October powder in Utah

Rocky at Backcountry posted this. Keep in mind - this is October. Very nice! Want more videos? Go here.

If you're seeing this on Facebook and want to see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Provo Bros. shred Oct. 27 2010 Utah from Ian Provo on Vimeo.

A doggie Christmas surprise

Everyone loves Christmas (even Buddhists like me) and almost everyone loves dogs. What if they worked together? Here's a possibility....

When snowboarders get hurt who pays?

The issue of liability at a snowboard or ski resort may seem pretty boring. After all, we're not attorneys, we're snowboarders. Yet, it affects nearly all of us.

If the resort is responsible for serious hand-holding (or facing litigation), they will need to make the runs less challenging and raise their rates even more to cover potential legal litigation.

In Colorado, they're exempt from being sued for injuries that occur when snowboarding or skiing, unless the injury comes from extremely poor practices. The Colorado legislature realized, in an all-too-rare moment of brilliance, that snow sports are inherently dangerous and that neither resorts or your mommy can guarantee your safety.

Apparently, that wisdom doesn't extend to British Columbia. They just sued Whistler-
Blackcomb for injuries suffered by a snowboarder in 2008. It's a large lawsuit. You can read about it here.

Don't misunderstand my feelings on this. I think the injured rider should be cared for and, as much as possible, treated for her injuries. However, I don't think the burden should fall solely on the resort.

Some will argue that this is Canada and won't affect our laws. Trust me - it might not immediately affect us but it will eventually.

Some may argue that, since the resort makes revenue from the sport, it should pay for any injuries that occur. However, because these injuries can be so expensive, one or two could put a resort out of business or double lift fees.

With other things, we amortize the risk over a larger population base. If you get injured while riding your Honda motorcycle unskillfully, you can't sue Honda because it didn't offer training wheels. Still, I believe society would ultimately foot the bill. A little consistency would be good.

Living in Japan, I see many resorts that close off all but the most boring of trails. I'd hate to see that as the new standard.

Mayonanaise spreads danger in Japan

Anyone visiting Japan is rapidly struck by the preponderance of mayonnaise. It's everywhere...sushi bars, pizza joints, pubs, and regular restaurants have taken to globbing on the slimy spread. It's a threat to Japanese food quality, good taste and waistlines all through the Asian island. But that wasn't enough!

Now, mayonnaise has directly attacked folks!

According to the Examiner - a fine source if there ever was one - several boxes of mayo fell out of a delivery truck and smeared the highway when struck. That led to wipeouts including a motorcycle and seven other vehicles.

Police are investigating to be sure the culprit doesn't slip away.

There's even a video of the horror!

As always, if you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see the whole smear.

Snowboarding video highlights

This homemade snowboard video is from a guy IDing himself as Pow Explorer. He named it, apparently from the background music, Snake Eyes in Heaven. Whatever...it rocks.

He did a great job filming and choosing highlights. While I'm not an advocate of sleds for backcountry snowboarding, they take a minimum amount of space on the flick.

To see more snowboarding videos, go here and here and here.

If you can't see this video or links, go to http://.snowboardinginjapan.com and see everything.

Snake Eyes in Heaven from Pow Explorer on Vimeo.

Zucchini defeats bear

I always wanted to write that headline and now, according to the Associated Press, it's true.

A Montana woman had let her dogs out for their business. Two of them barked and ran - a misdemeanor in some states. One, an elderly Collie, stood it's ground next to the woman.

The bear first attacked the dog but the woman kicked it -- the bear, not the dog. The bear, then sensing that her Kung Fu might be suspect, attacked her.

She tried to close the door, but the bear wedged his head and shoulders through it. No word as whether the bear was trained by door-to-door vacuum sales folks.

In a moment of desperation, she flung a 14-inch zucchini at the bear, striking it on the head.

The bear ran away - another case of bear attack squashed.

See the whole story here.

As always, if you can't see the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

It's snowing at Copper Mountain

Okay, it was just a dusting but after the long winter, I'm ready for snow...anywhere.

Transworld Snowboarding reported this today and indicated that Copper would start making snow Sept 27, if weather allows.

September? I'm stoked.

Michael Franti jamming with Crystal Bowersox

Wow...Michael Franti is always inspirational and Crystal Bowersox has a special voice. Here they are together. This is a good week too - Michael's new album "The Sound of Sunshine" is out.

Life is good.

If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

The best snowboarding film

This is a category more dependent upon your mood and riding style but for my money Sweetgrass Productions has delivered the best for the last 2 years. When I saw Hand Cut, I wasn't expecting much. I was totally wrong. It was mesmerizing.

Last year's Signatures was even better. If you're a powder snowboarder (or skier), these are your films. Below is a teaser for Signatures...maybe the best film ever.

Don't think I don't watch and love the others, especially Teton Gravity Research (TGR). I'm panting in anticipation of the release of Deeper. But, for a combination of music, mood, and...most importantly...powder, Sweetgrass holds the prize.

Sadly, they won't release anything this year. But, in 2011, they will release a new film set in South America. Given that this area is significantly under-reported, it should be groundbreaking.

As always, if you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Signatures a SWEETGRASS PRODUCTIONS film from Nicholas Waggoner on Vimeo.

Is Christine O'Donnell the dumbest politician running for office?

Probably not. After all, there's lots of dumb politicians. Still, she's competitive.

Politico just reported that she called condoms anti-human and declared that they will not protect you from AIDS.

She's a devout Catholic. I'm good with that. Religion, generally speaking, makes folks better, happier, and healthier. Yet, sometimes folks take their religions too far.

What's too far? When you try to control other people's actions because your religion condemns them.

Giving false information about condoms may cause people to die. That's pretty serious. So, whether she's the dumbest politician or not, she's in the top 10.

Fall surf catalog - some great ideas for snowboarding too

Let me just say - I love Patagonia. Most of their stuff is extraordinary. It's functional. Maybe most importantly, they give back so much to the environment.

Now they're doing online catalogs. Trees live. Videos are available. We all win.

Even if you don't intend to buy anything, check it out here.

You'll find videos and incredible photography. Hell, it's a couple of months before snowboarding season. Let's go surfing.

As always, if you can't see the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Great moments in snowboard falls - and ski falls too

Everyone loves to see snowboarders and skiers fall. Here's some nice ones. Thanks again to Rocky at http://thegoat.backcountry.com/.

If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

A tree worth hugging

For those of us who haven't yet seen Sequoias in person, this is definitely the next best thing.

Thanks again to Rocky at http://thegoat.backcountry.com.

If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

The perfect surfing movie?

Admittedly I've only seen the teasers but that will change very soon.

Check out The Drifter...maybe a surf movie instead of just clips of folks surfing.

If you can't see the videos, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

NowHere Snowboard video teaser

Coming from Absinthe (Thanks Rocky!)



Want to see more? Check out this, this, and this.

If you're seeing this somewhere and the video or links aren't available, just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything!

What size snowboard should I ride?

If you're like me and praying for snow with every breeze...even though it's hot as hell, it's time for a review.

What size snowboard should you ride? This is by far the most popular thing I've put on my site.

This is the site I send people to  most of the time. It's got a formula that calculates your needs based on a variety of criteria. I'd add 2 - 3 cm if you ride a lot of powder. It even recommends boards. This is a great place to start. But, you're spending a lot of money. Check thoroughly.

Here's a much deeper look at the subject, including (if you go to the bottom) information on board widths. There's some good info here.

Finally, here's the backcountry.com data.

If you’re reading this on Facebook and want to see the links, go to http://www.snowboardinginjapan.com/.

Something new

I can't put everything worthwhile in the blog. Some things have copyright protection. So, let me direct you here for a fresh look at an important topic. While generally speaking, they're all funny, I'm referring to the 9/9/10 version.

Tailgate Alaska - Epic wipe-outs, rag dolls, and avalanches

Really...what could be better than this?

Tailgate Alaska Un-Cut Episode 1 from TAILGATE ALASKA on Vimeo.

Want more Alaska? Check this out!

As always, if you're seeing this somewhere and can't see the video or links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Non-stick causing high cholesterol? What about my Patagonia jacket?

Sometimes it seems like nothing works right.

I remember when the miracle of non-stick cookware first became popular. It was revolutionary. However, it didn't last long. The stuff would come off the pots and pans and didn't taste very good.

Now, it stays on the pans much better. However, it apparently leaches out just a bit.

A recent study, while not providing quid pro quo, does show that there there is a link between them and higher cholesterol in kids. Remember, these are the same kids we're fattening up.

That's pretty disconcerting. I'm lazy and I love non-stick. I've learned to use it at lower temperatures and thought that would make it okay. Maybe not.

Of course, other liner materials can create problems and the folks we count on to inform us don't always do so.

While I can probably switch to something better there, the same study showed a link between higher cholesterol and the chemical used to waterproof fabrics.

Does that include my new Patagonia jacket?

That's pretty serious.

Of course, life isn't all bad. Some things they told us were bad are pretty good.

As always, if you're reading this somewhere and can't see the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Fellow snowboarders take heart - Heavy drinkers live longer than non-drinkers

I'll drink to that.

A recent study showed a few interesting things.

Heavy drinkers outlive non-drinkers.

Moderate drinkers outlive them both.

This was reported by both Time Magazine and Consumer Reports.

Naturally, I'm not encouraging anyone to start drinking but I do see some really good news here.

One - I get to attend the funerals of the goody-goodies who gave me grief about drinking.

Two - Most of my friends will be there with me.

There's an obvious question that arises from this study - can I now claim my rum on my health insurance?

If you can't see the links on this, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything!

Molly - The pony with the prosthetic leg

Several years ago, Molly was fitted with a prosthetic leg. This tells the story.



She didn't just thrive - she's giving back. Check out the Washington Post's photo essay on Molly here.

Snowboarding (and skiing) World Heli Challenge - New Zealand

Some very nice rides to keep up praying for an end to the heat, fresh powder, and all that comes with it! Thanks for the video to Jeremy Jones!

If you're reading this somewhere that doesn't show the video, just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

World Heli Challenge 2010 from UnofficialSquaw on Vimeo.

Wasting taxpayer dollars one byte at a time

The Navy leases out-of-date unreliable equipment for their network from HP.

For anyone familiar with government networks, that's no surprise. Generally, they are out-of-date and slow, all justified in the name of security.

But, as this article on wired.com points out, the security is actually weaker...and much more expensive...than anyone would expect to pay today.

The net net of this - poor performance, frequent failures, and an insecure network. The cost - $3.3 billion.

But hey...it's just the Navy. It's not like they're defending our shores or anything.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 1

I'm not a fan of motivational speakers. This is different. Well worth the watch but over on 4 September.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 2

I'm not a fan of motivational speakers. This is different. Well worth the watch but over on 4 September.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 3

I'm not a fan of motivational speakers. This is different. Well worth the watch but over on 4 September.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 4

I'm not a fan of motivational speakers. This is different. Well worth the watch but over on 4 September.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 5

I'm not a fan of motivational speakers. This is different. Well worth the watch but over on 4 September.

Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, part 6

I'm normally not a fan of motivational speakers...I find inspiration in other places. This is an exception to that rule. The opportunity to watch for free ends 4 September.

The Cove on television

This is a major movie and deserves even more exposure. See it starting Sunday, 29 August at 9PM ET/PT on the Animal Planet.

JJ Grey and Mofro - New album

JJ Grey and Mofro are the essence of swamp rock. Happiness is knowing they just released a new album (Georgia Warhorse). The video below is just one small example of their music. Ignore the intro...it's short...and hear what Southern Rock should sound like.



If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Iranian dog persecution

Iran has a lot of problems. They have a dictatorial government. They have folks embargoing them. They have a president named I'm-a-nut-job who believes there are no gay folks in Iran. They also have Israel about to missile them into sawdust around the site of their nuclear fiasco.

Now there a new problem.

The Ayatollahs (pronounced I'm-a-toilets) have declared a fatwah banning dog ads. Seriously.

To fundamentalist (means semi-nuts when applied to any religion), dogs are unclean. Their is no reference to dogs in the Koran but there's a belief that Mohamed verbally called them unclean.

Moreover, police in Tehran are supposed to keep the citizens from walking dogs in public or driving with their pets - even when the dog isn't driving.

All of this happened in spite of the growing popularity of dogs in the populace.

This is final proof - Iran is in trouble.

Now I'm not an Iran-basher. From all accounts, it's a beautiful country with excellent mountains for snowboarding. The people are great with a terrific culture. So maybe this dog fatwah will be the last straw and they'll send the freaks packing. We can only hope.

Bugs eating the BP oil spill?

Some scientists are saying that the BP oil spill is being reduced - well, nearly eliminated - by a newly discovered strain of bugs...er, oil-eating microbes.

The authority on everything, Wikipedia, says that microbes are tiny organisms too small to be seen by the human eye. Yes, I had to look that up.

The scientists that believe this seem to believe that the microbe may have adapted over time because there's always some oil in the Gulf.

Other scientists say this isn't correct.

I, personally, want to believe it. After all, the Gulf is my ocean. I grew up on it and still love it. If somehow the oil will just go away, great.

I admit, however, that I remain a skeptic, as other scientists recently reported that there was lots of oil still there. I guess the results depend upon who sponsors the study. That's not very original.

However, I have other concerns - remember you heard it here before Stewart, Cobert, Leno, Letterman, etc tell this on their shows.

If the microbes are now getting more oil than ever before, won't they evolve?

Maybe they'll become enormous and we can have our own Godzilla-type monster in Galveston Bay? Coming ashore, they seek oil - not just petroleum but cooking oil. No McDonalds' is safe. Who will save our cheeseburgers? Who will save our fries? Will the microbe monster supersize it?

Okay, I'll take my medicine now.

If you can't see the links on this, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything in living color!

Here kitty, kitty, kitty

I've got little doubt that this guy will soon be eaten. Still, this is amazing footage of a man who plays with wild lions. He's certainly braver than me...or dumber.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy

Between the salt water, music, and bars lie elements of enlightenment and grand amusement. A chance to see butterflies from around the world is a terrific opportunity not to be missed. If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see the whole thing.

Boycott Target - FlashMob style

Is Target becoming the new K-Mart? In the movie Rain Main, Charlie teaches Raymond the immortal phrase "K-Mart sucks" and we all repeated it. Now, it seems Target is the one that sucks. Funny but this is making corporate leader Wal-Mart look better and better - especially given their new environmentalism. Please keep in mind - I'm not endorsing Wal-Mart - just saying Target makes them look better by comparison.

Earlier I wrote about this boycott. Target donated money to a right-wing gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota. Several things are upsetting about that:

1. Corporations shouldn't make contributions to political campaigns. That should be left to people. While I'm not sure of the legislative merit of banning this, I believe pressure can be brought on corporations through public protest and boycott. Nothing ever wrong with empowering people and having a bit less government ;-)
2. This particular candidate has been aggressively hostile (even donating money to a group threatening violence) toward gay folks. That's covered in the article I referred to above.

Now, there's another tool in the fight - FlashMobs. Check out the video, take the pledge and remember to update your vernacular - now it's Target sucks!

I'm still checking on the rumor that Target is hiring Dr. Laura as their official spokesperson.

If you can't see the video or the links, see everything at http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

CNN gets funny

Thanks to http://denverprblog.com for the shot.

The Majestic Plastic Bag

So amphibious, so brave, so persevering, the plastic bag should be inspirational to all of us. Check it out!

I'm reposting this from YouTube but Rocky at http://thegoat.backcountry.com pointed it out to me. If you can?t see this video or any links, check out the full thing at http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Don't mess with an angry ibex

Never argue with an Ibex... at least I think this is an Ibex?? I'm re-posting this from YouTube but Rocky at http://thegoat.backcountry.com pointed it out to me. If you can't see this video or any links, check out the full thing at http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Local environmental action works!

What can you do about the environment? Privately funded, local organizations are extremely effective. Check it out below. If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/.

Japan and whales

Some Japanese argue that Japan has a long-standing history of whaling. While that's a convenient argument, it's a bit disingenuous. Actually, only a few areas in Japan have the history and there's is only of hunting whale in nearby waters. The tradition of whaling to feed the nation began after WWII - hardly a long-standing thing.

Less than 5% of the folks in Japan eat whale with any frequency at all.

For more on whaling and some interesting videos, go here. The whole (origin of this post) story can be found here.

Why the Arctic matters

Why does the Arctic matter?

There are lots of reasons, from the beauty to the environmental effect. Yet, it too is easy to forget. This video may make it easier to remember. Be sure to stay with it until the last part of the story. It's worth it.

Check it out below. If you can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/.

Visions of the Arctic WS from Florian Schulz on Vimeo.

Freedom to Roam - local solutions to big problems

Often, my fellow environmentalists and I get flack for being unrealistic. Imagine that! However, here’s a group of folks who get it; they get the problem, the get the solution, and they get that we all need to work together and make some compromise to get things done.

Animals need to roam. This is for migration, for breeding, for eating, and more. Yet, while we have some isolated areas protected for them, often there is no way for them to move from one area to another. Freedom to Roam folks are trying to address that issue.

They’re not saying “No development.” Rather, they’re using tested methods to create corridors for animals to move while improving the lives of those folks living in the area.

Check it out below. If you can’t see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/. A hint: when I watched it, the site was running slow. Let most of the video download before trying to watch it. It’s worth the effort.

Freedom to Roam Multimedia presentation from Freedom to Roam on Vimeo.

Want to see more? Go to http://freedomtoroam.org/about/

The true cost of energy

What does it cost when you turn the light switch on? We know what the bill is at the end of the month but what do other people pay? How much does the coal (for the coal-fired electricity) that use really cost? What do we really pay for our energy?

For me, coal mining evokes images of brave men going below the surface to earn a meager living for their families. That’s the history of West Virginia and Appalachia. However, today’s coal mining often involves mountain top removal and the literal destruction of the valleys below.

We don’t know about it because Appalachia’s not the most exciting place in the world. Living conditions there may, in some cases, approach Third World existence. Now, we’re making it worse with our hunger for cheap energy.

What will our grandchildren say when they see what we’ve left them?

As always, if you can’t see the video below, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Sea Shepherd and the whales

Saving whales is a noble task. Their intelligence is phenomenal. Their beauty breathtaking. Most importantly, their survival is threaten - at least for many species. So, most nations consider whaling not only wrong but illegal. Sea Shepherd takes the whale far more seriously than most, putting their lives on the line routinely to intervene between whaling ships and whales. I'm a member and contributor.

Below is Captain Paul Watson's appearance on the tonight show. He's pretty persuasive. It's in two parts. As always, if you can't see the videos or the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything!

Wolves fishing

Seeing wolves fishing is somehow inspirational. The first video is short and a bit grainy. The second one shows a very young wolf learning the technique. Both are worth a few moments for the smile factor.  If you're reading this somewhere and can't see the videos, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see the whole thing!

Winters of my life

This is a new film coming soon...I think. Some say so but enjoy it as it is. Definite info is scarce. It's about Howard Weamer and his life as winter hut keeper in Yosemite for the last 35 years. Jonathan Burhop is the filmmaker.

Weamer's also a terrific photographer and his images can be seen here.

As always, if you can't see the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.





Winters of My Life from Jonathan Burhop on Vimeo.

Heroes all

The first one of these videos was so popular, I posted another.

Safety for wolves...at least for now

Friday US District Judge Donald Molloy ruled that that Rocky Mountain Gray Wolves should remain on the Endangered Species List. While no surprise, it's a great relief to many of us and to the wolves.

Amazingly, the judge who first ruled to allow them off the list predicted this. You might ask why he would make a ruling that he knew would be overturned. Lots of taxpayer dollars are lost from this decision and at least 100 wolves were killed.

Idaho said it would ask for permission to have its wolf hunt anyway. There's a few more wasted taxpayer dollars but they're apparently wealthy in Idaho so taxpayer dollars are in good supply.

The handling of the wolf issue is one of my pet peeves against President Obama.  I've written about it before so I'll just say that environmentalists' votes shouldn't be taken for granted. It's not so much that we'd vote against you but it's hard to get out to vote when you feel betrayed.

Wolves are endangered and need the protection. Wondering what you can do? Check out this site and they'll get you started.

Can't see the links? Just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see everything.

Obama, birthers, and the military

By now, it's old news that LTC Terrence Lakin went AWOL. He missed his duty flight to Afghanistan, apparently intentionally, because he said President Obama's birthplace was in doubt.

He said he didn't have to follow President Obama's orders until he saw his birth certificate.

Birthers are rallying around this guy, which is as logical as their entire program.

There is no question of President Obama's birthplace, at least to rational folks. He was born in Hawaii. Both newspapers reported it. The Republican governor of Hawaii has confirmed it.

Yet 27% of Americans believe there is justifiable doubt about this.

I don't believe the president is without his flaws. I've taken him to task on this blog here and here.

I will continue to criticize him when he errs and praise him when he does well. That's my job as a citizen. I did the same thing with Shrub...er, Bush, although there was much more to criticize.

However, if you're making things up just because you wish they were true, you're either eight years old or you need help. Some of these folks are paranoid - they're the children of the people who checked under their bed for Commies. Some of these people are racists and just looking for an excuse. None of these people are showing much sign of logical thought process.

However, in this swarming mass of Fox viewers and conspiracy freaks, there are probably a few folks who are neither paranoid about alien abduction in Southern trailer parks or shadow Klan members.

To those folks I say "Come on out." As long as you hold onto these silly fantasies, no one will ever listen to the potentially rational things you might add to the discourse.

Finally, for those who defend the bizarre actions of LTC Lakin - get a clue. There is no place in the military for this behavior. Disobeying a direct order from your superior is serious business and almost never - not never - almost never justified.

It's also illegal. Being in the military isn't like working at the grocery store. You voluntarily surrender some of your freedoms in order to defend other folks' freedoms. You are pretty much giving up the right to protest until you separate from the military.

That's made very clear to every military member. Certainly an officer and a surgeon understood this. He as much as said so in a Facebook video.

So, he not only went AWOL but he planned it and drew as much attention to it as possible.

Apparently, he wants to be an example. I'd give him his wish and give him jail time...at least a few years.

For the military to function, folks in the military must follow the lawful orders of their superior members. He didn't. If say...oh, I don't know... 27% of the military followed his example, a lot of innocent heroes would be put in danger.

LTC Lakin - you're a surgeon. If you're not there, arguable people may die and definitely they will suffer needlessly. You failed those people. The arrogance of your actions deserve especially harsh punishment. You're not a hero; you're a border-line traitor to both your nation and your fellow military members. You should be very ashamed.

As always, if you're reading this somewhere and can't see links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ for the whole story.

Boycott Target

For those not following this, Target just donated over $150,000 to support Rep. Tom Emmer who is an extreme right-winger running for Governor of Minnesota. While I believe that the individual at Target who made this decision has a right to believe anything he wants, I also believe it's time to tell corporations - liberal and conservative - to stay away from supporting political candidates. Better than passing another law, we need to hold them accountable. Emmer biggest sins - supporting Arizona's new immigration laws and donating money to an organization that says executing gay people is acceptable.

That kind of hate speech isn't acceptable to me. I don't want to ban it - I want to make it economically unsustainable. Boycott Target. It will work.

Here's a video of one woman's action.




If you're watching this somewhere and can't see the video, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Cell phones and driving

Surely enough has been said about cellphone usage when driving - particularly texting when driving. The culprit isn't just the phone...it's all distractions. After watching this video, I'm driving a lot differently. Be aware - it is disturbing. Thanks Consumer Reports for the link.



If you can't see the video, just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ to see everything.

Time to go green - corporate style

Recently I reported on an Army attempt to go green here.  It's both funny and tragic.

However, some corporations are starting to go green. The idealist in me wants to believe it's because they really want to make the world a better place. The cynic in me says it's a marketing advantage.

The realist in me says it doesn't matter why they do it - just that they do it. Burt's Bees hasn't been run by Burt in years but they're really trying to do better. Their resolution - nothing goes to the landfill. The result - they're considered the number one "green" brand. That's worth some money and good karma. Read about it here. Amazing how well things work when the private sector takes the initiative.

BTW - I use many of their products and love them.

Eating in Japan

People don't know what to expect when eating in Japan. When you eat Japanese foods, the experience is usually tremendous. The sushi - the first thing folks think of - is incredible and can be had at lower prices than the states. The noodle shops are what really "wow me". Cold soba and udon in the summer and hot soba and udon in the winter. Nothing better!

However, sometimes...oftentimes...Japanese restaurants and eating areas try to emulate Western names and foods. That experience is often funny at best, although I will say the MacDonalds' is far better here than in the U.S.

This weekend we went to a western-flavor mall. Western-flavor malls have lots of stores and restaurants with U.S. names and/or U.S.-sounding names. Naturally, the sizing is still Asian so larger folk can't buy much.

Here's the food court at the mall. I was looking for wax figures of Julia Childs and other folks who had served us so well and gone to the great kitchen in the sky.

A bit nervous we entered and found some excellent Japanese restaurants, the obligatory KFC, and Taco Derio. Taco Bell doesn't exist outside of the bases in Japan (that I know of) but who needs them with Taco Derio. Look at the photo carefully - I apologize for the poor shot but it I only had my cell phone.

The burrito pictured on the right has a weiner in it. Clearly, the tranlation "little donkey" had some role in the design. We ate at a noodle shop. Somehow I doubt the authenticity of this offering.

As always, if you're seeing this somewhere without the photos, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ to view the...er...whole enchilada.

Shaggy dog story

I'm a sucker for shaggy dog stories. No place has better ones than Rolling Dog Ranch. Check them out here and read about Roo, the newest member.

For more dog stories, go here.

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BP and oil - where is it?

Suddenly, there's no BP (British Petroleum) oil spill. At least the major part is missing. Where did it go and why does that matter to the environment?

The answer - chemical dispersants.  Why does that matter?

Imagine you're a young man seeking a young woman to be your life-long partner. I apologize for telling this from the straight male perspective. It isn't the best perspective but (alas) it's the only one I have. And, it fits so well.

Do you seek your companion at church? Do you seek the life-long partner at political rallies (assuming something in common)? Do you seek her at clubs (assuming an addiction to Captain Morgan and cola)? Do you seek her at yoga class (assuming some flexibility in life)?

Not if you're the EPA.

They find a femme de noir. While she may not be everything they seek, her makeup covers up the flaws and the pain.

In my long life, particularly the cab driving years, I've known some excellent women of the evening. And, while I knew them as friends and clients, I never forgot the choices they made. I've worked hard, albeit unsuccessfully, to change things so those choices didn't have to be made by others who came later. Still, as nice and smart and funny as some of them were, the simple reality is that after a number of years in the trade, the makeup didn't hide the truth any more. I'm sorry. Sometimes after I took them to their homes and dropped them off, I cried. It was sad. It damn sure wasn't a goal.

Kids, the EPA doesn't get it.

Chemical dispersants hurt sea creatures. They allow damage. But, if you're not looking closely and the light is poor, they hide the truth.

It turns out the EPA has routinely allowed chemical dispersants to be used by BP.

That's both bad science, bad politics,  and against the law.

I take it personally because the Gulf of Mexico is my ocean. I grew up on it. It cured me both physically and metaphorically many times. Now, some jerk is destroying it. Some jerk is killing the dolphins I surfed with, killing the brown pelicans I worshiped, and killing the fish that sustained me.

That's my f***ing ocean. It's bad enough that you keep lying to people but you're killing my ocean.

Now, I find out my government is cooperating. I'm really mad. I'll vote mad and I'll contribute to candidates who share my rage.

Yes, President Obama, I'm mad at you too. I'm mad because you aren't. Step up. I voted for change. I voted for integrity. I even sent money. Please do the right thing and hang these guys out to dry.

Throw Salazar in the pit with them while you're at it.

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Hell, subscribe while you're there and don't miss a single rant...at least those when the medication works well enough for me to type.

On my Blue Heaven rendezvous

This is a small part of the Blue Heaven  in Key West. Never has breakfast been so glorious! See a bit more on my too cool vacation here and see more on this restaurant here. If you're seeing this without links, just go to http://www.blueheavenkw.com/

Shaggy cat story

To say that I love animals is an understatement. However, one of my dogs - Kenji - saved my life both when I was having a heart attack and after I had it. In so many ways, he taught me how to love more and deeper than I ever knew possible.

Yeah...he made me a soft touch.

But, I'm not a "dog" person. I'm an animal person. Animals have made me a better human and I only hope to help a few of them in return. While I don't have cats - my wife's allergic to them - I absolutely love them.

I "dumbed onto" this site recently.

Imagine spending your time, money, and energy helping blind cats. I admit - I never even thought about blind cats. Yet, here are some folks that not only thought about them; they're helping them. Take a look at the video - there are a lot more on the site.

I imagine that if you talked with them, they'd say they weren't making a sacrifice for the cats. I believe they see it as a work of love.

Each of us has the opportunity to perform works of love. We can do that with the animals and people in our lives. For some of us, the animals open the path to greater love for the people. They have their missions in this life as well.

Enjoy the video. As always, if you're seeing this somewhere that the links don't show, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ and see it in all its glory. If you want to see some interesting shaggy dog stories, go here.

BP to Texas - Trust me

With all respect to journalistic integrity, I need to confess that I'm from Texas (originally). Maybe that's why I find this so funny.

I don't want to oversimplify, but Texas is an oil state. The state continues to be dominated by the petrochemical industry and its governor, Rick Perry, sleeps on a waterbed inflated with oil, combs his hair with oil, uses it to clean things, and worships the sacred PetroGod. No one could possibly be a bigger supporter of oil than Guv Rick.

The BP Oil Spill hasn't affected Texas beaches to the extent that it's affected other states, yet there have been some tar balls washing up on its beaches. Of course a former Texas governor (Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe...they all run together in a giant oil slick of corruption) once said that tar balls were natural and had nothing to do with oil production.

The former governor's opinion on tar balls notwithstanding, Guv Rick went to his Big Daddy BP and ask for a 25 million dollar cash advance to pay for future Texas oil spill clean ups. After all, Guv Rick figured, Big Daddy BP gave it to his other kids (Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi).

It seems only fair. After all, Texas should have "most favored son" status, as BP's U.S. operations are headquartered in Houston and BP is heavily invested in Texas.

BP said no. They did make a small (comparatively) pledge to the Texas Coastal Protection Fund.

Now, Son of Oil Guv Rick is in a snit. He wrote a nasty letter to BP and someone gave it to Reuters. Nice. Reuters quotes him as saying to BP "you are essentially asking Texas to just trust you."

Very nice.

How does Guv Rick explain to the voters that the oil god doesn't love them as much as the other children? How does he explain that, even though they pledged their souls to PetroGod, they don't get their handout?

Finally, will Guv Rick get a new polo pony to make up for his hurt feelings?

For more thoughts on BP, click here.

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Electric cars

Environmentalists love them. Business people hope they'll save the auto manufacturers. They're great...even though they're pretty difficult and expensive to obtain.

GM is bringing their Volt out soon. It costs over $40,000 before rebates, incentives, etc.

Is it right that they cost so much? Are manufacturers making them expensive for reasons known only to them?

Hard to answer those questions but one Oregon 14-year old built his own. Really. It costs him about $4,000 and he didn't get rebates or incentives.

Exactly who is zoomin' whom?

See more environmental stories here. See the complete version of this story here.

As always, if you're reading this on Facebook or somewhere else where the links don't show, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/ for the whole enchilada.

Making a choice

Yesterday's post got a lot of reaction. Some were moved, some tickled, some inspired by it. My friend Amy sent me a link to something similar - another video about choice and understanding. How do we chose to live our lives? What is the dominant part of our life?

Here Dr. Jill Bolte-Taylor talks about her choices and how having a stroke sharpened the decision.

As always, if you're seeing this somewhere that doesn't show links, just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

How do you make choices?

Making choices can be difficult. When you look at it from the perspective of how do Westerners choose vs. Asians or how do Eastern Europeans choose vs. Western Europeans, it gets even more interesting. Even how women choose nail polish can be fascinating.

Eventually, it tells us about ourselves, others, and our cultures in ways we never expected. Sheena Iyengar studies how we choose. So, whether you're guilty of making a living by influencing people's choices, whether you study them as a living, or even if you're just visiting here from Pedestria, this is a fascinating video. As always, if you're viewing this post somewhere and the video doesn't show, just go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Working for the Army

Today I took an army training course on environmental conservation and management. One suggestion in it was to minimize printing documents - keeping them in digital format instead.

At the end...you can see this coming...you print out your certificate in triplicate: one for you, one for the environmental manager, and one for your supervisor. There was, in our location, no option to do this digitally.

Amazing!

Shaggy dog story

I love dogs. Folks often tell me "They're not the same as humans" - as if that's an indictment of dogs. I'm tempted to tell them that no, they're superior...but folks already think I'm strange enough.

Here's a link to some folks who do so much for dogs...and horses. Read about them and donate - they're good folks and one of my favorite charities.

For more on dogs, click here.

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Tina Turner, Buddhism, and Larry King

I love all three...check it out!

Fix the Gulf - BP Oil Spill

As discussed many times here before, the BP oil spill is a disaster of monumental proportions. It's time to demand change. Watch the video and sign the petition. It's the least you can do. Thanks to my friend Janell for posting this first.

If you're reading this on Facebook and want to see the links, etc, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/

Norwegian Olympic race walker busted for doping

The AP and Outside magazine have reported that Norwegian race walker Erik Tysse tested positive for the blood booster CERA.


In Beijing he placed fifth in a 50-kilometer race. He denies using drugs and is protesting his suspension.

Where do I start?

1. Why is walking a competitive sport? It should be a pleasure, an exercise, a transportation method but not a competitive sport. It's walking, not running. Grow up! The Olympics banned women's softball but has walking events. How out of touch is that?
2. Why would a walker need to dope? It's walking. If you need to dope, you should just slow down...or run.
3. Why is he using such crappy drugs? He only placed fifth. If he was using good drugs, wouldn't he win?
4. Why is he protesting? Everyone always says the same thing, then later confesses. Boring. How about saying, "Hell yeah I doped. I was smokin' fast too. Passed 12 old people in the mall and passed Bryant when he was err..........jogging?
5. Scandinavians just don't seem as cool anymore. They need to get back to snow sports.

A good walk spoiled indeed!

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Judge rules it's okay to lie about receiving a Purple Heart Medal

Judge Robert Blackburn just ruled that the law making it a crime to lie about earning a Purple Heart is unconstitutional.

He said that it violated freedom of speech.

I think he's nuts.

Folks, earning a Purple Heart is serious. It means you were wounded or killed by an enemy of the U.S. while you were serving the country. Lying about it isn't about free speech - it's about slandering the efforts of honest men and women who put it on the line.

You're probably thinking that this is another activist liberal judge. Actually, he was appointed by George W. Bush. Wow...guess it all makes sense now.

If you're reading this on Facebook and want to see the links, go to http://snowboardingjapan.blogspot.com/.

Why are we getting fat - Fattening up the poor

We drink too many sodas. Imagine the logic of drinking 32, 48, or 64 ounces of soda at one time. Yet, people do that routinely.

What does that mean calorically? A 12-ounce can has 136 calories. Those are rare these days. A 16-ounce plastic bottle has about 181 calories. That's the size you buy from the store. The 32-ounce that you get from your Big Gulp dealer has 362 calories. A woman leading a normal life should be getting between 1200 and 1800 calories daily; a man should be getting between 1600 and 2400 calories daily. Obviously some folks need a little more and some a little less.

Still, you don't need to be a mathematician to determine that three of these a day would add a lot of calories - calories that don't contribute to your nutrition or feeling full - so you're still just as hungry.

Almost all commercially available sodas contain high fructose corn syrup. Tests administered by neutral folks (not sponsored by corn growers, etc) all show that it contributes to obesity. Dentists will tell you it rots your teeth. There's not much good to be said about these.

How does it affect the poor - and your taxes?

There is a program called Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. It once was called Food Stamps. This program subsidizes cola purchases by the poor using your tax dollars.

Really.

You're buying Dr. Peppers for poor people.

Don't read this wrong - I believe in helping poor people but this is insane. Soft drinks don't help anyone except the people selling them.

Has anyone tried to change this? Absolutely. But, rules passed during the Bush administration "gag" supplies and forbid them from using funds to educate people relying on this program.

How much money is spent? The American Journal of Public Health estimates that we spend 4 billion dollars each year buying sodas for poor people.

They cite studies that say, "SNAP participants appear to purchase at least 40 percent more carbonated soft drinks than other consumers do. At one major supermarket chain, SNAP participants bought 4.3 percent of carbonated soft drinks even though they only represented 1.8 percent of transactions. At another large chain, carbonated soft drinks accounted for 6.19 percent of the grocery bills of SNAP participants."

Instead of helping poor people, we're helping them get fat and lose their teeth. That's something along the lines of government-sponsored sickness.

This program doesn't allow the purchase of cigarettes, alchoholic beverages, or hot, prepared foods. Why should it cover cola?

Send your congressperson a note. We're fat enough. Poor people suffer from this sickness in even greater percentages. It's time for change.

To see the editorial, click here.

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Why are we getting fat?

Americans, along with many other nationalities, are getting fatter. Why?

There are lots of answers but the basic one is we have more time, more convenience foods, and no concept of calories. In the end, after all the fancy diets and exercise machines, only one formula works - eat less than you burn.

I've fought weight my entire life. Finally, I think I'm getting some control but I have a long way to go to be really healthy.

Still, things like this really help me.

The other thing that really helps is tracking your calories. Measure damn near everything and put it in your diary. One place I've used is here. Currently I'm using a different program for a while but this one works really well. The key - enter every calorie. It's an education.

If you're reading this on Facebook, go to http://www.snowboardinginjapan.com/ to see the links.

Jimmy Buffett and the Gulf Coast Concert to help with the BP oil spill

By all reports, it was incredible. For folks who missed it or just want a bit of memories, here's the redo of "When the Coast is Clear".

Master Yoda (Star Wars) does directions

TomTom now offers Star Wars characters as voices for their GPS systems. Here's Master Yoda recording his share.

Tea Baggers support British Petroleum's pollution of the Gulf

 I want to say first that I don't accuse all Republicans of this - that would be as insane as those Republicans who support the oil giant. But, check it out.

Rand Paul first said that Obama's trying to control the oil company is un-American. He backed off that for awhile but yesterday said that Obama's attacks on BP could harm its ability to clean up the spill and might destroy its financial stability.

Now that's just patently stupid. It's like telling the police not to arrest an axe murderer because he hadn't finished mopping up the blood yet. His financial take is equally clueless. Every financial analysis I've seen on BP says that, while this will definitely affect their bottom line, they could survive much worse. Rand Paul isn't a real libertarian - he's a real moron who will sell out his nation for small political gain.

Sharon Angle - running against Harry Reid in Nevada - called the BP fund for recovery a slush fund. Then, when the stuff started hitting the fan, she backtracked. This isn't her first back-track. She took down her old website because it was such a political liability then threatened to sue Harry Reid for making it available.  Nothing warms my heart more than seeing new faces in campaigns but her presence has gotten old real fast. As cynical as I can be about Harry Reid, she's making him look like a candidate for sainthood.

Naturally, we all remember Joe Barton of Texas apologizing to BP because American asked them to pay for the damage they did. He backtracked also.

So, what's worse - Tea Baggers selling out our nation to an oil conglomerate or their lack of courage to stand by what they say?

The best tea doesn't come in bags. Sorry Ms. Palin.

Time to change how we view oil

The British Petroleum oil spill is a disaster of untold proportion. There is zero question that deep water drilling is a failed technology. Yet, folks argue it must continue.

The decision really is a simple one - will we destroy the planet for us, for our children, and for our grandchildren for a few more years of cheap oil? Are we really that selfish?

The answer is also simple. We have been that selfish - now we need to change. We need to immediately declare war on oil dependence and slash our usage - not reduce the amount, slash the amount. We need to stop talking and start acting.

This would not weaken our economy - it would create thousands of new jobs and make our nation less dependent upon the dictators and haters of the world for our "SUV fix".

Watch this video, then go to http://www.edf.org/actnow and sign the petition. It matters - a lot. The Gulf is your ocean. This is your land.

Veterans' Rights and political leadership

Everyone seems to assume that Republicans support the military and Democrats don't. Actually, the voting record is quite different than this stereotype.

Anyone looking at veterans' rights and protections  has to consider the GI Bill a primary benefit. It provides for education, training, home purchasing rights, and much more.

Who sponsored the first bill in 1944? It's a bit complicated but Senator Ernest McFarland (Democrat from Arizona) is often called the Father of the bill. In all fairness, there was some bipartisan effort in those days. A California Republican Warren Atherton, working with the American Legion and Edith Rogers, a Republican Congresswoman pushed the bill through. It was signed by Franklin Roosevelt, a very Democratic president. The original draft was written by a former RNC chairman. Score one for bipartisanship and for Roosevelt's leadership. Many, if not most, of his American detractors today have benefited in some way from his policies.

In 1984, the bill was revamped and modernized by a Democrat from Mississippi, former congressman Sonny Montgomery.

The current version of the GI Bill was sponsored by Jim Webb, a Democrat from Virginia and Chuck Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska.  It was opposed by none other than George W. Bush and John McCain. While one could argue the bill was bipartisan, it really saw significant opposition only from the Republican party. Former President Bush and Senator McCain argued against it, saying passage would reduce re-enlistments. Hagel was pushed out of leadership in the Republican Party, largely due to his willingness to work with Democrats and his unsuitability for Tea Bagger Leadership - meaning he is a moderate.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars website reported that there is an significant upgrade to the current GI Bill just proposed by Daniel Akaka, a Democratic senator from Alaska. Note - as of this writing, Republicans were too busy persecuting Latinos in Arizona, gays everywhere, and generally teaching hatred toward various groups to do anything positive toward the bill's passage.

In the end, there are probably several lessons here:

1) Once upon a time, we acted in a bipartisan manner for the good of the nation.

2) There has never been a GI Bill passed with Republican leadership and Democratic opposition.

3) Democrats, for the most part, support veterans' rights.


Who knew? When the rubber meets the road, Democrats are our best - albeit somewhat sketchy - friends.

Key West SUP

Key West Blue Heaven Rendezvous

Key West Food and Beverage

No place is better. While the oil spill has me depressed, this needs to be shared.

Imagine a total economic meltdown

Imagine you can't feed your children. Imagine you can't take your wife or husband to the doctor. Imagine you can't pay your house note or for your car. Imagine you've lost everything generations of your ancestors worked to create.

The Bush economy - maybe but not this time.

We're talking about British Petroleum's oil spill. We're talking about the effect it will have on folks on the Gulf Coast from Louisiana all the way through Florida.

Millions of people depend upon the waters of the Gulf for their livelihood. They are the fishermen, the tour guides, the hotel workers, the bar and restaurant owners - but that's just the first level. Then you have the auto dealers, REALTORS, bankers, grocery stores, etc who sell to these people.

Finally, you have the tax base. If these folks can't earn a living, they can't pay taxes. Guess where the burden will fall.

British Petroleum, in one moment of poor management, has hurt us worse than any enemy attack. No one even has a way to guesstimate the billions of dollars lost.

But we're also talking about respect. I'm an American and I'm offended that any company believes it has the right to foul my resources. Who are they to do this and how stupid are we to allow it? It's as if they came into our living room and...well...soiled the carpet.

A great description of the damage comes from one of my favorite columnists Carl Hiassen. See it here and see more on BP's economics here. See a video of the damage here.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer really is a racist

Time to just put the cards on the table. Sure, the new immigration law might not target Latinos (wink, wink). It's just another plank in a law and order agenda. Naturally, some of us remember those from the past.

Now, the Guv said that most illegal immigrants carry illegal drugs.

Most.

That's amazing. However you stand on the issues of illegal immigration, you can't really believe this - unless, of course, you're one of those people who believe President Obama is Muslim.

Does the Guv have inside info? Have we been led astray with these stories of hard working folks? If so, who's working the fields now? I mean - if you're rolling in drug money, would you really be picking blueberries in Michigan?

Rumors are that Governor Brewer will release more incredible info next week. Expected to be on the list are revelations that African-American people have rhythm, Asians are good in math, and white people are screwing up the country.

Sorry - couldn't help myself on the last one.

BTW - Jan Brewer is a racist. Pass it on and get out the Latino vote in Arizona. If this goes on, we're going to petition Colorado to cut off their water.

Judge likes British Petroleum too much

A Yahoo News Report said that U.S. District Court Judge Martin Feldman - you know, the guy who overruled President Obama on the offshore drilling moratorium - has heavy investments in - quick, guess what - oil and gas companies.

Surprised?

Call me cynical, but I'm not. Surely a president has the right to say that we should wait a little while and reaccess our position on a subject. Apparently, that's only true if the judge doesn't lose money on the deal.

Gimme back my country!

British Petroleum is taking our jobs and destroying our economy. They're also destroying the one thing that each generation should pass on to their children - the environment.

Stand up. Sign the petitions and write your representatives. That's your beach they're destroying.

The British Petroleum oil spill - from the beach

It will cost billions of dollars. Folks and families are being destroyed. British Petroleum is out of control. What does it look like from the beach? Here's one short video from Destin Beach, Florida.

Folks, they're taking away some of the best our country has to offer just to power SUVs. Is it really worth that?

I want to ride my bicycle

Ever wish your bike was more flexible? Well, this video (thanks Bike Snob) shows one alternative.

An open letter to President Obama

Dear President Obama:

I voted for you. I donated a lot of money. I've never been so happy as when you won...at least over political things anyway.

I voted for you because you represented change. I voted for you because your predecessor ravaged the environment,  ignored the rights of minorities (particularly gay and lesbian minorities), and just generally acted in a way that made me, an American currently living overseas, want to tell people I was from Canada. Okay - I voted for you because McCain is a loser and Palin a pathetic, hating loser. Can't forget that.

I really wanted change.

Now, I feel like you're selling me out.

You always try to compromise with people who won't compromise. Make that mistake once or twice and no problem. Keep making it and I'm not so sure what you stand for.

You're soft on protecting wolves, whales, sea turtles, etc. You supported lifting the restrictions on off-shore drilling. You seem unable to move forward in Afghanistan or get out of Iraq.

You fiddle around on the GLT issue and nothing happens.

Oh, don't want to forget the economy. It sucks. Where are all those "green jobs" you promised?

I don't want this to sound wrong. Given the same choice we had last time, I'd vote for you again. But, I doubt I'd donate money to the campaign.

Do something. Tomorrow, allow gay and lesbian folks to serve openly in the military. It won't hurt anything and it will help a lot of things and people.

Sure, some folks will get out of the military over that issue - who cares? The military is meeting their recruitment goals anyway. Haters are replaceable.

Don't forget - anyone who gets out of the military over serving next to gay folks is a hater - do we really want them in combat?

Also, be serious - if you really loved your country and that was really why you were in the military, you wouldn't get out over this.

You could make that change with the stroke of a pen.

Then, support the whales at the IWC. Stop kissing up to Japan...hell, to a minority in Japan. We need to stand for something. It shouldn't be Sea Shepherd alone protecting whales - it should be the U.S. government.

Tell Salazar that wolves matter. They're a critical part of the ecosystem and we aren't hunting them en masse from helicopters, etc any longer. Leave the hate to Palin. She does it better anyway.

Make the next 2 years count. If you don't, there won't be another four - unless of course the Republicans keep apologizing to BP and other stupid Nazi tricks.

Get rid of which big government?

It's very popular for Tea Baggers and their ilk to condemn Big Government. After all, who could be for it? Hell, I work for the government and I'm not for it.

But, let their checks not come and the whole process of complaint changes. Perhaps the saying should be changed to Get Rid of Your Big Government - Not Mine.

Carl Hiaasen explains this very well here.

New vehicle for men with er...shortcomings

With the loss of the Hummer, men with certain er, shortcomings faced new insecurities. Really, can a 4X4 Excursion cover their lack of confidence?

Well, relief is on the way.

No, it's not a new surgery that works or a certain extension device. There's a new vehicle that dwarfs the Hummer. So, if you can't be big enough in some places, you can compensate in others.

As for women who drive these, well, I know what you're wishing. But hey, they can provide it in Thailand.

See it here.

Guys...really...if you have this much concern, you need counseling.

Really.

Great shaggy dog and cop story

The camera work isn't the best but the story is awesome.

Hawaii again

Some days are better than others.

I've been in Hawaii the last week. The weather is, for the most part, beautiful. It's not hot and certainly not cold this time of year. The ocean is still beautiful, with crystal clear water.

Why be depressed?

Really, Hawaii is a depressing place. Its beauty makes it even more so.

Young kids just getting out of school don't have a lot of options here, in terms of career growth - unless you consider waiting tables and other tourist-based industries careers of choice. These jobs come with low pay and no benefits - certainly a package that isn't sought by many.

But, that's all there is.

As folks get older, they move into the homeless business. Obviously, everyone doesn't become homeless - families are still strong here and locals help each other. Still, the number of homeless folks on the street in Honolulu is staggering.

If you're paying attention, you're immersed in the problem. Folks sleeping on the streets, in doorways, in planter boxes - everywhere. Some beg and some scrounge to survive and that's really all they get - survival.

As they sit there waiting for sleep to come, they watch folks walking by who spent more money on their "aloha wear" than these folks had for dinner this month. My tropical shirt doesn't seem so happy now.

I'm one of the folks with "tropical wear" and often walking for my exercise so I can go eat my $20 dinner.

Does that make me (and others) bad? I don't think so. But, it does make me sad.

I'm smart enough not to just hand someone a wad of money. It could, with rampant drug abuse, alcoholism, and violence, make things worse rather than better. But, it's tempting to settle for a smaller meal or just invite one of them to eat with me. I'll be on the lookout for a good group or maybe just buy someone a sandwich.

I have to do something. It's only human.