When Words Just Aren't Enough

In an effort to discourage smoking, Britain's government has declared that packets of cigarettes will now show graphic images of the effects of smoking. Below is one example:




Now I understand that smoking is bad for you. As a matter of fact, I bet you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't know smoking is bad for you. So then what is the point of adding such images?

Look, there are only two possibilities with people who smoke. They know it's bad for them but continue anyway or they don't know it's bad for them and therefore need to be weeded out of the gene pool anyway. If you choose to negatively effect your quality of life by smoking, then that is your choice and your personal responsibility. To continue to try convince people not to smoke through the use of scary words and gory images is about as useful as... well, as useful as trying to convince people not to smoke through the use of scary words and gory images.

The western world is one that built itself on a pursuit of personal freedom. Unfortunately, it seems to now be surrendering that long fought for freedom not to the forces of the tyranny of governments or the intolerance of religion but rather to the coercion of "righteous persuasion."

Commercials Bad, Football Good

Why are they're so many dad'gum commercials in football? A few plays... commercial. Back to the game... Kick-off... commercial. Back to the game... Pretty commercial graphic on the field... Player bios brought to you by commercial... commercial. These commercials are brought to you by the following commercials... AAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!

Oh well, props to Bud Light for at least making funny commercials. Anybody see the one with the guys at the opera?

The Jena Six - From Another Perspective

Was linked to this article from the Tigerdroppings Political Message Board. Mr. Whitlock nails the whole issue on the head.

Shame on the parents of the kids who hung the nooses for hiding behind a seemingly racist and insensitive school board when their kids were inexcusably wrong. Shame on the parents of the "Jena Six" for blaming white racism for the cowardice of a six-on-one attack.

And shame on the prosecutor, the media and Al Sharpton for not rising above the ignorance and distortions, and seeking a truth that will set everyone in Jena free, including the "Jena Six."

UnPhilievable

Congrats to Phil Mickleson who, paired with Tiger Woods today, won the Deutch Bank Classic. I'm not a big fan of Phil's, but gotta give credit where credit is due. To be paired with Tiger on the final day and still win, by two shots non-the-less, is quite an accomplishment. And to think I recently laughed at the commercial where someone says, "Phil Mickleson may be the only one who can beat Tiger..."

College Football Games of Interest

Big 10 l

Ok, let me jump on the pile of people laughing at Michigan. Appalachian State!? You gotta be kidding me. Haaaahahahahaha. Michigan is making a lot of people look really stupid. Remember all the BS talk after the UM, OSU game last year about how these were the best two teams in the nation? Since then Michigan was out-classed in a bowl game and set a new record by being the first AP ranked team to lose to a Div. 1-AA team. Haaaaaahaahaahaha. (Appalachian State 34 - Michigan 32)

I was also happy to see Our Lady get their butts handed to them by Ga. Tech. Ok, I know they're not really in the Big 10 but Michael Jackson isn't really white either. Either way, it's hard to tell the difference. (Georgia Tech 33 - Notre Dame 3)


ACC

We'll see you next week. Bring your adult diapers 'cause you'll be crappin' your pants before we're done with you. (East Carolina 7 - Virginia Tech 17)


Big 12

See Spot sit. See Spot run. TCU blank Baylor. (Baylor 0 - Texas Christian University 22)

The Burnt Orange tried to take a little pressure off of the Maize and Blue but preserved victory of Arkansas State. (Arkansas State 13 - Texas 21)


SEC

Tigers win! Tigers win! Some say it was unimpressive but if LSU is unimpressive in a 45-0 win on the road in the SEC, I can't wait to see them when they're impressive. (Louisiana State University 45 - Mississippi State University 0)

Tigers win! Tigers win! The Barners flatter LSU sincerely through their mascot imitation. Though not as cool or "impressive" as the real thing, they also imitate LSU by winning. Thanks for not embarrassing the SEC or Tigers in general. (Kansas State University 13 - Auburn University 23)

Fulmer might want to start saving his Krispy Kreme donut boxes for his increasingly imminent move. Tennessee looked slow and undisciplined in their loss to Cal. Cal looked good, but not that good. All silliness aside, my thoughts go out to Xavier Mitchell and his family as he was carted off the field on a stretcher. It was good to see him moving his arms and hands as he left the field. (University of Tennesse 31 - California 45)

Bush on the trail of a new Attorney General?

With the resignation of Alberto Gonzales as the US Attorney General, President George Bush is actively seeking a replacement. Has he already found one?

George W. was in New Orleans yesterday to commemorate the two year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Accompanying the President for dinner was who I believe is his top choice for Attorney General, Drew Brees.

Asked to comment, Bush said, "You may think it sounds crazy, but think about it. Look what Mr. Brees did with the Saints! He turned the Saints... that's right, the Saints into a freakin offensive juggernaut! If he can turn the Saints around, the Attorney General's office will be a piece of cake. We'd be glad to have such a fine American on staff."

Drew Brees responded to questions about his dinner with the President saying, "It wasn't quite what I was expecting. You see, I thought I was to be dining with Reggie. But it wasn't a total loss, the gumbo was really good."

Apparently desiring to remain mum on the situation, Brees made no mention of the opening at Attorney General.

Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium

Climbing up the hill I reach a set of gates standing stalwart on either side of the path. As I cross the boundary, a surge hits me. Not something erratic or out of control but rather a soothing, calming surge of deep arcane energy flowing up from the ground through my feet and into my body. I know that I have passed the boundary and my journey has begun.

As my feet carry me forward, I am infused with a great sense of protection. Above me are great, stately oaks and looming, broad magnolias, providing strength to me that I know can only come from that which has survived years unknown to a man. They stand with might as generations pass below them, oh the wisdom of the long-standing, deep rooted trees. They humble me and remind me of who I am. Forward my journey continues.

As I break from the coverage of the arching branches, I see opening before me a great clearing. Like a whisper, I hear a faint sound of voices coming from ahead of me though the inflection indicates its strength and force. As I walk onward the sound grows louder. I abandon my physical senses and start listening with the spirit that is being called from inside me. The open field slowly becomes populated with a whisper of visions. They slowly materialize and I clearly see regimens forming before my eyes, standing strong and unbending on parade for generals past. Beating through my veins, I feel the power of the men of courage, the men of war that walked these grounds before me. My heart glows from within me. Forward my journey continues.

I come now to a quiet, peaceful place. Halls brimming with inspiration form an open quadrangle, in the middle of which are delicate but sturdy trees that provide a calming shade. Cool patches of grass dapple the grounds. It is a place of comfort, of meditation. Coursing from the buildings surrounding this refuge is great knowledge, the kind of knowledge that molds me into something better than I was before. Its presence envelops me as I walk through its corridors and my eyes shine with insight. Forward my journey continues.

I step ahead now and see the path flowing down in front of me. As I steadily advance, my eyes behold a great coliseum, the target of my journey. Simply, it is imposing. Its gray, concrete walls tower above me. To those opposed, it says beware while to its allies, it says come inside and let me empower you. I accept the invitation and cross the magical boundary.

Immediately I am possessed with the power that exists within this great construction. I make my way up the ramps until I come to the opening of the portal through which I am destined to walk. And so I do.

The great stadium opens before me. Every bit of sensation that has so far built up inside of me starts pushing itself outward. I see thousands upon thousands of my brothers surrounding the field on which a great battle is about to be waged. We know our role in this battle and each of us is prepared to pour out our entire souls to help ensure victory. The force inside of me is now pressed at the surface, awaiting the final call to be released... And soon the call begins.

BOOM… BOOM… BOOM BOOM BOOM. The cadence beats slowly, issuing its calls for the final preparation of the explosion of energy that is about to be released. BOOM… BOOM… BOOM BOOM BOOM. Get yourselves ready, my brothers, for the time is near!

CRASH! TATITI-TAT-TAT TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT TTTTTT. (My blood, my being are now boiling, awaiting the chant that will release this potent energy!) CRASH! TATITI-TAT-TAT TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT TTTTTT. (How much longer can I enclose the excitement that has consumed my body!) CRASH! TITITI-TITITI CRASH! TITITI CRASH! TAT TAT TAT TAT TITITI CRASH! TITITI TTTTTT CHRASH!

The slightest pause precludes what is without a doubt the most awe-inspiring release of inescapable raw energy:

DEHHH DEH DEHN-ANT!

Suddenly my body is not my own! My voice joins my brothers as we scream with a powerful battle cry, letting our opponents know they are here to face us all in unison, of one, now rabid, mind! The magic of this stadium is coursing through my veins! My body is tense and ready for impending battle! The opposition will not prevail!

My brothers, it is SATURDAY NIGHT IN TIGER STADIUM!!!

Rock-a-bye Baby

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
And down will come baby, cradle and all

What the hell? What kind of homicidal maniac was rocking their baby to sleep and thought, "Hey I've got a great idea for a song to put baby to sleep!? Let's see, first we'll put baby in the top of a tree, I bet that'll make him sleepy.

"Hmmm.... what rhymes with treetop... sock... no... pop... nah... oh! I know... rock! We'll have the wind make the cradle rock! BRILLIANT!

"Of course if there is wind and weight on a thin upper limb of a tree, it's gonna break and the cradle's gonna fall, so let's put that in next.

"Now how do I finish it?

"'I'll catch you baby because I love you and I'm tall?' No, doesn't flow well.

"'But the angels will save baby, cause he's such doll?' Meh.

"Wait! I got it! 'And down will come baby, cradle and all!' Yeah! that's perfect!"

And now the baby is supposed to sleep? No wonder the baby won't quit crying! Mommy's a frickin' psychopath!

Happy Anniversary!!!

Celebrate your anniversary any day of the year (even if you're not married)! All it takes is a quick trip to your local grocery store where you can pick up some Blue Bell Anniversary Cake flavored ice cream. And let me tell you, it is YYYYYUUUUUMMMMMMEEEEE!!!!!!












OK Blue Bell, you can send me a year's supply of ice cream now. ;-)

Signs of intelligent life on Earth?

Evidence there is or was an intelligent civilization on Earth.

http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-hidden-images-in-google-earth

Is Jesus a polygamist ?

The following post is pretty much a glimpse into the roller coaster that is PacLSU's mind. I'm sure that like a lot of roller coasters the wait will just not seem worth the ride but since you're here already, might as well jump on board.

So yesterday I hear the Linkin' Park song, "Breaking the Habit". The song is OK but for some reason it got a death grip on my brain as I just heard the chorus over and over again in my head. I went to sleep last night only to wake up to the same soundtrack playing this morning.

The morning routine being as Pavlovian as it can be, my mind often wonders. Naturally, with Breaking the Habit playing in my brain's ears, my thoughts turned to nuns (why does my wife say I have a corny sense of humor?). Association led to contemplation of a nun's sacrifices in being "married to Christ." Contemplation then lead to irreverence as the obvious question came to mind. Is Jesus a polygamist?

And there it is folks, a rather unfulfilling ride on PacLSU's Mind. Please wait until the train comes to a complete stop and the safety bar unlocks before disembarking to the left. As always, take all small children by the hand.

Star Trek: The Next Adaptation

This guy adapted (adapted... Star Trek: The Next Adaptation... get it? hehehe, I'm so clever) his apartment to look like the USS Enterprise. Really cool.

Unfortunately, looks like he's gone bankrupt in the process. Amazing how the best laid plans sometimes don't work out.

Spider Lamb, Spider Lamb, Does Whatever a Spider Lamb Does

(AP Photo/Ashburton Guardian, Susan Sandys)

Neat. Looks like the poor thing won't make it, though.

Building on a foundation of nothing

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face in marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

(As an aside, I encourage all to read Roosevelt's entire Man in the Arena speech for a powerful lesson in citizenship).

Criticism is easy, action is hard. Criticism brings little responsibility, action brings significant responsibility. It is no wonder, then, that all of us are quicker to criticize how others do something wrong than to actually try to do it ourselves. That is human nature.

Positive consequences lead to repeated behavior. Negative consequences lead to an ending of a behavior (typically). Again, it's a matter of human nature.

Problems arise when criticism, the path of least resistance, is coupled with positive consequence, the path of continued behavior. Consider lawsuits. We live in a society that is quick to sue. It is estimated that we, as Americans, pay $700 - $800 a year in taxes covering the costs of suits (link). The reason?

A plaintiff is rewarded for being victimized in some way. So what does it take to become a victim? Well folks, the quickest way to become achieve this "lofty goal" is to start criticizing the Man in the Arena. Second guess he who has to make decisions. When he errs, sue him. And often you will win. You see, if the judicial system consistently allows critics to become successful victims it is only logical the progression will lead to a litigious society.

The example two posts down is a clear illustration of just such an occurrence. As stated below, there were no perfect answers in the aftermath of 9/11. Whatever decision was made was going to be bad for someone. Cue the critic and the victim. Since there is no perfect answer the critic is in a no-lose situation. Sue away, it's time to get paid.

Of course the reciprocal effect is that the Man in the Arena suffers the negative consequence (remember Newton's third law). Because negative consequences lead to an ending of a behavior, naturally there will be fewer and fewer men stepping into the arena.

Who, then, fills the posts of authority? Who builds the foundations on which the country will move forward economically, politically, and socially? The posts will be filled but unfortunately, they will be filled with the critic who, as Teddy says, does not count. What are you left with? A foundation of nothing.

Reaction Causing Inaction

I'm back for the eagerly awaited, first installment of "When Critics Attack." In my previous blog, "Scrutinize This," I wrote about an article detailing the scrutinizing of how the government handled the return to more normal life following 9/11. Was it too early? What would be the long term health effects? What did the government know and when did it know it?

In the case of 9/11, there were no easy decisions. I doubt there were any perfect decisions that could have been made. All decisions would have pros and cons. I credit the government, especially that of New York City's government, with taking the initiative and making decisions.

Now those decisions are being criticized, public condemnations are being published and suits are being filed. The problem I see with reacting with this sort of second guessing is that it causes inaction in all but the strongest of government officials. Government officials receive very little commendation for what they do right and extreme prejudice for what they do wrong. Out of fear of making the wrong decision, they too often spend as much time as they can talking about the issue, hoping someone else will make a decision that can later be forgotten if right (or even credit stolen) or heavily criticized if wrong.

The resulting behavior of inaction is a dangerous one. Inaction leads to a reactive state instead of a proactive state. Inaction means that your world controls you instead of you controlling your world. When inaction takes over our nation, it means the world will control us.

Of course, one is not to be indiscriminate in their actions. Thought should be given and all foreseeable effects of an action should be considered. But analyzing a situation should always be with the goal of making the smartest, most timely decision possible. We, as the employer of our government, should then accept and appreciate the carefully considered, forward moving decisions of our government officials, even when wrong. Fire them in the next election if their decisions consistently prove detrimental, but always move toward and reward action. Doing anything less is doing nothing it all.

Scrutinze This

I am in quite a foul mood this morning. Already suffering from the, "I don't want to get up this morning" blues, the first article I read is this one: Doctors, Democrats scrutinize September 11 dust.

The article makes this statement.

Only now, almost six years after the attacks, is the extent of the medical toll on firefighters, police and others who worked on the cleanup coming to light, along with questions about how much the government knew of the danger. -emphasis added

Why is it that every time there is a disaster in this country, we have to have Monday morning quarterbacks come in to allocate blame? Through this behavior, we have ignored what one of the greatest leaders in American history, Theodore Roosevelt, taught us.

In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

His wise words hold no meaning in contemporary American society. Today, the worst thing you can do is make a decision. If you make the right decision it will be forgotten. But make the wrong decision and you will be lambasted by critics, asked to step down from your position of leadership, and probably sued. Do you doubt me? Finish reading the article.

Earlier this year, a federal judge ruled that Whitman knowingly lied to New York residents about their health risks.

Christie Whitman is, of course, the evil Environment Secretary who, on the counsel of the scientists advising her, said it was OK to reopen Manhattan nearly a week after the attack. How could she do such a thing!? Surly she knew it was not yet safe! Right?

Researchers are still working to understand the long-term effects of these exposures and how psychological distress from the event might contribute to physical problems.

So wait a minute, we're trying to hold someone responsible for a "poor" decision they made about the effects of dust and debris from the attacks on the World Trade Center when even today, six years later, we don't understand the effects?

Folks, the only outrage here is that this is even being discussed. There are significant negative ramifications from playing this "blame game." I will soon delve further into those ramifications. Stay tuned.

Cheep way out

I couldn't think of anything to blog on (at least nothing I felt like putting thought into :-)) so I'm taking the easy way out. Here's a picture!

What you see here is a little baby mockingbird nested away in a tree near our abode. Momma bird was really not happy with me and my puppy, Cyrano, being this close to her home and baby. In fact, I believe it is likely that she is part of the United States Royal Mockingbird Air Force (USRMAF) as, with amazing dexterity and accuracy, she made a dive bomb at Cyrano. PacLSU forces suffered no casualties in the attack.

The Jena Six

Not sure how many know about the Jena Six but it is an issue that is a sad commentary on race relations and general humanity in the state of Louisiana.

The Jena Six refers to six black American students being charged with attempted 2nd degree murder in Jena, Louisiana. Unfortunately the events leading up to these charges shed a disgraceful light on many people in the town of Jena and like-minded people all across these United States.

Amazingly enough, the issue here begins with a tree. There apparently exists a large oak tree at a high-school in Jena that is unofficially reserved for white kids to sit under. In an attempt to break-down an absolutely ridiculous standard several black students decided they too should be allowed to sit under the tree. Their attempts to do such were met with criticisms in the form of nooses hanging from the branches of the tree. That's right folks, in the year 2007 we still have such simple-minded people in this world. People who instilled in their children values that made the kids believe nooses hanging from "their" tree was an appropriate response to black kids wanting to share it.

The students who perpetrated the act were found out and the principle of the school recommended expulsion for their acts. His recommendation was trumped by the superintendent who instead doled out a punishment of a three day suspension explaining that, "adolescents play pranks."

Several events ensued including a black student showing up at a party and being beat up by white students, an altercation between black and white students at a convenience store, and a white student showing up at school with a loaded shotgun (I strongly suggest reading this blog to get a better picture of all of the events). Events climaxed (at least so far) with a white student being severely beaten by six black students (several of whom were previously troubled) who continued the assault even as he lay unconscious on the ground.

The legal ramification of all of this? The white student who brought a loaded gun to school was released on $5,000 bond (not sure of the charge) while the six black students involved in the beating of the white student stand charged with attempted 2nd degree murder.

My intention here is not to blame one side or the other or to declare anyone "right" or even "more right." No, my intention is to blame both sides and to put special blame on the parents of all those involved. My recounting of the events is at best third hand and is lacking many details that can be found elsewhere. However, it is sufficient enough to show the problems in human relations we still face as a nation. Hanging nooses on a tree because black kids wish to sit under it is unacceptable. Resorting to physical violence because you were slighted by another individual is unacceptable. All of the events are reprehensible and appalling.

What should be done? I do not believe anyone should go to jail here but I believe there should be punishment. If it were up to me, that damn tree would be cut down and every student, black and white, involved in any of these incidents would together pick up the trunk and carry it around the town of Jena for a week. If these sad souls can't learn to live together in peace, at least make them to tired to fight.

Any idiot can blog

As evidence by "If you can't beat 'em, PacLSU," any idiot can blog. Think about the people out there posting blogs. Half of them probably can't wipe their own ass without getting shit on their fingers. These are the same people that you honk at on the road because they just sat through an entire light cycle only realizing it was their turn to go when the light already turned yellow. These are the same people you work with who get nothing done all day because they're too busy complaining that they have too much work to do. These are the same people you're related to (nothing more need be said). But they are out there posting their blogs so that we can all read their deep, philosophical ramblings of how Paris Hilton is really just misunderstood .

With that being said, I think blogging is frickin' great! Blogging has the potential to become a revolution in our society. It brings the people to the people. Rich people blog, poor people blog, stupid people blog, geniuses blog. Blogging puts everyone on equal footing and puts it right there at your fingertips.

If the 2004 elections taught us anything it's that today's media is completely disconnected from the people of this great nation. Over and over we were told that the Democrats would win every election hands down. The people were tired of the old Republican ways and they were going to do something about it. Then the election happened. Republicans wiped the floor with the Democrats.

Where the media has failed in connecting people to people, blogging is now taking on the challenge. No longer are we pushed into being force fed whatever ABC (CNN, FOX, CBS, whoever) wants us to think or feel. Blogging gives us honesty because we truly know what people are thinking, it's right there in their blog.

At no time in the history of the world have so many been connected to each other. At no time have the thoughts of the layman been so easily obtainable by the masses. We live in a special time where the information age is maturing and producing its finest fruits. We should appreciate the time in which we live and take full advantage of it. In summation, we all should be thankful that any idiot can blog.

This blogging stuff is hard!

I had no idea how hard this blogging stuff is. All day I spend worrying about what I can put on my blog. I can't miss my first day blogging! What do I write about? It's the Fourth of July, do I do something Patriotic? Nah, too typical. Do I come up with something deeply philosophical that people can think deeply about? Nah, I'm not that deep. Bah! what do I do?

Wait a minute...

I just wrote some stuff...

So then my blog is done? Heh, this blogging stuff is easy!

I wanna be cool too!

All the cool kids are doing it so I figure I will too. I've now got a blog!

I know, I know, it's a long time coming. People have been calling for it for years now. Well now the wait is over, PacLSU is blogging.

So how does this work anyway? I can just talk about whatever? OK, here goes...

What's up with the abovetheinfluence.com commercials denouncing the use of weed? I'm sorry, but if you see and hear the dog talking to you and you can understand what it's saying, you're on more than weed. How 'bout we get off LSD then work our way to weed later.

So that's it, that's my blog. Woohoo!