Verification

My apologies to those fellow bloggers or internet surfers who leave legitimate comments, but in an effort to control comment spam I have activated the verification function. Using verification for comments feels somewhat presumptuous to me at this stage as I don't want to discourage anyone from leaving a comment, but such is life.

Katrina and the Pundits

It's been gut wrenching enough for most of us to see the terrible saga of Katrina unfold, but now as with most disasters of this magnitude where mistakes are made we all have to endure the political posturing and finger pointing in the aftermath. "This agency was inept, that public official was incompetent, the President was caught off guard, the Feds didn't work well with State and local officials, it's all part of a racially motivated right wing, conspiracy, it's a legacy of prior left leaning democratic administrations, and so on ad nauseum".

People! Let's leave the name calling, and head bashing alone for now. Just put all your efforts into providing positive aid for the gulf region no matter what side of the fence you are on. The spirit of cooperation is a powerful force if we can put aside our petty greivances. America can show the world that despite some initial difficulties it can mobilize resources after a disaster like no other country on earth. For this to happen though teamwork and effort will be required by all, not petty squabbling to provide more fodder for the always waiting media hounds.

Original Labor Day

Can't Sleep. Just prior to writing this post my wife and I were awakened at 12:30 AM by someone claiming to be from the gas company. Through our phone intercom he said there was a service disruption in the neighborhood, and requested access to our residence. Being the somewhat typical, wary city dweller I declined to open the door, and he said that someone would return in the AM. I then proceeded downstairs and attempted to light a burner on our gas cooktop, and sure enough no gas! Arrgghh! I suppose I should have let the poor fellow in, so he could check the gas appliances, and ensure our safety. This got me thinking about Labor Day, and all of the hard working people across the globe, many of whom provide some kind of 24/7 service. To most of us Labor Day is a last chance long weekend to pursue leisure, and summer activities prior to returning to school or work. I have never really reflected upon a deeper significance for Labor Day.

In 1898, Samuel Gompers, head of the American Federation of Labor, called it "the day for which the toilers in past centuries looked forward, when their rights and their wrongs would be discussed...that the workers of our day may not only lay down their tools of labor for a holiday, but upon which they may touch shoulders in marching phalanx and feel the stronger for it."

So this Labor Day as you water ski at the lake, cycle down the coast, sip a mint julep, or watch a sports event on TV, take a moment to consider those often unrecognized workers who labor diligently to support their families, help society, and make the world a better place. That person might even be you, or the man from the gas company in the middle of the night.

Have a great Labor Day everyone!

Statue of the Laborer

Humanitarian Aid for Victims of Hurricane Katrina

I doubt if most of us can really imagine the reality of a large city completely flooded by the surge of a killer hurricane. One of the most historic cities in North America, and other beautiful gulf coast areas are now part of an unprecedented disaster that will take years to recover from. At this moment there are still many people stranded, and needing to be rescued. There are widespread power outages, a lack of drinkable water, food shortages, and the threat of imminent disease outbreak. Families have been wrenched apart, and there is tremendous suffering. Please find it in your heart to provide assistance to these unfortunate victims in any way that you can.

The American Red Cross is one organization to consider for any donations, but there are many other worthy contributions as well.

Forty Year Old Virgin

The title of this movie suggests that there might be something unique or unusual about someone being a forty year old virgin. Now I can't say that I definitely know any male virgins who are forty or older, but I suspect that their numbers are greater than one might think. There are more than a few male bachelors who reach their forties without tying the proverbial knot, and surely some of them are still virgins. The movie itself, despite some good laughs, suggests that anyone who is still a virgin at forty is more than a little quirky and eccentric. Wait a minute! When you stop and think for a moment about some of the bad scenarios associated with sexual activity such as disease, unwanted pregnancy, impotency, awkward morning exits, addiction, and self esteem issues, then maybe abstinence isn't such an odd idea. It's too late for most of us, but if you happen to know a forty year old male virgin just leave the poor guy alone! He's probably a priest anyway.

For those of you who might be interested in pursuing some information on abstinence, there is help out there. A word of advice though. Never, ever, ever have your chest hair waxed and removed.

Tags:
humor, movies, Forty year old virgin

Blog Rant

OK. I admit it. I need help. This blogging thing is beginning to tick me off. Having the patience of a gnat doesn't help as I wait for the comments and page clicks to roll in. I don't want to admit that I am a newbie. These posts are all over the place I know. So come on! Somebody out there in Blog land help me. Please! I will humbly consider any advice. Leave a comment or two. Post to my blog if that is possible. Leave me a link to your blog. I'll go there I promise. Let's do reciprocal blog rolls (sounds kinky). God forbid I might even learn the mighty HTML code. I am getting desperate for contact. I didn't think isolation, and desolation existed on the web, but here it is on my own damn *%%!#%* blog site. Fellow bloggers have mercy, and leave me a sign that someone is out there. I know, suck it up, stop wallowing in self pity, take action. I will, I really will, but pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase heeeeellllllppppppp now!

The New Top Gun

Coming soon to a theater near you!

See the incredible aerial stunts!

It's the cinematic release of ...

TOP COUCH POTATO!

Directed by T. Cruise
Starring T. Cruise
Produced by Oprah