tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99731792011-11-27T19:53:11.658-06:00The aimless ramblings of a dork trying to make sense of it all. <br><br> &quot;The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.&quot; -Albert EinsteinAlphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.comBlogger881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-79681901160602693022007-11-08T10:47:00.000-06:002007-11-08T10:58:39.932-06:00

I have decided to try my hand at delving a little further into the world of Magic: the Gathering by going to a few more tournaments. While I have not done all that well (41st of 73 at States and 6th of 10 at first City Champs), but I have learned from my experiences. Unfortunately, I am a little short on funds and cannot go play in a draft tonight, but will play some sealed next week. This has

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-10439906686180151312007-08-09T23:30:00.000-05:002007-08-09T23:32:40.538-05:00

Wal-mart Steals Billions from Public Schools

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-54886283485940271792007-07-02T16:46:00.000-05:002007-07-05T17:08:00.328-05:00

I am sure no one will argue...I am a dork. I love dorky things, past and present. One of those things is the Transformers. I grew up on those robots that transformed into everyday things, like cars, guns, and cassette players. They were quite possibly the most awesome thing back then. Now that I am grown, they are coming back, being made into a movie using some of the most incredible

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-26793108033527460282007-04-18T23:01:00.000-05:002007-04-18T23:09:17.235-05:00

So, I guess I can add a new topic that may encourage me to post a little more often (though it may only be interesting to a select few nerds like myself): Magic: the Gathering. I had not played for quite a few years, but recently got together with some friends who were interested in the game and brought by cards out of storage. I am quite happy I did...it really is a fun game, plus it makes my

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-78124454085969645942007-03-27T08:53:00.000-05:002007-03-27T08:53:58.529-05:00

In a recent New York Times article, The Album, a Commodity in Disfavor, the future of the album is discussed. With the vast majority of music now being downloaded in the form of single songs, music labels are beginning to sign acts to record one or two songs, not full albums.I have trouble thinking that iTunes and digital music overall with transform the industry so much that labels will stop

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-21073818241661598652007-03-21T13:28:00.000-05:002007-03-21T13:37:46.835-05:00

I just came up with this one. It isn't amazing by any means, and it certainly will not be inscribed in the annals of history be read by future generations, but I enjoyed it: "Life is a roller coaster, designed by Circumstance...Circumstance flunked out of engineering school." Things have made little sense lately, and I certainly feel like I have been upside down and sideways quite a bit. I will

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-13896366246310733482007-03-19T15:14:00.000-05:002007-03-19T15:31:30.637-05:00

It's been awhile, I know, but I have finally come up with a new recommendation - Wincing the Night Away, by The Shins. It is more great indie rock. James Mercer is an intriguing songwriter - the music is constantly fabulous, and the lyrics are interesting, though sometimes they seem nonsensical (though that may just be my thick skull not letting the real meaning in). This album features some

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-75083029544155037922007-03-17T10:00:00.000-05:002007-03-17T10:08:12.739-05:00

What idiot decided it was a good idea to make a smoke detector beep when you install the battery? One of my detectors was chirping last night to indicate a low battery. This particular detector had been placed on the ceiling in the hallway, so I was standing on a chair to reach it, which got me a little closer than an arm's length away. I didn't think that a big deal at the time. I pulled out

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-45309544859633612272007-03-09T09:10:00.000-06:002007-03-09T09:11:44.115-06:00

Columbia Daily Tribune article: Aryan agenda includes creating white nationTomorrow, the "National Socialist Movement" is marching in my town to promote an "all-white America" and their "white people political party." Not kidding.From the article:"America was a white country and these other people don’t belong here," Schoeb said. "When you force cultures together, it’s very difficult for them

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-79658167675038991862007-03-09T08:33:00.000-06:002007-03-09T08:46:45.087-06:00

I am tired. I have never been this busy at work before...consistent 60 hour weeks, and I am still falling behind. I know, there are people busier for more of the year than I, but I try to keep it in check and not become a workaholic. All in all, I have far too much going on. I honestly feel quite low, but there isn't time for it, which makes me feel worse because I am wasting time feeling low

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-82798636894905049992007-02-28T12:06:00.000-06:002007-02-28T12:29:29.958-06:00

What do you do when they tell you it's ending? What do you do when they say the flair is gone? What do you do when they say you're still great friends, but not lovers? What do you do when they tell you it's boring; you're no longer interesting? What do you do when they say we've grown apart?I realize things I have taken for granted. The friendship, companionship, the love - I thought it

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-18661950331930305372007-02-22T11:31:00.000-06:002007-03-17T10:09:07.863-05:00

I just want to give a really quick note to all those email scammers out there - give it up and leave me alone. Seriously, I know that I have not been entered in any valid lotteries in the Netherlands, or wherever else you dream up. I know that I have not won a million-billion Euros, or whatever. Most importantly, I know that the word "below" is not spelled "belluw" and "sorted" is not "

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-75336518134588018972007-02-21T15:08:00.000-06:002007-02-21T15:12:48.957-06:00

OK, not really much to say (or time to say it), just sharing a must-read item:Read Maybe We Deserve to be Ripped Off by Bush's Billionaires, by Matt Taibbi.Peace,Alphadork

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-37619666266235528002007-02-13T11:10:00.000-06:002007-02-02T20:41:33.351-06:00

Is winter weather about as close to armageddon as we get? I wouldn't think so, but the weather people on the news seem to think that way. They are going to stay up all night; they'll update us every 5 seconds; they are keeping a close eye on the doppler radar; they're watching the future caster thingy for potential changes, etc...People, it is one, two, maybe even four inches of snow, perhaps

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-20656027545264509402007-02-02T19:48:00.000-06:002007-02-02T20:03:15.803-06:00

So, Cingular is now the new AT&T, or so they say. As I understand it, thanks to The Daily Show - where I get *almost* all my news - this means that Cingular is changing its name to AT&T.Why?Cingular seems so much better to me. The name is unique, the color is unique, the name is known nation-wide, and they have that fun little orange guy. AT&T is old-school (but not classic, fun old-school

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-54723175853525208392007-01-31T21:43:00.000-06:002007-01-31T21:44:28.869-06:00

I recently attended a funeral for a family member. It was a decent service...recalling some good memories and attributes of the departed, a few hopeful words of heaven and eternity to those of Christian beliefs, and reunion with some distant relatives. However, one thing really irked me. The individual giving the eulogy spent what seemed like 30-45 minutes speaking solely to put the fear of

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-89044565500141920342007-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:002007-01-12T07:15:43.544-06:00

Really quick...to get this off my mind. I would guess you've probably seen the Dept. of Transportation's recent PSAs the depict someone really really drunk doing something goofy, like the girl dancing with a bottle of beer in her hand that knocks her own front teeth out. It then says something to the effect of "It's really easy to tell when you've had way too much to drink..." It then shows

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-65652638465094844162007-01-05T08:51:00.000-06:002007-01-12T07:16:54.942-06:00

Ok, so I had some sort of rant in my head, but cannot seem to remember what it was about...anyway...I decided this morning to take my dog for an actual walk around the block instead of just out to the grass (she's a small dog, so she doesn't need as much exercise - chasing a squeaky toy up and down the hallway a couple times is enough to wear her out). Anyway, we're trucking along, about halfway

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-15114890233509497652007-01-04T12:36:00.000-06:002007-01-04T12:43:26.288-06:00

OK, so I am trying out the "new version" of blogger presented through Google, or whatever. Brilliantly, I did not save a text copy of my previous HTML, although the online software supposedly saved a backup copy. I cannot find the backup copy. I fought for way too long yesterday trying to get things laid out the way I want them and trying to edit the HTML with little luck, only to find that it

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1167340090625259992006-12-28T14:59:00.000-06:002007-03-19T15:33:53.205-05:00

Well, I've been an MIA blogger for awhile...and may be for awhile more; accounting busy season is about to start, you know. Oh, how I dread the long hours...I got a handheld GPS...I cannot wait to get out and do some geocaching. If you've never tried it, find someone with a GPS unit and try it out. Loads of fund, and it gets you outdoors!I bought The Crane Wife by The Decemberists. Very good

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1164041541873844792006-11-20T10:32:00.000-06:002006-11-20T10:52:21.926-06:00

I gave Walmart a fleeting chance this weekend. No, there was no chance the super-chain would get on my good side; going there was more a matter of situation. You see, the wife wanted to hit some softballs, and we only have two...one of which is a dead ball. We often go to the park, where I pitch to her, and she has all the room in the world to smack them around. We didn't have a lot of time

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1163779182404471152006-11-17T09:49:00.000-06:002006-11-17T09:59:42.680-06:00

Honestly? $89 million for a PS3? The funny thing is, I happened across this one when it was at $99,999,999, and then the seller started deleting bids because they didn't meet the minimum bidding requirements and seemed to be bogus. Funnier yet is that they did, in fact, meet the seller's minimum requirements, having 10+ feedback and 98% or so positive ratings. These bids have to be fake, but

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1163710995038029382006-11-16T14:55:00.000-06:002006-11-16T15:17:04.646-06:00

So, the long-anticipated release of the PS3 is tomorrow morning. Throughout this nation, there are thousands of anxious....entrepreneurs....lined up, camping out to buy one. Yes, I said entrepreneurs, not gamers. That's right, kids, hardly a one gamer has the chance at a new PS3 for its actual retail price. It seems that 90% of those buying them are going to turn around and sell them on eBay.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1163612342973594182006-11-15T08:51:00.000-06:002006-11-15T11:41:45.780-06:00

OK, so KFC has done something "impressive". They found something to spend money on rather than worker raises: they are now the first company to market to extraterrestrials by making a logo visible from space - makes you want some fried chicken, eh?In other news...why is Bobby Knight still allowed to coach? Really, I don't give a shit how "good" a coach is or how many wins they have, actions

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1162927783691363512006-11-07T13:13:00.000-06:002006-11-07T13:29:44.276-06:00

I have to take a moment to thank my wife once again for the magnificent gift. How many dorky guys like myself have a wife who will bring home something like FFXII???!?! I do (and she's mine, betches!)!!! She really wanted to get Mortal Kombat because it supports multiple players, so she could play as well (also cool!), but chose Final Fantasy because I wanted it so damn bad. Maybe I'll have

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1162829066413664952006-11-06T09:19:00.000-06:002007-03-19T15:32:46.632-05:00

I've been enjoying a bit of good music lately. I bought some new CDs...got B.B. King & Friends and Beck - The Information. Both are very good albums. Oh, I also got The John Popper Project for the wife, also a very good (and very interesting) album. I also went to a couple of concerts during the last week. B.B. King came to town, so I went to see that show and am very happy I did. He is an

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1162400337327273862006-11-01T10:34:00.000-06:002006-11-01T10:58:57.376-06:00

I do not consider myself a 'control freak'. I am usually quite laid-back and often allow others to run the show. I am also usually incredibly patient. Therefore, I find it interesting how stressed and anxious I can become over certain things that are just beyond my control and require waiting. I am feeling particularly bad today because two such items that I feel to be significant have arisen

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1161289964099814712006-10-19T15:32:00.000-05:002006-10-19T15:42:41.513-05:00

The pope spoke Thursday at a convention of the Italian Catholic Church, stating that modern Western culture is "unable to dialogue with religion" because we have become too secular and must return to our "Christian root".From the story :He identified "utilitarianism" - the philosophy that prescribes the maximization of personal happiness and pleasure - and "relativism" - a doctrine whereby all

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1161181309512661302006-10-18T09:21:00.000-05:002006-10-18T09:21:49.950-05:00

The Talent campaign is becomming desperate and sinking to new lows as he turns up the attacks on McCaskill. McCaskill, however, remains confident, witty, and willing to scrap...nicely.In the recent Springfield debate, Talent attacked McCaskill relentlessly, questioning her integrity and whether or not she pays her taxes. McCaskill, however, refuses to follow him down that path."This is just

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1159542235106569002006-09-29T09:58:00.000-05:002006-09-29T10:03:55.130-05:00

OK, so I am incredibly busy...but, sadly, I am also incredibly unmotivated and unproductive. It is a sad situation. Now, on top of it all, Excel is screwing with me. I had been working in Excel and then brought another window to the front to use that program for a bit (my job is all about multitasking in more programs than my stinking Dell laptop can handle). When I came back to Excel, the

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1159369687944531292006-09-27T09:28:00.000-05:002006-09-27T10:08:07.996-05:00

I really don't listen to the radio much. I know, I miss out on great new music that way (actually, that's why I have Allmusic.com), but I really hate commercials. CD players are great...I love a constant torrent of music of my choosing. Sometimes I carpool to a client's office and get to listen to the driver's radio station of choice. Right now is a really bad time with the onslaught of

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1159281961103330382006-09-26T09:31:00.000-05:002006-09-26T09:46:01.143-05:00

Alright, I feel as though I need to say a little more on the gas prices thing I discussed in my last post. I've seen a number of stories lately attempting to blame/praise the current administration for gas prices, as though Bush makes a call to the oil companies each morning to tell them what the price should be today. While that isn't entirely impossible, I don't think it is likely. I do

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1158935870881644552006-09-22T09:37:00.000-05:002006-09-26T09:50:15.573-05:00

I received the following in a forwarded email that includes some information from a USA Today article...it's just what I've been thinking:Will be interesting to see if the price of gas stays down after the election or if it slowly rises to then goes down again before the 2008 election. (Sept. 21) - When it comes to President Bush's approval rating - the number that measures his political health -

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1158853782803110932006-09-21T10:49:00.000-05:002006-09-21T10:49:42.870-05:00

Former President Bill Clinton recently stated that he believesthe US should talk to Iran. My personal opinion: this is a good idea. Clinton also says don't send Bush to do it; also a good idea."If you think you might have trouble with somebody, and God forbid if you think it could lead to a military confrontation, then there needs to be the maximum amount of contact beforehand," Clinton said in

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1158774572733168642006-09-20T12:23:00.000-05:002006-09-20T12:49:32.766-05:00

I have come to learn that way too many people take life (and themselves) far too seriously. Nothing can be fun for them, just serious. I am talking about people who do things like watching CSPAN "for fun," yell at the referee from their recliner when he doesn't throw the flag, or join in on a laid-back pickup game of Ultimate Frisbee and yell at others because they don't play defense right.It's

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1158165887562343862006-09-13T11:35:00.000-05:002006-09-13T11:47:28.476-05:00

So, I just wanted to get this out there, in case the one visitor I get per week hasn't figured it out: I'm a busy loser. I really intended on having more to offer, but I haven't posted since what, June? Well, things just keep heating up: work, extra curriculars, etc. Any time I have something to say, I'm too busy doing something else, like playing baseball on the PS2 (it really is important.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1150297407768505272006-06-14T10:03:00.000-05:002006-06-14T10:03:28.303-05:00

I recently read an article about a resolution presented at the Southern Baptist Convention urging Baptist parents to pull their children from public schools in favor of home schooling or Christian schools.Yes, I have opinion about it, but I feel it unnecessary to articulate because it is ultimately their choice on what they do with their children. My view is also rather biased, as I think the

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1149801285267695712006-06-08T12:41:00.000-05:002006-06-08T16:14:45.320-05:00

Lately, I have been wanting music, music, and more music. I have received a number of CDs and still haven't listened to them all enough to be familiar, yet I keep finding more and more that I want to get. Anyway, amidst this musical frenzy, one has stood out as one of the most excellent and enjoyable CDs I have ever requested, and it isn't even from the usual collection of alternative & punk:

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1148659140895024122006-05-26T10:46:00.000-05:002006-05-26T10:59:00.906-05:00

Well, it's over (for now). Lay and Skilling have been found guilty. Now I am wondering how long the appeals are going to drag out and at what point they will actually serve their sentence. I'm curious...why don't people ever take responsibility for what [bad things] they have done and just say "yeah, I did something wrong and screwed a lot of people." Instead, those who blatantly harm others

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1146768392686902042006-05-04T13:46:00.000-05:002006-05-04T14:55:30.906-05:00

Ethanol ads fuel controversyCouldn't this be considered terrorism? It's inciting unnecessary fear (and racism) to encourage people to buy ethanol. I know what they're trying to say, but they are going about it in all the wrong ways. Here's what I'm talking about, new billboards in MO:About the picture: The top portion ("Who would you...") is the controversial ad (the questionmarked outline

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1145398258644576192006-04-18T17:10:00.000-05:002006-04-18T17:10:58.723-05:00

The Raw Story | Democratic senator wants SEC investigation of ExxonMobil's $400m 'retirement package'ExxonMobil has agreed to give their CEO, Lee Raymond, a $400 million retirement package, a simply outrageous amount. For comparison, David O'Reilly, CEO of Chevron has a $3.57 million long-term compensation package. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Raymond's pay package amounted to

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1145367647250243822006-04-18T08:40:00.000-05:002006-04-18T08:40:47.306-05:00

Professional Video Gaming Set for TV DebutMLG (Major League Gaming) has struck a deal with USA Network to air seven hour-long episodes this fall featuring Halo 2 and Smash Brothers Melee pro video game tournaments. MLG has been around for a little while, but this will take their recognition beyond video game junkies and pseudo-junkies like myself.I am intrigued and look forward to watching this

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1140820249452957212006-02-24T16:30:00.000-06:002006-02-24T16:30:49.566-06:00

From Contactmusic.com through a headline on The Raw Story:Singer Morrissey was quizzed by the FBI and British intelligence after speaking out against the American and British governments.They always seem to be working on ways to chip away at our first amendment rights (or at least intimidate us out of using them). Morrissey's response:"I don't belong to any political groups, I don't really say

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1140190396842509862006-02-17T09:33:00.000-06:002006-02-17T09:33:16.876-06:00

I have been thinking lately about the ethics and legality of discussing salaries with coworkers. I have especially been thinking about it lately, as I recently received a less than expected raise and feel as though I am underpaid. I often wonder if my coworkers are getting the same treatment, and if not, why? I want to talk to them about it, but can I? Should I? The truth is that I have

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1139681509280887762006-02-11T12:11:00.000-06:002006-02-11T12:11:49.760-06:00

Cloning shift by Talent upsets his supportersHis reasoning isn't too bad:Talent yesterday cited the possibilities offered by a scientific procedure called "altered nuclear transfer," or ANT, which he said holds great promise for creating embryonic stem cells without producing cloned embryos. Talent argued that because the Brownback bill is vaguely written, it could forestall research using ANT.I

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1139322494989846672006-02-07T08:28:00.000-06:002006-02-07T08:28:15.036-06:00

Campaign takes familiar turnFrist said Saturday that if Democrats want to disagree with the president’s approach on wiretapping, "I think it is at their peril."To paraphrase: Agree with Bush, or fall under the foot of our machine. OR: Either you are for us or you are against us. If you are against us, you are wrong and must die.That's what they want to say.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1138894859314088872006-02-02T09:40:00.000-06:002006-02-02T20:06:55.056-06:00

DenverPost.com - NATION/WORLDHow much money are his family and friends making off of this? Bush: "I think that basically the price is determined by the marketplace and that's the way it should be."I understand the marketplace and economics, and it is hard to argue against that. However, isn't there a point, when you are making millions and millions of dollars, more than you can find a way to

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1138858000164058522006-02-01T23:26:00.000-06:002006-02-01T23:26:40.230-06:00

Alito Opposes Mo. ExecutionOverall, I've been opposed to Alito. From what I know of his record, he has proven to be a conservative activist moreso than a rational interpreter of the law. However, I will give him credit for breaking party lines on this one and supporting the stay of execution. Of course, it doesn't mean he opposes the execution, just that he supports the grounds for this stay.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1136558153239802362006-01-06T08:22:00.000-06:002006-01-06T08:35:53.253-06:00

Recently, thanks to the Google ads you see to the right and my own curiousity, I stumbled across a website by A World Ahead Publishing for their "Help!Mom!" book series. The particular book being advertised was Help! Mom! There are LIBERALS Under My Bed! The premise of this children's book for conservative parents is that there are two children who want to start a lemonade stand so they can

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1136326074261857092006-01-03T15:45:00.000-06:002006-01-03T16:07:54.273-06:00

As you may or may not have noticed, the minimum payments on credit cards are being increased this year. It's due to government crack-downs and an attempt to help consumers get out of credit card debt faster. Honestly, it's a good thing. It forces me to pay more on the principal balance of my card than I may have in the first place. Hopefully, this will help our nation reduce our nagging

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1135188629012726992005-12-21T12:03:00.000-06:002005-12-21T12:10:29.023-06:00

It is that time of year; time for joy, merriment, family, and gifts! Oh, and don't forget fighting about the 'real reason for the season'. Here is the gift I ask for this holiday season: Stop Fucking Fighting! Why must everyone try to convert everyone else to their beliefs? Just because you believe in Christ, I have to say 'Merry Christmas'? The whole point to the season is peace and the

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1133379495992805402005-11-30T13:28:00.000-06:002005-11-30T13:39:25.396-06:00

In a recent press conference:A questioner asked whether the United States and its allies might be deemed responsible for preventing mistreatment of people under arrest in Iraq, given that the U.S. and its allies train Iraqi forces."There are a lot of people involved in this, dozens of countries trying to help train these Iraqi forces. Any instance of inhumane behavior is obviously worrisome and

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1132181833066036392005-11-16T16:44:00.000-06:002005-11-16T16:57:13.096-06:00

From The Raw Story:"The Iraq war should not be debated in the United States on a partisan political platform," the Nebraska senator remarked. "This debases our country, trivializes the seriousness of war and cheapens the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. War is not a Republican or Democrat issue. The casualties of war are from both parties. The Bush Administration must

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1130796165185137302005-10-31T15:47:00.000-06:002005-10-31T16:02:45.196-06:00

I wish I had more time to write; this blog could be so much more interesting.Since I don't have much time, I'll just say this:I am so incredibly sick and tired of hearing Bush preach from his frickin' soapbox about liberal activist judges and how they 'legislate from the bench'. What exactly does he think his latest conservative activist judge intends to do? While I'm sure Rove & Co. will coin

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1127227769669870082005-09-20T09:10:00.000-05:002005-09-20T11:04:15.306-05:00

Recently, I received a forwarded email with the following text:Paul Harvey says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution. Life,

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1126231019080377872005-09-08T20:55:00.000-05:002005-09-08T20:56:59.086-05:00

From DailyKos:

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1126054533228964602005-09-06T19:55:00.000-05:002005-09-06T19:55:33.266-05:00

Legislators to consider abortion law Young Republican. Same old tricks. Senator Joan Bray of St. Louis has the right idea. The rest of you need to see a doctor about your tunnel vision. If you want to reduce abortions, banning them won't help much (though it will certainly help increase the number of injuries due to attempted abortions). To reduce abortions, reduce the number of unwanted

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1125672634159202052005-09-02T09:48:00.000-05:002005-09-02T09:50:34.166-05:00

Watching the news right now is difficult. I want to help. My wife and I visited New Orleans for the first time in June. We fell in love with the character that city has. We also got a good look, for the first time, at the absolute poverty many people down there live in. I cannot even begin to imagine what life must be like for them now; everything is gone, and it appears their government has

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1124076757780935652005-08-26T14:30:00.000-05:002005-08-26T15:06:04.716-05:00

Lately, I have felt like we are being barraged by Army recruitment commercials. I don't know if it is similar nation-wide, or if it's just that the Army sees Central MO as their personal breeding ground. Either way, I am becoming sick of seeing them. My distaste for our country's use of our armed forces and for violence in general definitely plays a role in my weariness for these commercials.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1123865634102441002005-08-12T11:29:00.000-05:002005-08-12T12:00:46.983-05:00

I would like to take a minute to say a couple of things to "President" Bush (who, I am sure, checks my blog daily looking for new entries, because I am, after all, an American Citizen who deserves my leader's attention, right?):I am quite confused (not to mention bothered, infuriated, etc.) by the things going on right now. At this moment, the one most prominent on my mind is vacation. You see,

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1119372343683997902005-06-21T11:15:00.000-05:002005-06-21T11:45:43.690-05:00

Have you been keeping up with The Greatest American on Sundays? I really haven't, though my wife and I look it up from time to time on AOL just to see who has been chosen thus far and maybe make a quick vote. I must question whether or not people in our country are thinking rationally. It seems like we, as a nation, have little to no long-term memory; no ability to consider things of the past

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1118948637260774922005-06-16T13:34:00.000-05:002005-06-16T14:04:29.836-05:00

I was watching Trading Spouses on Fox(?) the other night. I don't watch it regularly, but have caught some episodes here and there. It is actually an interesting show, giving us an intimate peek into the inner workings of families different from our own. In case you haven't seen or heard of it, they take two families with seemingly opposite ideals and ways of life and switch either the mothers

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1118761043527588352005-06-14T09:42:00.000-05:002005-06-14T09:57:23.530-05:00

So, have you heard about the latest resolution from the Senate? Our senate, in the year 2005, has finally passed a resolution to formally apologize for the lynchings of African Americans that occurred up to the 1960's and for not making lynching a federal crime sooner. Better late than never, I guess.But wait, it gets "better"!Not all senators co-sponsored the bill. Some senators (approx 20)

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1117829066106251602005-06-03T13:27:00.000-05:002005-06-03T15:04:26.110-05:00

I am an avid watcher of the Daily Show. In fact, it is probably my primary source of news since I don't listen to the radio or watch the news on TV on an everyday basis (I check the newspaper the most often). Maybe that's sad, or maybe it's a sign that I just like stuff that's funny and/or ironic. Anyway, I am digressing from my original thought...On the Daily Show last night, they had a

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1115820263405462972005-05-11T09:04:00.000-05:002005-05-11T09:04:23.433-05:00

U.S. attitude a stumbling block in nuclear talks, Blix says Are we the nation of hipocrasy, or what? Over and over, we keep saying that North Korea, Iran, etc. need to stop pursuing nuclear (that's nu-cle-ar, Georgie) weapons, and we complain that they are violating the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. However, the US still has nuclear weapons, refuses to disarm, and Bush has even spoken of

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1112381985391054472005-04-01T12:59:00.000-06:002005-04-01T12:59:45.390-06:00

Nuclear weapons risk distresses Americans But does it distress people enough? Why is everyone only concerned about nuclear weapons getting in the hands of what Bush has told us are terrorists? Sure, that concerns me as well, because they have been pushed to the edge and have taken to radical extremist methods of getting their point across. However, shouldn't it also concern people that the US

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1112370575835138112005-04-01T09:41:00.000-06:002005-04-01T09:49:35.836-06:00

Alright, I know no one really cares, but I feel the need to write something, and I want that something to be a little lighter than most of my other writings. I have finished my third season in the Dynasty mode of NCAA football 2005. MU is officially the national champions, taking down #1 Florida in the Fiesta Bowl 24-7. It was a controversial season. Despite being 12-1 going into the bowl

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1111791811129685402005-03-25T17:03:00.000-06:002005-03-25T17:03:31.130-06:00

Daily Kos :: Important Changes to Your Citizenship Agreement I believe MBNA is set to become President; Visa as Vice-President; Mastercard will be Secretary of State.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1111604125612057552005-03-23T12:55:00.000-06:002005-03-23T12:55:25.613-06:00

Moral Questions: Scalia's Coup Good reading: an arguement extremely well-presented. Enjoy!

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1111588863002514852005-03-23T08:41:00.000-06:002005-03-23T08:41:03.003-06:00

Bush - A hypocrite? It seems that this administration does in fact have a different set of principles and policies for every situation. One moment, they are life-loving Christians who are against abortion and 'pulling the plug'. The next moment, they're pushing to kill every 'possible terrorist', bomb countries that are really no threat to us, and are for 'pulling the plug'. I guess what it

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1109894166057478282005-03-03T17:56:00.000-06:002005-03-03T17:56:06.056-06:00

GOP heavily represented in committee Did you give lots of money to Matt Blunt? Well, then ring him up, he's got a government job for you. That appears to be the big qualifier under Missouri's new government. Blunt's latest is a group appointed to reorganize MO's government; most of the appointees are big contributors (or at least big businessmen). Guess how they're going to reorganize our

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1109859983877928132005-03-03T08:26:00.000-06:002005-03-03T08:26:23.876-06:00

House OKs MSU name in landslide Alright, so now we have a Missouri State University. Big frickin' deal. What I can't believe is that this is what our lawmakers spend all of their time concerning themselves with...name changes. This has been a long-running issue, and probably the one to get the most press over the last few years. Below this post, I have written about Matt Blunt firing people

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1108607071101562212005-02-16T20:12:00.000-06:002005-02-16T20:24:31.103-06:00

Wow, I never realized how busy I'd be. I am an auditor, and this is the busy time of the year for me. Not a lot of time to get my words put up on my blog...I think 'em; I just can't get sat down to type & post 'em. Here's a quickie:I FINALLY watched Farenheit 9/11. I was actually impressed. I had heard way too much bad stuff about it and about Mr. Moore. I had heard descriptions that

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106415073008681582005-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:002005-01-22T11:31:13.006-06:00

As if anyone cares... My wife says, "you know it's not real, right?" I know, but that doesn't mean it is not fun. #5 MU defeated #1 Nebraska in Columbia, MO 38-2. MU was bumped to #2 behind USC and will take on rival Kansas in what is sure to be another big win. MU is currently #1 in the bowl rankings.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106414818644271222005-01-22T11:26:00.000-06:002005-01-22T11:26:58.643-06:00

Read the story here: Insurance pick faced screening. Apparently, Matt Blunt feels that the best people to choose the head of the department that will regulate the insurance industry here in Missouri is the insurance industry itself. Those chosen are also, of course, campaign contributors to Mr. Blunt. Am I crazy to think that giving the insurance companies the opportunity to put the chief

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106325090851906992005-01-21T10:22:00.000-06:002005-01-21T10:31:30.853-06:00

Really, he is. He is governor now, right? Well, now that he is governor, he is making suggestions for voting improvements. If I'm not mistaken, that was his job as Secretary of State. Why didn't he do it then? Check out his suggestion. Basically, he wants some changes to absentee ballots. He wants them available to any state citizen (which actually makes some sense). Previously, you could

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106324560765029562005-01-21T10:21:00.000-06:002005-01-21T10:22:40.766-06:00

Check out my diary entry at Daily Kos.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106239848829420892005-01-20T10:38:00.000-06:002005-01-20T10:50:48.830-06:00

One of my interests is beer; real beer. I have always considered mass-produced products such as Bud Light to be utter swill. In fact, they often give me a headache due to their low-end ingredients after one bottle. I hadn't thought much about this recently. That changed last night, when, just as I was getting home, I heard a story on NPR about the ongoing advertising battle between

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106239085627269672005-01-20T10:33:00.000-06:002005-01-20T10:38:05.626-06:00

Mizzou (#5) took on rival Iowa State (#60 - not such a fair matchup) for the 'Telephone Trophy'. MU came away with an unquestionable victory, winning 59-21. QB #16 threw seven touchdown passes; six of which were caught by WR #86, who caught nine passes for 179 yards. Kicker Watts put through 8 PAT's. Tonight Mizzou (#5) vs. Nebraska (#1) for the Nebraska Bell.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1106064707092337572005-01-18T09:34:00.000-06:002005-01-18T10:11:47.093-06:00

Well, as I have stated previously, there are a lot of political blogs & sites. They all seem to focus on national stuff, as that is what everyone in the nation has in common. I feel that some sort of discussion is necessary on the state of my state, Missouri. Therefore, I'm going to set a goal for myself to discuss state politics, at least once per week. Now, all you readers out there (I

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105990265253333482005-01-17T11:54:00.000-06:002005-01-17T13:31:05.253-06:00

Well, there's more to me than just the political material I've posted to date. There's so many political sites & blogs out; I feel like I should do more...personalize it (for me, anyway). So, let's talk games a bit, shall we? Using gift cards, I got myself NCAA Football 2005 (EA Sports) for my PS2. While I'm not the biggest sports fanatic; hell, I'm not even a sports fanatic. I still enjoy

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105473068179079112005-01-11T13:51:00.000-06:002005-01-11T13:51:08.180-06:00

So apparently there is a battle going down between George Clooney and Bill O'Reilly. I certainly have new-found respect for Mr. Clooney. See what it is all about: I love George Clooney.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105386276637336972005-01-10T13:44:00.000-06:002005-01-10T13:44:36.636-06:00

Daily Kos :: Soccer Mom Declares War on American Traitors

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105368583442808732005-01-10T08:49:00.000-06:002005-01-10T15:42:23.750-06:00

U.S. military bombs wrong house in Iraq "The United States military said it dropped a 500-pound bomb on the wrong house outside the northern city of Mosul yesterday, killing five people. The man who owned the house said the bomb killed 14 people, and an Associated Press photographer said seven of them were children." Somehow this travesty must end.

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105050456255895042005-01-06T16:15:00.000-06:002005-01-06T16:40:51.643-06:00

Wow, we made some history today, though I'm not sure how many people will really notice. Democratic representatives and senators submitted written objection to the acceptance of the Ohio electors, forcing a 2-hour debate/discussion in each chamber (the Senate actually ended after only about 45 minutes with a 74-1 vote to brush aside the objection). I was proud to have a chance to listen in to

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1105024460954637782005-01-06T09:14:00.000-06:002005-01-10T15:46:40.546-06:00

The New York Review of Books: Inside the Leviathan "One of the most telling of all the criticisms of Wal-Mart is to be found in a February 2004 report by the Democratic Staff of the House Education and Workforce Committee. In analyzing Wal-Mart's success in holding employee compensation at low levels, the report assesses the costs to US taxpayers of employees who are so badly paid that they

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1104963431431677292005-01-05T15:55:00.000-06:002005-01-05T16:17:11.433-06:00

Let's face it: our electoral system is a bloody mess. There is nothing more to it. When a political party has the means (even if they don't actually do it) to steal a national election, that's just messed up. Signs of a flawed election seem to be found daily in Ohio. Check out "Ten Reasons Why The Vote Does Not Compute, and Why Congress Must Investigate Rather Than Certify the Electoral College."

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9973179.post-1104958140389224302005-01-05T14:43:00.000-06:002005-01-05T14:49:00.390-06:00

Welcome, one and all (err...no one), to Aimless Reality, the blog run by Alphadork. As my blog title insists, I really have no aim with this, just to point out reality as I see it (I guess you could also say it's the dork's spin zone). I suspect I will have some political and other random rants to offer as time goes on. You can also see Alphadork at www.dailykos.com and www.gamespot.com. What

Alphadorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297981137814253213noreply@blogger.com0