No Ethics in Criminal Justice Story

There wasn't a class discussion tonight (due to an exam), so I don't have anything good to report. I know, I know... You are all very disappointed. I'm sorry to ruin your week. I did learn, however, that it's dangerous when we get out of class early because we start digging through old archives and God only knows what we'll come across. Case in point: I got a few chuckles out of this page from Maddox. Language & mature audience warning.

Crispy

This Theory Just In

Some have chided Israel for withdrawing from the West Bank & Gaza areas. I, with these people, thought this was an incredibly stupid move. I recently, however, have to started to wonder if there was an incredibly high degree of genius behind the plan.

For years, Israel has been trying to rid the area of the senseless attacks of Hamas and other terror groups. That is no secret. Entertain this idea with me. Israel withdraws from the area knowing that the Rats of Terrorism & Insurgency will surface & attempt to seize control. Keep in mind the concepts, ingenuity, and creativity of the retribution attacks Israel led after the 1972 Olympics. Let's say Israel had an unseen hand of assistance in the "popular votes" which recently put Hamas into power. Now, with Hamas in power, the RoT&I know that they can move about freely without concern for their (Palestinian) government attempting to moderate their actions or put them in jail for attacking Israel (even Fatah wouldn't do that). This is the first anticipated mistake. This election outcome results in a false sense of security which, in turn, causes the RoT&I to come out into the daylight. Mistake #2. Now, all that Israel has to do is mass a few hundred (or thousand) soldiers and military assets. If prepared and executed properly, in one week Israel could accomplish what they have been working to accomplish for decades. Of course such an operation would take an unthinkable amount of coordination and background intelligence between Massad and the IDF, among other agencies & branches, but with such a fruitful outcome, I believe they could pull it off.

The only counter argument that I could think of for this is that Israel wouldn't want to deal with this situation while the Iranians are starting to come to a boil. But at the same time, if Israel were to get it on with Iran, would they really want to have those RoT&I in their backyard anyway? Time will tell. As with retribution for Munich, it may take decades, but, in the end, time will tell.

Crispy

For the Sake of OPSEC

For the time being, I've decided that I'm not going to blog much about the developing situation with Iran. I will explain my reasons at a later date, but at this present time I think it would be better if I remain silent on the topic. No, I didn't receive a threatening letter from the G'men in Black or anything like that. As I said, I'll explain at a later time. Remember, this line as you will probably see it from me again, "See, I told you so."

Crispy

US-CERT ST06-001 -- Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets

Non-technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST06-001.html

Crispy

Some Crispy Thoughts on Rape

The following events are real. The names have been changed to protect the ignorant.

So in tonight's CJ Ethics class (the Mr. Compassion one), our discussion shifted to rape. (Why are you moaning, "Oh no" already? I haven't even started yet.) A researcher had done a study and found some common characteristics among a few rape victims. The common characteristics were hanging out at some place like a bar (or a bar), provocative dress, intoxication, foul language, and a few others which I don't remember.

The discussion began to heat up when a certain two females were unable to detach themselves emotionally from the example (forcible rape). The course instructor stated that this particular researchers findings were such that the victims were in part culpable for the attacks. He did not, at any time, state or insinuate that the offender was innocent for committing the act. He actually said the opposite, that the offender was culpable for the forcible rape.

As the central character in opposition, "White Devil", made her argument, her true motivation for disliking the study observations shown through (which I had picked up on immediately and so watched with glee as she unfolded her argument). She started with, "I should be able to dress however I want." The professor then took time to explain to her that she wasn't in a perfect society. Her obvious comprehension of the English language difficulties next shown through with, "You can't say that the victim is solitarily responsible for being raped." No one said that. The instructor gave her another example. If he were to walk down the street in the worst part of Atlanta while waving a $100 bill in his hand, he would be culpable when he got robbed. For him to commit such an action would be without common sense (stupid, in my words).

Another classmate of mine, "Mr. Goatee", attempted to work through her "thickness". "Mr. Goatee" gave an example of a hunter during deer season. If, while preparing to go hunting, he put on a ball cap with deer antlers sticking out the sides, he should not be surprised if he were to be shot by another hunter while he was in the woods. By this time, we'd made a cumulative progress of about zero with "White Devil".

Enter "Flabby Freckles" stage right! As I foresaw, she came right to the side of "White Devil" in that women should be able to dress however they want and claimed the seductive dress argument was invalid because she presumed all rape to only be about control. If rape was "all about control", we would find women hog tied like baby calves unharmed, but that isn't the case.

Around this time I contemplated giving them yet another example of me shaving my head bald, putting on a white T-shirt with a giant Swastika on it & marching down some all-black ghetto "downtown". I decided against wasting my breath after considering the progress that we'd made so far.

After we toyed around with the $100 bill example, without success due to "White Devil"'s lock jaw in stupidity, another classmate, "Little Jon", provided our intellectuals with yet another example. This time, he used something could easily relate to. His example was leaving a drink unattended at a party. You shouldn't do it, and if you do, you're asking for trouble. To this very moment, I'm still not sure if "White Devil" & "Flabby Freckles" could make the relation & subsequent connection.

The professor recognized that we were getting no where and finally told the class that the researcher found these characteristics in only 18% (if I remember correctly) of rapes. Now, the part that I am unsure about is whether or not that means that only 18% of the cases studied involved all of the those characteristics or if only 18% of the cases had any of those characteristics. I am willing to venture that only 18% of the cases had all of those characteristics. If you take a look at most rape cases, I believe you will find that provocative dress is a common characteristic to at least a sizable portion (more than 1/5) of them.

Nevertheless, to my point of this post. Earlier I stated that I knew why "White Devil" & "Flabby Freckles" had such a hard time with accepting the fact that provocative dress ("dressing like a slut," as another one of my classmates stated) was a factor in the rapes. Take a wild guess; I dare you. Guess how they were dressed? "White Devil" dresses like a slut, in my opinion, on a regular basis. She is no stranger to short skirts and tight clothes. "Flabby Freckles", on the other hand, has no problem attempting to show off her cleavage (which is due to fatness, not breast size - just being honest folks, easy!). Due make note that I've only had two class periods with "Flabby Freckles" so far & I didn't recognize her on the first day. I'll be interested to know what shows up wrapped around her once it warms up and see just how accurately I have discerned her as well. Also, "Flabby Freckles" is loud and obnoxious, so you know she really scores points with me there.

Also, "Jersey Girl" had earlier piped up that a criminal is going to commit a crime no matter how a person is dressed. I called BS, but didn't pursue because "White Devil" had gotten agitated again (sometimes you just need to let the idiots run free). "Jersey Girl" is straight up wrong. Let's play the "What If" gave. Let's say you are a criminal and you want to rob someone. We're downtown, it's night time. Are you going to rob the man in the Armani suit with the top hat and cane or the guy in Arizona jeans and a white T-shirt? You will pick the one that is advertising wealth (wealth, or money, being what you are seeking). In case that didn't work, let's say you think you're "Gone in 60 Seconds". In the parking lot before you is a Geo Metro and an Aston Martin Vanquish. Which one are you going to take? You'll take the Vanquish because it will yield a higher reward. Just in case you still aren't tracking, which woman is more likely to be a flirt & "put out" (especially in the eyes of a criminal): a) Woman wearing a dress which goes down to the knees, a dark green color, a high neck and a choker necklace or b) Woman wearing a dress which covers 1/4 of the thigh, red, and she's breaking out all over the top of it with a long (or elongated jewelry piece) necklace which draws your attention downward? If you still don't get it and I have keep spelling it out, you're just retarded and should just go work at that chicken place.

Do learn from my experience in debate! Anytime that you are involved in a debate and there is a select party that is unable to absorb the logical for whatever reason, check that person. If you are arguing whether or not abortion is right, listen to see if she has had an abortion. If you are arguing about the government funding welfare programs, think about whether or not your ideological opponent receives it (or if they're using emotion instead of principle to make the decisions).

Crispy

Joel Stein: I Hope You Die of Ebola

My reasons are here. More to come later when I have time.

-----

I had a long reply typed up in response to the article of Individual Joel Stein. As I was putting on the finishing touches, I realized that it wouldn't do any good. He's an F-tard and that's all there is to it. I can't change his mind because he's too ignorant - "My mind is made up; don't confuse me with the facts." I don't even want to waste any more time on him, to be honest. He isn't worth my time. I left a few quotations that I was going to use in my response. My original comment of hoping that Joel Stein dies of Ebola holds true. WaMi had a good point about AIDS though, too.

"2. Definition" "War is thus an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will."

"24. War is Merely the Continuation of Policy by Other Means" "We see, therefore, that war is not merely an act of policy but a true political instrument, a continuation of political intercourse, carried on with other means. ... The political object is the goal, war is the means of reaching it, and means can never be considered in isolation from their purpose."

"26. All Wars Can Be Considered Acts of Policy" "...Observe that while policy is apparently effaced in the one kind of war and yet is strongly evident in the other, both kinds are equally political. If the state is thought of as a person, and policy as the product of its brain, then among the contingencies for which the state must be prepared is a war in which every element calls for policy to be eclipsed by violence."

All quotes taken from Carl von Clausewitz, "On War", Chapter 1.


Freedom Will Be Defended.

God Bless You,
God Bless America,
AIRBORNE All the Way!

Crisp

Godspeed & Farewell: CW2 Kyle E. Jackson

After having served four years in the Marine Corps, Kyle Jackson had returned to the civilian lifestyle where he worked as an assistant manager at a local Little Caesar's Pizza. After that, he worked in the construction field where he installed metal roofs and, for a time, worked as a part of the family's cabinet-making business. That all changed September 11, 2001. Kyle decided to rejoin the military in mid-January of 2002. This time however, as an enlisted soldier in the Army. He completed OCS (Officer Candidate School) and moved on to flight school as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2003.

January 13, 2006, changed it all. According to DoD and CENTCOM reports (and a tidbit from Reuters), CW2 Jackson and CW3 Carver were conducting a combat air patrol in conjunction with another OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter. While attempting to provide cover for Iraqi security forces, CW3 Carver and CW2 Jackson's Kiowa came under significant enemy small arms fire. The second Kiowa provided air cover while units from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and other Iraqi police responded to the downed helicopter and secured the crash site. The crew members were retrieved.

Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

The last time Jackson's wife and children saw him was on October 13. They all flew to New York to see him for one day.

Godspeed CW2 Jackson. Thank you for your service, sir.

Crispy


Sources and for more info:
CENTCOM Release: 06-01-10C
DoD Release: No. 040-06
Herald Tribune Article 1, Article 2
Reuters UK

UPDATE: 1900 23JAN2006:

I failed to mention in the original post why I decided to write about CW2 Jackson. He was the first casualty from my home area. His sacrifice struck close to home for me.

A True Hero Honored

As I sit here and begin to type up this post, my eyes are filling with tears and the screen is getting blurry. (I think I need a bigger monitor.) Over ten years after the incident, a small town in Pennsylvania has decided to always remember the sacrifice of one of America's finest soldiers. Newville, PA has decided to name their post office in honor of Sergeant First Class Randall G. Shughart: Randall D. Shughart Post Office Building.

SFC Shughart was one of the two Special Forces (Operational Detachment: Delta) operators who, at their own request, was inserted into the fight around the crash site of Super 64, Mike Durant's Black Hawk helicopter. In order to be clear, I should clarify that the operators did not make their request to be inserted once, but three times. With the third request, they were finally given permission from higher to be inserted. After their first insertion attempt failed due to the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, the operators were inserted 100 meters away from the crash site. You should really read the story here.

For those who may not know, the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Air Regiment) is known as the NightStalkers - the aviation unit to which the Black Hawks and other aircraft belonged. The NightStalkers are the best of the best in the sky. If you have an interest in the story, I highly recommend reading Michael Durant's book entitled "In the Company of Heroes" and then watching the movie "Black Hawk Down". NSDQ!

De Oppresso Liber


Crispy

US-CERT TA06-018A -- Oracle Products Contain Multiple Vulnerabilities

Again.

Technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-018A.html

Crispy

An Unlikely Suspect

French President Jacques Chirac, of all people, said that France was willing to use nuclear weapons in response to a terrorist attack against their country. His most interesting comment, no doubt, was as follows:

"In numerous countries, radical ideas are spreading, advocating a confrontation of civilizations," he said, adding that "odious attacks" could escalate to "other yet more serious forms involving states".

It seems like even the sheepish French have read the writing on the wall. No matter what you read in the newspapers or see and hear on the television, Islam is not a religion of peace. The fact of the matter is, however, that mainstream Muslims see the world in one of two lights. One light is that which is controlled by Islam, most of the Arab world. The second light, is the infidel world that you & I inhabit. You see, Muslims believe that there will always be conflict in the world until either the infidels are converted to Islam or conquered militarily. I am not exaggerating one bit. That is a basic belief shared across the Islamic world. So, keep telling yourself that we're dealing with reasonable people. Just like Herr Goebbels said, if you tell a lie often enough, it will eventually be accepted as the truth.

Crispy

"Mr. Compassion"

So, no kidding, there I was. Earlier this evening in "Ethics & Morals in the Criminal Justice System" (or some long drawn out title for "Ethics in Regards to CJ"), the class discussion had moved to Tom Cruise's "outburst" of self-professing expertise in psychology. Throughout the debate, I'd interjected minor comments, but for the most part, I'd remained quiet. The argument made by a certain individual, who we'll call "Jersey Girl", was that Tom was "ethically responsible" for the comments made against taking medication to combat depression. Now, her stance was that he should not have said that because if one of his fans (followers) hears that & stops taking the medication, it will be his fault if that person were to do something harmful, suicide.

Fear not, loyal readers, Crispy came to the rescue to immediately put down such stupidity. Well, that all changed with her comment.

Fire for effect! I unloaded. The highlights of my rebuttal are as follows: "It all goes back to that funny thing called personal responsibility. If you're stupid enough to listen to an actor about depression and medications, you probably should off yourself." As the entire room erupts in laughter, the teacher managed to chuckle out, "Now that we've heard from Mr. Compassion..."

I really think I'll get some good material out of this class, the social science one, and that horse-hockey "Social Problems" class. Expect some good posts where I absolutely blow away stupidity in that fashion that only I can do so well.

Have a Great Evening,
Crispy

What Did You Do to My Country? Part II

So, as they said, they played that abomination of a song today at the appointed hour. My roommate and I were sharing our utter disgust with this secondary national anthem. In response, we decided that we were going to create an all-white college. I mean, there are all-black and all-female colleges, so why can't we have an all-white college? We're only the dominant race, anyway.

We even started planning for the first lawsuits against us. For example, when a black man complains that he wasn't admitted because he's black & that we're just a bunch of racists, we'll testify that the reason he wasn't admitted isn't because he's black, but rather that he's not white. We won't even let "Asians" in.

Does this idea seem unthinkable to you? If so, maybe you should spend just a little bit more time thinking about modern-day Amerika. Why is it so unthinkable to have a group where only Caucasians can become members? There are black-only groups (colleges, as I mentioned, fraternities, the NAACP). What is so wrong with being around people of your own race... when your race happens to be white? If the others can do it, why can't we? Does anyone else see the reverse-racism here?

Why, when you come to my country, must I modify my actions to accommodate your foreign language, rituals, and beliefs? For that matter, when you come from within my country, why must I modify my language to suit your fictitious "Ebonics" language?

In a social science class that I'm taking, we were discussing why America has some of the problems it is currently dealing with. Maybe, just maybe, it's because we have nothing to stand for anymore.

No, I'm not a racist; I'm just a free-thinker: The Greatest Danger to Liberal Ideology and the State.

"Killer" Crispy

An Interesting Iran

I did mention the possibility of military action in Iran over a year ago. I think the next several months will be very interesting to watch just to see how this will unfold.

Also, in that initial post, I pointed out that Russia was joining forces with Iran for "scientific" reasons. Well, Russia also recently sold a ~$1 billion contract for Tor-M1 (Soviet surface-to-air missiles). In that article, you will also see that Israel is/has drafted a plan to strike Iran's atomic research facilities. Start putting the pieces together, ladies & gentlemen.

See ThreatsWatch.org for a more complete story. Read this too.

Crispy

What Did You Do to My Country?

How will you explain yourself when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. asks you that question? I received this email today (typos theirs):

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday the Black History Committe and the Tau Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. would like to inform you that on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 12:30PM, the Black national Anthem, entitled, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," will be played over the campus loud speaker.  Please take time to enjoy and hear the voices and words that have come to change the path of Black History today.
Often referred to as the "Negro National Anthem", this song was written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson in 1900 for the celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. It was originally performed by children at its premiere in Jacksonville, Florida. James W. Johnson was a notable poet who later went on to become one of the founders of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The Lyrics are as follows:

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING
by James Weldon Johnson


Lift ev'ry voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring.
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chast'ning rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet,
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
Shadowed beneath thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.


Brought to you by the Black History Committee; Not Just One Month a Year, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Are you kidding me? So, uhh, when can I play the White National Anthem over the speakers?

Crispy

Thunderbird 1.5 Released!

Get it here: http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/

Crispy

US-CERT TA06-011A -- Apple QuickTime Vulnerabilities

Technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-011A.html

Non-technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA06-011A.html

Crispy

US-CERT TA06-010A -- Microsoft Windows, Outlook, and Exchange Vulnerabilities

Imagine that?!!

Technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-010A.html

Non-technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA06-010A.html

"Killer" Crispy

Today in Sociology

So, I got stuck taking yet another sociology class. This time, I'm taking Intro to Social Problems. We were talking about values (societal, not personal) and how it is agreed upon that it is wrong to murder people. Next she starts saying that sometimes we (society) think it's okay to kill people. Then, suddenly the teacher makes a comment about the guys in uniform and says, "They're being trained to be killers." Gee, thanks. You know, you're right too. We aren't here to perpetuate freedom or to protect liberty or defend and uphold the Constitution or anything like that. Not a thank you for standing the midnight watch, willing to sacrifice our families and own lives for our nation. No, of course not. We're just mindless, heartless killers with no convictions. I'll just let some crazed-out Hajji run into your house with bombs strapped to his chest, then we'll talk about killing people in defense. Freakin' feminist.


"Killer" Crispy

It's All in a Sentence

I was just lying down to go to sleep for a bit when I started thinking... I once heard a girl say, "There are two ways to a man's heart. One is through his stomach, with food, and the other is to turn him on." As I peeled away my hand from mentally smacking my forehead, I thought about the inaccuracy of that statement. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that her statement contained zero (0) accuracy. She didn't hit the target, and for that matter, she hadn't even fired in the right direction. There are multiple ways to a man's heart, but it isn't through the flesh. Her "game plan" will give you a fun night or two, but after that, it's over. There was no connection between the individuals. And let me add, that isn't love. That's lust. [insert PC smile here]

The way to a man's heart is quite simple, and that is to touch his heart. I can imagine the quizzical expressions already. The route that I think works best is sincerity, honesty and kindness. Not brownies and a bikini.

You need to listen to the things that people say. Through one simple sentence, you can tell exactly where a person is at. Through her statement I knew that 1) She didn't know what love really is, and 2) She wasn't really looking for love. She was looking for a teddy bear - something to be held when it is desired and discarded once the loneliness has temporarily left again. Her statement also revealed that she had not had the best relationships in the past, since that's her idea of love and that was her method of attaining it. Heck, I can go get a Fudge Brownie Sunday at a Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday's anywhere across America. How would I pick which one to date & marry then? And after I've eaten the brownie, what then? What is left other than dirty dishes?

Sincerity, honesty, and kindness are lasting. Brownies and good looks will diminish and disappear.

Crispy

Movie Review: Hitch

I was pretty surprised with this pick. Will Smith stars in this movie as a "date doctor". I can't say much because I'll give away the movie. I did hear one of the best relationship-oriented arguments from a movie. I was particularly impressed with the quote from Will Smith's character, Hitch. Other character (female) says, "You trick women into getting..."
Hitch: "...Into getting out of their own way so that great guys like Albert Brennaman have a fighting chance. No, I want everybody to take a good look at this right now. Because this right here... this is exactly why falling in love is so God [dang] hard." ... "And [character X] is a pig! And I refused to work with him."... "It's because of jerks like him that I even have a job."

Yeah, it looks weak on here, but in the proper context, it's fairly powerful. Enjoy the movie.

Crispy

When Ideology Collides With Itself

Imagine this. You are in one of the most highly respected positions in society. People wait on you. Men, both great and small, open doors for you. You are held in high esteem. You are protected. You don't have to work. You can garden, write music, play with children, or do whatever you wish with your time.

But, suddenly, that isn't good enough for you. You want more. You don't want to be protected anymore. You want to go to war. You don't want to spend time with your own children anymore. You don't want a husband anymore. You get divorced. You go buy a Volkswagen Beetle and you stock up on kitty litter for your cats, all six of them. What happened to you?

So now you are a part of the workforce. You feel free and liberated. This is what that punk-ass husband of yours was keeping you from & holding you down. Now, now (!) YOU have a career! You are a career-woman. You're going to fight your way through this male-chauvinist-pig-dominated world all the way to the top. You'll show them that you can do a job just as good as any man.

A few years down the road. Now, you're in a managerial position. You just got the new Beetle Vapor Edition. You're on top of the world. You now own 12 cats. The movement for women's rights has been gaining strength this whole time. Your coworkers, even the men, have started treating you the same as the other men. You're "one of the guys" now. You've broken free from the traditionally oppressive role of women. But on this particular day, you heard a joke that troubled you. The guys at the office were standing around the water cooler and you heard a joke about women. This infuriates you. You feel hurt, offended and belittled. You decide to file for sexual harassment. Stop right there.

What I have just described to you, is the feminist movement. Women were held in a place of respect and honor. That wasn't good enough. You wanted to be "just one of the guys". So, you became "one of the guys", but you don't like the way you were treated. You weren't respected. Now, you complain about the way you are treated. Sounds to me like your entire ideology is twisted and you have no idea what you want.

If you're some shallow feminist and this has struck a cord with you, go home & kill your cats. Sell your Beetle. Get rid of your buzz cut and grow some hair. While your waiting for that, stop watching "Sex & the City". Go read "Gates of Fire" & learn about honorable men and a true demonstration of love. Get rid of you're 80's style high-shouldered man suits. Buy some real clothes, and if you're really feeling daring, go get some bras. Get your nails done, go to etiquette school. Stop hanging out with all your miserable, career-women, single friends. Start befriending people that have what you want to have. Learn from them. Go watch a sunset; go star-gaze. Start thinking about what life is really about. We're not here to see how many titles we can collect, how many backs we can step on as we ascend the corporate ladder or see how many cats we can own & still remember their names. If by some chance your original husband is still single, maybe you should see how he is doing. And when you can summon enough intestinal fortitude, maybe you should apologize to him and your children for what you did to them. The most important thing to remember, though, is that you can change. Your life isn't over yet. There is still time to improve. Don't worry about everything that you missed out on because you'll never be able to change that. Just change what you do now. That's all that matters.

Crispy

Forrest Goes to Iraq

Ever have a series of days where everything you do back fires or straight up crashes & burns (like TWA Flight 800)? I know I have! This recent series of unfortunate events has led me to have had an epiphany. Life is like a walk down a street in Iraq; you never know when you're going to get hit with an IED. Now that I got that out, I'm going to crawl back inside my box and play with my finger puppets some more.

Crispy

US-CERT TA06-005A -- Update for Microsoft Windows Metafile Vulnerability

Technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA06-005A.html

Non-technical: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA06-005A.html

Crispy

Are They Still Acting?

I've been looking for a suitable topic to blog about recently, but nothing was coming to mind. I couldn't even run into a situation where I experienced something to write about. And as I sit here and write letting my words take me in whatever direction, I realized that too many people say, "When I get such & such, I'll be happy," or, "Once I get some more money, I'll be happy." Guess what. Money, alone, won't make you happy. Look at Hollywood. Those are some of the richest, and most dysfunctional, people on the face of the earth. Do you think they're happy? "Well they sure look it!" Of course they look it! That's why they're called "actors" and "actresses". They put on a show.

I'm starting to think that acting, as much as they do, damages the human psychie beyond repair. How many times do we see a Hollywood couple break up just after one of them does a movie with a different person of the opposite sex and hook up with said individual? Example: Brad Pitt & Jennifer Aniston who was recently replaced by, just forgot her name... the tall one with the jacked up face... Tomb Raider girl. (See how much I care about Hollywood?) Brad & What's-her-name just did that Mr. & Mrs. Smith movie. They act so much that their mind can no longer distinguish between reality and fiction. The movie set and their everyday lives become interchangeable. Similar to my theory about how women who watch Sex & City (& all those other shows on my hit list) eventually crave for the same drama and types of relationships in their lives as those portrayed on the show, I think the Hollywood crowd begins to demand the same type of drama in their lives that is found in the movies they make.

Getting off that rabbit trail and back to where I wanted this to go... Realize that life is right now. Life doesn't begin when you get that new car, that big promotion, a new boyfriend, or the new, louder, more retarded bird. Life is going on right now. Why waste time being drunk or high? It really isn't worth it. If something is bothering you, change it. Don't complain about what you permit in your own life. And if whatever is bothering you isn't in your life, get over it. You aren't responsible for everyone else's decisions. They need to live their own life. Let them feel the consequences of their decisions. Don't cushion their fall. Maybe they'll eventually get the clue and change. Then, you won't even have the issue to worry about anymore, even though you'll probably find something else to fret about.

As much as I hate to do this, to quote some lyrics from Switchfoot, "This is your life. Are you who you want to be?" If you aren't, you are the only one capable of changing you into whatever you want to be.

Crispy

Movie Review: Kingdom of Heaven

To put it mildly, a blatant propaganda film attempting to depict Christianity and Islam as being similar, if not identical in everything except methodology. If you can look past that, this film brings an excellent look into the warfare of the 1100's (Crusades). Again, the father of the main character instilled some worthwhile values in his son (not all, but some). I would recommend this movie for anyone who has an interest in historical warfare or someone who is just looking for a good movie with no foul language in it. Be forewarned, though, there's a bit of violence. So, if you're a peace-loving hippie, you probably won't like it. Speaking of which, why are you reading MRB?? But, that's another discussion. Overall, a descent movie.

Crispy

Movie Review: Batman Begins

This was the second time that I'd seen "Batman Begins". As for life lessons, the movie scores a 5/5. The movie gives us a much closer look at Bruce Wayne's childhood and explains the motivations for his crime-fighting obsession. I must say, the first half of the movie, where the character of Batman is developed, is much better than the second half of the movie where most of the action takes place. The car chase got boring and the hallucinations of the masses became monotonous. That aside, though, I strongly recommend the movie even if only for the life lesson segments. Also, be ready for a sequel to Batman Begins.

Crispy