A quick update on the cider batch. Tipping up a bottle of the home-brew revealed that the taste is much the same as previously noted. It is only lightly carbonated which is not what I had expected. With the amount of priming sugar that I added, I expected the cider to have more bubbly than it does. I am not sure if it is because I did not let the bottles sit at room temperature for a few days before I threw it in the vertical basement or there is some other contributing factor.
Don't get me wrong, it is completely drinkable. The results just don't match the predicted outcome. I am going to let it rest for another couple of weeks and see if it gets more carbonated as time goes on. You will be the second to know.
Yes, the absence of nicotine appears to be directly related to writer's block. So what? That's right... back away slowly... At this point I can and will bite.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Captain's log, Stardate...
Got both feet in the stirrups now. But trying to hold this glass of Macallan and these reigns might prove difficult. Ah what the hell, every cowboy has fallen off of his horse at some time or another.
I thought I would catch you up on the goings on in the land of Neverwinter. We had a fine Christmas day. No snow of course, but the temperature did drop to a frigid 65 with moderate rainfall. That's right, you northerners aren't the only ones who have to deal with elements. Why, if it got any lower, I would have had to put on a jacket!
We spent most of Christmas eve and Christmas day with family. Try as I might, I have not been able to convince them all to meet in one place and celebrate together. One day I will figure it out. In the mean time, I will continue to visit two to three houses a holiday, and eat at each one like it was my first meal. What's that? Glutton, you say? Pfaw...that is just southern hospitality. You can't go to someone's house and not eat heartily of the spread they put out for you and your kin. You are liable to get a dirty flyswatter in the forehead should you try such a poor excuse as “I already et” to explain away why you can only eat just one helping of this or that. At least that is what I keep saying to the friends who point out the new five pounds of gut Santa left me for Christmas.
Along with the new weight, I also received more gifts than I deserve and more than some of my family can afford to give. Dad gave me an antler handled folder with wood inlays. She is a beauty and will be in my pocket on those occasions that call for me to pull off the Levis and throw on a pair of slacks. See you uppity women, men can coordinate their apparel at times. I also got a lined denim jacket that will more than suffice our (and I say it with a straight face) Florida winters. My mother-in-law surprised me with a liter of Macallan 12, which I am drinking right now, in her honor; yours too.
I was only partially joking about the weight. I stepped on a scale yesterday and I swear it cursed me out in Chinaman. I have hit the 240lb mark and while not the highest I have ever been, certainly above where I need to be. I am lucky enough to have 75 inches to spread it out over but it still puts me in the “fat bastard” category in my book. Being a firm believer that New Year's resolutions are for procrastinators, I have put down the nicotine and super sized portions as of yesterday, December 27th. After all, if I can't do it now, there is no magic number on the calendar that is going to guarantee success. Cutting back on meals isn't the hard part; it's the quitting smoking/dipping that is my Grendel.
To be more specific, it is maintaining the control necessary to not throttle the bag-boy at the grocery store who thinks it perfectly acceptable to bag a gallon of milk on top of a loaf of bread and then look at me like I am daft when I point out to him, testily, that it isn't. Driving anywhere has sent me into near apoplectic fits. I can't even turn on any of the cable news networks.
No one to blame but me for this state of affairs, but I am done with it. I will put this demon to rest; it's past due. But I don't think it is going to be pretty.
I need to go and find some tree bark to chew on.
Rant to you soon.
I thought I would catch you up on the goings on in the land of Neverwinter. We had a fine Christmas day. No snow of course, but the temperature did drop to a frigid 65 with moderate rainfall. That's right, you northerners aren't the only ones who have to deal with elements. Why, if it got any lower, I would have had to put on a jacket!
We spent most of Christmas eve and Christmas day with family. Try as I might, I have not been able to convince them all to meet in one place and celebrate together. One day I will figure it out. In the mean time, I will continue to visit two to three houses a holiday, and eat at each one like it was my first meal. What's that? Glutton, you say? Pfaw...that is just southern hospitality. You can't go to someone's house and not eat heartily of the spread they put out for you and your kin. You are liable to get a dirty flyswatter in the forehead should you try such a poor excuse as “I already et” to explain away why you can only eat just one helping of this or that. At least that is what I keep saying to the friends who point out the new five pounds of gut Santa left me for Christmas.
Along with the new weight, I also received more gifts than I deserve and more than some of my family can afford to give. Dad gave me an antler handled folder with wood inlays. She is a beauty and will be in my pocket on those occasions that call for me to pull off the Levis and throw on a pair of slacks. See you uppity women, men can coordinate their apparel at times. I also got a lined denim jacket that will more than suffice our (and I say it with a straight face) Florida winters. My mother-in-law surprised me with a liter of Macallan 12, which I am drinking right now, in her honor; yours too.
I was only partially joking about the weight. I stepped on a scale yesterday and I swear it cursed me out in Chinaman. I have hit the 240lb mark and while not the highest I have ever been, certainly above where I need to be. I am lucky enough to have 75 inches to spread it out over but it still puts me in the “fat bastard” category in my book. Being a firm believer that New Year's resolutions are for procrastinators, I have put down the nicotine and super sized portions as of yesterday, December 27th. After all, if I can't do it now, there is no magic number on the calendar that is going to guarantee success. Cutting back on meals isn't the hard part; it's the quitting smoking/dipping that is my Grendel.
To be more specific, it is maintaining the control necessary to not throttle the bag-boy at the grocery store who thinks it perfectly acceptable to bag a gallon of milk on top of a loaf of bread and then look at me like I am daft when I point out to him, testily, that it isn't. Driving anywhere has sent me into near apoplectic fits. I can't even turn on any of the cable news networks.
No one to blame but me for this state of affairs, but I am done with it. I will put this demon to rest; it's past due. But I don't think it is going to be pretty.
I need to go and find some tree bark to chew on.
Rant to you soon.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Getting back in the saddle
The Christmas holidays are drawing to a close. I have some catching up to do on news in general as well as blog reading. So while I set to reading and climbing back into the saddle, might I suggest going over to Green Hell and treating yourself to some fine literature of the highest caliber.
As the last remnants of left-over turkey wear off, I will have a post or two for you to peruse. I hope you had a pleasant Christmas. Talk to ya soon.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2: 1-20 (King James Version)
Merry Christmas to all! May you and yours be blessed with happiness, this holiday season.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Luke 2: 1-20 (King James Version)
Merry Christmas to all! May you and yours be blessed with happiness, this holiday season.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Bah Humbug
When will the lunacy end? Has this country become completely unhinged? I used to laugh when someone would say, “What if what you considered to be normal, was suddenly thought of as insane?”
The phrase “common sense” is dead – sense isn't common at all these days. I will readily admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the kitchen drawer, but these people are simply non compos mentis!
4 -year-old Accused of Improperly Touching Teacher – So let me get this straight, a young boy wishes show his affection or, more likely, feel a semblance of security in an alien environment and attempts to hug an adult. The adult has either a serious case of narcissism or is carrying around a trunk full of psychosis and accuses the lad of making sexual advances? Really? A four year old trying to motor-boat your mamms and it is perfectly reasonable to charge him with sexual deviance? And the school administration has their head so far up their ass that they removed the “sexual contact” but left “inappropriate physical contact” on his record?
Maryland 5-Year-Old Accused Of Pinching Buttocks – this case a boy plays a little grab-ass and they say it fits the bill for sexual harassment. I guess I should count myself lucky that I wasn't caught behind the portable in first grade, showing Susy mine after she showed me hers.
First Grade Suspened for Harassment – and another
Moving on to a different topic. How about the Veterans Affairs Secretary, Jim Nicolson, having to drop his trousers so his voice wouldn't be muffled.
VA Head: Draft Beneficial to Society – the draft would be beneficial, but you don't support it?! Is there some 3 barbiturate minimum one must consume before this starts to make sense? Sober, this sounds like more of the “smoking, but not inhaling” spew.
Yes, yes, let us all go back to a happier time where slavery was a perfectly viable option for a country to impose upon its citizens. I am sure we can come up with a catchy phrase to replace “indentured servitude”. After all, according to Mr. Nicolson, the Draft would be the only way to bring up the muddled quality quotient that our “volunteer” military has so addled.
If we are not smart enough to know when the time is right to answer the “horns of war”, by swearing ourselves in voluntarily, just what kind of military are we going to get by Uncle Sam forcing us into it? I suppose it is some of that there “fuzzy logic” that this southerner just can't grasp.
Even more on this subject over at the Blue Collar Republican.
For dessert, it looks like we are off to a running start for “the most open and ethical Congress in history”. I feel better already. Don't you?
Now that I am good and Scrooged up, I am going to go sate my rancor with a cold one or three. Good Night.
The phrase “common sense” is dead – sense isn't common at all these days. I will readily admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the kitchen drawer, but these people are simply non compos mentis!
4 -year-old Accused of Improperly Touching Teacher – So let me get this straight, a young boy wishes show his affection or, more likely, feel a semblance of security in an alien environment and attempts to hug an adult. The adult has either a serious case of narcissism or is carrying around a trunk full of psychosis and accuses the lad of making sexual advances? Really? A four year old trying to motor-boat your mamms and it is perfectly reasonable to charge him with sexual deviance? And the school administration has their head so far up their ass that they removed the “sexual contact” but left “inappropriate physical contact” on his record?
Maryland 5-Year-Old Accused Of Pinching Buttocks – this case a boy plays a little grab-ass and they say it fits the bill for sexual harassment. I guess I should count myself lucky that I wasn't caught behind the portable in first grade, showing Susy mine after she showed me hers.
First Grade Suspened for Harassment – and another
Moving on to a different topic. How about the Veterans Affairs Secretary, Jim Nicolson, having to drop his trousers so his voice wouldn't be muffled.
VA Head: Draft Beneficial to Society – the draft would be beneficial, but you don't support it?! Is there some 3 barbiturate minimum one must consume before this starts to make sense? Sober, this sounds like more of the “smoking, but not inhaling” spew.
Yes, yes, let us all go back to a happier time where slavery was a perfectly viable option for a country to impose upon its citizens. I am sure we can come up with a catchy phrase to replace “indentured servitude”. After all, according to Mr. Nicolson, the Draft would be the only way to bring up the muddled quality quotient that our “volunteer” military has so addled.
If we are not smart enough to know when the time is right to answer the “horns of war”, by swearing ourselves in voluntarily, just what kind of military are we going to get by Uncle Sam forcing us into it? I suppose it is some of that there “fuzzy logic” that this southerner just can't grasp.
Even more on this subject over at the Blue Collar Republican.
For dessert, it looks like we are off to a running start for “the most open and ethical Congress in history”. I feel better already. Don't you?
Now that I am good and Scrooged up, I am going to go sate my rancor with a cold one or three. Good Night.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Bah..Santa's Elves are loafers!
Ah yes, Christmas is upon us. And it has set in around this southerner's house with a vengeance. Meal planning, gift purchases, gift projects, and family gathering scheduling; it all seems to happen at once. I am not complaining in the least, I have just been busy.
The Mrs. had requested that she get a fancy new vanity in our bathroom as her gift and after receiving delivery, I set to it. The project evolved, as I am sure you do-it-yourself types know it can, into quite an undertaking. New vanity is of the antique sideboard variety. The old vanity was the modular, veneered, particle board type. It might not have been what the lass liked, but it will make one hell of a mobile work table when I am finished with it.
Careful demolition only confirmed what I had thought of the contractor who built this house – a cross eyed, crack smoking half-wit, who waddled around equipped with a big hammer and a homemade tape-measure. The drywall was skewed, filled with screw holes (from some jack-ass searching for the “spot” - like a young lad with raging hormones getting his first taste of “lucky” in the backseat of his buddy's car), and dented for reasons I can't fathom.
After a few hours of curse-filled drywall repair, tile was the next order of business. That went fairly easily, if time consuming. The new vanity had to be modified so the plumbing would fit through the back. For some reason, I just get a gleam in my eye when a power tool is in my hands. I took a side trip or two, and ran my Sawz-All through a few things that had been “asking for it”.
Painting, plumbing, faucets and done! Now I just have to figure out how to gift-wrap it! So, count your blessings, boys. Some of you get to run out and buy your significant other something that fits nicely in a small box. Yeah. Yeah, I hear ya. If she can put up with me she is more than worth it. Well, you might be right. Talk to ya soon.
The Mrs. had requested that she get a fancy new vanity in our bathroom as her gift and after receiving delivery, I set to it. The project evolved, as I am sure you do-it-yourself types know it can, into quite an undertaking. New vanity is of the antique sideboard variety. The old vanity was the modular, veneered, particle board type. It might not have been what the lass liked, but it will make one hell of a mobile work table when I am finished with it.
Careful demolition only confirmed what I had thought of the contractor who built this house – a cross eyed, crack smoking half-wit, who waddled around equipped with a big hammer and a homemade tape-measure. The drywall was skewed, filled with screw holes (from some jack-ass searching for the “spot” - like a young lad with raging hormones getting his first taste of “lucky” in the backseat of his buddy's car), and dented for reasons I can't fathom.
After a few hours of curse-filled drywall repair, tile was the next order of business. That went fairly easily, if time consuming. The new vanity had to be modified so the plumbing would fit through the back. For some reason, I just get a gleam in my eye when a power tool is in my hands. I took a side trip or two, and ran my Sawz-All through a few things that had been “asking for it”.
Painting, plumbing, faucets and done! Now I just have to figure out how to gift-wrap it! So, count your blessings, boys. Some of you get to run out and buy your significant other something that fits nicely in a small box. Yeah. Yeah, I hear ya. If she can put up with me she is more than worth it. Well, you might be right. Talk to ya soon.
Monday, December 18, 2006
I CAIR, see my finger?
It is time for the gloves to come off. After making my stop at the Blue Collar Republican and getting an eye full of what went on over at Host Gator, I got stewed. The more I thought about it, the more pissed off I became and the pressure cooker started shaking. So here we are, and here is my 'virtual finger' to those miscreants over at CAIR.
If you unsure as to what I am speaking of, please go to BCR and here and here to read about it, then come back.
“Vilmar” may have let the matter drop, but myself and others will pick up the standard and wave it for all to see . I will not sit idly by, while these bastards seek to trample and subvert the right to say whatever the hell I want.
I suppose that since they found this objectionable, “Vilmar's” blog should be deleted as is only right, no? CAIR would never, then, say something such as this about Abdul-Jalil (who was put on administrative leave after making Anti-American and Anti-Jewish statements while holding public office) :
Wassim Nasr, Council on Islamic Relations: "There are other things that are the truth in his statements. For example, harsh treatment of Muslim prisoners at the Metropolitan Detention Center and the jails in New York, so I think we can't mix the two together. And even if it was his opinion, this is America and we are allowed to express our opinions publicly." (article here)
I took both the words in “Vilmar's” post and his linking to be satirical. But for a moment, let us just say they were not. Let's say the guy was truly twisted and supported the murder of children. A horrible, horrific, and malignant opinion that would be, but to use CAIR's own words, “And even if it was his opinion, this is America and we are allowed to express our opinions publicly.” CAIR would never, in clear and concise terms, support the killing of innocent men, women, and children. They would not support Sheikh Abdalla Ali (Mogadishu, Somalia sheikh) when he said:
"He who does not perform prayer will be considered as infidel and our sharia law orders that person to be killed,"
My eyes must be deceiving me, you hypocritical ass holes, when I read an editorial response, by Ahmad Al-Akhras (Vice chairman of national Council on American-Islamic Relations,Columbus ), concerning the events in Somalia to include:
“What has happened in Somalia, for the majority of Somalis inside and those who are abroad, is a positive change. I truly suggest that we should not prejudge this change, or any change for that matter, based on the religious affiliation of those in power.”
Do you call slaughtering someone who does not bend neck to an oppressive regime a “positive change”? I call that tyranny. I judge it evil.
Let's keep this train moving, shall we? So what happens when CAIR is in a public place, exercising the same rights they so abhor in the hands of others, speaking their views on Israel and America? What happens when someone asks a few questions that they don't feel are proper and in-line with their agenda? Surely a member of their group would not assault the questioner? Dr. Al-Akhras of CAIR would not physically put his hands on them and attempt to take their camera and push them away? No, you say?
These are all actions of a group that is in strict adherence to their mission statement, “to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding”
It is not like members of this organization (Randall ("Ismail") Royer [communications specialist and civil rights coordinator], Ghassan Elashi [founder of CAIR's Texas chapter], Bassem Khafagi [CAIR's onetime communications director], Rabih Haddad [CAIR fund raiser], Rabih Haddad [a CAIR advisory board member]) have been arrested, convicted, deported, or otherwise linked to terrorism-related charges and activities. Honest.
CAIR has a long and distinguished record. Take a trip here and here to see the hi-light reel.
My father always told me, “If it looks like shit, smells like shit, and tastes like shit, chances are...”
CAIR is no friend of mine, yours, or any other free thinking individual on this planet. I am not cowed, nor am I fooled. I know what they are, I know what they represent, and I will not be silent in letting everyone know it.
Try and pull the truth down from my little blog, you better pack a lunch. If this web host drops its pants for you, I will find another. Litigation you say? Disclosure is a bitch.
I can understand why those over at CAIR would wish to quell free speech:
"Without free speech no search for truth is possible, without free speech no discovery of truth is useful, without free speech progress is checked and the nations no longer march forward toward the nobler life which the future holds for man. Better a thousand-fold abuse of speech than a denial of free speech. The abuse dies in a day, but the denial slays the life of the people, and entombs the hope of the race."
Charles Bradlaugh
Now, on to Host Gator.
Yes, they have a right to their intellectual property. They have a right to allow or disallow any content they wish on their servers. But, we have a right to let them know what we think about it in both word and deed. That they would so easily fold to demands that pimp out free speech, from a group whose record speaks for itself, tells me I want nothing to do with them and I will give them free advertisement stating the same. Host Gator and its affiliates will get nothing from me but more free press; I will ask everyone I know to do the same. They are free to act in their business dealings however they wish; we are free to react.
Here is their contact information so you, reader, may do the same if you so desire. I implore you to not leave this up to someone else. It is our duty to protect our way of life. Money doesn't talk, it screams.
sales@hostgator.com
billing@hostgator.com
support@hostgator.com
reboots@hostgator.com
My letter to Host Gator:
To whom it may concern:
Your selective censorship of rightwinghowler.com, has left me both dismayed and indignant. Considering that you host other sites that contain equally offensive material to different cross-sections of our country, I see what you have done for what it is - blatant cow-towing to an anti-American pressure group (CAIR). I understand that it is within your rights to control the media that is displayed on your servers. But, I also have the right to disagree with your actions and in so doing, not enter into any dealings with you or your affiliates. I hope that when and if you find yourself in this situation again, your response will be different. Either that, or apply censorship equally, and shut down every site that is brought to your attention as offensive.
Sincerely,
Alan Deal
If you unsure as to what I am speaking of, please go to BCR and here and here to read about it, then come back.
“Vilmar” may have let the matter drop, but myself and others will pick up the standard and wave it for all to see . I will not sit idly by, while these bastards seek to trample and subvert the right to say whatever the hell I want.
I suppose that since they found this objectionable, “Vilmar's” blog should be deleted as is only right, no? CAIR would never, then, say something such as this about Abdul-Jalil (who was put on administrative leave after making Anti-American and Anti-Jewish statements while holding public office) :
Wassim Nasr, Council on Islamic Relations: "There are other things that are the truth in his statements. For example, harsh treatment of Muslim prisoners at the Metropolitan Detention Center and the jails in New York, so I think we can't mix the two together. And even if it was his opinion, this is America and we are allowed to express our opinions publicly." (article here)
I took both the words in “Vilmar's” post and his linking to be satirical. But for a moment, let us just say they were not. Let's say the guy was truly twisted and supported the murder of children. A horrible, horrific, and malignant opinion that would be, but to use CAIR's own words, “And even if it was his opinion, this is America and we are allowed to express our opinions publicly.” CAIR would never, in clear and concise terms, support the killing of innocent men, women, and children. They would not support Sheikh Abdalla Ali (Mogadishu, Somalia sheikh) when he said:
"He who does not perform prayer will be considered as infidel and our sharia law orders that person to be killed,"
My eyes must be deceiving me, you hypocritical ass holes, when I read an editorial response, by Ahmad Al-Akhras (Vice chairman of national Council on American-Islamic Relations,Columbus ), concerning the events in Somalia to include:
“What has happened in Somalia, for the majority of Somalis inside and those who are abroad, is a positive change. I truly suggest that we should not prejudge this change, or any change for that matter, based on the religious affiliation of those in power.”
Do you call slaughtering someone who does not bend neck to an oppressive regime a “positive change”? I call that tyranny. I judge it evil.
Let's keep this train moving, shall we? So what happens when CAIR is in a public place, exercising the same rights they so abhor in the hands of others, speaking their views on Israel and America? What happens when someone asks a few questions that they don't feel are proper and in-line with their agenda? Surely a member of their group would not assault the questioner? Dr. Al-Akhras of CAIR would not physically put his hands on them and attempt to take their camera and push them away? No, you say?
These are all actions of a group that is in strict adherence to their mission statement, “to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding”
It is not like members of this organization (Randall ("Ismail") Royer [communications specialist and civil rights coordinator], Ghassan Elashi [founder of CAIR's Texas chapter], Bassem Khafagi [CAIR's onetime communications director], Rabih Haddad [CAIR fund raiser], Rabih Haddad [a CAIR advisory board member]) have been arrested, convicted, deported, or otherwise linked to terrorism-related charges and activities. Honest.
CAIR has a long and distinguished record. Take a trip here and here to see the hi-light reel.
My father always told me, “If it looks like shit, smells like shit, and tastes like shit, chances are...”
CAIR is no friend of mine, yours, or any other free thinking individual on this planet. I am not cowed, nor am I fooled. I know what they are, I know what they represent, and I will not be silent in letting everyone know it.
Try and pull the truth down from my little blog, you better pack a lunch. If this web host drops its pants for you, I will find another. Litigation you say? Disclosure is a bitch.
I can understand why those over at CAIR would wish to quell free speech:
"Without free speech no search for truth is possible, without free speech no discovery of truth is useful, without free speech progress is checked and the nations no longer march forward toward the nobler life which the future holds for man. Better a thousand-fold abuse of speech than a denial of free speech. The abuse dies in a day, but the denial slays the life of the people, and entombs the hope of the race."
Charles Bradlaugh
Now, on to Host Gator.
Yes, they have a right to their intellectual property. They have a right to allow or disallow any content they wish on their servers. But, we have a right to let them know what we think about it in both word and deed. That they would so easily fold to demands that pimp out free speech, from a group whose record speaks for itself, tells me I want nothing to do with them and I will give them free advertisement stating the same. Host Gator and its affiliates will get nothing from me but more free press; I will ask everyone I know to do the same. They are free to act in their business dealings however they wish; we are free to react.
Here is their contact information so you, reader, may do the same if you so desire. I implore you to not leave this up to someone else. It is our duty to protect our way of life. Money doesn't talk, it screams.
sales@hostgator.com
billing@hostgator.com
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My letter to Host Gator:
To whom it may concern:
Your selective censorship of rightwinghowler.com, has left me both dismayed and indignant. Considering that you host other sites that contain equally offensive material to different cross-sections of our country, I see what you have done for what it is - blatant cow-towing to an anti-American pressure group (CAIR). I understand that it is within your rights to control the media that is displayed on your servers. But, I also have the right to disagree with your actions and in so doing, not enter into any dealings with you or your affiliates. I hope that when and if you find yourself in this situation again, your response will be different. Either that, or apply censorship equally, and shut down every site that is brought to your attention as offensive.
Sincerely,
Alan Deal
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Writing and such...
I have been writing quite a bit lately, just nothing worth posting on my little blog. I am trying my hand at fiction and it is both challenging and enjoyable. Should I ever write anything that doesn't smell like a port-a-potty at Woodstock, I will post it up. I will be returning to posting here in a day or two. There are a number of current events that I plan to rant and rave about and there are a few stories about me that I would like to share.
In the mean time, get your butt over to Blue Collar Republican and read about CAIR's attack on the First Amendment. When you are good and pissed off, find someone who isn't quite as informed as you and send them over to read about it as well.
My bro, Dave Bean, over at Green Hell, is still churning out meritorious prose, with a few more posts about his past and a very thoughtful reflection on the institution of marriage.
Talk to ya soon.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Ode to Patrick Henry
O.K. so it's not an Ode, but praise none the less.
Patrick Henry is one of the many men in history that I enjoy researching. He was a principled man and he stood by his convictions regardless of what those around him thought of his beliefs. He was labeled a radical by his peers, a traitor by the crown.
Patrick Henry is one of the many men in history that I enjoy researching. He was a principled man and he stood by his convictions regardless of what those around him thought of his beliefs. He was labeled a radical by his peers, a traitor by the crown.
Patrick Henry was not a man to allow silence to be mistaken for agreement on anything, that I have found, where he was involved. After being elected to the House of Burgesses in 1765 he wasted little time in proposing the Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions. His passion for freedom did not leave him devoid of cunning, for he waited until the most conservative (the classical meaning of 'conservative' is quite different than today's definition) members of the House were away before submitting his Resolutions to the floor. He showed his 'firebrand' passion when he stood before the gathered assembly and said, “Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third—" (Interrupted by cries of "Treason! Treason!") "George the Third may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it." Historians conflict over the last sentence above actually being said, but considering that the men Henry mentioned in the previous sentences were each assassinated, his sentiment towards the crown is easily seen. This man must have had a wheel barrow to cart his testicles around. If you aren't convinced yet, let's continue.
I am sure many are familiar with the famous line, “Give me liberty or give me death!”. But have you read the entire speech? It is one of my favorite of all times. March 23, 1775 – The House of Burgesses. Consider the times these men found themselves in. Consider the environment. Consider that human nature was no different all those years ago, than it is today. Some wished to give into the crown's demands; some protested of how little harm the 'benevolent King' actually did from so far away; others voiced their unhappiness but were willing to do little else. I am not saying that these men were without character and virtue,quite the opposite. But what direction would this country have gone if Patrick Henry had been among this group instead of standing and saying this? Can you not feel the passion in his voice as you read it? I have read his speech many, many times and it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. (If you want an audio interpretation, go here.) Accounts say that the gathered host of the House jumped to their feet and shouted, “To Arms! To Arms!” and I can see why.
On May 3, 1775 Patrick Henry showed that he was not a man made merely of words, but that he could and would act upon his beliefs. Lord Dunmore (Royal Governor of Colonial Virginia) became fearful of his citizens after they had made it clear that they were arming themselves. He thought it might be in his best interest to remove some of the gun powder from their reach and place it on a British ship out in the bay. His Royal Marines were discovered and the word of his theft spread like wildfire. Guess who was first to show up with a musket, leading a pissed off group of hayseeds – Patrick Henry. The Hanover Militia sat outside Williamsburg until negotiations yielded an agreement that Dunmore would release payment, from the royal treasury, for the powder he had taken. The militia left and Henry made his way back to his peers for the Continental Congress session. On May 6th, Dunmore issued a document naming Patrick Henry a criminal. We know how the story of the Revolution ends, but my man Patrick did not hang up his wig and retire to his estate. He faced a new threat to liberty in the newly wrought articles of the Constitution of the United States.
Henry was an Anti-federalist and believed that this new Document took power from the states and ultimately the individual. He was instrumental in getting the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution to allow his countrymen to maintain the freedoms they had just bled and died for.
I continue to study this man and the Federalist/Anti-federalist movement as they changed names and members during this period in history. I am still a bit fuzzy on how and why he is reported to have become a staunch Federalist by the late 1700's and will have to do more digging until my research gives up the goods. An American patriot in every sense of the word, Patrick Henry was a man among men in my book. May God grant this country more men and women with his character and determination.
Talk to ya soon.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
All bottled up.
I just finished bottling the last of the cider. I ended up with a case of long-necks with an A.C. of around 8.4 %. After adding the priming sugar and transferring the cider to a nice clean bucket with a spigot, the bottling went off without a hitch. A new round of tasting revealed that the cider tasted a mite sweeter than the last sampling. I attribute that to the lack of sediment, fermentation slowing down, and the spent yeast. It tastes pretty damn good. It is still not as good as I would like it to be, but that just means I will have to continue to pursue perfection, one new batch at a time. I have the bottles back in my 'vertical basement' so the cider can go through its fermentation for carbonation nice and slow. I plan on popping the first top on Christmas day.
My plans for the next batch include fresh juice from a home built press and the addition of raisins to the must during primary fermentation. I bought several packets of the Cote des Blancs yeast so I will continue to use that until I run out.
Once I finish getting the plans for the cider press fleshed out and I start the construction stage, I will let you know how it is going and add some pictures showing my progress.
I am happy with my first venture into the home brew arena and I will continue to write about it. Talk to ya soon.
My plans for the next batch include fresh juice from a home built press and the addition of raisins to the must during primary fermentation. I bought several packets of the Cote des Blancs yeast so I will continue to use that until I run out.
Once I finish getting the plans for the cider press fleshed out and I start the construction stage, I will let you know how it is going and add some pictures showing my progress.
I am happy with my first venture into the home brew arena and I will continue to write about it. Talk to ya soon.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Lions and Tigers and Blue Collars. Oh my!
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active. The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt.—John Philpot Curran
I have added another blog to the sidebar. Its name is The Blue Collar Republican. The title itself appeals to me as I am a working stiff myself. To give credit where credit is due, my friend, Dave, over at My Green Hell happened upon this site and has been linking to it quite regularly. BCR has also, to their credit, added Dave to their list of writers to weigh in on matters of the 2nd amendment – a fine piece of legislation that is very near and dear to my own heart. BCR is a politically minded, conservative blog with multiple authors that aim to give a voice and hope to a large cross section of our country – the working man and woman.
This is from the BCR on what their primary focus is:
For decades now the Republican Party has had it’s mainstream message and there are plenty of forums out there for them to get that message out. This site will give voice to the issues and opinions of those who are normally classified as swing voters who since Ronald Reagan tend to vote Republican. Many vote Democratic or Independent in local elections but on the National level tend to vote Republican if there is no alternative. Figures such as Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan offered alternatives as Independents that attracted many of these voters. Yet, many gave up on voting in years past because none of the above really interested them.
This site hopes to give the section of America commonly called the Blue Collar class a voice. It will include a blog that activists for particular areas of interest to that segment of our population. Why? Because the mainstream tends to push their concerns and views to the side in deference to their own agenda.
Your ideas for the growth and scope of the site are always welcome. The main idea is to give you, the working class, a voice.
After viewing many of their posts and discussions, I find myself more to the right than they on a few issues only, and for those they have an open and polite forum for discussion. I encourage you to go and give them a look and don't hesitate to join in on a topic you find interesting. Educate yourself and let your voice be heard.
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds:
At which the universal host up sent
A shout that tore hell’s concave, and beyond
Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night.
John Milton
I have added another blog to the sidebar. Its name is The Blue Collar Republican. The title itself appeals to me as I am a working stiff myself. To give credit where credit is due, my friend, Dave, over at My Green Hell happened upon this site and has been linking to it quite regularly. BCR has also, to their credit, added Dave to their list of writers to weigh in on matters of the 2nd amendment – a fine piece of legislation that is very near and dear to my own heart. BCR is a politically minded, conservative blog with multiple authors that aim to give a voice and hope to a large cross section of our country – the working man and woman.
This is from the BCR on what their primary focus is:
For decades now the Republican Party has had it’s mainstream message and there are plenty of forums out there for them to get that message out. This site will give voice to the issues and opinions of those who are normally classified as swing voters who since Ronald Reagan tend to vote Republican. Many vote Democratic or Independent in local elections but on the National level tend to vote Republican if there is no alternative. Figures such as Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan offered alternatives as Independents that attracted many of these voters. Yet, many gave up on voting in years past because none of the above really interested them.
This site hopes to give the section of America commonly called the Blue Collar class a voice. It will include a blog that activists for particular areas of interest to that segment of our population. Why? Because the mainstream tends to push their concerns and views to the side in deference to their own agenda.
Your ideas for the growth and scope of the site are always welcome. The main idea is to give you, the working class, a voice.
After viewing many of their posts and discussions, I find myself more to the right than they on a few issues only, and for those they have an open and polite forum for discussion. I encourage you to go and give them a look and don't hesitate to join in on a topic you find interesting. Educate yourself and let your voice be heard.
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds:
At which the universal host up sent
A shout that tore hell’s concave, and beyond
Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night.
John Milton
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Of times past
I came across this site last night and I wanted to get it up here so others can enjoy it as I have. It is called the Avalon Project at Yale Law School. This site is loaded with historical documents; The Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers,
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Something a little lighter...
I stumbled across this site and had a laugh (it's that or cry). Here are some of the laws from Florida that are apparently still on the books:
823.01 Nuisances; penalty.
All nuisances that tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals are misdemeanors of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083, except that a violation of s. 823.10 is a felony of the third degree.
If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.
It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.
Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.
They just took away all of my night-on-the-town ideas.
I am going to add The Darwin Awards site to the sidebar. If you are having one of those days, this site can put a smile on your face and make you feel extremely intelligent.
We salute the improvement of the human genome
by honoring those who accidentally remove themselves from it...
ensuring that the next generation is one idiot smarter.
Of necessity, this award is generally bestowed posthumously.
823.01 Nuisances; penalty.
All nuisances that tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals are misdemeanors of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.083, except that a violation of s. 823.10 is a felony of the third degree.
If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.
It is illegal to sing in a public place while attired in a swimsuit.
Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.
Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.
They just took away all of my night-on-the-town ideas.
I am going to add The Darwin Awards site to the sidebar. If you are having one of those days, this site can put a smile on your face and make you feel extremely intelligent.
We salute the improvement of the human genome
by honoring those who accidentally remove themselves from it...
ensuring that the next generation is one idiot smarter.
Of necessity, this award is generally bestowed posthumously.
Hey fat boy! Step away from the french fry.
NYC Health Board Votes to Ban Trans Fats
The Board of Health voted Tuesday to make New York the nation's first city to ban artery-clogging artificial trans fats at restaurants - from the corner pizzeria to high-end bakeries.
We can all breath easier, my friends. Our handlers are continuing to save us from ourselves by banning these horrible maladies upon society. Don't worry though, the rest of our freedoms are still intact. They would never try to control what we drink, breath, read, watch, say, or hear. I would be suffering from paranoia if I thought that. Right?
Tell all the frogs you know that it's O.K. – they can go back to watching T.V.. The water is only at a simmer.
The Board of Health voted Tuesday to make New York the nation's first city to ban artery-clogging artificial trans fats at restaurants - from the corner pizzeria to high-end bakeries.
We can all breath easier, my friends. Our handlers are continuing to save us from ourselves by banning these horrible maladies upon society. Don't worry though, the rest of our freedoms are still intact. They would never try to control what we drink, breath, read, watch, say, or hear. I would be suffering from paranoia if I thought that. Right?
Tell all the frogs you know that it's O.K. – they can go back to watching T.V.. The water is only at a simmer.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Living it Up
No, I have not been arrested; I have been fishing.
The last few days have been rather hectic and I have not made the time to post on my fledgling blog. I have been toiling to mark stuff off of the honey-do list and pursuing various projects of my own. I also spent the entire day, yesterday, out in the Gulf of Mexico drinking a few beers and cranking on a reel.
Yesterday was a beautiful day for fishing and I enjoyed decompressing. The Gulf was so calm, you would have thought yourself on a lake. The temperature stayed in the 70's with moderate cloud cover and the fish were hungry. We pulled in Grouper, Sea Bass, Grunts, and the occasional Red Snapper. I didn't wrench in a Grouper large enough to keep but I made up for it one 'pan fish' at a time and ended up bringing home a healthy bounty of White Grunts, Sea Bass, and even a Trigger Fish. A couple of friends, from work, came along and they kindly donated their 'keepers' to my stringer. Although I did not catch the biggest fish of the day (Largest was a 17 lb Grouper), I came home with enough moderately sized fish to fill a couple of large frying pans. I call that a successful day.
A side story that adds to my day of fun. I gave in to my more devious side and thought it would be fun to play some mind twisting games with the strangers on board the charter. How does one do this? It is one of the simpler and many would say immature jokes to play on the unsuspecting and unsure. What's that? Ah shut up ye curmudgeon. What else was I supposed to do for the 2 hour trip back to shore? Where was I? Ah yes. All you need is a finger to point at nothing that is off in the distance and appear very interested in it. “It” doesn't need to exist. In fact, “its” lack of existence is the joke itself. So you point and appear very interested in “it”. If you can pull a camera up and charade your way through taking shots of “it”, all the better. Folks may saddle up to you and try to see “it”. Word might pass up and down the boat that something very interesting is out there. Soon you may have lots of folks looking at “it”. You may even hear, “There it is! I see it!” Folks may nod sagely and tell there friends that they were able to see “it” ,due to their superior skills of observation, minutes before others. You will need to be steadfast in your seriousness as you study “it” and nod occasionally as if in answer to some inner dialog. Don't be put off if someone asks you, “What is it? What do you see?” If you just look at them and say, “What? You don't see it? It's right there.” Point at “it” again and look at them questioningly. You might find that now they too can see “it”. “Oh...Now I see it! Wow!”
If God doesn't have a sense of humor I am in a heap of trouble.
I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that just because I think something would be funny, doesn't mean others will. After fishing, I got home stripped down to my boxers, rolled around in the yard to get good and dirty, and throwing the stringer of fish over my shoulder I stomped into the house and shouted, “ Woman! Your hunter home. I bring great bounty of food for fires of our tent. Woman will please me now, then clean fish...”
Looking back, I still think it should have received a laugh but I suppose she doesn't see things the way I do. Now I need to come up with a story to explain to the fellas how I got this lump over my eye.
Talk to ya soon.
The last few days have been rather hectic and I have not made the time to post on my fledgling blog. I have been toiling to mark stuff off of the honey-do list and pursuing various projects of my own. I also spent the entire day, yesterday, out in the Gulf of Mexico drinking a few beers and cranking on a reel.
Yesterday was a beautiful day for fishing and I enjoyed decompressing. The Gulf was so calm, you would have thought yourself on a lake. The temperature stayed in the 70's with moderate cloud cover and the fish were hungry. We pulled in Grouper, Sea Bass, Grunts, and the occasional Red Snapper. I didn't wrench in a Grouper large enough to keep but I made up for it one 'pan fish' at a time and ended up bringing home a healthy bounty of White Grunts, Sea Bass, and even a Trigger Fish. A couple of friends, from work, came along and they kindly donated their 'keepers' to my stringer. Although I did not catch the biggest fish of the day (Largest was a 17 lb Grouper), I came home with enough moderately sized fish to fill a couple of large frying pans. I call that a successful day.
A side story that adds to my day of fun. I gave in to my more devious side and thought it would be fun to play some mind twisting games with the strangers on board the charter. How does one do this? It is one of the simpler and many would say immature jokes to play on the unsuspecting and unsure. What's that? Ah shut up ye curmudgeon. What else was I supposed to do for the 2 hour trip back to shore? Where was I? Ah yes. All you need is a finger to point at nothing that is off in the distance and appear very interested in it. “It” doesn't need to exist. In fact, “its” lack of existence is the joke itself. So you point and appear very interested in “it”. If you can pull a camera up and charade your way through taking shots of “it”, all the better. Folks may saddle up to you and try to see “it”. Word might pass up and down the boat that something very interesting is out there. Soon you may have lots of folks looking at “it”. You may even hear, “There it is! I see it!” Folks may nod sagely and tell there friends that they were able to see “it” ,due to their superior skills of observation, minutes before others. You will need to be steadfast in your seriousness as you study “it” and nod occasionally as if in answer to some inner dialog. Don't be put off if someone asks you, “What is it? What do you see?” If you just look at them and say, “What? You don't see it? It's right there.” Point at “it” again and look at them questioningly. You might find that now they too can see “it”. “Oh...Now I see it! Wow!”
If God doesn't have a sense of humor I am in a heap of trouble.
I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that just because I think something would be funny, doesn't mean others will. After fishing, I got home stripped down to my boxers, rolled around in the yard to get good and dirty, and throwing the stringer of fish over my shoulder I stomped into the house and shouted, “ Woman! Your hunter home. I bring great bounty of food for fires of our tent. Woman will please me now, then clean fish...”
Looking back, I still think it should have received a laugh but I suppose she doesn't see things the way I do. Now I need to come up with a story to explain to the fellas how I got this lump over my eye.
Talk to ya soon.
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