Open Question

As I write this, I am sitting in a National Guard training facility assisting with the coordination of relief efforts for the huge winter storm currently engulfing Missouri (and the midwest in general). As I am surrounded by at least moderately rational and intelligent people, I have no compass regarding the current attitudes of the Democrat Party.
Therefore, I pose an open question: Is the current ice storm being blamed on President Bush, or Global Warming?

Remember, remember the 8th of December…
Sorry, it just popped into my head. I didn’t even like that movie.

Well, it’s been quite a week in the news. Nine people were shot to death in ANOTHER “gun-free zone”–this time while Christmas shopping at a mall in Nebraska. You know, this really seems like an issue that affects DIS-ARMED SUBJECTS OF THE GOVERNMENT more than it would affect ARMED CITIZENS OF THE NATION.

It seems that Republicans and Democrats have finally found an issue for which they can provide bi-partisan support. Victory in Iraq? No. Re-affirmation of the Bill of Rights? No. The obvious superiority of low-tax, free-market economy? Oh, HELL no! Bailing out defaulted mortgages! That’s right; it’s very likely that my tax money will soon be spent to reward people who invested foolishly and keep lower-income families from finding affordable homes. I’m so proud. Have I mentioned how much I don’t like Socialism?

And let’s not forget the Religion of Peace (of the Grave): Muslims in Sudan have “pardoned” a British schoolteacher for the HATE-INSPIRING SIN of allowing a child to name a stuffed animal “Muhammed.” The original punishment for the schoolteacher included imprisonment AND LASHING. Why are we respecting these people again?
—–
I finally got to watch Pirates of the Caribbean At World’s End last night. Great special effects, POORLY THOUGHT-OUT PLOT. Let us look at just the ending, as exemplus gratium. Why didn’t Will make Elizabeth a member of his crew? She could spend a lifetime alone, seeing him once every ten years, OR she could have eternal youth exploring the sea with him forever (or until they got tired of each other). Hm.
Well, far be it from me to say that Hollywood is full of idiots… Oh, wait–I say that all the time!

I recently attended a briefing on sexual assault prevention through my military unit. Predictably, the attendant video depicted a caucasian male officer fraternizing with an ethnic female junior enlisted. No actual sex took place; the assualt consisted of the male groping the female behind a bar AFTER she had flirted with him. And also, apparently, several months after they had already consummated a consensual physical relationship. Never mind all of that; the female is emotionally devasted and the male’s career needs to be destroyed.
Questions of actual sexual mores aside, I ask the following of the producers of the aforementioned video: If one lacks the physical ability and courage to defend one’s self from sexual assault, the mental ability to avoid situations which might lead to sexual assault, or the ethical ability to refrain from the commission of sexual assault, then by what virtue is one in the profession of defending the United States of America?
This is not an attempt to “blame the (imaginary) victim” or excuse the (imaginary) attacker. I simply wonder why the Armed Forces so often continue to cater the lowest common denominator, rather than inspiring–and demanding–greatness.

As I am preparing to attend Missouri OCS class 47, I recently had the opportunity to question the local RTI about what I might expect. She told me to be prepared to deliver limmericks and perform skits for the Christmas party. Then, she looked offended when I made the statement that “That explains VOLUMES to me about the United States Army.”
Here are two limmericks I came up with off the top of my head:
—–
A member of my fine cadre
Ordered me a limmerick to say
While feeling quite grim
I stared straight at him
And said “Celtic folk-poetry’s gay.”

I can extemporize in quatraine
Without really racking my brain
And sonnets are nice
I’d do haiku twice
But from limmericks I’d rather refrain.
—–
She apparently preferred the second to the first.

End of November

Well, it’s month’s end again, and drill is this weekend. No specific progress has been made on any front (I’ve gotten the paperwork on my land; I’ve also requested a review of the FMV for it), but everything IS moving forward. Since I’ve reviewed my goals several times since their inception, here is my OFFICIAL list for 31 NOV 07:

Short-Term (31 DEC 07)
Educational–I will complete enrollment at Columbia College.
Financial—-I will pay the remainder of my ’01 house payments to Mom and Dad, and fund my account with thinkorswim.com.
Physical—–I will achieve 3 sets of 35 with push-ups and sit-ups, and 15 each of my daily seven. My 2-mile split time will be 2:10 per lap (17:20 total).
Social——-I will get the JCMA Group firmly established.
Spiritual—-I will attend services at the Episcopal Chuch.

Medium-Term (31 MAR 07)
Educational–I will begin taking courses at Columbia College.
Financial—-I will apply for a loan for my land.
Physical—–I will achieve 3 sets of 50 push-ups/sit-ups, and 25 each of my daily seven. My 2 mile split will be 1:55 per lap (15:20 total).
Social——-I will have tree services correct my overhanging branches.
Spiritual—-I will become a member of the Episcopal Church

Long-Term (31 DEC 08)
Educational–I will achieve Senior Status at Columbia College.
Financial—-I will make house payments for ’02 to Mom and Dad.
I will also pay off my Chase account.
Physical—–I will achieve 3 sets of 95 push-ups/sit-ups and 50 each of my daily seven. My 2 mile split will be 1:30 (12:00 total).
Social——-I will purchase a living room set for my house.
Spiritual—-I will be confirmed in the Episcopal Church.

AAAHHHHH!!!

While researching stocks through Investools.com a couple of months ago, I came across a particular stock–I’m not going to tell the name, out of sheer vindictiveness–with very strong fundamentals, a great price, everything I was looking for. Unfortunately, I elected to open a brokerage account with Banc of America Investments, which was offering free trades.
As it turns out, trades are only free if you have more than $50,000 in your account (I didn’t, believe it or not), and there are certain types of stocks that you have to have a SPECIAL CARD in order to purchase.
Needless to say, I closed my account there and failed to buy that particular stock. I came across it again today only to discover that it has risen from about $21.00 per share to about $32.00.

AAAHHHHH!!!

Thanksgiving

Man, has this been a busy week!
I’ll start with Thanksgiving; I got to meet a lot of my in-laws (what do you call the father of your sister-in-law?), and see my brother’s new house. It sits on a beautiful 10-acre lot (with lake) just outside of Mexico, MO. Must be nice to marry money!
Then, of course, there was my OCS physical. One more hurdle jumped, and I’m nearly on my way. I have decided, however, to do the “traditional” National Guard OCS. This means that I won’t leave until February, and I’ll only be gone for two weeks. After that, it’s one weekend a month at FT Leonard Wood for 18 months. This will give me a chance to get my degree before I get my commission, so that I actually qualify for jobs that accept commissions.
I’m also in talks with Grantham University. They can’t wait to have me, and I plan on majoring in business while I’m there. MBA here I come!
My big news, however, was the purchase of a 40-acre plot in Nevada. I’m still waiting for the paperwork to come through; I have to find out whether I can use it to get a USDA conservation subsidy or, if not, whether I want to sell it and how much I can get.
I also put together a bunch of furniture that I had bought and left sitting around. Some of that stuff has really poorly written directions!
I only hope next week is slightly less eventful…

Since this is the last Saturday of the month, here are new goals, and the results of my previous list:
—–
Previous goals:
Physical–230 APFT (failed to achieve)
Financial–Balance budged (bought land instead)
Professional–expert qualification with rifle and pistol (didn’t go to qualification range)

Uh-oh, I’m zero for three!
—–
Short Term Goals (31 December 2007)
Educational–Enroll in Columbia College
Financial–01 House Payments to Mom & Dad
———-Pay off Chase
Physical–Push-Up/Sit-Up (35 ea/3 sets, 3/wk)
———-Daily Seven (x15, 3/wk)
———-2 mi run (2:10 split, 17:20 total)
Social–Establish the Jefferson City martial arts group
Spiritual–Find an acceptable Church (probably the Episcopal)

Medium Term Goals (31 March 2008)
Educational–First classes with Columbia College
Financial–Begin stock investment
Physical–Push-Up/Sit UP (50 ea/3 sets, 3/wk)
———-Daily Seven (x25, 3/wk)
———-2 mi run (1:55 split, 15:20 total)
Social–Have tree service remove limbs over my house
Spiritual–Full membership in chosen church

Long-Term Goals (31 December 2008)
Educational–Senior Ranking at Columbia College
Financial–02/03 House payments to Mom & Dad
———-Pay off BoA
Physical–Push-Up/Sit-Up (95 ea/3 sets, 3/wk)
———-Daily Seven (x50, 3/wk)
———-2 mi run (1:30 split, 12:00 total)
Social–Furnish my house
Spiritual–Be Confirmed in the Church

OCS Impending…

I report for OCS in early December. After I get back, I’ll have to vacate my current job ASAP…
I finally found a decent martial arts group in Jefferson City–see their link at the top right of my blog!
I bought a PS3. I feel very guilty… except when I’m feeding my addiction to the game Oblivion… 🙂

Atkins is going pretty well. I’ve lost about seven pounds so far, although if I way after a run it’s more like ten.

Lots going on!!

First, let me push the book, Explaining Postmodernism. This is hands-down the most important book that I’ve read this year–and you can look at the bottom of my blog to see how many books this is. The Communist-backed anti-victory protests, the Hollywood anti-American spew, the femiNazis… It all ties together, and more. Postmodernist philosophy is killing us.

Also, the VA called me–my OJT pay is finally being processed! Woohoo!

Even better, there may finally be a serious martial arts group starting Jefferson City. Membership is still available through Meetups.com.

Finally, I found a website which may allow me to start buying land parcels… Keeping my fingers crossed!