"Passion For Murder" Website Updated!

My Uncle Eric Miller and I have just completed a major update to our website, Passion For Murder.

Eric is working to complete a new book called, Freud Profiled: Serial Killer (Type: Roman Emperor)

I have read the first chapter, and I think this will be a fascinating, fun read. While very informative, it will be a little less academic than Eric's Passion for Murder.

We have a 20+ page excerpt of the new book, available free of charge, available at the website right now. We expect to have the book finished and published in the Spring of 2010.

As always, we'd like to hear any feedback from you (good, bad or ugly!). Thanks!

Thanksgiving 2009

Via Gateway Pundit:

On October 3, 1789 President George Washington released this proclamation:

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Old Home Movie

I was home channel surfing when I came across this video on the Seattle Channel.

It was a home movie someone made of the 1925 City of Seattle Streets and Sewers department company picnic held on August 15, 1925.

I have an interest in old silent movies, and this one really grabbed me due to the insight into "normal" folks and life of this era (as opposed to what we see in the Hollywood movies of the time).

It's 31 minutes long, I watched the whole thing. I hope you enjoy it, too!

Post Pending Legislation Online!

[Sent this note to my Senators and Representative:]

Dear Congressman McDermott,

When President Obama was campaigning for office, he pledged to post all pending legislation on line. I am very disappointed that this pledge has not come to fruition. This article brought this issue to my attention: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Baucus-claims-its-too-difficult-to-put-health-care-bill-online-61246377.html

Please work to post all pending legislation online. We have a government Of the people, for the people, by the people. How can we have that if we don't know what our representatives are voting on?

Thank you,
Greg Moon
Seattle

September 12, 2009 D.C. Tea Party

I'm very proud to have attended what seems to have been the first "Tea Party" in Seattle on February 16, 2009.

The movement has continued pretty continuously since. Today, it seems at least 10s of thousands or perhaps 100s of thousands and maybe even up to a million mainly ORDINARY Americans have descended on Washington DC to show their disagreement with the Federal Government's HUGE deficits and new, increased spending.

This is a wonderful freedom we enjoy, the right to gather, protest, and speak, whatever the issue.

Update 11:22 AM
Crowd estimated to be 2,000,000!!

Update 9/14/2009 #1
Crowd estimates vary, still. Ranges from 200,000 to 2,000,000, most likely around 400,000.
Still, a HUGE crowd. If it had been for a different cause, say anti-war, it would have gotten a lot more coverage, I think.

Update 9/14/2009 #2
I'm a numbers and statistics geek. A seemingly smart person says 850,000


Photo by Mary Katherine Ham, via Instapundit.

Home From California

I had a great road trip to California! I stayed the first night in a motel in Yreka, CA. The next morning, I continued on to Cupertino to visit my good friends the Uminos. It was a brief visit, but it is always good to see them! I then drove the rest of the way to San Diego, I arrived around 10:00 PM at my Uncle Butch's.

On Sunday evening, I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Maurice. It was a wonderful party at a nice Italian restaurant in San Diego.

The rest of my stay included fun, humorous and spirited discussions with Uncle Butch, visiting with Cousins Eric, Susan and Rhonda, visiting Uncle Dick and Aunt Joyce.

I stopped in Portland yesterday evening on the way home to see a very good old friend, Dennis. We had dinner and a drink together in Beaverton, OR. I got home last night after stopping to pick up my retriever Midas at my brother's in North Bend. I had a great time, but it's also good to be home!

I'll post some pics later.

"Funemployment" & Heading To California

My 4 month contract through Excell Data just finished yesterday. I worked with some very bright and funny folks at the job site at IOD. We wrote a lot of great VB.NET code, had a lot of laughs and yes, had a few vigorous political debates. Contracting life is funny- you go somewhere, meet some folks, write some code, then you're gone, and you don't know what's next. Strange, but fun.

The end of the project is at a good time, I've been invited to attend an important family event in Southern California on Sunday. I've decided to drive down (due to the last minute nature of the invite, and the high car-rental costs in So Cal).

I'll hang out down there for a week or so, visiting family and hopefully a few friends along the way. Kinda like a mini version of my grand USA trip last year!
-Greg

Health Care Debate

I had this exchange on an email thread I've been on since 2004 or so re: Nationalized Health Care:

****************************************************************************

(My friend Larry said): the free market has proven that it cannot run health care.

(Me): You're kidding right? What we need is a FREER market. As it stands, 82% of all Americans have health coverage. I know of NOBODY who has ever gone untreated in this country (with one exception, and that guy was running from the law...). When I was between contracts last year, I CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE coverage for 7 months. Dumb? Maybe. But, a lot of college age kids and young adults CHOOSE not to get coverage. Not a tragedy.

Did I tell you about my friend Dave?

My friend Dave had virtually NO assets, and when he got sick with heart disease and cancer, the government covered him COMPLETELY. The government took care of ALL his hospital bills from 1999 until he died (AS WE ALL WILL) in 2003. The Government covered his housing for a couple years at the end, too. The worst part of the story was the horrific government bureaucracy he had to deal with. He HATED that part. He sank endless hours filling out paper work as he suffered horribly and was on the way to his grave.

I feel bad for Eric's story of the high cost of his ER visit. However, when I got in a car wreck, I had to pay $500 to repair the car. My body is a lot more important to me than my car- I'm willing to pay to keep it (my body) going.

That bottom line is: "What is important to you?" Upholding the constitution and it's guarantees of freedom or a bunch of free goodies?

I'll throw out the quote I've heard from leftist friends re: Bush's wiretapping program:

'Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither' - Benjamin Franklin

100 Year Annivesary of the Model T

Most of you know who know me, know that I love history. This little video was really fascinating to me, a brief history of the Model T (1909 to 1928). Almost 15 1/2 million were built! Consider the time, the early 20th century, and your realize that is a HUGE number!

Watch the Video Here!

This Time, Senator Cantwell

I've almost become an activist!

Dear Senator Cantwell,

I'm very concerned about the story of fired AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin. I watched him being interviewed this evening on cable television, and he certainly seems like a competent man. This is a very important story, the executive branch may have broken the law by firing him without good reason and without the required 30 day notice.

Even if this firing was legal, it looks suspicious when the President fires someone investigating wrong-doing of a major supporter/contributor.

An opinion I share on this issue:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Fired-AmeriCorps-IG-responds-White-House-charges-are-false-48257187.html

The rule of law is essential in our Constitutional Republic, and no one, even the President, is above the law.

Thank you,
Greg Moon
Seattle

Price Reduced for "Passion For Murder"!

We've reduced the price of Passion for murder - The Homicidal Deeds of Dr. Sigmund Freud to $14.95! Also, we are selling the electronic version of the book for just $7.95.

As always, Eric Miller provides scads of free essays at the Passion for Muder Website!

The alleged killer:

Yet Another Letter to Senator Murray

Maybe I'm too concerned, but I just have a bad vibe about the direction of our country. I hope I'm wrong. In any event, I felt compelled to write Senator Murray again.

Here it is:

Dear Senator Murray,

I am writing to express strong concern about the current state of the nation.

Why is the federal government assuming control of our major banks and automobile companies? Why is the federal government considering seizing control of our health care industry?

Why is the federal government going to have a $1.8 trillion deficit THIS YEAR?

I've read several books about the great people who laid out the foundation of our great nation. Adams, Washington, Jefferson & Madison all envisioned a small central government with a careful balance of the various branches of power, and freedom for all. Are we living faithfully to the founding vision of the United States? I'm sad to say, I think not.

I and many of my friends and acquaintances are becoming increasingly alarmed at the rapid expansion of federal power in general, and the executive branch in particular.

Please work hard to preserve our great CONSTITUTIONAL Republic, and the freedoms we enjoy. Please work hard to preserve the vital role of the legislative branch of the government. YOU make our laws!

Thank you for your consideration,
Greg Moon
Seattle

New Podcast Up

Our 4th episode is up! 1st Show in a month. We recorded on Sunday 5/24.

Topics include:

* Montauk Monster Follow Up
* Bill Gates Releases Mosquitos at a Conference
* "Biohackers"
* Australian SETI Team Finds Possible Sign of Intelligence
* "Urban Phantom" Visits Seattle
* The Funny Stuff That Shows Up on Greg's Street

Another Letter To Senator Murray

Dear Senator Murray,

I want to thank you for responding each time I've written. I've heard of other politicians who don't, so the effort you and your staff put forth to respond is commendable. Frankly, however, it is sad that other politicians don't know who really is their boss, the People of their State and district.

I want to once again express my concern about the rapidly growing deficit and the growing power and scope of the Federal Government.

I've read several books about our founding fathers, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Samuel Adams. What I've come away with from each is their love of personal freedoms and their concern about the power of centralized government. A favorite saying from Thomas Jefferson:

"I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive. "

The congress and the Obama administration seem to be increasing the size, scope and power of the Federal Government at an alarming rate, with an estimated $1,750,000,000,000 (White House est.) to $1,850,000,000,000 (CBO estimate) deficit this year alone.

I pray that you are mindful of these proceedings and work to limit the size and power of the Federal Government, as our Founding Fathers envisioned and hoped.

Thank you,
Greg Moon
Seattle

UPDATE: The Senator's Office Reply (5/7/2009):

Dear Mr. Moon:

Thank you so much for taking the time to contact my office and share your kind words of support. I am very proud to represent Washington state in the Senate, and your encouragement means so much to me.

My work in the Senate is focused on people, and nothing is more important to me than receiving advice and comments from the people of Washington state. I hope you will continue to stay in touch on matters of interest to you, and that you will not hesitate to call on me whenever I may be of assistance.

I would also like to thank you for your concerns regarding government spending and the scope of the federal government. I appreciate hearing your views about this important issue.

As you know, the American economy is suffering from the worst recession since the Great Depression. Millions of people have lost their jobs, thousands of families have lost their homes to foreclosure, and many Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing. The federal government has responded by passing stimulus legislation designed to relieve pressure on working families and help put Americans back to work.

In February, Congress passed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which funds numerous programs aimed at creating jobs and helping working families during this recession. This bill reinvests in our nation's infrastructure, extends unemployment insurance for laid-off workers and provides tax cuts to families and businesses struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, H.R. 1 focuses on making strategic investments in our economy by funding alternative energy research and development, workforce training, and education. These investments will help lay the foundation for a stronger economy and workforce in the future.

The cost of these programs is significant, and I understand and share your concerns about our national debt and how the federal government uses your tax dollars. During this unique and very difficult time, I believe that these investments are needed to mitigate the economic recession and put Americans back to work. If we do not make these strategic investments, many economists have made it clear our economy will continue to slide further and further into recession.

Lifting our economy out of this recession and helping Americans get back to work are my top priorities. As a United States Senator, I also remain committed to balancing our budget and reducing the national debt. However, I recognize that if we do not make these investments now we may never be able to get our economy going again and focus in on achieving a balanced budget and reducing our national debt.

As the 111th Congress continues, I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues and the Obama Administration to address this economic crisis and make prudent investments to get our economy back on stable ground. As this and other issues are addressed, I will definitely keep your views on government spending in mind. Thank you for sharing your views with me, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

I hope all is well in Seattle.

Seattle Tea Party, 4/15/2009

Sorry I'm a little tardy with this post, I'm a workin' man again, you know!

I estimated the crowd at the Seattle Tea Party at about 1,600. A lot more than the 2/16/09 protest, where I estimated the crowd at 150 or so!

Some pics:

Amen!

*****************************************

Didn't we hire our representatives to thoughtfully make laws??

*****************************************

Our master-of-ceremony, Liberty Belle!

****************************************

Another "Amen!"

****************************************

No more to say.

Bellevue "Tea Party" 4/15/2009

I attended 2 TEA ("Taxed Enough Already") parties on April 15, 2009. I'll post about the evening Seattle TEA party in a day or two.

There were 2 TEA parties in Bellevue, WA, one at Noon, and the other at 5:00 PM or so. I attended the noon protest, since my new contract is near downtown Bellevue. I estimated the crowd at 1,000 to 1,300. A buddy I met at the scene estimated the crowd at 600. I'm not an expert, but I am an engineer who loves numbers and statistics, I'm fairly confident with my estimate.

Both estimates are way higher than the Seattle Times estimate of 200! They said:

"Under sunny skies in Bellevue, more than 200 people gathered in a grassy park adjacent to city hall over the lunch hour, protesting government spending and taxes."

They were either intentionally misleading or very lazy in their estimate. Shame on them.

Here's a few pics from the protest.

Just a picture of part of the crowd:

A popular message at the gathering:

I've seen this partiotic flag guy in downtown Seattle a few times, too:

Awesome! "Legalize the Constitution"!

Two like-minded buddies with placards I provided.
"The Founding Fathers Wanted LIMITED GOVERNMENT" &
"WE LOVE AMERICA It's Big Government We Hate!!"

Funniest message of the day:

Easter & Taxes

First of all, I hope everyone had a great Easter, I certainly did! I arrived early to my church, Union Church, which meets at the Lake Union Armory building, to help a little setting up. We chit chatted, prayed, enjoyed coffee, pastries and fruit for a light breakfast, then the service started and we had wonderful worship music, a reading and a nice message (as usual!). My family didn't have our usual über-family party (the folks and a Stepbrother are in New Orleans, doing the Lord's work helping fix houses damaged by Katrina. Yeah, still!), but I was invited to a great dinner with my Brother-in-Law's family at a home with a nice view of Lake Washington.

If you read this blog, you know I'm concerned about the huge debt this congress and administration are running up. Stuff like this:

really concerns me (and I don't have kids!). For the first time ever, I attended a deficit/tax protest in February. Well, there is a bigger protest being planned on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, and I urge you to attend!

A List of Washington State events can be found HERE.

I'd like to think this issue is bigger than any one party. Almost all the folks representing us in Congress are to blame. However, it's no secret that the folks that attend these deficit/tax protests tend to lean right... but, I'm willing to bet there are some concerned Democrats/left of center folks who are concerned, too.

Happy, civilized and safe protesting!

Introducing The Rain City Bunker Podcast

4/8/2009 Update:
Episode II is now available!

=============

My buddy Andy and I have decided to start pod casting!

Our web site is called Rain City Bunker, and we started the Rain City Bunker Blog for people to comment on the pod casts. No comments so far... : ( But, we are optimistic we will find a few people (even if just family & friends) who will listen and be entertained.

Andy has a nice Mac with the recording software and equipment, I created the website, and we both "host" the podcast. Each show will be about an hour long.

So far, we just have one episode up. In Episode I, Andy and I introduce ourselves and the show, talk about our approach to the unusual topics we will cover (along with usual topics), unusual events each of us have experienced, talk about a UFO story, and a couple other topics.

We recorded Episode II on 4/5/09, but Andy is working to fix a little technical difficulty before we post it. In Episode II, we interview my Uncle, Eric Miller, about his book & website, Passion for Murder. As readers (I know there's at least 2 or 3 of you!) know, I am working with my Uncle to promote his book.

Actually, the desire to promote the book led to the podcast idea. I told Andy that I was trying to get my Uncle interviewed on the national radio show, Coast to Coast AM. Andy said, "Why don't we interview him ourselves?" and the idea was born.

We were clueless about what to call the show, Andy wanted something about soggy Seattle, moss or the like. When we were setting up in my basement, I said I wanted the name to be something about a basement. Andy then said, "How about 'Rain City Bunker'?" and I loved it and we instantly adopted the name.

Drop by and take a listen!

2 Years In The Community!

I belong to a very cool church here in Seattle, Union Church, a plant from University Presbyterian Church in the U District. (UPC in turn was originally a plant from Seattle 1st Presbyterian!) We do things a little differently than most churches. On the 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays, we meet like any other church in worship ("Eternally Connected"). On the 2nd Sunday, we meet, but worship is more focused in small groups & discussions ("Internally Alive"). On the 4th Sundays, we meet together at a home or somewhere in the community ("Externally Focused").

My small group, "Generation to Generation" has been meeting with the wonderful folks at a retirement home in Seattle for 2 years as of last Sunday. We get together and mingle, and sing classic hymns in worship. I finally got around to taking some pics this week!




Leah played the keyboard this week













My pooch Midas visits, too!













Pauline has a lot of love. Holding Josh & Molly's new baby













Pauline, Molly & cute new daughter. This pic captures the spirit of "Generation to Generation"!










Lynn really enjoys Midas!

Tijuana/San Diego Trip

I just got back from a trip to Tijuana and San Diego! This was my first big trip since I got home from my big around-the-USA trip last spring.

My church, Union Church, sponsored a trip to Tijuana through "Homes Without Boundaries" to build a home for a qualified family. Since I signed up to go, I decided to spend a few days afterward in San Diego where I have some family.

A group of about 15 of us flew down to San Diego on Wednesday 2/18, stayed at La Jolla Presbyterian in La Jolla on Wednesday night, then drove down to Tijuana on Thursday morning. On Thursday, we worked on mixing the concrete in the foundation forms. It included a lot of shoveling and mixing- it's hard work! After work was completed on Thursday, we headed to a local orphanage that has been hosting groups like ours for years.

On Friday, we started working on the framing and painting the siding. By the end of the day on Friday, we had the walls up. On Saturday, we worked on putting up the roof and windows.

On Sunday, we came in to finish the roofing work and install bunk beds for the children. We took pictures, then said our goodbyes and headed for home.

Kudos to the folks on the team who really knew what to do! (Most of us were grunts :) What an amazing experience joining together to help folks in need.

I stayed with my Uncle Butch in San Diego from Sunday until I headed home on Thursday. I had a great time visiting my cousins Eric & Susan, Uncle Dick & Aunt Suzie and Aunt Joyce & Uncle Maurice. I really feel at home in San Diego, it's a beautiful part of the country.

Dissent Is Patriotic!

I attended my first protest today. A group of concerned citizens met down at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle today starting around noon (With all the appropriate permits), to protest the Federal Boondoggle knows as the 2009 "Stimulus Bill". On the conservative side of the isle, it's know as "Porkulus" or "Spendulus". I estimated the crowd at 125 to 150 or so.

It was organized by Liberty Belle a local conservative blogger. I found out about the protest via one of my favoite bloggers, Michelle Malkin.

The protest was mainly peaceful, with 2 fairly minor exceptions. 1, a Lib took the stage uninvited and started shouting something to the effect "Where were you in the last 6 years under Bush?". He was convinced to leave the stage, totally non-physically (as far as I saw). There was another heckler there, shouting comments from the side, eating the free food donated by Michelle Malkin. When he left, he left his garbage on the steps. When someone nicely asked him to take it, he said to the effect, "No Way!"

Here are some of the pics I took:

The protesters gathered close to the stage at the end.


An attractive bunch of anti-pork protesters.


Just say no to giant pork bills!


The youngest (and quite possibly cutest) protester.

Liberty Belle doing her thing, leading the protest!

Little 'ol me, holding my hand made protest sign. I feel so patriotic!


The party crasher who ate free food then left his garbage on the steps.


UPDATE 11:05 PM PST:

Thanks for the link, Gateway Pundit! (one of my favorite blogs)

A lot more pics on Flickr

Video on Seattle's KIRO 7, via Michelle Malkin


UPDATE 2/17/09

Another good blog post, via Michelle Malkin

Fun Stuff

We can all be a Messiah, now!

This just seems right

As the Democrats pass their phenomenally stupid and short sighted $787,000,000,000.00 "Stimulus" this song seems appropriate:



God Save the Republic.

Latest Essay At My Website, "Passion For Murder"

My Uncle Eric has a new essay listing the victims of Dr. Freud at our website. It's short and fascinating, take a gander!

"Stimulus" Perspective

My Email to My Senators

Please contact Senators Murray and Cantwell to express your opinion on the proposed multi-hundred billion "stimulus" package.

I wrote them tonight:

Dear Senator,

I'm writing to express concern for the huge stimulus bill you will be considering shortly.

Please work to ensure that the bill is as efficient and small as possible. Please don't allow project that won't help the economy recover, such as birth control or funding of ACORN.

Please ensure that a lot of the money goes to energy and infrastructure projects- things that can help America's economy become more efficient and reliable.

I just read an article titled "US-EU trade war looms as Barack Obama bill urges 'Buy American' The prospect of a trade war between the US and Europe is looming after "Buy American" provisions were added to President Barack Obama's $820 billion (£573 billion) stimulus package." in the British paper the Telegraph.

While I'm not an historian, I understand trade wars were partially responsible for the Great Depression, and it seems prudent to avoid the path of a new trade war.

Thank you for your SERVICE to the PEOPLE of the great State of Washington.

Sincerely,
Greg Moon

$819,000,000,000.00

The house just approved a $819 some BILLION financial "Stimulus" today. The Senate can block it (but probably won't) but they may cut some of the worst of it.

A friend reminded me of this very appropriate quote from one of the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, who also happened to be a genius:

"When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic. "

I'm not thinking that the United States will collapse at any time now, but if this bill passes, we are on the road to Lord-knows-what, but possibly a European style democratic socialism. That would be a stake in the heart of the worlds largest and most dynamic economy. Europe, while not poverty stricken, survives with an unemployment rate

I've heard a lot of analysts saying that a big portion of this money won't become available until well over a year from now, and the recession should be (fingers crossed) over by then.

This is pork-barrel politics at it's worst. A lot of this money will go to trivial things, and the bill is not really designed to "stimulate" the economy. It is political money going to those who are politically connected. If you don't think Acorn is politically biased, watch this, and read this.

I seem to remember a lot of gnashing of teeth and ripping of garments over the cost of the Iraq war (less than $600 Billion, spent over a six year period). We're preparing to spend $819 billion in the flash of an eye. Where are those people now?

Working In Downtown Seattle

Well, my contract with the City of Seattle will be up soon, on February 13th.

I will miss downtown, I usually enjoy my bus ride, which gives me a chance to get a big chunk of reading done everyday. There are a lot of great places to go for lunch. An Indian/Pakistani place, Café Zum Zum, is my favorite. I've run into a few old friends downtown, and sometimes go to lunch with a friend who works nearby.

I work in the Seattle Municipal Tower, the building in the middle.

Greg On TV!

I was interviewed for a news story today on the local news, KOMO channel 4!

Screen shot:


See the whole fabulous interview!

I'm so proud... I think I came across just a little smarter than President Bush : )

Banned From Little Green Footballs!

Pardon the following rant. I just want to get this on the internet in case folks have had a similar experience on the web.

I love to surf news sites and political blogs. I enjoy the perspective and analysis, and the back-and-forth of posting with other folks around the country.

One of the blogs I've enjoyed a lot for the last few years is Little Green Footballs, created and maintained by Charles Johnson.

I hadn't posted there in quite awhile, when I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in on his "The 2008 Weblog Awards" post. I said (You can read it all if you were so inclined) something to the effect of "I love this site, but I think Charles focuses a little too much on the Creationism/Intelligent Design issue." After that, all bets were off! I was, for lack of a better word, "blog-swarmed". The LGF minions "attacked" me, using profanity and referring to me as a "troll" (Which, in the blog commenting world, is a great insult!). It was late, and there was nothing I could say to ease their anger, so I signed off shortly thereafter.

The next day I went to see what else had gone on, and another poster with the screen name "Motorcycleboy" had written a sharp, but not over-the-top (in my view) parody of LGF's position on the Creationism/Intelligent Design. Once I saw that, I posted that it was funny and accurate (I wanted to defend him, since he had defended me the previous evening). Well, I should have looked at the posts that came just after... Charles banned "Motorcycleboy". Then I thought to myself, "Wow, I bet I was banned too".

Turns out I was:



A few of things, here.
1) I have almost the identical position on the issue as LGF (Which is, don't teach creationism/Intelligent Design in public school science classes). I'm simply not as adamant about the issue as they are. I'd dare say they are fanatical about that issue.

2) Perhaps it was because I was posting at night that I seemed to get the crazies, but I got a very cult-like vibe of "Tow the line, or be cast out!". Charles has a bit of a cult of personality thing going over there (whether he meant to create one or not is another question). That is never healthy, in my view- whether it be worship of a celebrity, politician or anyone else.

3) Charles Johnson is famous, and has appeared on national broadcasts. When you get to that level, don't you need to be willing to engage, and take a little hit now and then? Is his skin really so thin he'd ban someone for saying a parody of him was funny? Well, I know the answer to that last one.

Crazy December/Wonderful Holidays/Happy New Year 2009

Happy New Year to all my family & friends!

Most of you live in the Seattle area, so you know about the week of snow we recently lived here! We had 2 big snow events on Dec 20th and 21st.

Greg & Niece at Stepsister Mary's House

I measured 9" at my home in North Seattle. For Seattle, that's pretty significant. And it was cold for a whole week, which is very rare around here and the snow was everywhere for 7 days. I was pretty fortunate, I was able to get around by bus to work and by car to do little errands around my part of town. I did miss work one day of work on Monday December 22nd, after a valiant 2-hour adventure trying to get downtown for work. I did catch a bus, but the chains snapped, so we all had to get off the bus. I then journeyed to a busier arterial and waited and waited for a bus for 40 minutes, but none came. I started marching home, and did see a bus, but it was so full, it just roared by. I threw in the towel, and went home for the day.

The holidays were wonderful as usual. The Christmas Eve event was held at my Dad's as is traditional. My step mom made her usual wonderful meal of breads, cheeses, meats, and cookies. The folks,


The snow was beautiful, if inconvenient

My stepbrothers John & Peter, Brother Scott and Family, John's wife Kelli and two of her friends, the folks' neighbor Sanjay, and my buddy Andy were all there. Afterwards, we all went to the Buckaroo Tavern, which is also traditional (yeah, really!). We had beers and played pool : )

On Christmas day, a big chunk of the family met at the folks again for the wonderful Christmas breakfast my Step mom Elizabeth makes each year. I went home, chilled, wrapped presents, then drove to Stepsister Mary's beautiful home in Edmonds where the whole family met for the main Christmas gathering, complete with a wonderful dinner.

New Year's eve was pretty mellow. I met my friends Andy and Kim for a pretty good Chinese dinner at Moon Temple in Wallingford, then Andy & I hit the local May Thai restaurant for a couple drinks to ring in the New Year. I was home and asleep by 1:00 AM.

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful and prosperous 2009!