Madison Chronicles

Same-sex marriage

2006-08-27T13:04:00.000-06:00

On November 7th Wisconsin voters will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. According to an article written by Jim Slattery:

Same-sex marriage is already against the law in Wisconsin. State statute 765.001(2) clearly defines marriage as a union between a husband and wife. But the proposed constitutional amendment is much broader. Its second sentence also prohibits "a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals." So anything "substantially similar" to marriage would be banned or subject to legal challenge - things like civil unions, domestic partner benefits, health care benefits, pensions, hospital visitation and medical decision-making. These and more legal protections would be denied or seriously jeopardized for all unmarried couples - gay or straight.

What is the big deal people??? Fine. If you don't want to let gay people use the religious term of marriage to define their relationship, no problem. That's what the current law states. What is wrong with civil unions or domestic partner benefits? Are you saying a man who has been in a monogomous relationship for 35 years, who would have legally bound himself to his partner if he could, does not have the legal right to visit his loved one in the hospital? Does not have the legal right to authorize an organ donation to save other lives? Does not have the legal right to make decisions about the funeral? Only because he is gay? That is so completely rediculous. Gay people have been around for hundreds of years. Only recently have they been more open about their true feelings.

Some argue the acceptance of gay people into society hurts traditional family values. Umm... I think we straight people have done enough harm in that area. Look at the spolied rich kid who gets ignored by his parents because they are too busy with their own lives to notice their son is planning on going on a killing spree at school - I don't think gay people are behind that one. Look at the 16 year old who has to drop out of school to take care of his two younger sisters because his mother's a crack whore and his dad was never in the picture - I don't see the gay connection there either.

Nazi Rally

2006-08-27T12:37:00.000-06:00

The National Socialist Movement held a Nazi rally on the capitol steps Saturday. About 800 anti-nazi protestors showed up to protest the rally. One man came with his wife and 3 children explaining this was an opportunity to teach his kids about the 1st amendment and prejudice. Looking back I would have liked to have gone down to witness the days events. To see in person a group of people filled with so much hatred and ignorance. Many religions throughout the world practice, in my mind, doctrines of hate. Their God is the true God who loves only their followers. Anyone else does not matter and is viewed as less than human. So who is right? Whose God is the true God? Who will be saved and who will perish? The only certainty is this: we are all humans sharing this beautiful planet. No one group better or worse than another. Sometimes I wish there were aliens living on Mars. Only then do I think we would stand together as human beings and live in peace.

"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher regard those who think alike than those who think differently."--Nietzsche

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."--Mother Teresa

In the beginning...

2006-08-24T16:31:00.000-06:00

So I have been meaning to post this topic for quite some time now. Let me know what you think...

When does life begin?

Your answer may very well define your views on contraception, stem cell research and abortion so decide wisely...

Many people view the joining of one egg and one sperm as the beginning of human life. Their belief is that the destiny of this embryo is to divide, grow and become a living, breathing human being. What many people don't realize is that the destiny of any zygote (a fertilized egg) is to become nothing - to simply dissolve and disappear. Only in very rare and perfect circumstances can a zygote develop into a human being. If that's your current belief then perhaps you need to take one more step backwards. If you truely believe that the begninning of human life starts when an egg becomes fertilized because of destiny then wouldn't the same hold true for a separate egg and sperm? Should a man and woman decide to "procreate" isn't it destiny that their individual haploid cells meet? Many people choose to believe this line of reasoning and therefore view the use of contraceptives as destroying human life. I'm totally down with this line of reasoning. What I'm not so understanding of are people who have decided human life begins when an egg and sperm join and view the morning after pill or first trimester abortion as murder, while they themselves have used contraceptives. Huh? Isn't that being a little hypocritical? Are you still with me?

Personally I believe that human life begins at the beginning of the second trimester. After this point the developing embryo's destiny is to continue growing into a human. It has all the human parts (organs, limbs, etc) it just needs to become a little more self-sufficient.

Anyway, that's my two cents. Make it a great Thursday!

Poor Pluto

2006-08-24T16:23:00.000-06:00

Well, after after decades of hanging out with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, my favorite planet (sorry, ex-planet) Pluto will have to start hanging out with Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Snow White will have her hands full with 10 dwarfs (the seven original plus Pluto, Xena and Ceres). What's a girl to do.

Badger basketball

2006-08-22T16:27:00.000-06:00

A few sports journalists have picked the Badgers to make it all the way to the final four this year. I agree they should be good (with 90% of their scorers and Alando Tucker returning) but will they be that good? Here's what I think - the badgers will finish 3rd in the big ten and make it to the sweet 16. If they finish any better I will be totally pumped rather than totally disappointed.

BB Update

2006-08-22T16:18:00.000-06:00

OK, I will be so happy to see James leave the house this week. His constant whining and pouting is so annoying. Can chill town be trusted or will chicken george leave? This will undoubtedly be their biggest test of trustworthiness to date. I can't wait patiently enough for thursday!!!

Big Brother

2006-08-18T10:48:00.000-06:00

I was so happy to see that CG put up Erika and James for eviction. Unfortunately James won the POV. I am so sick of his whining. One minute he is saying how Janelle has to go but the next minute he is hurt that she and Howie didn't give him a hug after he was nominated. He is such a complete jerk and has a major anger management problem. Somebody please remind me why I watch this show...

Funny work story of the day...

2006-08-17T17:21:00.000-06:00

I began seeing a new kid at work and I was warned by everyone that he bites, kicks and hits if made to do anything - great. The child is almost three. The first visit goes exceptionally well. He finishes all of his activities with little re-direction. He helps clean up. And never once did he get frustrated or out of control. Even mom comments on how well he behaved. Visit number two goes without any tantrums either. At this point I'm thinking I have a super natural gift for keeping wild children under control - I rock. Unfortunately visit number three does not go as well. Within the first 10 minutes of my being at the family's home I was kicked 10 times, scratched twice, hit 5 times, pinched 3 times and almost punched in the face (good thing he is just a kid and has short arms). Unless I physically restrained the kid or make him sit in a chair (which defeats the purpose of my being there) he ran down the hallway and climbed under the bed with the cat. Let's hope next week is a little better.

Why is this still an issue?

2006-08-17T17:10:00.000-06:00

Why is it so hard to understand the whole warrantless wire-tap issue? The righties want you to believe it's a matter of national security - which it is. The lefties want you to think it's a matter of your right to privacy - which it is. Here is the current law: if the administration deems it necessary to put a tap on your phone it is within their legal right to do so - even without a warrant. The catch... they have 72 hours to get a warrant to make it stay legal. My question then is - what's the big deal?!?! Get the stupid warrant after the fact if placing the tap is so urgent. Even Colin Powell (my third favorite republican after joey and stegall) agrees stating "[there is] absolutely nothing wrong with the president authorizing these kinds of actions to protect the nation. My own judgment is that it didn’t seem to me, anyway, that it would have been that hard to go get the warrants. And even in the case of an emergency, you go and do it.” End of story.

Restaurant Review: Serendipity

2006-08-14T20:42:00.000-06:00

We finally made it to "Serendipity". The head chef broke off from Restaurant Magnus (my favorite) and relocated to Cambridge. The cuisine is classifed as "french fusion". I had the salmon baked in phyto dough and served over a bed of vegetables with creme fraiche sauce and walnuts. The vegetables and sauce were amazing. The creme fraiche had a hint of lemon. This, combined with the carmelized walnuts was incredible. Also, the vegetables ( a mix of summer squash, zuccini and green beans) were cooked to perfection. The phylo dough was light a flaky - very scrumptous. The only disappointment was the salmon. My one-inch thick piece was overcooked and a little on the mushy side. A total bummer considering the rest was super tasty. Thumbs up were given for the sirloin, mushroom crepes (minus the chewy mushrooms) and filet mignon salad. I sampled the chocolate souffle - oh my. They also had lavender creme brulee on the menu but I was too full to get it. Guess I'll have to go back!

The atmosphere was nice - a mix of old stone, brick and exposed beams. The red light in the stone basement tempted you to explore but we didn't want another blue moon incident.

After dinner we enjoyed cocktails out on the main street patio. The weather could not have been better. A blues/jazz band was playing though the members had to take a little break to replace an amp and reapply bug juice (on several occasions the guitarist and drummer had to slap away the bloodsucking mosquitos).

Overall a great time. The hostess Julia was very knowledgeable, inviting and fun. We'll definately go back - perhaps for breakfast.

Big Brother Update

2006-08-14T16:33:00.000-06:00

You might be asking yourself how I can go from writing about the middle east to Big Brother. The answer - I have no idea. If anyone can offer some insight I would really appreciate it. Anyway... Here is my 2-cents on the remaining players:
Dr. Delicious and Boogie (ie. chill town) - love em. They're evil and play everybody. At least they don't try to act self-righteous, unlike...
James - hate em. He's evil and plays everybody. The difference - he gets all mad and vindictive when the game doesn't go his way. What a cry baby. Please send him home now!
Janelle - Hmm... some days I like her, other days I'm not so sure. some days she seems to have a clue, other days I'm not so sure.
Howie - wow, where did this guy come from? let's tone it down a bit.
CG - love em. what more can you say.
Danievil - takes the whole thing way too seriously.
Erika - what's up with her and boogie???
Marcellas - I initially liked him but have you ever noticed they only show him lounging in his robe. He can't win anything and has been reduced to an annoyance.

For the record - I was really sad to see Kaysar leave. He totally rocked.

So, the question for the day - how will Boogie use his power from the coup d' etat? Will he put up Janelle and Howie, or will my dreams come true and James goes up?

What's next?

2006-08-14T16:18:00.000-06:00

Where do I begin? It seems every day a new story or spin causes me to yell at my XM. Here's what caused a few choice words today... We all know that the US invaded Iraq due to the "imminent" threat of WMDs (at least that's what we were told. For the record I didn't believe them then either). After no WMDs were found we began focusing on how aweful SH was. Afterall he massacred his own people (then use that as your main point to begin with, not after the fact - I might have been more supportive). Now all focus has moved to Iran, Syria and of course Lebanon and Israel. The crazy notion I heard today was this: if the US had not invaded Iraq, Iran would have moved in, taken over their country and converted even more Iraqi's into American-hating extremists. What? Are you kidding me? Is this the excuse of the day? While I agree that Iran may have many reasons for wanting to have more of a foothold in Iraq, I can't imagine they would have taken over the entire country! Wow, where do people get this stuff?

I'm back!!!

2006-08-14T16:16:00.000-06:00

OK, too much has gone on in the world the last few months for me to keep silent. Gas prices, the middle east conflict, big brother, halloween, king street... How can one person thik about so many different things? I don't know but I need to vent and this is the perfect place!

Unity '08

2006-06-01T07:18:00.000-06:00

This is almost as good as my "Purple Party". I would love to see a presidential ticket with both a republican and a democrat (which would not be the first time in history). For a while now I've been pushing for a Powell-Feingold ticket. What do you think Dave S.? Perhaps you and I can run, only I'll be the president.

Madison Mallards

2006-06-01T07:11:00.000-06:00

Today is opening day for the Mallards! I went to 3 or 4 games last year and they were a blast. The between-inning contests were hilarious as were the beef stick chants (a guy from chicago bought our entire bleacher section beef sticks - does anybody eat them?). We also visited the Great Dane duck blind which was a fun way to watch a game. I'm hoping to get to a handful of games this year - perhaps even talk my way into announcing an inning or two. We'll see. Check out their website for more details!

Quack, quack!

Work Stories

2006-06-01T06:56:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be kind of fun to share some of my work adventures with you periodically. When you travel to people's homes to provide therapy there is never a dull moment...
A few years ago I arrived at a family's home and had to park down the street because there were no spots closer to their house. It was around 2pm. I got my bag of toys out of my car, locked it up and proceeded to their house. As I was walking I noticed a white van with a bunch of people inside (did I mention this was one of the worst neighborhoods in the city?). I interlocked my keys in my fingers as I walked by. A gentleman (I use the term very loosely) got out of the van and asked what I had in my bag. With a smile on my face (so as to not show fear) I explained they were toys. He asked "sex toys" and I said (with a nervous laugh) "oh, no... They're for the kids next door". To which he replied "oh, well next time you come and have some sex toys, just knock on the van". I had no response to this and just kept walking. Don't worry, I never really felt threatened, just a little creeped out.

Are you kidding me?

2006-06-01T06:53:00.000-06:00

I can't believe these pedophiles have sued the city of Indianapolis to have access to public parks and pools where children hang out. Their argument is "that the law is unconstitutionally vague, violates their rights to vote and attend church, and prevents them from freely traveling on roads that may pass within 1,000 feet of the affected sites". Too bad.

Is anyone else getting sick of this?

2006-05-23T05:58:00.000-06:00

Of course the big story in the news lately is immigration reform. I've commented on this previously and still believe the key to limiting the number of illegal immigrants has two parts:
1) Improve conditions in their own country so they want to stay
2) Enforce the laws of the United States
I know it's been a while since Bush's address on this topic, but does anyone remember his description of a new state-of-the-art ID system for "guest workers"? He basically stated the reason so many illegal immigrants are working in our country is due to the fact that employers have no way of knowing their documents are forged. What a bunch of poopie-caca. Excuse me Mr. President but what about the hundreds of companies that knowlingly employ illegal immigrants because they'll work for less? You didn't really address that issue.

Here are a few more sore spots when it comes to immigration reform
1) Vicente Fox has no right to criticize our country's immigration policy or to try to influence it
2) Some members of congress are proposing illegal immigrants pay 3/5 years of back taxes. Can I do that?
3) In order to forge certain documents the identities of thousands of americans were stolen. In one instance a woman's social security number was used by 27 illegal immigrants. Identity theft is a felony and those who participate in it should be held accountable - not given amnesty.
4) English as the "National" or "Unifying" language? I think this is unecessary banter that distracts lawmakers from the real issues. Most people agree that to receive an education, to understand the government and it's laws, and to be an effective member of society it is important to learn english. Nuff sed.

Amen sister!

2006-05-23T05:48:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else feel a little bit uneasy when GW starts spouting religious rhetoric during his policy speeches? Check out Madeleine Albright's comments. He is entitled to his beliefs but please MR. President - keep it private (or at least not in the spotlight). His religious absolutism, cowboy demeanor and with-us-or-against-us mentality further alienates those who do not share his beliefs. I would like to believe in my president and stand behind him but these tactics make it really hard to do so.

24 update

2006-05-23T05:26:00.000-06:00

Oh wow! I realized once the first commercial arrived 20 minutes into the show and I was feeling a little light headed that I hadn't taken a breath since. Another 20-30 minutes later I again was feeling light headed and sick to my stomach. Not because I had been holding my breath (actually the events leading up to the second hour were a little slow) but because Martha had sex with that jerk. How disgusting. Just thinking about it makes me sick. I knew Jack wouldn't put a bullet through Logan's head but I was hoping he would at least punch him. At least Martha got her revenge as the US marshal and secret service escorted Logan from the air field - the look on her face (and Mike's) was great!

OK, didn't Jack watch any of the Scary Movies? As soon as he got the message that a call from his daughter was patched through to the inside line and told Audrey he would "be right back" I knew he was in big trouble. And I knew it would be the Chinese. I was yelling at the tv, begging Jack not to go in there (just like the movies) but he didn't listen. Now he is on some ship with his face bashed in. What do you think the Chinese government will do with Jack? I can't wait to find out...

24 update

2006-05-17T05:46:00.000-06:00

No really big surprises Monday night. Here's the recap the way I saw it:
1. Jack wasn't supposed to punch out the security officer, he was supposed to punch out Miles.
2. Are you kidding me with the sissy slap Karen gave Miles? Punch him out!!!
3. Agent Pierce rocks! He called Logan a traitor and disgrace to the office.
4. Oh oh. Now Bierko has control of a nuclear sub. Yikes.
What will happen in the season finale? Can Novak be trusted by Pierce and Martha - I think so. Will Palmer's brother ever reappear - I doubt it. Will the Secretary of Defense be able to help bring down Logan? Previews show Jack face to face with Logan - I can't wait to see what Jack does to that slimy little worm.

Too sad

2006-05-12T07:02:00.000-06:00

I work with children of all abilities including children with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, various genetic disorders and general delays. Regardless of the child's physical or mental limitations everyone has a light inside them that wants to shine - all they need is a little extra help to realize their potential. The story of neglect in Romania again made me sick to my stomach because many of the kids I treat could have ended up in these institutions. What do my kids want to be when they grow up? Even the children with the most severe disabilities? A girl with severe cerebral palsy wants to be a bus drivier even though I think she should be a lawyer given the way she debates. A boy with spinal muscular atrophy is quite the comedian and wants to be a movie director/producer. Finally, a 5 year-old boy with Joubert Syndrome who cannot see, talk or walk is a musician and loves to play the piano.

The New Cold War

2006-05-12T06:46:00.000-06:00

This is just great. Don't get me wrong. I love my country and what it stands for, but I am really getting fed up with our power hungry leaders. They negotiate under the guise of diplomacy but in the end of the day it's the US way or the highway.

Alias update

2006-05-11T06:14:00.000-06:00

OK, the fight seen between Vaughn and Sydney was a little bizarre. Part of me felt like Michael Vartan was getting revenge on Jennifer Gardner for essentially getting him booted off the show. I don't know, it was weird. And then to see Sydney Espinoza with a bullet through her head... I was sort of hoping to see the ultimate fight between the two Sydney's. Doesn't the Rambaldi prophecy include Sydney killing a form of herself? Before they thought it would come down to a fight between Sydney and Nadia. Last night it came down to Sydney and herself...

Speaking of Nadia... if you wanted to keep her on the show I would have preferred she stay alive rather than haunt Sloane. Nice throat gash though.

Poor Rachel wants to go to the movies and confesses to Tom her frustration about being duped by two men. Did anyone else think he smirked just a little bit knowing he was the third to dupe her?

When it's all over who will be alive and who will be dead?
Alive: Vaughn, Marshal, Jack, Rachel, Marcus, Sark
Dead: Arvin, Irina, Tom and ... Sydney?

FYI

2006-05-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Many people thought these foster parents were "picture perfect". Just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover. One more thought... the foster dad said he "snapped". But after just one hit wouldn't you realize you crossed the line and feel just awful rather than continue to beat two children - one to death and the other one nearly to death? Completely inexcusable.

Disgusting

2006-05-08T20:30:00.000-06:00

As many of you know I provide physical therapy services for children in their home. I have treated a small number of children who were placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect and their situations were so sad. I think (at least I hope) that most foster parents are patient and loving individuals. Unfortunately I have witnessed a few very unfit foster parents who seemed to take in children just for the money. One case that made me feel absolutely sick to my stomach involved two brothers whose dad beat them and whose mom was in jail. The foster parents had 9 other foster children and their home was so disgusting, dirty and miserable I thought it hard to imagine this was better than their real home. One of the little boys asked me if I had a dad. I told him I did. He later asked what my dad's name was so I told him. As I was leaving he begged me to stay and play a little while longer. When I told him I had to go visit some other children he told me he would miss me. The foster dad yelled at him for "bothering" me and told him to go to his room. I thought I was going to get sick on the way to my car. Another child I evaluated had received two broken bones in one leg and several broken ribs because his father pushed him down the stairs. He was 18 months old. Fortunately my job has many more positives than negatives, but the story out of Dodge County reminded me of how disgusting some people can be. No child deserves the kind of life that was forced upon these kids. All of this reminds me of my solution to end childhood abuse and poverty, but I'll save that for another post...

24 update

2006-05-08T20:08:00.000-06:00

What the f#%k?!? Why did Hayes talk to Miles? I thought he was possibly in on the conspiracy but what he did was even suckier. I totally want to punch him more now than ever. I knew things wouldn't be rosy just because Jack made it back to CTU. To make matters worse Jack didn't play the recording for anyone else. Hello... don't you think it would have behooved him to play the recording for Hayes, Buchanan and anyone else? Now it's his word against the President. At least Novak is onto something and I'm glad Pierce is still alive. I was kind of worried about him. I can't decide if it would be better for him to punch out the President or for Martha to do it. To think I almost felt sorry for the guy - what's wrong with me? I definitely can't wait for Chloe to punch out Miles. Only 3 more hours to go...

I Love Wisconsin!

2006-05-08T17:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first stop of the Greater Madison Hacker's Tour this past weekend. The weather couldn't have been better and great times were had by all! Our foursome was seemingly off to a very bad start when all four of us hit our tee shots into water. We played drop shots off of my errant drive and the next few shots weren't much better. As we approached the first green we came upon Nate's initial drive that somehow managed to make it through two tree trunks and must have skipped across the water to land about 15-20 yards from the green. I think that fortunate turn of events saved us at least 10 points as we were able to make birdie, par and 2 bogies! Way to go team! You can't help but love those water skippers - right Renee?! I'm bummed we didn't win the bobbleheads, but I think that first hole more than made up for it! Congratulations to Pat and his crew for taking first place!

Thanks also to those who ventured to Sun Prairie for Joe's housewarming. It too was a blast and despite feeling so tired after golfing a few of us managed to stay up until 3:30 playing cards (yah, thanks Justus!).

Need help with those dairyland words?

2006-04-27T06:25:00.000-06:00

I couldn't help but link you to this story on CNN's home page. Too funny! If you need help just ask Miss Pronouncer!

That's more like it!

2006-04-27T06:19:00.000-06:00

I was a little worried at the beginning of Alias last night when the super secret babysitters came to baby-proof Sydney's house - are you kidding me? But things drastically improved with the return of Will Tippin - how funny was he last night? The episode was reminiscent of Alias in it's prime with great choreography and witty dialogue. I loved it and actually can't wait until next week's episode!

24

2006-04-24T20:23:00.000-06:00

Oh my! I can't believe Heller drove his car off the cliff!?! Do you think he's really dead? Go figure the co-conspirator working with the president is that slimy ER doctor Romano who got his arm blown off a few years ago. I didn't like him on ER either. I am disappointed Martha didn't punch out President Logan though her words probably stung much worse than any punch. Speaking of words... 24 is obviously not known for it's comical element but did anybody else chuckle when Mike was talking with Karen towards the end of the show and said something like "nothing I can say with any authority... All I can say is it's been a strange night". You can say that again. The look on his face was classic.

What happened to Wayne? I thought he went with Buchanan after the bank incident? Perhaps he's getting some well deserved shut-eye. Have you noticed that nobody on this show eats, sleeps or goes to the bathroom. It's been 18 hours!!!

How do you decide?

2006-04-24T17:42:00.000-06:00

I love my birthday gift - an XM satellite radio. I get so many stations and have 30 favorites. The newest, flight 26, plays alternative hits from the 90's and today including wheezer, U2, Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Jet, Train, Pearl Jam, Cold Play... You name it, they play it. Other favorites include Lucy, Ethel, U-pop, Mix, XM Cafe and Fred. I occasionally listen to the classic jazz stations, opera and classical music depending on my mood. During my morning and afternoon rides I listen to talk radio including Fox news, CNN, america right, america left, XMPublic, BBC radio and MSNBC. I get incredibly frustrated at Fox News and CNN. At least america right and america left are open and up front about their political biases but Fox and CNN lean just a little bit to the right and left, respectively, and it drives me crazy. Doesn't anybody report just the news anymore??? I have to admit my favorite tv news show is the News Hour with Jim Leher (6pm on PBS). The news is reported and when controversial topics are presented they almost always have representatives from both sides of the debate - what a novel idea!!! Granted I don't have a lot of choices when it comes to tv news ( I am one of only a handful of Americans without cable tv), but if I did have over 100 channels to choose from I am pretty sure I would still choose to watch the News Hour.

Don't Forget

2006-04-21T07:11:00.000-06:00

Though it hasn't received a lot of news coverage lately the Darfur region continues to suffer as 180,000 people are thought to have died at the hands of the Sudanese government and pro-government Arab militias. Millions more have fled their homes or are in desperate need
of food and medical assistance.

What do you think?

2006-04-21T07:02:00.000-06:00

In my opinion men and women who commit crimes against children are the worst kind of criminals. They have ruined the dreams, aspirations and trust of an innocent and helpless child. South Carolina is seeking "the death penalty for sex offenders convicted a second time of raping children younger than 11. Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a similar bill". I am not in favor of the death penaltly in most circumstances but when it comes to crimes against children I get so angry. Many studies have shown that pedophiles can never be rehabilitated so rather than risk the life of another innocent child why not lock them up forever?

Totally Disappointed

2006-04-20T06:03:00.000-06:00

Did you watch Alias last night? Were you as disappointed as I was? What happened to the Alias of old where the opening lasted 15 minutes and was full of action, drama, suspense, cool gadgets and wonderfully choreographed fight scenes? Oh that's right, Sydney can't do all of that because she is having a baby. To make matters worse I don't think of that baby as Vaughn's, I think of it as Ben's. And this reminds me that Jennifer's personal life totally ruined one of my favorite shows. I still like Jennifer Garner but I loved Alias (with the exception of this season).

What was with all the hodge-podge last night? Can you tell they're trying to wrap this thing up in 5 weeks? One second they're on a ship in the Atlantic. The next they're in LA and then in Paris. What the...

Oh hi mom. Never mind you've tried to have me killed and tortured repeatedly. I still love you in a dark twisted way and want to thank you for delivering my baby. p.s. did I tell you the father of my baby is now a monk or something living in Bhutan?

Yikes... Guess we'll have to wait and see how it all turns out.

24 update

2006-04-18T06:27:00.000-06:00

Ask and ye shall receive... It turns out Mike Novick was busy doing "other stuff". I can't believe Audrey's dad knocked out Jack. Nobody knocks out Jack.
People I want to knock out:
1. that stupid red-haired girl who busted Chloe
2. President Logan - I can't even stand looking at him. I also got sick of him using his "don't question me I'm the president" line. I really wanted to knock him out.
3. Miles - he is a bigger a** kisser than the goonies kid. At least the goonies kid redeemed himself by sacrificing his own life for those left in CTU.

What do you think:
1. I agree with Heller that the matter should be dealt with behind closed doors (asking the president to step down). However they needed a much better plan, and why lock up Jack and Audrey?
2. I'm glad Jack saved Audrey - would you have let her die to save the recording?
3. Is Aaron Pierce dead? Who killed him?
4. It's good to see Bill Buchanan again - I hope he knocks out Karen.
5. When Martha finds out what the President has been up to she is totally going to knock him out.

I love this show!

Not bad for my first time

2006-04-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

Joe and I dusted off the cobwebs and hit Door Creek Golf Course today. The weather could not have been better - 75 and sunny. After a few minor adjustments my driver was bettern than it's ever been. I hit the fairway 7/9 drives averaging ~175 yards? - I'll definately take that! I also worked out a few kinks in my fairway game to help give more loft to the ball. Unfortunately my putting game left a little to be desired. Today's lesson: the more you aim the worse you do, therefore do not aim. A three put from ~4 feet isn't very good but if Freddy Couples can do it then... (don't get me wrong, I love Freddy. He just happened to have a three put during the last round of the Master's). I have a new 100yd iron - the 8. Last year it was a 6 or 7 so I guess I've improved a little bit.

Golf rocks! Which is quite a change of opinion considering only a few years ago I thought they were a big waste of green space for old wealthy men. How times have changed! Today we saw golfers from all walks of life enjoying the day and the course. I love this game:)

We Love Golf!

2006-04-14T08:02:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to vist the official Hacker's Tour website. We'll keep you posted on dates, rules and points. The first event is the Amateur Tournament of Madison (ATOM) on May 6th at Bridge's Golf Course. As I'm writing this I'm sitting in my golf shoes, capris and new golf shirt looking outside and wondering when the "mostly to partly sunny" part of the day is going to start so I can get the cobwebs off the clubs. I'm not liking Charlie or Super Duper Bob right now.

I know it sounds crazy but...

2006-04-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

I don't think Zacarias Moussaoui should be sentenced to death. Why? Despite telling the jury he does not want to die, that "I want to fight", I think his death at the hands of the americans would make him a martyr in the eyes of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. Personally I would rather not give him the satisfaction. Instead, let him spend the rest of his life behind bars in a secure secret location.

24... I love this show!!!

2006-04-11T17:13:00.000-06:00

I saw a few episodes in previous years but really only started getting into 24 towards the end of last year. This show rocks!!! Every week I'm totally at the edge of my seat and nearly blown away with every twist and turn. I never did like President Logan - mostly for his slime factor. I should have known he was behind everything. I guess I didn't think he was smart enough. How awesome are Chloe and Audrey - I love them!!! Can James Heller - the Secretary of Defense - be trusted? I think so (If it was our SOD my answer would be vastly different). Will Chloe go to jail? No way...

Today in the news

2006-04-10T20:41:00.000-06:00

Check this out to learn about the US immigration policy. With immigration reform taking center stage in recent days I felt the need to express a few concerns:
1. I thought the supporters of amnesty, guest worker programs and open borders did a wonderful job in organizing such an impressive rally that spanned the country. Madison alone had over 9,000 protesters. It was also nice to see so many stars and strips - something desperately lacking in previous rallies. But my question is, if so many illegal immigrants, legislators and supporters can rally to protest our government then why can't the same be done in Mexico and other countries to demand better living conditions. Granted the Mexican government is thought to be closed and corrupt, but then why can't our government pressure their's to reform? Nothing will diminish their desire to come into our country legally or illegally until the situation in their country improves.
2. We are a country of immigrants so of course I am in favor of immigrants from all countries enjoying all that our country has to offer. Unfortunately there are many around the world who want to hurt us - whether or not we agree with our administration on it's foreign policy. They do not discriminate between civilians, lawmakers or military. That's kind of scary and as a result I feel we need to have more security at our borders. This means obtaining the legal documentation necessary to enter this country. If you want to increase the number of visas or worker permits so more people can enter our country fine, just have it documented. After this, if you choose to continue to enter our country illegally or hire workers without the proper documentation then you will face deportation and monetary fines (oh wait, that's what our current LAW calls for).
3. With regards to the illegal immigrants currently working and living in the United States? Well, I think this is much trickier. It would be impossible to deport 10+ million illegal immigrants so I would be in support of some sort of amnesty or guestworker program for individuals that have been in our country for 2+ years. Though how do you pick such a random time frame - I don't know. Regardless, once a timeframe is chosen then the law (deportation and monetary fines) has to be enforced, and companies especially have to be held as accountable as the illegal immigrants they are hiring.

Dawn's 10 seconds of fame

2006-04-10T20:11:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's true. My rantings after the hockey game were captured by nbc 15 news and apparently a few friends, relatives and co-workers witnessed it all. If you're disappointed that you missed my professed love for wisconsin hockey and the "phenomenal" game feel free to check it out. Scroll down until you see the list of featured video, click on "Badgers Capture National Championship!!!". I'm the first crazy fan they interview at the 2:08 mark. Fun stuff!

How sweet it is...

2006-04-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

Amazingly my 2-1 prediction held and the badger men's hockey team claimed the national title. The atmosphere was electric! The best part of the day (besides the badgers winning) was meeting fans from all over the united states. I talked to a group of fans from Michigan who travel in an RV to all fo the frozen four games - how great would that be! I also introduced BC fans to the Irish Car Bomb - it tasted much better than I remember. My brother would be proud:) Unfortunately I'm having technical difficulties uploading my pictures - not sure why. Hopefully I'll have that resolved soon...

How true...

2006-04-07T14:07:00.000-06:00

A good freind of mine gave this strip to me. I think we were in high school or just starting college.

Washington DC

2006-04-07T13:26:00.000-06:00

Many blog posts will include pictures I have taken from the amazing cities and countries I have been fortunate enough to visit. I hope it serves as a reminder of the history and beauty that can be found all over the world. This is a picture of the Washington Monument and was taken during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival annually commemorates the 1912 gift to the city of Washington of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan and celebrate the continued close relationship between our two peoples. Despite a few rough years (namely WWII) the festival and sentiment are stronger than ever. Everyone should go to DC at least once in their lives to appreciate it's history and beauty.
www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Badger Hockey

2006-04-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

I can't believe we're in the national championship! How great would it be for Wisconsin to bring home both the men's and women's titles?!? The best part... I'll be there! I am so excited and so grateful! My predicted stars for tomorrow's game... Jake Dowell, Ross Carlson and Jack Skille. Who will win? The Badgers from 'sconsin 2-1.

Welcome!

2006-04-07T13:10:00.000-06:00

Well, after reading so many blogs and offering my reply I thought I should probably start my own blog. So here it goes...