...weekend recap & some pointless info about ME...

Well, this weekend was good. I got my Rocky Anthology in the mail, and it is now sitting proudly on the over-crowded movie shelf. Friday, Heather and I just chilled around the apartment, spending time together and watching movies and eating pizza. Saturday we cleaned, went to lunch with her family, and visited with friends at Kreiger's and then chilled back at our place. Sunday was much like Friday; Heather and I played card games and connect four. I've got to say, I never thought doing nothing could be so much fun with one person. Love you, hunny!

This past Thursday was Corey's birthday celebration up at O'Leary's. I had a good time, even though I was up WAY past my usual bedtime. Fran was there with her guy, who remembered me from Mr. Evan's class at Oakville. He also remembers Jay. He didn't have a high opinion of Jay then, and still doesn't. He didn't seem to ever have a "bad" opinion of me, though, which is good.

Beaver is tired of being a 'scapegoat' for his paintball team, Total Greif. I sympathize. Hopefully now, Beaver can learn from this and think twice the next time I'm being made the 'scapegoat' of OUR circle. At least, I hope.

Joe B. and Angel are moving in together. I know, I know - I was skeptical at first, too, when he first told me about it. However, he and Angel have come to an agreement about possible things that might happen, and have planned accordingly. Plus, this benefits Joe financially as well. So, good luck you two. Don't let anyone talk you out of it (that's directed at Scuba more than anything else).

Joe D. will be home from war a week from today. I wish him safe travel and arrival to his family.

A few posts ago, I wished Erich congratulations on his pending marriage. Some people thought I was being sarcastic with that. I was not. No matter what has transpired between us, the fact is, he's happy and she's happy, and that's something that should be congratulated regardless. Just thought I'd clear that up.

Hizzy's band, Scarlet Whore, is on the rise again. They just need a vocalist. If you know anyone, contact her.

Speaking of Hizzy, her dad is going to be just fine. He's not going anywhere, and that's a relief.

Just a reminder: Some crazy Republican, Rep. Bill Thomas, in congress is suggesting that since the life expectancy of blacks and hispanics is shorter than whites, we should base Social Security benefits off of race and gender. Scary thing is, this idea is ACTUALLY being considered in the now-largely Republican legislature. Do you have any problems at all with this idea (and if not, you really should; it's a violation of civil rights)? If so, you can add your voice against it here:

Stop Republicans from Tying Social Security Benefits to Race and Gender

Quilled Tunes: "Free" - The Hunger

Quote of the Blog: "I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty, which will protect the beauty of our natural environment, which will preserve the great old American houses and squares and parks of our national past and which will build handsome and balanced cities for our future." - John F. Kennedy

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x the things that you have done before, and repost.

(x) snuck out of the house
(x) gotten lost in your city/state
(x) saw a shooting star
(x) been to any other countries besides the unitedstates
(x) had surgery
(x) gone out in public in your pajamas (yes, it's called college--food runs at 4 am)
( ) kissed a stranger
( ) hugged a stranger
(x) been in a fist fight
( ) been arrested
( ) done drugs
(x) had alcohol
(x) laughed and had milk/coke come out of your nose
(x) pushed all the buttons on an elevator
(x) made out in an elevator
(x) swore at your parents
(x) kicked a guy where it hurts.
(x) been in love
(x) been close to love
(x) been to a casino
( ) been skydiving
(x) broken a bone (sprains, but no breaks)
( ) been high
(x) skinny-dipped
(x) skipped school
(x) flashed someone
(x) saw a therapist (once)
( ) done the splits
( ) played spin the bottle
(x) gotten stitches
(x) had an IV
( ) drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour
(x) bitten someone
(x) been to Niagara Falls
(x) gotten the chicken pox
(x) kissed a member of the opposite sex
( ) kissed a member of the same sex
( ) crashed into a friend's car
( ) been to Japan
(x) ridden in a taxi
(x) been dumped
(x) shoplifted
(x) been fired
( ) ever had a crush on someone of the same sex
(x) had feelings for someone who didnt have them back
(x) stole something from your job
(x) gone on a blind date
(x) lied to a friend
( ) had a crush on a teacher
( ) celebrated mardi-gras in new orleans
( ) been to Europe
( ) slept with a co-worker
(x) been married
( ) gotten divorced
( ) had children
( ) saw someone die
( ) been to Africa
(x) Driven over 400 miles in one day
(x) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show (like a trillion times)
( ) Thrown up in a bar
( ) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire
(x) Eaten Sushi (love it)
( ) Been snowboarding
(x) Met someone in person from the internet (unfortunately)
(x) Been moshing at a rock show
( ) Been to a moto cross show
( ) lost a child
(x) gone to college
(x) graduated college
( ) done hard drugs
(x) taken painkillers
(x) love someone or miss someone right now
( ) Threw up on a roller coaster
(x) Bored?

(I put off posting this until everyone else had done it already. Simply because, I didn't want my blog to be one of those "jump on the bandwagon" journals.)

...nothing to report today; but here's something funny...

I don't have anything for you guys today, but I didn't forget about you...

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...Happy Hump-Day!!...

What’s going on, people? Its yet another entry in my blog. Wooo!

Not too much has been happening lately…my Rocky set still hasn’t gotten here, but I’m going to give it until Friday to get here before I start emailing the guy about it. Then again, maybe I’ll email today anyway. We’ll see what happens.

QUIL News - 'Soap Opera' Update:
Man, Fran really has a dislike for Jay. Not that she doesn’t have a right to slander him in her journal; I absolutely believe she has every right. It’s just odd to see how she finally realized the reality of the situation. Just a few months ago she was speaking of Jay like he was this really great guy and she was at fault (which I’m glad she stopped doing). Now, well – the rants are not as kind to him. Even though he doesn’t care either way, it’s good to see that he isn’t just getting off scott-free without something being said about it.

Do we know what the fuck we’re doing over there [Iraq] or what?? I mean, for Christ’s sake; THIS is our “most advanced in the world” military force? THIS?!

Iraq: The Devastation

And now it’s time for me to finally address Beaver’s mounting use of his “baby” comments. Here’s a bit of back-story, to get you all up to speed:

I created a message board called “KOQ Insult/Satire Forum”. On it, people, like you and me, can diss on things and rant about things, and get into [friendly] insult exchanges. Beaver came up with the “baby” insult. Basically, he claimed that I was born bald, and he was born with hair. Because of this, he suggests that that makes him unique, since most babies are born “bald”, and therefore I was an ugly baby. He also claims that he was an adorable baby due to the fact that his mommy said he was. Now, he’s running around, pulling variations of this “baby” comment on everyone, under the idea that it’s the cleverest thing on earth. He also believes that it’s a secured win for him, since the baby versions of people are in the past and cannot retaliate or rebut his “insults”.

…

That’s not a joke. There’s no spin on what I just told you. I have to say, I myself have come up with some obscure insults in my time; but I personally think the above is borderline certifiably retarded. Please excuse my un-P.C. use of that word – but shit, if ANYTHING in this world or the next is a prime example of retarded, THIS is most certainly it. If Beaver sought infamy from this bastardized creation of his, he’s won it in a lock – but that infamy is NOT associated with the words “clever” or “genius” (everyone who knows about this already has said “WTF” and considers it the dumbest thing they’ve ever heard).

@Beaver: Dude…you’re my friend. Hire better writers for your material. Trust me. :)

Tonight is ‘Smallville’. Also, I hope to get some more content moved over for the (new) Bug Juice Megasite. We’ll see if Joe feels up to that or not. The ‘Loaf BLOG has a few entries up on it. I encourage you all to check it out.

What would you say if I told you I had an idea that the amount of Social Security checks should be tied to the race or gender of the person receiving it? Yeah, you’d probably beat my ass, and I’d fucking deserve it, too. After all, such an idea would be a violation of civil rights, not to mention makes me a racist and sexist asshole. Well, guess what? The ever- “moral” GOP is proposing that idea right now. If you have a problem with this abortion of an idea like I do, voice it here:

Stop Republicans from Tying Social Security Benefits to Race and Gender

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Quilled Tunes: “Suck It Up” – hed (P.E.)

Quote of the Blog: "Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles." - George Jean Nathan

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...not much to say, and yet I say so much here...

Well, if you didn’t read about it yesterday, my personal website is back and being worked on and updated. Visit “The Quilled Dimension” today, it’s fun. (As if I’m anything spectacular, right?)

Watched “The Village” last night with Heather. Many people snub this movie, but it’s actually a really awesome flick. Its clever, well made, and the twists are good, albeit obvious.

I don’t have much more to report, but I do have some Tuesday fun for you below…visit the new Meatloaf BLOG for the first updates on the upcoming project.

Quilled Tunes: “Back The Fuck Up” – Fear Factory

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Iraq vs. Vietnam

Q. What's the difference between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War?

A. George W. Bush had a plan to get out of the Vietnam War.

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Things Republicans Believe

Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers for your recovery.

The United States should get out of the United Nations, and our highest national priority is enforcing U.N. resolutions against Iraq.

Government should relax regulation of Big Business and Big Money but crack down on individuals who use marijuana to relieve the pain of illness.

"Standing Tall for America" means firing your workers and moving their jobs to India.

A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without regulation.

Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton.

The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in speeches while slashing veterans' benefits and combat pay.

Group sex and drug use are degenerate sins unless you someday run for governor of California as a Republican.

If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.

A good way to fight terrorism is to belittle our long-time allies, then demand their cooperation and money.

HMOs and insurance companies have the interest of the public at heart.

Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy. Providing health care to all Americans is socialism.

Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools.

Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him, a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him, a good guy when Cheney did business with him and a bad guy when Bush needed a "we can't find Bin Laden" diversion.

A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying to enlist support for a war in which thousands die is solid defense policy.

Government should limit itself to the powers named in the Constitution, which include banning gay marriages and censoring the Internet.

The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George Bush's driving record is none of our business.

You support states' rights, which means Attorney General John Ashcroft can tell states what local voter initiatives they have a right to adopt.

What Bill Clinton did in the 1960s is of vital national interest, but what Bush did in the '80s is irrelevant.

Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

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Proud to Be a Democrat

A first grade teacher in the Midwest is explaining to her class that she is a Republican and how nice it is that a new Republican president has taken office. She asks her students to raise their hands if they, too, are Republicans and support George Bush. Everyone in class raises their hands except one little girl. "Mary," says the teacher with surprise, "why didn't you raise your hand?" Because I'm not a Republican," says Mary. "Well, what are you?" asks the teacher. "I'm a Democrat and proud of it," replies the little girl. The teacher cannot believe her ears. "My goodness, Mary, why are you a Democrat?" she asks. "Well, my momma and papa are Democrats, so I'm a Democrat, too." "Well," says the teacher in an annoyed tone, "that's no reason for you to be a Democrat. You don't always have to be like your parents. What if your momma was a criminal and your papa was a criminal, too, what would you be then?" Mary smiled. "Then we'd be Republicans."

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Red States vs. Blue States

With the Blue States in hand, the Democrats have firm control of 80% of the country's fresh water, over 90% of our pineapple and lettuce, 92% of all fresh fruit production, 93% of the artichoke production, 95% of America's export quality wines, 90% of all cheese production, 90% of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Amherst, Stanford, Berkeley, CalTech and MIT.

We can live simply but well.

The Red States, on the other hand, now have to cope with 88% of all obese Americans (and their projected health care cost spike), 92% of all US mosquitoes, 100% of all tornadoes, 90% of all hurricanes, 99% of all Southern Baptists, 100% of all Televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia.

A high price to pay for controlling the presidency.

Additionally, 38% of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually eaten by a whale, 62% believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44% believe that evolution is just a theory, 53% that Saddam Hussein was involved in 9/11 and, most difficult of all to grasp, 61% believe that Bush is a person of moral conviction!

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...he's back; the man behind the mask...

I have begun updating my personal website again. I also renamed it as "The Quilled Dimension". It is linked to your right, at the top. I will be revamping it over the next few months into something uber-cool.

The Peoria trip was nice. The show could have had a larger turnout, and we had several couples/brides who had already registered with Royal Prestige, but all in all it was impressive for it being a fledgling bridal show. However, I will take this opportunity to tell you all to NEVER go to Motel 6 for any reason. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.

@Heather: Had a great time, as always babe. Love you.

R.I.P. Johnny Carson. It’s always sad to see icons of entertainment go. Conan, Leno, and Letterman are pathetic wannabes compared to you, Johnny. Rest easy, sir.

QUIL News Report:
Someone calling himself “Big papa W Bush” has been really laying into Jay Winkleman on his [Jay’s] blog lately. I originally linked “Big papa” on Quilled Scripts because he seemed to share my dislike for “Dubya” Bush, and had some clever things to say (you can visit his blog on the right). Now, he seems to be “at war” with Jay (“Dante Clararicuzio”), calling him a prick and an asshole and whatnot. I will say this: Jay says and does things that do not portray him in a “nice guy” light. In fact, he makes his own reputation, which precedes him tenfold, to be semi-racist, womanizing, capitalist, fascist, and condescending in a very “asshole” type way. His girlfriend, Lissan (“Lisa Collins”, who’s blog is linked to the right as well), doesn’t like the things people say about Jay. Neither do several of Jay’s current friends. Despite all of the claims that of Jay being a “good guy”, he’s proven otherwise countless times on countless occasions to countless other people; to every girl he’s played and cheated on, and to every person he’s stabbed in the back. I've known Jay since ’95. I watched him play and cheat - no spin. I watched him stab backs - no spin. I was one of the backs that he stabbed, even - no spin. I hear about how he’s “changed” from Lissan and others. All I know is that here we are in 2005, and just a scant few months ago, he once again cheated and played and lied and back stabbed (and was doing this for a whole year) on a girl who didn’t do anything to deserve it, and then acts like it’s justified, like he did nothing wrong - no spin. You can talk about how he’s “changed” all you like – the proof shows otherwise. Yeah, maybe he IS being “real” – but just because you act who you are doesn’t change actually BEING an asshole.

I had to say something about that. Just to keep you all updated on the soap opera that is blogger.

Meatloaf is coming along. Nix wants to go for getting this thing done by September for submission to Fangoria. I think that would be neat; although I think that if we rush this thing too much, it will cross the fine line from cool into suck real quick. Don’t get me wrong; I’m optimistic about submitting it, and excited as all hell about things. After all, Meatloaf has been my brainchild forever, and I’m thrilled that we FINALLY have the means and the manpower to make the dream a reality. I just think we should consider that this is something we want to do RIGHT, and if that means waiting until September 2006 instead of 2005, so be it. But hey, maybe we CAN do it in time. Time will tell. Either way, it’s GOING to be submitted to Fangoria.

And now, it’s once again time to address my “fans”:

@Erich: Good luck with your wedding and everything else you do, man. I’m glad you’re happy. Congratulations.

@Scott: Bobby from Savvi STILL remembers that stupid half-hour late dilemma from two years ago, and associates it with Royal Prestige. Ugh. Dammit. I’ll tell you later.

@Nix: I may have extras for the DVD of Meatloaf. Give me a week or two to scrounge around for stuff. I also have some other ideas.

@Question: We should talk soon about you coming to visit St. Louis. Party. Maybe record commentary for the Claire-Bitch DVD project. Email me.

@Neo: Do you even GET online anymore, bro?

@Beaver: This "baby" thing has become your new "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO/paintball/South Park", hasn't it? I'd say you're moving up the cleverness ladder...but I'd be a fucking liar if I did. :)

@Caravel & Bitter The Clown: How does the first weekend in March look for you guys for sword fighting/partying?

@Hizzy: “COMPLAIN!!!!!!!!!!!” \m/

Heather and I picked up “Signs” and “The Village” on DVD Saturday before going to Peoria. Two more movies for our over-crowded movie bookshelf. :)

My DVD wish list will be posted as soon as I can get it done. Perhaps I should add a second bookshelf on that list. We could use it; ours is over-flowing with movies now.

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Quilled Tunes: “Broken” – 12 Stones

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...Friday fun...

Have a great weekend, everyone! ~ Quill

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- $40 million: Cost of Bush inaugural ball festivities, not counting security costs.
- $2,000: Amount FDR spent on the inaugural in 1945 - about $20,000 in today's dollars.
- $20,000: Cost of yellow roses purchased for inaugural festivities by D.C.'s Ritz Carlton.
- 200: Number of Humvees outfitted with top-of-the-line armor for troops in Iraq that could have been purchased with the amount of money blown on the inauguration.
- $10,000: Price of an inaugural package at the Fairmont Hotel, which includes a Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon reception, a chauffeured Rolls Royce and two actors posing as "faux" Secret Service agents, complete with black sunglasses and cufflink walkie-talkies.
- 400: Pounds of lobster provided for "inaugural feeding frenzy" at the exclusive Mandarin Oriental hotel.
- 3,000: Number of "Laura Bush Cowboy cookies" provided for "inaugural feeding frenzy" at the Mandarin hotel.
- $1: Amount per guest President Carter spent on snacks for guests at his inaugural parties. To stick to a tight budget, he served pretzels, peanuts, crackers and cheese and had cash bars.
- 22 million: Number of children in regions devastated by the tsunami who could have received vaccinations and preventive health care with the amount of money spent on the inauguration.
- 1,160,000: Number of girls who could be sent to school for a year in Afghanistan with the amount of money lavished on the inauguration.
- $15,000: The down payment to rent a fur coat paid by one gala attendee who didn't want the hassle of schlepping her own through the airport.
- $200,500: Price of a room package at D.C.'s Mandarin Oriental, including presidential suite, chauffeured Mercedes limo and outfits from Neiman Marcus.
- 2,500: Number of U.S. troops used to stand guard as President Bush takes his oath of office
- 26,000: Number of Kevlar vests for U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan that could be purchased for $40 million.
- $290: Bonus that could go to each American solider serving in Iraq, if inauguration funds were used for that purpose.
- $6.3 million: Amount contributed by the finance and investment industry, which works out to be 25 percent of all the money collected.
- $17 million: Amount of money the White House is forcing the cash-strapped city of Washington, D.C., to pony up for inauguration security.

Having the way you voted against the Bush administration proven to be the right way FOR A FACT through continuing examples: PRICELESS

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Does Social Security REALLY Face an $11 Trillion Deficit?? - Bush & Cheney's Mislead on Social Security

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Quilled Tunes: "March Of The Pigs" - Nine Inch Nails

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(I posted this on Fran's blog...I wanted to post it here, too.)

Originally posted on Fran's blog 01/21/05:

It's all good, Fran. I'm glad you had a good day over the inaguration.

As for the flip-flopping, well...yeah, he did change his mind a few times. He changed his position in light of new information, which is what "good judgment" requires a GOOD candidate to do. Hey, at least he (Kerry) didn't defend positions and actions that were WRONG as if he was perfect and completely incapable of being at fault for anything (i.e. going to war for the wrong reasons, outright LYING to the American public about the war, further obliterating our already bad economy, destroying forward momentum for better healthcare, ripping apart international relations we've had for decades with the U.N., and helping sexual orientation become the next big civil rights issue riddled with instances of hate-mongering and massive wrongful discrimination; just to name a few). So yes - you're "hero" Mr. Bush DID in fact stand firm in his decisions, I'll give him that. He absolutely defends all of those things that he did. What a moral guy! :)

Four More Years!!...Until America Shines Brightly Again.

Well, this is Bush's inaguration day. It's astounding just how many STUPID people voted for George W. Bush (or rather, "voted" would be a better way of typing it). And yes, that's directed at ALL Bush voters. Oh well - there's no use crying over spilled milk; at least Bush can't do any more than four years worth of damage to the United States. Mr. Bush, your countdown began today. You bring new meaning to the phrase "lame duck" (with HEAVY emphasis on lame). Enjoy the presidency your political party stole for you.

The 34 Scandals of George W. Bush

Inauguration: Lifestyles of the Rich and Heartless

Moving on, tonight is the first production meeting of "Night of the Living Loaf". What's that, you ask? Well, I will elaborate on that another time. All you need to know right now is that it's the next big Bug Juice Productions film project...

Heather and I are headed to Peoria, IL this weekend to work a bridal show for Scott's dad. The person throwing the show actually booked us because of me. I was the one that brought the information to John in the first place. Not that it's a big deal to any of you, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Other than that, not much going on. Lots of work stuff happening, being included and involved in more and more of the bigger projects at the office. I absolutely love it.

@Dante (Jay Winkleman): It's typical that you would post a gloating rant on your blog today. It must be such hard work being so full of yourself. It leads me to wonder why you're ONLY working at a hotel instead of doing greater things; but then, that answer is obvious, isn't it? Not that you care what is said about you. However, you can't insult the integrity of a man who doesn't have any.

Quilled Tunes: "Highway To Hell" - AC/DC
(Appropriate, since we ARE on the highway to hell with Bush in office...)

...Christmas aftermath part 2 - Heather's haul...

Last night, I tried to post Heather’s haul list. I had computer difficulties and couldn’t get online to do it. That’s why, if any of you were confused.

But, here it finally is! Heather’s Christmas haul list! (Warning, it’s fucking huge…)

From Steve:
- Poinsettia
- Wrist watch
- “Collapse II” computer game
- Brick candle
- AM/FM Shower Clock Radio
- Cashew caramel clusters (candy)
- “Cottage” desk fountain w/ multicolored LED lights
- Cucumber Melon aromatherapy candle
- Musical Backlit Dolphin water globe
- 2 Bracelet charms: I(heart)U & ballet slippers
- 13 pc. Lavender Bath/Body set (lotions, bath salts, etc.)
- 9 pc. “Morning Dew” Tea Set (tea, tea holder, & 4 mugs)
- Honeydew Melon aromatherapy candle
- Handheld Rolling Massager
- Fleece blanket
- “Elf” (DVD)
- Sweet Pea gift set (lotions, body spray, etc.)
- Tea kettle
- “Jingle Bells” singing plush Christmas frog

From my side of the family (just her gifts):
- Christmas tree lapel pin
- Black & Decker Iron
- Betty Crocker cookbook
- Decorative candle holder

From her side of the family (just her gifts):
- “Horse shoe” necklace
- “Bad Girl…” (book)
- Josh Gracin (CD)
- Curve perfume
- Cinnamon candle
- “Bug” massager
- “Old School” (DVD)
- “Mean Girls” (DVD)
- 6 individual lotions
- Hawaiian Ginger lotion
- “America” 2005 calendar
- Toby Keith Greatest Hits 2 (CD)
- Contact/glasses case holder
- “Snow” snow globe
- “Santa” snow globe
- “Motion” snow globe
- 2 Bracelet charms: Oct. birthstone & bingo
- “Collateral” (DVD)
- 90’s Trivial Pursuit
- Diana DeGarmo (CD)
- Cooking calendar
- Cutting board
- Scrapbook calendar
- Birth Order book
- “Kiss This Guy” desk calendar

From her grandma:
- Wrist watch
- Portable lap desk
- Jumbo bath towel, maroon
- Photo album
- “Raising Helen” (DVD)
- 2 Bracelet charms: X-mas wreath & school
- Kitchen towels

From her work (SCOPE):
- Christmas ornament: “Provinces” (personalized)
- “Let It Snow” bracelet
- “World’s Greatest Teacher” candle & gift set
- 3 butterfly magnets
- “Silent Night” ornament
- $5.00 gift certificate to St. Louis Bread Company
- Russian tea set

Other misc. gifts:
- Magnetic butterfly memo holders
- Earmuffs
- 2 pairs of gloves
- Christmas stocking
- Candy
- Flannel pajamas
- Adidas “Moves” perfume
- Lipstick

…and the ride is finally over. Heather made out like it was the crime of the friggin’ century! Part of that is due to me buying her so much from just me, but even without my stuff, she did incredibly.

My “Rocky Anthology” is on its way. Thus marks the last Christmas gift for me. Fun times!

The death toll from the 2004 Asia Earthquake/Tsunami has shot up to around 212,611. Jesus. I know some of you are probably getting really tired of hearing about it. Well...tough shit. It's a GLOBALLY CATACLYSMIC EVENT that has thrown the world's societies and the ecosystem of the ENTIRE planet off. Get used to it. :)

Quilled Tunes: “Fuck The World” – Insane Clown Posse

Quilled Link of the Blog: Wanna scare the living shit out of yourself? Check this out:

Armageddon Online

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I signed a petition to hold Donald Rumsfeld and Bush accountable for the failures in Iraq today. My short-but-sweet comment attached to my name is as follows:

"The notion that "no one is accountable" for the failures in Iraq due to your self-endowed "mandate" is ridiculous. Your re-election does NOT excuse poor judgment in sending our troops, OUR PEOPLE, to war. Just once, I would love to see you actually fill the moral shoes that you claim to own and hold Donald Rumsfeld and YOURSELF accountable for your actions."

I urge all of you to add your voice to the cause by visiting the link below:

Petition to hold Bush & Rumsfeld accountable for Iraq failures

...new blog links added; on forums; Heather's gift list...

Things are good. Here are some new updates:

I have re-added both Jay and Francesca's blogs to the link list. I have also added Lissan's blog ("Lisa Collins"). You can find them under the Council Chambers section, or visit the links below.

The Rising Queen - Fran's Blog

The Smoker's Lounge - Jay Winkleman's Blog

The Rumpus Room - Lissan's Blog (a.k.a. "Lisa Collins")

Hizzy is lobbying hardcore for the forums lately. It's cool that she's uber-dedicated to something like that. I would say, I enjoy the forums and sometimes wish more people would visit them myself. Every time you visit the Bug Juice Forum, God makes a kitten. Please...think of the kittens.

You might also have noticed a little icon/button thing saying "Buy Blue". Check it out and see what you think. I fully support the site.

Tonight, I will be editing this post and finally put up Heather's Christmas haul list. If I had it with me, I'd do it now, but I don't, so I can't. You'll just have to check back around 9:00 PM CST (Central Standard Time).

*Space Reserved for Heather's haul list*

I'm going to be drawing up a wish list of movies that I still wish to own. I will post that as soon as it is completed.

Quilled Tunes: "Love Rollercoaster" - Red Hot Chili Peppers

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Quilled Political FACT of the Blog:

FACT: More wealth and jobs have been created by Democratic administrations.

From Harding In 1921 to Bush in 2003, Democrats held White House for 40 years, and Republicans for 42.5 years, during which time,
1. Democrats created 75,820,000 net new jobs and Republicans 36,440,000.
2. Per Year Average : Democrats = 1,825,200 vs. Republicans = 856,400.
3. There was either a depression or a recession during the administrations of 6 of the 9 Republican presidents .
4. The DOW grew by 52% more under Democrats, and
5. The GDP grew by 26.4% more under Democrats.

-------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Fwd: New STD

The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of sexually transmitted disease. This disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behavior. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim (pronounced "gonna re-elect him").

Many victims have contracted it after having been screwed for the past 4 years, in spite of having taken measures to protect themselves from this especially troublesome disease.

Cognitive sequelae of individuals infected with Gonorrhea Lectim include, but are not limited to: Antisocial personality disorder traits; delusions of grandeur with a distinct messianic flavor; chronic mangling of the English language; extreme cognitive dissonance; inability to incorporate new information; pronounced xenophobia; inability to accept responsibility for actions; exceptional cowardice masked by acts of misplaced bravado; uncontrolled facial smirking; ignorance of geography and history; tendencies toward creating evangelical theocracies; and a strong propensity for categorical, all-or nothing behavior. The disease is sweeping Washington. Naturalists and epidemiologists are amazed and baffled that this malignant disease originated only a few years ago in a Texas Bush.

...the penguin returns; brrrrrrrrr!!; other stuff...

Well, this weekend was interesting. I worked the bridal show downtown at the America Center. Scott was there. Heather was with me. Heather Hahn was there...

Wait, what? Yeah. Heather Hahn. That's a name I haven't heard since Senior year of high school. In a nutshell, Heather Hahn was a starting point to many twists and turns involving both myself and Scott. Heather is an ex-girlfriend of Scott's, who went for Scott instead of me at a Trend lock-in deal. I met two girlfriends from that situation later down the line.

@Scott: Penguin? Ah-ah!

Still, it was cool to hear how everyone I knew from Affton high school was doing and whatnot. What wasn't cool is that my main identifying feature remains to be my hair, which apparently is unmistakable.

I couldn't find Heather's (MY Heather) Christmas haul list until last night, and I was in no mood to jump on here and post at that point. Now that I know where it is, it will be coming.

It's cold in St. Louis. I know it's also cold, even colder, in a wide variety of places in the country as well, but I'm HERE in St. Louis so that's the ONLY cold that I can bitch about. Some cold I can stand; THIS cold is ri-goddamn-diculous.

There's a bunch of shit going down between Francesca, Jay, and now this "Lisa Collins" (Lissan) person. It's entertaining, actually. I had a chance to read Lissan's rant about Francesca, and she REALLY went off about Fran. I agree with her on one point, though - Jay is not good enough for Fran. (I KNOW she meant to say that Fran wasn't good enough for Jay, but the typo made it sound the other way around.) If Jay and Lissan - oops, sorry; I mean "Lisa Collins" - are happy together, so be it - hopefully, Jay won't make the same mistake he did before. I can understand why Fran would write the things she does and make all of the digs at Jay that she does. It will be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out. It's almost like an episode of Jerry Springer. Break out the popcorn, this one is getting good.

Quilled Tunes: "Down With The Sickness" - Disturbed

Quote of the Blog: (paraphrased) "One thing can be said of George Bush and his administration's economy - we will forever be in his debt." - Democratic Congressman, "Meet The Press"

---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---

Subject: Tell Congress to protect Social Security
Dear friend:

George Bush and Republican leaders have made phasing out Social Security through privatization and massive benefit cuts their top priority for 2005. Members of Congress are choosing sides over the next couple of weeks.

We need to make sure they choose correctly now—before a massive election-style campaign by George Bush and the Wall Street interests gets to them including what might be a $100 million TV ad campaign.

MoveOn’s trying to gather 200,000 signatures to present to lawmakers when they return after the inauguration. You can sign the petition now at:

http://www.moveon.org/socialsecurity/

Social Security is a complicated issue, but the basics are really pretty simple:

° Social Security provides monthly benefits to some 44 million Americans who are retired, disabled or the survivor of a deceased parent. It provides most of the income for older Americans--some 64 percent of their support. It has lifted generations of seniors out of poverty.

° Social Security is not in crisis. That is an outright lie perpetrated in order to create the urgency for radical changes. Under conservative forecasts, the long-term challenges in Social Security do not manifest themselves until 2042. Even then Social Security has 70 percent of needed funds. That shortfall is smaller than the amount needed in 1983, the last time we overhauled Social Security. George Bush's Social Security crisis-talk is an effort to create a specter of doom -- just like the weapons of mass destruction claim in Iraq.

° Phasing out Social Security and replacing it with privatized accounts means one thing: massive cuts in monthly benefits for everybody. Social Security privatization requires diverting taxes used to pay current benefits into privatized accounts invested in risky stocks. Without that money Social Security benefits will inevitably be cut -- some proposals even cut benefits of current retirees. These benefit cuts are inevitable, since diverting Social Security money into privatized accounts means less money to pay current and future benefits.

° Every serious privatization proposal raises the Social Security retirement age to 70. That might be fine if you're a Washington special interest lobbyist but it is incredibly unfair to blue-collar Americans with tough, physical jobs, or for African Americans and Latinos with lower life expectancies.

° Privatization means gambling with your retirement security. There is probably an appropriate place for a little stock market risk in retirement planning -- but it isn't Social Security. Privatization exposes your entire retirement portfolio to stock market risks -- and the risk that you'll outlive any of your savings at retirement. You can't outlive your Social Security benefit.

° So who does benefit? Wall Street. Giant financial services firms have been salivating for decades over the prospect of taking over Social Security. Wall Street would make billions of dollars in profit by managing the privatized accounts -- money that would come directly from your benefits.

° Action is urgently needed today. President Bush and Republican leaders in Congress are joining forces with the financial services industry for a major campaign to convince the public there is a major crisis and pressure members of Congress to vote for privatization. Action is needed now before it is too late. Please sign MoveOn’s petition to protect Social Security at the link below.

http://www.moveon.org/socialsecurity/

Thanks for doing this.

---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---IMPORTANT---

The Bush Zone (with Apologies to Rod Serling)

By John Cory
t r u t h o u t | Perspective/Satire

Friday 14 January 2005

There is a fifth realm beyond known reality. It is a realm as vast as space and timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground of haze and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies at the pit of man's fears. This is the realm of the unimaginable. It is an area we call "The Bush Zone."

Meet Mr. and Mrs. America, faithful believers in the one true nation. They arise each morning and stand before the mirror reciting their daily mantra: "It's a grand old flag! Leader of the free world! We're no. 1!" Their iconic reflection smiles back, a warm and homemade apple pie image of the best of everything, the best medical care, the most powerful military, and the best political system of any country in the world. The mirror never lies.

But this morning, Mr. And Mrs. America, discover a warped mirror that casts a disturbing and twisted funhouse reflection of their former selves. Daily slogans are powerless against this distorted likeness, and all that they once held sacred now ripples across the glass in a deformed and misshapen wave of elongated ugliness. Mr. And Mrs. America just stepped through the looking glass and into the Bush Zone.

Submitted for your consideration: citizens of the wealthiest country in the world seek salvation via the free-market system. They organize bake sales and eBay auctions to raise money for medical therapy not covered by their profit-driven corporate HMOs, only to discover that some of that money is also needed to purchase body armor the Pentagon failed to provide to their sons and daughters in Iraq. War is never cheap, but always profitable in the Bush Zone.

Further submitted for your consideration: a President insists on free elections in his combat arena despite the risk to life and limb for Iraqis, even as his own political party strains the boundaries of legality and decency to suppress the vote of Americans at home. Democracy is only for the righteous few required to guide the many along the sacred path of destiny and empire in the Bush Zone.

This is Alberto Gonzales, lawyer on his way up, salt of the earth, minority makes good story. He is, as you have perceived, a purveyor of partisan loyalty, one of a breed who substitutes smiles for substance, venom for value, and noise for nobility. His skill is the ability to turn the objectionable into the tolerable, the illegal into legal, and define it all with the phonetics of patriotism. Mr. Gonzales sits before his inquisitors, speaking in tongues while saying nothing. He has no fear because he knows Democrats are willing ghosts without power in the Bush Zone.

Picture of a campaign paid for by $600 million dollars of private funds, a cacophonous symphony of slander, mendacious media, and clanging garbage cans of innuendo and falsehood. The prize? A lavish gala held at the picturesque white house residence of the owners of America. Attendance is by invitation only.

The Bush Zone hosts a cast of characters, who like children's fertile imaginations, have no attachment to reality. A surreal traveling Medicine Show comprised of peddlers of faith and fear, sellers of superstition, martyrs and moguls who line their pockets with the lives of the innocent and faithful, all united to market the elixirs of corporate conformity and passivity, for the price of one thin nickel plus your soul. No waiting.

Picture of a Nation gazing into a warped mirror, its reflection, a blemished garden of atrophied freedoms, the acne of cowered silence, and once bright eyes dulled by corporate greed and the focus group political entertainment of talk television. In a little while, the face in the mirror will be permanently etched into the glass unless the Nation can avert its eyes from the hypnotic glare and focus on its people, principles and Constitution.

There is a way out for all of us, albeit through a locked door.

You unlock this door with the key of democracy. Beyond it is another dimension: a dimension of peace and prosperity, a dimension of free speech and civil rights, a dimension of tolerance and enlightenment. You're moving out of the land of haze and shadow, and into the wondrous journey of the people, by the people and for the people.

You've just stepped out of - the Bush Zone.

That's a signpost up ahead: your next stop: the real America!

Found @ http://www.truthout.org/docs_05/011505A.shtml

...frozen morning fun; space exploration; family reunion (of sorts); a few sprinkled 'digs' & random news bits...

Well, I was late to work for the first time today. Okay, so I was only 15 minutes late, and the reason was my driver's side door wouldn't latch shut because the rods were frozen and had to thaw out (trust me, it sucked ass). But still, this was my first time being late.

OH, just to let everyone know, I did NOT get in trouble or reprimanded for being late...no spin. Just wanted to state that, for the record. :)

For those of you expecting Heather's Christmas gift list today, I apologize. For those of you that weren't, I needn't say anything more. I had really meant to post it today, as an end-of-the-week treat, but I forgot to ask Heather for the list. I will do it later this weekend, guarenteed.

It seems the payment on my Rocky Box Set has been recieved, or will be recieved soon. I can't wait to add five more movies to my collection.

And now, a word about mono-au-mono. (Yes, I am aware that I probably mispelled that. Thank you, Grammar and English Police Task Force.) What it means is one-on-one; man-to-man; basically, a situation involving two parties, both comprised of a single, solitary individual. I think the world would be so great if a dispute or exchange between two people could stay that way. It seems everyone likes to put their two-cents on the counter, yell "Ante up, bitch!", and weigh in on the happenings. And I'm not talking about a situation where they're indirectly involved; I'm talking about non-involvement MADE INTO involvement by the interjection. It amazes me how everyone wants to "jump on the bandwagon" for everything. FYI, I'm not trying to make any specific point here, guys, and I'm not targeting anyone - just saying it would be a good idea, in general, to keep things that are (or should be) mono-au-mono ACTUALLY mono-au-mono. :)

I have to say I'm psyched about this whole Huygens/Titan (Saturn's moon) deal. It's pretty damn exciting. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you REALLY need to crawl out from under that rock you dwell under and step into the light of current life. THIS might help both inform you and save you from your ignorance:

Huygen's Lands On Saturn's Moon

Speaking of ignorance, I've slacked off in my reading of "'Salem's Lot" as of late (as in, I haven't picked it up since slightly before Christmas). Since I need to obviously finish that book before starting "Wolves of the Calla - DT5", I need to get my ass in gear. If you haven't checked out Stephen King's Dark Tower series, you can't possibly know what you're missing and should rush down to your local book store/library and get a taste of the good stuff that is the Dark Tower. It's literary fine cuisine.

This weekend is my Grandma's birthday party. It's one of the few instances where the bulk of my dad's side of our family is gathering together en masse, so it should prove interesting. I tend to see my mom's side MUCH more than my dad's. Heck, I haven't seen my cousins from my dad's side in many years...

And now, to address some of my "fans":

@Sparkamus: Congratulations on your new girlfriend. I'm glad you're finally getting love back that you give out. I also hope you feel better.

@Bitter the Clown: William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury" is ALSO literary fine cuisine...multiplied by exponent uber-yummy infinity. (Sorry man...had to do it.) Congrats on your recent surge of nuptual ceremonies.

(NOTE: I'm not really so egotistical as to think I have actual fans. I just call them that because they regularly visit my blog.)

On an ending note, I found this hilarious and fun flash video game, which just-so-happens to be Anti-Bush. :) I give it a fifty \\\\\ (quills) up out of five on the happy-fun scale.

The Anti-Bush Video Game!!!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------
Quilled Tunes: "Never Gonna Stop" - Rob Zombie

-----------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Blog: "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Joke of the Blog:
An artist asked the gallery owner if there had been any interest in his paintings on display at that time.
"I have good news and bad news," the owner replied. "The good news is that a gentleman enquired about your work and wondered if it would appreciate in value after your death. When I told him it would, he bought all 15 of your paintings."

"That's wonderful," the artist exclaimed. "What's the bad news?"
"The guy was your doctor..."

-----------------------------------------------------------
Message of the Blog:

>> A wonderful Message by George Carlin:
>>
>> The paradox of our time in history is that we have
>> taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider
>> freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
>> but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have
>> bigger houses and smaller families, more
>> conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
>> but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment,
>> more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but
>> less wellness.
>>
>> We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too
>> recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get
>> too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read
>> too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
>> We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our
>> values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate
>> too often.
>>
>> We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
>> We've added years to life not life to years. We've
>> been all the way to the moon and back, but have
>> trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
>> We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've
>> done larger things, but not better things.
>>
>> We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
>> We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We
>> write more, but learn less. We plan more, but
>> accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to
>> wait. We build more computers to hold more
>> information, to produce more copies than ever, but
>> we communicate less and less.
>>
>> These are the times of fast foods and slow
>> digestion, big men and small character, steep
>> profits and shallow relationships. These are the
>> days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier
>> houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick
>> trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one
>> night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do
>> everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a
>> time when there is much in the showroom window and
>> nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
>> bring this letter to you, and a time when you can
>> choose either to share this insight, or to just hit
>> delete.
>>
>> Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
>> because they are not going to be around forever.
>>
>> Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
>> you in awe, because that little person soon will
>> grow up and leave your side.
>>
>> Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
>> because that is the only treasure you can give with
>> your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
>>
>> Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and
>> your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and
>> an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep
>> inside of you.
>>
>> Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
>> someday that person will not be there again.
>>
>> Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time
>> to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
>>
>> AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
>>
>> Life is not measured by the number of breaths we
>> take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
>>
>>
>> George Carlin

...employment utopia; Royal Prestige; ANOTHER X-Mas gift?!; Corey's Benefit Event...

Now we're getting into the swing of things again, with regular blog updates. Here's what's going on with me lately...

I'm learning more and more at my job. I really love working here, and I actually look forward to coming into the office every day. As most of you can guess, it's a good sign when you thrill to come to work. I don't even want to take any days off I love it so much. For me, that's weird, because I've never had a job that I didn't want a day or two off of.

Speaking of work, I'm helping out with more projects and getting faster at my own little ventures that Doug gives me. As it turns out, I'm better at this than I gave myself credit for.

After much internal and external debate and discussion, I have opted not to go to Erich's bachelor party. I feel that my being there would ruin Erich's good time, due to the fact that he has a major hate on for me, and no guy should have problems at their big send-off. Lord knows I didn't, and things went awesome. The other part of it is just not wanting to go, for varying reasons, but that's another can or worms that I won't open here. I only mention it because, sadly, there is a rumor mill and I want to state the real deal without any spin pre-emptively. (And no, Andrea, I wasn't targeting YOU when I said that just now...although now I kind of did. Oops. Oh well.) :)

Heather and I are doing some bridal shows for Scott's father, the money from which will go into savings. This will bring Heather and I that much closer to our home. On top of that, bridal shows are fun. I get to be friendly and have some fun and sign people up for some trips. This time without breaking any dishes. Don't worry about it. Boo-yah!

The Rocky Anthology - 6 DVD collectors set - should be reaching me sometime in the next week or so. That's yet another section of movies for the perpetually increasing collection. This is my Christmas present to myself, as I've wanted to get the Rocky films for quite awhile now. Speaking of Christmas gifts, I've decided to post Heather's list. Not today, though. That's later. Let me tell you - if people were impressed by MY haul...oh man, just wait until you check out how Heather did. ;)

Corey's benefit night is coming up. The man of Sight-N-Sound karaoke himself, Steve "Murph" Murphy, is hosting it. Here's the info straight from the email he sent out:

Date: Saturday February 26, 2005
Time: 8PM-1AM
Where: O'Leary's on S. Lindbergh between Gravois and Watson
What: Fundraiser for Corey-- Karaoke & more!
How:
- $10 tickets, available in advance or at the door (Advance prefered in case someone no shows! (300 Available)
- 50/50 drawing-- $1 tickets will be available now until the end of the event. These are available to all, and we'd be happy to let you take some to work, bowling, school, etc to sell if you can help! We have 2,000 tix to sell.
- Silent Auction- More will be known as items are donated. Nothing too cheezy hopefully. :) Suggested items included sports tickets and/or memorbelia, video games/accessories, computers, and starving artists works. :)
Contact: Questions? Email "Murph" at steve@stevemurphy.net or call him at (314) 249-8686.

Obviously, this benefit night is to get Corey some much-needed scratch to do something about his huge medical debt. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, I would answer your question with MY question about whether you've been living under a rock lately. Recap: Corey got testicular cancer; Corey had his right testicle surgically removed; Corey needs larger surgeries in the future; Corey is the opposite of a millionaire and has a mounting debt because of all this, so this benefit night is to raise money for him. Bam. There it is.

-------------------------------------------------
Quilled Tunes: "The Big Fuck You" - Brainshift
(If you haven't checked out Brainshift yet, shame on you. You're missing out. Click the link below:

Brainshift

)

-------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Blog: "Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." - Douglas Adams

-------------------------------------------------
Quilled Spotlight Link:

O'Reilly Sucks.com

(Bill O'Reilly is a right-wing, republican conservative that puts spin on fact (hmm, sounds familiar) to reach an agenda of the same position. This site exposes and debunks that spin. Thank god there are sites like this for the TRUTH.)

-------------------------------------------------
Joke of the Blog:
An unemployed guy got a new job at the zoo. They offered him to dress up in a gorilla's skin and pretend to be a gorilla so people will keep coming to the zoo.

On his first day on the job, the guy puts on the skin and goes into the cage. The people all cheer to see him. He starts really putting on a show, jumping around, beating his chest and roaring.

During one acrobatic attempt, though, he loses his balance and crashes through some safety netting, landing square in the middle of the lion cage! As he lies there stunned, the lion roars. He's terrified and starts screaming, "Help, Help!"

The lion races over to him, places his paws on his chest and hisses, "Shut up or we'll both lose our jobs!"

...future's so bright, I gotta wear shades...

Hey guys...another installment. Let's get it on!

I finally watched "Bubba-Hotep" last night. I really enjoyed it! It's a great little flick. I think I'll ask for it for my birthday this year...

Speaking of movies, I did some reorganizing of the movie bookshelf last night, and it. is. massive. I can hardly believe we have so many movies, and we're both far from done. I still have several horror flicks to procure.

I've been given yet another project to take off, a residential job. I'm really getting the hang of this stuff. I love this.

I'm also doing a little side work doing bridal shows for Royal Prestige along with Heather. It's money to put directly into savings, so that's really awesome. House, here we come!

And now to address my "fans". :)

@Heather: Even though today is gray and rather disgusting, it's a beautiful day because I woke up to you.

@Spawn: Sorry you had to go back to work, man. Hey, at least you won't be gone for two long this time.

@Neo: You have a new nickname - The Vominator. :)

@Beaver: I thought it over last night and all this morning. I'm not going to the bachelor party. Sorry.

@Hizzy: I apologize for offending you, and will not post that term further just for the sake of posting it. However, it's not like I was completely out of line; after all, you're a rumor machine.

Our new Missouri Governor, Matt Blunt, is already working...to fuck over the people who work for him. How? His first day on the job, Blunt abolished the collective bargaining power of state employees. What this means, in a nutshell, is that people who work for the state of Missouri can no longer band together and bargain for things like better health plans and pay raises; they are now at the mercy of their masters. See, state employees were never allowed to join a union, but they were allowed to bargain as a group in a union-type fashion...well, not anymore they don't. Good job, Matt Blunt...thank you for proving me right in not voting for your facist ass (for all the good it did).

That's all for today. Almost.

Quilled Tunes: "Do You Call My Name" - RA

Quote of the Blog: "My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates

P.S. Below is the full, uncut letter from George Clooney to Bill O'Reilly. I have to admit, Clooney completely backs O'Reilly into a corner and delivers several crushing blows to the fat, egotistical, right-wing spin-machine that is O'Reilly.

"January 10, 2005

Mr. O’Reilly,

In response to your lead story on January 6, where you attack the Sept. 11 telethon, it is incumbent upon me to help you get your facts straight.

First, to clarify, it was not the Red Cross but the United Way that sponsored that telethon... an easy mistake to make... if you're 3.

Second, contrary to what you claim, no one objected to you investigating where the funds were going, but we strenuously objected to you insinuating that it was a fraud (which is what you did) as we were still waiting for a list of names of the dead. 6,000 was the number when you broadcast your attack (some 3,000 was the real number), that is simply a fact... no spin. There's no question, sir, that you have become quite powerful. The panic that you started that week scared other charitable organizations into simply handing out money to anyone who walked into their office. I suppose the threat of a Senate investigation would scare most anybody. It was an interesting week though... you showed up on the Today Show to talk about the telethon, but when pressed by Matt Lauer, admitted that you would only talk about the scandal if they hawked your new book. Fact... no spin. You said your tactics weren’t about ratings, and that same week took out ads bragging about beating Larry King for the first time, all while Eliot Spitzer and Frank Thomas and Josh Gotbaum were weeding through the difficult task of who was dead and who was not.

I don't make as much money as you, Mr. O’Reilly (a fact that's easy to check), but I'm fascinated by your use of the word CELEBRITY as if you're not one... you put on make up, you do Leno, The Today Show, go on book tours, and do junkets, so let’s be clear... you are a well paid celebrity. Period. No spin. And, to quote you last week, "with power comes responsibility"... people canceled their pledges because YOU told them that the telethon was flawed... a lot of money that should have gone to a lot of needy families didn't, because you wanted a controversy... and controversy has made you a celebrity... remember, sir, that this is me you're talking to publicly. I was the one you called several times the day before the telethon to say that we “had to include ‘The Factor’” in the press interviews, and that it "wasn't fair to leave us out, we’re a news program”. Fact... no spin. I think people should know that.

Now, here's the only important fact: the 9/11 telethon was an unqualified success from the beginning to the present and we make sure of it. (I say WE because I'm on the board of directors of the United Way).

Your report last Thursday was a preemptive strike... NOT to protect the families affected by the tsunami, but to create more controversy for your own personal gain. Because of it, fewer people will donate money to help truly traumatized victims; they'll be afraid that their money will do no good.

So all right, Mr. Journalist... come on in. I'm booking the talent for the Tsunami event... and you, Mr. O’Reilly, are now officially invited to be a presenter... (at this point, not one of the people I’ve invited to donate their time has said “No”)... this way, You can personally follow up on our fundraising... this is your chance to put your considerable money where your considerable mouth is... show up... help raise money... and if we're doing something wrong, point it out. I believe firmly in the check and balance system... you'll get nothing but a handshake and a “Thanks for helping out” from all of the rest of us “celebrities”.

So what do you say, Mr. O’Reilly... either you ante up and help out AND be that watch dog that you feel we clearly need... or you simply stand on the sidelines and cast stones, proving that your January 6 TV show was nothing more than a “box of lights and wires” designed to make you wealthy.

We do the show this Saturday, it’s across the street from where you shoot “The Factor”.

I'll need a quick response.

Your fan,

George Clooney"

...prologue...

Well, the big guy's night went down Saturday. There's only ONE word to really describe how everything went: success. I have to say, it was one of the best parties I've ever been to. Many things happened that were outright hilarious and fun...which I will not speak of here. At any rate, it was one for the books, a truly legendary party. The next time we throw a guy's night like that, we're going to make sure Question can come into town for it, as well as Tom and Jon. We're also going to throw a similiar party for everyone sometime in the near future (yes, that includes the girls).

One thing I will say about the party (the only thing) is that it is now a proven fact that, when supplied with enough food, Quill is in the upper echelon of drinkers. Scott and I were the only two guys there who literally drank from 5 pm to 6 am, non-stop, and DIDN'T become completely wasted. It was both satisfying and disappointing. (On a side note, Beaver did well for being him, but he was passing in and out there for awhile.)

@Spawn: Hey, what can I say? We kicked ass. :)

We still have the task of emptying the rest of the keg. Perhaps some of that will be done this week.

"Hizzy Factor" - the effect of telling the Hizzy something, which she then takes out of context, makes assumptions and misconstrues, and then spreads around the rumor mill. (Had to do it.)

Tonight is hamburger and fries night at the homestead. I can't wait, as Heather's homemade burgers are excellent and yummy. When I think about it, words like 'delicious' come to mind.

Quilled Tunes: "Fear" - Disturbed

...address to some of my 'fans'; the "Hizzy Factor"; and "Guy's Night Eve"...

Congress is locked in debates over the results of the 2004 Election. Good; that's EXACTLY what needs to happen. Let me be crystal clear - I have no illusions that Kerry will be president. But it's a fact - a FACT - that Bush did NOT "win" this election. Because of this, steps need to be taken to prevent something like this from EVER happening again. It's about protecting the right to vote in a FAIR election.

The "Crime of November 2": The human side of how Bush stole Ohio, and why Congress must investigate rather than ratify the Electoral College

Other than that...things are going well so far in 2005. :/

@Heather: I’m sorry you’re sick, baby. Hopefully, you’ll feel better when we go out tonight to see a movie. I love you.

@Bitter The Clown: It will happen. I will refurbish/rebuild my arsenal as necessary and start planning for the fun-time madness. :)

@Spawn: I think you do yourself a discredit – while it may not be what you had in mind, the current works of Brainshift are nonetheless impressive and cool. I look forward to our “Evil Christmas” project. By the way, just to drive everyone nuts, do NOT tell anyone about it. :)

@Nix: Dude. That sucks, man…both you not being able to attend the big night and the other thing. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.

@Big Baby Jesus: Good luck with your classes, bro. Email or call me sometime, we must plan to go to Dave & Busters here in St. Louis sometime.

@Moonlilli: If I could say anything that I felt would make you feel better, I would. Regardless of my lack of ability to do that, I am here if you need another shoulder to cry on.

Have you guys heard the rumor about me getting in big trouble at work for getting phone calls? I myself heard the rumor last night for the first time. Here’s the REAL deal: I was, in fact, receiving phone calls from friends and family at work. I was asked to cut down on the number of calls I was getting. I did NOT get in trouble at ALL; I didn’t get chewed out, I didn’t get repremanded. IF you heard that I got in trouble, it’s due to something that I like to call the “Hizzy Factor”. The “Hizzy Factor” is basically distortion and twisting of something that is fact. Be warned, for the “Hizzy Factor” is alive and going strong. (Sorry Hizz – but I explained that I didn’t get in trouble to you, and since you’re the only person told before I heard it from Beaver, it’s GOT to be you this time. There is no other explanation.) So now, "Hizzy Factor" is a term to be used and exploited. :D

“Ultimate Guy’s Night” is tomorrow. It’s going to be a very, very drunken time. I urge all of you to pace yourselves; it’s going to be a long night. I’m certainly going to, for the simple fact that I do not wish to kill myself with liquor by going into a coma. For those of you who cannot be there and want to, we’ll miss you guys and keep you in mind. For those of you who just aren’t coming with any good reason, you’re really missing out and it’s completely your loss.

I’m with Spawn…we ARE going to get so drunk…

P.S. This you guys might find amusing - after losing face to me debating politics, J.W. now chooses to contend with me in Freddy and Jason matters. Putz. :)

Quilled Tunes: “Panaphobic” – Grudge

Quote of the Blog: “They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.” - Confucius

...tool time, with Quill the tool man...

And now, a treat for you all...which I am delivering under death threat.

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Steve
2. Quill
3. Crippler

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. TQO71203
2. Quill327
3. SMJPSonic

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. I'm generally a helpful, optimistic, and pleasant person
2. I'm strong. Like an ox. A really BIG ox. On uber-steroids.
3. I didn't vote for George W. Bush.

THREE THINGS YOU HATE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. I am gullible sometimes, which unfortunately goes hand-in-hand with my trusting and helpful nature.
2. Sometimes, I don't know when to quit joking and my mouth runs on autopilot.
3. I'm impulsive to a fault. Yes, that IS a down side.

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. German
2. French
3. English

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Failing my loved ones when they need me most.
2. Tornadoes. (What? You're NOT afraid of those things? I'd like to see you stand in the way of one. Yeah, that's right. That's what I thought.)
3. Not accomplishing enough in my lifetime to look back on with satisfaction.

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Sleep.
2. Heather.
3. FOOOOOOOOOD!!!!

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Workout shorts.
2. Wedding ring.
3. Underwear; boxer-breifs.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS/COMPOSERS/ARRANGERS:
1. Gravity Kills
2. Blind Guardian
3. Brainshift

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" - Greenday
2. "One Thing" - Gravity Kills
3. "Prayer" - Disturbed

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS
1. All-afternoon sword fighting in Springfield (oh yes...it WILL come to pass).
2. Actually get drunk with both Tom and Jon.
3. Huh...I'm out of options. Heh.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (love is a given):
1. Communication
2. Affection
3. Friendship

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
1. I enjoy horror films.
2. I love to kill myself in the gym.
3. My goal in life is to make others miserable.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX (or same) THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Boobies.
2. Personality.
3. Smile.

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Hit someone at full strength and mean it unless I have no other choice.
2. Stop blogging (I'm...addicted. Call...Betty Ford...Clinic...).
3. Stand by while Heather is hurt or sad.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Sword fighting.
2. Working out.
3. Horror movies.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Go to sleep. It's late and I have work tomorrow.
2. A glass of water doesn't sound too bad...
3. Sword fight.

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Construction Estimator (current)
2. Independently wealthy.
3. Shannon Elizabeth's personal shower companion.

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. California.
2. New York.
3. Las Vegas.

THREE KIDS' NAMES
1. Tyler Stephen
2. Marissa Elaine
3. Arthur Michael

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Have children.
2. Do some real good.
3. Live a full life.

THREE PEOPLE WHO (MIGHT) HAVE TO TAKE THIS QUIZ NOW OR DIE PAINFULLY
1. Scott
2. Beaver
3. Dave
(Even though I did it and aren't going to die, come to St. Louis anyway, Tom!)

...notes about nothing...

I took the title from the Seinfeld dvd sets. I love that show and those dvds.

Went to Scott's place last night, watched Chronicles of Riddick. He actually liked it. Also pinned down almost everything concerning guy's night.

Tonight, Smallville, and Beaver will be joining us.

The people over at Gray Design don't know how to label their specs. I'm disliking doing this painting take-off, due to the notes being so...confusing and all over the place. Could you guys have made these drawings any MORE difficult to interpret?

Quilled Tunes: "Something In The Way" - Nirvana

...I don't even know what to say...

Happy New Year's to everyone. Hope you all had a blast.

It seems my Christmas list has impressed some people. Beaver and Scott both mentioned it in their respective blogs. Guys, I was just as impressed by it as you - I never expected that kind of haul in my life. Seriously.

An estimated 155,000 people. And climbing. Jesus. Fucking. Christ.

The 8th is quickly approaching. I want to make it clear to all who read this blog about this money collection. We are having to pay for everything in advance - the food, the beer, etc. Because of this, we're collecting the money when you hit the door; if you don't have the money, you go home or to the bank and get it, or you aren't joining us. It's that simple. I don't mean to sound like a dick, but you have to pay to play this time. That's the rule.

BTW - I'm getting another Christmas gift, one from myself. The "Rocky Anthology" 6-DVD box set. I love movies. :)

Quilled Tunes: "Tug Of War" - Chevelle

Quote of the Blog: "If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide." - Mohandas Gandhi