2,000 Views!

Hello loyal fans. My little space on the web just hit 2,000 views today. While that may not seem like much, it is pretty exciting for me. When it comes right down to it, this entire blog began as a joke; now, it seems, quite a few people are actually reading the insanity. I am not sure what it is that makes this worth reading regularly to anybody, but it seems that some people seem to feel it is worth their time. Whatever the case, I seem to be spreading across the internet like whities across the Great Plains. Hopefuly my success here is greater than my success in the world of Oregon Trail.
Huzzah for 2,000 views…

Quote of the Day:

“You have died of dysentery.” – Oregon Trail

On Medical Marijuana…

Hello loyal fans. We had a couple of very interesting class discussions today on the issue of medical marijuana. They arose from a discussion of contemporary issues which developed as a result of the system of federalism as established in the Constitution. As I thought about the issue some more, I began to contemplate the issue of drug regulation in general. I definitely do not have a problem with medical marijuana, but when the discussion turns to the legalization of recreational drugs I have always been on a bit of a fence. Generally, I am in favor of the legalization and taxation of marijuana, but so called “hard drugs” has been a bit of another story; as I have meandered through life, I really find myself in a bit of a quandary over the issue. I have seen a number of people’s lives go down hill following their regular use of marijuana, but I have also seen a number of people have no problems at all. Ultimately, I do not think the wacky weed is responsible for their problems; rather, I think they had a number of issues already which I am not willing to conceded their marijuana use exacerbated. Even if it did, I have little doubt that their general life path would not have changed much had they not partaken of the marijuana.

Now, in no way am I trying to promote the use of marijuana or other drugs, but I think there is something to be said for the legalization, regulation, and sale of marijuana as a product. Eighty years ago, during prohibition, America discovered that it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to legislate morality; making alcohol illegal, in fact, likely increased consumption. Making tobacco illegal certainly seems unlikely to decrease the amount of smokers (if those lovely “Truth” commercials have not done it…why would laws which nobody reads). I can only assume that, given the number of marijuana users, the sale and taxation of said product would be a profitable venture; beyond that, it would likely alleviate much of the petty theft and street crime associated with the drug.

As I was logging in today I came across an interesting review of 60 Minutes’ special on medical marijuana in California. If you are interested in the debate it might be worth checking out: Click Here!

Quote of the Day:

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” – Ronald Reagan

Rhythm And Ribs Is Awesome

Hello loyal fans. Allow me tout the awesomeness that is the Rhythm And Ribs experience in Sacramento, CA. This weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) Raley Field (home of the mighty AAA River Cats) will be hosting this smorgasbord of ribs and…you guessed it…rhythm. Last year was a glorious adventure through the world of cheap, but delicious, pig and cow flesh slathered in some truly excellent barbecue sauces. I hope that this year lives up to my expectations. For a mere $5 you can enter the stadium itself and the ribs are generally between $5 and $10 a plate (five or so beef ribs…maybe eight or nine pork ribs). Realistically, the music is not that great and there are a lot of annoying little shops selling low quality home made crafts, but the ribs…oh the glorious ribs. I yearn for ribs.

I shall dine on ribs on Sunday. Join me there, one and all, and savor the deliciousness. Ticketmaster has tickets…but you can easiy buy them at the door!

Quote of the Day:

“I have eaten the ribs of God.” – Homer Simpson

UCLA v. Utah

Hello loyal fans.  It is hardly worth discussing UCLA’s upcoming game against the Utah Utes.  Coming it at 0-2, I can only assume that Utah has no chance whatsoever against the mighty Bruins.  Utah is fighting off a number of injuries to starters while the Bruins come in relatively healthy.  Last year UCLA dominated from start to finish, ultimately winning 31-10.  The only real concern is the general lack of offensive production from Ben Olson last week.  I still do not understand why people think this guy is so great.  I have yet to be impressed with his performances.  I think, once again, our victory will hinge on the ability of the defense to make up for offensive failures.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to view the game this week.  We need to start playing some real teams so we can garner a spot on national television…although who knows if that would help.  Teams like Central Michigan and Purdue are on ESPN, Texas is playing UCF and that will be broadcast as well.  I wish I could blame it all on the East Coast Bias, but USC is on every week…and we beat them last year!

Quote of the Day:

“The other team’s quarterback must go down and must go down hard.” – Keith Olberman

Huzzah For Thoughtful Humans

Hello loyal fans. My faith in the benevolent nature of humanity was, to a degree, restored today. When you spend your days surrounded by little wieners (that is the correct spelling…just ask Martin Prince) who, for the most part, spend 23.5 hours a day thinking about themselves, (that is right…even when they are sleeping), it is nice to be surprised by some generosity.

You see…some glorious students of mine decided my little Ocellaris Clown in the school tank needed a friend. They pooled their money and went out at lunch and picked out a good little specimen and brought him back to me. Beyond that, they were responsible enough to check with me first and make sure they found something compatible. It was pretty darn exciting! There is hope for society! Glory be!

Now those guys need to go out and take over the world…at which point I will apply for the position of assistant dictator, a job for which I believe I am naturally suited.

Quote of the Day:

“Be a clown, be a clown,
All the world loves a clown.” – Cole Porter, “Be A Clown”, from 1948’s The Pirate

3:10 To Yuma Is Awesome!

Hello loyal fans. I had the great pleasure of seeing 3:10 To Yuma last night. That was an awesome film. At the time I did not know it was a remake of a 1957 film of the same name, but even that can not damper my enthusiasm. The film was just sweet! Now, I know some of you are thinking “that crazy Batch…he likes westerns, but nobody else under 50 does”. That may be true, but this, nevertheless, is a fine film. Sure, 90% of the audience was walking with a cane, but do not let that deter you. Erin actually really enjoyed the movie (except for the blood…but you know) and we actually spent some time afterward discussing the various motivations of some of the characters. I rarely get as psychologically involved in a film as I did in this case. I actually suspended my disbelief and cared about the characters and such. WEIRD!

Aside from the generally gripping storyline and excellent acting (especially Peter Fonda, a man with great western acting heritage), the historiography was outstanding. One of the things that so often turns me off about movies is historical inaccuracy. This film had no glaring problems and few minor. They even got the two tined forks right!

Overall, you really should see this film (even if you are not into westerns). Take a friend. Eat some Rubios first (even though they changed their menu). Make it an evening. I did and it was great!

If you still are not convinced, check out the previews here: 3:10 To Yuma

If I can get ahold of the original I will let you all know how it is. I would expect greatness given that it stars the eternal Glenn Ford.

Quote of the Day:

“I’ve always liked you Byron, but even bad men love they mommas.” – Ben Wade (Russell Crowe)

On The Cell Phone Problem…

Hello loyal fans. I was reading a great little article on the “Cell Phone Problem” as I like to call it. As school begins I am always shocked by the attachment all the kids seem to have to their cell phones. The kids literally feel like they have to be on their phones every free moment of the day. I concede that it is convenient to have a cell phone from time to time, but in actuality, the feeling of constant connection has always created more consternation than security for me. Why would someone want to always be able to be found? I do not understand it. Beyond that, it is somewhat disheartening to me that the expectation is one’s cell phone will always be at the ready. If you do not return a call within a few minutes it seems people think you are somehow “bad” or “uncaring”. Beyond that, people really have no clue what the proper time to use a cell phone may be. Have I spoken on the phone while driving? Yes. Do I do it regularly? No. Have I spoken on the phone in a store? Yes…but generally only long enough to tell someone I will call them back. Have I spoken on the phone in a restaurant or theater? Never!

I say, read the article and give some of the suggestions a shot. Try turning off your phone for a weekend and see if you can survive. When you think about it, man had survived for thousands of years without cell phones…why do we now believe we cannot? Has society programmed us so effectively to believe we are that incompetent and helpless?

Quote of the Day:

“Yes, terrorism has scared (and scarred) us, but realistically, if a nuclear bomb hits Los Angeles, my cell phone is not going to do much to help me.” – Patrick Moore

90g Update

Hello loyal fans.  Some good news…and some bad.

The good news: The trio of Pajama Cardinalfish are in the 90g after a month in quarantine.  They are swimming happily and eating well.

The bad news: The Yellow Tang I put in QT Saturday is showing signs of Black Ich (Surgeonfish Disease) so I need to go get some Formalin tomorrow and begin medicating.  I’m not really worried about this in the long term as generally it is not a fatal situation as long as treatment begins early, but it is still not good news.  This is, of course, why a quarantine tank is so critical.  I definitely would not want to get an infestation in the display as the little flatworms are said to live for months.

Quote of the Day:

“People would cry for the death of a bird, but never for the blood of a fish. Blessed are those who have a voice.” – Ghost In The Shell

U-C-L-A, Fight, Fight, Fight!

Hello loyal fans. I have a bit of Eight Clap in my heart here on opening day. My mighty Bruins travel north to the land in which I live to visit the hated Stanford Cardinal (a color…as a mascot…what a bunch of idiots). You see…our rival is supposed to be USC, but I hate Stanford so much more than I hate USC. I do not cringe when I think “Trojan”…I even named a fish after USC’s venerable mascot…but when I think Stanford I become sick to my stomach.

Allow me to list the top three things I despise about Stanford:

1) That stupid tree…

2) The band which accompanies the tree…

3) The color cardinal…

Hopefully this game is not a repeat of the game two years ago. You see…at that game UCLA had to fight back from something like 21 points behind in the fourth quarter. Despite that having been the best game ever (and yes, I was there) I want to crush the Cardinal early this time!

GO BRUINS!

Quote of the Day:

“I want every man, woman, and child on his feet…” – Old Guy