surrounded by the oceans
of changing colors often
one blue to pink and red
the other green to cotton
if money is the root of all
evil here doesn't grow too tall
the music in depths protects
the land inspires the sounds
somewhere between 289 and heaven
he's here everyday is a song
its not the day the music died
its Holly all the days long
the lady in red cant spend it all
my last dime of love wasn't earned
I always have Lubbock
with the winds my heart returned.
if Texas is friendship
then she is happiness found
its never in the rearview mirror
its the people of flat ground
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
.what sport teaches
In a recent interview on Larry King Live, Donald Trump was asked 'What is the key to success?' Donald Trumps eyes lit up and replied, 'you can never give up nomatter what.' That isn't the first time we have heard that sage advice. Mr. Trump really meant it, and if you were watching it, you knew it wasn't just something the man said. He lives it, and he lived it.
I often wonder if Trump would have made a great basketball coach. You see, I feel fortunate in my life to have tried, failed, tried again, and found success. All before I reached the age of 18.
I have a coach to thank. His name is Wayne Thompson. He has never won a state championship, although few can match his winning over a career. Coach Thompson taught me many valuable lessons, one of which I finally understand this very morning, 17 years after leaving his program. You are either getting better or worse every day. You never stay the same. He liked saying that while looking at me. I was the slowest on the team in more ways than one.
I finally get it coach.
Great things aren't achieved without sacrifice. Winning isn't only about a score, and the way you win says everything about your character. Always improve and never fail to prepare. Not bad advice for a jump shot and press defense either.
Thank you for the education Coach. It wasn't what you said, but the conviction that I remember. It helps me more today than ever. There is no doubt that you could have been just like the Trump, but then again I think the world is better off with more true educators like you.
Teaching boys and girls to become responsible men and women. So few are the Coach Thompsons' of this world. But fortunately the ones that excel aren't merely winning championships or being lauded by administrtors for achievement on a standardized test. The great ones triumph over modern definition of greatness and instill that will to do the right thing throughout a childs life. The need not be there in the physical any longer, for they live in the present at times in the future.
I often wonder if Trump would have made a great basketball coach. You see, I feel fortunate in my life to have tried, failed, tried again, and found success. All before I reached the age of 18.
I have a coach to thank. His name is Wayne Thompson. He has never won a state championship, although few can match his winning over a career. Coach Thompson taught me many valuable lessons, one of which I finally understand this very morning, 17 years after leaving his program. You are either getting better or worse every day. You never stay the same. He liked saying that while looking at me. I was the slowest on the team in more ways than one.
I finally get it coach.
Great things aren't achieved without sacrifice. Winning isn't only about a score, and the way you win says everything about your character. Always improve and never fail to prepare. Not bad advice for a jump shot and press defense either.
Thank you for the education Coach. It wasn't what you said, but the conviction that I remember. It helps me more today than ever. There is no doubt that you could have been just like the Trump, but then again I think the world is better off with more true educators like you.
Teaching boys and girls to become responsible men and women. So few are the Coach Thompsons' of this world. But fortunately the ones that excel aren't merely winning championships or being lauded by administrtors for achievement on a standardized test. The great ones triumph over modern definition of greatness and instill that will to do the right thing throughout a childs life. The need not be there in the physical any longer, for they live in the present at times in the future.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
...nuts and bolts
The insults hurled by t-shirt Texas fans after the game aside, it was a great game. The final score, the bad calls and no calls, and the lack of respect during our school song only cement the event as abhorent. It was disappointing that our team couldn't finish the puppy kickers off to writh in the fowlness of orange verbal waste. 4 points, 3 inches, 2 spots, and one obvious pass interference farce gave Tech what it deserved. No chance. Their are 15 million reasons why Tech wasn't supposed to win, but ultimately Tech decided their own fate by not putting them away. There are no moral victories to be had from this except the renewed resolve to finally beat them.....and not just once every four years. The matadors fought hard and their was no lack of effort. Playing a professional team that has never been on football probation and has impeccable recruiting tactics seems to bring out the best in our cast offs. We marvel at how they do it. I just thank them for letting us play in their Conference and have the decency to split the television revenue. They tend to get PUFfy about money in the evil empire.
Were not bitter. We are competing. Something that may come back to bite us should we break through to the next level. Hopefully we will get to avoid the advent of the t-shirt assclown.
Were not bitter. We are competing. Something that may come back to bite us should we break through to the next level. Hopefully we will get to avoid the advent of the t-shirt assclown.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Label me? No label you!
That ought to make you happy, you made the front!
reformedliberal said...
i didn't know liberals even knew there was a second amendment!
10:52 PM
Kingfish
Kingfish said...
I am far from what you think liberal is, and a proud gun owner. I call em like i see em. I noticed on your blog you were pointing out the errors of Democrats. But are always quick to defend the errors of the Republicans. That ideological entrenchment of thought is a bit dangerous, and a bit hypocritical. I just dont trust the current government nor either side of the aisle for that matter. The Libertarians are unelectable and basically disenfranchised. There really is no alternative for what a free thinker ought to choose. The Republic is, to use a clique, a joke. The joke is that 95% of the electorate buy that they have a voice and it matters who you vote for. The Dem's could win the Congress in two weeks and we will still have the same total shit we have now. It will just smell different. I know by dogmatic standards you would label me as crazy. Maybe. But you and your ilk lack the courage to really call crime a crime and a dishonest system evil. You just want to point out you are the lesser of those two. I will never trust them or you. I mean no you ill will, I just don't think you understand who or what you are attacking and labeling.
The Who "Wont get Fooled Again"
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
No, no!
From Crooks and Liars
What Bill Of Rights?
Pay attention to the Bill of Rights demonstration at the end and see for yourself. Blah blah blah, it doesn't apply to us? Since when are we being invaded? Rebellion? I just can't understand the logic of why this bill HAD to be passed and signed into law?
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. -Ben Franklin
I thought elephants never forget?
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution
The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Pay attention to the Bill of Rights demonstration at the end and see for yourself. Blah blah blah, it doesn't apply to us? Since when are we being invaded? Rebellion? I just can't understand the logic of why this bill HAD to be passed and signed into law?
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. -Ben Franklin
I thought elephants never forget?
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution
The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Wrong Horns in Lubbock
Look at this first.
Where is Vince? Truth is I really enjoyed his talent. He was the best quarterback to play college football since Major Applewhite or Zebbie Letheridge. I am glad Vince, Zebbie, and Major wont be making the trip to Lubbock. With that obstacle out of the way, does Tech have a chance? Sure, there is hope. It is slim.
Slim is the defensive depth required to play Texas 4 quarters. For once, Tech needs to turn the trick other teams use to defeat it. Ball control! The best shot is to keep the Texas offense off the field, and make the Texas defense pay for the over aggressive play it will most certainly display. Where art thou slip screens Mike? Certainly running back Shannon Woods, the brightest surprise this season, needs to have another big game picking up the blitz and making those critical runs. Above all, Tech can't turn the ball over.
On defense, Tech needs some timely turnovers and stops. It wont be easily had against the likes of Jamal Charles and Selvin Young. The Texas offensive line may have a key injury coming in but that just means another hoss is coming in. Tall order for the Tech Defense. The key player on the Tech defense this week is linebacker Fletcher Session. The senior hasn't had a great season and needs to step up this week. As far as the defensive line goes, its all about technique and keeping Texas held up so their backs can't turn the corner. Texas will come out running, then try play action passes to pop Limas "bean smoke" Sweed free down field. Here's to hoping that good old west Texas wind will divinely swipe a few passes to the Red and Black.
Before my homer kool aid prediction, I would like to file a greivance. The Texas band needs to shut up during play. Hey, its cool to play a few tunes or whatever but since when does the UT band have to play all the time like the OU band? Come on people. Well, at least they wont be grabbing their nuts. Who knows what the BQ's do on the bus ride home.
I like Texas fans, especially after they crawled away in 2002. But that was too long ago. Now there are more t-shirt fans than ever. Only thing more annoying are Oklahoma fans and Nascarnies. Texas graduates however are cool with me. I have too many Orangeblood friends to state different.
Prediction:
Texas Tech 70 Texas 69: Sextuple overtime thriller.
Other Biq XII games:
Texas A&M 29 Baylor 42: the Aggies are due for a let down and have trouble defending the pass. Baylor is playing better every week.
Oklahoma 24 Missouri 27: Missouri wins at home. OU can't quite score enough.
Colorado 30 Kansas 29: The wheels are off in Lawrence. Back to back second half meltdowns against Baylor and Okie lite have eatin the Jayhawks up like a...I will skip the insensitive Mangino joke this week.
Nebraska 45 Okie lite 24: Nebraska has a defense and the Cowboys do not.
Iowa State 38 Kansas State 30: Birds come back late to win going away.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Come and Take it.
We aren't quite there yet. If Santa Anna could do it to his own country by violating the Constitution of 1824, then Bush most certainly did it last week.
Open Letter to the Locksteppers (you are long rid of the great label of Conservative) and the Democrats that sold out:
You wanted your War. You got it. Too bad for those that have died. What a shame. Might be okay if you could fight a war. But its hard for chickenhawks to shed their feathers. Stay the course!
You wanted your Patriot Act. You got that too. Great. I'm not safe in my own country from retribution by speaking out against the government, and neither are you. Are we at red or pink today?
If suspense of Habeas Corpus is needed to protect us from "terrorists", then let's protect our government from its own citizens next. Oh wait, no need to do that. They are too busy working 5 shifts at Wal Mart to give a damn. Why dont we just rid ourselves of the court system while we are at it. With all that loose money we can build some more prisons. There damn sure wont be any torture going on. Listening to ex-attorneys turned prison gaurds will be cruel and unusual enough.
What will you ever do with those "domestic terrorists"? Of course, let's disarm them! But how will you do that? After all those guys are pretty resiliant having survived 9-11, bird flu, mad cow disease, Ford Pintos, Fire Ant invasions, high gas prices, Waco, and the O.J. Simpson trial.
Sorry about the ADD moment, but are you guys huffing paint everyday before work? Where in the hell is your sense of history. If the Patriot Act is unpatriotic, then the Military Commisions Act makes patriotism a crime. The crime is without due process, cause, or hope of fair trial. To hell with the terrorists. Since when is it American to reject the very ideals that made America. If we cant treat our enemies with the same rights and laws due our citizens, then what is superior?
We will live to regret this President and Congress. One day in the near future an absolute lunatic will reign real terror on us, and we will be basically powerless to stop it. You can call it what you like, and I'm sure never stop to think of the other side. But, if it smells like a dictatorship, looks like totalitarianism, and walks like imperialism. I call it Fascism.
Come and take it!
Seperated at birth?
Scott,
There aint enough money in the world that would make me believe the lies you tell for your master.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
New Fuhrer..I mean Chancellor
The new Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System is Kent Hance. I really thought I had a shot. Damn.
Link
Kent Hance is so money. Let's hope he can raise some. Sorry Kent, I'm tapped out but can I have a job? Program Director sounds nice. I can entertain the big donors. Hell, I'll speak Republican if you want. I'm bilingual!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Bird in a Blender week.
What's up with the bird? Is there a bird called a Cyclone? I thought a cyclone was a storm over the ocean? There is no ocean near Ames, Iowa. What gives? With that being said, I like Iowa State. They have great fans and seem to support the Birdsinablender with class.
The big question is: Will Tech "mail it in" the rest of the season and miss a bowl game for the first time since the early 90's?
I have been right on in my picks the last three weeks, as far the beloved go. This is the torment bowl. Both programs are experiencing some difficulty and both teams are having problems with almost everything. It is in Ames, Iowa. Seneca Wallace owned us there 4 years ago and unfortunately the Matador Defense is back. Ames is not College Station or Boulder tough, but it will be rough if Tech falls behind and turns the ball over.....again. In fact, they could play in Lubbock and I still think you dont get a better game out of Tech. Tech is snakebit and needs to get an antidote. Hopefully, it isn't in Shreveport. I also dont think that Ames is as big of an advantage as it looked three weeks ago when we thought ISU was going to be a force in the North. Also, ISU doesn't have the team to dictate who wins this one. It is all about how good or bad the Red Raiders play.
If last week was a big game for Tech, this one really isn't. They have already underachieved and not met the collective Tech fan expectations. The only thing they lose in Ames is a salvagable season. Is that enough?
So many questions, but I will take a stab on how I think the game will unfold. A cyclone will hit Jack Trice Stadium from the right. With power out, a brief postponing of the game will free birds from blenders everywhere. Unfortunately, a left looking Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was whisked away and a search will ensue. Mike Leach will send Defensive guru/philosopher Lyle to look for him. Power will be restored and Chris Todd will throw the winning touchdown pass after it is deflected off of a covey of cardinals flying north for the winter. Just kidding.
I am predicting Graham Harrell has a break out game and regains his confidence and that of his team. The defense will discover the safety blitz and lets Garcia try to make plays behind the line he does so well after they have broken through the line. The NINJA formation will return and fun will again be had by the Tech Offensive players. I swear I haven't been on pain medication today.
Raider Power!
Prediction: Texas Tech UPSETS ISU 27-23
Other Big 12 games:
Kansas State at Missouri: Chase Daniel will get them rolling early. Blowout at home.
Missouri 45 K-State 7
Kansas at Baylor: Do the Baptists have a difribulator at the stadium? If KU blows another haltime lead like last week, it might come in handy for Coach Mangino. It will probably not come to that. The Bears are getting better and if they can eliminate the mistakes, they will win.
Baylor 38 KU 24
Colorado at Oklahoma: No A.D. means the Sooners will throw. They can do that. If it were in Boulder I would predict another upset from the rapidly improving Colorado offense. But since it is in Norman, I will go with the Land thieves.
Oklahoma 24 Colorado 10
Texas A&M at Okie Lite: Luckily, Gundy found his offense and standard trickery just in time last week. It is either feast or famine this season with the Pokes. The Aggies have played well all season with their best game coming last week. I think the Aggies have just enough balls to squeeze by.
Texas A&M 24 Oklahoma State 23
Texas at Nebraska: I dont think the shuckers are for real. They better hope the Horns are looking past them to next weeks trip to take on the Red Raiders in the Jones...yeah right. The Nebraska faithful are pleading for the upset but the Texas Defense is going to smother them early and often.
Texas 28 Nebraska 13
New Terror Interrogation law gets signed by the Bush.
Free country my ass. This law is Unconstitutional! Some countries have Dictators, some Kings, and still others have Prime Ministers and Chancellors. We simply have the BUSH. Those of us that have studied History know that there is NOTHING dissimilar between this type of legislation and the tactics of a Gestapo. Wake up citizens, your grandparents sacrifices against tyranny are being discarded!
Here is the link from the Dispatch.
Oct 17, 11:08 AM EDT
Bush Signs Terror Interrogation Law
By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/RON EDMONDS
AP VIDEO
Bush Signs Bill to Prosecute Terrorists
U.S. Video
Advertisement
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush signed legislation Tuesday authorizing tough interrogation of terror suspects and smoothing the way for trials before military commissions, calling it a "vital tool" in the war against terrorism.
Bush's plan for treatment of the terror suspects became law just six weeks after he acknowledged that the CIA had been secretly interrogating suspected terrorists overseas and pressed Congress to quickly give authority to try them in military commissions.
"With the bill I'm about to sign, the men our intelligence officials believe orchestrated the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent people will face justice," Bush said.
A coalition of religious groups staged a protest against the bill outside the White House, shouting "Bush is the terrorist" and "Torture is a crime." About 15 of the protesters, standing in a light rain, refused orders to move. Police arrested them one by one.
Among those the United States hopes to try are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as Ramzi Binalshibh, an alleged would-be 9/11 hijacker, and Abu Zubaydah, who was believed to be a link between Osama bin Laden and many al-Qaida cells.
"It is a rare occasion when a president can sign a bill that he knows will save American lives," Bush said. "I have that privilege this morning."
Bush signed the bill in the White House East Room, at a table with a sign positioned on the front that said "Protecting America." He said he signed it in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
"We will answer brutal murder with patient justice," Bush said. "Those who kill the innocent will be held to account."
Among those in the audience were military officers, lawmakers who helped pass the bill and members of Bush's Cabinet.
He singled out for praise, among others, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, who has come under sharp criticism in recent months as violence has soared in Iraq.
The law protects detainees from blatant abuses during questioning - such as rape, torture and "cruel and inhuman" treatment - but does not require that any of them be granted legal counsel. Also, it specifically bars detainees from filing habeas corpus petitions challenging their detentions in federal courts. Bush said the process is "fair, lawful and necessary."
"The bill I sign today helps secure this country and it sends a clear message: This nation is patient and decent and fair and we will never back down from threats to our freedom," Bush said. "We are as determined today as we were on the morning of Sept. 12, 2001."
Many Democrats opposed the legislation because they said it eliminated rights of defendants considered fundamental to American values, such as a person's ability to go to court to protest their detention and the use of coerced testimony as evidence. Bush acknowledged that the law came amid dispute.
"Over the past few months, the debate over this bill has been heated and the questions raised can seem complex," he said. "Yet, with the distance of history, the questions will be narrowed and few. Did this generation of Americans take the threat seriously? And did we do what it takes to defeat that threat?"
The American Civil Liberties Union said the new law is "one of the worst civil liberties measures ever enacted in American history."
"The president can now, with the approval of Congress, indefinitely hold people without charge, take away protections against horrific abuse, put people on trial based on hearsay evidence, authorize trials that can sentence people to death based on testimony literally beaten out of witnesses, and slam shut the courthouse door for habeas petitions," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero.
"Nothing could be further from the American values we all hold in our hearts than the Military Commissions Act," he said.
The swift implementation of the law is a rare bit of good news for Bush as casualties mount in Iraq in daily violence. Lawmakers are increasingly calling for a change of strategy and political anxieties are jeopardizing Republican's chances of hanging onto control of Congress.
Bush needed the legislation because the Supreme Court in June said the administration's plan for trying detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.
The legislation, which sets the rules for court proceedings, applies to those selected by the military for prosecution and leaves mostly unaffected the majority of the 14,000 prisoners in U.S. custody, most of whom are in Iraq.
The Pentagon had previously selected 10 prisoners at Guantanamo Bay prison to be tried. Bush is expected also to try some or all the 14 suspects held by the CIA in secret prisons and recently transferred to military custody at Guantanamo.
The bill also eliminates some rights common in military and civilian courts. For example, the commission would be allowed to consider hearsay evidence so long as a judge determined it was reliable. Hearsay is barred from civilian courts.
The legislation also says the president can "interpret the meaning and application" of international standards for prisoner treatment, a provision intended to allow him to authorize aggressive interrogation methods that might otherwise be seen as illegal by international courts. White House press secretary Tony Snow said Bush would probably eventually issue an executive order that would describe his interpretation, but those documents are not usually made public and Snow did not reveal when it might be issued.
Here is the link from the Dispatch.
Oct 17, 11:08 AM EDT
Bush Signs Terror Interrogation Law
By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/RON EDMONDS
AP VIDEO
Bush Signs Bill to Prosecute Terrorists
U.S. Video
Advertisement
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush signed legislation Tuesday authorizing tough interrogation of terror suspects and smoothing the way for trials before military commissions, calling it a "vital tool" in the war against terrorism.
Bush's plan for treatment of the terror suspects became law just six weeks after he acknowledged that the CIA had been secretly interrogating suspected terrorists overseas and pressed Congress to quickly give authority to try them in military commissions.
"With the bill I'm about to sign, the men our intelligence officials believe orchestrated the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent people will face justice," Bush said.
A coalition of religious groups staged a protest against the bill outside the White House, shouting "Bush is the terrorist" and "Torture is a crime." About 15 of the protesters, standing in a light rain, refused orders to move. Police arrested them one by one.
Among those the United States hopes to try are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as Ramzi Binalshibh, an alleged would-be 9/11 hijacker, and Abu Zubaydah, who was believed to be a link between Osama bin Laden and many al-Qaida cells.
"It is a rare occasion when a president can sign a bill that he knows will save American lives," Bush said. "I have that privilege this morning."
Bush signed the bill in the White House East Room, at a table with a sign positioned on the front that said "Protecting America." He said he signed it in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
"We will answer brutal murder with patient justice," Bush said. "Those who kill the innocent will be held to account."
Among those in the audience were military officers, lawmakers who helped pass the bill and members of Bush's Cabinet.
He singled out for praise, among others, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, who has come under sharp criticism in recent months as violence has soared in Iraq.
The law protects detainees from blatant abuses during questioning - such as rape, torture and "cruel and inhuman" treatment - but does not require that any of them be granted legal counsel. Also, it specifically bars detainees from filing habeas corpus petitions challenging their detentions in federal courts. Bush said the process is "fair, lawful and necessary."
"The bill I sign today helps secure this country and it sends a clear message: This nation is patient and decent and fair and we will never back down from threats to our freedom," Bush said. "We are as determined today as we were on the morning of Sept. 12, 2001."
Many Democrats opposed the legislation because they said it eliminated rights of defendants considered fundamental to American values, such as a person's ability to go to court to protest their detention and the use of coerced testimony as evidence. Bush acknowledged that the law came amid dispute.
"Over the past few months, the debate over this bill has been heated and the questions raised can seem complex," he said. "Yet, with the distance of history, the questions will be narrowed and few. Did this generation of Americans take the threat seriously? And did we do what it takes to defeat that threat?"
The American Civil Liberties Union said the new law is "one of the worst civil liberties measures ever enacted in American history."
"The president can now, with the approval of Congress, indefinitely hold people without charge, take away protections against horrific abuse, put people on trial based on hearsay evidence, authorize trials that can sentence people to death based on testimony literally beaten out of witnesses, and slam shut the courthouse door for habeas petitions," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero.
"Nothing could be further from the American values we all hold in our hearts than the Military Commissions Act," he said.
The swift implementation of the law is a rare bit of good news for Bush as casualties mount in Iraq in daily violence. Lawmakers are increasingly calling for a change of strategy and political anxieties are jeopardizing Republican's chances of hanging onto control of Congress.
Bush needed the legislation because the Supreme Court in June said the administration's plan for trying detainees in military tribunals violated U.S. and international law.
The legislation, which sets the rules for court proceedings, applies to those selected by the military for prosecution and leaves mostly unaffected the majority of the 14,000 prisoners in U.S. custody, most of whom are in Iraq.
The Pentagon had previously selected 10 prisoners at Guantanamo Bay prison to be tried. Bush is expected also to try some or all the 14 suspects held by the CIA in secret prisons and recently transferred to military custody at Guantanamo.
The bill also eliminates some rights common in military and civilian courts. For example, the commission would be allowed to consider hearsay evidence so long as a judge determined it was reliable. Hearsay is barred from civilian courts.
The legislation also says the president can "interpret the meaning and application" of international standards for prisoner treatment, a provision intended to allow him to authorize aggressive interrogation methods that might otherwise be seen as illegal by international courts. White House press secretary Tony Snow said Bush would probably eventually issue an executive order that would describe his interpretation, but those documents are not usually made public and Snow did not reveal when it might be issued.
Monday, October 16, 2006
2 year terms for Aggie governors!
Chris Bell is going to get my vote. It is not because he is a Democrat or not a Republican. It is because I think he can do a good job. I also think that Rylander hypen tough Grandma can get it done. Too bad neither one of them has a prayer of winning. You may recall I wrote an Article 10 months ago endorsing Kinky Friedman. Since then, most of the toxic chemicals have processed out of my body from smoking.
No matter the outcome of the race. This is what I want.
First, the absurd and offensive.
1. I want all the Yankees and Californians pay a cover charge (except Kinky) to live in Texas. I shouldn't have to explain this to any natives.
2. I want the Rangers to get some damn pitching.
3. Pass a law that the Dallas Cowboys be at least owned by someone that was born in Dallas.
4. Make it illegal for anymore gay Cowboy movies to be made. However, gay Cowgirls may not be so bad.
5. Stop the Aggies from grabbing their privates on national television during football games.
6. Recognize San Antonio as the Capital of Mexico.
7. No more taxes on BEER!
8. Aggie governors get a 2 year term, everybody else gets 4.
Now for the fair and absurd,
1. Redistribute the PUF fund to ALL state funded schools. The liberal Orangebloods talk about equality and fairness until it effects that good ole West Texas oil money pipeline. Hypocrites.
2. Start teaching children how to think, work, and flourish in the world instead of passing some damn test that proves none of the above is being accomplished.
3. Pay our Teachers more and and release our football coaches from teaching.
4. Make Texas Independence Day a real Holiday, so we can have fireworks, beer, and brisket in decent weather! It is March 2nd for those that don't know.
I can think of more but you get the gist. Having lived in other states recently, I can say that it is far better to be living here than anywhere else.
Viva Terlingua!
Miami-FIU fight
Please pay attention to the ass clown Lamar Thomas and his comments starting at the 1:50 mark of the video. Then pay attention to the fans at the end.
OBSERVATIONS
1. Lamar Thomas is the antithesis of class in Broadcasting. He should be fined, and never allowed on a broadcast of any kind again!
2. The University of Miami is nothing but THUG U. Terrible. I am so glad LSU beat them down in the Citrus Bowl last year.
3. Too bad for Larry Coker. Somehow they will fire him, and somehow I hope he ends up in Lubbock coaching defense...just a thought.
4. If this would have started at a SMU game do you think the fans would be appluading the fight at the end? Miami fans are the suck.
QUESTIONS
Why is it always Miami caught up in this trashy behavior? Could it be the recruits, fans, coaches, or the fabulous tradition? Is this a "hood" thing I wouldn't understand?
COMMENTARY
If that is what a traditional powerhouse college football team looks and acts like then you can count me out. What bothers me is that this sort of dirty play is recognized in some parts of our society as acceptable. It is a badge of honor to be a thug, a "player", or a deviant. It reminds me of the time I watched one African American adult pour a whole liter bottle of lighter fluid on a lit bag of "light the bag" charcoal. It was stupid and luckily the entire area including himself weren't burned to the ground. But that isn't the dangerous part. He immediately put the meat on the grill to cook. I can only imagine the fumes and sickness that infiltrated the ribs and chicken. Again as luck would have it it started to rain and put out the fire. But that didn't stop him. He had his friend fetch ANOTHER bag of lighter fluid.
I had to stop watching but the point of that story is, why pour lighter fluid on an open flame?
Why let that idiot Lamar Thomas broadcast another second?
OBSERVATIONS
1. Lamar Thomas is the antithesis of class in Broadcasting. He should be fined, and never allowed on a broadcast of any kind again!
2. The University of Miami is nothing but THUG U. Terrible. I am so glad LSU beat them down in the Citrus Bowl last year.
3. Too bad for Larry Coker. Somehow they will fire him, and somehow I hope he ends up in Lubbock coaching defense...just a thought.
4. If this would have started at a SMU game do you think the fans would be appluading the fight at the end? Miami fans are the suck.
QUESTIONS
Why is it always Miami caught up in this trashy behavior? Could it be the recruits, fans, coaches, or the fabulous tradition? Is this a "hood" thing I wouldn't understand?
COMMENTARY
If that is what a traditional powerhouse college football team looks and acts like then you can count me out. What bothers me is that this sort of dirty play is recognized in some parts of our society as acceptable. It is a badge of honor to be a thug, a "player", or a deviant. It reminds me of the time I watched one African American adult pour a whole liter bottle of lighter fluid on a lit bag of "light the bag" charcoal. It was stupid and luckily the entire area including himself weren't burned to the ground. But that isn't the dangerous part. He immediately put the meat on the grill to cook. I can only imagine the fumes and sickness that infiltrated the ribs and chicken. Again as luck would have it it started to rain and put out the fire. But that didn't stop him. He had his friend fetch ANOTHER bag of lighter fluid.
I had to stop watching but the point of that story is, why pour lighter fluid on an open flame?
Why let that idiot Lamar Thomas broadcast another second?
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Suicide watch at the Techsan house.
After the game, I decided to call my dad to get his take on the outcome of the game. He was doing domestic duties and the like. He expressed some disappointment but then he said, "there are alot of things to do on Saturdays."
LIKE WHAT? You mean there are more fruitful things to do besides get stressed out about the outcome of a football game we wont remember in two years? That makes way too much sense. I cant buy that. What if we win out and get some dumb luck and back into the Championship game. Hey, it can happen. Straight jackets are not required in Kansas City are they?
How long? Not how long til basketball season, but how long until we WIN?
The Red Sox waited 86 years between championships. Sawx fans before 2004 reminds me alot of ourselves. There is no between for us. The lot of us that are lifelong Tech fans from Tech families are stricken with the same affliction. Its called masochism and it is defined as,
The deriving of pleasure, or the tendency to derive pleasure, from being humiliated or mistreated, either by another or by oneself.The others that weren't raised Techsan are the real victims. They haven't had the years of Buddhist like meditation to the encantations of Spike, or the endless clicks of yet another third down. They suffer the harsh rebukes of the hapless Buffaloes and Okie lites far worse. They haven't been there for the North Texas State Teachers College beat downs. We have been there, done that, and had 3 beers before there are 5 minutes gone in the 1995 Cotton Bowl.
I take it because I'm not pink, I'm a Red Raider. More on that after the diagnosis.
I think we like it. I really do. If you dont believe me feel free to peruse the Raider Power football forum.
Pure masochism, but that is the "pleasure" of being more than a graduate or casual fan. We aren't Pink! We are internet Tech fans. We rule the internet for sure. Some dont post and dont need to, its all there and besides they are far more dangerous than the actual posters. The pent up lurkers are ripe for a killing spree. What about the students? Our current students could clean out Tehran, Fallujah, and Baghdad the week after we LOSE to Baylor.
Maybe we need to get a life. Maybe we need to go camping or check out the sale at Bird Bath and Beyond. Just something. Anyway I was saying that I am a Red Raider. You bet your ass I dont need a life.
I was there when we beat Cal in the Holiday Bowl.
I was there when Travis Price caught the bomb, when Billy Joe made it rain in Fort Worth, and when Zach triumphed. I was there when Taurean scored, when Bam punished Texas for being born, and when the crowd cheered KEEP R.C.
I was there when only 400 fans and the best damn band in college football played until the lights went out in Orlando. We drove because WES WELKER CANNOT BE STOPPED.
By the way DAD, you cant fool me, I know you listened to every play!
Masochism be damned, its fun to be a Techsan. Expectations are higher and criticisms are abound right now, but I know our players are really hurting from the losses more than we are. They are young men and they can bounce back. Win or Lose, Strive for Honor and let em know they are playing Texas Tech. I always will.
Guns Up a little higher!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Texas Tech travels to "Cloud City"
I have a bad feeling that Tech is going to the cloud city and somebody is going to be put in a "Cryo Tank". The most important game of the 2006 season takes place tomorrow. Win and Tech can survive a full team meltdown and perhaps a decent bowl and fruitful recruiting season can happen. Sure they still have OU and Texas left on the schedule but that has no bearing on what is going on with the program. Tech is spiraling from poor attitude and lack of leadership. Tech loses to 0-6 Colorado and the season will tank next week in Ames, Iowa. The Longhorns will finish off Tech and the Raiders will have to beat Baylor and OSU at home just to be bowl eligible. A bad scenario indeed.
The hub bub on the street is that Rojo has basically quit on the team. The other Hub Bub is that the only leader on the team appears to be backup quaterback Chris Todd. Unfortunately we cant put Todd's leadership and starting quarterback Graham Harell's arm on the same body. The offense shows signs of greatness, but no sign of consistentcy. Then their is the defense. In my opinion, the Tech defense has played well. They aren't world beaters but they play hard and have been able to make some key plays to keep Tech from having a losing record. Also, the Tech special teams have done basically nothing except take care of the football.
I hate to say this but Tech has a huge problem with the effectiveness of the coaching. I am not down on them, but I think we have a problem playing a full game. Besides the cream puffs, Tech hasn't put alot of pressure on teams and failed to put the Aggies away early in the 3rd quarter allowing them to almost win.
Keys to saving the season.
1. Win the games we are supposed to: CU, ISU, BU, and OSU.
2. Give UT and OU hell.
3. Win a bowl game.
4. Above all else, dont let that immature kid ruin what took years to build!
I know its the Typical Tech thing but it is better than 6-6 and a trip to Shreveport.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
Kim Perry turns 28!!!
Happy Birthday Kim!
Todd and I thought it would be a hoot if I did something for your birthday. So here it is: (I turned the tables on him a bit.)
Ode to Kim: the coolest wife of one of my friends ever.
I think you can do better
your friends must say that of course
Poop Deck. New Years Eve
Grounds for divorce
What a lifestyle you endure
Declining labido
Lets get a HD TV
Turn room into casino.
What about Fashion sense?
All eyes turn to you
look at the nice lady
married to Fu Man Chu
I think we can make a million
Write a book on our hero for proof.
You can write the wife side
I can write the truth.
Todd told me a secret
He is a big dork when lit
He wants to buy you a present
A Klingon warrior outfit.
To much information
Not enough Todd fun
Without your sacrifices
I would have none.
Thanks for being our friends wife
A cross you bear so well
Lets hope your birthday present
isn't another phone call from jail.
The Missouri Tigers..hidden trap game at home?
Missouri is a good football team. Not top 5 good, but just good. They have not lost a game and they have a good coach that knows how to beat Tech. We have only beat them once. Also, I may point out that they beat South Carolina last year at the Weedeater Bowl after falling behind by a couple of scores.
They got some fight.
Hopefully, the Red Raiders aren't still at Kyle Field.
Missouri has the dangerous running quarterback Chase Daniel of Southlake Carroll fame. Running quarterbacks have always seemed to flourish against Tech. Seneca Wallace, Vince Young, Ramon Flanigan...just to name a few. The Defense needs to keep them from long drives and putting touchdowns and field goals on the board. Thats what a good defense does and hopefully ours will do that.
The Tech Offense needs to score on every possession. It will be great if they score for our team.
We do all of this and we will win for sure.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
October review of books that I haven't read.
Hey kids, in case you haven't heard Bob Woodward says the War in Iraq isn't going well. I'm sure this book will stay on the bestseller list for months. My recommendaation is dont read it unless you buy it from me.
This book has a clever title and will probably describe how the War in Iraq is going. I hear it isn't going very well. It will probably say that Cheney and Bush are bad. I will not read this one either because I am busy washing my hair that day.
The editorial description reads,
In this fascinating book, Gary Renard and his Ascended Master Teachers, Arten and Pursah, teach you how to integrate advanced spiritual principles into your everyday life. Doing so leads beyond theory to an experience of the Divine and the undoing of the ego. Your progress will be accelerated to such a degree that, with continued practice, you can’t help but stop the need to reincarnate . . . once and for all.
Dear Christians and not you terrorists, poor people, or Mexicans taking our jobs,
Actaully this book takes jabs, uppercuts, and verbal roundhouse kicks to the Christian sternum. I will not waste my time with this one either, I watch the Daily Show.
The arguments are as hallow as a Wrestling script. Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
North Korea threatens to ruin my weekend.
Condi says nukes are bad
C'mon Kim. What the hell is your problem? Your annoying as Tootie from the Facts of Life. I knew Kim getting married was going to be a bad deal. The ladies can drive you crazy sometimes but their is no need to test a nuke. Ever heard of golf or PS2? Hell, we'll make you a game so you can pretend to bomb the planet. I just cant buy the were afraid of invasion from America ploy. You got nothing we want and the Chinese will screw you so hard you'll think Guantanamo was Club Med.Although, as an American imperialist, I can't wait until we get to roll into Pingpongyang and exploit all the natural resouces and bountiful Agricultural booty. Reminds me of my favorite football cheer. Rice! Rice! Rice!
Attention whore to the core this guy. How about lifting that embargo of Prozac Dubya? See what it did for Libya?
Someone other than us needs to take this dude to the woodshed. Whatever Condi said, because I really didn't read the article, but I'm sure it says drugs are bad and Jenny eat something or whatever, needs to happen. Every three to four months there is another dealio mini crisis.
Kim needs to understand that it is football season, someone get that man a Bodog account and Gameplan. The time for sabre rattlin and such is for spring and early summer. Get a clue from Iran, Hezbollah, and the Taliban.
If he tests the bomb, will they call it urban renewal?
Ron Grant: the Voice
Please allow me to politic a bit. As many of you may or may not know, Paul Archinal is retiring after this season as the Voice of the Goin Band from Raiderland. I always mock his call of the Goin Bands tribute to Phil Collins back in the early 90's. Paul was always professional but there was always a hint of fun. I think that Ron Grant will continue in that tradition.
But here are the real reasons why I want Ron to win.
1. He's from Ralls and I promise if he wins the post I will erect a sign in Ralls that states, "Ralls, Texas: Hometown of Ron Grant the voice of the Goin Band from Raiderland." I promise it will be much better than the one O'Donell has proclaiming its Dan Blocker Heritage.
2. Ron needs a new blazer. I would love to see Ron in a Red Blazer on Saturdays in fall.
3. Ron will need an entourage and I will gladly volunteer.
4. Ron really wants it and he bleeds the red and black!
Good luck Ron and wreck em at the performance at Homecoming.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Roper or Furley, love or laughter, life or death?
Can you see the future? I am sure that I can't. I am not that good at predicting future events. Let me rephrase that to read, I am not that good at comprehending future events based upon present occurences. Hindsight is 20/20 is the old saying that I hate to hear. It reminds me of my flaws.
Today, someone asked me in a job interview, "What are your weaknesses?" I shrugged and replied, "I'm weak in so many ways it aint funny, but I gaurantee you because I realize this I'm stronger than anyone that lies and tells you different."
He had little to offer or reply besides the zygote drivel he was taught to respond to.
Dont get me wrong, the man I interviewed with was impressive but just not quite on the same level of thinking.
But lets hope they got a college football playoff by then!
Here is what I got for ya. The world is off its ass and there aint much left to pick over. Sorry about ya...OR MAYBE THERE IS HOPE!
The hope is in ourselves. I have come to realize that a personal goal of living fully is a good thing.
What is living fully?
It is different for each person, but I think living fully is really exploring and pushing to experience the different paths in life. For others, it could be living a life as a peasant on welfare in Shreveport. Still others may prefer the comfort of wealth and law degrees. The gambit is full of possibilities, but most, and when I say most I talking about the 99.99% of the population. Most are void. I say void because ignorant and stupid dont quite fit.
To make it easier, lets look at the life or percieved life of Mr. Roper (played by Norman Fell) from Three's Company fame; and compare it to Mr. Furley (played by Don Knotts). Roper was an easy going and kind landlord. Sure, he needed Viagra and some acting lessons but all in all he was the epitome of pleasantly boring. On the other hand, Furley was out there crazy! Furley was chewing ass and taking names. There was no doubt about who was large and in charge and who was having fun. By Season 5, Roper was forgotten and Furley was the BMOTC!
Here is the rub kids. The future is repleat with the unseen. Why live in fear? Why seek your own futility in the mundane? Why not live? Demand your fate as you see fit. It is Anglo-Saxon, Puritan, and manifest to seek your own demise on your best terms. For the lot it may be doomed, but for the fortunate it will be a good fight. Ultimately you need to decide to go out on top like Furley or be smooth like Roper, but please be careful on choosing the path of Jack Tripper.
Today, someone asked me in a job interview, "What are your weaknesses?" I shrugged and replied, "I'm weak in so many ways it aint funny, but I gaurantee you because I realize this I'm stronger than anyone that lies and tells you different."
He had little to offer or reply besides the zygote drivel he was taught to respond to.
Dont get me wrong, the man I interviewed with was impressive but just not quite on the same level of thinking.
I have to change that. It is up to me and nobody else. Simply put, nobody is going to remember you, me, Dallas, or what we loved or cared about 2,000 years from now.
I am not living. I am simply alive....
But lets hope they got a college football playoff by then!
Here is what I got for ya. The world is off its ass and there aint much left to pick over. Sorry about ya...OR MAYBE THERE IS HOPE!
The hope is in ourselves. I have come to realize that a personal goal of living fully is a good thing.
What is living fully?
It is different for each person, but I think living fully is really exploring and pushing to experience the different paths in life. For others, it could be living a life as a peasant on welfare in Shreveport. Still others may prefer the comfort of wealth and law degrees. The gambit is full of possibilities, but most, and when I say most I talking about the 99.99% of the population. Most are void. I say void because ignorant and stupid dont quite fit.
To make it easier, lets look at the life or percieved life of Mr. Roper (played by Norman Fell) from Three's Company fame; and compare it to Mr. Furley (played by Don Knotts). Roper was an easy going and kind landlord. Sure, he needed Viagra and some acting lessons but all in all he was the epitome of pleasantly boring. On the other hand, Furley was out there crazy! Furley was chewing ass and taking names. There was no doubt about who was large and in charge and who was having fun. By Season 5, Roper was forgotten and Furley was the BMOTC!
Here is the rub kids. The future is repleat with the unseen. Why live in fear? Why seek your own futility in the mundane? Why not live? Demand your fate as you see fit. It is Anglo-Saxon, Puritan, and manifest to seek your own demise on your best terms. For the lot it may be doomed, but for the fortunate it will be a good fight. Ultimately you need to decide to go out on top like Furley or be smooth like Roper, but please be careful on choosing the path of Jack Tripper.
Weekend Recap
What a great weekend. As I predicted correctly, we beat the other team in their stadium. In the words of Brian Jensen,
"...Harrell back to throw going deep down the sideline to Robert Johnson and he's...HE GOT IT...TOUCHDOWN RED RAIDERS..Robert Johnson Touchdown Red Raiders! OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!Can you belive it?"
We are not their rivals. True. It is not a rivalry if we always win..T-shirts to come.
Thanks to Helmut for the drive to and fro.
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