One year ago

It was one year ago today that my family was struck with some tragedy. My niece's husband was killed when he was the victim of a hit and run. His body was found at the end of the street where they lived as he was walking home from a nearby restaurant/bar. He was celebrating after having just received a raise from work.

Here is an update on what has gone on over the last year:

The guy who did it plead guilty and the judge gave him the maximum sentence without time served. He's likely to see jail for around four years.

Every other week I've noticed the local news report of someone killed or injured due to a hit and run. I'm angered that the laws in my state and around the nation focus attention on what people do to themselves rather than on what people do to each other.

My niece has had ups and downs but I would summarize that this year has been difficult for her and she has not always adjusted well. She hides alot of sadness sometimes.

My grandniece is doing great and is a wonderful little girl. Her big challenges are a bit ahead of her yet.

Two days after it all happened I made a call out on my main website and this blog for people to help. She had a great deal of bills to pay and the young couple were only getting started in life. They were living with my sister to get on their feet financially and had some savings though not enough to cover immediate costs.

My niece began receiving checks, gifts, and notes of encouragement from all over the country and a few from other countries as far as New Zealand. Several thousand dollars rolled in because of your loving kindness. The bills did get paid and while the checks have been cashed I know she was strengthened by the cards and letters that she received.

Just about a month ago I was dealt with another blow as a guy I've known for about 11 years was killed in a freak accident that involved wheels from a tractor trailer coming off and crushing the side of the van where he was sitting. He left behind his wife and four month old daughter in a profoundly sad and similar situation. After hearing of this my niece wanted the address of the widow to pay forward a tiny bit of the incredible generosity you all extended to her.

I know this blog is a place for my stupid commentary, bunker ramblings, and political thoughts from a classical liberal perspective. I share odd facts, weird dreams, thoughts on holidays and use the word 'ass' to describe things. But when I took a minute to offer a chance to help I was overwhelmed by your response.

When I started this blog I only wanted to keep an active place to write everyday or as often as possible but I have received far more than I had bargained for. You all have my sincere thanks for visiting, reading and participating.

The Illegal Immigrants and the Original American Dream

Lots of talking about immigration this week. I've heard the following statement more than a few times in the last few days:

No one is suggesting we can deport 12 million people. We need to get them a legal status so they can pay taxes and be documented.

Wait a minute. Are you telling me that 12 million people came here from another country and were willing to cross the desert just to be able to work even without a social safety net?

I have an idea:

Instead of documenting illegal immigrants why not make the rest of us more like THEM? I'd like to be an undocumented American. Perhaps if I could become a Mexican citizen I could come here illegally and actually live the original American dream.

Think about that the next time your local politican goes on and on about building a wall to keep them out.

The wayward GOP

The recent reaction to Ron Paul's candidacy within the GOP has very shown very clearly that what Democrats have been saying about the party is quite true.

Since the 2nd debate the Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party started a petition to the RNC to have Ron Paul removed from future debates. The Chairman withdrew his petition because he had about 14 signatures all while a petition to keep Ron Paul in the debates had about 12,000 early this afternoon.

I really resist trying to make this blog about Ron Paul but you have to admit it's very telling. Ron is considered to be too 'out of step' with Republicans but in the current crowd I would imagine Barry Goldwater would be considered too out of mainstream.

My parents were Goldwater Republicans. They took me to their Republican club meetings when I was little and talking politics is like speaking a second language to me. I know what Republicans used to be.

For Republicans to support the top 3 candidates this is what Republicans must force themselves to believe:

Reducing the size of government is not important.

Abortion is suddenly a tricky subject.

The Federal Government holds the primary responsibility for
education.

As a nation, we have a moral obligation to force democracy on
other nations.

Osama Bin Laden hates us because we're free, except when we were helping him fight the Soviets...we were free then but he didn't realize it or something...not sure on this one.

Printing money and selling it off as reserve currency to China just to pay the bills of our overextended government is not only normal but a great idea.

Marriage between a man and a woman is constitutionally protected or at least should be.

The party has lost its way and to any of you that read this blog and call yourself a Republican you must really understand this. It's important now that you nominate someone who actually believes the principles you wish to support...win or lose.

Only in this way will the GOP build a base that will once again throw off the corrupt Country Club Rockefeller Republican types...just like Goldwater did in '64.

GOP Fun Fact: Not convinced that the Republican Party needs new blood? Since 1952 (with the exception of 1964) every Republican presidential ticket contained either a Nixon, Dole or Bush.

GOP Debate - Part 2

Wow! This one wasn't nearly as nice.

I love how the Democrats wouldn't go on Fox News because they thought it was biased while at the same time the Republicans went on MSNBC to have a debate moderated by a former democrat Speaker of the House chief of staff. That was fair and balanced I guess?

So in the so-called friendly confines of the Fox News Channel this debate got feisty. Hell, even Rudy got all over Ron Paul for suggesting that Al Qaeda attacked us because of our involvement in the Middle East. Funny, I remember Bin Laden saying exactly that...I guess Rudy think he's lying and the real reason he attacked us is because the former mayor of New York dressed in drag. Who knew?

Chris Wallace even told the candidates several times that they weren't answering the questions. I thought the questions were very pointed and forced the candidates to take real positions on what were mostly stupid subjects that don't really impact most Americans.

As usual, Ron Paul was the only one correct on the issue of Iraq...but I'm not fair and balanced.

My declared winner: Rudy

Best one-liner: Huckabee's comment on Congress spending money "like John Edwards at a beauty parlor."

Hippies

I grew up in a very small town. The year I was in first grade my town's population was well below 500 people. Normally people have the idea that I grew up as a backwater hillbilly and while that is true to some degree, the town near my home was not a hick town.

My town had more art galleries than taverns and was often frequented by hippies. It's like after Woodstock many hippies moved off-the-grid into my dumb town. They were always flashing the peace sign and trying to hitch a ride. My dad was always tolerant of them but scorned them privately under his breath.

I always rooted for the hippy. I think somewhere in my mind I always saw them as victims. As if checking out mentally meant that they were running from something terrible in their lives. As a child I could never wrap my head around it except to muster pity. Their lifestyle seemed free but I could never bring myself to consider them to be an enlightened bunch. As an adult I see them much the same way but I have a quiet admiration for them anyway.

I remember picking up a hippy several years ago. It was a gal who was, as she described it, heading to a clothes optional campground to worship the moon. She invited me along though I politely declined. I know many of you are thinking that this paragraph should've begun with "Dear Penthouse" but there's nothing particularly sexy about hippies or moon worship.

I know for me the movie Forrest Gump became a favorite because of my connection to hippies. Next time you see this movie look at it again from my view: A total moron exposes these people for what they truly are --dirty, shameful idealist simpletons. But...I still root for them anyway.

France - If only we were as sophisticated

Back in 2004 I remember listening on NPR (ugh, yes sometimes I do listen) how France was particularly irritated with us after our country reelected George W. Bush. I remember reading other articles about how their reaction was not only disappointment but also contempt for our collective stupidity. How were we so dumb to elect this man? I partially agree, but only to the point that in both cases his opponent was also an idiot.

In 2000 I voted for Harry Browne and in 2004 Michael Badnarik who I believed would've been far better choices however not perfect ones (at least in Badnarik's case). Some of you who voted for Kerry were VERY upset but limited your grief to merely savoring liberal political cartoons and talking around the water cooler about how dumb Bush was.

Now France has elected a new president and has for the short term rejected a Socialist leader. Their reaction was to be upset and then have some riots too. The country that presumes to lecture us about our lack of sophistication and dim-witted voting has shown they neither have the capability or capacity to take the election results and the peaceful transition of power with any grace. I think in this example my dear French friends, we have surpassed you in sophistication.

I'm not going any further on this and be seen as piling on France. Why we aren't good friends with this country is beyond me. They helped us in the American Revolution and we in turn helped them in both world wars. We should be friends and friends that trade freely.

I'm glad that the new president of France wants to be friends with us. I only hope we return the sentiment.

GOP Debate

This is a summary of most of the field:

Iran - Huge threat. Holy Cow! We gotta do something!

Iraq - The war was mismanaged but we're not against mismanaging it a little more in a different way.

Gay people - They can be fired for being gay...at least in Wisconsin.

Abortion Summary - I was pro-choice now I'm pro-life but I'm okay with the states making whatever decision they want to make even if I personally would make another choice because I'm against choice.

Evolution - Sure why not, but I still believe in God...but that won't impact my policy decisions unless it does.

Monetary Policy - (crickets)

Would you pardon Scooter Libby? - Who is this Scooter Libby you speak of?

What's the difference between a Shiite and a Sunni Muslim - Rudy nailed this question and impressed both people still watching at this point.

Ron Paul's summary - Against the war in Iraq, Iran is not really a threat, our bad foreign policy forces us into debt, our debt forces us into bad monetary policy, our bad monetary policy forces us to keep our poorest Americans poor. Also he said he would never interfere with habeas corpus to which most Americans probably mumbled, "What the hell did he say?" Ron needs to remember that he needs to dumb it down for the GOP audience; he's not speaking in front of the LP.

My overall thoughts - I liked this debate as much as I enjoyed the Democrat debate. The GOP debate was more civil. Also, calling it a debate isn't as accurate than calling it a style-points contest on a 10-way press conference. I rooted for Ron Paul but it was obvious to anyone watching that Rudy and Mitt probably did the best. Worst performance was Tommy Thompson though I will say that if the debate was a brawl...Tommy would've won hands down.

Anyone else have thoughts on what they saw or sound bites they heard later?

A song from the greatest generation

Listen, little lady, it's the order of the day,
Issued by the highest of authority;
Fellows in the service simply can't be turned away,
You know that defense must get priority.
So, if you're patriotic'lly inclined,
Heed the call to arms, and keep this thought in mind:

You can't say, "No," to a soldier,
A sailor or a handsome marine;
No, you can't say, "No," if he wants to dance,
If he's gonna fight, he's got a right to romance;
So, get out your lipstick and powder,
Be beautiful and dutiful, too.
If he's not your type, then it's still o-kay,
You can always kiss him in a sisterly way;
Oh, you can't say, "No," No, you gotta give in,
If you want him to win for you.

You can't say, "No," to a soldier,
A sailor or a handsome marine;
No, you can't say, "No," if he wants to dance,
If he's gonna fight, he's got a right to romance;
So, get out your lipstick and powder,
Be beautiful and dutiful, too.
If he says it's cold on those submarines,
You can knit a sweater, but that's not what he means;
Oh, you can't say, "No," No, no, no, no, no, no;
No, they're not made of tin,
So, you better give in
If you want him to win for you.

My jaw dropped as I played this song (now on CD) in my car stereo. No wonder everyone tried to enlist in those days.

Monkeys flinging poo

Actually I wanted to title this post "Why our monetary system hurts the poor the most" but it wasn't nearly as exciting...but I'll try to work in monkeys flinging their excrement into this post anyway.

The Republican Party should be absolutely ashamed of their legacy since Bush has become elected. Even from the field of candidates looking to get into the White House I've not found much disgust from what has happened over the last eight years.

Our monetary policy is the worst part of this legacy and as a result it has hurt our poorest citizens the most. Bush will tell you that he helped the poor the most by reducing what was a 15% marginal taxation rate to 10% and has kept inflation under control. But there's a huge flaw to this logic.

The budget has bloated completely out of control so that spending (both discretionary and non-discretionary) has increased beyond that of the Clinton administration and rivals the pace of LBJ. This remains a fact while the Iraq War stays completely off budget as some sort of supplemental budget (like a new credit card you don't have to pay off for a few years)

While we're increasing monetary supply to help pay for these annual deficits, this new money ends up in the hands of banks and corporations first while its relative value is high. By the time it gets into the wallets and purses of citizens it now reflects the buying power of a fully devalued dollar. The statistic that inflation is kept under control does not reflect the buying power of the federal reserve currency that continues to drop and fails to compete internationally.

The government can do much more for the poor than to throw out more programs like monkeys flinging poo (I told you I'd get to it eventually). The federal government could reduce spending and reduce the need to overextend our monetary system. This would increase the buying power of poor individuals and make the small amount of money they possess go further. It would also help senior citizens who live off of pensions and social security. These people don't need more programs, they need a federal government who cares about the value of money they already possess.

The next president (Democrat or Republican) must be one who understands sound fiscal policies that protect our monetary supply. Selling off our Federal Reserve debt to China (our current method of financing our debt) is not a long term solution and one that will eventually threaten our national security far more than Mexicans crossing our southern border or insurgents in Baghdad.

Side note: I'm feeling better now as the antibiotics seemed to have found the problem in my lungs and solved it. Thank you for the many well-wishers. Let's hope for fewer medicated blog posts in the coming months and weeks.

Medicated Blog Post #6

This one won't ramble because I'm exceedingly tired. I'm on antibiotics right now fighting bronchitis and I have enough energy for only a single paragraph. The blood bank called the other night and wanted me to donate blood. I responded with, "my own blood?" After 2 seconds of silence she said, "uh...yes." Check back next week.

My run-in with a guy from the P-I

Today I went to the Puyallup Spring Fair. It's a springtime family even that is held about 50 miles south of where I live in a town called Puyallup (say PEW-AL-UP).

I came upon an exhibit for the Seattle P-I. If you've lived in this area the "P-I" is one of the two lame newspapers in this area more formally known as the Post-Intelligencer. It is owned by the Hearst Corporation. Though it's one of the northwest's oldest newspapers it hasn't been a viable newspaper since I was in elementary school. To explain it further they have a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) with the Seattle Times (the other lame paper in town) which enables them to stay in business. This JOA is basically code for "we'll keep your irrelevant publication alive and barely breathing by taking over everything except your editorial board." The editorial board of the P-I is so left-of-center that it makes the New York Times board look like Fox News.



I love belittling the P-I at every chance I get. So when the guy at the booth asked me if I took the paper I just had to have a little fun. I told him I didn't and I couldn't believe what he said next:

"Are you against knowledge? Do you like being mediocre and not knowing what's going on in the world?" I was stunned. This guy wanted a war of wits and I was in a mood.

I said, "I thought the P-I only printed a paper on Tuesdays."

"That's my point you don't know much about what's going on in your community; we're a daily newspaper." He continued his lecture about how much smarter he is.

I said, "I thought you guys were bought out by the Seattle Weekly." I admit this was a cheapshot and was clearly intended to make fun of him. In fact the Seattle Weekly is a tabloid style weekly that covers mostly local issues from a socio/political opinion journal style and has its last several pages devoted to escort service ads.

"Well, there you go again, spouting your ignorance." The guy shot back.

Finally I told him I was joking because he got a bit out of control. I told him I knew they were owned by Hearst and pretty much everything I just shared with you in the first paragraph. I didn't see the need to press him since he was obviously agitated but this didn't stop the guy from insulting me more.

"Not taking the paper is like accepting you don't want to know what's going on in the world and you just want to settle on being ignorant everyday. Why would you want to live like that?"

I told him that it was that type of arrogance which is leading people to find other types of information sources and the very reason why he probably won't have a job in the next couple of years.

This is probably where it went bad.

"Come say to my face that I won't have a job next year!" He stood up. He's about six foot and large...I'd guess his genealogy traces to the Pacific Islands...don't know for sure...probably ignorance from not reading the P-I but anyway. Anyway he's bigger than me but he wouldn't be the biggest guy I've Sunday-punched out of necessity.

So I said to him, "Lucky you work for the paper you can start scanning the want-ads now." He pretty much berated me for the next three minutes while I asked for his business card which he wouldn't give me. I sent a few more cheapshots his way and he continued to call me stupid for not taking the paper.

I know his first name and I could call the newspaper and make a complaint about the unprofessional behavior of their employee but to be honest what's the point? Only Grump and a handful of other Puget Sound area people actually read the P-I and his behavior, while unbelievably stupid, is predictable and normal among lefty Seattleites. I don't claim to be a victim here...in any way...I meant to mess with him but before I could even get started he started insulting me because I told him I didn't take a newspaper. I was surprised at the level this guy was willing to escalate rhetoric (not to mention trying to physically intimidate me) when his job is to convince people to take a dying newspaper. Believe me when they print their last edition (which won't be too far into the future) I'll buy it and use it as toilet paper.

So there you have it. Some guy at the Seattle P-I thinks I'm ignorant because their useless newspaper doesn't land on my front porch every morning. Yeah, I'm the ignorant one.

Alec Baldwin's rant

Alec Baldwin calls his 11 or 12 year old daughter (apparently he wasn't sure which in the voicemail) and lets her have it. Apparently he has been trying to setup times to talk and she turns off her phone. He is pretty angry in the voice mail and does do some name calling (which made me feel uneasy) but more importantly he says he's going to fly out to where she is for the day to "straighten her out" which didn't sound violent at all but rather and angry parent wanting to do some parenting.

I know that he'll take a lot of crap for this angry call which was never meant for public consumption (after all, none of us are at our best when we're angry at family) but I'm glad he cares enough to do some parenting with some passion. He's a wealthy, famous celebrity who is divorced from his wealthy, famous, and hot ex-wife and is pissed when his kid doesn't show common courtesy and it hurts his feelings.

You'll probably never hear me defend Alec Baldwin again but I hope in this "everything is public" electronic age that this angry voicemail gone public doesn't stop Hollywood-types from straightening out their kids every once in awhile. Kids are stupid and they need it.

Important Reminder for Ron Paul Supporters

I've received a few emails that have demonstrated some of the confusion related to Paul's candidacy. I saw an announcement on Ron Paul's website that echo this. I'll try to add some clarity.

If you wish to support Ron Paul in his campaign for president then YOU MUST DO THIS WITHIN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY. I know many of you Libertarians are not used to primaries but you must understand that Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination. This means you must support him now.

This may mean for some of you that you will need to vote in the Republican primary or (Like Me) attend a Republican caucus. This may mean finding out who the GOP presinct committee person is in your area and find out when or where your primary or caucus is. I know for myself attending a Republican caucus will not exactly be fun but I'm holding my nose and supporting the only candidate that supports liberty. So go be a lower-case L libertarian for an evening at your polling place or in the meeting place of your local caucus.

Ron has raised a great deal of money and has spoken in front of groups of hundreds at different campaign events in New Hampshire, Arizona and Iowa.

Personally I'm throwing my full support behind Ron Paul because he is far better than the current slate of candidates that are running on the LP ticket. My participation in the whole presidential contest will end when Ron Paul's candidacy ends. After that I'll probably write myself in.

Medicated Blog Post #5

I've never considered Imus shocking. He is sometimes provocative but he doesn't fall into the realm of shocking to me. Apparently the only thing that is fair game to make fun of are the sensibilities of evangelical Christians...mostly because the don't riot or sue.

Tree pollen sucks. I've got alder, birch, and some other tree behind my house just exploding pollen everywhere. I'm certain they're trying to kill me.

I was at a local store and I couldn't find the peanut butter. I eat peanut butter every morning. Turns out they keep it by the bread and jams. Makes sense as I look back on it.

Right now Grump is in Europe pissing off some gypsy. He'll come home with a curse...I'm sure of it. I hope it doesn't extend to me. This does remind me of a gypsy in France that I got on film while vacationing. I gave her some coins but in return she had to say, "I love America."

It's nice to see the different presidential candidates using Myspace like 14 year old girls. It's funny to see someone disclose that they're straight and looking to network with friends. It'd be funny to hack their profile and make Joe Biden bi-curious looking for love and more.

Canucks won game 1 of their playoff series with the Stars. I realize fully most of you don't care but the medicine compells me to inform you anyway.

I got my oil changed in my car...the attendant asked me if I wanted to use the same oil I used last time...I said, "No, I want new oil." He just looked at me with a blank stare.

I'm going to bed now.

Happy Easter

I'm not going to church as I'm allergic to lillies. Somehow people think they're festive. They make me as sick as can be.

To all of my Orthodox friends (both Roman, and Eastern) I wish a Happy Easter. To all the Evangelicals I know that visit this blog I wish a Happy Resurrection Sunday.

To the rest of you, enjoy Sunday.

-tracy

The Dumbass of Summer

In honor of opening day of baseball season I thought I'd share why Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame...when they make a hall of fame for complete dumbasses.

Many people believe that Pete Rose should be in the baseball Hall of Fame but I couldn't disagree more. I've been told by people that the Hall of Fame is about what you do on the field, not off since there were plenty of bad guys in the Hall of Fame. I agree with this statement but there's one problem:

He bet on baseball.

Why is this a big deal? It's the ONLY rule you can break and be kicked out of the game. Ever since the 1919 World Series which resulted in eight players being banned from the game (remember Shoeless Joe Jackson and the movie Field of Dreams?) it has been against the rules to bet on baseball. In fact, posted on EVERY major league baseball clubhouse is a sign that explains what will happen if you bet on baseball.

The reason betting on baseball is wrong is that if someone in the game gets behind on gambling debts they can be forgiven a debt if they throw a game and give the person they owe a big pay off. It's easier to throw a game than it is to have your legs broken. The important part of the rule isn't just the betting, IT'S PRESERVING A FEELING THAT FANS OF THE GAME CAN BELIEVE THE OUTCOME IS REAL.

Everyone who plays baseball in the big leagues knows that betting on baseball will get your ass thrown out. Allow me to put it in better perspective.

Evidence came out that Pete Rose bet on baseball because he had a gambling habit that was in excess of $10,000 a day. He was suspended and came before the commissioner of baseball. At the meeting he denied betting on baseball. At this same meeting they had a sealed envelope of evidence...they told Pete they would either open it up and let the press see it or keep it sealed and he could agree to being banned from baseball with a chance to appeal in one year. Amazingly Pete who said he NEVER bet on baseball took the ban. His appeals since have not been heard because everyone knows he's a liar.

Pete continued to deny that he bet on baseball up until a few years ago but now says that he bet for his team rather than against it. Do I believe him? Actually I do but it doesn't matter to me and here is why:

Pete Rose bet on baseball at a time when baseball wasn't doing so well. This was before the park renovations and the revived interest in the game. Many articles in national sports magazines were talking about the passing of America's pastime. So at a time when baseball as a game was not doing well, Pete bets on the game. The very game that gave Pete Rose wealth was being repaid by his betting. When this came to light those in charge had no choice but to throw him out to keep their game legitimate. The banning of Pete Rose from baseball and its Hall of Fame sends a message to every current player of the game. In return fans are enjoying a resurgence in the game's popularity because they believe that the outcome is probably real. (For the Seattle Mariners real = bad)

When they open up the Complete Dumbass Hall of Fame (it'll probably be in Oregon somewhere) then I will support Pete Rose's induction on the first ballot.

Pete Rose - The Dumbass of Summer.

A word about this week

My job has taken me off to an undisclosed location so obscure that even Dick Cheney has never been there. I will not return to a normal schedule until Friday so look for a post then.

Because baseball season is just around the corner, here are some subjects I'm toying with:

1. Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame....when they make a Hall of Fame for complete dumbasses.

2. Fenway Park is a joke and should be torn down.

3. Which Presidential Candidate is the equivalent of the Seattle Mariners.

We'll be blogging atcha later.

St. Patrick's Day (post #2)

Today I'm headed into the big city (Seattle) to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade. For dinner I'm having Corned Beef (I know it's not technically not Irish) and potatoes...washed down by a bottle of Smithwick's.

I think learning the right lessons from one's heritage is important. Every heritage is filled with things to celebrate and things to abhor and the Irish are no exception. My own family came to North America not because of poverty and famine but rather to embrace an opportunity to leave the strife caused by being Protestant Irish...just to live in Canada. To think living in Canada is an upgrade, you'd have to be pretty bad off.

The lessons I learn from being Irish are...know when you're on a sinking ship and go find a better opportunity...even if it's Canada.

Presidential Candidate Anagrams

...and their secret meanings:

Barak Hussein Obama - MARIHUANA AS KEBOBS (High times for Obama)

Bill Richardson - BRR CHILL DO A SIN (A cold man lacking moral authority)

Hillary Clinton - ONLY I CAN THRILL (Enlisted Grump's help on this one)

Albert Gore - BAR TREE LOG - (Tree hugger is against logging)

Joe Biden - I NEED JOB - (Enough said)

Ralph Nader - HARDER PLAN (...for America to swallow.)

Mitt Romney - OMIT MY RENT (for low cost housing)

Rudy Guliani - URINAL ID GUY (Makes the National ID card seem small)

Congressman Ron Paul - CALMER GUN ON ASS PORN (Typical libertarian soft on porn)

Senator John McCain - JOINS A MERCHANT CON (involved in corporate fraud?)

Dennis Kucinich - NUDE CHIC IN SINK (He has a kinky side)

Speaker Newt Gingrich - A CHEEKING TWERP GRINS (This one is almost good)

Tommy Thompson - THY MOM MOP SNOT (He insulted your mother!)

and finally...

Chuck Nagel - LAUGH CHECK (True enough)

Movies that have shaped my life

I've always loved movies. Living in a small town that had no movie theater my only exposure to movies was from school or television. I remember staying after school to watch Dumbo in the gym. I paid one dollar (in pennies) and sat quietly eating a bag of popcorn. My sister was seven years older than me and she usually recommended movies to me.

I've seen hundreds of movies but only a few can be responsible for shaping my life. These movies aren't necessarily my favorites...this is not a 'my favorite movies' post. If there are any that made an impact on you, I'd like to hear.

Animal House (1978)-

What I learned from Animal House is that pretty girls will pretend not to like you when they're with their friends but if you can get them away from their stuck up friends and add alcohol to the mix...you've got yourself a good time. Another message is that it is fun to take your creative energy and ruin parades. This is a must see film.

American Graffiti (1973)-

This is a Lucas film that didn't suck. It also is a groundbreaking film for several big stars...but you can read about that on any two-bit movie website. What this movie taught me is that staying out all night and driving fast cars was fun. The greater impact it made on me was learning about moving on in life and making adult decisions. This movie made me think about all the losers that had left high school only to hang around our small town amounting to nothing. Countless 19 and 20 year olds died in car accidents in the area I lived because they never grew up. This movie also set the stage for Happy Days which was one of my all-time favorite shows. (at least the first 3 seasons)

Bad News Bears (1976)-

This isn't a kids movie. If you want a safer kids version watch The Mighty Ducks. I'm not just saying that...the Mighty Ducks is the exact same movie except cleaned up a bit. I've seen the recent remake and I don't hate it but it lacks the 'this is so wrong' feeling of the original. My favorite part was the ending where after losing the championship the entire team of 10 year olds celebrates with beers. Once more after gaining the respect of their arch-rivals (who win the championship) the Bad News Bears tell them to stick the trophy up their asses. Go to some bargain bin of DVD's and get this one for 7 bucks. I did.

King Kong (1976)-

As a kid this movie had everything I wanted: Full-color action of a giant gorilla that lived on a mysterious island. As a teenager I liked it because it spoke to the part of every red-blooded boy that wondered what it would be like to have a young Jessica Lange in the palm of your hand. The movie by today's standards is almost unwatchable (as most 70's movies are) but the most important elements of this movie are still in play and Jessica was central to it all.


Shadowlands (1993)-

I must confess this would be in my favorites as well. I love this movie and I love the story. The movie has never ceased to bring a tear to my eye. I love the expressions of faith and love that linger through the movie and provide the backbone of hope in what is an inspiring though profoundly sad story. As someone who has helped a few people in my life deal with loss, I try not to hold myself back from investing myself emotionally to people in need.

All of these movies may equal the total story of my life thus far. A kid who drinks beer and plays on a terrible baseball team causing trouble only to be a teenager that causes trouble and drives fast cars then joins a zoo fraternity and flunks out of college...then uses his creative energy to ruin a parade...and later becomes a giant gorilla and uses pretty women as play things only to be transformed by gestures of love and faith. Yup, that's me in a nutshell.

Any movies impact any of you?