Eminem. When I was younger, we played a game where people's names were put onto your forehead and you had to guess who they were by clues or answered questions from the other person you are teamed up with. Well, the only way I ever got it was through the famous old Mars and Mars chocolate candy. M & M's... the far sweeter version, that's for sure.
I'm not going to lie. I like Eminem and I like listening to his music - sometimes. I mostly blame any rap music that I like on my Freshman year roommate Michael who only listened to rap, day in and out, in our room. He is responsible for my exposure to rap and for forcing me to listen to so much of it that I even know what I like and what I don't like.
For me, Eminem cusses too far much. He is too explicit and graphic for me and yet I love the way he keeps flow to his music and paints his points vividly. And then today I heard his newer song, ""Cold Wind Blows". Well, that's fine and dandy, in my opinion not a great song and I will never listen to it again. However, I made it just far enough into the song to hear him insert God's voice in. I feel like that's the epitome of blasphemy.
I like Eminem, but his songs are definitely 50/50 for me. I like some and absolutely dislike others. But "Relapse" turned out pretty well as an album, and "Love the Way You Lie" is a good song, in my opinion.
30 June 2010
Migration map
This is so cool!!!! Try it out, and I will definitely have to credit John's blog (some guy I don't know who makes good posts so I follow his blog) for putting this up there. Anyhow, check out the migration map and tell me what you think.
Women, and drinking
I know, right? I post another alcohol post on my blog. What's next?
I just wanted to briefly mention this article about women taste testing for Miller. Apparently the champion tester for the last 2 years was from Poland. Who's surprised about that? Not me. However, I was surprised that she used to be a secretary but then SABMiller started hiring in their secretaries to taste beer for them. Lucky for them.
Now, I know that I'm not great at tasting beer. I never claimed to be. However, I like beer a lot more than most women do. So if the company wants to sell beer to the males who they target in all of the ads, don't you think they'd use males with undefined pallets to test it for them? Can I taste a great beer? Yes. Can I tell you what tastes make it great? Sure. But do I plan on buying great beer for the price it will cost me? No. And that's why I doubt that women taste testers are the good choice for beer companies, unless of course they're planning on paying them less to lower the cost of the better beer they end up producing... wink, wink.
I just wanted to briefly mention this article about women taste testing for Miller. Apparently the champion tester for the last 2 years was from Poland. Who's surprised about that? Not me. However, I was surprised that she used to be a secretary but then SABMiller started hiring in their secretaries to taste beer for them. Lucky for them.
Now, I know that I'm not great at tasting beer. I never claimed to be. However, I like beer a lot more than most women do. So if the company wants to sell beer to the males who they target in all of the ads, don't you think they'd use males with undefined pallets to test it for them? Can I taste a great beer? Yes. Can I tell you what tastes make it great? Sure. But do I plan on buying great beer for the price it will cost me? No. And that's why I doubt that women taste testers are the good choice for beer companies, unless of course they're planning on paying them less to lower the cost of the better beer they end up producing... wink, wink.
29 June 2010
Slow and steady wins the space race?
Interesting statement by John Glenn about the space program changes. Honestly, I understand that sending peopel into space isn't really a good use of our money right now when we can't even manage the home front. But then why would we send anyone into space at all?
Unconstitutional?
After a e-newsletter from Rep. Space (OH-18), I'm in a personal struggle here... While I am all about the recent McDonald vs. Chicago US Supreme Court decision which declares that the US 2nd Amendment includes state and local governments, this is also a part of a continuing trend in the US Supreme Court for justices to determine the law. I feel frustrated that so much power is being wielded by our judiciary branch which was not originally created or designed to have so much influence on the government of our country. I wish instead that they defined laws rather than created them by definition. It's a tough call though, considering how important my 2nd Amendment rights are to me, and how glad I am that they will be reversing some of Chicago's rules. But one more thing to think about... will this change the status of Chicago over the long-term. Right now it is such a great city to visit and everyone loves it. How much of that will change?
15 June 2010
315 Closed at Ackerman, etc.
Flavored milk - unhealthy? So says Florida schools who are removing strawberry from the school menu already this year along with soda pop in an effort to fight obesity among children. I'll agree that's a problem we should be concerned with, but is removing milk the answer?
Also, Hogweed and Poison Hemlock are spreading through C. Ohio. I have inserted a picture of the burn that Hogweed causes as well as the appearance the Poison Hemlock plant. Please read both of these articles and learn to distinguish the difference. Eliminate both plants as quickly as possible.
Driving down today to campus was my first day with the 315 route closed because yesterday I was over at the Hippology Contest all day. (Congratulations to the Delaware County Team for their 2nd Place!). So today I headed down and realized just before I got on the highway that I'd forgotten my parking pass. Great. So I turned around and headed back to get the pass. Now, when I say my pass, I really should say Amanda's pass, because she is being gracious enough to share it with me so that we can save money, which especially works well when I don't forget it. Once I had gotten the pass I had to turn around and head back south. 71 S was running pretty smooth for 8 am, but when I tried to get off Weber there was a train. Well, that's just great. Train leaves and suddenly out of nowhere there's a service truck on the tracks. Not so great. So I drive down Silver to get to Hudson cause I'm not going to keep waiting on this. And then, there is this truck trying to back into a place on Silver. Well, if you know that road at all, you know he's go no chance in getting in there easy. So we sat while he tried to back in. Eventually he got in, after holding up everyone, trying 3-4 times and taking the fence in front of him off its posts. Then I still had to get all the way to campus. All told, my trip to OSU today took me 50 minutes. Pathetic.
Facebook continues to be goofy. I can't read any of my messages and my facebook isn't updating at all. I don't know why they haven't fixed it yet, but's been 4 days and this is not cool. I'm currently watching the World Cup on Fifa's Matchcast. It's nice to have it, but it's nothing like ESPN's 360.
No news yet from Tom Izzo, except that there is no news. I'm becoming numb to it all. For better or worse, I want him to make up his mind so that we can figure out where we stand for next year's season.
11 June 2010
My thoughts on BP.
Brits are complaining amidst calls in US for BP to stop paying dividends until they can prove that they have enough cash to pay for their clean-up. Just in case you were wondering if the company would go under... yes, I think that would probably be easier, and less environmentally responsible. But then again, it's hard to tell if they care that much about that anyhow.
New estimates for past flow indicate that BP vastly underestimated the extent of the damage they created in terms of spilled oil. It's absolutely incredible how stupid this corporation full of MBAs and Engineers can make themselves sound right now. I don't wish for BP to go under, because I know people who work for them, but I sure as hell believe they ought to pay every cent it takes to clean up the mess they've made as well as can be done. And to those Brits complaining about your pensions... get over it. This world is cruel and you should sit down and wait for your turn after this mess is cleaned up. Or buy a lot of BP gas, since their revenue directly impacts your income. It's not that I don't care about you, I just want you to get grip on how huge this thing is, or how little attention has been paid to the BP workers who died, or how many other people's entire lives have been destroyed by this.
Also, in case you were wondering, I have inserted the BP plan for collecting oil. Apparently it has been moderately successful, capturing about 50% of oil that spills every day. How long until we get the other 50%? Talk from BP says August. Great. Alternatively, if we ever wanted to compete with the Sun, we could just light the Gulf of Mexico on fire and see how it feels about it's new sibling.
On totally different news - I was in Cuidad Juarez and continue to be surprised about all that happens there, or that we ever visited there for a mission trip. Crazy stuff...
And I have finally uploaded a picture of the bike.
New estimates for past flow indicate that BP vastly underestimated the extent of the damage they created in terms of spilled oil. It's absolutely incredible how stupid this corporation full of MBAs and Engineers can make themselves sound right now. I don't wish for BP to go under, because I know people who work for them, but I sure as hell believe they ought to pay every cent it takes to clean up the mess they've made as well as can be done. And to those Brits complaining about your pensions... get over it. This world is cruel and you should sit down and wait for your turn after this mess is cleaned up. Or buy a lot of BP gas, since their revenue directly impacts your income. It's not that I don't care about you, I just want you to get grip on how huge this thing is, or how little attention has been paid to the BP workers who died, or how many other people's entire lives have been destroyed by this.
Also, in case you were wondering, I have inserted the BP plan for collecting oil. Apparently it has been moderately successful, capturing about 50% of oil that spills every day. How long until we get the other 50%? Talk from BP says August. Great. Alternatively, if we ever wanted to compete with the Sun, we could just light the Gulf of Mexico on fire and see how it feels about it's new sibling.
On totally different news - I was in Cuidad Juarez and continue to be surprised about all that happens there, or that we ever visited there for a mission trip. Crazy stuff...
And I have finally uploaded a picture of the bike.
What now, USC?
Pete Carroll may be "shocked", but I'm on cloud 9. I can't even believe that we could get any more justification against USC and Reggie Bush's taunts than this. And honestly, I do hope that Bush would lose his Heisman. Classy players deserve the award, and he's not one of them.
On another note, I haven't seen a website this bad in a while. Try surfing around the Westerville Parks and Rec Site. And then try looking under helpful links once you've exhausted all other hope of finding what you wanted. Helpful links? No, just a link to Census 2010. Thanks West. Parks and Rec. Thanks for wasting 20 minutes of my time trying to find a basketball league. I know I'm not great with websites, but really?
Also, I went biking yesterday - 16.5 miles - and I'm finally feeling it a bit. This whole 100 miles 2 times is going to be a bit hard. However, I'm planning on taking an easy ride today with the fixi and then a longer ride tomorrow after I'm done with livestock judging practice.
On another note, I haven't seen a website this bad in a while. Try surfing around the Westerville Parks and Rec Site. And then try looking under helpful links once you've exhausted all other hope of finding what you wanted. Helpful links? No, just a link to Census 2010. Thanks West. Parks and Rec. Thanks for wasting 20 minutes of my time trying to find a basketball league. I know I'm not great with websites, but really?
Also, I went biking yesterday - 16.5 miles - and I'm finally feeling it a bit. This whole 100 miles 2 times is going to be a bit hard. However, I'm planning on taking an easy ride today with the fixi and then a longer ride tomorrow after I'm done with livestock judging practice.
10 June 2010
Coach Izzo
Dear Tom Izzo, you would make me so sad if you left MSU. I would have trouble even watching basketball games anymore. You are MSU basketball and we need you there.
Sticker Fingers, among other things (long blog)
Last night we biked to Sticky Fingers up in Cheshire. Interestingly enough, there is a sticky fingers website, but this is not the correct place. Anyhow, it's a decent ride, and Katherine went with me. Mapmyride.com says that I burned 577 calories on the trip. That'd be great except I biked there to get ice cream sandwiches and bring them back. Anyhow, I doubled my mileage limit since I started training, and it was quite easy, especially with the new bike.
Now on to my list of other items (I should credit Sara Long at MSU for most of these links in her excellent weekly newsletter. Let me know if you would like to receive it):
1) Apparently Australia is having a drunk parakeet problem? Who knew parakeet's could get drunk? The better question now is... who's going to figure out how to stop it? It seems that they are treating parakeets everyday for hangovers, but then I was reading what they called a hangover food and that is never what I would've eaten...
2) This BP oil spill continues to infuriate me, especially after I found pictures of some of the killed wildlife. I saw that last week before this new "increased oil collection" happened, BP had been told to spend 1 billion on fixing the environment. What about now that they have increased the amount lost per day?
3) Local humane societies voice frustration with HSUS's dishonest accounting and name stealing. Awesome, it's too bad you're not in Ohio to help with the vote.
4) For those of you who know me long-term, you will understand my interest in this new research related to BSE.
5) What is it with Zoos killing Giraffes? I feel like this happens too often. They don't belong here, why don't we send them back?
6) Check out these NatGeo pictures of their shark elevator in action.
7) Finally, at the end of a long list of links worth reading - this is a new kind of billboard which advertises through smell.
My ride for tonight looks to be 16 miles long, and my weight is back to 237. I don't know what it will take to lose it, but maybe drinking coffee will help? I apologize, I was going to add a picture of my new bike, but it will have to happen next time. I have been cut off on this blog.
Now on to my list of other items (I should credit Sara Long at MSU for most of these links in her excellent weekly newsletter. Let me know if you would like to receive it):
1) Apparently Australia is having a drunk parakeet problem? Who knew parakeet's could get drunk? The better question now is... who's going to figure out how to stop it? It seems that they are treating parakeets everyday for hangovers, but then I was reading what they called a hangover food and that is never what I would've eaten...
2) This BP oil spill continues to infuriate me, especially after I found pictures of some of the killed wildlife. I saw that last week before this new "increased oil collection" happened, BP had been told to spend 1 billion on fixing the environment. What about now that they have increased the amount lost per day?
3) Local humane societies voice frustration with HSUS's dishonest accounting and name stealing. Awesome, it's too bad you're not in Ohio to help with the vote.
4) For those of you who know me long-term, you will understand my interest in this new research related to BSE.
5) What is it with Zoos killing Giraffes? I feel like this happens too often. They don't belong here, why don't we send them back?
6) Check out these NatGeo pictures of their shark elevator in action.
7) Finally, at the end of a long list of links worth reading - this is a new kind of billboard which advertises through smell.
My ride for tonight looks to be 16 miles long, and my weight is back to 237. I don't know what it will take to lose it, but maybe drinking coffee will help? I apologize, I was going to add a picture of my new bike, but it will have to happen next time. I have been cut off on this blog.
08 June 2010
Intimidating...
This woman's post is very intimidating related to the race. Thanks a lot Amanda for sharing, lol.
Ready to Ride
I have sent in an email asking about my method of race registration as a student. I have replaced the brake pads. I will eventually need a new seat, a spare pack, some shorts and gloves and new tires. I will hope that doesn't cost much. And I will continue to be excited to ride in the Pelotonia.
Colbert's BP update
I just want to congratulate Colbert on another great show. I am so angry about this whole BP thing, and he captures both my sarcasm and anger about the issue. And if it's true that Bing supported environmental recovery by brand name mentioning, thanks to you as well.
Today
Work is the same as always. The end.
I got my bike last night! Amanda says that I have now officially committed myself to the Pelotonia because I have bought the bike now. Hopefully everything is smooth sailing from here as I get registered this week and start riding. Again, pictures of the bike are to come. I posted a preliminary picture on facebook last night, but I haven't gotten out into the light yet.
Also, I found objection to Gene Baur's recent post on his blog. I have since posted a comment which I believe will never make it on their blog site, so I will post the comment here:
Gene,
If you want to go so far as to link the BP oil spill to the animal food system, then maybe you should also consider the transport energy spent moving your vegetables from where they are grown to your local store which wouldn't have them naturally in season. Livestock agriculture provides food that is relatively little different in environmental impact than the vegetable-matter which you seem to endorse. Even if fossil fuel consumption were higher with meat production compared to plant-based foods, the total environmental impact is the picture you should be looking at.
Consider the hybrid cars. Over a period of a few years, the battery waste from these far exceeds the long-term environmental damage that is caused by "gas-guzzling" SUVs.
That's all for now folks.
I got my bike last night! Amanda says that I have now officially committed myself to the Pelotonia because I have bought the bike now. Hopefully everything is smooth sailing from here as I get registered this week and start riding. Again, pictures of the bike are to come. I posted a preliminary picture on facebook last night, but I haven't gotten out into the light yet.
Also, I found objection to Gene Baur's recent post on his blog. I have since posted a comment which I believe will never make it on their blog site, so I will post the comment here:
Gene,
If you want to go so far as to link the BP oil spill to the animal food system, then maybe you should also consider the transport energy spent moving your vegetables from where they are grown to your local store which wouldn't have them naturally in season. Livestock agriculture provides food that is relatively little different in environmental impact than the vegetable-matter which you seem to endorse. Even if fossil fuel consumption were higher with meat production compared to plant-based foods, the total environmental impact is the picture you should be looking at.
Consider the hybrid cars. Over a period of a few years, the battery waste from these far exceeds the long-term environmental damage that is caused by "gas-guzzling" SUVs.
That's all for now folks.
Monday’s Post (delayed)
After the recent frequent posting, I bet you’re surprised I haven’t been on here yet. Well, I’ve actually been online, and even on the blog site. However there was a recent loss of ability to blog which remained unsolved throughout Monday afternoon. So here’s what I’ve been up to since last posting.
Amanda and I have successfully moved. If you don’t have our new address, please email, text, call or facebook me for it. Moving was mostly finished Saturday, but boxes are still everywhere even after all of the unpacking and mattress buying yesterday.
(I have to insert here that I’m currently listening to Mother/Son songs for the wedding and Paul Todd is singing and there is nobody more creepy than this guy. If you know of someone, I challenge you to post one, but this man is frightening. I tried wikipediaing him, but to no luck.)
While I was at the grocery yesterday I finally invested the 2 dollars for some power-steering fluid. Mind you, besides the spilling that occurred, my car darn near took an entire quart of it. I guess it needed the fluid badly. Lol. Anyhow, I have since heard no more steering sounds at all. Literally the first turn I made afterwards was silent. Problem solved, and also one more compelling reason for me not to return to Wal-mart (who is not linked because I now dislike them) who told me that they would fill it for me the last time that I was in. Lazy liars. I’m learning how to change my own oil and I have 2400 miles left before it is that time…
Weight is down to 234.5. That’s great progress, right? Well, with biking, moving and swimming I am sure it is partially water and also partially great exercise. Regardless, I am hoping to continue the trend by perhaps swimming this evening and taking a bike ride tomorrow.
(Next song, equally terrible)
Work continues this week, with me getting onto the kill floor on Thursday. I’m pretty excited and a little anxious about it. I’m not nervous, just (no offense dude, but your mom probably was in the first “your mom” joke… back before they were funny.) I’m not nervous about Thursday, just anxious that I will be able to learn fast enough to stay out of harm’s way and be helpful.
I looked at a yellow bike yesterday. Probably not going to work. However, I went to Handy Bikes and the man there was quite helpful in regards to pointing me to what things will be good for the race in August. Now it looks even more hopeful that the bike this evening will be the one to take me to Athens and back on the Pelotonia. I can’t wait until I get the bike and can start going. Please get ready to sponsor me!
Amanda and I have successfully moved. If you don’t have our new address, please email, text, call or facebook me for it. Moving was mostly finished Saturday, but boxes are still everywhere even after all of the unpacking and mattress buying yesterday.
(I have to insert here that I’m currently listening to Mother/Son songs for the wedding and Paul Todd is singing and there is nobody more creepy than this guy. If you know of someone, I challenge you to post one, but this man is frightening. I tried wikipediaing him, but to no luck.)
While I was at the grocery yesterday I finally invested the 2 dollars for some power-steering fluid. Mind you, besides the spilling that occurred, my car darn near took an entire quart of it. I guess it needed the fluid badly. Lol. Anyhow, I have since heard no more steering sounds at all. Literally the first turn I made afterwards was silent. Problem solved, and also one more compelling reason for me not to return to Wal-mart (who is not linked because I now dislike them) who told me that they would fill it for me the last time that I was in. Lazy liars. I’m learning how to change my own oil and I have 2400 miles left before it is that time…
Weight is down to 234.5. That’s great progress, right? Well, with biking, moving and swimming I am sure it is partially water and also partially great exercise. Regardless, I am hoping to continue the trend by perhaps swimming this evening and taking a bike ride tomorrow.
(Next song, equally terrible)
Work continues this week, with me getting onto the kill floor on Thursday. I’m pretty excited and a little anxious about it. I’m not nervous, just (no offense dude, but your mom probably was in the first “your mom” joke… back before they were funny.) I’m not nervous about Thursday, just anxious that I will be able to learn fast enough to stay out of harm’s way and be helpful.
I looked at a yellow bike yesterday. Probably not going to work. However, I went to Handy Bikes and the man there was quite helpful in regards to pointing me to what things will be good for the race in August. Now it looks even more hopeful that the bike this evening will be the one to take me to Athens and back on the Pelotonia. I can’t wait until I get the bike and can start going. Please get ready to sponsor me!
05 June 2010
Moving weekend
Woke up this morning, and it's going to be a great day. :) It's been pouring down rain and I picked a break in the weather to get some swimming in. There's nothing like a cold swim to wake up with in the morning, nor a creepy old guy setting up pool chairs to convince to leave and start through your errands.
So now I'm showered and starting through my chores for the day. I've found a bike for the Pelotonia and so far have 4 sponsors. Pictures of the bike to come once I own it. Once I get up to 7 sponsors, I will sign up. The rest should come once I've confirmed. Hopefully Chris, or someone else will ride with me. I don't want to do the whole thing all lonely.
So now I'm showered and starting through my chores for the day. I've found a bike for the Pelotonia and so far have 4 sponsors. Pictures of the bike to come once I own it. Once I get up to 7 sponsors, I will sign up. The rest should come once I've confirmed. Hopefully Chris, or someone else will ride with me. I don't want to do the whole thing all lonely.
04 June 2010
Ride 1
So I did this ride in 20ish minutes. I did the math and I was somewhere around 15 mph. Well, that's great, except for the fact that it was only 5ish miles. I need to get more riding in, but tonight was one of those nights where I just couldn't get things working.
I use the Westerville Bike Shop and highly recommend Kurt and his crew. Yet for some reason, I just can't keep steady riding going on my Batavus fixi. I'd attached a picture of the bike, but they're hidden away on facebook or my other hard drive.
Today was no different. I went out to get my new wheel put on, which they just fixed for me, and headed out to the road to start pedaling, but when I started up, there was a crack pop noise and just like that the crank dislodged. I don't know if it's stripped or what, but I'm hoping for the easy fix. My mountain bike is in need of a tune up after the last few years of me doing it at home and it's the only bike I have to ride right now in leau(?) of my fixi.
I use the Westerville Bike Shop and highly recommend Kurt and his crew. Yet for some reason, I just can't keep steady riding going on my Batavus fixi. I'd attached a picture of the bike, but they're hidden away on facebook or my other hard drive.
Today was no different. I went out to get my new wheel put on, which they just fixed for me, and headed out to the road to start pedaling, but when I started up, there was a crack pop noise and just like that the crank dislodged. I don't know if it's stripped or what, but I'm hoping for the easy fix. My mountain bike is in need of a tune up after the last few years of me doing it at home and it's the only bike I have to ride right now in leau(?) of my fixi.
Fantastic
When I typed the word fantastic into my title box, apparently I use it a lot because many variations popped up. Anyhow. Check out this photo . Fantastic.
Hell no.
This article, no matter how much fact it is based on, should never have been published. Let's not even pretend to think that bringing Texas into the Big Ten would be a good idea, or appreciated by the fans here.
Pelotonia
I'm not really 100% sure what I'm getting into yet, or what the word "pelotonia" is supposed to mean. However, I will be riding in it, the whole 200 miles to Athens, OH, and back. The Pelotonia has a pretty cool website. Check it out, but don't sponsor directly to the site! Within a week or so I will be registered on there and ready to receive donations on my behalf. And trust me, I need help. I can't get to the money limit all by meself, that's for sure.
As far as riding a bike that far? Well, I'm figuring that I'll start by riding my fixi. If I can get my fixi up to 60 miles, then I'll be in great shape for the race. That gives me more time to find a suitable bike using the good old craigs list to find something both cheap and durable. I think I've found a couple of decent options, but time will tell if I can get one of them.
Also, my dearest Amanda has been highly complemented recently for her great blog posts. You should definitely check out her MLHR blog with OSU's Fisher. She's pretty much amazing.
Thunderstorms came through again today, and the garden remains wet. It's been a rough week for getting stuff in, but Mom found some volunteer tomatoes in the peas and beans so I transferred them over yesterday before they were choked out. Otherwise, I'm trying to stay out of the garden as much as possible. I feel bad for the farmers that I've been talking to and driving past. They have so much invested and the weather has been pretty rough this spring.
Also. Katherine mentioned finding a sheep of ours chained up about a month or two ago, even though we've never chained an animal before. Apparently we have some neighborhood non-neighborly intruders and we're going to have to do a better job of watching the place. For anyone else trying to raise livestock of any species or quantity this year, please keep an eye on them and protect them from the crazies roaming about.
Also. Weight report is at 238.2. Funny, I just don't think I'm losing any... Oh well. I'm off to ride this evening.
03 June 2010
Packing and random pain
Amanda's packing and she's had quite the day, so I'm only posting on here to say how much I love her and hope the next 2 weeks get easier for her. We're moving this week and I can't wait to be into the new place. Of course, I can't wait to be married either. :)
Only other news I have:
1) Check out our new engagement photos. Previously, Katherine took some of us, but this is the new set from our wedding photographer, so please enjoy.
2) I am starting to continuously suffer from bad pain in my right side. No fun.
Only other news I have:
1) Check out our new engagement photos. Previously, Katherine took some of us, but this is the new set from our wedding photographer, so please enjoy.
2) I am starting to continuously suffer from bad pain in my right side. No fun.
02 June 2010
Argument 2
I guess I can't keep my nose out of this stuff today. Keith Corcoran posted on the NoChipotle facebook page today, his comment and my response are listed below:
Keith Danger Corcoran:
HSUS stand against clubing of baby seals and sluaghter of horses andslaughter and exporting exotic animals, animail cruelity such as dog fights and cock fights And they are against puppy mills Iam glad Chipolte is apart of that group.
Me:
HSUS's anti-horse slaughter stance has led to the legislation that now increases the suffering of horses. Keith, take a look at the legislation HSUS is pushing and then consider whether it will actually benefit the well-being of animals. The horse bill didn't benefit horses as a whole or on an individual basis. And without scientific evidence to... See More support the proposed ballot initiative, there is no reason to believe that HSUS will truly benefit animals in Ohio either. The Livestock Care Board on the other hand is dedicated to improving animal well-being in Ohio. If HSUS cared about animals, then they would allow the board to make progress on their own and not poke into our business telling us how to do things. HSUS continues to exhibit behavior fitting of a political activist group, not an animal well-being promoter. And with 'baby seals', 'puppies' and 'dog fights', they are just playing the popular and sympathy cards. Logic and science should be used to improve animal care, not outside activism from a group who sits in DC offices and agitates the discontent.
Keith Danger Corcoran:
HSUS stand against clubing of baby seals and sluaghter of horses andslaughter and exporting exotic animals, animail cruelity such as dog fights and cock fights And they are against puppy mills Iam glad Chipolte is apart of that group.
Me:
HSUS's anti-horse slaughter stance has led to the legislation that now increases the suffering of horses. Keith, take a look at the legislation HSUS is pushing and then consider whether it will actually benefit the well-being of animals. The horse bill didn't benefit horses as a whole or on an individual basis. And without scientific evidence to... See More support the proposed ballot initiative, there is no reason to believe that HSUS will truly benefit animals in Ohio either. The Livestock Care Board on the other hand is dedicated to improving animal well-being in Ohio. If HSUS cared about animals, then they would allow the board to make progress on their own and not poke into our business telling us how to do things. HSUS continues to exhibit behavior fitting of a political activist group, not an animal well-being promoter. And with 'baby seals', 'puppies' and 'dog fights', they are just playing the popular and sympathy cards. Logic and science should be used to improve animal care, not outside activism from a group who sits in DC offices and agitates the discontent.
BBC News
I love BBC news. Full of random updates, I'm not sure why I haven't been reading much of them recently. Anyhow, away with that, here's my news article for today. I guess I'm trying to keep it on a light note (other things that happened include the nearing month mark for the oil spill and the WW2 bombs that have been randomly exploding and being dug up in Germany).
Fish. The fish in this article apparently were studied for sperm success. Crazy, but maybe it's true for humans too. Maybe the ugly gene is attached to better reproductive capacity? Or are the fish actually changing this all themselves and non-genetically? Or do fish want to have worse reproductive capacity so that they can flirt longer? Then again... if you're a fish, you probably don't spend time worrying about being a father later...
Also, I don't know about this animal being millions of years old with the dinosaurs, but it's definitely strange and rare. I watched for a while, but I never saw the guy get bit. Maybe it's not in the videos?
Fish. The fish in this article apparently were studied for sperm success. Crazy, but maybe it's true for humans too. Maybe the ugly gene is attached to better reproductive capacity? Or are the fish actually changing this all themselves and non-genetically? Or do fish want to have worse reproductive capacity so that they can flirt longer? Then again... if you're a fish, you probably don't spend time worrying about being a father later...
Also, I don't know about this animal being millions of years old with the dinosaurs, but it's definitely strange and rare. I watched for a while, but I never saw the guy get bit. Maybe it's not in the videos?
Going Fishing?
This guy's link this week to fish feeling pain, well, that's old news or so I thought. We've talked about that for a long time. I thought testing rats was tedious, but imagine testing fish? And how did this guy go fishing at some duke's place. Crazy. Also up for question, is it more ethical to kill the fish after catching it, or would it be better to let it go. I would think letting it go would by far be the better choice. But I guess I never got asked.
Also, pretty funny to me at least, for the day. The National Park Service is talking about vaccinating the bison herd in Yellowstone via rifle injections. Awesome! I can see how Brucellosis would be a huge deal to ranchers around there, especially if there is an infected herd transmitting the disease.
Finally, I have started a new blog. Feel free to check it out, but much of my specifically agriculturally related stuff will be posted there.
Also, pretty funny to me at least, for the day. The National Park Service is talking about vaccinating the bison herd in Yellowstone via rifle injections. Awesome! I can see how Brucellosis would be a huge deal to ranchers around there, especially if there is an infected herd transmitting the disease.
Finally, I have started a new blog. Feel free to check it out, but much of my specifically agriculturally related stuff will be posted there.
Response from Edie
I checked OFBF repeatedly through the night and finally received response for my comments yesterday. For those of you who don't know, the link below is the petition being circulated by the HSUS. Please view the response and my discussion.
Edie Olson:
Thank you for your response Benjamin. I can definitely see where you are coming from and it makes sense.
https://hsus.salsalabs.com/o/17002/images/OH%202010%20language.pdf
I can see how your statement applies to #1. Ok, you want some evidence/scientific reasoning that those accommodations so-to-speak would benefit the animal. I can see that. ... See More
#2 and #3, do you really need scientific evidence to be in favor of those? One deals with not being able to hang or strangulate an animal in order to kill it. Surely farmers have some better options already available. #3 disallows downed animals for transport or human consumption. I'm in favor of that one definitely!! It's hard for me to imagine that someone wouldn't be and would need more proof for that one.
Are these truly such renegade proposals? Would there be anything wrong with farmers addressing these specific proposals and why they don't support them and/or why they feel they do not follow a rational approach as well as what more science-base they would need in order to support such proposals? I would be interested in knowing their view. For example, I definitely don't want animals being hung/strangulated in order to kill them but I would have to know what farmers are facing in regards to this. If there is an issue, I don't know what it is but would like to know.
To be fair, there are quite a few organizations that back this initiative although I am unsure if you consider them all to be "biased" or they carry a negative connotation such as HSUS seems to for a lot of people here. I am unfamiliar with HSUS and horse slaughter. I will look into it. Again, thank you for discussing this topic with me.
Me:
Edie. I appreciate your respect for my discussion.
I believe you fail to recognize that the #2 and #3 on your link are not the big ticket items to this petition. From my personal experience with the livestock industry, it is my understanding that we do not consume downer cattle anyway, nor is strangulation and acceptable means of euthanasia. Instead, this euthanasia clause is meant to gain emotional subscribers based on footage shot from a facility in Ohio which is old news now.
Your comment about #1 needing rational and scientific justification duplicates my feelings on the issue. Until this research finds suitable answers (and research in this area is very difficult, but currently ongoing) I would prefer that legislation not be forced upon a committee before we have truthful verdicts on how we can best improve animal well-being. Additionally, this wording provides no clear understanding of what is actually being required. Without defined goals on how animal welfare will be improved, it is obvious that this is idealistic and emotionally written merely to gain a momentum vote which then proceeds to leave animal considerations by the wayside after the vote is passed and HSUS and their kind proceed to the next state. No true improvements can be made in animal well-being by an out-of-state activist group who has no apparent legitimate interest in animal well-being or the state in which they are campaigning. I see that there need to be improvements in animal well-being, but I would rather that these come with deliberate actions within the State of Ohio by those appointed with authority due to their experience to make these decisions.
Edie Olson:
Thank you for your response Benjamin. I can definitely see where you are coming from and it makes sense.
https://hsus.salsalabs.com/o/17002/images/OH%202010%20language.pdf
I can see how your statement applies to #1. Ok, you want some evidence/scientific reasoning that those accommodations so-to-speak would benefit the animal. I can see that. ... See More
#2 and #3, do you really need scientific evidence to be in favor of those? One deals with not being able to hang or strangulate an animal in order to kill it. Surely farmers have some better options already available. #3 disallows downed animals for transport or human consumption. I'm in favor of that one definitely!! It's hard for me to imagine that someone wouldn't be and would need more proof for that one.
Are these truly such renegade proposals? Would there be anything wrong with farmers addressing these specific proposals and why they don't support them and/or why they feel they do not follow a rational approach as well as what more science-base they would need in order to support such proposals? I would be interested in knowing their view. For example, I definitely don't want animals being hung/strangulated in order to kill them but I would have to know what farmers are facing in regards to this. If there is an issue, I don't know what it is but would like to know.
To be fair, there are quite a few organizations that back this initiative although I am unsure if you consider them all to be "biased" or they carry a negative connotation such as HSUS seems to for a lot of people here. I am unfamiliar with HSUS and horse slaughter. I will look into it. Again, thank you for discussing this topic with me.
Me:
Edie. I appreciate your respect for my discussion.
I believe you fail to recognize that the #2 and #3 on your link are not the big ticket items to this petition. From my personal experience with the livestock industry, it is my understanding that we do not consume downer cattle anyway, nor is strangulation and acceptable means of euthanasia. Instead, this euthanasia clause is meant to gain emotional subscribers based on footage shot from a facility in Ohio which is old news now.
Your comment about #1 needing rational and scientific justification duplicates my feelings on the issue. Until this research finds suitable answers (and research in this area is very difficult, but currently ongoing) I would prefer that legislation not be forced upon a committee before we have truthful verdicts on how we can best improve animal well-being. Additionally, this wording provides no clear understanding of what is actually being required. Without defined goals on how animal welfare will be improved, it is obvious that this is idealistic and emotionally written merely to gain a momentum vote which then proceeds to leave animal considerations by the wayside after the vote is passed and HSUS and their kind proceed to the next state. No true improvements can be made in animal well-being by an out-of-state activist group who has no apparent legitimate interest in animal well-being or the state in which they are campaigning. I see that there need to be improvements in animal well-being, but I would rather that these come with deliberate actions within the State of Ohio by those appointed with authority due to their experience to make these decisions.
01 June 2010
Fired up
I finally couldn't take it anymore. Props to the OPA for getting me onto OFBF's facebook page. Here's someone's comment and my response relating to several of their other scathing remarks and disdain displayed to other pro-animal farmers.
Edie Olson
Why does it seem that the people here that are opposed to this initiative cannot give a straight answer about why they do not want the proposed standards for these animals?
Me
Edie. I oppose the standards that activist groups are attempting to force upon livestock producers because I have yet to see compelling scientific evidence that these standards actually improve the well-being of the animals. It's not just about the government forcing regulations on producers but it is additionally objectionable that activist groups with little actual experience with animals suppose that they have the right to tell hard-working people with generations of livestock experience how they can best care for animals. Without the proof that this will actually provide better care for the animals in the long-run, I refuse to support ballot-based activism that disrespects both the scientific process and legitimate government support for deliberated actions designed to uphold and improve animal well-being. Otherwise, this will just become another issue with similar results as banning horse slaughter. Ask PETA what they think about HSUS's efforts towards horse slaughter. Two vice-presidents in a row actively denounced it on behalf of their organization. Ask horsemen/women what they think about how the bill has "improved" the well-being of American horses. If you refuse to use rational, scientific approaches to improving animal care then you risk the results following the general trend of eventual failure and harm to increased number of individual animals that correlates to HSUS's interests.
Edie Olson
Why does it seem that the people here that are opposed to this initiative cannot give a straight answer about why they do not want the proposed standards for these animals?
Me
Edie. I oppose the standards that activist groups are attempting to force upon livestock producers because I have yet to see compelling scientific evidence that these standards actually improve the well-being of the animals. It's not just about the government forcing regulations on producers but it is additionally objectionable that activist groups with little actual experience with animals suppose that they have the right to tell hard-working people with generations of livestock experience how they can best care for animals. Without the proof that this will actually provide better care for the animals in the long-run, I refuse to support ballot-based activism that disrespects both the scientific process and legitimate government support for deliberated actions designed to uphold and improve animal well-being. Otherwise, this will just become another issue with similar results as banning horse slaughter. Ask PETA what they think about HSUS's efforts towards horse slaughter. Two vice-presidents in a row actively denounced it on behalf of their organization. Ask horsemen/women what they think about how the bill has "improved" the well-being of American horses. If you refuse to use rational, scientific approaches to improving animal care then you risk the results following the general trend of eventual failure and harm to increased number of individual animals that correlates to HSUS's interests.
Conklin update
For those of you who are interested in what's going on with the Conklin Farm incident.
OFBF's press release (still worth reading)
Andy Vance's recent blog (interesting)
Cincinatti News Report which helps you understand just what an idiot this kid is who did all this stuff. And about the dead unburied cows... Just a speculation but a) this is nothing in the big picture of what's happening over there right now, and b) they might've been kinda tied up with all the stuff going on?
OFBF's press release (still worth reading)
Andy Vance's recent blog (interesting)
Cincinatti News Report which helps you understand just what an idiot this kid is who did all this stuff. And about the dead unburied cows... Just a speculation but a) this is nothing in the big picture of what's happening over there right now, and b) they might've been kinda tied up with all the stuff going on?
Happy Belated Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day... To me at the beginning of the weekend, that seemed more like an oxymoron. Let's celebrate the day that we recognize the people who have died for our country. But as always, I was finally able to bring myself around to my own previous point of view. Memorial Day is about recognizing sacrifices, sure, but it's also about celebrating the fact that those sacrifices have happened. In a day when WW2 veterans die at a rate of over a thousand a day (correct me if that's inaccurate), it's critical that we celebrate this freedom and remember those who have given it to us. Maybe, just maybe, if we remember them then we will remember how much this freedom was worth.
Two online articles related to freedom. First check out this atlas obscura site and their article about Albanian Communist Crazies. Absolutely unbelievable, even for post-Stalinism.
Secondly, the 3rd highest al-qaeda (which is still not in the online dictionary) personnel was killed. Why on earth they confirmed this to the world, I have no idea. You'd think at this point they don't talk unless they want heard, and they would have no legitimate reason to let us know about this. But obviously, I'm not privy to their strategic discussions. But then I checked out the actual news reports and they are starkly different from the radio versions I heard today, go figure. Check out this report and let me know how convincing you find it?
Also in other Memorial Day news. My sister performed a wonderful senior recital. I really enjoyed finally hearing the fruition of all of her hard work. And now the household gets to hear some new music. Finally!
And lastly, I embed this video for your enjoyment(?). It's an absolutely amazing crash which I am pretty sure the guy actually survives in the end, which is the most incredible part of the whole deal. I hope he's doing ok.
Two online articles related to freedom. First check out this atlas obscura site and their article about Albanian Communist Crazies. Absolutely unbelievable, even for post-Stalinism.
Secondly, the 3rd highest al-qaeda (which is still not in the online dictionary) personnel was killed. Why on earth they confirmed this to the world, I have no idea. You'd think at this point they don't talk unless they want heard, and they would have no legitimate reason to let us know about this. But obviously, I'm not privy to their strategic discussions. But then I checked out the actual news reports and they are starkly different from the radio versions I heard today, go figure. Check out this report and let me know how convincing you find it?
Also in other Memorial Day news. My sister performed a wonderful senior recital. I really enjoyed finally hearing the fruition of all of her hard work. And now the household gets to hear some new music. Finally!
And lastly, I embed this video for your enjoyment(?). It's an absolutely amazing crash which I am pretty sure the guy actually survives in the end, which is the most incredible part of the whole deal. I hope he's doing ok.
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