Wassup team!?!
First, BON LUNDI GRAS!!!
(Happy Fat Monday!!!)
I am certainly enjoying my first Monday off work in a while; especially since I had to work yesterday and Saturday. But, I digress...
One of my new curiosities recently is a semi-new product from Ceton called the InfiniTV 4. Essentially, it's an add-on PCIe board for your PC that functions as both a DVR and a multi-stream tuner. Although its a niche product, I can certainly see it's merits. If you don't mind using a product tied to Micro$oft and you have whole home gigabit ethernet, then it might be a viable solution to rid yourself of the rental cable boxes that Cox, Comcast & Time-Warner saddle us with.
Umm.... what else?
Oh! Is anyone else enthralled by the garbagemen riding on the back of the trash truck? What happens if they fall off? How does the driver know?
-JGH
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Where Were You in 2003?
So, I need to know something. Where was the Tea Party in 2003?
2003, if you remember, was the year that George Bush led this nation to war in Iraq. It was also the year that our commander in chief decided to side line the search for Osama bin Laden in favor of taking down the regime in Iraq.
Where was your "righteous indignation" then? Where were the protests then?
Do you actually believe that Bush was better president? Is that it?
Why is that now, when we have legitimately elected black president, that he has been called everything from a "loud Kenyan" to the second coming of Hitler.
I am calling bullshit.
And, I am calling racism.
Yep, I dropped the "R" card.
That's just the way I see it. I'm tired of the slander and hate speech.
I know you'll claim that this isn't about the President's race, it's about his policies.
BULLSHIT.
Because, I know where y'all were in '03.
If I offended you, then good. Perhaps now you'll see how this sworn defender of the Constitution of the United States of America feels when you make wild assed claims against the Commander in Chief.
Comment or not. I don't really care. Because, I know where *I* was 2003.
2003, if you remember, was the year that George Bush led this nation to war in Iraq. It was also the year that our commander in chief decided to side line the search for Osama bin Laden in favor of taking down the regime in Iraq.
Where was your "righteous indignation" then? Where were the protests then?
Do you actually believe that Bush was better president? Is that it?
Why is that now, when we have legitimately elected black president, that he has been called everything from a "loud Kenyan" to the second coming of Hitler.
I am calling bullshit.
And, I am calling racism.
Yep, I dropped the "R" card.
That's just the way I see it. I'm tired of the slander and hate speech.
I know you'll claim that this isn't about the President's race, it's about his policies.
BULLSHIT.
Because, I know where y'all were in '03.
If I offended you, then good. Perhaps now you'll see how this sworn defender of the Constitution of the United States of America feels when you make wild assed claims against the Commander in Chief.
Comment or not. I don't really care. Because, I know where *I* was 2003.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Distribution of Wealth
I wrote this blog last week but did not post it.
It was my intention to put down some thoughts about my feelings on the governance of corporations. It was not my intention to create a blog entry or start a flame war.
That said, keep it civil. I will make that promise as well. I respect and encourage all of your comments.
Read on...
One of things that intrigues me about American society is the distribution of wealth. Let me explain. In past times, wealth in the US was mainly centered among the people. Sure, there were the rich and poor. But mainly, PEOPLE held the wealth. It was tied up in their businesses, farms and homes. As such, politicians catered to the wants of the people. And, more importantly, visionary leaders even took up the cause of guarding against the tyranny of the majority. (But that is a blog for another time) Point is, our politicians and political leaders were beholden to us.
Now, more and more, it seems that politicians are not beholden to the populace. They are beholden to corporations. Joe Snuffy be damned.
Why is this? Well simple. The wealth in America is not so much held by the people as much as it is held by corporations. Let me state right here that this is not intended to be an anti-corporate rant. But, I do want to point some holes that I perceive in the system, and perhaps, provoke some thought.
Anyhow, I guess my main point is that since corporations hold some much wealth, it is natural that lawmakers cater to their needs. In fact, it is almost a mantra among politicians that they are "pro-business." But really, what does that mean? The most glaring examples come in the form of government bailouts of the auto and banking industries. But more sinister examples come to light in the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Clearly, it is the responsibility of BP, TransOcean and their partners to make this right, whatever that entails. But, Rep. Joe Barton of TX actually said that President Obama should be apologizing to BP. That's not all. Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana screamed equally loudly that the federal government should be helping more and that the president's moratorium on deep water drilling was akin to sinking the entire coastal economy of Louisiana. Sorry chum, that gusher underneath the Deepwater Horizon wreckage is already making that happen. Am I they only person that see the hypocrisy at play here?
Nameless, faceless corporations with legions of attorneys and lobbyists have usurped that American democratic practice. What's worse, corporations have made it so the US government (or state & local governments) can't even support themselves. Now I know that some folks would say that government bloat is the root of all evil. I say phoey!
Like it or not, governments rely on taxes to fund themselves. If you like good roads, police & fire departments and quality public schools, then you LIKE government. Yet, corporations hardly pay any taxes. I for one don't think that's fair. In fact they have gotten so turned around that we think corporations are MORE IMPORTANT than governance. (that's correct, I said GOVERNANCE) We are so worried that our, community, state & nation will be deemed as "anti-corporate" that we have given the nod to our lawmakers to give away real estate, natural resources, and most damaging, tax breaks to corporations. Perhaps it is time to be a bit anti-corporate. Perhaps it is time for our lawmakers to protect us against the tyranny of the majority (of wealth).
-JGH
It was my intention to put down some thoughts about my feelings on the governance of corporations. It was not my intention to create a blog entry or start a flame war.
That said, keep it civil. I will make that promise as well. I respect and encourage all of your comments.
Read on...
One of things that intrigues me about American society is the distribution of wealth. Let me explain. In past times, wealth in the US was mainly centered among the people. Sure, there were the rich and poor. But mainly, PEOPLE held the wealth. It was tied up in their businesses, farms and homes. As such, politicians catered to the wants of the people. And, more importantly, visionary leaders even took up the cause of guarding against the tyranny of the majority. (But that is a blog for another time) Point is, our politicians and political leaders were beholden to us.
Now, more and more, it seems that politicians are not beholden to the populace. They are beholden to corporations. Joe Snuffy be damned.
Why is this? Well simple. The wealth in America is not so much held by the people as much as it is held by corporations. Let me state right here that this is not intended to be an anti-corporate rant. But, I do want to point some holes that I perceive in the system, and perhaps, provoke some thought.
Anyhow, I guess my main point is that since corporations hold some much wealth, it is natural that lawmakers cater to their needs. In fact, it is almost a mantra among politicians that they are "pro-business." But really, what does that mean? The most glaring examples come in the form of government bailouts of the auto and banking industries. But more sinister examples come to light in the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Clearly, it is the responsibility of BP, TransOcean and their partners to make this right, whatever that entails. But, Rep. Joe Barton of TX actually said that President Obama should be apologizing to BP. That's not all. Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana screamed equally loudly that the federal government should be helping more and that the president's moratorium on deep water drilling was akin to sinking the entire coastal economy of Louisiana. Sorry chum, that gusher underneath the Deepwater Horizon wreckage is already making that happen. Am I they only person that see the hypocrisy at play here?
Nameless, faceless corporations with legions of attorneys and lobbyists have usurped that American democratic practice. What's worse, corporations have made it so the US government (or state & local governments) can't even support themselves. Now I know that some folks would say that government bloat is the root of all evil. I say phoey!
Like it or not, governments rely on taxes to fund themselves. If you like good roads, police & fire departments and quality public schools, then you LIKE government. Yet, corporations hardly pay any taxes. I for one don't think that's fair. In fact they have gotten so turned around that we think corporations are MORE IMPORTANT than governance. (that's correct, I said GOVERNANCE) We are so worried that our, community, state & nation will be deemed as "anti-corporate" that we have given the nod to our lawmakers to give away real estate, natural resources, and most damaging, tax breaks to corporations. Perhaps it is time to be a bit anti-corporate. Perhaps it is time for our lawmakers to protect us against the tyranny of the majority (of wealth).
-JGH
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Release the Hounds!
Alright folks. I have kept quiet long enough. It's time for me weigh in on the great "Debate" of 2010.
The Healthcare Bill.
If you were against the healthcare bill, then please, drop all of the propaganda and listen to yourselves.
Socialism? The end to Freedom in America?
C'mon! That happened back in 2000 when y'all elected Gee-Dub as prez!
Look, in my humble opinion, the greatest assault on American Freedom came in the form of the Bush-Cheney regime. An unnecessary war in Iraq. Ignoring Afghanistan. Illegal wiretaps. Domestic spying. Not to mention STOPLOSS, the over-stretching of the military and the involuntary call-up of thousands of IRR troops.
So, you guys want to trash not only bill but also the president himself over what?
A genuine effort to help ALL AMERICANS get some kind of health coverage?
A president that wants to get things he promised done?
What is it? Seriously, do you actually believe that y'all are the only ones who deserve healthcare?
OHHHHH! I forgot! It's the budget! That's right... We can't afford to ensure that all American get healthcare.
But... we could afford Iraq?
Newsflash. We can't. We never could. YOURkids grandkids are going to be paying THAT bill.
Healthcare costs money. Got that. But, can we really afford to NOT provide healthcare?
I don't know any independently wealthy people. Just about everyone I know is about ONE major illness in themselves or a family member away from bankruptcy.
Look, I'm not saying the bill is perfect. But, it is a start. This is a compromise.
Which, it seems, is a concept foreign to the "raging right."
Just don't let your "righteous rage" blind you to that fact America is ready to move forward, not just maintain the status-quo.
Next stop. Finance reform.
-JGH
The Healthcare Bill.
If you were against the healthcare bill, then please, drop all of the propaganda and listen to yourselves.
Socialism? The end to Freedom in America?
C'mon! That happened back in 2000 when y'all elected Gee-Dub as prez!
Look, in my humble opinion, the greatest assault on American Freedom came in the form of the Bush-Cheney regime. An unnecessary war in Iraq. Ignoring Afghanistan. Illegal wiretaps. Domestic spying. Not to mention STOPLOSS, the over-stretching of the military and the involuntary call-up of thousands of IRR troops.
So, you guys want to trash not only bill but also the president himself over what?
A genuine effort to help ALL AMERICANS get some kind of health coverage?
A president that wants to get things he promised done?
What is it? Seriously, do you actually believe that y'all are the only ones who deserve healthcare?
OHHHHH! I forgot! It's the budget! That's right... We can't afford to ensure that all American get healthcare.
But... we could afford Iraq?
Newsflash. We can't. We never could. YOUR
Healthcare costs money. Got that. But, can we really afford to NOT provide healthcare?
I don't know any independently wealthy people. Just about everyone I know is about ONE major illness in themselves or a family member away from bankruptcy.
Look, I'm not saying the bill is perfect. But, it is a start. This is a compromise.
Which, it seems, is a concept foreign to the "raging right."
Just don't let your "righteous rage" blind you to that fact America is ready to move forward, not just maintain the status-quo.
Next stop. Finance reform.
-JGH
Friday, February 12, 2010
Time to Take Stock of Where I am...
So, I turned down the Dallas Police Department.
Yep. I finally got a call back from them. But, I am already with Target. I'm just now starting to get into the swing of things. So, the DPD is out.
Target is an interesting place to work. I am distribution Group Leader. That's "Target-speak" for a manager. Each company that I have worked with has it's own culture and vocabulary. But besides the Army, Target's is most distinct and overarching. For example, they don't have meetings, they "partner" or have "statues." When I was at SL, I always joked that "partnering" was somehow akin to prison rape. Now I have fallen into the same vernacular. The one thing that I really don't like is my "key," which is Target for shift. I work the weekends. Overnight. So, for the time being, weekend activities are out. Now, don't get me wrong, I love having all week to myself. It's just that it's far less fun when I don't have anyone else around to enjoy it with me.
Surprisingly though, I find myself missing the Army. Granted, being in Iraq sucked. I can't emphasize that enough. But, I worked with a really great team. In fact, I was surprised at how well our team meshed so quickly. Perhaps it was the conditions and environment. I can't say for sure. But, I can say that I miss my team. As, I become more involved with my new reserve unit, I hope that I can regain some of that camaraderie that I felt in my previous military assignments.
Until next time...
Take care y'all!
-JGH
Yep. I finally got a call back from them. But, I am already with Target. I'm just now starting to get into the swing of things. So, the DPD is out.
Target is an interesting place to work. I am distribution Group Leader. That's "Target-speak" for a manager. Each company that I have worked with has it's own culture and vocabulary. But besides the Army, Target's is most distinct and overarching. For example, they don't have meetings, they "partner" or have "statues." When I was at SL, I always joked that "partnering" was somehow akin to prison rape. Now I have fallen into the same vernacular. The one thing that I really don't like is my "key," which is Target for shift. I work the weekends. Overnight. So, for the time being, weekend activities are out. Now, don't get me wrong, I love having all week to myself. It's just that it's far less fun when I don't have anyone else around to enjoy it with me.
Surprisingly though, I find myself missing the Army. Granted, being in Iraq sucked. I can't emphasize that enough. But, I worked with a really great team. In fact, I was surprised at how well our team meshed so quickly. Perhaps it was the conditions and environment. I can't say for sure. But, I can say that I miss my team. As, I become more involved with my new reserve unit, I hope that I can regain some of that camaraderie that I felt in my previous military assignments.
Until next time...
Take care y'all!
-JGH
Monday, December 14, 2009
Anyone Still Out There
Helloooo......
Is anyone still out there?
No?
Oh well, I guess I post anyway.
So, where do I start? Ummm... for those of you that didn't know, I am home from Iraq.
As of October 7th, 2009, I was officially released from active duty back into civilian life. I actually got home on the 18th or 19th of September. But, because of the way the Army handles leave, I wasn't actually "RELEASED" until October 7th.
"RELEASED" does make it sound a bit like a prison sentence. But, I digress.
Since I've been home, I have busied myself with looking for a new job. You see, my old job is in Newport News, VA. I now live in Grand Prairie, TX. That commute would be a killer! So, I resigned.
I have applied to the Dallas Police Department. I've been through their physical aptitude test, their civil service exam, a polygraph and an interview board. But, I've still heard nothing back. I wonder if they've forgotten my number?
Luckily, I have two other prospects. The first, I am going to keep under my hat. It is all but a sure thing, as I have already interviewed and been offered the position. The second is an active duty position with my reserve unit. But, again, it's taking forever to hear back on whether I will get that position or not.
I guess the long & short of it is, I'll be working by January 4th no matter what.
Wow... that was a lot.
Anyhow, I've decided to start up my blogging habit again. I've not decided yet how often yet. But, it was always a good way to get stuff off of my chest.
Take care y'all...
-JGH
Is anyone still out there?
No?
Oh well, I guess I post anyway.
So, where do I start? Ummm... for those of you that didn't know, I am home from Iraq.
As of October 7th, 2009, I was officially released from active duty back into civilian life. I actually got home on the 18th or 19th of September. But, because of the way the Army handles leave, I wasn't actually "RELEASED" until October 7th.
"RELEASED" does make it sound a bit like a prison sentence. But, I digress.
Since I've been home, I have busied myself with looking for a new job. You see, my old job is in Newport News, VA. I now live in Grand Prairie, TX. That commute would be a killer! So, I resigned.
I have applied to the Dallas Police Department. I've been through their physical aptitude test, their civil service exam, a polygraph and an interview board. But, I've still heard nothing back. I wonder if they've forgotten my number?
Luckily, I have two other prospects. The first, I am going to keep under my hat. It is all but a sure thing, as I have already interviewed and been offered the position. The second is an active duty position with my reserve unit. But, again, it's taking forever to hear back on whether I will get that position or not.
I guess the long & short of it is, I'll be working by January 4th no matter what.
Wow... that was a lot.
Anyhow, I've decided to start up my blogging habit again. I've not decided yet how often yet. But, it was always a good way to get stuff off of my chest.
Take care y'all...
-JGH
Thursday, July 30, 2009
KUDOS!
Yes...
I know...
I suck because I haven't posted in so long.
Sue me.
Since SFC Fisher & I were pulled away to other assignments last week, we were unable to take part in the Tarmiyah Youth Sports Program as planned.
But, I wanted to give public kudos to the following units for making yesterday's Tamiyah Youth Sports Program a resounding success:
It was truely an event for us and the Iraqis to be proud of. Thanks to everyone who supported us with soccer balls or otherwise. Over 1500 children showed up for this event. You helped us make a difference here in Tarmiyah!
(now if we can just keep the Iraqi police from stealing balls next time...)
-JGH
I know...
I suck because I haven't posted in so long.
Sue me.
Since SFC Fisher & I were pulled away to other assignments last week, we were unable to take part in the Tarmiyah Youth Sports Program as planned.
But, I wanted to give public kudos to the following units for making yesterday's Tamiyah Youth Sports Program a resounding success:
- Tactical PSYOP Team 1213
- Team Blue, 1-111th Infantry
- Charlie "Choctaw" Company, 1-111th Infantry
It was truely an event for us and the Iraqis to be proud of. Thanks to everyone who supported us with soccer balls or otherwise. Over 1500 children showed up for this event. You helped us make a difference here in Tarmiyah!
(now if we can just keep the Iraqi police from stealing balls next time...)
-JGH
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