2008 Year End Wrap Up
What a year this has been. So many big things happened this year. I don’t think I can remember a year where more has happened around the world.
After 8 years of being allowed to slowly destroy everything the US stood for, 8 years of slowing turning back the clock on progress and science, 8 years of us vs. them mentality, something wonderful happened. The public has finally understood that we need a person in charge that’s smart (and not just use gut feelings), that can bring people together from both sides (instead of ‘you’re either with us or against us’), and one that make us proud to say we’re American when we’re in another country. Believe me, living in another country, this was a really big thing.
In November of this year, Barrack Obama was elected the next president of the United States.
It’s sad that he has been given the worse job in the world though. With expectation of Obama exceeding those of superman, it’s going to be a tough road for him. 8 years of Bush has left Obama with 2 wars, a financial meltdown, huge unemployment, trillions of dollars in debt, the middle east more unsettled than ever, an environment that’s ever degrading, the country’s infrastructure eroding, kids not getting the education they need to compete in the world, and health care being ignored. We ask Obama to save the US, and in turn, the world.
2009 should be interesting.
Before we talk about this year, let’s see how we did with last year’s to-do list for this year.
Be in Summer league shape by the time Spring league begins – I’m going give this one a check since I didn't experience winter this year and got to stay in generally good shape all year. B
Finish revision of sci-fi Movie Script – Umm… 2009 re-revision! F
Finish writing romantic comedy movie script – Umm… 2009 re-revision! F
Don’t let the chances slip away. Take that chance, make something happen even if it doesn’t turn out – Depends on what you’re talking about. I’ll give myself a C on this one as I think I let a couple of good ones slip.
Do something new -personal skill-wise – I’ve taken sailing lessons as well as learned the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive, and Salsa. I’ll give myself a B+ on this one.
Go out of the country - 2x if possible – Yay for Canada, China and Australia!! A for me!
Make a short term (2-3 year) plan by end of March – D’oh. F
So it looks like I did ok this year.
One big thing that happened this year was that I moved to Sydney, Australia. It’s quite a big move. Distance wise, pretty much as far as I could’ve gone. An opportunity came up and I took it. It wasn’t an easy decision as I’ve had to leave behind a lot, but I couldn’t be happier about the decision. I will never have a ‘I wish I lived in another country’ or something like that.
Recently, I got to see the great barrier reef which has been on that list of things I must do. I’m very happy I got to check it off. It was simply amazing and I’m pretty sure people will screw it up soon enough. I’m glad to have seen it when I did.
Living in Sydney, I’ve been without a car for 5 months now, and probably for the rest of the time I’m here. It’s quite nice really. I’ve never really liked driving. The public transportation is pretty good here and the walking’s been great. Even better, I’m pretty sure I’m totally carbon neutral or maybe even negative now.
Besides this big move to Australia, some of the more notable things included a trip to China which rocked my world. Don’t think I’d go back anytime soon, but it was very awesome and worth the trip. The Great wall and Great Barrier Reef, not bad for 1 year.
Another notable is the Zombie Vacation movie that I made with my friends (catch it on a local You-tube near you). I’m looking for a new cast for Zombie down under if anyone is interested. Just send a head shot and maybe what you’d look like as a zombie.
On a sad note, we lost Tim Russert on Meet the Press this year. I know this sounds silly, but he was Meet the Press. He's why I get up on Sundays. He was a part of my Sunday. With such an exciting presidential election, I know he would've loved to be part of it.
I know it’s silly to say this, but this is my favorite from all the posts this year.
“… There are so many people out there that just doesn't care. I understand everyone has their own problems and hardships. But the more people care only about themselves, their own situations, and nothing about the world and people as a whole, the less chance this world will have to get better. What the world needs is a hero.”
I believe that. The world is in a mess and is in trouble right now. The world needs a hero now more than ever. It doesn’t have to be one person that saves the world. It can be a person that helps out one other person when they were in need. With enough heroes, we can push back this encroaching darkness that seems to be spreading.
For 2009, be a hero. Don't standby as the darkness looms. Stand up and fight. Fight for yourself and those around you. Do something positive for the world and for someone.
Have a wonderful New Years everyone!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Great Barrier Reefs
It was beautiful and sunny the entire time we were there, but I thought I share this one photo cause I think it's cool.
In my first major trip since being here in Australia, I took a trip to the Great Barrier Reefs. Somewhere I’ve always talked about, but never imagined that I’d go to. Living in the southern hemisphere and especially in Australia has really opened up a lot of places that I didn’t think I would ever get to.
I book at room on an island called Daydream island with a friend that’s visiting me from the US. Daydream island is one of the 72 islands here in the reef. One great selling point of Daydream is that the island has its own rainforest. Can’t beat that.
It was quite an exciting arrival. We flew to a nearby island (Hamilton Island). One of the larger ones here that has an airport. We then took a ferry to our island after a nice 40 min ride. This was especially nice being that they serve beer on the boat.
We got a wonderful room overlooking the water. We’re on the ground floor so we can walk straight out to a little lawn area where we’ve seen tons of strange wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, there is an amazing amount of it here. Strange dinosaur looking birds everywhere. There’re also lots of cockatoos and some bats flying around everywhere. Even better, there were a bunch of wallibies that came up to us while we were sitting there drinking wine overlooking the water.
When it comes to marine life, there’re just no words to describe it. Every type of fish you see on videos can be seen here. Just walking into the water, you can see many types of fish swimming up to you. One fish in particular caught my eyes. It looked to have fluorescent colors of all types. It looked like it could glow in the dark. I called it the rave fish. I’m convinced it uses it fins like glow sticks. I started making bass sounds to see how it would react.
Words really doesn’t do this properly. Take a look at the photos. I think that speaks to the beauty of this place much better than any words I can put on here. Even photos only gives you an idea. Being here is a completely magical experience.
Monday, December 15, 2008
So What?
To make a decision that has pretty much single handedly destroyed the reputation of the US, weaken us as a country, and put us in harm's way both fiancially and physically, all Bush has to say is 'So what'?!
Really? So What?
So what that 4000+ US soliders and hundreds of thousands of civilians have died for your mistake? So what that we've spent billions and billions of dollars while bankrupting our own country and ignoring basic infrustrure and social needs? So what that you have proliferated terrorism around the world? So what that this world as a whole is a more unsafe and uncertain then ever before?
So what that you can so openly admit that you made a mistake but yet still stand behind your decision?
What am I talking about? In the below interview, Bush once again shows us his true colors and his lack of care or concern for what he has done. He just doesn't seem to realize the damage he has cause in his last 8 years. Even though he repeatedly said before the war that there was a connection between Saddam and al Qaeda, now he laughs off the lack of connection with a 'So What?'
This is the man you have put in charge of this country. Every single problem we have today is because of him and his Neo-cons. This is the decision that you have made and that you will have to answer for. Learn from this. Know that just because they say they're religious doesn't mean that they will do the right thing and that it certainly doesn't make them a good candidate to run the country. Know that just because they try to intimidate and scare you doesn't mean you have to bow down to them.
Please learn from this and never ever consider putting someone like this in charge.
To make a decision that has pretty much single handedly destroyed the reputation of the US, weaken us as a country, and put us in harm's way both fiancially and physically, all Bush has to say is 'So what'?!
Really? So What?
So what that 4000+ US soliders and hundreds of thousands of civilians have died for your mistake? So what that we've spent billions and billions of dollars while bankrupting our own country and ignoring basic infrustrure and social needs? So what that you have proliferated terrorism around the world? So what that this world as a whole is a more unsafe and uncertain then ever before?
So what that you can so openly admit that you made a mistake but yet still stand behind your decision?
What am I talking about? In the below interview, Bush once again shows us his true colors and his lack of care or concern for what he has done. He just doesn't seem to realize the damage he has cause in his last 8 years. Even though he repeatedly said before the war that there was a connection between Saddam and al Qaeda, now he laughs off the lack of connection with a 'So What?'
This is the man you have put in charge of this country. Every single problem we have today is because of him and his Neo-cons. This is the decision that you have made and that you will have to answer for. Learn from this. Know that just because they say they're religious doesn't mean that they will do the right thing and that it certainly doesn't make them a good candidate to run the country. Know that just because they try to intimidate and scare you doesn't mean you have to bow down to them.
Please learn from this and never ever consider putting someone like this in charge.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Those who controls the past controls the future
Bush has often times said that history will look back on his presidency with some good will. That what he did was right. However, after arguably one of the worst presidency in the history of the United States where he has put us into 2 wars, increased the rise of terrorism around the world, facilitated the biggest financial disaster since the great depression, put us in the biggest debt in history, oversaw the biggest wealth gap this country has ever seen, isolated the US from the rest of the world, and moved this country socially backwards a few decades, Bush is no longer leaving history to do the judging.
For a while now, Bush and his white house team has been out there trying to reshape history. Reshape how things have happened in the past. One of the most blatant items with Bush blaming intelligence as the reason why he decided to go to war with Iraq. Even though internal notes have shown that Bush, Dick, and Rumnsfeld had been planning this invasion before 9/11.
There are too many things for me to post everything here. I'll let Keith summarize it for you.
Bush has often times said that history will look back on his presidency with some good will. That what he did was right. However, after arguably one of the worst presidency in the history of the United States where he has put us into 2 wars, increased the rise of terrorism around the world, facilitated the biggest financial disaster since the great depression, put us in the biggest debt in history, oversaw the biggest wealth gap this country has ever seen, isolated the US from the rest of the world, and moved this country socially backwards a few decades, Bush is no longer leaving history to do the judging.
For a while now, Bush and his white house team has been out there trying to reshape history. Reshape how things have happened in the past. One of the most blatant items with Bush blaming intelligence as the reason why he decided to go to war with Iraq. Even though internal notes have shown that Bush, Dick, and Rumnsfeld had been planning this invasion before 9/11.
There are too many things for me to post everything here. I'll let Keith summarize it for you.
Monday, December 08, 2008
It Doesn't Stop
I hope you realize the lasting damage you have done by voting and keeping the Neo-Cons and Bush in power these last 8 years. I'm sure you don't though. Must be nice to be so ignorant. It is after all, bliss to not understand things very well.
Here's another fun little tidbit for you.
The current head of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Stephen Johnson that Bush has appointed believes that "It’s not a clean-cut division. If you have studied at all creationism vs. evolution, there’s theistic or God-controlled evolution and there’s variations on all those themes. "
Are you fucking kidding me? That's right folks, the person that's suppose to be protecting our environment can't or is unwilling to separate between God and science. Are we suppose to pray for a better environment? Can we pray to get back all the dozens of animals that goes extinct every year?
In a long line of unqualified people in positions that Bush has appointed, Johnson received his bachelor of arts degree in biology from Taylor University, “an evangelical, interdenominational covenant community committed to advancing life-long learning and ministering the redemptive love of Jesus Christ to a world in need.”
It's no wonder he has no need or care for science.
In a role that is suppose to uphold both the law and in the best interest of the environment, Johnson has continuously bow to polluters. At least 4 former heads of the EPA (including those from Republican administrations) has publicly critized the work that Johnson has done. This including trying to strike down the ability for the EPA to control carbon emissions from coal power plants. Think about it. The head of the EPA saying the agency doesn't have the right to control or put limits on carbon emission. What does he think the EPA is there for? Not only is he not helping the environment, he's actively trying to get laws repealled that are protecting it.
This is the kind of Neo-Cons you have put in charge and the lackys he chooses. This is the kind of world you want the rest of us to live in. A world where religion is used for blind and corrupted purposes. I'm not saying you're that way, but you've let religion blind you into voting someone into power purly base on what they say, not who they really are. Do you really think your God wants someone who doesn't care about the environment to be in charge of the EPA? Do you not remember phrases from the bible that says it's your responsbility to take care of this place and all the creature that live here? If you believe all animals are created by your God, and you voted for someone who doesn't care if these God's creatures go extinct, what kind of person does that make you? Also, please don't go saying 'all life is precious' in one event, and then allow other life to be destroyed.
Don't pick and choose as you so often like to do.
I hope you realize the lasting damage you have done by voting and keeping the Neo-Cons and Bush in power these last 8 years. I'm sure you don't though. Must be nice to be so ignorant. It is after all, bliss to not understand things very well.
Here's another fun little tidbit for you.
The current head of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Stephen Johnson that Bush has appointed believes that "It’s not a clean-cut division. If you have studied at all creationism vs. evolution, there’s theistic or God-controlled evolution and there’s variations on all those themes. "
Are you fucking kidding me? That's right folks, the person that's suppose to be protecting our environment can't or is unwilling to separate between God and science. Are we suppose to pray for a better environment? Can we pray to get back all the dozens of animals that goes extinct every year?
In a long line of unqualified people in positions that Bush has appointed, Johnson received his bachelor of arts degree in biology from Taylor University, “an evangelical, interdenominational covenant community committed to advancing life-long learning and ministering the redemptive love of Jesus Christ to a world in need.”
It's no wonder he has no need or care for science.
In a role that is suppose to uphold both the law and in the best interest of the environment, Johnson has continuously bow to polluters. At least 4 former heads of the EPA (including those from Republican administrations) has publicly critized the work that Johnson has done. This including trying to strike down the ability for the EPA to control carbon emissions from coal power plants. Think about it. The head of the EPA saying the agency doesn't have the right to control or put limits on carbon emission. What does he think the EPA is there for? Not only is he not helping the environment, he's actively trying to get laws repealled that are protecting it.
This is the kind of Neo-Cons you have put in charge and the lackys he chooses. This is the kind of world you want the rest of us to live in. A world where religion is used for blind and corrupted purposes. I'm not saying you're that way, but you've let religion blind you into voting someone into power purly base on what they say, not who they really are. Do you really think your God wants someone who doesn't care about the environment to be in charge of the EPA? Do you not remember phrases from the bible that says it's your responsbility to take care of this place and all the creature that live here? If you believe all animals are created by your God, and you voted for someone who doesn't care if these God's creatures go extinct, what kind of person does that make you? Also, please don't go saying 'all life is precious' in one event, and then allow other life to be destroyed.
Don't pick and choose as you so often like to do.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Ultimate Down Under
Here are some of my impressions of Ultimate in Australia
There is no drinking during or even after the games. Maybe I'm just on the wrong teams, but I don't understand ultimate games not involving drinking.
The game rules are a bit different. They play to a time limit instead of scores. A blow out could get ridiculously silly after a while. I know cause my teams have been part of these blow out. Not on the good side either.
As I'm suffering from right now, you can get sun burned without the sun being out, and it being a very cloudy/rainy day.
The teams are very big on spirit here. After the games, they get together in a circle and congratulate each other on a great game. Sometimes there is a game involved too. Similar to the cheers some teams I've been on still does for each other, but they do it after every game. I quite enjoy this.
Did I mention the non drinking? I'm still weird-ed out by the lack of drinking.
Playing with high school kids in the Australia is exactly the same as playing with high school kids in the US. That's all I'm going to say.
I'm trying to put together a club team mainly of ex-pats. It's turning out to be a really international team. It's going to be so much fun playing with people from all over the world.
Here are some of my impressions of Ultimate in Australia
There is no drinking during or even after the games. Maybe I'm just on the wrong teams, but I don't understand ultimate games not involving drinking.
The game rules are a bit different. They play to a time limit instead of scores. A blow out could get ridiculously silly after a while. I know cause my teams have been part of these blow out. Not on the good side either.
As I'm suffering from right now, you can get sun burned without the sun being out, and it being a very cloudy/rainy day.
The teams are very big on spirit here. After the games, they get together in a circle and congratulate each other on a great game. Sometimes there is a game involved too. Similar to the cheers some teams I've been on still does for each other, but they do it after every game. I quite enjoy this.
Did I mention the non drinking? I'm still weird-ed out by the lack of drinking.
Playing with high school kids in the Australia is exactly the same as playing with high school kids in the US. That's all I'm going to say.
I'm trying to put together a club team mainly of ex-pats. It's turning out to be a really international team. It's going to be so much fun playing with people from all over the world.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
What the FUCK is wrong with you people?
Here we go again. Why do you people insist on making me write these things?
Since Obama has been elected to be the president of the United States, gun sales across the country has sky rocketed. Bucking the trend of this terrible economy. All you damn dumbass ignorant bastards are out there screaming oh no, Obama's going to take out guns away. I need to buy a gun for protection now more than ever! This along with the lines of, we don't need to put food on the table, we just need to go get us a gun.
What the fuck is this 'more than ever' bullshit I keep hearing? More than ever what?! That the asshat you voted for to be the president put us into the worse financial disaster since the great depression and still not admitting it's his fault? That the asshat you voted for has put us in 2 wars which he said would paid for itself and make us safe? How's that working out after spending trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives?
You CANNOT force democracy through the barrel of a gun. How ignorant and stupid are you that you can't figure this out?!!!!
That same asshat that you repeatedly voted for has done NOTHING to make us safer from terrorist in any fucking way imaginable and in fact has made us weaker. By creating more poverty around the world with this economic mess, you're creating more reasons for people to become terrorist. As I've described in other posts, this terrorism crap is mostly about money. Don't buy into that religious crap. That's just a good front. It's all about money. If you can't afford to provide for your family, you will do anything to get money. That includes joining crazy ass groups as long as they pay. The religion part is just icing.
That same asshat has moved us socially back decades and made us a laughing stock around the world? Is this what your 'more than ever' shit is about? Is this the reason you think we need even more guns out there now more than ever? After he's screwed things up SO badly?
You dumb fucks. Yes, more than ever, you are a stupid fuck.
Let's start with the 2nd amendment. Learn to READ you illiterate bitch. You are NOT a well regular militia. You are not owning your gun to protect this country. You do NOT have a constitutional right to own a gun.
I just read that the department of the interior has now allowed guns to be carried into national parks. What in the hell is wrong with you? You feel unsafe in a national park and need a gun? Think that deer or squirrel over there's going mug you? Think some crazed gunman is going to find a park to shoot up? There is nothing good that could possible come out of this. This administration just will not stop putting this country and her citizens in harms way.
How can it be that there are no places where a person can go where they would be no guns? Why must y'all think that it's necessary to have a gun to feel safe? Do you not believe in people that much? Are you that paranoid that you think everyone's out there to get you and your family? Do you think it's a good idea to expose children to guns? Because that's what going to happen. They're going to think it's ok. How well do you think these scenarios are going to play out?
The more you have these thoughts and feelings that you need a gun. The more you can't trust fellow citizens and the people around you. The more you arm yourselves. The more the terrorist are winning. Yes, you are doing EXACTLY what the terrorist wants. They have changed you into someone more like them. Someone more violent, someone less trusting of others.
If you have a gun, getting a gun, or feel you need to have a gun everywhere you go. I don't EVER want to hear you say shit about the war on terrorism. You have made the decision to cross the line to join their side.
Here we go again. Why do you people insist on making me write these things?
Since Obama has been elected to be the president of the United States, gun sales across the country has sky rocketed. Bucking the trend of this terrible economy. All you damn dumbass ignorant bastards are out there screaming oh no, Obama's going to take out guns away. I need to buy a gun for protection now more than ever! This along with the lines of, we don't need to put food on the table, we just need to go get us a gun.
What the fuck is this 'more than ever' bullshit I keep hearing? More than ever what?! That the asshat you voted for to be the president put us into the worse financial disaster since the great depression and still not admitting it's his fault? That the asshat you voted for has put us in 2 wars which he said would paid for itself and make us safe? How's that working out after spending trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives?
You CANNOT force democracy through the barrel of a gun. How ignorant and stupid are you that you can't figure this out?!!!!
That same asshat that you repeatedly voted for has done NOTHING to make us safer from terrorist in any fucking way imaginable and in fact has made us weaker. By creating more poverty around the world with this economic mess, you're creating more reasons for people to become terrorist. As I've described in other posts, this terrorism crap is mostly about money. Don't buy into that religious crap. That's just a good front. It's all about money. If you can't afford to provide for your family, you will do anything to get money. That includes joining crazy ass groups as long as they pay. The religion part is just icing.
That same asshat has moved us socially back decades and made us a laughing stock around the world? Is this what your 'more than ever' shit is about? Is this the reason you think we need even more guns out there now more than ever? After he's screwed things up SO badly?
You dumb fucks. Yes, more than ever, you are a stupid fuck.
Let's start with the 2nd amendment. Learn to READ you illiterate bitch. You are NOT a well regular militia. You are not owning your gun to protect this country. You do NOT have a constitutional right to own a gun.
I'm willing to bet money on this. If you look at all the people around the world. It's probably more likely that if you can't read, the more likely you'll have a gun. You want to join that population?
Why can't you get it into your head that guns has NEVER ever EVER solved anything? Look at some of the most violent places in the world, middle east, Africa, south America. Know what? There are more guns in those areas than the non violent places in the world. Is this a coincidence? No.
Let's not go into how much I despise guns and think that only cowards uses guns. Yes, all of you who use guns are cowards. I don't care what the reason is (only exception for zombie killing, but even then, guns are not the best weapon). You want to fight someone, man the fuck up. Knuckle up or even knife up. But oh, you can't. Inside you're all just little chicken shits aren't you? Have to hide behind a big bad gun.I just read that the department of the interior has now allowed guns to be carried into national parks. What in the hell is wrong with you? You feel unsafe in a national park and need a gun? Think that deer or squirrel over there's going mug you? Think some crazed gunman is going to find a park to shoot up? There is nothing good that could possible come out of this. This administration just will not stop putting this country and her citizens in harms way.
How can it be that there are no places where a person can go where they would be no guns? Why must y'all think that it's necessary to have a gun to feel safe? Do you not believe in people that much? Are you that paranoid that you think everyone's out there to get you and your family? Do you think it's a good idea to expose children to guns? Because that's what going to happen. They're going to think it's ok. How well do you think these scenarios are going to play out?
The more you have these thoughts and feelings that you need a gun. The more you can't trust fellow citizens and the people around you. The more you arm yourselves. The more the terrorist are winning. Yes, you are doing EXACTLY what the terrorist wants. They have changed you into someone more like them. Someone more violent, someone less trusting of others.
If you have a gun, getting a gun, or feel you need to have a gun everywhere you go. I don't EVER want to hear you say shit about the war on terrorism. You have made the decision to cross the line to join their side.
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