity is worse than Goldwater's misguided opposition as one should be reluctant about using federal authority even for a good cause, but there are times when it is necessary to use. While such power should be used sparingly, there are clear cases when it needs to be used. The Tenth Amendment is a part of our Bill of Rights and an absolute right, but the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments are also part of our Constitution and the Tenth Amendment does not favor giving any state the right to trample on individual liberties, and in such cases as the deep south in that time, the rights of individuals were at stake. Barry Goldwater was born in 1909 and the CRA of 1964 was a new law being proposed so he had an excuse. Rand Paul didn't. This may not end his chances as Joe Biden proves you can say ignorant things and still get ahead. The progressives are sharpening their blades and will use Rand Paul to go after the Libertarians and no doubt Alan "the Orlando bully" Grayson may try to get ran Paul's medical license suspended, so Rand Paul will need to wise up.

Finally David Boaz comes up with a good counter in Reason magazine about some who can have an understandable nostalgia for times past, and hell there is a lot I like about the 1880s, but I don't think I'd want to live back then. I do like their music and formal wear without a doubt and I think the affluence in this country post WWII has had a very corrosive effect, but this can be solved by parents not spoiling their children.

2009-05-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

I figured I would add some other commentaries about the Sotomayor decision.

First is a run down of the Senate Judiciary Committe, featuring a right-wing troll from Alabama, and a partisan, sanctimonious jackass from Vermont.

While I normally am very fond of David Brooks, I find this article offensive. It is a nasty slam against people who are not cursed with the corrupting force of empathy. Sure,some folks who lack empathy may be sociopaths, but lack of empathy is not a lac of conscience. Many people with autism lack empathy and those who are highly functional would make extremely good judges. The demon of empathy is more dangerous than a bribe, because a tug on the heartstrings is worse to the rule of law than any bribe, as it allows bias to overshadow what the law should state. The law is not about morality of fairness. It is the law. If a law is unfair or evil, the legislator should change it, not a Court decision. The fact that we are human and our Supreme Court have corruptible hearts instead of Judge Dredd ideals is one of many problems with America.

David Brooks is normally a guy I like, but his comments here I completely disagree with.

Now, I find some other interesting stuff about Sotomayor in this article and this one makes for an interesting counter argument about impartiality vs empathy.Maybe Judge Sotomayor is more Judge Dredd than Emily Empathy, or at least I hope so.

Ed Rollins, a very intelligent Republican strategist offers some wise counsel to the Senate GOP, but they will ignore it no doubt.G. Gordon Liddy goes on to make a dumb, sexist comment and I expect better of a man who had the fortitude to endure prison for his principles, whether you are with them or not.

Now on to her history:

In 1992,she was appointed as a District Court Judge for Southern NY, a Bush appointee (albeit in a deal brokered by Moynihan and liberal Republican Al D'Amato), and in 1998, a Clinton appointee to the 2nd District Court of Appeals. When Sandra Day O'Connor retired, Senate Democrats suggested her to George W Bush, though one can debate how much meaning can be derived out of it.

I am not overly fond of Obama looking at Earl Warren as a role model for SC Justice (though I would back him on Brown vs Board of Education) or his empathy speech, but he's replacing Souter which gives him leeway. The same is true of Ginsberg and Stevens, though I hope he replaces Stevens with Alan Dershowtiz, a very brilliant but combative Harvard Law Professor, who would make the Supreme Court WASP free (currently there are five Catholics, two Jews, and two old WASPs with withered stingers) and soon one WASP will be replaced. Stevens is next as he will be ninety next year. Now, if anything happens to Scalia, President Obama would be wise to find the most hopeful Republican Presidential candidate and appoint him or her as a Machiavellian move, just as he appointed Utah's centrist Governor Ambassador to China.

On the other hand, President Obama could test his popularity by appointing Blagoyevich or Burris to something of significance. In the name of Science, Sec of State Hillary Clinton can be sent as a goodwill Ambassador on a deep space probe :)

2009-05-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, for the uninformed, David Souter is retiring from the Supreme Court and President Obama gets to nominate a Justice. Something Clinton did not do in his second term, nor Bush in his first term. While I doubt his choice will face any real opposition, his pick concerns me, but so did his talk of judges with empathy. I don't want judges beholden to the demon of empathy, but judges who abide by the Constitution.

Now, a fellow at the CATO Institute, an organization I heavily agree with, speaks out.

I recall she made a comment about the Constitution as an evolving document, which is way too Brennanesque for my comfort. Ideologically, she replaces a liberal Justice so no shift in balance, but regardless of right or left, I want a Judge who is beholden to the Constitution as a static document, which can only be adjusted by a Constitutional amendment, not a Judge's empathy.

Of course she will be confirmed with no problem, but how will she rule?

2009-05-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Moving out.

I have now moved out of my old apartment completely. Tomorrow, I can do a final clean up and turn the keys back in to my roommate along with a forwarding address. I am now in Kew Gardens Hills.

I am also now the Historian for my American Legion Chapter, which is funny as I am the youngest guy there, but I guess fitting.

Now, in the name of being mean-spirited and politically incorrect, I link this article and add this amusing clip from Full Metal Jacket.

2009-05-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

An important and valuable lesson for states:

This article goes hand in hand with the story of the goose that laid the golden egg.

Raising taxes to close budget deficits usually fails, unless taxes are massively low to start with and that isn't the case for NY and NJ. I am not one of the top 5%, so the tax increases wouldn't directly affect me, but they would squeeze someone who would employ me, and if a wealthy entrepreneur leaves NY, how many jobs leave the state as well? Now if only we could find some way to send our bottom 5% to a more generous nation that can fill their gravy train.

2009-04-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Stay off the roads.....

I'll be driving in NYC, well Flushing anyway. I took my first driving lesson this morning which went well, though I have much to learn, but I feel I did well. I need to work on my turns, but I made a three-point u-turn and I drove through the beautiful neighborhood of Kew Garden Hills which had plenty of turns, stop signs, lights to train with. I never drove in NYC before, and unlike Al Pacino I won't drive a Ferrari in downtown Manhattan with my eyes closed, but I will take a driving lesson tomorrow afternoon from a different and cheaper company and see how they compare.

2009-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

Guys, Dolls, and long-awaited follow up

Tuesday was a great day. I saw Guys and Dolls, and the musical was great. Of course, I love the outfits and the music without question. The acting was great and I got a few signatures. I am also a fan of Gilmore Girls so it was great to see Lauren Graham in person. Eventually being in New York City long enough will erode the novelty of seeing celebrities, like when I met Jackie Mason a few weeks ago. Also, actor Bradley Cooper (Will Trippin of Alias) was in the audience.

Now, on the other event, I interviewed with the NYC Teaching Fellows a month ago, and I was not admitted. I am glad they told me at least. Now on to look for other things to do.

2009-04-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

License to Drive

Guess what I got in the mail. I now have my own driver's license. Scary world ain't it :) I will sign up for some classes as I've been out of practice for a bit.

2009-04-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

The End of an Era.

Well, not really but as of today, I am now longer on Active Duty. Aside from an eight month hiatus, I have been in the Army for eight years. Today, I am now part of the New York National Guard.

This means I no longer draw a paycheck from Uncle Sam, but I receive a few hundred to play soldier once a month and my Commander-in-Chief is David Patterson. I also must defend NY state from all enemies foreign and domestic.

2009-02-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

The right to be a dickhead

Damian Penny shows an interesting story about a real jackass.

Now, David Ahenakew is a racist and a hatemonger and he should be stripped of more than a few honors, but I believe you have the right to say something anti-semitic, or burn the flag, or destroy a privately owned religious article, provided you are a private citizen and not doing it in a way that disgraces a larger group (a solider burning a flag while in a US Army uniform is illegal and should be regarded as low level treason).

I always figured aboriginal North Americans are among the few indigenous people not to be anti-semitic, but I guess that record is sullied. Now, blaming the Jews for WWII is like blaming black people for the American Civil War, which many low born whites did.

As for some of his asinine comments:

"How do you get rid of a disease like that, that's going to take over, that's going to dominate?" Ahenakew said to the reporter. "The Jews damn near owned all of Germany prior to the war. That's how Hitler came in. He was going to make damn sure that the Jews didn't take over Germany or Europe.

"That's why he fried six million of those guys, you know. Jews would have owned the God-damned world."

Sorry indigenous hate monger, but all Jews did was fight nobly for the Kaiser in WWI, get fucked by Britain after Lord Balfour made a promise, and provide Germany with lots of scientists, philosophers, and other contributions. I wouldn't be surprised if every great German mind had some distant Jewish ancestor. The Renaissance didn't come to Europe until after millions of Jews migrated there...well the Spice Trade and the printing press also factored in, but look at post-Roman Europe before Jews and after :)

Besides, David should be a bit more sensitive as his own ancestors suffered a very similar fate over a longer period of time. Besides, I would say almost all atrocities committed against First Nations were done by Christians. Besides, if you ahve such a problem with Jews, change your first name from David to Adolf or Yasser.

2009-02-17T14:52:00.001-08:00

Credit where credit is due.

I'm pretty conservative, and I don't agree with President Obama's stimulus, but I do applaud him for this website.

And hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

I must admit President Obama looks like he has aged three years since his inauguration,but it may just be his solemn countenance

2009-01-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I last posted. Almost a year, and frankly no substantial posts since I deployed. Well, I am back in Texas. My journey to Iraq has come and gone. So I shall shake the dust of Texas from my feet and leave all the excess space of spread out central TX for New York City where they know how to design a city.

We have a new President. A bit liberal for my tastes, but I'll give him a chance to prove himself I should be able to shake the cobwebs of this blog now that I have respectable internet, and am free of that horrid Magic Islands Technology, which is a glorified rip off designed to give soldiers crappy bandwidth at premium prices.

Now off to reintegrate into a new unit, so I can head out shortly thereafter.

2008-02-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Death of Greatness

I just learned today that William F Buckley died. He was a great orator and an intellectual giant, known for his wit and masterful prose. Sadly,the conservative movement had gone off kilter when Barry Goldwater died. Now that another collosal figure has died, how far off will it veer now?

RIP William F Buckley

2008-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

I am still alive. Just very busy and internet is slow. We need competition down here for internet services. Nothing to speak of, really.

2007-11-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

My new mailing address

I just realized not everyone in jbloggerland has my new address, and it is no safety risk to reveal it, so:

SPC Thomas Forsyth
230th FI BN
APO AE 09344

Also, that zipcode is not far from the NYC area, either.

2007-10-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

Baghdad initiation

I am now in Camp Liberty, in Baghdad, Iraq. I repeat...I am in Mesopatamia....both awe-inspiring and a little frightening, but thankfully, I am not in the worst of it.

All is well, but not perfect, as I had my true welcome, when a mortar round went off somewhere in the distance, and I went under the bunker until the all clear was sounded....I guess that means I have been initiated.

2007-10-26T18:21:00.000-07:00

New update from Kuwait. I am in Kuwait and I have a wireless connection from now, but it is slow and unreliable. I'll be amazed if this post hits, actually.

2007-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

I left Killeen at 1030 this morning, and now I am in Shannon Intl Airport for a brief layover. Hopefully I'll post again in Kuwait.

2007-10-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last post for a while.

Deployment is coming soon. I will be shutting off the internet in my room today, so this may be my last post for a while. I will try to get on through other means, but for now, I bid adieu.

2007-10-07T21:04:00.001-07:00

I admit....long time, no update.

Why? Hereditary depression causing apathy and procrastination. I may have lost all of my fans, but only one way to find out.

Now, let's recap. I haven't posted much in a while, and I am sorry about that. I went to New Orleans on Emergency leave, because my father was doing very poorly. He is doing better and can speak again for the first time in almost a year. Once again, I am very glad that I never started smoking. Next week, my father will be able to eat again.

Now, on to the recent holiday season. Yes, you heard that right. Starting with Rosh Hashana and ending with Simchat Torah, I'd say that we had a great holiday season and a time of great joy, which was rightfully tempered with Ecclesiastes at the end of Sukkot, a sobering and also depressing scroll that can kill the mood in any party, but perfect when the party needs to end. Starting with Rosh Hashana, I began my tanach project where I read the prophetic and writing portions of the tanach that I honestly feel get neglected. I admit the Torah is primary, but the other parts of the tanach get neglected, and they are worth reading, plus the reading is minimal. I have been beta testing my project and I see some errors I made though it may the difference between an artscroll and JPS translation, plus I made some other errors with assigning certain portions. Maybe I should begin the cycle at Simchat Torah as the Haftarah is the beginning of Joshua, which is a perfect way to begin the Nevi'im. The Kethuvim begins with Proverbs, as I like how the chabad space the Pslams out over a month, so why mess with a good thing. I also know that for Yom Kippur the Book of Jonah is perfect for the Nevi'im portion as it is the haftarah for that day anyway. Also, the megillah for those five days is perfetc for assignments in Kethuvim portions

Now, during the 25 days of reading Joshua and Proverbs, I find them an interesting contrast, but the two are good together. Joshua is about the conquest of Canaan to make it Israel. Proverbs is about wisdom and advice. I'd say wisdom is key to a good conqueror, as the conquerors will have to become managers, and wisdom is necessary to curtail the blood lust that can result from Iron Age fighting. I also know that this is simply the order given for the tanach, but it is good if I can draw some insight as well :)

I also admit that I have enjoyed my first time for the High Holidays, though when I heard the shofar blown, the word riccola shouted in the back of my mind, but Hashem has a good sense of humor, so I am not wrong to think that.

Gedalia and Yom Kippur were the first fast days I could do fully as they occurred on the weekend, though my mother visited during Yom Kippur and I wish she didn't, as she expected me to drop plans to spend that whole time with her and wanted me to plan what to do in this sinkhole I call Killeen. Such comes of having a shiksa mom, I guess.

Sukkot was good for many things. One, it was the first pilgrim holiday I could participate in. I was at WLC for Pesach and the field on Shavuot, but here's hoping I can attend both in Iraq. I also spent last Saturday night in the Sukkah, though it took me a while to get to sleep, but I guess that can be chalked up to being in a slightly different environment.

My unit planned a stupid FRG meeting on Shemini Atzeret, and no religious exemption....if my unit FRG gives me a Christmas card, I may angrily rip it up instead of simply shredding it. The following day was spent with household goods pickup, so I missed the day service, but that evening was Simchat Torah and I got to carry the Torah scroll around the Chapel twice. I also had a very nice send off and a touching card from the West Fort Hood congregation, and when I leave Ft Hood I will truly miss them.

BTW, FRG stands for Family Readiness Group, and I am a Bachelor so I have no reason to attend the meetings, though my Commander strong-armed me into giving my mother's information, which I think is very pushy of him as my parents are my business. If I had a wife and a few imps, he could concern himself with that, but he shouldn't try to get involved with parents, except to offer goons to take care of some parents, like Cindy Sheehan.

2007-08-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Off to New Orleans!!

I know I've been lax in blogging. Things are busy as I have two months until I deploy to Iraq. I am on emergency leave to New Orleans to see my father who is in ICU and may not be alive when I return from Iraq. I should be posting a bit more when I arrive in the Big Easy tomorrow.

2007-07-29T18:38:00.001-07:00

Just in case you haven't heard yet, Sara with no H has given birth to a baby girl, Rebecca on Friday at 9:32 am, so go visit her site and send your well wishes to the new mom.

2007-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

8 Things you don't know about Thomas

1) Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.

2) The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.

3) At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

#1 I am a Katrina refugee. Even though I have been fortunate that my mother's condo was not severely damaged, I did flee New Orleans in the wake of Katrina and re-enlisted in the US Army....well some folks know, but I have no problem calling myself a refugee.

#2 I spent two years in Tennessee. When I first went away to College, I spent two years in CBU in Memphis, TN. I had mixed feelings baout being there and was much happier to return to New Orleans.

#3 I am still friends with my first girlfriend. Relations don't always end well, but I am still on good terms with my first girlfriend. She has a son and is teaching at a Catholic school in Jackson, Mississippi, but that's all I'm giving. She was a little surprised to learn that I am converting Judaism, but just because I used to be such a strong Catholic.

#4 I hate Christmas. Well, that may not be too big a surprise, but I have had plenty of bad Christmases growing up, so I would sooner burn a Christmas tree than have one in my home, and I make jokes about Santa being a pedophile. I was asked by a rabbi about giving up Christmas, but I told her I gave it up years ago.

#5 I am a fan of music that was popular when I was a baby. Yes, I love Disco, especially the Village People, and I'll be playing them right after Tisha B'Av ends :)

#6 I do not know how to drive. Well, I'm learning, but I do not know enough to get a license. Maybe later, but a lot of people will not teach me unless I buy a car first. I refuse to do that. I'm heading to NYC after the Army, so no great worries really.

#7 I have a dim view of cartoons today. I grew up in the eighties and nothing today can compare to the quality cartoons of the 60s-80s (and Gargoyles added in there). Some anime is great, but I'm talking American cartoons here. Well, I won't miss anything on the Sabbath then :)

#8 I am going to Iraq in a few months. Well, not that strange a fact, but up until last week, I thought I was headed towards Kuwait, but now I know I'm headed for Baghdad.

I tag Irina, Heather, Red Tulips, Laura, Jason, Damian, and David

2007-06-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Time for a Two-fer book review

Today I review two books: Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends (Paperback) and Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Moods (P.S.) (Paperback)

Now, these books are very different. Antia Diamant talks about how one converts to Judaism as the wife of a Jew by choice, she has a certain insight. Michael Wex offers a fun book about Yiddish, a fun language that has loads of insults :)

Both aspects are important in being religious. To choose a faith, you need to make a plan and know the rules, but you also have to have fun and joke with Hashem (joking with Elokim may prove risky). Yiddish is also a language of Ashkenazic Jews, like my wonderful Sara (or Suri as her name is pronounced in Yiddish).

Both books have very different goals, but both are informative and worth the read.

2007-06-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Time for Book Review!!!

Now, I have been slacking on my reviews, but today's book is Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and the shortest summary I can give is: wow!

This is a truly remarkable woman. She was born in Somalia to a basically feudal culture, but one that made an attempt at modernization and failed. She describes her ordeals and traveling through various nations and the Islamic indoctrination she received, as well as her ability to overcome it and to flee to the Netherlands to escape an arranged marriage.

Once in the Netherlands as a refugee, she has the strength to avoid the trap of the welfare state and get a job, as well as go to College and even get elected to Parliament. Unfortunately, she has some mishaps along the way, as she loses a friend and her citizenship, but she does not yield to the pressure as she moves to the United States and joins a think tank.

Her tale is still told as she speaks and will not be silenced. And since she speaks at risk to herself, I heavily encourage you to listen. I feel that I put on a uniform and risk my life for defenders of liberty like Ayaan Hirsi Ali. She understands being an American far more than Michael Moore, Noam Chomksy, or Jimmy Carter ever could.

2007-06-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

What is the greatest gift to man? Is it his ability to reason, the sole factor that distinguishes him (human) from animal? Or is it his intellect, allowing him to conquer all that exists around him? Some say life in itself is a gift, but many would beg to differ. Especially when the giver 'will take' that 'gift' back from you whenever HE chooses. A child may receive a gift on his birthday, but if he has no appreciation or desire for the gift, the purpose of 'giving' is defeated. Is it truly a gift if we never wanted it in the first place?

Is it the lessons we learn through our hardships, trials, and tribulations? I doubt it, for a lesson is merely an awareness that previously did not exist, and the ignorance it killed could be viewed as 'spoiling the fun'. History also says otherwise, showing men repeat the same hardships, trials, and tribulations over and over and over.

Is it a certain event/circumstance that we encounter in life, whether it be positive or negative? In the latter, some events are like bruises that put a swelling on the soul for a short period of time and eventually disappear. Others are like scars in which the pain may minimize over time, but the mark it leaves on you will be visible to the soul forever. And if the former occurs after the soul has already been scarred, does it really even matter?

Is the gift to discover the purpose of life? What is the purpose? To which many say Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.. Yet those same people cannot agree on one consensus for the purpose of each of those faiths! Is the purpose of religion to guide or abide?

Is it the gift of companionship from the rest of humanity (men and women)? In a world that spits on you when you are at your lowest level and reaches out to you when you are most high - intellect, reason, and this particular stance should tell you the overall nature of man is cowardice, and you're ability to 'identify' this distinguishes you from the likes of many them. Dealings with them should be perceived as tolerance, not as a gift.

The qualities I see that are needed to make something a gift are the following:

Faith - Faith is key! When man loses faith, he is a living mind walking with a dead soul. Faith goes hand in hand with hope. Man's faith alone can get him to the next world; but when another soul has faith in him, it will help him get through this world.

Forgiveness - Forgiveness is 'key'! When man comes to the realization that he is just that, man, he realizes that perfection died in the days of the prophets and he must be able to rebound from his mistakes. Forgiveness from the Almighty will help him rebound for the next world, but forgiveness from a fellow soul will help him rebound in this world.

Respect - Respect is 'key'! It is a natural desire within man to be respected by the rest of mankind. Disrespect can cause man to lose his reasonable ways of thinking and stray towards more animalistic ways of dealing with others. When one is respected, it allows the true nature of his soul to reflect, as the gatekeeper of his soul, anger, steps down.

Acceptance - Acceptance is 'key'! Societies have man made standards that approve/disapprove, label, and stereotype individuals into perceptions that prevent those that are different from the majority to be perceived as better or equal to the majority. Man should know his Lord and Creator will accept him as he is, but acceptance in this world based on individuality rather than affiliation is unlikely. For one to be accepted for who he truly is also allows the soul to reflect its true nature as the other gatekeeper of the soul, hate, steps down.

Unconditional love - Unconditional love is 'key'! To love based on actions towards an individual is the norm. And we all know people, circumstances, and actions change. So with this, the love changes. To love unconditionally is eternal, regardless of changes in circumstances, individuality, or actions. Our creator loves us unconditionally, yet the worldly love is truly conditional. To receive unconditional love in this world is a true gift to the soul.

Loyalty - Loyalty is 'key'! Loyalty goes hand in hand with trust. When man is unswerving in allegiance and faithful to those he considers true to himself, that is loyalty! This is a true characteristic of a real man, and to receive it in return is a true gift to his soul.

All these characteristics should be combined to work together - like chemicals in black seed oil - to bring about happiness, peace, and mental well being. Integrating all these things together, creating an output of well being would be nearly impossible to get in this horrific world we live in. However, I have learned that all of this does exist, and I have been blessed with it throughout my life. Understanding this has brought peace to my mind and has eased off the anger and hatred that exists within my soul.

I was long overdue for a post here, so surprise! Here it is.

-Sara

2007-06-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

My project is complete!! Now, most of you are wondering what the Hell I am talking about. Well, it is a project inspired by the daily parsha portions and Psalms readings done by Chabad. Now, I decided to break down the Prophetic and Writing books of the Tanach (sans Psalms which is already in a good order) by chapter and verse so they can be read over the course of a year, starting with Rosh Hashana, but excluding the leap month of Adar I.

Now, for daily portions of Torah and Psalms, click here. The rest is on an excel spreadsheet that I will email to interested parties, but I don't know how to upload it, myself.

2007-06-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today is World Capitalism Day.

What is that, you ask?

Most simply put, it is a day to celebrate capitalism :)

In fact, the Celebrate Capitalism website discusses various ways to celebrate capitalism, including learning just what capitalism is, and that it's not just for the rich.

In one part is a study of seven philosophers that are credited for capitalism, first being Aristotle, but also Adam Smith, John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, Frederic Bastiat, and Ludwig von Mises, an interesting mix of philosophers, economists, and a statesman.

The PRODOS Institute also offers information on celebrating capitalism, along with their flag, SARA.

In other news, I can offer a book review to go along with today:

The Early Ayn Rand: Revised Edition: A Selection From Her Unpublished Fiction

This book is special to me not just for who wrote it, but who gave it to me. For those of you who read a past post, I am in a relationship with Sara with no H, and she introduced herself to me by giving me this book. Little did I know how she felt about me fully, but I only wished I started chatting with her sooner, as her paypal has her email address, but I am not always as good at doing the obvious. This book I will treasure just because she gave it to me <3

Now, the stories inside are also interesting. They show a trend in Ayn Rand's writing from the late 20s to the late 30s. Her first one is about a woman who ends a marriage and lives by herself in seclusion, which is pretty radical a concept in the 20s. The second one is about a reporter who kidnaps a debutante to make it into a story only to have a real gangster take over, but the kidnapped girl outsmarts everyone involved.

The next ones involve her story We the Living, including an excerpt and a love triangle that is later refashioned in We the Living. In addition to two plays is a story that is similar to The Fountainhead in characters as well as the latter stories which are parts of the Fountainhead that wound up on the cutting room floor.

Overall, this is an excellent book if you like Ayn Rand's writing,a s it gives insight into her evolution as a writer and it's fun to read the "director's cut" of The Fountainhead :)

2007-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

May 2007 Reading list:

Infidel

Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its Moods (P.S.)

Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends (Paperback)

Living a Life That Matters (Paperback)

How Good Do We Have to Be? A New Understanding of Guilt and Forgiveness

The Early Ayn Rand: Revised Edition: A Selection From Her Unpublished Fiction

Books read for May: 6
Total read for 2007: 24

2007-05-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Relationships are a wonderful thing, which is surprising coming from a bitter old cynic like me, but maybe I am not as cynical as I used to be. According to my mother, I am a sheep when it comes to women, but she has control issues.

The blogosphere is a great way to meet people. Relationships can occur and you never know who you meet. Regardless of the dots that can be connected, they will connect. Just last week, I added a special someone to my blog team, and she is someone who means a lot to me. The funny thing is it started back in March, with a generous choice in the comments section and little did I know what would happen next.

At first she was a very nice friend who sent me a book, which I just finished today, and offered to write me. Then I finally discovered her email address and started chatting with her, though at first I was oblivious to how she felt about me, but I began to see someone who is kind, caring, and wonderful, and then once I realized how she felt about and I felt about her, I just wish I could visit her in California.

For now, I chat with her and make plans to see her on R&R leave during my deployment.

But as life can be happy at times, it can be sad for others.

Please remember and pray for Sarah's mother, Gittel Chava bat Pesia, and another good friend of mine Red Tulips just lost her stepmother, so remember and pray for her and for her father.

2007-05-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

and a special guest star. I would like to introduce a new member of my blogging team: Sara with no H, the winner of the best photo blog in this year's JIBs :)

2007-05-20T14:52:00.001-07:00

This will be my last blog post until Thursday evening. I have a Field Training Exercise tomorrow (with sarcasm: oh joy oh joy) until Thursday and may it be over early on Thursday, rather than later. I have everything, but toiletries and some other materials packed and I am ready to endure this exercise.

In the meantime, I present another April review:

What I Wish My Christian Friends Knew about Judaism (Paperback)

Now, this book is worth reading if you do not know much about Judaism. However, I didn't learn too much new from this book, but that makes me feel great. It means I am learning the basics, as basic Judaism books are becoming redundant for me. It means I am ready to enter the world of intermediate Judaism, though I have yet to fully master the aleph-bet, but I will in time. Now back to the book. I do admit I should have probably made this one of my first books to read as it is excellent for anyone with questions about Judaism. If you're curious or if you're Jewish and still learning your heritage, get this book. If you're a rabbi, then you probably know everything the book would have to teach you :)

Now on to my final book of April: Exodus, by Leon Uris

Now, this book is historical fiction so I have no doubt liberties were taken. Obviously Yosef Trumpledore, David Ben Gurion, and Lord Balfour are real. Conversely, Adolf Hitler, Haj Amin El Husseini, Adolf Eichmann, and pro-Arab British officers are also real (and some of those schmucks may still be alive).

I do suspect the main characters are not, but I'd love to see if I am wrong. This book was powerful and passionate. Britain's prison camps and the cruelty of keeping a persecuted people behind barbed wire is not mentioned in history class, but it should be. I also love how each character is given a biography as we are first introduced to the reporter and his childhood friend, a nurse looking to replace her lost husband and child. Next are the contrasting tales of Karen Clement and Dov Landau, along with their own experiences of the Holocaust and their unlikely pairing.

The prison camps (I won't call the Concentration Camps as the British didn't actively try to kill the Jewish refugees) were run by a British General who is in fact Jewish, but it isn't until much later that he embraces his heritage fully (at the beginning he is pro-Jewish). His aide is a nasty Amalekite named Freddie Caldwell, a petty and vindictive man who will eventually meet justice through the Maccabees.

The plan is very basic. Under the Mossad and Ari Ben Canaan, a ship overflowing with children will ram the blockade and make international news, putting much needed pressure on the British to allow the Jewish refugees to emigrate to Palestine, where the Jewish Yishuv contains the only democracy in the region.

The tactic works and the next part of the book details the land that will become Israel and the British operations there. In addition is the background of Ari Ben Canaan's father and brother as well as his fiery and lovely sister Jordana. The tale of the gangster Haj Amin is given as his family proved the worst dons in the Levant and used threats and extortion to make Haj Amin Mufti of Jerusalem.

Also, a more enlightened sheik is mentioned and he works with and befriends the Ben Canaans as long as they promise to teach his Arabs the same techniques. Unfortunately this noble figure is murdered by the other dons and his son is a good, but weak leader, failing to stop Egyptian forces from taking over his town.

The story doesn't end with the modern state of Israel. One final tale is told of a roguish fellow and a daredevil pilot who seek to make a quick fortune rescuing Jewish refugees from Yemen, which leads to a certain amount of humor as Jews still living in the time of Solomon are taken aboard a plane and start a fire on board. These rogues become heroes as they continue their missions and join the Israeli community.

I highly recommend this book. I am not a man known for emotions or passions but it stirred up more than a few in me. I highly recommend this book, though remember it is not 100% accurate. A style I love, but the caveat is needed, as it is based on real events :)

2007-05-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Forty years!!!

Forty
has a strong meaning in Torah.

And today is Yom Yerushalayim (יום ירושלים), the 40th anniversary of the day that the IDF won the Old City and Jews had the right to worship at the Temple Mount, plus the Six-Day War is like many wars where rogue nations try to wipe out Israel only to expand her borders. Now, they just use UN condemnations.

In other news, Irina has a great summer job and will hopefully start a nice network from contacts.

Now for a review:

My thoughts on Leviticus.

Well, to be honest, Leviticus is not an exciting read. This is also my first time reading it, so it was interesting to learn all about what can be one of the most controverssial books of the Torah, as the laws may seem draconian by today's standards (we are talking about a late Bronze Age culture, so modernists can cut them some slack here). Also, it was sad reading about Aaron losing his two sons, plus Hashem cutting down his shivah time, but no one said being Kohen Gadol was easy.

I do admit that while I read the commenatry, I would like to read my portion with a group and have soem dsicussions and debates for the future, but I am in many ways impressed to have read it and hope that I get something out of each annual reading. Next time I rad Leviticus I will be deployed. That should definitely add something to my perspective.

2007-05-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Time for another review.

Time to keep catching up with my reviews. And for today I review a highly amuisng one, What Would Machiavelli Do? The Ends Justify the Meanness (Paperback)

This book may be a legitimate how to book, though I suspect it was for humor. Of course, I don't know for sure. I thought it was extremely funny as it gave advice on how to be petty, vindictive, and cruel in order to succeed.

Now the author has a series of book sin this mold that are hopefully meant for humor, which is why I bought this book. The very title was amusing, especially since Machiavelli himself was not such a bad guy, he just trained them :)

2007-05-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a question. While I have no doubt I can read more than 50 boosk this yuear, I was wodnering if you would include Torah books I have been reaidng in my weekly parsha readings among the books. So far, I have finished Exodus and Leviticus this year, though they are not exceedingly long, but I also read the Commentary in my Chumash. I was just curious about any opinions.

2007-05-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Time for a Book Review. My first one in April.

Homeward Bound by Harry Turtledove

This is it! The final book in the WorldWar series by Harry Turtledove. It begins in 1972, where the Emperor summons Atvar to return to the home planet. Five years later, Sam Yeager is part of an experiment to freeze a human and transport them to the Lizard planet. In about ten years or so, Kasquit opts to be frozen along with Ttomalss, her father/researcher. In 1994, Jonathan and his wife are frozen and Reuven Russie is the Chief Doctor in Jerusalem. The downside to this prologue is that many other characters will no longer matter as events go far into the future. Penny and Rance will die of old age or excitement. Dutourds will no longer get any mention, nor will the Goldfarbs and their other friends in Alberta. I would have liked a tying up of loose ends. At least some mention is made of other characters, like Mordecai's grandchildren and Drucker's son, plus the sad news that Reuven Russie has a son named Dr. Chaim Russie who is killed by an Arab bomb. It was very sad to hear that, but at least not everyone beyond the main cast was completely written off.

Now, on the mission, we have four astronauts and a doctor piloting the ship once they awake from cold sleep as well as the Yeagers and four new faces, the DelaRosas, Maj. Coffey, and Henry Kissinger (though he is known as the doctor). Kisisnger was intended to be the diplomatic leader, but he dies in cold sleep, making Sam Yeager the new leader.

The first part of the book discusses life on the lizard home world, how hot it is and how even their south pole is like a wintry Los Angeles. Not too much to note, though it is interesting how the cities and the attitudes of the people are described, plus the two other subject races, Rabotevs and Hellesi, are shown as well as some interesting talk of evolution that helped me understand why the lizards were so advanced so early on. Earth and Home are not that different to an extent. On Earth reptiles evolved into mammals and within mammals further evolution led to primates, leading up to humans, while reptiles evolved into sentience on home granting at least a few million years of a head start. One big difference is that the lizards were every conservative and careful about technology causing evolution at a much slower pace than humans, which is why they were conquering outer space before bronze weapons were forged on Earth, but by the end of the tale, American scientists learned how to travel faster than light speed, traveling 10 light years in five weeks.

To be honest I felt disappointed by the book as I wanted more follow through on other characters, but I realize a story must conclude eventually. The Emperor was an interesting and wise character, but it seemed like he was a parody of a human leader, and much of lizard society seem to be like human society but with differences.

I only wish Turtledove will make short stories in the future to flesh in details about the other people mentioned, but I do need to realize that this is a fantasy world and cannot go on forever. I still recommend this series, but I am glad i checked out these books instead of buying them.

2007-05-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

One more book review for March. Boy am I a slacker!!

The final book to review for March is The Rebels

This is the second book of the Kent family Chronicle and takes place during the American Revolution, detailing not just the story of Philip Kent, but also Judson Fletcher, an ill-tempered, self-destructive, dilettante son of a prominent Virginia planter possessing a modicum of decency, but not often.

Philip Kent is married to Anne Ware and she bears him a son while he is off at war. During the time leading up to his son's birth, Anne's father Abraham dies. Anne uses the inheritance to invest in two treasure hunting ships, a considerably risky venture, and at the same time she encourages Philip to re-enlist in the Continental Army.

In Virginia, Judson is prompted by his brother to take his place in the Continental Congress, but he proceeds to take on a binge of drinking and whoring much to the chagrin of Thomas Jefferson. During his time there, he drinks heavily and is eventually expelled from the Congress for his lewd behavior. At the same time, Alicia has degenerated form the loss of her husband and being rebuffed by Philip to a streetwalker and Judson's bed mate, until her wealthy uncle finds her and challenges Judson to a duel. Judson easily wins the duel and Alicia kills herself.

Philip lives history as he crosses the Delaware with Washington and spends the winter at Valley Forge learning drill and ceremony from Baron Von Steuben, as well as reuniting with the Marquis D'Lafayette, and even meeting General Washington.

Anne is in Boston with little Abraham being watched by a neighbor, but also by a lecherous ship captain who is ripping off the returns the Kents should be receiving from their ships. The Captain eventually kidnaps Anne to rape her aboard his ship, and he manages to do this many times until she manages to fight him to a draw killing them both.

Philip hears nothing from Anne and is concerned but he is not allowed to leave until he is later wounded, but by then he is too late as his wife is dead. During this time, Judson returns to Virginia and sleeps with Peggy Ashford McLean, an old love of his, but then moves on to seek a new life out west in the Appalachian Frontier following his childhood friend George Rogers Clark (as in the Clark of Lewis and Clark).

Peggy is pregnant, and hides away to Boston to have her daughter, Elizabeth Fletcher. While there, she meets Philip, and they wed.

Now that is a brief and unhelpful summary, but I don't want to give too much away. I enjoyed this book as a I am a fan of historical fiction, but I find events a bit fanciful as Philip experiences so many battles of the American Revolution. part of what shocks me is that with all this combat experience he remains a Private. Even if his friendship with Marquis D'Lafayette yields no perks, his experience should have eventually made him a Sergeant, but I do not know promotion structures at that time. I also liked the tie in of Alicia as a prostitute, closing a thread from the first novel, as well as Judson's redemption.

Once I finish a few more books, I look forward to reading the next book in the series to learn about Philip Kent and his children as well as step-daughter Elizabeth.

2007-05-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today is a day of many events. First it is Lag Ba'Omer along with the Salute to Israel Parade in NYC (a pity I am back in Texas already). In addition, France has just elected Sarkozy who bears a resemblance to Charles Krauthammer, just like Jacques Chirac bears a resembalnce to Ehud Ohlmert

Check for yourself

Now for a much overdue review:

Converting to Judaism - Choosing to Be Chosen : Personal Stories (Paperback)

This was a great book, to say the least. I loved the stories each convert told. Some stories were not as relevant to me, while others spoke to me, especially Arthur's, as I was at one time a fairly devout Catholic, before that oatmeal-rich foudnation collapsed.

Each story gives a detailed profile of each convert as well as one woman who didn't convert, though not everyone is called. It also remidns me of stumbling blocks people, especially Christians would have if converting while their old belief system is still intact. For me, it was no problem as I for one hate Christmas and have since I was 12, and Easter is neither here nor there, though the progroms caused by Easter week is very unsettling.

On the downside I did not learn too much new information, though this is a good sign as I am learning the basics of Judaism and may be able to start on Intermeidate and eventually advanced topics. I definitely recommend this book to proselytes like myself and others with questiosn about why someone would want to convert.

2007-05-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Duty calls.

It is funny that my unit assigns me to Staff duty the very day I return from leave, and on a Saturday. It's not a bad assignment, but a little annoying, to say the least.

If you're thinking about joining the Army, think twice about Finance.

2007-05-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Niccolò di Bernardo Machiavelli.

Today, Niccolò Machiavelli is 538 today and while he is dead and buried in Florence's Cathedral, a beautiful place in a beautfiul city I saw in 2002, his works live on, especially with his main book The Prince, but he has The Discourses, The Art of War, and Mandragolda, a funny but cynical play about a guy forming a plot to sleep with another guy's wife, with the help of a crooked monk.

Granted, he is associated with manipulation and deceit, though he was not guilty of it himself. He worte what he saw, and was very cynical. However the cycnical side of him is funny, which makes it all worth it :)

2007-05-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

Last post from New York City

Before I return to the black hole of Texas, I will make one final post from my future home, New York City. This was a great trip, and I vastly enjoyed meeting old friends and new ones. I will be getting ready to start my journey to Newark International, courtesy of LIRR and NJ Transit and my good friend who hosted me.

I felt alive in my trip and immensely enjoyed my time, but I also need to feel more alive in central TX, which is tougher, but doable. I need to look at how I live my life, and make preparations for my future. For now, I will continue with my reading and test out the wireless on my new laptop. If I can get a decent wireless signal from my room, then I can cancel my cable and internet and save 88 bucks a month, which I would do in a few months when I deploy anyway. When I return I will be getting ready to deploy, and will then have 15 months in the Middle East. Maybe I should start a pool on when they tell us that we are going to Iraq :)

For now, I leave you and my next post will be from Ft Hood with pictures and a better synopsis this weekend. Shalom.

2007-04-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Readings for April

I know I have two reviews for March pending, but for now, I will add my roundup of books for the month of April:

Judaism for Dummies

Homeward Bound

What I Wish My Christian Friends Knew about Judaism

What Would Machiavelli Do?

Exodus

Books for April: 5
Total for 2007: 18

2007-04-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Slight update for now.

My time has been going great. I have purchased a new laptop for my upcoming deployment, so my computer troubles are less. I also spent Friday with the beautiful, witty, and highly intelligent Irina the armed.

My plan is to teach history and Ft Hamilton is an excellent place for a field trip. The scenery was also beautiful and I am also glad that I showed a very good friend a fun time.

That night I went to a party at RT's and stayed until midnight. Then I went back to David's and got up to go to shul with his dad. I hope we start Saturday services at Ft Hood, though there are not enough men for a minyan. However, one may be able to tell I was not raised Jewish as I actually like gefilte fish, which I enjoyed at kiddush after the service, plus I was mistaken for David as well as his brother-in-law (highly amusing as he has no sister) :)

Afterwards I had lunch with David and boarded the LIRR to RT's place where I am now. Today was spent in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens where I saw lovely cherry blossoms, as well as folk dances, and a samurai show with dancing and katana waving. For dinner I went to this wonderful Yemeni restaurant on the Upper West Side, and highly recommend it, especially for anyone not used to Sephardic or Yemeni cuisine....I always encourage diversity, plus it's kosher.

2007-04-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Well, to start my trip has been excellent, despite soem problems with my computer as it has been having this tendency to click back without me wanting it to.

So far, I have been enjoying myself immensely as I spent Friday with the most beautiful woman in the Western Hemisphere and enjoyed the campus of Fordham. I also used Baleboosteh's mandelbrot recipe for Shabbat dinner with another friend's family.

Saturday I went to shul with friend's father and was calledup to aaliyah, but I'm not Jewish yet, so no Torah reading....yet!! Still I felt very honored and it was my first Saturday service.

On Sunday I visited my aunt and spent the evening with another beautiful lady and enjoyed a kosher sushi place in the Upper West Side as well as a grocery store that can compete with suburban prices.

Monday I enjoyed the sights of Boro Park, Brooklyn as well as venturing into Long Island City and Park Slope.

Due to the fickle nature of my computer here, pictures will wait until I return to the black pit of Killeeen, but I will add pics and commentary.

Also, for the JIBs, I have voted for and fully endorse the following bloggers:

Irina:

Best Right Wing Political Blog
Best Student/Student Life Blog

I'd also addmost beautiful and ideal to spend a day with, but no such category exists.

Mr. Bagel

Best New Blog
Best Designed Blog
Best of the Rest
Best Overall Blog

Baleboosteh

Best Photo/Graphics Blog
Best Personal Blog

2007-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun and exploratory day. I traveled through Roosevelt Island and grabbed the bull by the horns (and balls) downtown with RT, and we saw the Museum of Jewish Heritage, along with going to a great Italian restauarant. For now, I am off to bed, and I will add more about my adventures in New York City :) Pictures and descriptions coming soon.

2007-04-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Start Spreading the News.....

I'm off to New York, New York much later in the morning. It will be uplifting to my spirits to be in a real city, out of Texas, and with good friends. I have been suffering from a spell of depression, but this will provide a perfect solution, along with some St. John's wort :)

And after my time in the Army, NYC will be new home, so it is good to visit :)

2007-04-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that I will be going to NYC in just six days. It will be a much needed break from teh spread out suburban misery of Killeen and my unit. Since I got back form WLC, I've just been in an odd state, not exactly depressed, but unmotivated. I guess that is life with me, but the weekend approaches and Monday is my last work day before I go on leave, so I shoudl feel more excited as I haven't left Texas since January, though I did get out of Killeen for Pesach.

On an unrelated note, RT was on the audience of the Colbert Report tonight, and maybe I'll see her on the show.

2007-04-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Book Review Time

First of all, I want to let Bagel Blogger know that the series I am reading is the same one and the picture of Mao, Hitler, and Stalin together is a chilling triumvirate of 20th century evil.

To Sara, feel free to email me at tmlforsyth@gmail.com if you want me to pay you a visit when I'm up in NYC from Apr 17-May 3. If not, no biggie.

Now, for the review:

Colonization: Aftershocks is the conclusion of the Colonization trilogy and the second to last book of this time line. This book also reveals a huge secret. Who slaughtered the lizard ships?

Now, Shiplord Straha defected back in WWII and has been living in exile in Los Angel es. Sam Yeager has recently discovered the truth about the attack on the colonization fleet and gave Straha copies as a precaution only to be opened if Sam disappears. Sam's son is aboard a lizard ship giving lizard-raised human Kassquit adult education lessons and thoroughly enjoying them. Jonathan's girlfriend Karen will not be happy.

The Lizards have wiped the floor with Nazi Germany and forced them to grant France independence, and Lt Colonel Drucker was promoted, but also captured by the lizard ship that Jonathan and Kassquit are aboard.

Now, from back in the WorldWar series, Col Drucker was one of the men working for Col Jaeger and he in fact helped Mordecai Anielwicz in releasing him. Now, Mordecai and Drucker team up again as they search for their families after the war's end. Luckily for them, the new Fuhrer is Drucker's old Commander, and he helps both Drucker and Mordecai find their families, which they do. Also, Col Drucker is promoted again to Major General and in charge of helping to rebuild Germany.

Sam Yaeger is captured for being nosy, but his abduction prompts Straha to head off to the Lizard Consulate in Los Angeles and give Atvar the much needed information. The nation responsible for the mass murder is in fact the United States, and Earl Warren's response is that it seemed like a good idea at the time. In retaliation the lizards nuke Indianapolis and Earl Warren commits suicide.

In France, Monique is free of the SS goon, but he brother is captured by the lizards, but Monique plea bargains by acting as a historian to help the lizards, though she needs her brother to act as translator.

After Sam is released and Jonathan and his girlfriend make up and get married, Straha's driver attempts to kidnap Sam, only to be surprised by Sam speeding and colliding with a pick up truck knocking the driver unconscious, all on the way to his son's wedding.

Straha returns to live with the lizards and decides to write a book about his adventures to support himself, along with being a nuisance to Fleetlord Atvar.

Another thread involves Rance and Penny who are now in Marseilles, as well as Basil and David, along with David's cousins in Jerusalem and Jane Archibald, who was Reuven Russie's shiksa goddess girlfriend. Rance and Penny use their connections to get Basil killed so he can no longer harass David. David uses his own hand at evil by inventing furbies, while Jane moves up to Edmonton and treats David's injuries as well as marrying David's boss. Reuven menawhiel works with his dad and begins courting an attractive widow who's son is one of his patients.

This is a rough summary of what went on in Aftershocks, but only a small amount as I encourage everyone to read the series. In some ways it seems too completed, though luckily there is one more book Homeward Bound, and I will be checking that out of the library asap...well tomorrow. Once again I enjoy how the characters are interconnected and the small world effect Turtledove uses, even if it can be predictable at times.

2007-04-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thomas' Adventures in NCO Academy land

Well, the whole thing started one warm early morning on Mar 22. MY sponsor picks me up and I get my M16A2 rifle along with all my stuff ready for Howze Theatre. I am in processed and weighed as well as taped as I was 199 lbs, 15 lbs over the maximum weight for my height. I pass all of that and eventually head off to the Academy itself, where I meet my squad, am assigned a room and get acquainted with everything. The day ends and I am tired form lack of sleep so I get a good 5 and a half hours or so.

Friday is my first day in class, and the room is shared with another squad. I learn about leadership and prepare for my PT test the next day. Nothing significant occurs, beyond I am still very nervous and uncertain about what will come. Saturday is the same except I pass my test, so one hurdle crossed. The rest of the day focuses more and more on leadership and counseling courses, which leads into Sunday and an exam on the subjects. I pass the exam with 97.5%, but am annoyed I missed one question as I had open notes and could search through the documents containing the regulations.

For the next Monday-Thursday, I complete two more steps. I give a class on giving First Aid to a bleeding extremity and/or severed limb, as well as demonstrate a session of physical training. I do well enough on both (95%), along with demonstrating Garrison Leadership, though I did worse on that, receiving only 87%.

The next Friday proved my worst day yet as I had Land navigation, trying to find 4 points with a map and compass, yet the weather was awful and I foudn only one point, plus I got lost. Luckily that was a practice session and I passed the land navigation the next day finding all four points. That was my toughest challenge yet, but it gets tougher for me.

That Sunday until Wednesday morning, we went to the field and did combat infantry tactics. As a Finance soldier and desk jockey, this is not my strong suit. I froze up as team leader during one attack, though i was considerably better at the second chance. I received a 79% for tactical leadership which was quite low, but I passed and that was important.

My total score was 91% for the course, though I did not make the top 20%, but that is fine as I am not that good on PT or tactical stuff. The only thing I had left was the graduation and the seats were packed in, which is bad as I am somewhat claustrophobic and had a mild panic attack, but I made it through and will never have to take that course again. Now, I can be a non-commission Officer in the US Army and maybe I'll get promoted within my remaining year and a half or so, but with Finance I doubt it, but I'd enjoy the extra pay.

Not much of a description, but a brief account of the last two weeks of my life.

2007-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have just graduated from Ft Hood's Warrior Leadership Course. I am glad I completed it, but I NEVER ever want to do that again, and I mean never. I now have training to be an NCO in the US Army, and maybe I'll make Sergeant before I get out, but more on that later. For now, I am off to rest as my sleep has been reduced. More updates later.

2007-03-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Book Review for March. Unfortunately, the book reaidng is lighter as I may be off to Warrior Leadership Course. So here goes:

Colonization: Aftershocks

The Rebels (Kent Family Chronicles

Converting to Judaism - Choosing to Be Chosen : Personal Stories

Books read for March: 3
Books for 2007: 13

2007-03-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

This may be my last day of posting for two weeks. I am not even an alternate, but am in fact on standby. This means that after the primary soldiers are picked, then any remaining slots go to alternates, and anything left after that goes to standby folks like me.

In the meantime, I have a few announcements:

One, welcome back to Baleboosteh. I only hope that Bagel Blogger will return soon.

I also want to offer a great thank you to Sara with No H. I just received the book she sent me and, unless she strictly follows negiah, I have a great big hug for her :)

If I knew your email, I'd send you a more personal thank you :)

Not too much other news, but one more post a little later tonight, and I wish all my readers well for the next few weeks.

2007-03-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Now, most of my readers know about most of the links on my blog roll, as they are bigwigs like Mike Totten, or members of the jblogosphere. However, one of them is an old friend of mine. Laura just finished grad school at NYU, and is ready to review whatever she wants to. She's been on a roll the last week, so I heavily recommend reading her reviews. I should have introduced her a while back, too.

Now, in other news, I am on standby for the Warrior Leadership Course, so if I am quiet until April 5, that means I went. Now, being on standby means that I will go if there are openings, and from what I hear there may be as many as 120 soldiers and only room for 80, so if openings occur, extras may have to argue why they should go. The downside is when I have to get up on Thursday morning, so it sucks to be me on Thursday :)

2007-03-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last two books.

Now, I am giving another twofer, because the two books are about conversion:

Your People, My People: Finding Acceptance and Fulfillment As a Jew by Choice

Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook

Now, I for one love stories about conversion. Conversion is more about how to convert and reasons for conversion, as well as reactions to converts, be it family, friends, and other Jews.

There aren't as many stories as guidlines and prayers, but it is very helpful in learning about conversion and about Judaism in brief.

Your People, My People is more about conversion stories, through different categories, like the reaction of the non-Jewish parents as well as the Jewish parents as their in-law joins the tribe.

The one thing that wasn't as useful to me was that I am single, and while there are some Jewish women I am attracted to, and will eventually get the coruage to ask out, I am not converting to court Jewish women. Luckily Your People contained a chapter for singles. In fact, one interesting tidbit was about a guy who converted at the behest of his Jewish girlfriend, a five week Conservative conversion.....part of me is curious about that, though I feel that would be cheating :)

After the breakup he puts his new faith on a shelf but thankfully a Jewish friend gets him to a single havurah at a Synagouge. Knowing of such a group is very helpful to me. The singles tales speak more to me, because I am single and have no idea when I will go on a date again, let alone get married. The other stories were great to read, but I saw them more as stories, and I was rather amused by the guy who converts to marry his Reform wife, but he goes Lubavitch, and that ends the marriage.

I give both books positive reviews and recommend them for reading. Also Your People, My People informed me about a network for Jewish converst that may be a useful resource for me in the future.

2007-03-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Book Review Time. First I want to thank Sara with no H for sending me a book. I can't wait to see what it is :)

Now time for the last book on my list, but one that drew me to it by name: Turbulent Souls:: A Catholic Son's Return To His Jewish Family

Now, when I saw the book, I was curious to say the least. I myself grew up Catholic. My mother is from a mostly Irish family with some German, though her maiden name is Worthington, but thankfully they were originally Normans. Besides, the Worthington's moved to America (well NYC to be more specific), because a Joseph Chapman Worthington married an Irish Catholic and the Brits didn't look too highly on an Anglican marrying an Irish Catholic. MY father's side is Scottish and French, and this is true for centuries as Forsyth was DeForsyth, but in the first goyim millennium, they emigrated to Scotland...probably towards the end of that millenium, as Scotland was Calydonia until the Irish conquered it..this is why Mc and Mac are so similar and why both nations are Gaelic. Those Franco-Scots eventually became Barons and sold out the British, and this group includes Logans who were DeLogans until King James came about. That group settled in the American South and were Episcopalians. My father's mother was French from New Orleans and her family was exiled from France for being polite to tourists :) They were a combination of Canadians who didn't like the outcome of Abraham Plain and aristos settling in New Orleans.

Well, that is my family, and also why I was brought up Catholic. Now the author Stephen Dubner has a very different background. For me to be Jewish, I will convert, though this may be after I move to New York City, where I will not have too much trouble finding a Synagogue :) Stephen's case is different, because his mother is Jewish, even though she converted, so he just needs to embrace his birthright, which he does, but more on that later.

Now, Stepehen's parents were both Jewish and grew up in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, their parents didn't provide them the best religious upbringing. Solly (Stephen's father) was raised by a very devout father, who was not the most personable father, and Solly lost his mother as a young man, which gave him a tremendous emotional blow. During WWII, Solly joined the Army and served in the Pacific, where he would convert to Catholicism, perhaps hoping Mary can fill the void left by his mother Gittel's death. Florence, Stephen's mother had a different background. She grew up in Brooklyn, but in a very secular background, as opposed to Solly. As a young adult she took up ballet and was instructed by a Russian expatriate who had converted from Russian Orthodox to Catholic. Florence would follow in a similar path, but she became a much stricter Catholic. Needless to say, their parents weren't pleased. Florence's parents were disapproving and understandably dismayed to find a holy water dispenser or crucifix, while Solly's father sat Shiva and mourned the "death" of his son. Another prominent change was the names. Solly became Paul and Florence became Veronica. The two met after the war ended and after marriage they moved to a rural area in Suffolk County. As Catholics, they were actually very devout and zealous (which I once was) and had eight children. With all the children, the house in Suffolk proved too small, so they moved to a suburb of Albany, in a farmhouse that was dubbed Eden.

At 10, Stephen was lose his father, which had many effects on him, including an aversion to the Charismatic Catholics his parents had begun flocking to, but his questions about his faith would come much later in College where he would meet his first wife and start a band.

Now, his Catholic faith had lapsed and he had married his first wife in an Episcopal ceremony. They lived in Greenwich Village, where Stephen met his wife's instructor and role model, an Orthodox Jew who, while not advocating any specific faith for Stephen, encouraged Stephen to find absolutes to his life and determine his identity. Through this connection and a search for his parents' family that even leads him to Poland, Stephen re-connects to his Jewish roots. Also, after hi first marriage ended, he remarried a Jewish women and now has two kids, continuing a strong, but knowledgeable Jewish tradition. Ironically, this may have only been possible due to his parents' conversion as he was the youngest of eight kids.

Now, I did not know the story in advance and in some ways I can relate to it, but not too much, as the only non-Catholics in my family are Episcopalians. Also, my parents are not overly devout or the least bit zealous. One other factor affecting Stephen was his initial resentment at his par nets for abandoning their Jewish roots, until it was his ex-wife's mentor who helped him understand that his parents were following their hearts as he was following his, and the fact that if his parents became nonobservant Jews instead of zealous Catholic, they would never have had eight kids, so no Stephen to return to his Jewish roots.

Granted, I have only covered a portion of what the book is about, but if I give too much away, you won't get curious and read the book for yourself :) I thought the book was very good, and of course I also loved Freakonomics, which he wrote more recently. As a Jew in training, I love stories about conversions, and while this book is not a conversion story formally, it still has a great story to it, and I can sympathize with some of Stephen's journey as I am learning Hebrew and will eventually learn how to use a tallit and tefillin, though I will have the benefit of conversion classes and instruction while much of it had to be self-taught, as he accidentally ripped his tallit while davening in one chapter.

I highly recommend the book, especially if you enjoy learning about journeys.

2007-03-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Book Review

Today is a double header, as they are the first two books of a trilogy:

Second Contact (Colonization, Book 1) and Down to Earth (Colonization, Book 2).

Now, the story starts with the Worldwar Series, where lizards attempt to conquer Earth during WWII. The lizards are a very conservative race that progress at a slow and gradual pace. A probe of Earth (or Tosev 3 as they call it) taken 800 years ago shows a knight in rusty armor, leading the lizards to believe that Earth is still in the same position it was during the High Middle Ages, but are they in for a shock!

The invasion interrupts WWII and forces all human forces to unite against the invaders. One minor league ballplayer named Sam Yeager enlists in the Army while his coworker Bobby Fiore is kidnapped and forced to mate with a Chinese peasant, Liu Han.

A Jewish resident of the Warsaw Ghetto was medical student until the Nazis arrived. The lizard invaders destroy the barriers to the Warsaw Ghetto, and nuke Berlin, which starts a good alliance with Moishe Russie (the medical student) and Mordecai Anielwicz along with most of Poland's Jews. Russie becomes a radio spokesman for the lizards, much to the dismay of his cousin David Goldfarb, a radar worker for the RAF, and son of Polish Jews who fled turn of the century progroms for a better life in East London.

The relationship is soured when Washington DC is nuked next and Moishe seeks Mordecai's help in escaping Warsaw, along with his wife and son. Eventually Moishe is captured and imprisoned, but rescued by his cousin David courtesy of the Royal British Navy. Later on, the Russie are sent on a mission to Israel (though then known as Palestine), but are captured by the Stern Gang and later by the lizards, but Moishe becomes a chief advisor for them.

In the US, Same Yeager is a sci fi nut and when two lizards are captured, he volunteers to guard them and study them, which leads him to Chicago and the wife of a physicist working on the Manhataan project. The physicist has dissapeared and is presumed dead, so the wife Barbara and Sam marry enroute to Denver where the project is continued.

In China Liu Han and Bobby Fiore wind up joining Mao's guerrilas in fighting lizards, especially after their daughter is captured and later retaken, but Bobby is killed before the daughter was born.

In the midwest near Denver a Cavalry Captain Rance Auerbach meets a lively farmgirl named Penny Summers and they become lovers, though Rance is severely wounded by a lizard machine gun, whcih will affect him later.

Mordecai eventually settles into Lodz, but in the meantime befriends Wermarcht Colonel Heinrich Jaeger and his later wife Ludmilla Gorbudnova a Senior Lieutenant for the Red Air Force, and together they prevent an atomic bomb from exploding in Lodz, Poland, where they all settle.

These are the major characters from the first trilogy along with Atvar the Admiral of the Conquest fleet and Straha a Captain who defects to the United States. By the end of the first trilogy, Atvar negotiates a stalemate with the three remaining superpwoers, the US, Nazi Germany, and the USSR, while Japan and the UK are independnet but reduced in power. Africa, Latin America, Australia, the Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, and Poland are held by the lizards, while a section of the South pacific known as Free France exists as a convenient neutral ground for illegal deals as well as ginger selling (ginger is a spice that has narcotic effects on the lizards).

Now, in the second trilogy, it is the early 1960s. On the downside Nazi Germany still exists and is headed by Heinrich Himmler. Even worse is that they are a strong influence on the UK which is bad for David Goldfarb and his family. Eventually he and his family will flee to Canada, but he has some misadventures in the meantime where an old "friend" extorts him into taking a mission to Marseilles, part of the Reich.

In Marseilles, it is shown that France is still occupied by Germany and one history professor is courted by an SS Officer trying to find her brother an independent smuggler. The Professor Monique is eventually forced to become teh SS Officer's lover and eventually flees to live with her brother in the seeider parts of Marseilles.

In Fort Worth Rance Auerbach is a broken and grouchy old man suffering form his wounds and living on a meager pension. Penny Summers returns to his life after having cheated ginger dealers from Detroit, and after they are visited by two hitmen, they flee to Mexico, which is under lizard control, to sell ginger, but are arrested and forced to capture the Marseilles smuggler, where they run into David Goldfarb.

The plan fails as David, Rance, Penny, and Pierre the smuggelr are capture by the Reich. The lizards extradite Rance and Penny, along with David because he is Moishe Russie's cousin. Penny and Rance are sent to South Africa where they plot a major ginger operation and will eevntaully flee to Tahiti in Free France.

The Russies are considerably better off than in the first trilogy as Moishe is an adivsor to Atvar and has a Medical school named after him in Jerusalem, which his son Reuven attends. The Middle East is not that peaceful as Muslims led by Kohmeni and others lead uprisings against the lizards in Baghdad and other places, over resentment at lizard rule and the fact that the lizards favor the Jewish residents.

The USSR is now ruled by Molotov, Stalins Foreign Commissar, who was briefly deposed by a coup but later regains power and takes his revenge on the NKVD (the KGB never evolved in this timeline), but has to be careful not to let the Red Armyhave too much power.

In Lodz, Heinrich is dead, but Mordecai has considerable influence as he is a friend of the lizards in charge, especially with one sub-administrator Nesseref who was part of the colonization fleet.

Now, the Colonization fleet arrived, but an unknown enemy wiped out all of the Imperial administartion ships, plus the colonists and conquering forces have vast conlficts as the colonists expected a conquered world, and cannot relate to the soldiers at all.

In the US, Earl Warren is President, and Straha along with Sam Yeager both live in Los Angeles. Sam is now a Major and will later be promoted to Lt Colonel by President Warren. His son is a College studnet and he has a girlfriend of teh same age. Due to the lizards' prescence, both he and his girlfriend mimick the lzards' ways as a typcial youthful game.

In China, Liu Han and her daughter live as stalwart Communists, but the lizard who cpatured Liu Han's child, captured a child later on and named her Kassquit. Kassquit lives as a lizard in a human body, feeling very marginalized though she eventaully dsicovers sam Yeager posing as a lizard and meets both him and his son.

Nazi Germany is ruled by Himmler until his death, where a less sane leader takes over and goes to war with the lizards over Poland, only the lizards completely wreck Germany and force them to free France.

During that war, Jonathan Yeager, Sam's son, and Kassquit are aboard the lizard ship doing a study as Kassquit and Jonathan engage in sexual experientation for several weeks.

This ends the first two books with more to be learned in the final book of the series, which I am currently reading.

2007-03-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Needs of the Army.

My plans for Pesach will have to wait until next year, as my unit is sending me to Warrior Leadership School on the 22nd of March until April and I will wind up missing Pesach. I guess that is life and some days you don't get what you want. To put it mildly I am not endeared to my unit. If anything I am not too happy at Ft Hood, or with my job. I also dislike their promotion of camaraderie and other crap. I feel more like a Finance mercenary than some bonded soldier. I do my job, but I don't want to have much to do with my coworkers off duty. I live and work with them, and that's about it.

2007-03-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

My Monday misadventures

I guess combining Purim with an M16 range is a good idea. Maybe I decided to imagine the pop up targets as Haman subconsciously, but in any case, I hit 30 out of 40 targets, so I'm doing something right.

Now, the only problem was that we had night fire and there has not been any rain in weeks, so fires are not uncommon, so the first group to fire that night set off a forest fire, which was extinguished later, but the whole exercise was pointless as night fire is not required to qualify and only 16 NCOs had the opportunity to fire.

2007-03-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

A Happy Purim

Chag Sameach!!!

Today was a great day and great for a fun purim in Austin. The day started at 11:30 when we all boarded a bus for the Dell JCC in Austin. Upon arriving, we enjoyed the festivities and a few of us went to the kosher deli at the grocery store near the JCC...unfortunately I didn't, but I will at another time.

After enjoying the festivities I went to the Megillah reading at UT Austin's Hillel Center, and while I had trouble keeping up with the Hebrew, I followed along with the graggers in attacking Haman's name. I also now have a gragger and a black yarmulke to go with my desert camoflauge yarmulke.

The event was a great deal of fun and contained an improtant message considering events in the world today. My dear friend, Red Tulips of Culture for All sends me a great link about a modern day Haman in modern day Persia.

Also, for great fun is the Purim Podcast.

2007-02-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Books read for February:

Second Contact (Colonization, Book 1)

Down to Earth (Colonization, Book 2)

Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook (Paperback)

Your People, My People: Finding Acceptance and Fulfillment as a Jew by Choice

Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return To His Jewish Family

Books read in February: 5
Books read for 2007: 10

So, anyone detecting a theme? :)

2007-02-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Last book read in January.

Now for my final book review in January: The Bastard

Now, for those who don't know, I love history. I also love historical fiction and alternate history. The Bastard is historical fiction about Phillipe Charbonneau, the bastard son of the Duke of Kentland. The story starts in rural France with Phillipe living with his mother, a tutor, and a maid in an inn owned by his mother. In the beginning, Phillipe is 17 and meets the Marquis D'Lafayette and is seduced by the maid, much to his mother's dismay. She then explains his legacy and how she wants him to find the daughter of a British noble or a woman from a wealthy working family.

After his legacy is explained, Phillipe's mother Marie learns of the Duke's illness and takes her son to Kentland, where they are not well received by the Duke's wife and legitimate son, along with the son's fiance, Alicia. They are not welcomed and attempts are made to pay them off so the inheritance claims would be dropped. After being led to believe that the Duke is dead, the Charbonneau's have no more money, and after Phillipe damages his half-brother's hand and has an affair with his fiance, they flee to London being pursued by hired thugs sent by the Duke's heir.

In London, Phillipe and his mother look for places to stay but run afoul of some beggars and are taken in by the Sholto family, deeply religious publishers and whigs. Phillipe is apprenticed by the Sholto patriarch and learns a trade, until his half-brother hires a one eyed assassin to kill him. After this, Phillipe and his mother flee to Southampton and to Boston, much to his mother's objections.

When they arrive in Boston, the mother has died and Phillipe is left with no one. He wanders in Boston trying to look for work and lodging, until he runs afoul of two British officers, but is rescued by separatists who admire his spunk. one of the seperatists is an innkeeper who gievs him lodging and work, where he will eventually meet Samuel Adams and Samuel's cousin John. He also falls in love with Anne Ware the daughter of a separatist and a fiesty indepndent woman in her own right, especially for 1775.

During this time, Phillipe (now Philip Kent) rusn afoul of his half brother, who has purchased a Lieutenant Colonel's commission and is in Boston. Eventually they confornt each other again and Philip runs his sword through his brother, eventually killing him.

That is a brief summary and I may have spoiled too much of it. In a nutshell I like the story. The only issue I have is that Philip's life is too fanciful as he meets the Marquis D'Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin, John and Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere, plus he is the illegitamte son of a Duke. Perhaps that is overkill, but this is fiction, and I admit I enjoy the connectiosn, because they spark an interest in the historical characters. This book is also the first of seven books about a family heriatge in America and definitely worth looking at.

2007-02-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

Death of a Cousin

Well, for a while I knew one of my cousins was dying of colon cancer, and I just learned that my second cousin, once removed, Frank Duncan Macpherson Strachan III died on Feburary 15.

I don't entirely know how I feel. Growing up, I met Duncna on occasion, but only got to know him and his family after I reconciled with my father in late 2000. Around that same time, Duncan's mother (and my surrogate grandmother), Rose Patricia Strachan nee Forsyth, died of cancer at age 85.

What is important is how I remember Duncan. He was funny and eccentric, as typical of many prominent uptown families. He had a huge WWII collection and in fact donated a tank to the D Day Museum in New Orleans. He also deeply loved New Orleans and worked heavily to restore it and to revive the middle class, while so many would want to make New Orleans a sanctuary for the welafare parasites.

I knew he was dying since Thanksgiving, so it is not too great a shock and to an extent I am fairly unphased by death. When my grandmother died, my cousin and I were making a death pool of the remaining family (I picked my grandfather, my Uncle Buck, my mother, and my Uncle Joe in that order..so far my grandfather died, and Uncle Buck is in poor health, plus my mother is chain smoking again), and maybe that is my coping mechanism, along with a joke about how weddings and funerals are linked in my mother's family...I made a joke that when Karen dumped me, Uncle Buck will live soem more.

I guess I am morbid and probably a touch disturbing in my approach to death. For now, requiest in pacem Duncan.

2007-02-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

My Trip to Austin

Just in case any of my readers don't know, I have decided a few weeks ago to convert to Judaism, as can also be implied by many books I've been reading. I actually scheduled a meeting with a Rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim, a Conservative Synagogue in Northwest Austin.

The good news: I learned of two helpful books and it was a nice experience, plus Rabbi Liberman was very helpful.

The bad news: Conversion classes were closed. Also, the classes open in the autumn, when I'll be deploying. When my deployment ends, I'll be ready to get out and strike out on my next step in life.

Now, the other unfortunate factor for me is that the course is done like a traditional class and not online. This is a setback for me, but nothing too great. I fully understand her reasons, plus I know that she would want her students to also experience Jewish culture first hand and not just from books or online.

I do regard myself as a Jew in Training, though conversion plans will wait a while longer, but no great ordeal as I'll be heading to New York City after my Army tour ends, and there should be no shortage of synagogues in the Big Apple. In the meantime I will continue learning and seeking Jewish resources.

2007-02-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

New book review....

Well, I should be talking about my trip up to Austin, but more on that later. I have just finished another book, and I thought I should make another review. This one is on Mary Cheney, who could make for a good Congressional candidate in Wyoming.

Now It's My Turn: A Daughter's Chronicle of Political Life, by Mary Cheney.

This book was not the greatest book I ever read, but I didn't find it that bad either. Mary Cheney discusses her dad's House career made possible by the 1976 victory of History's Greatest Monster, and how it eventually led to him being Bush's second choice for Secretary of Defense. Personally, I am not in favor of a Secretary of Defense having no military experience, and I think the requirement that a Defense Secretary be out of the military for so many years asinine. I even favor active duty soldiers being elected to office (including President) as long as they keep their military salaries and forgo the elective one, but that is not what the book is about.

The book is primarily about Mary Cheney's role as her father's Campaign Manager in both elections, as well as her position on same-sex marriage. Now, I won't give her any flak for not being more criticial of the bush administration's policies at the time. Family comes first, and she looks to the future with hope, instead of acting like a militant, or some other alienating posture that will do no long-term good.

In fact, when the flushable johns (Kerry and Edwards) commented about Mary Cheney's sexual orientation, I was curious to know how Mary felt. John Edwards is a millionaire ambulance chaser who preaches populism, but lives in a mansion. Mary pegged him pretty accurately as a slimy demagogue, and I liked how she mentioned Gephardt as a better choice for VP, but went after Kerry for taking the easy choice.

The book is not objective and Mary has a very positive view of her father, and I frankly have no doubt Dick is a great father, regardless of how I feel about him as VP. I wasn't overjoyed at being reminded that James Baker was a friend of her family, but that is how politics goes. Aside from such awful friends, I'd like to see Mary look into politics herself in Wyoming. The West still has a rugged individualist streak that doesn't care about sexual orientation too much, but more about property rights, guns, and government intrusion. I don't know where she falls on all issues, but she could be very helpful to the Goldwater wing of the Republican party and to help combat the Evangelicals, but somehow I doubt she has any interests in office, herself.

2007-02-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

I know I should have posted yesterday, but Sarah, a blogger most of my reader's know, is going through a stressful time, as her mother awaits surgery, and I hope we can keep her and her mother in our hearts and prayers (for those of us who pray), and that the joyfulness of the month of Adar will extend to Sarah and her family.

2007-02-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Review Time

I was planning to make my reviews in sequence, but a certain post by our favorite gun-toting beauty has given me the decision to choose my next review:

When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Twentieth Anniversary Edition by Harold Kushner

Now, this book was written a while back and inspired by a senseless tragedy. Rabbi Kushner had a son afflicted with accelerated aging who would die in his teens. The book is not about why God does or allows such things to happen, but how to handle them when they do. Why does a child starve while Josef Stalin lived to an old age? Honestly I can't answer, and I'd probably be a little disturbed by the answer. The real question to answer is how do you help the mother who lost her child?

The world is a harsh and often brutal place. Of course, if the world were perfect and had no hardships, life would have no purpose, too. In the book, Rabbi Kushner uses the Book of Job and discusses how a good and righteous man suffered on account of a bet, and he talks about the reactions given. Some would say that the misfortune was brought about by past wickedness or that being more righteous would end it. Both answers are offensive and insulting. In some cases, the problesm are self-inflicted, like my father's larnyx cancer. He chose to smoke heavily and he develops a cancer. That does not mean he is wicked, just that he made bad choices. Most cases of cancer are not as easily linked, but just happen, and it is a horrible thing, and takes so many lives. There is no reason why that happens. To Rabbi Kushner the correct question to ask God isn't "Why are You doing this", but, "Please help me deal with this."

I guess my life has been pretty easy as the hardest death to hit me was the loss of a cat. When my grandprents died, they were older and in pain, so in some ways I considered death a liberator. Other areound me have died, but I wasn't too close to them. I am also very thanksful no one I am close to has died in Iraq, though that may happen. I don't know entirely how I'll react. I also have a somewhat chilled relationship with my immediate family, so their deaths will affect me, but not immensely, perhaps because I expect it to eventually happen.

I have a cousin who is dying of colon cnacer. He is an amusing character, but I do not feel great sadness for myself. The only thing that saddens me is thinking about hsi wife and children, and how his death will affect them. To ask God to expand his life is arrogant and fruitless; I'd rather ask that my cousins's family be better able to cope with his loss.

While loss of life is not as big a tragedy for me as it is for others, I have faced other tragedies in life. I spend too much tiem thinking about how to avoid them or make things different, and I only detest myself more. Instead, I should think of what I do next. Do I get busy living or get busy dying?

Granted this book does not follow my cold nature, but it offers wisdom and how to help people who suffer from tragedy. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you have suffered loss recently or if those you know and love have, or if you are upset by the loss of a stranger.

2007-02-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

Credit where credit is due!!!

Now, I imagine you've seen the changes to my blog, and hopefully all of you like it. I must admit I would not have been able to do such great things myself. I owe it all to Bagel Blogger, who is a great bloke, has lots of humor, and like me is converting to Judaism. I definitely encourage you to view his blog and laugh at his humor :)

2007-02-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Time for another review.

I should post more often, but work is draining all my energy and spirits, and then our leadership has been giving constant barracks inspections the last week.

Now for my next review:

Becoming a Jew, by Maurice Lamm.

This is the ultimate book for anyone interested in Judaism (including born Jews) and especially for someone curious about conversion. The first part of the book gives details about people who have converted and their stories. Some people convert out of marriage, while others convert because they have found a spiritual home in Judaism (like myself).

The conversion stories are interesting to read about, and I took an additional interest in conversion stories from former Catholics, especially reading about one who was a Dominican priest. In addition, there are explanations given about the reluctance of some Jews to welcome the idea of converts and in fact one Sephardic sect will not acknowledge any convert. The reasons date back to Rome as well as the Middle East and Medieval and even early modern Europe, where the entire Jewish community in a village could face heavy persecution if a Muslim or Christian converted.

The second part of the book talks about the process of conversion including circumcision and the symbolic circumcision for civilized men who were circumcised at birth, along with the mikveh, and the Beit Din. Additionally, there are two chapters devoted to the Jewish holidays, and explanations about some of the mitzvot, especially the more visible ones like the mezzuzah, tallit, tzitzit, and kippah.

For a potential convert this is excellent reading. Also, it is a good book for many Jews who are not as knowledgeable about their faith as they'd like, or if they are curious about why someone would convert, they'd enjoy the stories.

2007-02-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Book review time!!

I should have done this a while back, but the most lovely and talented Irina had the great idea first, and so I will do my first review of my January books.

Today's review is for 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America (And Al Franken Is #37).

Now, the first thing is to consider Bernard Goldberg's point of view. He is not a conservative, but a disaffected old-school liberal. He is not a fan of going back to the fifties or some similar time of phony ideals, but he would like to reign in excesses. By and large his cirtiques are towards the left, but more than a few right-wing icons get theirs, like David Duke, Jimmy Swaggart, and Roy Moore.

Politics is contained in the commentary, but only as a coincidence since he is more concerned about social commentary and the effect on America's attitude. Whether you like or dislike Bush, the average Joe will not give him much mind, and only because he is President, so a good target for credit or blame. However, the President as well as certain political leaders will not impact our attitude, except indirectly. Dennis Hastert, Nancy Pelosi, Tom Dacshle, Bill Frist, and Harry Reid aren't worthy of mention, because no one cares too much about what they do, except when they want to blame a politician.

On the other hand, celebrities matter, because people look up to them for whatever reason. I find it silly, as celebrities are merely a bunch of roles and are there to entertain. But like the athlete who makes an ass of himself, people pay attention and emulate them. For instance I find Eminem to be a common thug and his rap abilities mean little, as there have been countless poets who were wastrels and rogues not worthy of any emulation. I also fully agree that Courtney Love is a ho, but I wish he had an explanation as his cheap shot only hurt him.

Now, the politicians and ideologues who get hit are more on the left, but Goldberg feels they have done more damage, and I'd agree as they have more impact, and are fawned at by clueless students and celebrities. Robert C Byrd is a former Klan Recruiter and a pork barrel legislator, and just as much a poster boy for term limits as Strom Thurmond, Ted Stevens, and Ted Kennedy. Now, I might see Ted Stevens as deserving of a place for his pork legislation, but he is ridiculed for his foolish comments and a blip to most people.

I also agree about Jimmy Carter, History's Greatest Monster. I don't fault as much for when he was President, but afterwards he is a self-righteous anti-Semitic jackass who hides his sins in a series of humanitarian events, and I would encourage Americans to keep their flags at full mast when he dies as he is only a friend to leftist third world dictators and anyone who hates Israel. I will not contribute to Habitat for Humanity as steals air, and I hope the Carter Center closes for lack of funds.

I think the Franken scene was pure parody or I hope it was. I don't know if I'd include him, except he combines comedy with preachiness and I believe you should be one or the other. Otherwise you are a hypocrite who speaks out of both sides of your mouth. I wish he'd stick with comedy and only do occasional political potshots like Robin Williams.

His top choice is Fat Bastard himself, Michael Moore. Would I make him number one? Yes, because he is not a pedantic Ivory Tower cult leader like Noam Chomsky, but someone who can appeal to the masses, and can be far more damaging as people get sucked into his fictitious world.

Now, who would I include? I'd add Ann Coulter because she damages conservatism by her facade of viciousness and contributes very little to conservatism, nor can she be taken seriously. I actually liked her in the 90s, but she has gone for fringe appeal. Another one I'd include is Cundy Sheehan, but it is personal as my mother and my step-mother are anti-war and if I thought they would use my dead body to launch their support of anti-semitism or Marxism, I'd make letters condemning them posthumously and denouncing their actions as betraying my beliefs. Regardless of Bush or the war, I do loathe much of the anti-war movement as well as scum like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro. Cindy Sheehan is a sympathy whore who has betrayed her son and used him to advance third worldism. Once she dies, I will personally dance on her grave.

I'd also add Least Reverend Thomas Gumbleton, a thankfully retired Bishop who attempted to pressure all Catholic soldiers to not serve in Iraq. I think learning about his plan and that he wasn't automatically defrocked or turned over to the military for a treason tribunal helped me start questioning an re-examining my beliefs, so I should thank him, but he's a threat to security for his stunt. Cardinal Law also deserves much condemnation as an archetype of so many inept leaders who cover up pedophilia and bring down huge long-term consequences. I am no longer Catholic, but if not for people like Cardinal Law, the poor would have benefited from all the funds that instead went to the families of abused altar boys and the greedy lawyers who represented them. Both Gumbleton and Law had a hand in ending my faith, and would both be added to my list.

Overall it was a good read, but nothing of great literary merit, otherwise it would have no impact on the masses, as the average joe reads on a third grade reading level, but that made the book an even easier read for me, so no issue there :)

I recommend you read it and form your own conclusions. 9 out of ten, because he should offer a better answer for Corutney Love, but yes she is a ho.

2007-01-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Reading for January

Here are the books I have read for January:

100 People Who Are Screwing Up America (And Al Franken Is #37)

Becoming a Jew

Now It's My Turn: A Daughter's Chronicle of Political Life

When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Twentieth Anniversary Edition, with a New Preface by the Author

The Bastard

Total for January: 5
Total for 2007: 5

2007-01-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

Now time for resolutions

Attempted resolutions do not last too long, and after 10 days many have been abandoned, so now I make mine on day 10, hoping that if I can keep them past day ten, 364 days won't be as tough, or so my theory goes. But first, I will include an article by my all-time favorite, Capitalism Magazine:

The Meaning of New Year's Resolutions

My own resolutions:

1) Read 50 books or more this year. So far, I have 1 down and 3 if you count books I concluded at the beginning of the year, but I'll just count the one.

2) Lose the weight I gained over the holidays :)

3) Continue my Hebrew lessons, until I can read it and understand it as easily as the English in my siddur.

4) Now I can release some insider information that only RT and Irina knows right now, but I am planning to convert to Judaism, of the Conservative movement, so I will continue my research and will be ready for when Ft Hood's Jewish Chaplain assigns me a rabbi.

5) Save at least $20,000.00 this year..much easier to do as I will be deployed, hopefully.

Six is not a lot, but good ones for enriching my life.

2007-01-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Possible Review........

I was hoping to give a review of the movie Obsession, but unfortunately it has been postponed. I will give a review when the movie comes out, but for now, I will include something very silly:

He looks like Casper, but he's not!!

2007-01-07T05:44:00.000-08:00

And Good Riddance!!

Sadly, this may be just part of a larger problem among a certain faction of the Catholic Church which I used to belong, but as recently revealed, Stanilsaus Wielgus, ArchBishop of Warsaw, but truly not deserving of the title of Most Reverend or having his ring kissed, is a Communist collaborator, and he is being let off the hook too damn easily. This "man" is a traitor, and it is fortunate that Poland is an EU nation and the Catholic Church is soft on crime (to be expected of a religion that worships a convicted felon), because this is a grand insult to the memory of a truly great man we know, remember, and loves as John Paul II.

Now, my religious beliefs were on shaky ground since 2002, but I still remained a practicing Catholic, out of loyalty to John Paul II. After he died, I just haven't gone to Mass, and I begin to see how rotten and hollow the foundation of my beliefs were, which has led me into a state of emptiness (that I have recently overcome, but that is a tale for another day, yet soon).

Unlike the bravery of John Paul II, Wielgus was either a Marxist sympathizer and as loathsome as the Liberation theologists, but they were merely useful idiots. He was more of a coward who willingly collaborated with Communist secret police. Benedict XVI should have done a better job checking facts. Either Wielgus was a liberation Theologist and should set be burned at the stake or he was a collaborator working with Communists for secular gain, meaning he deserves to be left in a cell and completely abandoned, not even being fed.

Since I have renounced Christianity, especially Catholicism, this incident shouldn't be too relevant to me, except that I am very strongly anti-Communist and the fact that a Polish priest was in bed with Communists and elevated to ArchBishop is an insult to a mensch among mentchen like John Paul II, and everything he did for his native Poland, for all who suffered under Communism, as well as the good he did for humanity.

I await to see what the Vatican will do with him, though after how they elevated Bernard Law after his role and arrogance in the Boston sexual abuse scandals, I fear that Wielgus may just be shuffled around the Vatican instead of being properly punished for his crimes against Poland as well as all people who suffered under Communism.

2007-01-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Truly tragic!!

She survived the worst evil of mankind, but was murdered a few days ago in Sydney. Here is the story from Baleboosteh.

2007-01-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

A perfect restaurant for Michael Moore!

John Stossel has an pointed out a fun restaurant with a great gimmick and a perfect place for Michael Moore and Bill Clinton to eat at. Morgan Spurlock should go there for yucks, too.

The place is called the Heart Attack Grill, and everything served is bad for you, and they admit that straight up. The place is set in Tempe, AZ so a perfect place for ASU students, especially with the waitresses known as nurses. They even have fun menu items like quadruple bypass burgers and flatline fries.

Unfortunately, the falangists are all up in arms over the naughty nurse stereotype perpetuated by the waitresses. The State Attorney General has threatened to shut down the restaurant and the Arizona Nurse's Board is upset about the title nurse being used by the waitresses. Luckily the bullies were exposed so the Heart Attack Gril was spared the threat of being shut down. Now the only unfortunate thing is that this idiocy is being done in a great state like Arizona. Arizona is supposed to be a land of liberty and Barry Goldwater and the Attorney General's bullying dishonors everything Arizona should represent.

Now, let's get Michael Moore, Ted Kennedy, Jerrold Nadler, and Al Sharpton to have an eating contest at Heart Attack Grill. Last survivor wins :)

2006-12-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Six Weird Facts!!

I wasn't tagged per say, but I'll join Irina's meme :)

1) I am not comfortable dressing down. I don't own anything more casual than a golf shirt and slacks. I have no problem with how other people dress, but I follow a self-imposed dress code.

2) If I develop an interest in a subject, I tend to get downright obsessive until something else catches my attention. This tends to greatly annoy my family and has caused me to lose a few friends.

3) So far, I do not need glasses, even for reading, though I have always found a woman more attractive if she wears glasses.

4) My godmother is a lapsed Catholic and in the last year and a half, my old faith has evaporated (but now I have been wandering in an abyss and will soon find the comfort of another faith rich in history and tradition, though more will be revealed on that later if I haven't told you anything yet), and I wonder how this will affect my own godson's faith.

5) I have a fondness for fashions considered outdated. I want white tie and tails when I get married, and I like bowties, along with three-piece suits, and I wear a bath robe at night.

6) It is odd for a male perhaps, but when I was 12, I had a baby kitten I named Attila, and I was very fond of him and loved him dearly. He died almost six years ago, and I still miss him, though my mother has berated me for expending so much emotion on a cat, when I have never shown that level of feeling toward another human being. I returned from Army training to my old house and without Attila meowing, I couldn't stand the place and was glad she sold the house.

2006-12-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

He really was President for Life!!

Saparmurat Niyazov, First President of Turkmenistan. He died on December 21 of cardiac arrest. Ironically his political party is the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, yet there was little democracy. Hopefully after his lifetime term expired, there will be an improvement in economic freedom, human rights, and some actual competition for leadership.

I doubt most people will even take much interest in this, but I always find it a bit amusing when a "President for Life" dies. I sure hope this one does and soon.

BTW, if you thought this was a Christmas post, that's a big negative. In fact, this sentence is all I will mention of Christmas, so Bah Humbug :)

2006-12-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Chanukah videos!!!

I was looking for some videos for Chanukah to add before the festival is over. Enjoy:

And this reminds me to get some Chinese food if possible for Monday.

2006-12-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Guess who gets an interview!

Not me, but that infamous fatso himself, Santa Claus. This is hillarious and perfect for the Bagel Blogger

Click here for the interview

2006-12-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is very good news.

I need to start setting up links to my favorite blogs and that should be my goal over the time off I get for the next two weeks :) One blogger I am very fond of is the Bagel Blogger, and I am happy to hear that his daughter is doing well.

2006-12-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Chanukah!

Today is the 25th of Kislev, and the first night of Chanukah, the eight day festival of lights, as well as rededication. It is also great for latkes and sufganiyot as well as chocolate coins which go with the dreidel.

When I first learned about Judaism at age 10, it was because I bought a fun little book about Chanukah, and learned about Judah Maccabee as well as Antiochus IV, a nasty little tyrant. The story started when Alexander the Great conquered the Southern Kingdom of Judea, and the Judeans were allowed to live and worship in peace as long as they paid taxes to the Seleucids, until 175 BCE when Antiochus IV ascended the throne, and he decided to be a schmuck and started a series of progroms against the Jewish people. In 167, he ordered a temple of Zeus in Jerusalem. As a response Matthias, a priest, and his five sons John, Simon, Eleazar, Jonathan, and Judah started a revolt against the Syrians. The next year, Matthias died and Judah took the lead, as well as earning the name Maccabee (the Hammer), making Judah Maccabee the original Hebrew Hammer :) A year later, the Maccabees won and the Syrians were driven out of Jerusalem.

Now, the miracle has nothing to do with the military victory. Instead it is about the olive oil used to light the menorah in the Temple. There was only enough oil for one day, but it lasted eight days, until more olive oil was attained.

Another aspect of Chanukah is the dreidel. The dreidel is a top with four sides and a letter on each side, The letters nun, gimmel, hey, and shin stand for Nes Gadol Haya Sham (a great miracle happened there), while in Israel the Sham is repalced with Po, because in Israel, it is more accurate to say the a "great miracle happened here."

The purpose of the dreidel was a cover, since the Syrians outlawed Judaism, so when Jewish students were learning, a lookout was posted, so that when Syrain thugs were nearby the students could pull out a dreidel and some money, so they'd appear to be gambling instead of learning the Torah. Nowadays, the dreidel is used as a fun game and the gelt (chocolate or real coins) represent the money that was used for the cover.

In some ways history repeats itself as Israel is still menaced by Syria (also Ahmenidinnerjacket could be regarded as a modern day Haman, but let's save that for Purim), though Syria does not rule Israel, as it did during Greek and Roman rule (the Governor was in Damascus while a praetorian praefect ruled over Jerusalem), and while it took two years to kick the Syrians out of Judea. A modern day Maccabee could smash Syria within two weeks, or maybe even during the eight days of Chanukah, which would make for great dramatic effect.

This evening, 19 years later, I went to my first Chanukah party, which was very nice and filled with knowledge, fun songs, and great food. While I knew some things about Chanukah and can learn the rest through wikipedia, it is even better to experience it. I hope everyone who reads this post is having a Happy Chanukah, whether you're Jewish or goyim, or somewhere in between :)

2006-12-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

Meme Time.

So far, my two favorite ladies Have done this 150 question meme, so it's time for me to enjoy my conspiracy femme fatales :)

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
Big negative, unless it's water :)

02. Swam with wild dolphins (wadded through water)
Nope and after seeing King oh the Hill, I'd be skiddish about that.

03. Climbed a mountain
Kinda, but almost feel..I am not too fond of heights, unless I can hold on to something, or someone.

04. Taken a Ferreira for a test drive
Nah, but that was an awesome scene in Scent of A Woman

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
Nope, but I've been inside the Hagia Sophia

06. Held a tarantula
Can't say that I have.

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
No, but that sounds like a great Honeymoon event..change bath with jacuzzi and that sounds like a plan.

08. Said "I love you" and meant it
Well, I thought I was in love, and I may have been, but it didn't last.

09. Hugged a tree
No.

10. Bungee jumped
I'm a bit of a wous.

11. Visited Paris
No, but I joked about invading it when I was stationed in Germany.

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
No. Never been at sea.

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
Yes, back in the end of 99.

14. Seen the Northern Lights
Yes, in Newfoundland.

15. Gone to a huge sports game
I doubt High school football counts and I just sold programs for Key Club.

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
Crowd was too long, but I saw it and took pictures.

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
No.

18. Touched an iceberg
Brrr....

19. Slept under the stars
Yes, gotta love the Army (when I am out of the field).

20. Changed a baby's diaper
Big negative. Maybe one day in the future, after I get married and have the candlelit bath with my future wife, whoever she is :)

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
No...I'd be tying myself to the basket out of fear.

22. Watched a meteor shower
Can't say that I have.

23. Gotten drunk on champagne
I hate champagne.

24. Given more than you can afford to charity
That is being a pious fool. Besides, tzedekah is a better concept than charity.

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20 years ago.

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
All too often and during a religious retreat.

27. Had a food fight
I avoid such things.

28. Bet on a winning horse
I never bet the horses. I bet 75 cents on an Air Force base in Germnay and lost.

29. Asked out a stranger
Yes, and she's still friends with me, but no relationship emerged.

30. Had a snowball fight
Oddly enough I did have one with my father, but being New Orleans only three snowballs could be arranged.

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
That make my throat feel so sore.

32. Held a lamb
No, but they are so tasty :)

33. Seen a total eclipse of the moon.
I would have if not for the clouds, back in '89

34. Ridden a roller coaster
Yes, and it made me queasy

35. Hit a home run
I think once in Phys ed years ago.

36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
I got goaded into it and I was pretty carefree then, but the jerk teased me about it relentlessly for months to come.

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
For an entire week, actually. A Bronx accent. I can switch to several different accents within a short period.

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
Yes, but not just for one moment in time

39. Had two hard drives for your computer
Nah...I have never risen about 2nd class apprentice geek.

40. Visited all 50 states
No. I think I've been to 12 altogether.

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
No, only one person I'd consider caring for if she was drunk. Guess who :)

42. Had amazing friends
Yes, and I still do. Went to Avenue Q with two amazing, but very recent friends.

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
Not a stranger and I'd rather not think about that awful night ever again.

44. Watched wild whales
No.

45. Stolen a sign
I like my rank.

46. Backpacked in Europe
Tempting, but I've work one in Europe :)

47. Taken a road-trip
Another bad memory and why I hate Christmas. Also, why I prefer not to spend time with my mother beyond once a year if possible.

48. Gone rock climbing
No. Maybe some day.

49. Midnight walk on the beach
Not yet. Maybe if a pretty young lady were interested....

50. Gone sky diving
I was in Airborne Training for two days if that counts.

51. Visited Ireland
Not yet, but it is where most of my mother's family is from.

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
Not heartbroken, but bitter and misanthropic. Another time in my life I'd prefer to forget. Stupid prom.

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
Yes. Great time with the right people.

54. Visited Japan
Tokyo's airport. I should do that.

55. Milked a cow
No, but I milked sympathy.

56. Alphabetized your CDs
Yes when I was 17. It was a very good year :)

57. Pretended to be a superhero
Believe it or not, I'm walking on air....

58. Sung karaoke
Yes, many times and sober :)

59. Lounged around in bed all day
I couldn't do that. I'd need to get up sometime.

60. Played touch football
I prefer not to, unless it involves very soft ground and all the other players are ladies trying to tackle me :)

61. Gone scuba diving
No.

62. Kissed in the rain
No, but I'm open to it.

63. Played in the mud
When I was very young.

64. Played in the rain
With my mother, I'd be slapped in the face and yelled at for hours, then bitched at when I caught a cold, so no.

65. Gone to a drive-in theater
No.

66. Visited the Great Wall of China
No.

67. Started a business
No, unless this includes a lemonade stand

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
Nice trick that would be.

69. Toured ancient sites
Well, I went to Istanbul and Sofia which had ancient but still running sites.

70. Taken a martial arts class
No.

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
Not 6 hours, but close.

72. Gotten married
I was engaged, but got dumped last August.

73. Been in a movie
That would be nice

74. Crashed a party
I'm not so daring.

75. Gotten divorced
Broken engagement was enough. I hope I never endure divorce.

76. Gone without food for 5 days
No, but 40 hours.

77. Made cookies from scratch
Closest I came was Pillsbury. That is a thought as cooking abilities can make me attractive to a highly paid career driven lady :)

78. Won first prize in a costume contest
Came in third.

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
Never got that far, but I took a gondola tram in Switzerland.

80. Gotten a tattoo
No. I promised my father I'd never get one and that's the excuse I'm using if any yahoo tries to goad me into it. I have no desire to do that anyway. I will also bring up halakha as a second rationale against it.

81. Rafted the Snake River
Not even the Mississippi.

82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
Tried to when my HS went co ed, but I was on the news for three seconds.

83. Got flowers for no reason
Nah!! Doesn't happen for men..well hetero men anyway.

84. Performed on stage
Yes, in grade school. I played Scrooge.

85. Been to Las Vegas
Not yet, but I'd like to see it. I don't gamble so I won't be a dumbass.

86. Recorded music
No, but I made a radio show that was fairly mean spirited when I was 15.

87. Eaten shark
Yes. Quite good.

88. Kissed on the first date
Yes, and not my wisest decision in the long run. I do miss the warm feeling of a woman's kiss. Any volunteers? :)

89. Gone to Thailand
No, but I've been to Singapore.

90. Bought a house
Never. Now a condo maybe.

91. Been in a combat zone
Yes, nine months in Kosovo and I made a nice amount of money cha ching.

92. Buried one/both of your parents
Well, my sister and I once buried my father alive with pillows and he played dead until we got nervous, then we all had a good laugh :)

93. Been on a cruise ship
Honeymoon option #1

94. Spoken more than one language fluently
I wish. I know very little Latin

95. Performed in Rocky Horror
No, but I have friends who have.

96. Raised children
I've been very careful not to have to worry about that.

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
Barry..Barry..Barry...no I can't say that I've followed Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, or the Village People on tour or been to a concert of theirs live even

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
No, but I took an adult tricycle on a ten mile trip.

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
Well, that also involved joining the Army, so I had help. Thanks taxpayers :)

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
No, but one day.

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
I feared my parents and my mother's slapping hand too much for that.

103. Had plastic surgery
Never.

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
Yes, my heart stopped beating twice right before I was born.

105. Wrote articles for a large publication
university Economics journal doesn't count, right?

106. Lost over 100 pounds
No, but I lost 22 pounds in Basic while acquiring a few layers of muscle.

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
Thankfully I haven't.

108. Piloted an airplane
I am still struggling with driving a car.

109. Touched a stingray
Crikey!!

110. Broken someone's heart
Yeah, but she's friends with me now, not that she was really in love with me.

111. Helped an animal give birth
No.

112. Won money on a T.V. game show
No.

113. Broken a bone
No.

114. Gone on an African photo safari
No.

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
Not even my ears.

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
Well, I am in the Army.

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
Scary.

118. Ridden a horse
When I was very young, like more than 20 years ago.

119. Had major surgery
tonsillitis wasn't major right?

120. Had a snake as a pet
I would like that. I love snakes

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Never been that far west.

122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
Not that I recall.

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
Not yet.

124. Visited all 7 continents
Three down and four to go.

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
Not interested, to be honest.

126. Eaten kangaroo meat
One day.

127. Eaten sushi
Excellent stuff

128. Had your picture in the newspaper
Yes, but my HS newspaper

129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
Almost.

130. Gone back to school
I tried, but there was this storm called Katrina, so I wound up back in the Army instead.

131. Parasailed
No.

132. Touched a cockroach
I think it was a cockroach. Not as horrifying as I feared, but still creepy

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
I think I did, back in New Orleans.

134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
No. I should

135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
Ayn Rand :)

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Maybe one day.

137. Skipped all your school reunions
So far, but that's the Army life

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
That would be neat.

139. Been elected to public office
Stuedent Council Treasurer. I thoughgt of running for state legislature at 18 on the platform that I was a virgin and that it would balance out Bill Clinton somehow :)

140. Written your own computer language
That would be neat, but I am more history oriented.

141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
Well, as long as it isn't a disturbing dream.

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
No. I wonder if I will one day..do I love my mother deep down..that is the question.

143. Built your own PC from parts
Neat trick, but no.

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
I wish.

145. Had a booth at a street fair
Well, it was a unit event.

146. Dyed your hair
Never.

147. Been a DJ
No.

148. Shaved your head (totally bald, in a 'previous life')
Well, not totally bald, but I did go through Basic Training.

149. Caused a car accident
Yes, with my psychic powers :)

150. Saved someone's life
Yes. I donate blood and I got a thank you card for saving a girl with cancer.

2006-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

Posting on History of Qatar in my Desert Baron blog.

2006-12-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all who shall read me. My name is Thomas Forsyth, and this is my blog :) I am currently a Finance soldier in Fort Hood, Texas, and I will be deploying sometime next year, and I will be blogging about that in another blog of mine. This blog will be more about my daily life, or politics, or anything else on my mind. This blog will be my primary blog, and other posts will gain a link here. I also have a blog devoted to political pot-shots and googlebombing, named in (dis)-honor of Teddy "Chappaquadick" Kennedy, as well as posting to an excellent group blog named Culture for All.

Also, I am fond of bow ties and in defiance of the rules of sensibility and security, I will post a picture of myself in a bow tie :)

Enjoy :)