I’m a going to rant about something that annoys the heck out of me. Something I am sure annoys the heck out of everyone at one time or another.  I get frequently fed up with irresponsible dog owners. Of course I like dogs more than I like many people, so beware of my bias, grin.

General neglect and ignorance:

So many people forget that a dog is a living thing with a 10 to 15 year life span. Pooch will need water, food, medical care, and human attention. So often I see a bunch of dogs just tied outside. The weather is too hot, too cold, the water dish is empty or filthy, and the dog looks like a prison camp survivor.  Puppy looked cute in a pet store fresh from a puppy mill. Thinking it is a stuffed animal home comes the dog. The dog becomes work or inconvenient, then is not cared for or ends up in the pound.  With out interaction from family dogs act up like humans, many social creatures use acting up to get attention. The "bad dog" ends up at the pound to be destroyed.

Dog Waste:

This is a big pet peeve to a runner like me.  Running down the sidewalk at 6am and splat, I did not see a dog bomb.  I have to clean my shoe, it stinks, it is gross ect ect. I know it just happens, I grew up on a farm, but it is frequent. Also the dog waste gets washed into the rivers when it rains, making harmful bacteria multiply, and shutting down recreation, getting into irrigation, and killing fish (1). I am an aquarium hobbyist, I know what nitrites do to aquatic creatures.

Macho dogs:

I am in the “punish the deed not the breed” camp, but often the deed is people getting fighting dogs to be cool or look tough. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes are responsible for 74% of attacks (2). Often these dogs are from poor stock ran by poorly trained people.  Fighting breeds would have those traits replaced if people would select for strength and hardiness not to combine those positive traits with aggression. Poodles would become killer when treated in such a way.

The result is more government:

I would need to research to see how much is spent nationwide for local dogcatchers, and ASPCA, but it would interesting.  The few yo-yos not caring for dogs is giving government and busybodies another reason to intrude, and you are guilty until you prove your innocence. A life long dog expert can be dragged through a ringer if an uppity official gets a hair up their backside. Animal rights cannot supercede human rights, but no sane person wants animals to suffer unnecessarily.  They make computerized dogs now, get one of those if you are not truely committed to your dog owernership.

1-www.cityofboise.org/Departments/Parks/News/2006/page12687.aspx

2-http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

Just the Facts!

I used to think that when you wanted to watch drama you would rent or tune into the appropriate program. It seems stupid drama has taken over everything including news programs. Another popular topic this election year is that news media stinks with bias. 

 

Here is a silly yet somewhat accurate to the style news reports these days

 

Newsguy: Hello our breaking story at the top of the hour is that the president farted today while in a meeting with the vice president, secretary of defense, and the joint chiefs, lets go to our Washington correspondent.

 

Washingtonguy: Thank you, yes it is confirmed that while meeting with the vice president, the secretary of state, and the joint chiefs, the president ripped on through his trousers. It was reported to be five to seven seconds long, reverberated his chair, and smelled like sulfur and burnt tires. The secret service escorted the officials out of the Oval Office, and supervised while fans were placed in the office and windows opened. The meeting returned after an all clear was signaled and the Lysol dissipated.  Terrorists are not, I repeat terrorists are not suspected in altering the presidents diet.

 

Newguy: Thank you, now joining us to sort out what this all means is someone from each party, one of those, and one of these.

 

One of those: The president handled this appropriately and with honor. The president is only human and this will happen.  What we do need is a committee to establish a flatulence committee so we can have a national presidential gas plan. We would be able to run the country if that other party would shut their yaps.

 

News guy: Now we will hear from one of these

 

One of these:  This president is a disgrace, this is proof he talks out his butt.  What is next for this administration pooping in meetings? Will the president meet with the prime minister of Canada, drop his drawers and crap all over him? Where does it end. If that other party had not blocked our crap bill this would not happen. They need to shut their yaps!

 

Sheep person1: Can you believe those idiots attacking the president!

 

Sheep person2: What a useless president, talks out his butt sheeze!

 

Average person: Why did the president call for a meeting with the VP, and the joint chiefs? What did they talk about? What are they planning to do? Hello? Anyone?

 

When they surveyed college aged people about news and a majority got their daily news from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert the news organizations did not think of it as a wake up call, but when on the attack, calling Stewart and college kids idiots. Jon Stewart never claimed to be news, he is on Comedy Central, he is satire. All he does is play back what politicians say, and it is so ridiculous it is funny. It seems claiming to be satire gives him some honestly and credibility so people watch it, figuring it is no less accurate.

 

It must be that someone well dressed relaying facts is too boring to sell advertising. People think news should be like Indiana Jones, flashy, exciting, and to hell if it is real or not. When a topic is who has the sexiest news reporters, well you see the news in not the issue, entertainment is.

 

Others do not want to hear facts and draw their own conclusions. They want the facts to support their conclusions true or not. They want the truth packaged in a pretty little box, with a pretty ribbon, so they never have to open it and look inside. Their little bubbles all secure and happy, the happy bubble of denial, instead of knowing it might pop, and being able to adjust real life with real information.

 

People want drama, emotion, and to call others idiot. It is exactly like that moment of hate Orwell warned us about in 1984. Trained journalist with ethics review processes have been replaced with pundits.  Pundits then say the most outrageous stuff to “piss off” the other side, then the other side responds, on and on we go. There is a market for that, but it should not be considered mainstream news.  People do not trust the news, yet we need to make important decisions, black market news is getting popular, but as with any information buyer beware. Provided one does think and not just blindly accept any info to keep their happy little bubble intact.

 

Truth is not a purchase decision, you can’t say I paid for truth I get what I want, it had best say what I want or it is not the truth, I want it all, and I want it now! Truth is not a made to order commodity with pretty colors and fancy widgets. Truth requires a validity process to check integrity, check the facts to support the conclusion, and potential falsification must be admitted. Truth can be ugly and one must face that, but when the truth is pretty, you can know for sure it is real, thus the beauty is more than skin deep.

 

And that’s a fact jack!

 

 

Remember that classic Star Trek episode where the Enterprise is taken over by an android called #1, and taken to planet Mudd, where they encounter Harry Mudd yet again.  They find out that Mudd is not responsible for situation and he is as prisoner as much as Kirk and others are.  The con man got swindled.

They discover the androids are going to take over by "serving" others and giving everyone exactly what they want. Kirk and Spock are of course very concerned because the plan will work. Spock sees this as a very logical way to conquer people, they will be subdued before they realize what has happened.  People will be absolutely dependant on the androids for survival. People would no longer have food, freedom to travel, or even weapons. No way to assert their will.

Many people seem to think that government and leaders are responsible to hand out "stuff" for the good of all.  Many seem to want the androids in real life, then they can be fat and happy, and watch more tv. Of course we have no androids, but we have those who will pretend to serve and subdue until you no longer have the will or ability to assert your legal rights.

It often seems the trend today is to rename issues or legislation with deceitful opposite of what they really are.  Like calling opportunity a new government program that will favor the few, and handicap the rest.

When I go into a job interview the employer wants to see measurable, tangible qualifications and accomplishments. We all keep our resumes in the positive light, but fairy tale flights of fantasy will get you thrown out of an interview in disgrace. However we are allowing politicians to apply for jobs with LA LA Land resumes, and poorly hidden agendas. (If not flat out lies) Agendas that are not providing opportunity to "we the people."

Back to the Star Trek episode the Enterprise crew confused the androids with nonsense and e non sequiturs " I am a liar, everything I say is a lie!" Which is the truth, but can't be the truth because everything is a lie, but yet it is true that you lie.

With politicians it is the opposite. Politicians are throwing non sequiturs at us, and the only way to defeat them is logic. Action is the only real, measurable, and comparative truth we have. If you are measured by reality on your job, why not hold politicians to the same standard?

Government really only wants to serve to take away, more we require of government the less we can do for ourselves. Even if we only lose 1% of our freedoms per year based on the starting point, we are slaves within a century.

 

We know the Star Trek series, and can quote “beam me up Scotty” “Resistance is futile” “make it so” Just for fun and to relax from all the political debate, but yet be who we are and enjoy politics, and the “other camps of thought.” I thought it would be entertaining to look at Star Trek from political perspective of Liberal, Conservative, & Libertarian. My quotes may not be word for word accurate.

 

Star Trek as a “Liberal” Show.

“Earth is a paradise, we have eliminated hunger, homelessness, & disease”...Sisko

“I love you, I do not care what they think you are”…Rikker (figures huh lol)

“Men of peace usually are brave”.. Spock

“We don’t use money in the 23^rd century”…. Kirk

“Torture is outdated and ineffective, no real civilization uses it”…Picard

“Keep your prejudices in your quarters mister” Kirk

"DO not go beyond warp 5, we are destroying the universe" A Scientist

 

The technology has reached a point that people no longer need money, everyone can pursue their passion your survival is a given. Arts and culture are alive and well. So well that even Klingons run around quoting Shakespeare.  Society does not judge Black, White, Asian, Blue, Red, Green, Homosexual, Straight, in between.  People are judged by their character not color of skin. Scientist travel and study those strange new worlds, and new life forms.  Medical care is free, as is shelter, and food, just walk to a computer and ask for it. Liberal Paradise!

 

 

Star Trek as a “Conservative” show

“You can’t let some machine take our jobs, there are certain things we must do to remain men” Kirk

“Excellence is expected, anything beyond that does you credit” Picard

“You are a coward, and you have no honor, get out of my sight”  Worf

“I don’t wage war with computers, I wage the real thing” Kirk

“The honor is to serve” “Your service honors us” Picard and Serek greeting each other

“As long as you wear that uniform, you word is good” Sisko

“We all ask a father, a brother, a god, why am I here?” Spock

“You will just exist living on the charity of others” Odo

 

A free lunch did not build an advanced star fleet.  Not every race is happy to see star fleet, and some aliens find it something useful to consume and conquer.  Smiling happy aliens would make for a very boring show, and is not reality.  Star Fleet has a strict code of honor and ethics, those that break them, even with the best intentions are not treated with respect.  Earth might have some fat lazies remaining, but on a ship you can escape all that.  In spite of all the technology and social tolerance, respect is still gotten the old fashioned way, they earn it.  Buzzwords like discipline, service and honor are alive and well in the future as seen by Star Trek. 

 

Star Trek as a Libertarian show.

“Our culture is based on freedom and self determination” Picard

“No disrespect, but my career choices are my own business” Rikker

“We are here to ascertain my right to choose” Data

“I will work with you, and fight for you, but I don’t like you” Worf

 

Star Treks prime directive of no interference is a pure Libertarian statement.  Based on the old west, Star trek is a western with space ships, a wagon train to the stars. Often having to improvise as you go to survive, day by day.  Civil rights are often the main topic of the show. Does this race have the right to do this that or the other, does the individual have the right to do or say certain things? Often self-restraint and ethics are the only law for light years.  Star Trek asserts that all discipline is internal, not out side force can truly make you do anything. The other sides right to law and due process stop Star Fleet from blowing the other guys to kingdom come. Nobody really cares about your race, preference, or even quirks, as long as you contribute, and be the best of your chosen path.

 

So which do you think Star Trek is? If you like the show you might claim it, if not give it to another political belief.

 

I am certain the show was for all people, since few people fall purely into any one stereotype.  A liberal has honor and can fight fiercely for a just cause. Conservatives enjoy arts and culture, and despise racism. 

 

Star trek is what our nation (planet) should be about. We all work together to improve the quality of life. We will never agree on how to get there, but if we play/fight fair at least you are honorable at all times.  The odd quirks and point of view of someone from a place you dislike might just save you one day.

 

We need the opposing points of view to stop any political or social monopoly. That is what brings back oppression and the dark ages. Losing our right to say no, once you cannot say no, you are a slave. No matter how friendly or benign the monopoly force claims to be, the truth of it is you are a slave.  Saying no has cost those brave few alot, but we thank them for it.

 

Harmless beliefs one does not agree with are trivial so long as no force is used. Becoming advanced beings will mean picking battles wisely knowing that in the end the truth will show beyond all doubt. Truth is something we all need, and can learn from, Liberal, Conservative, or Libertarian.

 

 

 

At first I was thinking 'Thanks a "heck" of a a lot CBS, as if enough people don't already have an excuse to not exercise, you come out with this!"

But it is true, many trainers are totally incompetent. One of my past supervisors was beyond incompetent, and took it to a new level.

Regulation is not the answer. Look at all the law suits filed against doctors. Clients need to follow the buyer beware rule. Know if their traienr has a degree and is certified by a real agency. No gym I know will hire someone from Expert Rating, sheez!

As most people that know me understand that I am not religious. However I also do not smoke, do dope, and rarely drink. I say if what you do do don't do does not bother anyone else what does it matter?

Speaking as a secularist, I was actually upset over the court case and challenging God in the pledge of allegiance.  And for an atheists to challenge it?? It would make more sense of a Buddhist or the like to be upset over "God" rather than an atheists. I do not feel it is shoving God down your throat because God is a personal choice and the relationship people have with God is an individual thing. One can simply replace God with a word they feel fits better. One nation under law or something like that. Those that want God can have, one that don't, don't have to either.

I often look at religion like this. I do celebrate Christmas. When I hang up a picture of Santa Claus do I literally think a fat man in a red suit will actually fly around delivering presents? Well no, but it represents giving, family, happiness, self reflection. Same qualities people seek in their religion and relationship with God.

The taking the Ten Commandments out of the courthouse.  To an atheists would it not be the same as a picture of the Tooth Fairy in the court house?  Besides only about 40% of the commandments apply to court. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not commit adultery, & thou shalt not bear false witness. If people did not do those things the court would not be very busy anyway, not much need of a court house to begin with.

Here in Boise we have a big light up cross over looking the city.  Some atheist from Chicago filed a suit over it. That really ticked me off.  He did not even live here, and again as an atheist why would it matter.  We all share the city, and a vast majority what the cross there. They look up on a bad day and see the light both literally and figuratively.  I am happy they found their religion. People need peace, joy, and hope, and the others of the city are entitled to it. It is not a Nazi swastika or a bird flipping finger. It far from offends me, and actually the door to door missionaries have bothered me alot More than a light up cross.

Prayer in school and Intelligent Design are separate issues from the PoA.  Others saying God in PoA is not a prayer, but an affirmation of beliefs of principles of our nation. Those who want God in it, say it as such, those that don't, don't. Neither side needs to force or make a huge deal about something simple.  Freedom of religion is freedom from it, but liek free speech, you do nto have a right to be unoffended. The fools who go looking to be offended to be on the news and make dumb drama, a different story fro a different day.

I hope our country goes back to a live and let live philosophy.

 

I should have seen this coming, well actually I did. My son brought home a flyer asking about school uniforms.

They claim the positives are:
Better learning climate
Better discipline
Better student safety
Modesty standards
Clothing label disputes

Do you support school uniforms?

Check YES or No

 My Formal reply to the school: (Wow they actually had a comment section)

There is little evidence correlating, school uniforms and the asserted “positives” listed above.  The climate of learning comes from parents, teachers, and wise policy makers.  We would remove our children and relocate them to a non-uniform school.  This makes home schooling and tax vouchers necessary for our family.  It is unfortunate that uniforms are already decided on and this flyer is an attempted to mask the already made decision, and make it appear parents have a say in their children’s education.

What the (expletive!) Uniforms have nothing to do with quality of education, that would be something like, parents/educators doing their jobs. What the hell is this, Nazi Germany? 

It is not so much the uniforms per say, it is the fact this whole thing is a ruse, they are running the gambit found here. http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html

That stupid manual from the US department of ed tells you how to buffalo the parents into this bullshit idea. They site zero scientific research, it is out of thin air correlations, and made up crap. Stupid (expletive) side step the procedures by government or administrators really really tick me off! BAAAH BAAAH I am a sheep let me just do what you say, why should I think for myself, it might inconvenience those in authority. And the divine right of those in authority cannot be questioned, so let me kiss that mighty ass! What next fences and people with guns? Boy I feel so safe now, the sheep are safely in the pasture. Baaa F-ing Baaa!

What the (expletive!) does government know about educating kids? Government simply wants parents to take all the expense and responsibility for the children, but give all the power to government!  Nope does not work that way!  (Expletive!) Politicians try to blame failure on the people, but pat themselves on the back for success. A dammed if you do, dammed if you don’t situation that is the definition of dysfunctional!  

If I have to get two jobs so they can be schooled the way we find appropriate so be it! Those (expletive!) can go (expletive!)themselves  (expletive!) in the(expletive!) bathroom(expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!) (expletive!). I did not have children so they can fulfill some state agenda. 
So in short I do not support school uniforms, and my children will not attend a school that requires them.