The Middle of the Pacific

Idahochi Min

2005-08-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Last night was an exploration into Idahoian culture and nightlife. It was a great time Courtney and I took in dinner at Goodwood (where she works) and a drink at Sporties. I had a mushroom topped steak and of course -- a baked potato! It was quite the midwestern feast. Then we hit the town and toppled a few bars including Hannah's and The Loft.

Show Me The Potatoes

2005-08-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Idaho land of the potato. It's a beautiful day! A great day to become a revolutionary. I was reading Absolute Friends by John LeCarre on the flight over and I've decided to turn from my faux liberal pig selfishism to warm and fuzzy neosocialism mixed with underground capitalism. My generation has sadly lost the revolutionary spirit, from the African American movement to burning draft cards during Vietnam. Down with conservative pigdogs, let the free thinking resistance begin again.

Triangles, Circles, Lines

2005-07-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Zero 7 "In The Waiting Line"

Listen | Buy
Notes: This track is off of one of my favorite soundtracks of all time Garden State. Zero 7 meets all your chill music needs.

Wait in line, 'til your time
Ticking clock, everyone stop

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me

Do you believe, in what you see
There doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe, in what you see
Motionless wheel, nothing is real
Wasting my time, in the waiting line
Do you believe in, what you see

Nine to five, living lies
Everyday, stealing time
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

Do you believe, in what you feel
It doesn't seem to be anybody else who agrees with me

Do you believe, in what you see
Motionless wheel, nothing is real
Wasting my time, in the waiting line
Do you believe, in what you see

Ah and I'll shout and I'll scream
But I'd rather not have seen
And i'll hide away for another day

Do you believe, in what you see
Motionless wheel, nothing is real
Wasting my time, in the waiting line
Do you believe, in what you see

Everyone's saying different things to me
Different things to me
Everyone's taking everything they can
Everything they can

Wednesday Lunch

2005-07-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Can now be found over yonder.

Under Construction - (Happy Fourth?)

2005-07-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Fireworks, food, fire. It was an interesting week.

Fireworks. The fourth was spent with my new roommates (Mike, Jesse, and Jesse Squared), Kassia, Melissa, and other various folks. Watched the fireworks that spanned from horizon to horizon and also lit off a few bottlerockets ourselves. Hundreds of thousands of dollars launched into the sky, purchased mostly from the indian reservation that also houses the largest Casino in the area. It must have been a very profitable summer from the looks of things.

Food. Wednesday night Jesse cooked barbeque chicken, mashed potatoes, and microwaved peas and corn. It was -- awsome. This has to be one of the pros to living in a house with a lot of roommates, someone is bound to be able to cook.

Fire. A large dumpster fire raged outside of our apartment on Wednesday night. After a few minutes of enjoying the flames, we decided that it might catch on to the trees hovering above and that calling the fire department was in order.

))RandomBen.com Update((

-Completed work on new stylesheet.
-Completed comments.
-Fixed archives template.
-Started archiving old files.
-Looking to start designing a logo graphic for the site.

A Through Z

2005-06-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Coldplay "Swallowed In The Sea"

Listen | Buy
Notes: Coldplay's new album X&Y is the first album released after lead singer Chris Martin's marriage to Actress Gweneth Paltrow.

You cut me down a tree
And brought it back to me
And that's what made me see
Where I was going wrong
You put me on a shelf
And kept me for yourself
I can only blame myself
You can only blame me

And I could write a song
A hundred miles long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong to me

And I could write it down
Or spread it all around
Get lost and then get found
Or swallowed in the sea

You put me on a line
And hung me out to dry
And darling that's when I
Decided to go to see you

You cut me down to size
And opened up my eyes
Made me realize
What I could not see

And I could write a book
The one they'll say that shook
The world, and then it took
It took it back from me

And I could write it down
Or spread it all around
Get lost and then get found
And you'll come back to me
Not swallowed in the sea

Ooh...

And I could write a song
A hundred miles long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong with me

The streets you're walking on
A thousand houses long
Well, that's where I belong
And you belong with me

Oh what good is it to live
With nothing left to give
Forget but not forgive
Not loving all you see

Oh the streets you're walking on
A thousand houses long
Well that's where I belong
And you belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea

You belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea
Yeah, you belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea

So Random (a report)

2005-06-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

An update to those following this truly exciting and ongoing web-saga (not):

RandomBen.com is still under construction, however progress is being made. In the meantime you can check out my test page here.

I'm going to be messing around with my CSS style sheet and attempting to create some original graphics that you will be able to feast your eyes upon. Until then, it is going to be plain, simple, and boring.

I'm looking into purchasing a new laptop, due to my Dell meeting an untimely death. Perhaps I'll have enough patients to wait until the new Macs are installed with Intel chips. Perhaps not though.

My birthday is coming up. Maybe somebody will surprise me.

Hanging On

2005-06-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Mae "Suspension"

Listen | Buy
Notes: One of the awsome bands coming soon to a town near you. Yes kids thats right it's Warped Tour time!

Lately I'm alright
and lately I'm not scared
I've figured out,
that what you do to me feels like
I'm floating on air.
I don't need to know right now
all I know is I believe
in the very thing that got us here
and now I can't leave.

Say anything, but say what you mean,
cause I'm caught in suspension.

Now, I'm wanting this for sure
and I'll beg for nothing more.
I'll plan all day and drive all night
you'll love what's in store.
I cant seem to stop this now
even if its not so clear,
and I'll take what I can get.
If you want me here (If you want me here)

Say anything, but say what you mean.
When you whisper you want this
your eyes tell the same.
We are gaining speed
I can barely breathe.
Cause I'm caught in suspension.

It's enough for me to get excited,
it's enough for me to feel...OH!

Say anything, but say what you mean.
When you whisper you want this.
Your eyes tell the same
We are gaining speed
I can barely breathe
I'm caught in suspension.

In The Works...

2005-06-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've made some progress on the "Find a new host" front. I will be moving homes quite soon and expanding! too. Today I registered another domain name! Coming soon to an IP near you will be RandomBen.com.

Big changes are upcoming. TheMiddleOfThePacific.com will be getting a facelift, tummytuck, and various other cosmetic work done, as well as a new template thanks to Moveable Type.

I won't give up until then! I'll still be here. Posting, to the amusement of myself and the awsome people that actually visit! Your awsome, yes you reading this. Pat yourself on the back and make yourself a poptart or something else yummy, you deserve it.

I've Got Plenty

2005-06-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Plain White T's "Take Me Away"

Listen | Buy
Notes: I'm back from my Trip east and I've returned with some new Cds, so be prepared for lots of sharing. Of songs. Yeah.

I know we just got here
but i think it's time to go
I didn't want to believe it but now i know
you know who just walked in
and she didn't come alone
I can't stand to see this get me home

Take me away
I'm gonna hurt somebody
take me away right now
how could she say
she wanted more you better
take me away right now

I thought she was perfect
she thought I was perfect too
perfect until she found someone new
now I'm stuck here watching her
I can't take this abuse
what can this guy do
that I can't do?

Take me away
I'm gonna hurt somebody
take me away right now
how could she say
she wanted more you better
take me away right now

Take me away

Word Games

2005-06-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Super List of Doom - A.K.A. - The National Issue Diversion Chart:

China, Our Increasing Debt Holdings By

- Diverted to -

Iraq, The War In

U.S. Jobs, U.S. based companies using cheaper outsourcing instead of creating more

- Diverted to -

The Patriot Act, Passing (A.k.a. Scare the bejesus "into" them)

Economy, Tax Cuts (for the top 1%) causing the failing

- Diverted to -

U.S. Terror Camps, Saving the

I've Got So Many Musicians To Kill

2005-06-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Rock 'N' Roll Soldiers "Funny Little Feeling"

Listen | Buy

Notes: Nothing I've got absolutly nothing. Nadda. Zip. Check out their new album The 2 EPs available from Atlantic records. Mandy, Hilary, Ashley, and regretfully Lindsey; this one is for you.

I'm not doin fine
I'm desecratin lives
I boned a phone booth of a lady shaky heinous crime
nailing hands down to floorboards
angry side gone overboard
and I'm bored still bored I'm so bored

I've got a funny little feeling
my arms are shakin like a lightnin rod yeah
I'll canonball right through the ceiling
and sink my teeth in till the feeling's gone yeah

Oh I'm a slow move guy no time for swatting flies
appeasing bees knees easing g-string seizing wheezing funny little feeling
lick it dry wonder just who am I?
Prison warden, teenage boy, transvestite with high heels on
Hey where has my life gone?
Ain't done anything I want
according to my list I've still got so many musicians to kill
will kill until I fill my landfill full of bodies standing still

Call Me Mr. Smith

2005-06-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie is without a doubt the sexiest women alive. What washes away all doubt, you ask? Well in every debate I've ever encountered regarding her absolute hotness, the female debate respondents have never once argued against her. Not once. Now regarding her past choice in men a la Billy Bob, she does lose about half of a point. Recently however she is back in the positive dating Mr. Pitt. What was he doing with that Friends girl to begin with. A good choice for Ms. Jolie based on the alternatives:

1. RandomBen - If I have to lose to someone, I'm glad it's Brad Pitt.
2. Tom Cruise - Crazy in love, and in general.
3. Nicolas Cage - Superman, not.
4. Russell Crowe - Abusive to phones, married.
5. Lindsey Lohan - Scandal a plus; her singing, downright painful.
6. Keanu Reaves - Whoa... I like made the list.

World Domination

2005-06-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

After a night of dominating the world! At least during the Saturday office game night featuring RISK. I returned to the office after a brief celebration to find the only thing that keeps me sane broken.

1210: Walk into the office to check email before heading to bed. Flip on light.

1211: Notice the CD I was last listening to laying on my desk. Odd. Look down at empty CD-ROM tray. Odd. Place CD back into place on CD-ROM tray. Watch as tray attempts to open and close *click* -- *click*. Curse loudly.

1212: Curse again at realization that I will have to listen to officemate singing the wrong words to Mello Yellow in the morning.

1213: Curse again just because.

1214: Notice the internet is actually working. Do a victory dance. Notice that another officemate is still in the office. Curse again.

The Remix

2005-06-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense has nothing on R. Kelly.

From: Pentagon details mishandling of Quran
AP

The Pentagon on Friday released new details about mishandling of the Quran at the Guantanamo Bay prison for terror suspects, confirming that a soldier deliberately kicked the Muslim holy book and that an interrogator stepped on a Quran and was later fired for “a pattern of unacceptable behavior.”

In other confirmed incidents, water balloons thrown by prison guards caused an unspecified number of Qurans to get wet; a guard’s urine came through an air vent and splashed on a detainee and his Quran; and in a confirmed but ambiguous case, a two-word obscenity was written in English on the inside cover of a Quran.

Water balloons? What kind of prison is this?

This is just plain not cool. These incidents have enraged and helped to recruit members in the "rebel" or the word of the day "insurgent" groups we are trying to vanquish. They also endanger our soldiers lives in a multitude of other ways. When we don't follow; or are percieved to ignore the specific rules and rights laid out in the Geneva Conventions there is no way we can hold other groups or nations to them.

If we ourselves do not uphold these conventions, all of this [Iraq] is for nothing. The likelyhood of our own soldiers being captured and remaining protected under the conventions, is even lower.

So what do we do about it?

Blame it on the reporters.

And if that doesn't work infer that the groups reporting abuses "hate America" and that the reports they release are "absurd".

From: Rights Group Defends Chastising of U.S.
The New York Times

Amnesty has fired right back, pointing out that the administration often cites its reports when that suits its purposes. "If our reports are so 'absurd,' why did the administration repeatedly cite our findings about Saddam Hussein before the Iraq war?" wrote William F. Schultz, executive director of the group's United States branch, in a letter to the editor being published Saturday in The New York Times. "Why does it welcome our criticisms of Cuba, China and North Korea? And why does it cite our research in its own annual human rights reports?"

Admitting however that we "screwed up" and that those who "screwed up" are now being punished for their crimes is to much to ask.

Replacing these "bad eggs" who were improperly supervised, with top notch soldiers would be a great way to fix the problem. Increasing our standards so that our troops won't "act on their own" is a logical solution right?

Wrong!

Quick to the mall! Recruiters away!

From: US lowers standards in army numbers crisis
The Guardian

Asked what the new policy meant, John Pike from the thinktank Globalsecurity.org said: "It means there is a war on. They need all the soldiers they can get. But it is a dilemma. You need good soldiers more in wartime than peacetime."

The latest controversy comes amid a growing recruitment and retention crisis in the US military. Last month the army announced that it was 6,659 soldiers short of its recruitment targets for the year so far. On Wednesday, the department of defence withheld the latest figures, a move seen by most commentators as heralding more bad news.

The military's target is 80,000 new recruits this year, but the army only managed 73% of its target in February, 68% in March and 57% in April, forcing the expansion of a pilot programme offering 15-month active duty enlistments, rather than the usual four years.

So less time in, less training, lower standards -- I like where this is going.

Recruiters have even been putting adds in help wanted sections of newspapers with ambiguous listings. Rumor has it a woman answered an add for her daughter that was listed as "Postal Worker - Government job, benefits." the address she was given when calling the number on the add was that of a Navy Recruiting office.

Gotcha!

"Recruiters have been given greater leeway," said Mr Pike. "By doing things to increase quantity you are also doing things to decrease quality, but they have made the judgment that that is the way to go."

Please leave a message after the...

2005-06-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I haven't posted in a long time, I know. I've been lazy. Been spending quality time. Which now is spent, and now in my unnatural natural habitat -- I am back.

"We live in troubled times"; a reoccuring comment coming from the higher echelons of government and echoed in the media. Thinking about this statement, haven't times always been troubled? I have not read about a period in the history of the world that was untroubled, but then again maybe I've been missing something. It seems to me that insecurity is something that occurs naturally and is being carefully kindled to rally the people as it were. Or perhaps more accuratly manipulate them.

Oh So Hi Oh

2005-05-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hawthorne Heights "Ohio is for lovers"

Download | Buy

Notes: After a brief fall from the daily rock countdown Hawthorne Heights returns with a vengence at #6. This track is off there new album "The Silence in Black and White".

Hey there,
I know it's hard to feel like I don't care at all.
Where you are and how you feel.
With these lights off as these wheels
keep rolling on and on. (and on and on and on...)
Slow things down or speed them up.
Not enough or way too much. (and on and on and on...)
How are you when I'm gone?

And I can't make it on my own.
(And I can't make it on my own.)
Because my heart is in Ohio.
So cut my wrists and black my eyes.
(Cut my wrists and black my eyes)
So I can fall asleep tonight, or die.
Because you kill me.
You know you do, you kill me well.
You like it too, and I can tell.
You never stop until my final breath is gone.

Spare me just three last words.
"I love you" is all she heard.
I'll wait for you, but I can't wait forever.

And I can't make it on my own.
(And I can't make it on my own.)
Because my heart is in Ohio.
So cut my wrists and black my eyes.
(Cut my wrists and black my eyes)
So I can fall asleep tonight, or die.
Because you kill me.
You know you do, you kill me well.
You like it too, and I can tell.
You never stop until my final breath is gone.

You know you do, you kill me well.
You like it too, and I can tell.
You never stop until my final breath is gone.

So cut my wrists and black my eyes.

My final breath is gone (So I can fall asleep tonight)

And I can't make it on my own.
(And I can't make it on my own.)
Because my heart is in Ohio.
So cut my wrists and black my eyes.
(Cut my wrists and black my eyes)
So I can fall asleep tonight, or die.
Because you kill me.
You know you do, you kill me well.
You like it too, and I can tell.
You never stop until my final breath is gone.

You know you do, you kill me well.
You like it too, and I can tell.
You never stop until my final breath is gone.
[to fade]

The Server Must Die

2005-05-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

So I've been trying to install Moveable Type onto my host server for the past two days. Good stuff right? Well thats what I thought, however thusfar I've only encountered problem after problem. With help from Highwaygirl and MT Support I have managed to iron out most of my servers issues. However, I am now stuck and have resorted to calling my host provider, hopefully they will email me back soon.

This is pretty much where I stand at the moment.

Stop, Don't Move!

2005-05-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Queen + David Bowie "Under Pressure (Knebworth Mix)"

Listen | Buy

Notes: The moving continues! Hopefully today is as productive as yesterday, found another possible roommate so things are looking up. Hopefully they stay that way. Queen is helping me through the day.

Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah

Pressure, pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure, that burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets

Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah
Bah, bah, bah, bah, bah, bah

That's o-kay
It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends
Screaming 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Pressure on people, people on streets

Doh doh doh bah bah bah bah
O-kay
Chipping around, kick my brains around the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
People on streets, people on streets

It's the terror of knowing
What this world is about,
Watching some good friends
Screaming 'Let me out'
Pray tomorrow takes me higher
Pressure on people, people on streets

Turned away from it all, like a blind man
Sat on a fence but it don't work
Keep coming up with love
But it's so slashed and torn
Why why why?
Love love love love

Insanity laughs, under pressure we're cracking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance
Why can't we give love one more chance
Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love, give love

Cause love's such an old fashioned word
And love dares you to care
For the people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves

This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure

Can You Hit Me Now?

2005-05-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

You have to be joking. Seriously. Come on now. Don't kid with me here, this is not something to be joking about. They're naming it "Freedom Tower". What kind of collosal idiot names a building that may be a prime target for a slap happy terrorist or experimental test pilot "Freedom tower". No, way knocking down the "World Trade Center" wasn't even close to good enough. Now we have to give emm' all a shot to take down freedom as well.

The govenor of New York State, the mayor of New York City, and the buildings designer announced today a change of plans on the design due to safety concerns.

Since we've obviously been doing some thinking here and decided to maybe make it safer as opposed to twirly and special looking, there should also be some thought put into the threat the freaking name poses.

To Limbo With Love

2005-05-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Stuff, crap, junk, belongings, stuff...

It's all in limbo right now. It's been kidnapped from the place it had previously resided in for an entire year, tied up and thrown in the trunk of an old police interceptor. It has sweated for days in the cramped confines of the car, biding it's time. Waiting for the right moment to arrive, when it will have it's revenge. Without stuff, I will be forced to wear chainmail and play the lute or a multitude of other nonsensically random things.

It didn't need it's own drawers or hangers, no, and it doesn't need this trunk. It was perfectly content in the closet, being folded [maybe], thrown about, or "Tactfully disheveled". But now the comforting confines of the closet are gone and only the trunk remains. When will this endless stupid freaking game of trying to walk under a bar come to an end. Some try and jump over it, but not here.

Here in limbo we remain below everything. Lower and lower, until we fall. Defeated by our own stupid game.

My stuff would be so much happier in twister, but then again, that doesn't make any sense at all.

He Said, He Said

2005-05-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

A summary of the article "Pentagon Says Iraq Effort Limits Ability to Fight Other Conflicts" by Thom Shanker.

Media: Due to the amount of troops in Iraq are we limited in our operations elsewhere?

Bush: No way, I talked [from my ranch] to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the other day and he said that we are not limited. We have plenty of capacity.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: We are limited and do not have sufficient capacity to react as quickly as before.

Media: Did the President just contradict the General?

Pentagon Spokesman: No way.

Stress Relief

2005-05-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Gavin DeGraw "I Don't Want To Be"

Video | Buy

Notes: Since moving has not been going as well as I'd hoped, I've been in need of some tracks to chill out to. The latest album by DeGraw entitled "Chariot" is catagorized as pop. This maybe be generally considered a bad thing however, what saves the album is an underlying hint of the bands folk and soul roots. It does a stressed out boy good.

I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's son
I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turn
Am I the only one to notice
I can't be the only one who's learned

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

Can I have everyone's attention please
If your not like this and that
You're gonna have to leave

I came from the mountain, the crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay to stone
And now I'm telling everybody

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

I don't want to be...

Freud, Coke, And The Police

2005-04-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

I have the tendency while dreaming to remind myself to remember what I've dreamt. Unfortunately I also have the tendency to totally forget the dreams I've reminded myself to remember. It's one of those cycles. The other night however I did have one of those remember this dreams and go figure I actually remembered it.

The plot went like so:

I am driving with a group of friends and we are headed into a city at night. The road is packed and I am sitting on Melissa's lap while she is driving. Suddenly and for no apparent reason cars begin swerving uncontrollably all over the road. Melissa has trouble avoiding the commotion, probably because I am sitting on her lap. At this point I take over at the wheel. Driving Mario Andrettiesque I swerve expertly around a car fishtailing in front of us. After clearing this last obstacle we come upon a red light. While slowing down I notice a police officer directing traffic at the light. As the presence of the police officer registers in my mind, the fact that I am sitting on someones lap and not wearing a seatbelt does as well. I also know that I don’t have my license on me either. As I drive through the light the police officer notices the aforementioned things and waves for me to pull over.

Now it gets interesting

Instead of pulling over, I decide to floor it. I peel out and with the expert driving skills I've acquired, I drift around the corner and lick-ity split I'm gone. I think to myself "What the hell are you doing Ben, you just ran from the cops!?" I pull around a corner about three blocks down and ditch the car. I head into a high-rise building and take the nearest elevator up to what looks like a mall type area. I look at the clock on the wall and it's three in the morning. While walking around trying to look innocent I run into Jesse who just happens to be hanging out at this mall at three in the morning as well. We talk and he tells me that he is taking the train to the Yankees game that starts at seven thirty and that everyone is still up because the game starts so early. I explain what has happened and how we are running from the cops and he suggests we come to the game. I think this sounds pretty good so we head to the elevator down to the basement where the train is located.

Somehow between the elevator and the train I get separated from Jesse and now am outside surrounded by sirens and what looks like a full blown manhunt taking place for me. I see a bunch of sailors in dress blues being questioned outside of the high-rise and I am trying to act nonchalant about the whole thing. The police finally start sweeping the street I'm on and are handing out pieces of paper with questionnaires on them (I'm not sure how I know this, but I do). Anyways when they get to me they hand me a smaller piece of paper with my name printed at the top and questions for me to answer. Now I have no idea how they know my name already and am now totally confused; thinking to myself they so know it's me. But even so I play along and start trying to answer the questions, but I can't seem to do it. My mind just shuts down, and then I wake up.

And The Home Of...

2005-04-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Bravery "An Honest Mistake"

Listen | Buy

Notes: This song is currently number eight on my daily rock countdown at work.

People
They don't mean a thing to you
They move right through you
Just like your breath
But sometimes
I still think of you
And I just wanted to
Just wanted you to know
My old friend...
I swear I never meant for this
I never meant...

Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
An honest mistake

Sometimes
I forget I'm still awake
I fuck up and say these things out loud

My old friend...
I swear I never meant for this
I never meant...

Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
An honest mistake

Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
Don't look at me that way
It was an honest mistake
An honest mistake

Frush, No Way You Haff Frush!

2005-04-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well last night Mark and I traveled across town to The Grove cardroom to play the most popular poker game in the land, Texas Hold'em.

I played for a few hours and wasn't all that happy with my play. I need to work on my hand discipline. To much playing suited/anything, ace/anything. For whatever reason I couldn't lay them down last night. However, it proved profitable when I won the hourly high hand with a full house (jacks full of fours).

Andrew (another one of my poker buddies) and his wife Velvet showed up around ninish. Unfortunatly they didn't get on the table while I was there, but then again I did have to leave early to make it back to Seattle.

Speaking of poker...

I've decided that my goal in Vegas will be to get something comped. Preferably a room, or show, or limo service, or something else awsome. I'm going to need to be at the top of my game.

Countdown to "The Vegas" using Ben's patented guestimation:

-2 Months, 22 Days, 6 Hours, 38 Seconds-

Whats In A Name, Everything

2005-04-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Bens "Just Pretend"

Listen | Buy

Notes: Basically the first reason I checked out The Bens to begin with was well, because we share the same awsome first name. Little did I know that The Bens are made up of Ben Folds (one of my favorite pianists ever), Ben Kweller, and Ben Lee. And that they threw together this solid EP in 2003.

while I held you with our
undry eyes,
have the years pass by
its ok to cry

after all
in the end
just pretend

well its sticks and stones
and broken homes
that taught us how to smile

after all
in the end
just pretend

there's a name that plays
in my head like a song
all day long she's with me
everyday

after all
in the end
just pretend

everyone needs
everyone needs
everyone needs

If the sun can't shine
you'll be just fine
looking to your mind
where you're free

After all
in the end
just pretend

cause we hurt each other
once before
let's not do that again

after all
in the end
just pretend

and a voice so familiar
wakes me up
in the middle
she thinks i'm having a bad dream

after all
in the end
just pretend

everyone needs
everyone needs
everyone needs

after all
it's the end

Pushing Paper

2005-04-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've finally moved into my new desk. It's mine all mine. My blockers are hanging from my desk lamp and I've put up my motivating poster. Courtney passed it down to me before I left and it hangs above and behind my monitor.

You can order your own, here.

The Best Day Ever

2005-04-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

By: Ian McEwan

Check it out | Buy

If you've traveled to England recently, you might have heard the name Ian McEwan or one of his recent books brought up in conversation. He has achieved widespread recognition and a cult like following in England as of late. His work isn't doing bad in the states either. Saturday sits today at number three on The New York Times bestsellers list for fiction. His previous novel Atonement also topped the bestsellers lists and was my first glance into Mr. McEwan's work.

The Same Thing We Do Every Night Pinky

2005-04-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

One of the primary functions of The White House is to awe and tame world leaders. Every inch of the house that could possibly used in a foriegn relations capacity is designed to be imposing. This home turf advantage has helped to give a political edge on meetings regarding foriegn policy for years.

Until now.

Meanwhile back at the ranch...

President Bush met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today at his Crawford ranch. During a discussion about the Israeli peace plan, Prime Minister Sharon offered the President a visit his farm in Israel.

From an official White House transcript:

Q: Shouldn't you be doing that with an axe?
THE PRESIDENT: I've got my earplugs in.
Q: Oh, lucky.
THE PRESIDENT: What?

Straight From the Pond

2005-04-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Matt Pond PA "Measure 3"

Download | Buy

Notes: These guys are wicked awsome. They recently did a cover of one of my favorite songs of all time; Champagne Supernova you can listen to a clip of it here.

Will we both be happy to stand alone
I can't see forever, where will I go

I'll stop thinking - I will be ordinary
Your laughter kills me
You can't hurt me that won't matter at all

We've stayed together despite our rows
And we're holding back so we won't explode

It's in the stadiums and in the biggest rooms we want too belong
I am mistaken it's in the biggest rooms it all goes wrong

So we know more now then we'll ever know
And we're holding back so we won't explode

It's in the stadiums and in the bigger rooms we want to belong
I am mistaken it's in the biggest rooms it all goes wrong

Bad Drugs, Bad

2005-04-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

The perscription drug industry in total sales for 2004 made an estimated 204.18 billion dollars, up 8.2% from 2003. This industry to put it lightly is a monster moneymaking machine. With this much money on the line, the regulation of this industry scares the crap out of me. Competition with generics and international drug markets have fueled increased direct-to marketing in the states. This puts increased pressure on federal regulators to approve drugs for the market quickly. So many recalled drugs borderline to begin with, is a disturbing trend. The whole "lets wait and see" policy is unacceptable. These drugs need to go through multiple clinical studies before being unleashed onto the market.

A Place For Words And Tricks

2005-04-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Shins "Caring Is Creepy"

Listen | Buy

Notes: Oh, Inverted World was released in June, 2001. The Shins are currently touring and working on a new album.

I think I'll go home and mull this over
before I cram it down my throat
at long last it's crashed, the colossal mass
has broken up into bits in my moat.

Lift the mattress off the floor
walk the cramps off
go meander in the cold
hail to your dark skin
hiding the fact you're dead again
undeneath the power lines seeking shade
far above our heads are the icy heights that contain all reason

It's a luscious mix of words and tricks
that let us bet when you know we should fold
on rocks I dreamt of where we'd stepped
and the whole mess of roads we're now on.

Hold your glass up, hold it in
never betray the way you've always known it is.
one day I'll be wondering how
I got so old just wondering how
I never got cold wearing nothing in the snow.

This is way beyond my remote concern
of being condescending

All these squawking birds won't quit.
building nothing, laying bricks.

Picture Wrong Is What With This

2005-04-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

My complaint about The Middle of the Pacific
I've reached a point where I feel the need to express my disappointment with The Middle of the Pacific. To get immediately to the point, the problem with The Middle of the Pacific is not that it's peremptory. It's that it wants to leave behind a legacy of perpetual indebtedness in developing countries. Some people think I'm exaggerating when I say that once you get past the initial crowd-pleasing utterances, the remaining parts of The Middle of the Pacific's principles are merely the same hateful vision that it has been espousing for years. But I'm not exaggerating; if anything, I'm understating the situation. I will never give up. I will never stop trying. And I will use every avenue possible to lend a helping hand. Lastly, I can't end this letter without mentioning that The Middle of the Pacific's conjectures, like opium, hashish, or alcohol, keep the canaille in a trance and oblivious of reality.

Created With The Company Complaint Generator

Need to complain about something, but don't have the time to be longwinded? Scott Pakin's here to help.

The Diet Coke Of Evil

2005-04-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

Due to popular demand and honestly, wholly encompassing boredom I've created an initial draft of:

The Ten Tenets of Benism

Outlook
Never take everything you read seriously, especially when reading these tenets. It will cause immediate blindness to all true followers.

Prayer
Prayer will take place at 4:20 sharp. When praying, face Northeast and conduct prayer only on a twister moves mat, available from your local Wal-mart.

Dedication
When eating Pringles you must never just eat one. For once you pop, you just can't stop.

Fellowship
Jello wrestling will be practiced on the third Wednesday of every month. For Jello is good. (*Prayer mat may be used)

Respect
Never drunkenly hook up with your friend's sybling, even if she or he initiates it. For even though it is not your fault, it is wrong unless you are interested in a long term commitment.

Kindness
Giving spare change to the homeless is good, even if there is a good chance they will use the funds to purchase alcohol. If you were homeless you could probably use a drink too.

Understanding
Lisps are to be cherished. Shfor, shthey, aresh, awshwum.

Creativity
There is a good chance, that you will never be more creative than Steve Jobs, know this and respect his marketing.

Community
Never force Benism on anyone, for this is wrong. They have a right to believe in whatever they want. You may exclude them from nothing, not even Jello wrestling.

Fruitfullness
If you bear fruit, you should see a doctor immediately.

If you would like to learn more about Benism feel free to email me.

I am 38% Evil Genius.

I want to be evil. I do evil things. But given the opportunity, and a darn good reason I may turn to the good side. Besides I am probably a miserable evil genius.

How much of an evil genious are you? Find out here.

Why Optometrists Wear Glasses But Prescribe Contacts

2005-04-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Flunk "Blind My Mind"

Listen | Buy

Notes: Not much to say, the music speaks for itself.

Bring your head against the wall
So I can see where I will fall
Bring your mind into my head
Find your playing den

All in all it´s just a start
All we had was more than that
All in all I can´t go back
To where we started out

So bring my head up to Mont Blanc
So you will see what you would find
Bring my head against the wall
So you can see where I will go

All in all it´s just your fault
Made me feel respect no more
All in all I can´t go back
Blind My mind inside

Bring my mind inside your head
So you can see where I went then
Bring your head against the wall
So I can see where I will fall

All in all it´s just your fault
Made me feel respect no more
All in all I can´t go back
Blind My mind inside

All your lies made me feel respect no more
All your lies made me feel respect no more
All your lies made me feel respect no more...

Rain And It Always Does

2005-04-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Typically today began in a sub-arctic rainforest kinda way. Freezing winds topped off with some rain thrown in for that extra kick. A great combo I have to say.

I've been slacking on posting. To try and bridge the gap here is a recap on some of the discussion that I've been kicking around in my head.

The Pope - I am in general saddened to hear that any person has died. He was the leader of the Catholic church for a long time and I am quite certain he influenced many, many people. That being said, it is now a great opportunity to have major issues reviewed and given a refreshed look with a new perspective.

Steroids - A lot of proffesional atheletes use them and have used them since their conception. If you can't believe it, don't. You'll probably sleep better.

Iraq - The first medal of honor during the Iraqi occupation was awarded today to an Army soldier who died two years ago today. His eleven year old son accepted the award on his behalf, since he was killed while earning it. How many more will be handed out while Haliburton rakes in the profits from reconstruction.

A Good Reason To Skip Out On Work

2005-03-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

I am leaving work early today to visit with the children staying at Seattle's Ronald McDonald house. This comes two weeks after participating in the 2005 Hockey Challenge celebrity hockey event at the Key Arena for this organization. Other players from my hockey team and our coach will also be in there and we have coordinated to bring hats and other gifts for the kids. I hope we have enough. I'm interested to find out what type of volunteer opportunities the house has. With my hectic schedual I hope that there will be a way for me to become involved.

If you would like to donate you can do that here.

A Test Of The Emergency Blog Posting System

2005-03-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

...This is only a test

I feel so Used...

2005-03-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

The Used "On My Own"

Download | Buy

Notes: This self-titled album was released Mid-2002 and "On My Own" is by far my favorite track. The new album released in late 2004 is entitled "In Love & Death" and you can check it out here.

See all those people on the ground
Wasting time
I try to hold it all inside
But just for tonight
The top of the world
Sitting here wishing
The things I've become
That something is missing
Maybe I...
But what do I know

And now it seems that I have found
Nothing at all
I want to hear your voice out loud
Slow it down, slow it down
Without it all
I'm choking on nothing
It's clear in my head
And I'm screaming for something
Knowing nothing is better than knowing at all

On my own...

Without it all
I'm choking on nothing
It's clear in my head
And I'm screaming for something
Knowing nothing is better than knowing at all

On my own...

Who Needs Baskets?...We're Here To Rock!

2005-03-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

So I have a confession to make. I located the nearest Episcopal church to me on Friday night and was planning on making an Easter Sunday appearance. Was ready to go to the nine o'clock service, but didn't make it. This was probably due in part to attending the Taste of Chaos tour on Saturday night. A great show, especially enjoyed the performances from Senses Fail and The Used. There are still a few of tour dates left, including stops in California, Arizona, and then overseas. Maybe next year I will make it to an Easter service, less moshing the night prior might help.

101 in 1,001

2005-03-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

This list is by no means an original idea and has been hi-jacked from the incredibly awsome Highwaygirl and various other blogs, who most likely got the idea from someone likely to have faded into obscurity. Ideas were also taken from the book 101 Things To Do Before You Die.

The point of this list is simple. List 101 things to accomplish in 1,001 days, which is equivalent to around 3 years. Once a task is completed the list is updated and the date and location is recorded (and the line made bold). So here goes nothing.

15. Write Grannybell's eulogy (Written on 05JUN18, Point O' Woods NY)

The Foo Fighters

30. Do my taxes on time (E-Filed using TurboTax on 11APR05)

The New York Times

real

China Beer

all in

My Life

88. Purchase another pair of blocker sunglasses ([SEATTLE, WA 03APR05] Purchased silver blockers with black tinted lenses)

89. Purchase a copy of Donnie Darko ([LAKE MARY, WA, 27MAR05] Purchased Directors Cut, 2 Disc DVD)

Rory is for the kids

2005-03-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Rory "This Could Have Been A Dance Dance Revolution"

Download | Buy

Notes: These guys are on the road, bringing the music to the kids. Support my friend Chris through this trying time filled with groupies, vans, and afterparties. Protect your daughters! Find out when Chris and the guys are coming to a town near you, here.

I got my back against the door
So when you leave I'll be the last to wish you well
So amused by the irony
You made a wish upon my face, your wish came true

You say you're sorry
But I know very well that nice guys finish last
Fuck it, take it like you want it
It makes no difference in the end

I'm going crazy
I'm going crazy baby
Trying to set myself apart from this, woah

Burn your bridges down
Burn your bridges down
Burn your bridges down
Lift your feet up off the ground
Get back in the ring

They tell me i'm sadistic
I tell you that it's true
I see you dancing with my girl, my eyes turn red
True it's that you tell I
Sadistic I'm me tell they
See you dancing with my girl, my eyes turn red

You say you're sorry
But I know very well that nice guys finish last

Going crazy, I'm going crazy baby
Trying to set myself apart from this world
(it's not yours to take from me)

Oh you've got to, Mr. Roboto
I see you dancing but you're just not good enough
Dance the night away, dance the night away, dance the night away
You're on fire
Arigato Mr. Roboto
I see you dancing but you're just not good enough
Dance the night away, dance the night away, dance the night away
You're on fire

I'm going crazy
I'm going crazy baby
tryin to set myself apart from this, woah
(it's not yours to take from me)

Trying to set myself apart from this now.

What Happened?

2005-03-23T15:15:00.000-08:00

So much has happened over the last few weeks I don't know where to start. It's timeline time:

- circa two weeks ago

I left on a trip to sunny Florida where I spent time with family, while luckily avoiding becoming braindead and having Jeb try to take custody of me and keep my vegetative body alive even while I desire to expire.

- circa last week

Spoke with one of my cousins for the first time in about a year and a half. She is currently on vacation from rehab, skiing in Alta with her parents. I never would have thought that you could take vacation from rehab, but then again I don't have much experience in that area.

- circa early this week

Recieved word that I will possibly be attending Justice school this January.

Not My Space, Your Space

2005-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Which "Saved By The Bell" Character Are You?

So I check out my brother's My Space site that he has linked today. He's got some interesting stuff on there. It definately supports my theory about his generation being the first true internet generation.

exerpt

"Movies: Anything that doesn't make me say "dude... i dont wanna watch this" or anything that doesn't have angry werewolves that give you the finger"

Middle School will never be the same.

Kickin' It

2005-03-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Ratatat "Seventeen Years"

Download | Buy

Instrumental

If you haven't checked these guys out, you need to. I discovered this album for the first time at a Tower Records in Waikiki and instantly started rocking out in the store. The entire work is instrumental and hard to find in most record stores. I would recommend picking it up online if you likey.

Not My Home And Native Land

2005-03-08T13:51:00.000-08:00

After a series of misadventures, missed busses, and missing documentation I made it successfully across the Canadian border. Crossing the boarder at around 01:30 in the morning, you get to observe the border patrol in their finest hour. A mix of tired and disgruntled always makes for some interesting questions.

Border Guard: "Are you off right now?"
Me: ".... yes."

Vancouver is a very interesting city, in a good way. I stayed at Hotel Le Soleil which was (while imitating the voice of Peter from Family Guy) "Freakin' Sweet". The room wasn't huge, but then again there were three of them in my suite. Best features by far were the walk in shower with the super awsome portable adjustable shower head and the down everything bed.

Dinner on Saturday night was out of control indian food at Vij's. The place seems well known. The estimated seating time for a two-top upon arrival was one hour and a half. The food however, was definately worth the wait and waiting at the bar while drinking Merlot and munching curry fries (and other hordeurves) isn't all that bad.

The trip back to the states was a lot more relaxed. Amtrak's Cascades line beats the bus, period. The line runs along the water, features a movie, dining car, and reclining seats. The smooth ride back to Seattle was the best way to wrap up a great weekend.

A Song For Big Sloppy

2005-03-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Killers "Mr. Brightside"

Listen | Buy

Coming out of my cage
And I've been doing just fine
Gotta gotta be down
Because I want it all
It started out with a kiss
How did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss
It was only a kiss

Now I'm falling asleep
And she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke
And she's taking a drag

Now they're going to bed
And my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head
But she's touching his chest now

He takes off her dress now
Letting me go
I just can't look
It's killing me
And taking control

Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Turning through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
Cause I'm Mr. Brightside

Aggravated.com

2005-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

So, I decided to purchase some webspace for my blog. I registered my domain name, found a server to host it on, and was feeling pretty good about the whole deal...

That was until I became aggravated!

Now nothing I'm trying is working out for me and I refuse (at the moment) to call my servers tech support line and ask them a whole crapload of stupid questions. Right now I'm wading through a deluge of information trying to learn myself.

So far all I've got is:

whine Why can't everything work perfectly now! /whine

I don't have any heels to click and I'm not going to have people start shooting me wierd looks and staring while I rock back and forth reciting "There's no place like home.htm"

It doesn't help that my connection keeps timing out either, but that is nothing new and is easily blamed on being out in the title of this blog.

So, in closing I have a new addition to my wishlist:

Late post addition: Curiosity took over soon after posting and I had to see if Aggravated.com actually existed. And well, you just have to see for yourself.

Editor's note: You know it's legit! They sell tapes too!

Brace For Shock!

2005-02-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

To everybody and nobody in particular,

Just a heads up. I am going to try and keep up a regular posting schedual, try being the operative word here. Over the next few weeks however, I am going to be crazy busy.

Soon, but never soon enough, I will be returning to land. Even as my habitat changes the title of this blog will remain; over the months I've grown very fond of it.

Thanks for your readership and if you feel socially intune, leave a comment!

Sunlight Through The Palm Trees

2005-02-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

Check it out | Buy

It's hard not to notice the struggle in Hawaiian society after reading about it's past. The clash of the old vs. the new is strikingly apparent.

The history of these islands is so rich and it's tourists so aloof.

So In It Right Now...

2005-02-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

Frou Frou "let go"

Listen | Buy

Drink up baby down
Mmm are you in or are you out
Leave your things behind
'Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me too busy writing your tragedy
These mishaps you bubble wrap
When you've no idea what you're like

So let go jump in oh well
Whatcha waiting for
It's alright cause there's beauty in the breakdown
So let go just get in
Oh it's so amazing here
It's alright cause there's beauty in the breakdown

It gains the more it gives & it rises with the fall
[so hand me that remote - can't you see that all that stuff's a sideshow]
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later now
You can't await your own arrival
You¹ve 20 seconds to comply
So let go

All lyrics by Imogen Heap & Guy Sigsworth.

The Bottom of the Indian Ocean

2005-02-20T22:54:00.000-08:00

I get so frustrated with people sometimes. Not people as in specific people,
more the massive crowd of indistinguishable faces that never come into
focus. Maybe my frustration even extends to the entire world as a whole, I
haven't quite gotten a grasp on it. It feels like a puzzle I'm trying to put
together while missing pieces. Sometimes I find pieces totally by accident,
in passing conversation or by reading something inspiring. Sometimes I look
for them, like sending a letter to an ex-girlfriend or by contemplating the
writing and speaking of an eulogy.

This afternoon, I did have a small moment of clarity, a piece of the puzzle.
"Once again life". It was in the title of an email I received from Melyi.
After reading it (the title). For whatever reason I felt compelled to write
about my experience recently in Indonesia.

There is a new crater on the ocean floor off the coast of India. It is said
to resemble the Grand Canyon in looks and size. The magnitude of the
earthquake that created it for a moment knocked the entire earth off of it's
axis. The size of the initial wave that hit the beaches of Banda Ache is
still in my mind inconceivable.

We flew into the relief site right after a helicopter had crashed earlier
that morning. From the little I had heard they had suffered an engine
failure while enroute shuttling other volunteers to the site. Luckily there
were most only minor injuries, but I didn't learn this until the following
day. The frailty of my own existence was on my mind when I looked down from
the helicopter into the utter destruction of the Banda Ache coastline.

If you've ever seen an action movie (Independence Day, The Sum of All Fears,
e.g.) in which massive destruction is depicted, you will be able to envision
somewhat of how the coastline looked when I flew by. The land was ironed
flat. For two miles inland there was not even a standing tree.

When I returned my gaze forward I was met with another totally unexpected
view. If you've seen Jurassic Park you should have a good idea. Lush green
mountains, with thick tropical foliage (You can picture my flight along the
lines of the initial helicopter scene). After passing the wasteland of the
coastline, the trees made their return, sparsely at first, and then in full
force.

Civilization was a few miles more inland and was easily spotted from the air
in the form of rugged soccer fields and homes. We put down in one soccer
field, very near a medium sized building that turned out to be a hospital.

Once on the ground the work I did was not exceedingly difficult, it was
something that anyone else (in good health) could reasonably do. It wasn't
even that substantial in the grand scheme of the effort, at least I felt at
the time. It was however, then and now upon reflection, the right thing to
do though. I felt it as deep as I felt the rain that soaked me to the bone
that day. It was just simply good work.

When the sun began to sink, and the boxes of supplies were loaded, and the
last of the medivacs carried to the tents, we left.

This memory brings me back to another piece of the puzzle for me, another
memory. Back to a conversation, in passing that I had with Zac. Randomly,
about a year ago we were shooting off about politics or current events or
something at his apartment. And at the end of the discussion for some reason
I was compelled to say, "Somehow, someday we are going to change the world".
Without hesitation he nodded his agreement. I think about that a lot lately.

I realize now more than ever that we change the world everyday. Whether for
better, or otherwise. The waves that hit the beach in Banda Ache all
originated from a single point. A place at the bottom of the Indian Ocean
that touched the lives of billions of people. We also touch so many people
lives that we don't or choose not to remember. We are all waves in a sea of
faceless strangers.

I still don't have my puzzle solved, but I do know that I will always be
part of an organization that provides international relief. I will play some
(however seemingly insignificant) role in that area, because of my recent
experience. There is so much that we can do, it is astonishing. There are
hungry people to feed, there are terminally sick who need comfort, there are
those who are blind and would love to have a book read to them, there are
homes that can be built for the homeless, there are wounded soldiers who
need someone to talk to, there is just to much to name.

Once again life.

Faux News

2005-02-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

"Real Journalism...Fair & Balanced. Thats why we're #1"

Haha, not!

Lets take a moment to look at the ads just on the front page of the FOXNews.com website :

Microsoft - First of all your going to need a Computer to research the other half of the stories yourself.

Video Proffessor - If your at FOX News.com you definately are going to need help figuring out how to work your computer.

Scott Trade, Ameriquest, Ameritrade - If you need to invest the social securities returns your not going to get.

Auto Trader - If you need a new mobile home to store your new computer in.

Gold Central - To invest in some bling-bling.

Classmates.com - Nevermind you didn't graduate.

Ecomponline - If you need to check the going rate of your kidney on the black market.

Samsung - Because you really need to invest in a television that has surround sound to watch all the action that takes place during Senate and House proceedings on CSPAN and to actually listen to your state Sentors and Congressmen (you can tell who they are when your states abbreviation is next to their name) and listen to 100% less crap.

The War on Chicken

2005-02-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

President Bush officially declared war on chicken today after a breaking
development from the 9/11 commission. The development pointed to chickens as
another prime suspect responsible for the planning of the Sept. 11th
attacks. Chickens according to presidents announcement have been known to
support terror all over the world. The "Bird Flu" was cited throughout the
report released by the commission yesterday and was a main focal point of
discussion during the presidents announcement.

In a related story: Celerbrities are speaking out and standing behind PETA
and other animal rights groups on the hardline subject of chicken abuse. A
video captured on hidden camera was recently released showing the reported
abuses. If the tape is indeed legitimate it shows employees of Pilgrim's
Pride (a supplier to KFC), blindfolding chickens and posing them in a crude
fashion for pictures. It also shows chickens after being plucked naked,
being made to form "chicken pyramids".

Some politicians are calling for international sanctions on chicken, along
with the seizing of all chicken assests. A new study and recent polls
suggest everyday American's have an increasing mistrust for poultry. Reports
of prisoner abuse inflicted by soldiers, as well as suspected "outsourcing"
of torture by US agencies were overshadowed by todays announcement.

Give Us Five Minutes And We'll Give You...

2005-02-11T15:27:00.000-08:00

Fear Condition - ELEVATED

Today Michael Jackson publicly claimed to be in possession of nuclear arms and refuses to return them. Neverland has been a leading exporter of ballistic missile technology, and a well known supporter of terrorist groups for some time now. American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino believes that diplomacy may still be possible and downplayed today's announcement.

Pope John Paul II has finally set a long-awaited deadline for NHL negotiations. After a long discussion with the players union, he sounded optimistic. When asked about the talks he replied, "Do you believe in miracles, yes!"

A stampeed of Ikea customers is the suspected cause of a significant ocean floor disturbance under the India Ocean. This has resulted in a number of complaints from locals in the area and a call for more scientific study into the disturbance. One resident after receiving the news exclaimed, "PATRICK!".

Prince Charles left the hospital today, where he had been receiving treatment. He gave well-wishers a reassuring wave from behind the protective glass of his Prince mobile.

Any resemblance to any actual articles is merely coincidence and was in no way intended.

Throw Yours Hands In The Air

2005-02-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

...And now for another edition of...How-To "The Middle of the Pacific" The Series...on this episode of How-To we will learn...

How-To: Get a cab in Singapore

Don't even bother trying to hail a cab, it's not worth the half hour (or more) wasted standing on the curb.

Solution: Try to find a Taxi stand, these are located at most Malls or Shopping centers. You can also call one from any major hotel, which is probably the best course of action since the stands are usually quite crowded.

Who Knew, Now That I Know

2005-02-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Where are you now unforgiving forgetfulness,
When I need you your gone, and when I find you it seems,
I cannot decide whether you have actually come.
I saw you last week, I think,
We both went out for a couple of drinks,
It all went so well,
Or you lied really well.
To think how much I remeber, I can't
But we'll always have Paris or was it...

Singapore Some Sugar On Me...

2005-02-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

The Singapore subway system (and so far most of the tubes I've been in lately here in Asia) are some of the cleanest and smoothest running underground rail lines I've ridden on. The amount of riders seems to be quite healthy, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and air-conditioned which is a nice change vice New York City at morning rush hour. Air quality in Singapore is considerably better than that of Hong Kong. Both cities however have the same annoying habit of driving on the wrong side of the road.

There is a strong colonial European influence here in Singapore and it is very convenient that most storeowners and restaunteers speak decipherable english. The laws are strict in some areas and yet relaxed in others. China seems to provide the country with quite a few immigrants and in the cruisine is found European as well as Traditional Asia flavors.

Significant American influence is recognizable in Singapore's fashion, shopping, and adveritising. You can find McDonald's, Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, and other such shops on most street corners. Abercrombie and Fitch is not an uncommon brand to see, even with the absence of a branch store anywhere outside of the fifty states.

Fear Vs. The Common Man

2005-01-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

In late October you may remember seeing a video tape of Osama Bin Laden on most major news networks. This tape released the weekend before the election, needless to say was at a critical point for both campaigns. At the time the tape released I initially thought that this release (in that it mocked the sitting president) would be beneficial to the Kerry camp and boost his already rising poles. However this didn't happen. Actually the exact opposite occurred. Kerry's polls came to a halt and then began to drop in the days following the release of the tape. This leads me to believe that this election was lost by Kerry long before election day, long before the release of the Osama tape, and long before Kerry even entered the race. Bush's second term was written in the broken stone and bent steel at ground zero, World Trade Center Plaza. "I believe that 9/11 was the central deciding issue in this race," Kerry said on NBC's Meet the Press. Conspiracy theories aside here, how did we as a nation allow this election to become so fixated on this singular issue of fear? How did we allow the same base element of totalitarian, neofacist, and autocratic dictatorships to pollute our pure and just democratic elections? Bush's camp has used a play straight out of the American advertising industries playbook. Scare tactics are so effective in our society it's really quite amazing. The truth is easily shaded over with a pencil that accents our insecurity, weakness, and selfishness. To erase these shadows is something that we must work at constantly. Seeking truth is an admirable pursuit, a patriotic pursuit. Citizenship is not meant to be taken for granted by those born into it.

Why Nobody Cares About the Gingerbread Woman

2005-01-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Finally it's here. The moment you've all been waiting for. Ohh yes, you guessed it.

PRESENTING:

THE RANDOM LIST FOR 2005

IN OUT

Dancing IPOD Silouettes

Ruffles and Flourishes

2005-01-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

The President's inaugural speech...

"And we all remember that day of fire..."

"The fire of freedom will light even the darkest recesses of the world..."

What interesting allusions.

Firstly and obviously we have the predicable reference to September 11th. However the second fire, is a little less obvious. Is the President referring to bringing the same "day of fire" to the rest of the world. Freedom through occupation? Or are we to believe this "fire of freedom" is to be achieved in a new and different light.

Atari vs. Jello Puddin' Pie

2005-01-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Tick tac, I told you so...(you could never let it be)
"It's called 'He's really not that into you", so learn to live like that. I dare you.
Don't think, it's just a game to you.
"Is it another girl, because if it is you can tell me..."
Lie now, because in the morning,
You swear you will never drink again.
Am I just another sucker for drama, (passed out and right on).
"I'm fine now, but when I wake up it might just be different..."
Ask not what you don't want to know.

You were a mistake, because you've been taken before.
One foot in your mouth, and always one in my door.
And I will never tell you, what I am really not into.
"You want to feel beautiful, wanted, and love..."

Probable Gauze

2005-01-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

Take a quick breath and take the worse fall,
Her indecisive nature, makes all the lies more natural.
"You deserve so much better.." says you the,
"Lets just be..." friend. Never.
It's Pandora's Box thats long since unlocked. Whatever.
How can I ever trust the mean,
when it's always "Thats not what I meant.."
I've lost the pulse.
Take another breath, and sound more convincing,
It's not what I think, but your lack of thinking.

Non-Existent Existentialism

2005-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

If selfish, empirical wants and desires are overcome by a sense of innate purpose and greater good, hope is a phoenix. However there is seemingly no burning, no introversion, no care. What is the most American choice when choosing between the following possible realities:

1. Wealth, Renown, Success, Security, and Unhappiness.

And.

2. Financial Uncertainty, Obscurity, Insecurity, and Happiness.

What does this decision tell us about our values as a society? How much would we really be willing to give up, what would we cling to tooth and nail? And is there no middle ground here?

Middle ground is fading in a world of extremist group think. There feels to be no further on down the road, solutions must come now. This blindered view of reality is becoming increasingly easy to swallow with manipulation of the 'mainstream' media and other mass publications.

Terrorism has given a trump card to all who have influenced world policies and neo-political organizations in the past. There is this separation between acts possibly viewed internationally by others as horrific and similar acts committed by 'the terrorists'. Labelism is unchecked, there is no grounded perception here. Our views cannot be limited to the present. Each of our acts have untold effects that ripple outward into the international community. It is extremely unsettling to hear leaders say words to the effect "Maybe I should have used different language, I really didn't think about it at the time." This oversight is not trivial, and our acceptance can only be viewed as a vote of confidence.

Hi There!

2005-01-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hi back,

I'm not looking for anyone to talk to. Really, there are way to many people around here to do that with. However everyone in my office decided to email people on our penpal list, and I chose yours to respond to for the following reasons:

1. You got right to the point.
2. You made no spelling and/or grammatical mistakes in your posting.
3. If you did you used spell check to fix them.
4. Your picture is hot and is in all likelihood not you.

So there you have it. If you chose to respond, however unlikely, since you've probably been bombarded with desperate emails from other single (and married) guys on board, that would be really cool, but please understand anything you write most likely will be viewed by everyone else in my office (and quite possibly laughed at) until I can confirm that you are:

1. Not desperate
2. Not from Utah
3. Not a NASCAR fan
4. Not opposed to gay marriage
5. A fan of Tracy Chapman

and most importantly...

6. Literate

Then we'll see.

The Bus Ride Home From Stanley Market

2004-12-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

I received an email a couple of months ago from my best friend who happened to be taking a semester abroad in Australia. In this email he explained to me the inherent evils of Australia and all other countries that insist on driving on the wrong side of the road. I read the email laughed and never thought that I would ever actually put such seemingly random information to good use. Man, was I wrong.

Hong Kong is a sprawling urban jungle. It is a lot like New York City. The difference being Hong Kong is far more spread out and has far to many high-rise apartment buildings on the edge of cliffs. However, like Australia...Hong Kongians...Hong Kongers...or whatever the Cantonese equivalent, drive on the wrong side of the road. Drive insanely on the wrong side of the road.

If you are ever in Hong Kong and just happen to be shopping at Stanley Market, be sure to catch the number 6 bus back into downtown. That is if you feel a strange urge to experience the thrill of a roller coaster ride, minus the coaster, plus a double-decker bus, and three times the risk of horrific death.

Yes, there is a problem when you have to have tons of blue road signs with white arrows constantly reminding everyone that your country is totally backwards. And don't even let me get started on the fear I experienced upon seeing a traffic circle from the front seat, second decker of the number 6 bus.

So for the rest of time in Hong Kong, I decided to stick to the subway.

Dear Reader: An Apology

2004-12-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Due to recent events, including but not limited to: Visiting Hong Kong, Dodging Tsunami Waves, Avoiding Birdflu, and a Severe Lack of Internet Cafes. I have been unable to post until this point. I apologize profusely to everyone who has happened to stop by and were only met with harrowing disapointment.

Timeless

2004-12-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Roll back the clock again. If I roll back my clock one more time, I am going to be totally lost. I am totally lost. I have gained time today, however I lost a day yesterday. Today I gained back one hour of the time I lost yesterday. In the previous weeks I gained one-third of the time I’ve lost. The other days I gained; yesterday I lost it all. In this timelessness we are all yesterday and tomorrow to somebody, but always today to ourself.

Hope

2004-12-04T23:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Jesse,

Have hope my friend. You may feel stuck in a life sucking, sense deprived, hole of a world right now. However, know that tommorrow the sun will rise and a new day will dawn upon the horizon of this life. There will always be hate and mistrust, depression and paranoia, death and destruction. There will also be love and trust, elation and joy, life and rebirth. The balance is in your single perception of consciousness. Why? Because we must perceviere. We have stood up, while others have hidden their heads in the sand. We suffer so that others may enjoy many seemingly unappreciated freedoms. Trust however that those freedoms however unappreciated are worth these years of torment, these days of suffering. For there will come a day when you -will- say, "I have missed the birth of my son, I have missed Christmas, I have stood upon the mountain of my own personal injustices and conquered them, and for what? So that you can play with your children in your back yard, so that you can sleep without fearing fire and flooding, so that you can leave your house whenever you want and not have to be back before midnight. I have stood the watch, now it's your turn." You will then have earned every freedom -not- taking it for granted, but furfilling an oath. For we as Americans have the right to do many things, rights many people still dream about. Hope is bigger than any one person. The oppressed need us. The poor need us. The sick need us. The disenfranchised need us. The world needs us. We are needed most when we feel that we have been pushed aside and neglected.

My First Little Novel - Part One

2004-11-21T01:47:00.000-08:00

Eighteen years, eleven hours, Twenty-one minutes.

             Cylis William Hariar returned to the Hariar estate around mid-afternoon. Estate meaning a rented apartment that he shared with his sister Faith and his mother Teresa. Cy had been preparing eighteen years for this day. His active mind ascended the sweeping staircase that didn’t exist. It was his day of atonement, the culmination of his manhood, a day to be sure to have lots of singles pocketed. He was finally a free man. Losing articles of clothing on the way to his closet, his minded slowed. Jeans would do. Swinging back down the stairs Cylis caught his breath in midair over Tar, the large mass of Labrador retriever lying mid-hallway. There was no time to waste. Today was the birthday of birthdays. Grabbing two bags already prepared the night previous Cylis headed down the hallway past his sisters embarrassing first grade artwork. Stopping outside the door to the garage he coughed loudly and yelled.
             “Mom, I’m headed out.”
             “Have your tickets sweetie?” she called from the safety of her closet.
             “Yes Mom.” he put a little more stress on the ‘M’ than he had intended to and in response he was prodded further.
             “You sure you don’t want me to drive you honey?
             “Positive.” He replied as the garage door cut off further communication from the closet dwelling mother.
             Wenton High School is located twelve point two miles from the front gate of the Cylis’s driveway. It passed on Cy’s right far to slow for his liking. He knew the distance precisely. Knowing it allowed him to calculate the exact time needed to get ready, get in the car, and get to class without wasting a second of sleep. Each extra second of sleep was one minute he didn’t have to deal. Sleep was the only time he could rest his overactive mind. I should have word a button-down. The only time he felt truly normal was while unconscious. It was an escape from introversion, in a very introverted kind of way. The passing view of his current imprisonment made his current freedom taste a little bit sweeter. Concentration however was all but possible, stripe after stripe, the road felt as if it were prolonging his departure. Cy pressed the top left button his stereo and the music drowned everything else out.
             The Civic was a good investment. Cylis had only stalled three times during his drive home from the dealership. One of them had been in the middle of rush hour on interstate five, but the day was still a fond memory. He could no longer stand driving anything but a five-speed. Only in extreme necessity would he stoop to drive the "White Whale" his mother's pride and joy. Another Honda, it was the Accord wagon that inhabited the other side of the garage. Cy easily weaved in and out of the normal traffic headed into Airport drive and followed the arrows to the parking garage. Accelerating up the spiraling incline steadily the Civic obeyed every command. After parking on the third level in a good spot not far from the elevators Cylis removed his two suitcases and backpack from the trunk. He made his way down the elevator and entered the steady flow of travelers.

Stuck in the Middle of Yesterday and Tommorrow.

2004-11-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

Mood - Good

Take out the emotional outbursts, the ranting and the tirades, the swinging from the chandeliers. The stress, the social quicksand, the latest trend. What you're left with is the mundane.

At the core what could be more real or a better inward look at one's self?

It is in the pursuit of a bigger and better existance that appreciation for the mundane is lost.

Shes Easy

2004-11-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

Mood - Neutral

Lyrics:

Easier

Everything's so wonderful, when you close your eyes
No more fear no worries here, just long good-byes.

Give up your hope, it's easier
Blind yourself to the world.

I've lost the ability to think, I blink, your a magnet over my compass
My path is so unclear, to steer, I'm rudderless.

Give up your hope, it's easier
Blind yourself to the world,
Because it's easier.

What I'm trying to say, please stay, spend this night with me
I may seem down swept out, but I'm not lost at sea. Yet.

Don't give up hope, even though it's easier
Don't blind yourself to the world,
Even though it's easier.

I Can't Hear You? What Did You Say, I Have an Ear Infection.

2004-11-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Mood - Calm

America has seen two borderline illegitimate, if not otherwise hotly contested presidential elections. I think it can be truthfully stated that from a worldwide perspective: America is considered the example when it comes to an accomplished democracy.

Officials on the ground in Iraq coordinating the upcoming free elections have expressed fears concerning election turnout. Without a large turnout of the insurgent population there is a fear that the elections will not be legitimate in the eyes of the Iraqi people.

In other news American troops are attempting to suppress violence from the same insurgent population that officials need to legitimize the upcoming election.

How can we expect a legitimate election in a massively war-torn and still current battleground of a country? America has barely accomplished the same feat and that is without a foreign army occupying most of our cities no less. If American forces can eliminate political parties seemingly at will because fundamentally we disagree, how will the Iraqi people ever accomplish legitimacy.

Today, Tommorrow, Forever and Ever.

2004-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Mood - Morning manic

To the person who left an uneaten orange in the Legal passageway,

Honestly what were you thinking? I have to admit initially you made a good decision. An orange is not a bad choice in the morning. You have your vitamin C and your calcium, it is quite refreshing especially when you have been sleeping in a box metal frame for most of the night. Where did you go wrong? Did you really lose your appetite on that short walk from the mess decks? I'd really like to think you did. Really I do, but I just don't buy it. Now yes it's true I could have eaten this orphan of a orange myself and saved a perfectly good snack from going to waste, but since we had never met how could I trust you. The least you could have done was leave a note explaining your sudden loss of appetite and how bad you felt about throwing away this jewel. Was that it or was it something else? Did you suddenly while entering my passageway have a vision; possibly brought on by the JP5 fumes and last nights tuna casserole? Perhaps in this vision you suddenly realized your relation to the round orange object you were about to massacre. Your sudden understanding that you are a killer of fruit in this universe. This sudden awareness perhaps caused you to pity the produce you had chosen to slaughter for your survival and to leave it in my angle iron for safety. Out of the hungry mouths threatening to consume it. I again commend you for such a righteous and moral decision if in fact this was the case. However I have my doubts since we have never met. I implore you next time you feel the need to leave produce in my passageway please at least leave a note, or consider the fact that I may think far to much into what you are really doing, and for my own sake not abandon your fruit.

Doomed...

2004-11-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Mood - Threatened

So I was thinking. Why does it seem that we only examine what is going on in politics during an election year? How does that make any sense at all? I mean, it seems that for three of every four years the media doesn't cover politics at all. By the media I am referring to the 'OJ Simpson Trial' inspired news networks here. Your Fox News, your CNN, your most trusted names in misinformation and fear mongering. For three years we can be a fascist, neo-socialist, anti-constitutional, gay hating, environment killing, war machine and nobody gives a damn. Then of course an election years rolls around and everyone gets passionate about something. But where were you all for the last three years?

My guess:

In January getting wasted while watching one of the networks cover the ball drop from NYC; where you've never actually been, ohh and Super Bowl commercials. In February watching the networks cover a trial about a random superstar sleeping with someone. In March watching the Britney Spears Pay-Per-View special. In April watching a made for TV movie about the superstar trial that you watched in February. In May watching MTVs beach house where scantily clad teenagers dance around oblivious to the real world (Ironically the 'Real World' is another popular MTV show). In June watching various network season finales of shows you haven't watched all season. In July watching re-runs and the Fourth of July fireworks display on television. In August a reality show about ten poor people doing incredibly stupid things while stabbing each other in the back for cash. In September watching a show about the richest people in the world and how your not one of them. In October watching the Yankees play somebody in the World Series. In November watching the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC; where you still haven't been yet. And finally in December watching Christmas specials and a log burning on your television instead of on the fireplace that you don't have.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

One day we'll wake up and realize that we weren't asleep. This nightmare of an administration is still here and we as a people have slept through the violent overthrow of our morals, truths, and respect as a nation. This didn't happen overnight.

It happened over three years.

Slippery when sly...

2004-11-10T03:32:00.000-08:00

Mood - Cynical

Fish...

Is fate just an excuse for not having complete control of life? What factors determine the possible outcomes of any existance? Tides, winds, currents, control the direction and speed that a piece of driftwood travels across open water. Are we so different from a piece of driftwood?

Opportunities present themselves, choices are made, and the hammers drops. Free will, or destined decision. What are the odds? Outcomes reduced to numbers.

Is fate a road paved by the people?

Success. Failure. One and the same. A life changing success equals a life changing failure and on and on, forever and ever.

What drives our decisions. Pressure. Errosion of our innocence (maturity). Greed. Envy. Peace of mind.

Where have we lost our way? Where did we go off course?

Self...

What do you do with driftwood? Examine it. Cast it back out to sea. Burn it. Hang it on a wall. Keep walking.

We are all driftwood in an ocean of existance.

Today is brought to you by the letter 'W'

2004-11-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Mood - Good ( especially for it being morning)

Waves travel for hundreds of thousands of miles. It can take years for a wave to reach a singular point on a beach. The measure of a wave is not taken at face value. Rather by the length of the back of the wave.

Do not judge a wave by it's face, but by what is behind it.

-Ben

W, Wax, Waxing

2004-11-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

Mood - Neutral

I never used to look at a floor and think about who takes care of it. The person behind the scenes who puts hours into stripping and waxing it. Working under the cover of darkness. Buffing out the blemishes until it temporarily blinds anyone who happends to catch a reflected ray in the corner of their eye.

Until recently of course, I had never been that person.

I catch myself looking down whenever I walk into an apartment building, an office building, the supermarket.

Man, what a great job.

Man, what happended.

The hundreds of coats each month. The steady, practiced hands holding a mop. The circular whirl of a buffer pad. The hum of the newer zamboni-like machines.

What does your floor look like? What does your floor say about you?

-Ben

Election Night, Week...Whatever.

2004-11-03T05:30:00.001-08:00

Mood - Annoyed

So I slept all day hoping to wake up to an obvious winner in the Presidential election. Now after a long night in the office, I am still listening to same drone from the never ending election coverage.

Here is a recap from the high seas debates:

From: Green the Color of Money

23OCT04

"All I ask is an unbias look at the current situation, and a decision based on what you think is not just best for yourself and your personal gain, but the national and even international betterment."

-Ben

From: To me it's about Iraq

23OCT04

"If in the remote chance Kerry wins then I will have one consolation. I will be a Congressmen from the great state of Oregon and insure that this traitor dose not subvert all the Freedoms that I hold dear. Thank goodness for the Separation of powers."

-Richard Lane

From: RE: To me it's about Iraq

23OCT04

"In secret negotiations, it's known that George Bush sold his soul to the devil. There are witnesses to this account. Father Schitz of Lubbock Texas testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on August 23, 1969 and affirmed this fact. Yes, you may be treasonous if you vote Kerry, but I would think twice about voting for someone who is in league with Lucifer. Lucifer has been implicated in many, many, many crimes. Somehow he has manage to be acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence or technicalities; however, there is little doubt to his involvement in MOST crimes committed throughout the world. For instance, if it were not for Lucifer, we would all still be hanging out nude in the Garden of Eden....something to think about. Now for George Bush to collaborate with a criminal like Lucifer, he did, in essence, aide Lucifer in convincing Eve to eat that apple. Shouldn't George be tried for this? I think there should be a special tribunal established, in the Hague, to try this criminal. It's fact, Father Schitz said so. Also, has anyone really ruled out the possibility of G.W. being the second gunman on the grassy knoll? There's plenty of evidence to support this. For instance, he is from Texas. Also, JFK was a Democrat. And, G.W. doesn't really have very good evidence to prove that it wasn't him. I think we have a case here....."

-Robert E. Brown

From: RE: A Message of History

23OCT04

"Yes, there are some questionable business practices that he has partaken in. I ask you this, what president hasn't had controversy. It comes with being the president."

-Larry DeCandia

From: United We Stand, Divided We Fall

23OCT04

"The blindfold of personal security needs to be replaced in my opinion with the blindfold of justice. Fair and impartial treatment of all. For the detainee and the POW, the innocent and the guilty, the free and the oppressed. Humankind deserves a world without the fear of terrorism, a world more united in understanding."

-Ben

And as I write this Kerry concedes...