Is it just me, or have there been a lot of celebrity deaths recently?

Donand O'Connor died today.

He was a funny, funny man.

Look, another new Blogger

Everyone welcome Nanette to our little blogging world.

She even has a Friday 5 up.

A New Blog added to my list

Margret Cho has a new Blog.

I love Margaret Cho...

Man, do I have a valuable soul...

Per wewantyoursoul.com, My soul is worth £27058. Only 32% of people have a purer soul than me.

Clearly, I am wholesome as the day is long.

Thanks Adam and Adam

Friday 5

Another Friday, another Friday 5.

From Merideth

Everything starts somewhere

Five things that are such an integral part of your life, you can't believe someone else introduced them to you.


1. Overseas travel. When I turned 15, my Grandparents told me they were taking me to Greece. That was the beginning of my life-long obsession with travel. One that persists to this day and occupies of lot of my thought, time and money. I will go anywhere, anytime.

2. Bread and Cheese. This most wonderful of portable snacks was a complete unknown to me until I went to Oxford in 1994. But traveling with Laura (who needs a freakin blog) means packing a lot of cheese. Yummy. We would go every morning before an adventure and stock up on assorted cheeses and breads at Oxford's wonderful market. Fruit, especially grapes, complements this feast well...

3. Chinese Food. I thought I hated Chinese food, as I dislike vegetables and that was all Chinese food was to me. Then, I tried to date a girl who liked Chinese food, and found myself having to eat the stuff. Now I love it, and go through withdrawals if I go to long without it.

4. REM. OK, maybe I just have REM on the brain from seeing their kick-ass show last Sunday, but REM is my band. I own every album, know all the words. Would obsessively stalk except I don't want Michael Stipe to think me a wanker. Learning a new REM song is a particular joy. I was introduced to this group back in 1984, when I was Tweedle-Dum in an otherwise High-School Cast of Alice in Wonderland. The big kids listened to REM, so damn it, I did too. REM saved me from country music, which I was listening to at the time.

5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In a just universe, I would have found this my own. Instead, it was introduced to me by Rachel when I was a sophomore in High School. I loved it and went on to become a cast member in San Antonio's show for a while (I was Eddie). Now, RHPS may not, on the surface, seem like an integral part of my life. I no longer go to shows and it has been years since I picked up a saxophone. But, the songs and quotes and images from the show, burned in my cranium, inform just about everything I do...

So, thanks Laura, Amanda, Grandmommy and Granddaddy, 80s theatre freaks and Rachel...

Is it sad two of these are food?

Most of the things I find integral to my life came about before I was old enough to understand who was introducing me. Film and Theatre have always been with me, as has reading. I had computers around the house from a fairly young age. I had email in the 80s for God's sake... Nobody introduced me to Parenthood. And Merideth introduced herself to me, but I am not sure that counts...

Also participating

Gina, Adam, Melissa, Craig, Colleen, Dave, Chris and introducing Adrienne and Gord.

For my Second Poem, I present, A Poem

Twenty
Outdoor Music Festival
Close to the Stage
Cute 19 year old Girl Next to me
I have been chasing after her all day
She gets on my shoulders to see better

Please take off your shirt, please take off your shirt...

Thirty
Outdoor Music Festival
Close to the Stage
Cute 4 year old daughter next to me
I have been chasing after her all day
She gets on my shoulders to see better.

Please don't take off your shirt, please don't take off your shirt...

Following in Adam's Evil Footsteps

Based on Adam's successful procurment of his new Pirate Boots by any and all methods at his disposal (except buying the damn things for himself), I would like to present the article of clothing I am in desperate need of...

The Utilikilt

A work of art, and something I must possess...

It is as I would have had it...

You belong in Time Enough For Love. You are older
than you look. Your wit and wisdom are prized
by others. People throw themselves on you,
begging to be with you.


Which Heinlein Book Should You Have Been A Character In?
brought to you by Quizilla

Darn Poetry

Dave mentioned that I should write a poem for a starlet in response to my wife's poem about Adrian Brody.

Uma

Uma
My Puma
Move to Yuma
And Be Mine


After this work of obvious skill and insight, I thought of a better response to my wife's poem.

I Am Going To Kick Adrian Brody's Ass

Sadly, the title seems so moving, I hated to add anything else, like the actual poem.

I now return to the beginnings of my Bush Sonnet

"Oh, Please can I create another war?'
He smirked and sneered, his glazed and beady eyes
Staring at donors always wanting more
"After all, I can tell a few more lies"

Now, what rhymes with oil?

My pirate name is:

Captain William Bonney

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr

I AM THE CAPTAIN!!!!!> Batton your hatches, trim the midsail and give me another harrumph!

From Fidius.com

Friday 5, Matey

Now, it bein' International Talk Like a Pirate Day today, I'm thinkin' the lubberly lot o' ye scurvy dogs should be tellin' us this: What be yer favorite ports o' call? Where would ye want to hoist a mug'o'rum, were ye given a large pile 'o' booty to finance yer stay?

Arrrrr!

Black Sam Flint


1. Tintagel. Alond the Northern Coast of Cornwall. A Beautiful place, haunting and wonderful. The castle ruins sit on a outcrop of rock hundreds of feet up, accessible only by a foot bridge that does not look as safe as it should look. the sunsets there are breathtaking. Just a wonderous place.

2. Prague. Man, what a great town. Beautiful buildings, friendly people, and more stands selling soviet memorabilia that you can shake a stick at. Walking around the town is delightful. If there have a Radagast Ale for me.

3. Oxford. Yes, Anglophile me. I love Oxford. I like drinking at a pub older than America. I like drinking at a pub where Tolkien and CS Lewis swapped stories. I like trekking to Tolkien's grave. I like the High Street and the market. If I had my choice, I would probably live here.

4. Athens - I love Greek History, so wandering around the ruins in Athens was heaven to me.

5. Jerusalem. A suprisingly pretty city, jammed packed with monuments, museums, churches and well preserved historical sites. Watching the passion others have for these sites is incredible.

Now, I see only 1 of mine is an actual port. I hope Adam meant port of call in a very loose sense.

See also Iron Charity Bonney, Captain Bess Read, Craig, Colleen, Dirty Annie Flint, Chris and Dirty Davy Kidd. (I think I got 'em all)

Telemarketing statistics

I was listening to NPR yesterday and they were discussing the new telemarketing "No Call" law that goes into effect October 1st.

Apparently, 50 million people (including me) have signed up for this law. Telemarketing officials say that this law will lead to the quick layoffs of 2 million people.

50 million/2 million.

This means that out of a group of 25 people, 1 person in the groups whole job is to cold call the other 24 people and try to sell them stuff. They don't make the materials for the stuff , manufacture the stuff, distribute the stuff or ship the stuff. They only call you when you are watching West Wing and try to sell the stuff to you.

Capitalism is surreal.

Very exiting google searches

Haven't posted in a while, but I have lots of odd thoughts to post, which I will being throughout the day.

But first, inspired by Adam, I went looking for web searches that lead to me.

Yahoo Searches
#3 - I want to see pictures of sean paul's house cars and everything he has


Google
#5 - MC 900 foot Jesus blogs
#1 - pellinore fields battle
#5 - "Mexican food in Paris"

AOL Search -
#10 - Heavy Ballerina

But most importantly -

Google
#7 - Episcopal Masturbation Sinning

I am making a difference for some young Episcopalian somewhere...

Another Friday Fiver (I need a catchy title for our little group)

Please welcome Craig to the Friday 5 Arena. Craig is the significant other of Colleen, and he his blog can be found at www.tediousandbrief.com

Friday 5

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, conn a ship, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve an equation, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
- Robert A. Heinlein


5 Things I Think Every Human Being Should Know How To Do by Melissa

At first I wanted to do Things You Should Know (like History and Literature), then I wanted to do Things You Should Do (Vote, Travel). But I felt those weren't in the spirit of the Heinlein quote, so I stuck with physical, use your muscle Things I Think Everyone Should Know How To Do.

1. First Aid and CPR. This was the one obvious choice that came to mind. Everyone on the planet should know CPR and basic first aid. It is simple and can save lives. You should be certified by the Red Cross or other entity every few years. Knowing the Heimlick maneuver (I have invented a maneuver) and some basic household remedies also come in quite handy.

2. Debate. Real debate, not the slop that passes for public discourse these days. People should know how to form an opinion. They should know how to defend that opinion with facts and reason. People should know how to cross examine someone without being offensive. People should be able to disagree and not hate each other. People should be able to concede a loss.

3. Comfort a Baby. Even if you have no plans to have any of your own, this is an important skill to know. At some point or another, you will have to do this, and you should know how. Besides, comforting a baby requires you to be comfortable, which is an important thing to know in it's own right. It is a good idea for everyone to have one lullaby at their disposal as well.

4. Spend a Night or Two Outdoors. This is a master thing which encompasses many smaller things, like know how to pitch a tent, light a fire, find shelter, tie a knot, sleep on the ground, cook with what you got, read a map, use a compass, know how to orient yourself using the sun or stars, hunt, fish, skin, and find clean water.

5. Know How to Make Your Significant Other Happy. This probably encompasses a lot as well, and this is the one item on the list I will not claim I know how to do, only that I try. You should know what presents to get, what to do to make their lives easier, have some insight on what they are thinking and know what forms of hanky-panky they like.

Also Participating: Merideth, Adam, Gina, Colleen, Dave and Chris.


And my Heinlein Index

Change a diaper - Check (+1)
Plan an invasion - Not sure about an invasion, I am sure I could handle a small skirmish (+0)
Butcher a hog - Well, I can butcher a deer, a rabbit or a snake, so hog would not be that far off. (+.5)
Design a building - Only if you didn't care if it could actually stand or not (+0)
Conn a ship - Well, I can conn a boat, motor and sail (+1)
Write a sonnet - Sure (+1)
Balance accounts - here is a difference between can't and won't (+.5)
Build a wall - Yup and I got the stiches to prove it (+1)
Set a bone - I learned the theory in Adv. First Aid, but they told me not to do it unless I had no choice (+.5)
Comfort the dying - Yes, but comforting the living is harder (+1)
Take orders - When necessary (+1)
Give orders - No trouble (+1)
Cooperate - Yup (+1)
Act alone - Harder, but I can do it (+1)
Solve an equation - not very specific here. I can solve a + b = ?, and even a + ? = b, trig is a different matter (+.2)
Analyze a new problem - Yes (+1)
Pitch manure - Sadly, yes (+1)
Program a computer - Another not very specific. I can write html code when I have to, I used to know how to program an ascii spaceship to blast off in basic, but I can not build an operating system. (+.2)
Cook a tasty meal - Well, at least I think they are tasty (+1)
Fight efficiently - Maybe not efficiently, but I can fight with gusto and a lot of noise
(+.2)
Die gallantly - When I die, gallantly will not be the adverb used (+0)

Heinlein Index = 64

Sad News

Johnny Cash died this morning.

I just hate the world sometimes...

Ran across this article on Yahoo. Bolshoi Theatre Struggles with 'Heavy' Ballerina

I got curious and found a picture of her on the net. Here is a 'heavy' ballerina.



Bastards

Correction to Prop 13 below

My Grandmother made some interesting comments regarding Prop 13, and my analysis of it, that I thought I should share.

Apparently, I was wrong on the law that passed in 1978. While it did freeze property tax rates for people over 65, the law actually ended the exemption whereby people 65 and over did not have to pay school taxes at all. So, that was actually a step in the right direction, and not some weird Texas regressive tax stance.

Also, just because a tax "rate" is frozen, it does not mean the tax is frozen. This is because even though the tax rate is frozen the value of the house continues to escalate, and thereby, so do the taxes. So if the tax break is 5%, and the house is worth $100,000 in 1999 and $101,000 in 2001, you taxes on the property still rise.

So, I still vote For Prop 13, but with a much easier mind.

Also, blanket apology to the 75 year old millionaires who have actually been pulling more of their weight since 1978, not less.

Election Verbosity

I'm trying to decide how I am going to vote on the many Propositions in the Sep 13
election (here in Texas, in case I have any interstate visitors). Below are how I am
planning to vote at the moment, but I am open to any comments that may change my mind. If I am wrong on any of these, please tell me why. I will require some persuading, but I might change my mind. Except for Prop 12, let's face it.

After going through all of the Props, I am disturbed by the number that could potentially
limit funding to schools. 5 of the 22 Props relate to Property Taxes in one way or another.

All of this information was culled from the Texas Secretary of State Website, with additional reference to the Austin Area League of Woman Voter's Election Guide (pdf) and the Texas House Research Organization

Prop. 1 HJR 68, Section 1 would authorize the Veterans' Land Board to use excess receipts in the Veterans' Land and Veterans' Housing Assistance funds for payment of revenue bonds, and use excess assets in those funds to provide veterans homes. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to use assets in certain veterans' land and veterans' housing assistance funds to provide veterans homes for the aged or infirm and to make principal, interest, and bond enhancement payments on revenue bonds."

Will votes: For. As we approach the baby boomer's retirement, a huge amount of money is going to be required to pay for their nursing home care, and this money will begin to build facilities capable of handling the growing elderly population.

Prop. 2 HJR 51 would expand from six months to two years the period in which the former owner of a mineral interest that was sold for unpaid property taxes may buy back the mineral interest. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The
constitutional amendment to establish a two-year period for the redemption of a mineral interest sold for unpaid ad valorem taxes at a tax sale."

Will Votes: Against. Now, I have no idea what the hell the above amendment actually means. Apparently, in Texas, mineral right ownership records are kept by private companies, like oil companies, instead of by the government like every other kind of tax. So, come tax time, these private companies give their often inaccurate records to the
state so that the state can tax the income for the mineral rights. Texas School districts
are required to collect 96% of all mineral rights taxes or lose state funding. The combination of bad records from private sources and the school districts need to collect this money or lose funding, leads to lots of foreclosures on people's mineral rights. Apparently, many people have had mineral rights foreclosed and sold at auction before they even knew they had mineral rights to something at all. Currently, the law says that up to 6 months after the sale of a mineral right, an original owner of a mineral rights can pay the tax and get the mineral rights back. I am against this prop for two reasons. First, This will make it harder for school districts to get funding and that is never a good thing. And second, this is a stupid ass way of collecting taxes and it should be overhauled outright and brought in line with every other property tax in the state.

Prop. 3 HJR 55 would authorize the legislature to exempt from taxation land owned by a religious organization that is leased for use as a school or that will be used to expand or construct a place of religious worship that yields no revenue. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation property owned by a religious organization that is leased for use as a school or that is owned with the intent of expanding or constructing a religious facility."

Will votes: Against. If land owned by a church is going to be used for anything except strictly religious services, it should be taxed. Public Schools are in a huge financial crunch and they cannot afford to lose funding from any or any other area.

Prop. 4 SJR 30 would authorize the legislature to allow conservation and reclamation districts to use taxes to develop and finance certain parks and recreation facilities. Also, the amendment would authorize the legislature to allow local elections for the
issuance of bonds to improve and maintain parks and recreational facilities in the Tarrant
Regional Water District or a conservation and reclamation district located in whole or in
part in Bastrop, Bexar, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Tarrant,
Travis, Waller or Williamson County. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment relating to the provision of parks and recreational facilities by certain conservation and reclamation districts."

Will votes: For. I like parks. I want more parks created and the parks already around better maintained.

Prop. 5 SJR 25 would authorize the legislature to exempt from all property taxes certain tangible personal property, which could include a travel trailer not substantially affixed to real estate and not used as a residential dwelling. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation travel trailers not held or used for the production of income."

Will Votes: Against. Schools need the money. Suck it up.

Prop. 6 HJR 23 would authorize a qualified homeowner to refinance a home equity loan with a reverse mortgage loan. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment permitting refinancing of a home equity loan with a reverse mortgage."

Will votes: For. Or more truthfully, I vote, Who the Hell Cares? But that does not appear to be an option. Apparently, these reverse mortgage loans are already legal in Texas, this prop is just to let people who took out a normal home equity loan to refinance it as a reverse mortgage. So fine. According to the AARP, A Reverse Loan is for old
people (you have to be over 62) to get their hands on some cash, without having to repay
any of the money unless they sell the house, or die.

Prop. 7 HJR 44 would reduce the number of persons who make up the jury in a district court criminal misdemeanor case from twelve to six. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to permit a six-person jury in a district court misdemeanor trial."

Will votes: For. At first, I was worried because I don't like people messing around with juries, but since the Prop is specifically for misdemeanor trials, it might save a few bucks and increase the speed at which a case goes to trial. So rock on, 6 member juries.

Prop. 8 HJR 62 would authorize the legislature to permit a person to assume office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office and the election is required by the Texas Constitution. This proposition applies to state and local political subdivisions, whereas Proposition 18 applies only to local political subdivisions. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The
constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a person to take office without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that
office."

Will votes: For. Hey, no one runs against you. You win, easier all around. Yeah you. Although I do think their should be a law requiring a Democrat to stand for every election in Texas.

Prop. 9 HJR 68, Section 2 would redefine the composition of the permanent and available school funds by requiring during the next two fiscal years, and authorizing thereafter, annual distributions to the available school fund of a percentage of any increase in the value of the permanent school fund's total investment assets. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment relating to the use of income and appreciation of the permanent school fund."

Will votes: For. Schools need money now. By Any Means Necessary.

Prop. 10 HJR 61 would authorize municipalities to donate surplus fire fighting equipment, supplies, or materials to the Texas Forest Service, which would be authorized to distribute based on need the equipment to rural volunteer fire departments. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to donate surplus fire-fighting equipment or supplies for the benefit of rural volunteer fire departments."

Will votes: For. Because I think anyone who needs surplus fire-fighting equipment should have it, and fast. Except Adam, of course.

Prop. 11 HJR 85 would authorize the legislature to regulate the operation of wineries in Texas, regardless of whether a winery is located in an area in which the sale of wine has been authorized by local option election. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "A constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to enact laws authorizing and governing the operation of wineries in this state."

Will votes: For. I will always vote pro-wine.

Prop. 12 HJR 3 would immediately authorize the Legislature to limit non-economic damages assessed against a provider of medical or health care and, after January 1, 2005, to limit awards in all other types of cases. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment concerning civil lawsuits against doctors and health care providers, and other actions, authorizing the legislature to determine limitations on non-economic damages."

Will votes: Against. This is the big one. The one everyone is coming to vote for. Chris has written some excellent stuff on this here. Basically, I am voting against this for a few reasons. One, I do not like taking sentencing power away from juries. Each jury has a right, an obligation, to listen to the facts at hand and impose the fairest sentence possible to both sides. And if that means more than $250,000, so be it. Two, remember, for most of us, Doctors do not have the final say about the quality of our care, HMO suits do. And it is their job, not to cure people, but to make a profit. The more we reduce damages in lawsuits, the more HMOs can decide the settlement will be cheaper than the life-saving illness, and deny them care. Three. Smaller settlements mean smaller returns for attorneys, which means fewer lawsuits. Great, you say? Well, remember that the attorney shoulders all expenses of a malpractice suit, which for a medical trial can be enormous, so that a poor person who was wronged can go after a big company and not be spent out of oblivion. Fewer lawyers handling malpractice means that people who were clearly wronged might not have access to an attorney to handle their case, or might be subject to up front fees. Four. Especially for a younger person, because of inflation and cost of living increases, a settlement for medical expenses and wages lost is not enough to money to adequately pay for 30 or 40 years of constant care. A lump sum of $10,000,000 sounds huge. But that is only enough for $100,000 a year. How far do you think $100,000 a year will go in the year 2020, especially if you are still paying forconstant medical care?

Prop. 13 HJR 16 would authorize a county, city, town, and junior college district to freeze property taxes on a residential homestead of a person who is disabled or aged 65 or older. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional
amendment to permit counties, cities and towns, and junior college districts to establish
an ad valorem tax freeze on residence homesteads of the disabled and of the elderly and
their spouses."

Will votes: For. I had a really, really hard time with this one. At First, I though this included School Taxing Districts, but apparently the brilliant voters in Texas decided to freeze money to schools from property tax in 1978. Glad to know those 75 year old millionaires only have to pay 1990 property tax rates to the Schools. Bastards. Well, that should be repealed. When I thought this included School Districts, this was a really easy call, but now, I have to say I am for it. I dislike the fact that older people can be driven out of their homes if the property tax swells, so I will vote for it. With two disclaimers. First, there should be an income bracket for this. The first $200,000 of your Homestead should be frozen, but any amount over $200,000 that the house is worth should go up with everyone else's. And second, they should repeal the law about the freeze on school funding. Everyone should pay that.

Prop. 14 HJR 28 would authorize the Texas Department of Transportation to issue notes or borrow money to fund highway improvement projects. The terms of the notes or loans may not exceed two years. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing for authorization of the issuing of notes or the borrowing of money on a short-term basis by a state transportation agency for transportation-related projects, and the issuance of bonds and other public securities secured by the state highway fund."

Will votes: Against. I really dislike bonds, as they increase debt. I know that sometimes bonds are necessary, but I think Texas should still vote for them on a case by case basis.

Prop. 15 HJR 54 would prohibit a local retirement system and the political subdivision that finances the retirement system from reducing or otherwise impairing certain accrued benefits under the local retirement system. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment providing that certain benefits under certain local public retirement systems may not be reduced or impaired."

Will says: For. People who work for Government have a right to guaranteed retirement benefits just like everyone else.

Prop. 16 SJR 42 would amend the Texas Constitution to allow home equity lines of credit and allow refinancing of a home equity loan with a reverse mortgage loan. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing a home equity line of credit, providing for administrative interpretation of home equity lending law, and otherwise relating to the making, refinancing, repayment, and enforcement of home equity loans."

Will votes: For. Why not. The option to do stupid things, like, potentially, take out a line of home equity credit, shall not be infringed.

Prop. 17 HJR 21 would prohibit an increase in school property taxes on residence homesteads of disabled persons. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit an increase in the total amount of school district ad valorem taxes that may be imposed on the residence homestead of a disabled person."

Will votes: Against. Sounds heartless, but schools need the cash. Texas just needs a better way to fund schools.

Prop. 18 HJR 59 would authorize the legislature to permit a person to assume an office of a political subdivision without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office and the election is required by the Texas Constitution. This proposition applies only to local political subdivisions, whereas Proposition 8 applies to state and local political subdivisions. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a person to assume an office of a political subdivision without an election if the person is the only candidate to qualify in an election for that office."

Will votes: For. And why shouldn't I?

Prop. 19 SJR 45 would repeal the legislature's authority to create rural fire prevention districts. Effective September 1, 2003, all existing rural fire prevention districts will convert to emergency services districts. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to repeal the authority of the legislature to provide for the creation of rural fire prevention districts."

Will votes: For. RFPDs are a bad idea. We need everyone in an ESD. For the record, RFPD can not provide medical services, while ESDs can.

Prop. 20 SJR 55 would authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds in a total amount not to exceed $250 million that will be used to provide loans for economic development projects that benefit defense-related communities in Texas. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or notes not to exceed $250 million payable from the general revenues of the state to provide loans to defense-related communities, that will be repaid by the defense-related community, for economic development projects, including projects that enhance the military value of military installations."

Will votes: Against. The DOD is closing bases left and right. We do not need to raise
$250 million to lure new bases here, when bases are being closed all over the place. And
know this, most of the bases in Texas are in San Antonio, and most are being eyed for
closure because San Antonio is a Democratic town. We need to raise $250 million for the
freaking schools...

Prop. 21 SJR 19 would authorize current and retired faculty members of a public institution of higher education to receive compensation for service as a member of the governing body of a water district. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment to permit a current or retired faculty member of a public college or university to receive compensation for service on the governing body of a water district."

Will votes: For. I believe faculty members of institutions of Higher Learning should be able to get paid any place they can.

Prop. 22 HJR 84 would authorize the appointment of a temporary replacement officer to serve on behalf of a state, district, or local public officer who is called into active military duty for longer than 30 days. The proposition will appear on the ballot as follows: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the appointment of a temporary replacement officer to fill a vacancy created when a public officer enters active duty in the United States armed forces."

Will votes: Against. Because voters should choose their replacement. If Sen. Barrientos were to be called to service (I know he won't just an example) he would be replaced by a Republican. Thereby turning the calling of particular troops into a potentially politically motivated move. Bad idea to mix the two.

Friday 5

"I suppose you could say that everyone has an El Guapo. For some, shyness may be an El Guapo. For others, lack of education may be an El Guapo. But for us, El Guapo is a large ugly man who wants to kill us!"
- Lucky Day from the Three Amigos

Friday 5 Question: What are your top 5 El Guapo's? by Dave

1. Writing. I wish I was a writer. But I am not. Obviously. I try, because it is very
difficult to film something with no script, and downright impossible for a broke person to buy a decent screenplay. So I must write to make movies, but I have just enough talent at writing to recognize how mediocre my stuff is. I pray for inspiration to strike, but mostly I write overbearing dialogue and can't figure out the darn second act.

2. Republicans. My unhealthy and futile obsession with our country's political sphere is largely fueled by my constant shock that Republicans exist. I do not understand them. I know Republicans, I have Republican friends whose opinions matter to me, but I have never heard a defense of Republicanism that did not prove to me that Republicanism means look out for yourself and screw everyone else. Actually, this is not true. I have heard people wax eloquently on Republicanism in Theory that sounded rational and well though out. But, Republicanism in practice seems solely concerned with hoarding money and power at the cost of everyone else.

3. Broadwing. I hate this place, I can't wait to leave it. The tedium of this place is downright oppressive. Everyday I wait for something to happen. And more often than not, nothing happens at all. And I sit at my desk for 10 hours staring at the computer and surfing the internet. Everyday, I have to play out in my head the financial woe my family would be placed in if I left my job to keep from running to the foyer, laughing manically while stripping and running around the building yelling "Free at Last.." until I am escorted from the premises by guards and social workers.

4. Food. God, I love food. I could eat and eat and eat all day long and enjoy every second of it. Over the years, I have conditioned my body to love the feeling of a having very full stomach. It relaxes me like nothing else. Any strong emotion evokes an instant
desire to munch on some food. And I can't eat like that anymore. But I want to so very,
very much...

5. Dave. That scurvy bastard has been a thorn in my side for years.

Just kidding. Dave said he should be one of my El Guano's but really the guy is adorable. He could never be anyone's El Guapo. Except maybe Yanni's.

So my real 5. Public Education. I love Public Education. I am one of it's strongest
proponents. I believe that public education is the single largest reason America is a super-power. I intend to work in the public education system. But, right now, there are so many problems with public education (huge schools, standardized tests taught to the exclusion of all else, kids 504'ed into oblivion) that I am seriously considering private school for my children. I don't want to, but if reforms in public education do not begin immediately, I may have no choice.

Runners Up.

- Shyness
- Lack of Education
- A Large, Ugly Man Who Wants to Kill Me.


Other Friday 5 Participants. Merideth, Adam, Melissa, Chris, Colleen and Gina.