Just Returned From Texas

I apologize for the hiatus, but I spent the last two weeks in Texas with my wife and kids. It was my first visit to the Lonestar State, but I must say, I find it oddly familiar. The area I was in reminded me somewhat of my hometown. Well, maybe not my hometown (there were no gangsters or the slums I remember), but it reminded me a little of the San Juaquin valley, where Turlock is. My new house there is wonderful, and with a little (okay, a LOT) of work, and 200-300 dollars worth of flowers and landscaping, the front yard is by far the best on the block, and perhaps the best in the development. Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon (I was too busy enjoying the visit to take any myself) to post soon.

But I'm back now, and I'll be posting more to here and my other blog, ran-dumbwritings.blogspot.com in the near future. I'm just about ready to start submitting some short stories some magazines, so there should be some entertaining posts on that blog in the coming weeks.

I'm Branching Out

I've created another blog that will document my struggles as an aspiring writer. You can be there for each step of the way as I write a novel and short stories, then attempt to get it published.

This is a chance for those of you who want to see what it's like for a writer to break into the business, and you'll be able to share his successes and failures (hopefully there will be more of the former than the latter).

I'll also continue to update this blog and use it for my takes on politics, the military and mainstream media.

Happy reading.

"...Not a Lot of English... About This Much"

I don't agree with making English the offical language of the U.S. I know, I'm a Republican, and I don't agree with something the president is saying... it's crazy, I know. But the president isn't saying it... the Senate is.

Either way, the fact that America doesn't have an official language is what makes the nation what it is: a nation of immigrants. Let's get a few things straight about my take on immigration before I go any further.

-I think we should have a thirty foot electrified fence with boiling cauldrons of oil standing by at the top.

-Immigration is a privelage to be earned (especially in this GWOT day and age), not a right.

-We need patriots who come to this country because they love what it stands for, not because we have jobs.

-Citizens are not an import.

-If you're going to be an American, you have to be able to function in this society. That means learning the common language and understanding our government. You aren't going to add any value (like immigrants of the past) if you're a succubus gnawing at the teat of our economy.

All that said, I understand that the common language is English, and that that's what people need to learn when they come here. But to make it our national language is taking it a step too far. I think it's a case of being overgoverned. It's an insult to us as a nation that our government doesn't have the faith in us to function in this country. It's akin to telling a child to use a spoon with his cereal, not chopsticks. There's an obviousness there that the government must not think we see.

So go on, make English the national language. And until you tell me that fire is hot, I'm going to keep putting my fingers in it.

The Death of another Icon - The Hoffa Mystery

Damn. I hope they don't find him. America needs a mystery, I'd rather it be a missing Teamster boss than hidden tunnels between the U.S. and Mexico.

The Passing of an Icon

Navy Ex-Aircraft Carrier Sunk, ‘Reefed’ off Pensacola

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The ex-Oriskany, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, became the largest ship intentionally sunk as an artificial reef May 17 when it was sunk approximately 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola, Fla.

After 25 years of service to the Navy in operations in Korea, Vietnam and the Mediterranean, ex-Oriskany will now benefit marine life, sport fishing and recreation diving off the coast of the Florida panhandle.

Bush: 'Catch and release' of illegal immigrants will end

"... Illegal immigrant hunting season to begin June 1st and run through September. A special permit will be required for hunting does."

The Stars at Night...

...are big and bright! Not exactly new news to those who know me, but in October I'll be moving to Texas for my next duty station. We just bought a brand new house in Keller. If we had bought the same 4 bed, 2 bath house in Hawaii, we would have paid close to $1M for it. Fortunately, we got it for the bargain price of $130K. The wife is in Texas now tending to all the details like to goddess that she is, while I spend my last six months in Hawaii writing. Hopefully, I'll be able sell my ms (manuscript) for some extra cash, and we'd be able to buy those little extra things... like blinds and furniture. Oh, the joy of being a homeowner.

To Pinky Diablo: No, Pinky D. does not have a stalker.

(p.s., I've never seen the house except for pictures, but I totally trust the wife's judgement.)