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Thursday, December 29, 2011

A Pretty Good Film

by Declaration Entertainment...

Monday, December 26, 2011

S'More Pix

The Trouble With Tribbles

More pix post-jump...

VARIOUS 2011 PIX



Race Car atop pole.  New meaning to term "poll-sitter"?
More pix...

Friday, December 23, 2011

LETTERLAY

Know what this is?


No, what?

It's a piece of Leverite.

A what?

Leverite.  Know what I'm gonna do with it?

No.  What?

I'm gonna leverite there.


Friday, September 23, 2011

Flight 93 Blogburst-9/23/2011

Flt 93 mother on Crescent jury: "I don't want to reach out to those people! THEY MURDERED MY DAUGHTER!"

Photobucket

Alec Rawls, who has been working with Tom Burnett Sr. to stop the Crescent of Embrace memorial to Flight 93, explains the circumstances (related by Mr. Burnett in 2008, but not published until now).

Mr. Burnett had been telling his fellow design competition jurors that the crescent is a well known Islamic symbol. In addition to the giant central crescent (now called a broken circle) Tom also objected to the minaret-like Tower of Voices. "I made a point at that meeting," says Mr. Burnett, "to tell people that we have an Islamist design here that can't go forward, please, stay with me."

Monday, September 19, 2011

Thank You, Sir

I was able to join a friend who had tickets to a recent game in Chapel Hill, two Saturdays ago versus Rutgers.  My friend also had his 7-year-old in tow, and they did some of the 7yo stuff at Tar Heel Town, while I went off in search of some cool refreshments.

Walking around Tar Heel Town, I went right past the soon-to-be-former Athletic Director having his lunch sitting on the steps of one of the campus buildings.  I immediately wished I'd have stopped and said hello, but he was eating...and I try mind my manners to the point of not being a bother to someone mid-meal.

I did hustle my way back around THT and tell my friend about who I'd just seen.  Really?  No way.

Yeah, really...and way.

But, I regretted not slipping back by and manufacturing a way to shake his hand.

Later, though, I would get my wish when my friend had to take the youngun to the little fellers room.  I was standing in the shade just inside Kenan Stadium.  And, right by me walks Mr. Baddour.

"Mr. Baddour," I say, "thanks for all you've done for this University."


He actually thanked ME for asking him for the photo-op!  Remarkable.




Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Still A Slap in the Face

It's not a memorial to the passengers who overtook the hijackers of Flight 93...It's a giant Mihrab (or Mosque) on the 2200 acres of ground in Shanksville, PA.

It is a California architect's attempt to redeem the four hijackers, and symbolically complete their mission.  It is oriented to face vistors towards "Mecca".  It mockingly suspends the "souls" of the forty passengers and crew between heaven and earth, and glorifies the acts of the terrorists.

Any pretense to the contrary is a lie.


I refused to help build this thing, because I recognized the design for what it was, and knew enough of the story behind it.  I hoped that my stance would empower others to shun this as a disgrace, but it hasn't worked out that way.

But I still hold out hope that opposition to this farce can gain some traction, reverse course, and abort the project.

In the meantime, there's no reason to celebrate any kind of anniversary this week.  It was all bad ten years ago, and nothing good has come from it.  The best thing that happened that day was the handful of guys who did what I'd have done: storm the cockpit and kill the bad guys.  And their memory is being perverted for the benefit of the despicable.

A slap in the face.

For more, read Alec Rawls' recent blog.  Then, find a way to help fight it.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Shameful

UNC fired Coach Butch Davis yesterday.  News conference is set for 11am today.

UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp says that there isn't new dirt on the Coach, but wants us to believe and accept that Carolina's reputation is eroding by his continued tenure.  I'm not buying into that math.

If there is/are new reason(s) for his firing, the school's supporters have a right to know about them.  If not, then Thorp has done the University, the football program, and all of college athletics a disservice in firing a man of otherwise unquestioned integrity.  And one who also recently had his (Thorp's) public vote of confidence.

Ultimately, Holden Thorp couldn't police a bunch of youngsters any better than Butch Davis or the next guy that gets the job.  But hey, thanks for sucker-punching our team's prospects for this year, Thorp, and for making the next coaching candidate think twice about coming to Carolina.

Unless the Chancellor tells of something more egregious than "lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution", I'll be more inclined to think the firing a political one to curry favor with the snidely and dispicable NCAA.

In the meantime, I still support Coach Davis, and am ashamed at the move by Thorp.  I suspect there was pressure from the NCAA for a live sacrifice.  And I believe that possibility a lot more than I believe in his stated perception of some ubiquitously harmed thought.

In other words? Bullshit, Thorp.

12NOON UPDATE:  After hearing Thorp talk out of the side of his mouth during that press conference, I say Double Bullshit.

Either there are infractions directly committed by Coach Davis that warrant his dismissal (and Thorp isn't making public), or... There is pressure coming from the newly sworn Board of Trustees, or... There is pressure from the NCAA.

My impression of Thorp is that he should have grown a backbone, or he's the one who should be out of a job.  He has the nerve to say that these actions actually help the University move beyond the scandal?  No sir. If anything, those actions exacerbate and prolong the feelings of inept leadership in Chapel Hill.  They circumvent any concept of due process.  They harm the reputation of the University.  They effectively neuter the confidence of this year's team, not to mention the fragile psyches of recruits.  And they make finding a new coach that much harder.  Way to go, asshat.

Black day.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Great

I just wonder if the folks making this claim have ever been to Austin.  Or, if Austin was made aware of the competition...

Saturday, May 21, 2011

All Points Bulletin

Drankin likker can make a sumbitch's face grow crooked.  Don't believe me?  Check out this guy...



Daniel Boone was a surveyor and explorer.  Betcha didn't know that.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

If You Liked Ronald Reagan

I think you'll like this guy, too.

Meet Herman Cain...


The founder of Godfather's Pizza (man, that was some good eatin'), wants to be President.  And I would love to see it happen.

Check out his Presidential Exploratory Committee website, and let me know what you think.

Monday, May 16, 2011

On The Road

Places to go (or come from).  People to see.  Things to do...




Almost Heaven...




Saturday, April 16, 2011

First Impression

As I've written here before, I'm a movie fanatic on a long, self-imposed exile from the cinema.  The quality of the experience when I quit going to see those first runs on the big screen had gotten to be too little gained for too much spent.  I've purchased hundreds of DVDs in the time between, but stuck to my boycott without regret.  But just now, the film we've all waited for longer than my lifetime has come into existence.  And I'm here to report on whether it was worth breaking the strike.

I fetched up Freckles and her first-born yesterday, and we all went to the picture show.  We rode an hour and a half, and had to dodge some Interstate highway gum-ups, incorporated a stop at Bass Pro (since I was to be right there at it, there was a fish net needed getting), had a fine meal, and settled in to see Atlas Shrugged.

I'll try to spoil as little as possible, but can say I was satisfied with how the movie-makers adapted a 54-year-old story to show to a 2011 audience.  And I think I'll see it at least once more before giving a full-fledged review.  There were elements that I immediately felt could have been a fraction better (a bit of the dialog seems hurriedly delivered, a little subtlety would do wonders), and I'd like to have seen an hour's worth of enhanced character development (not that everyone else would, of course).  But by and large, it was an excellent first installment of the 3-part series.

My two accomplices had not read the book, but were anxious for Part II.  And judging from the lively discussion we had on the long ride home, they caught on well to Mrs. Rand's themes, drawing parallel after parallel with their modern world.  And when it's all said and done, it is not for ourselves, those of us who've read Atlas, that we hope this film appeals, but that it does so to those who don't yet know the whole story and its importance.

If you only know Ayn Rand rhetorically, or if you read Anthem and/or The Fountainhead (or saw that movie) and couldn't make yourself endure the magnum opus, or if you tried to read Atlas and gave up for whatever reason, you should see the film.  Those of us who did enjoy the book and have yearned for the movie, were given a treat, and should certainly consider seeing it a couple times.  An 8PM screening, and no younguns kicking my seatback, and no other distractions.  All-in-all, a very enjoyable movie-going experience.  Can't wait for Part II.

It is worth noting that 1 week ago, there wasn't a theatre listed to be showing Atlas anywhere in North Carolina.  That's changed due in large part to fans demanding that it be shown.  Go here to find your nearest screen, or to demand that it be shown in your area.  It was worth it to me to drive that far, and it's certainly worth your speaking up to get it shown.

Again, it's not just for you.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Better.

Well, I said that I'd try to do better.  How about a few observations from the world of sports?

ITEM NO. 1
Great news out of Chapel Hill, the big guys are sticking around.  I read where someone was touting the potential continued successes of those mid-major schools (Butler,et al), due to the presumed continued trend of "one-and-done" players in the marquee programs, but not so with Zeller and Henson.  I predict Barnes stays, too.

ITEM NO. 2
What's more pathetic (for a sports fan) than having your biggest/closest news resource be of the McClatchey syndication?  Answer: nothing.  Because they're more intent on social engineering, the Charlotte Observer's sports staff keeps pretending that Cam Newton is a viable choice as the #1 overall draft pick.  See, it's their job to establish public palatibility for a black quarterback, not maintain objective reportage.

Hey kids, I've got nothing against Cam Newton, and don't care what the heritage of my team's QB is (remember that I'm a big Armanti Edwards fan).  Okay, maybe I don't quite believe his insulation from the whole pay-to-play scheme for which his father took all the heat, but I'm just not sold on his talent.  In fact, I don't think he'd be less of a project than Jimmy Clausen.  I still prefer his teammate Nick Fairley at the top spot, and as a fillable need for the Panthers, and I'd take Cam Newton...just not as the numero uno.  The only way I'd take Newton is if there's a team out there (there isn't) that would package their first and second round picks for him alone.  Or if Cincy will give up Carson Palmer?

ITEM NO. 3
The biggest crybabies in the ACC are up to their same old shite.  Again.  They fired their perfect symbol of mediocrity (Cindy "Butterball" Lowe) down at NoClassStateU, and before the new guy even gets to show how mediocre he can become in such a bile-filled environment their idiot Athletic Director starts throwing mud at...wait for it...the University of Maryland's Head Coach, Gary Williams, for sabotaging their coaching search.  Allrighty then Debbie Yow, you've got a bug up your ass about Gary Williams.  But seriously, imagine you're Mark Gottfried.  He's sitting there, getting ready to go to work for the Wusspack and his AD is telling folks that they'd have gotten who they wanted were it not for Maryland's head coach sabotaging their efforts.  How's that for a vote of confidence?

ITEM NO. 4
As usual, I'll be rooting for Freddie to take another green jacket.  I hope Woods putts it in the water (again), and misses the cut.  I hope Hootie Johnson sneaks up on Rickie Fowler and bitch slaps his hat around straight.  I hope Kelly Tilghman suffers a terrible allergic reaction to azaleas, and leaves Augusta...never to return.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

SLR

How many things (that you can enjoy in public) are better than this?

Monday, January 17, 2011

Rally. Really? No, Raleigh.

From the flyer linked below,
It has been over 110 years since the Republicans have controlled both Houses of the (NC) General Assembly, and we should celebrate this achievement.
I'd add perhaps, celebrate this achievement as a product of Tea Party patriotism, not to be confused with blind allegiance to the "R" party.  But yeah, this is a great idea.  And I hope to lend my support in person.  Wednesday January 26, 11AM-1PM, Raleigh.

You can download and print this flyer, and post it around your town.  See you there, fellow Patriots!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Release Date For Atlas Shrugged

I'd been checking regularly on IMDB.com for updated information regarding the release date for Atlas Shrugged, the movie.  For a while, they had January 1 as the release date, but I was pretty sure that wasn't right.  And then, at first, I thought it was a joke when I read April 15 was to be the date.  So, I did some googling, and yep...that's it.

Perfect.  Tax day.  Tax revolt, day?



You can bet that my schedule is blocked out for this.

I once swore off theatre movie-going, after a final straw type experience.  The last movie I've seen in a theatre was U-571.  In front of me sat two "men" holding hands, and in back of me (in spite of the fact I'd opted for the late show, specifically to avoid younguns), were a woman and her two pre-teen, seat-kicking boys.  My seat.  I believe the ticket was about 7 bucks, too, which is $6.75 more than the actual film was worth, just on its own merit.  All in all, a rather souring experience.

That was, what, 12-14 years ago?  I believe I've held out admirably.  And until I was too poor to justify it, I satisfied my love for movies building a fairly impressive DVD collection.

What a great way to end the streak.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Currahee!

Rest in Peace, Major Winters

Major Richard "Dick" Winters, whose Easy Company (506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne during WWII) was the subject of the HBO miniseries Band Of Brothers, passed away last week.  Always diverting glory from himself to his men, Dick Winters was a genuine hero.

Pennlive.com has a warm and fitting tribute to the man.

People who knew Winters during and after the war said he is exactly what he appears to be. He could lead without ever raising his voice or swearing. His friend Bob Hoffman, a Lebanon architect, said Winters’ eyes could “burn a hole right through you.”

The men who served under him and people who only met him later in life call him a hero, no matter what he says.

According to the book, one wounded member of Easy Company wrote Winters from a hospital bed in 1945, “I would follow you into hell.”

Saturday, January 8, 2011

NC Blogroll, Update

Either something is amiss within Blogger, I'm not holding my mouth right, or universal planetary alignment is out of whack.  I've been trying to add a second blogroll, specifically to highlight NC bloggers, but keep stubbing my toe.

It ain't that I changed my mind, or forgot.  Technical difficulties and operator error, but I'll get 'er done if I hafta draw my pistol grab my computer adjustment hammer.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Signed It, Yet?

Don't you suppose that it's easier for them (your elected representatives) to ignore you if you fail to speak your mind?  Especially if/when they might be listening?

It's a great big stack of paper that someone said is healthcare reform legislation.  I have a bucketful of cowpies that I am calling healthcare reform.  Is either of the proclamations more believable than the other?  Have you read the "healthcare law"?  Has your Congressman or Senator?  Can he/she tell you where to find the "good" parts?



Sign the petition.  Force your representatives to vote on repeal.  Un-deem and un-pass, and be held accountable.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Right Minded In The Old North State

Look around me.  The Tar Heel State is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent in the blogosphere.  Some more prolific than others, some more widely-read than others.  But by and large, I have to say it's mighty impressive company hereabouts.  In fact, I'd like to advance the proposition that North Carolina has the finest collection of Right-thinking bloggers around.

Okay, raise your hand if you're a liberal blogger in North Carolina?  Didn't think so.

By contrast, consider this list of localish wordsmithery (in no particular order):


Sister Toldjah
What Bubba Knows He likes to refer to himself as an "Aggregator" rather than a blogger.  A rose by any name...
The Locker Room (The John Locke Foundation)
Hillbilly White Trash
No Feet Required
Red State Make sure to read Erickson's assessment of Reince Preibus' RNC Chair candidacy today.  I still contend that every voting member should pencil in the name Sarah Palin.
From The Barrel Of A Gun
Cold Fury
Katy's Conservative Corner
Silence Do Good Likes to quote Ben Franklin and Bubba.  'Nuff said.
Confederate Yankee
Jane Q. Public

Plus...

On Motivation & Chocolate Denise prefers reporting on chocolates and sweets to governmental malfeasance, but I have it on good authority that Ayn Rand's Dagny Taggart is her hero, and she favors Reese's Cups to all other confections.  That makes her right as rain in my book.

Very soon, I'll be collecting these into a special Nor' Cackolackian blogroll.

Happy 2011, y'all.  Esse Quam Videri...To Be Rather Than To Seem