The Meat of the Matter

If you give your daughter a digital camera and Photoshop, this is what you get ...  

URL ABCs

It's the latest thing. The way you do this is open up a browser and type in the letter "A" and see what URLs it suggests. I poked through my list and found some of the more interesting links, rather than simply taking the first. Here's my list: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ NASA’s Picture of the day site. Great place to get wallpaper. http://www.briosphere.blogspot.com Brian’s site. I’m the proud papa. http://www.code(donotgotothislink)crackers.com My attempt at finding a group of people who are geeky enough to want to crack codes for fun. Don’t go to this site! It tried to reset my home page, 25,000 pop-ups began to appear. Etc. Asswipes. http://www.deathknightsclan.com Here’s something you didn’t know about me. This is the clan I play Unreal Tournament with. They know me as “Rick*Deckard”. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/kittycannon.html Even though I’m a cat lover, this is a fun game. Can you beat my score of 2270? http://www.flickr.com/photos/21743213@N00/9684336 These are Sscottyb’s online photos. He’s an artist in case you haven’t figured that out! http://www.guildwars.com My latest top-secret passion. http://www.halflife2.net Another game that I love. I’m actually so good at this that I wrote a guide that this website is supposed to publish soon. http://www.innergeek.us Here is a GREAT Geek test. I am most definitely a geek. Are you? http://www.jesus.com Here’s something interesting. You type in that URL and it resolves to this: http://mccchurch.org/ Which is the most well-known legitimate church with a special outreach to the world's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. I thought for sure "Jesus.com" would be a joke. It wasn't. http://karbonkountymoos.blogspot.com/2005/02/rest-of-story.html For some reason, this came up. This is one of my favorite posts at Karen’s site. http://www.lorihallsteele.com/ I found this a long time ago. I like to look up my friends on the internet. Lori is one of the greatest people in the world (seriously). We’ve been online friends for years and I’ve always had a secret crush on her. http://moodleweb.nuclearfallout.net/screens/dm_derelict_twilight__b20014.jpg Now I could post my own URL under “M,” but that would be “Mmmmmasterbation” which also begins with “M”. Instead this is what came up. It’s a screen shot from “HalfLife2” … my favorite computer game. The screen shot should show you why it’s so awesome. http://nmviewogc.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm A really fun map program. Get an aerial shot of your home! http://ordinarygoddess.blogspot.com The letter O was lonely. This was my only entry. Woohoo! It’s Carol’s site! http://www.perotheus.com Four of my links begin with P! Pero’s came first. http://www.qwantz.com/fanart/11.gif Found on another person’s version of this game. It’s so weird it’s … uberweird. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/vine/showthread.php?t=190929 Here’s a forum where people are all saying that the movie “Equilibrium” did not get the recognition it deserved. I agree! It’s a very cool movie. http://www.sigalert.com/map.asp?Region=Greater+Los+Angeles A great site for people who live on LA’s freeways. http://thisismycomputerblog.blogspot.com If you don’t get an extremely uneasy feeling when reading this, you may need help. http://underbelly.blog-topia.com I found this when doing searches on cryptography. This is an interesting post about what makes a good code. (You’re asking “Is The Butcher’s Code good according to this?” Why yes. Yes it is.) http://verba.chromogenic.net/archives/2005/01/cameramail.html This was an awesome idea!! http://www.wikipedia.com I recently went to look up “Tyranny of the majority.” Interesting stuff. I didn’t have an entry for “X” … but I found this to suffice: http://www.xprizefoundation.com/ http://www.yahoo.com Sorry. This was all I had! I have nothing for Z either. And I don’t know what this is: http://www.zmag.org/

Upping the Ante

I'm harder than I look.  Forget about the $100 dinner jive turkey. I'll give $200 cash to anyone who can tell me what my nifty little code is trying to say to the world. $200. Cash. Anyone. (Except my two kids, who I told about this code a long time ago.) Anywhere. C'mon people.

On the Nickle

Here's something I bet you never thought of before ... If a nickel was born when I was (1962), and spent only once a week. It will have contributed over $100 to the economy by now. If someone threw the nickel into a jar and never spent it, it won't have even contributed a nickel to the economy. This is why we should stop making nickels. Although this one is pretty cool because it reminds the French of the bad decision they made.
In 1803, France sold us most of our country for a few baguettes. 

Jesus Frist!

Senate Majority Leader Bill "Jesus" Frist addresses a church event called "Justice Sunday: Stop the Filibuster Against People of Faith."   We have an unusual showdown happening on Congress. Basically it's Fundamentalist Christians vs. People-Who-Believe-In-Democracy-As-Outlined-By-the-Constitution. Now I realize those are fighting words, but what we have on our hands is exactly that: a fight. Here's what's going on. Bush wants to appoint judges that the Democrats so strongly oppose that they will filibuster to prevent their appointment. This is a constitutional right exercised by the Democrats, and yet the Republicans state it's unconstitutional for them to do it. (I'd like to hear their rationale as to why.) Right now Republicans hold 55 of the 100 Senate seats. It would require 60 votes to stop a filibuster and force a vote. The Republicans would be hard-pressed to get 5 Democrats to swing their way, so they are attempting to legislate that you cannot filibuster the appointment of a judge. This would require only a majority of votes, which the Republicans could easily get. And who would have to step in to stop it? Why judges, of course. This whole notion seems a little ... ummm ... (snaps fingers) ... undemocratic. And the Family Research Council has the arrogance, audacity, and ass-holiness to twist the issue into an implication that a filibuster is an attack on their freedom of religion. A religious event hosted by them was called "Justice Sunday: Stop the Filibuster Against People of Faith." [Sarcasm]Oh those poor persecuted Christians! The Romans once threw them to the lions, and the world has been trampling on those scattered few ever since.[/Sarcasm] What Christians don't see is that those of us without faith are starting to feel afraid of them. Very afraid. Our fear is succinctly stated in the article: "Putting more evangelicals on the court will mean rulings more in tune with the religious convictions of churchgoers," said R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. "We are not asking for persons merely to be moral," Mohler said. "We want them to be believers in the Lord Jesus Christ." Well, Rev. Mohler and Senator Frist, some of us really really really don't want our judges to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. For a reason why, look up the word "Taliban." Granted, the reasons many Dems are filibustering are political. Frankly, this is precisely the realm of reasoning that politicians should use--political ones. It was probably political reasons that caused Republican Senators to use filibusters to prevent Clinton's appointees from being appointed. I guess it wasn't undemocratic to do it back then. Frist is implying that it's undemocratic to filibuster this time because the Dems are filibustering because these nominees are Christian. With one side of his mouth, Senator Frist is enlisting the help of Christians to promote his cause, and with the other side of his mouth he's implying that it's undemocratic for us to filibuster a judge because he or she is a Fundamentalist Christian. Well Senator Frist, you are are politicizing your religion, so you get what you get.

Brilliant

This story is funny, and an amazing metaphor. Thanks Steve and Tony!

An Exciting New TMOTM Contest!

Decode this, and you will win a free dinner for two, hosted by yours truly!   That's right folks. All you have to do is decipher this completely original and unique code, and a dinner for two is yours. And I won't even have to be one of the two people. But if you're cute, I might be willing. The restaurant is your choice, as long as it's not over $100. So go easy on the wine and desserts, okay? Oh, and ... there will be a photographic requirement from the winner. (Namely, you have to take a photo of yourself and your date at the restaurant, which will be posted here on TMOTM.) Happy decoding.

Two Steps Back

Would you buy the voice of God from this man?  Catholics, say hello to your new Pope. He is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a rigorously conservative guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy. Since God has chosen this man to be his mouthpiece, God is squaring off against progress and tolerance like never before. Hint to Catholics: even his native Germans didn't think he should be Pope. Here is a quote: "Many blame Ratzinger for decrees from Rome barring Catholic priests from counseling pregnant teens on their options and blocking German Catholics from sharing communion with their Lutheran brethren at a joint gathering in 2003." Perhaps Karen's post about rats was prescient? Let us pray.

Mixed Up Media

I finally got to view Hotel Rwanda last night. It’s a great film, and I recommend it. I feel ashamed that it takes a movie for me to truly grasp the horrifying truth about various shameful parts of human history. I knew about what was going on in Rwanda, and did my small part by dialoging on the internet about how are media was neglecting it. But this movie really spelled out the enormity of the tragedy for me. In another example, Spielberg did a better job of conveying the frightening truth of the holocaust better than any of the many documentary films that showed piles of real, dead bodies. Why? I’m really not sure. There was a day when Americans could be riled up by a single newspaper article. Part of the downside of our spectacular media is that now it requires major stimulus for westerners (Americans in particular) to get stirred to action. Conversely, one hundred years ago, Americans could be deceived by a single newspaper article (i.e. the sinking of the Maine). Today it takes a major media blitz to truly deceive us, but it has happened nonetheless. The American media chose to not cover the Rwandan tragedy. The Administration at that time (Clinton’s) failed to intervene. I doubt the current administration would intervene either, since our economic interests in Rwanda were pretty much nil. Here's my point: If our media doesn’t cover an event, we don’t care about it. If our media lies to us, we are too easily duped. When our media is on board and truthful about an event, we are informed and can take intelligent action. I really don’t want to rely on our media anymore. But I feel limited in my ability to find out what's truly true. I just this moment joined Amnesty International. Maybe that will help.

Assisted Faithicide

California is now looking to pass an assisted suicide law. Yeah us. It actually made allowances for assisted suicide for people with only 6 months to live. Naturally there are many opponents. For some reason, some people don’t want other people ending their own lives even if that is their choice. Even if they are miserable and in extreme pain. Even if their families don’t want to see them suffer anymore. The arguments given are usually people who were once given a 6-month sentence, but outlived it and now live happy, vibrant lives. Well, okay. Diagnoses can sometimes be wrong, but that is the risk we as individuals will always take. The bottom line argument for people who want to keep assisted suicide illegal—-when you get right down to it—-is faith. FAITH. Their faith says it’s not right to end your own life. According to them, it’s our job to cling to life, and God’s job to end it. These people of faith want the government to reflect their world view by keeping assisted suicide illegal. It seems to me that many people want the American government to be a proponent of their world view. This is wrong thinking. Our government is meant to allow room for all world views, and limit the rights of individuals only insofar as it impacts other citizens to enjoy their own freedom. There should not be any laws against assisted suicide. We are granted the “Right to Life” by the Declaration of Independence. This would imply (to me) that we have all the freedoms associated with what to do with that life—including end it. People of Faith would be wise to pipe down. After all, if the government becomes a tool of their world view, what's to prevent the government from becoming the tool of some other fool who wants to put all Christians in with the Lions at the LA Zoo? I suppose if that happens you're going to want me to protest. Well, okay, I will, but I won't be very happy about it. This is an issue of the separation of church and state. If someone wants assistance in their suicide, they might simply say that their faith requires that they end their own life.

Help Paulo Get Out of Brazil

I got this e-mail yesterday: _________________________________________________ Dear Sirs, I am a Professional Butcher looking for an experienced abroad. Could you send me an Application for Employment from your company, please ? PAULO AGE: 25 HOME ADDRESS: COUNTRY: Brazil TEL: EMAIL: APPLYING FOR POSITION 1- Butcher PROFESSIONAL DATA PRESENT PROFESSION: Butcher HOW LONG: 7 Years EMPLOYMENT DATA COMPANY: POSITION: Slaughter _______________________________________________ We butchers need to stick together. Paulo is a very ... nice ... butcher, who has been slaughtering cows and pigs and god-knows-what for 7 years. He now wants to slaughter edible animals "abroad." We're not sure why. To quote my favorite movie "The Big Lebowski": Got any leads?

# posted by Jim

Guest Post by KarbonKountyMoos

As the winner of TMOTM's 10,000th hit contest, Karen gets to guest blog. Her choice of subject matter: rats. It makes me wonder. ;) And here it is: _________________________________________ Everyone knows about Friday Cat Blogging - it's such a tradition already. This is from my friend, fellow Montana blogger, Sharon. I really wanted to do a Saturday Rat Blogging, but I couldn't find many nasty rat links - mostly pet rat sites. Who'd have thunk it?! Do you think that we should start a Saturday Rat Blogging Tradition? Uh, oh - forget it.... But here are some of my favorites: It seems that we've missed World Rat Day - it was 04 April, but we have a year to prepare now: http://www.worldratday.com/ This one is hysterical, what more can I say? Rats are People, Too... (uh, okay, if you say so.) http://www.ratballs.com/ Here's a guy named Rick who is always looking for rat traps. I don't think he wants one of these - but I thought it was cool. And getting back to pet rats, I guess that they like them in the UK, too. Thanks for the opportunity & congratulations on passing the 10,000 mark!

Meme 'O The Day

Carol has foisted a meme upon me. She got it from her friend Grace. This is a Meme about books. Here we go: You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book would you want to be? One made of asbestos. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character? Yes, Nora Charles. But she's not from a book, she's from a series of movies. I think I had a crush on Betty from the "Tom and Betty" series I read whilst learning to read. She was a cute little blonde number. The last book you bought is: A book about finding an agent for your novel. The first page said, "Don't even think about looking for an agent until your novel is finished." So I tossed the book in my back seat and it's sat there ever since. At the same time I bought a book about playing Texas Hold 'em. The last book you read: If "read" means "read all the way through," then I think it was a GREAT book called "Middlesex." It's a scandalous tale that follows three generations of a Greek family, which culminates in the birth of a hermaphrodite. Sounds weird, and it is, but it's a great yarn. I can't remember (or spell) the author's name. What are you currently reading? My own words. What the hell do you think I'm reading? When I read these days, I read a series of short stories called "Dog on the Cross." The author is gifted and skilled, but I can't recall his name either. Five books you would take on a desert island: 1. "How to live like a King on a Deserted Island" 2. Four other books made out of beef jerky. OK, seriously: 1. "The Boomer Bible," By R. Laird This is one of the most brilliant and little-known works in the history of brilliant and little-known works. It is an absolutely stunning parody of "The Holy Bible," and at the same time, a social parody of our planet. A must read for any intellectual, and since it's really really long, it will give me a lot to do on my deserted island. 2. "Ain't No One's Business If I Do," by Peter McWilliams This is probably my favorite non-fiction book of all time. Its subtitle is "The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in a Free Society." It's hilarious, too. 3. "The Story of Civilization" by Will Durant I'm picking this one just because it's super long (like 12 volumes I think) and is a way to cheat. I love to cheat. 4. "The Discovery of Heaven" by Harry Mulisch I loved this book, and forced all my friends to read it. They all did (because they love me) and responded with, "Uhhh ... yeah Jim. It was pretty good." Well fuck you. Fuck you all. I'm taking my copy to my desert island. 5. "One Hundred Years of Solitude," By Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Because it's appropriate and I have to get back to work. I'm going to add this question to the meme (apologies to Grace, but maybe this is in the spirit of Meming?): What book are you ashamed to admit that you haven't read? Dickens. All of Dickens. I've not read a single word. Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 people) and why? Brian, because he reads more than anyone I know. Chuck, because he's in Mexico and he really needs to blog more. Pinhut over at Extreme Unction, because he is a phenomenon waiting to happen and I want everyone to know that I found him first.

Wow

U2 last night was just amazing. It was, without a doubt, the best musical show I've ever been to. The number of shows I can compare it to is admittedly small, but the show was amazing nevertheless. I knew all the words to every song (except songs from the last two albums) by heart. Even when he sang two songs from the "Boy" album (including Electric Co.) the surprisingly young audience got quiet but I sang along like I was the secret 5th member of U2. (And I am, by the way.) Favorite song of the night, and most surprising entry: "Running to Stand Still."

We Have a Winner!

Please everyone ... stop the flood of responses to my contest. I've been receiving dozens ... nay, hundreds of people claiming to be the 10,000th+ hit to my blog. The guest post will go to Karen of Karbonkountymoos, who was the 10,003rd hit. She is not only a fine blogger, but an actual enjoys celebrity as Montana's premier blogger. Considering that David has been awarded high honors in Israel, I now have two large land masses covered. 4,198 to go. Stay tuned for Karen's post! (No pressure there, Karen.)

U2 2-Nite!

PICTURE DELETED DUE TO BANDWIDTH BOZOS. For those of you who are faithful followers of The Butcher, and wear your lucky decoder rings and have your bloody butcher's knives dangling from your rear view mirrors, are also aware that the Butcher loves U2. Well The Curmudgeon In Training is one of those people, and he scored two railing seats for himself and yours truly for TONIGHT! For as big a fan of U2 as I am, I've never seen them live. I can hardly wait. Thank you C.I.T., and I'll be at The Staples Center tonight at 7:30!

The Butcher Used to be Blond

That's just one of the facts that you'll learn about me by reading Brian's Post, which is his recount of a story from when we were younger. You'll also find out that I was a porn-starved youngster, that Brian was my supplier, that I ratted him out, and had him banished to the Isle of Lancashire, where he was tortured by repeated viewings of Star Wars. Anyway, it's good reading and I promise you'll laugh. It's all true.

Don't Forget ...

The person who sends me a screen shot that's higher than, and closest to the 10,000th hit gets a guest post! (As if you cared.) And for those of you who were fooled by my April 1 post, you just don't know me well enough yet. Last year my April 1 posting was way too subtle. No one caught that it was a whopper, but it was.

Hallelujah, I've Been Born Again!

I know most of you aren't going to believe this, but I had an amazing experience that has completely toppled my world view and my approach to God, faith, etc. Actually, there is too much to tell at this late hour. I'm exhausted and I must go to sleep. But the short and amazing part is this: I have--once again--become a Born Again Christian. Praise Jesus! I will explain this unbelievable thing that happened tomorrow. I've been up since 2AM, so that makes it 23 hours straight now. I have to sleep. Unbelievable. Hallelujah.