tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-112937312011-06-06T19:49:12.391-04:00Thoughts on freedom, parenthood, marriage, life, and when the issues get way too serious, pie. Because we like pie.Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-78071431281614879682008-05-26T21:56:00.003-04:002008-05-26T22:03:26.612-04:00

No earthshaking entry here. In part, trying to get in the habit again. Recently, family members have been sick, weather has been good for working on the house and property, and I am taking some time for me. Anyways, lots of people post touching sentiments for this day, so all I ask is that you take some time to remember the sacrifices they have made and continue to make on our behalf. Find a

Professor Rhodarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269130026267762431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-28419577157945454222008-05-21T08:54:00.004-04:002008-05-21T09:27:58.841-04:00

I am at home this morning with a sick child, as the wife is on the road for a job that she loves. This gave me a bit of time to reflect on things again, much as an intellectual individual should do every now and then. Some browsing of the Internet had me reviewing this Open Letter to the RNC on Shakey Pete's site (thanks to IMAO for posting the link!). As a conservative, I agree with what was

Professor Rhodarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269130026267762431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-26358832617490668472008-04-18T09:13:00.002-04:002008-04-18T09:20:12.219-04:00

Obama Has Contempt For America.Wow, this guy is worked up, but he articulates very well all the reasons I feel squeamish about Obama. I actually have an opportunity to go see Obama speak today, and while I always believe you should go hear what the opposition is saying, I fear I will come back from his speech depressed that so many Americans support such an unqualified candidate who seems to

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-32007626244367880742008-04-07T16:38:00.004-04:002008-04-07T16:42:34.693-04:00

I just got home from work today, and you would think winter was still upon us. It is in the 60s in our part of the world today and there isn't any snow or ice anywhere. Yet as I attempted to get home, lines of kids walking five to eight abreast in the street were frequent sights (and I have a five minute commute!). Furthermore, kids on bikes were riding without care of, well, big iron machines

Professor Rhodarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269130026267762431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-8281836778622452312008-03-28T21:42:00.003-04:002008-03-28T22:30:14.872-04:00

I went out with some of my coworkers once the time in the mines was done today. The Mrs., who is very generous with letting me get out, again allowed me some time to socialize, especially since my powers of estimating the time of arrival home are extrodinarily poor on Friday afternoons. Anyways, on Thursday at MANDITORY staff meetings, our leadership pretty much said our jobs, and by extension,

Professor Rhodarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269130026267762431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-21120470584070265532008-03-21T20:35:00.002-04:002008-03-21T21:58:36.121-04:00

Besides the fact that she posts awesome dog pics, she also posts stuff like this:Technically, you can say it’s “wrong” for me to have preconceived notions about people of other races. Of course it is, but no more wrong than for a black person to have them about me. If we’re all doing it, which we are, it’s utter bullshit for Whitey to be the only one held responsible or raked over the coals for

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-71148204101964641512008-03-21T19:45:00.002-04:002008-03-21T20:01:23.881-04:00

Life is a funny thing, and not like ha-ha funny. Well, it is if you want to get through it. When I last posted, it wasn't terribly significant. Here's the general, short description about why I haven't posted in eight months: LIFE.As you know, if you read our palaver at all, we train monkeys. Two of them anyways, and they bear a surprising resemblance to children at times. Their development

Professor Rhodarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269130026267762431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-61436887556002394122008-02-14T19:23:00.003-05:002008-02-14T21:27:03.001-05:00

Valentine's day. Blar. I went shopping yesterday evening and the poor schmucks running around the store looking for cards, candy and flowers were truly, truly pathetic. They all had that deer-in-the-headlights look. And the crap that gets sold? Teddy bears and little cutesy-wootsy things... I think I saw one poor bastard walking around with a large red and pink dragon holding a lacy heart... who

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-5565070313181236332007-07-01T15:48:00.001-04:002007-07-01T15:50:05.293-04:00

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-74264173011761294962007-06-24T21:22:00.000-04:002007-06-24T21:23:24.970-04:00

Stay with it, it does warm up...

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-30941540689052881572007-06-23T11:28:00.000-04:002007-06-23T11:33:38.505-04:00

Sorry I haven't produced my environmental manifesto yet, but our training was amped up so we would finish a few days early. So, I was combing through the blogosphere when I saw the mouse's score on the Liberal/Conservative test. The results are:Your Political Profile:Overall: 80% Conservative, 20% LiberalSocial Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% LiberalPersonal Responsibility: 75% Conservative, 25%

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-13430631404035101802007-06-20T21:49:00.000-04:002007-06-20T21:58:42.261-04:00

Okay, what kind of candidate is going to represent me? I tried to take this test like a word-association, choosing the first thing that came to mind. Suggestions please!Your Political Profile:Overall: 55% Conservative, 45% LiberalSocial Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% LiberalPersonal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% LiberalFiscal Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% LiberalEthics: 0% Conservative,

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-34311778575745651512007-05-22T18:50:00.000-04:002007-05-22T18:54:02.715-04:00

I swear the only reason I have not posted lately is that I forgot my freaking password for Blogger. Seriously. I'm suffering from major CRS lately, so I'm trying to modify my diet and remember (HA!) to take my vitamins in the hopes that the fog will clear. If anyone has any suggestions please post them in the comments.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-82423878707482669312007-05-19T10:35:00.000-04:002007-05-19T12:10:41.496-04:00

Hi folks! I was all ready to do a bunch of posts with witty reparte, then I got a new job. I am in training for two months and there is a fair amount of driving to and from the training site, so I sleep a lot.Anyway, I was plowing through the Drudge Report this morning when I saw a refreshing blast of common sense from Roger Daltry (as seen in The Sun). His musical efforts are okay, but I

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-88680644340272337722007-04-19T23:15:00.000-04:002007-04-19T23:19:12.010-04:00

The new NIN album not only rocks, the whole viral marketing and alternate reality game surrounding it is the bomb. Decode the binary. Spoiler type stuff at Digg -- http://www.digg.com/music/Resistance_meeting_turns_into_free_Nine_Inch_Nails_show_in_LA_w_photos

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-28776868437620635992007-04-11T21:20:00.001-04:002008-11-13T07:06:06.205-05:00

I used to do this a lot on my old blog, and since I have a little bit to say about a lot of things, here we go...BentoI got a new bento set from eBay:I used it the other day for spaghetti and meatless meat sauce, flower cut veggies and dip in the 2-tier box, and cottage cheese with strawberries in the small oval container. Love the matching bag...so cute! Also got a new bento box for the

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-36794955068863915062007-04-10T13:25:00.000-04:002007-04-10T20:28:20.934-04:00

No real news here, really more of a brief rant. I was hoping to get out with my kids to do fun things on their Easter break from school since I am laid off and have the time. Go figure we have to get another blizzard here in the Great Lakes Region. According to this article (via the Drudge Report) from AgWeb.com, this could be the coldest April in 113 years!I believe there are some environmental

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1574135756554601332007-04-02T13:46:00.000-04:002007-04-02T13:55:19.498-04:00

Well, I'm back...at least for the time being. I took a long hiatus due to working a new job and helping to coach my son's wrestling team. However, I am back to the land of at least temporarily unemployed. My position normally sees a summer layoff, but they are quite a bit early, given what I am seeing. So hopefully this will be the start of a return to the Professor's rants and maybe some

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1171419548565708062007-02-13T21:13:00.000-05:002007-02-13T21:19:08.580-05:00

Yes, I skipped one, but I can tell you it involved onigiri, a (badly) molded bear egg, baby carrots, and hummus for dipping. On to the third:Top: Crabmeat and baby shrimp with chili mayonnaise in Hello Kitty cup, crabmeat and cream cheese sushi, wasabi in paper linerBottom: Shrimp and chili mayo California roll with soy bear.I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that it's called a California roll when

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170727956176643572007-02-05T20:57:00.000-05:002007-02-05T21:12:36.223-05:00

I spent some time putting this together this evening...it took me a while but I can see how after you've done this often enough it could get easier to do. First, the box:It's just so adorable. Of all the bento boxes I looked at, this was the one I "had" to have. Might have something to do with years and years of Super Mario Brothers on the Nintendo...the mushrooms are just so cute! When I first

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170446481615161532007-02-02T14:58:00.000-05:002007-02-02T22:09:31.243-05:00

*UPDATE* David Weigel sums up my thoughts on the whole Boston Lite-Brite-Freakout pretty well.The entrepreneurial spirit of America never ceases to amaze me:Authentic Mooninites LED Sign ATHFThat would look great in the office!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170352394616625122007-02-01T12:45:00.000-05:002007-02-01T12:54:31.173-05:00

AP:A judge ordered two men held on bond Thursday for allegedly placing electronic advertising devices around the city in a publicity stunt that went awry and stirred fears of terrorism, shutting down parts of Boston.Peter Berdovsky, 27, and Sean Stevens, 28, were held on $2,500 cash bond each after they pleaded not guilty to placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct for a device found

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170351191680151012007-02-01T12:27:00.000-05:002007-02-01T12:34:33.716-05:00

Reuters:Kris Smith called it "the equivalent of a man Tupperware party." In early December, he and a few pals gathered in a basement in suburban Chicago to try out their friend's brand new Nintendo Wii video game console.At the end of the night, Smith, 32, was sweaty, exhausted, and completely sold on buying a Wii for himself.Smith, who never enjoyed video games before the Wii, said the console

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170211306517252422007-01-30T21:37:00.000-05:002007-01-30T21:41:46.530-05:00

Now that I'm totally obsessed with Bento and to a certain degree all things Japanese, I am running across more and more, um, interesting things. Take for example this Japanese commercial for a snack called Pretz. I found this while I was shopping online for cute snacks to put in my Bento lunches, and let me just say that Japanese commercials are the bomb. The whole not-understanding-Japanese

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1170185498106492152007-01-30T14:29:00.000-05:002007-01-30T14:31:38.123-05:00

I ordered a bunch of Bento supplies the other day. It's a recipe for wackiness. Will post pics when it arrives.Also learned that when they refer to sushi rice as "sticky" rice, they are NOT kidding.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1169777974647117212007-01-25T20:41:00.000-05:002007-01-25T23:31:50.876-05:00

Okay, maybe I exaggerate "time-honored tradition" a little bit, but when we're prosecuting sixteen-year-old kids on morals charges for showing a Playboy to a buddy, I think it's a pretty clear sign that we have lost all trace of sense. But that's not the really disturbing part of this story. This kid faced 90 years in prison for having nine images of child porn on his computer. However...

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1169775673868575152007-01-25T20:39:00.000-05:002007-01-25T20:41:13.876-05:00

Blue Hawaiian daiquiri with whipped cream, cherry with stem, and the all-important umbrella. Mmmmmmm.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1169520980173813332007-01-22T21:55:00.000-05:002007-01-22T21:56:20.186-05:00

For those of you that didn't get the barbecue sauce reference...

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1169264028693075932007-01-19T22:20:00.000-05:002007-01-19T22:33:48.730-05:00

I have this tendency to find something cool and get obsessed with it, hence about 25 unfinished projects and hobbies around my house. My latest thing is Bento. I don't know why, if I had to guess I would say it's because it appeals to my artistic and creative side. Plus I've taken an interest in making every day life more fun, and what could possibly be more fun than a Hello Kitty Bento Lunchbox

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1168483866400290572007-01-10T21:48:00.000-05:002007-01-10T21:51:06.410-05:00

Via Kleverkreep.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1168310380534919062007-01-08T20:51:00.000-05:002007-01-08T21:44:06.073-05:00

I am So. Frigging. Glad. that I can send my kid to private school and avoid crap like this:BLOSSBURG, Pa. — Six-year-old Karlind Dunbar barely touched her dinner, but not for time-honored 6-year-old reasons. The pasta was not the wrong shape. She did not have an urgent date with her dolls.The problem was the letter Karlind discovered, tucked inside her report card, saying that she had a body mass

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1168307154221930102007-01-08T20:43:00.000-05:002007-01-08T20:45:54.233-05:00

Where were these parties when I was in college? Then again, I doubt I'd have gone even if I had been invited to one, damn insecurity. I did play strip poker, once. There are only 3 witnesses alive to that incident. One used to read this blog...so if you are reading today, shu'up.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1168221065950611322007-01-07T20:44:00.000-05:002007-01-07T20:51:05.963-05:00

Not that I didn't know that this was coming, but I do have to say I got a little teary-eyed when I heard the official word that Bill Cowher is resigning as head coach of the Steelers. Bill has been a great coach and a major asset to the team as well as the city of Pittsburgh. He's given us fans a great run and some excellent football to watch ('cept for this year, but we got the one for the

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1167958883984082552007-01-04T19:48:00.000-05:002007-01-04T20:01:24.006-05:00

In today's Erie Times-News Showcase section (that's the weekly entertainment section for those of you not from around here) Gerry Weiss has the following to say about what's on TV tonight:HIGHLY MISSABLE (IN FACT, WE RECOMMEND IT)"Hook." Dustin Hoffman. Robin Williams. Julia Roberts. Steven Spielberg. So many Oscars between them, so much talent on the set -- and such a horribly bad film. The tale

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1167795255035125902007-01-02T22:33:00.000-05:002007-01-02T22:34:15.046-05:00

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1167794055790916502007-01-02T21:52:00.000-05:002007-01-02T22:14:15.846-05:00

I read this article linked from Drudge the other day with interest. The gist is that there is a nationwide effort to scan in the irisis of children across the nation in order to assist in identifying missing children. There are some nifty quotes like:The system can scan an eye and match an iris in 3 to 5 seconds after comparing it with stored images in a national database, Mullin said.And further

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1167669689176438512007-01-01T11:05:00.000-05:002007-01-01T11:41:29.226-05:00

And what a fabulous time to do something novel like, oh, write on my long-dead blog. Life has a funny way of creating directions for us that we never would have chosen on our own. 2006 was a difficult year for us in a number of ways, which I won't bore you with, but despite all the trials and tribulations I would not give it up for anything. Our oldest boy is in first grade, and is beconing more

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1145542082138829512006-04-20T10:04:00.000-04:002006-04-20T10:08:02.153-04:00

Easter is a time of celebration in our home, and what celebration would be complete without PIE! I was overwhelmed with the two pie selections: a cheesecakeish pie and coconut cream pie. Both were outstanding, but what I liked about the coconut was the fact that the base filing was slightly frozen. It gave it a little texture that I enjoy, like a thicker smoothy-type dessert.My diet has been

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1145541027718732802006-04-20T09:14:00.000-04:002006-04-20T09:50:27.983-04:00

Sorry for the long hiatus, but many changes in my life. I went to work in a state job and was laid off this past week. Please don't feel sorry for me. The many hours I worked last year (70+ per week) paid off in unemployment benefits, at least, that's what it looks like so far. I will make at least as much as I did working because I had a really high quarter. So, things looks good for the summer!

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1143555274870919002006-03-28T09:13:00.000-05:002006-03-28T09:14:34.886-05:00

The answer really is 42!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1141247320536561332006-03-01T16:06:00.000-05:002006-03-01T16:08:40.546-05:00

http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/.This guy started with a red paperclip, and he is continually trading up with the goal of eventually trading for a house. He started a few months ago, and right now he has a recording contract for trade. It was a pretty cool read.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1132593434293410662005-11-21T11:43:00.000-05:002005-11-21T12:20:22.873-05:00

Well, back to something more mainstream than Pie. I just reviewed a news post from the Christian Science Monitor about why support for the war has fallen so fast when compared with Korea and Vietnam. Weakening resolve related to mounting casualties was the predominant source of this shift.However, I would argue that media presence and availability of rapid-fire outlets (Internet especially)

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1132369390766741032005-11-18T21:35:00.000-05:002005-11-18T22:03:10.783-05:00

I had another great pie day today! It first started with another trip to Erie County Farms, where the 99 cent sale continued. I just missed getting the elusive Coconut Cream Pie, but pumpkin is now covered for Thanksgiving. This was especially appreciated by the heir to the throne, as he really likes pumpkin.Then, the joy continued at my speech class. Tonight my students presented

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1131086425409174372005-11-04T01:36:00.000-05:002005-11-04T01:40:25.423-05:00

Where we live, there is a place called Erie County Farms. They do a thriving business in meats, cheeses, and various other produce. Yesterday, I braved potential swarms of folks to get our lunchmeats, cheeses, and some vegetables. While doing so, I found a stack of freshly shipped pies, from Chocolate Silk, to Lemon Merangue, to Cherry, to Apple Lace. And each pie was only 99 cents! I jumped

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1131044066685085662005-11-03T13:26:00.000-05:002005-11-03T13:54:26.700-05:00

It has been a week since the interview. I feel pretty good right now. I have, for the time being, a sense of hope that has been absent from my brain. More tests and opportunities are beginning to unfold, with no promises, but it gives me something to aim for. And again, I am staying away from the news as much as I can.How does this connect with my job concerns? Let me tell you....I found a

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1130428939737217812005-10-27T11:26:00.000-04:002005-10-27T12:02:19.763-04:00

Later today, I will be going on another interview for a state civil service job (the second in a short time span). I bring this up in relation to the infrequency with which we have been posting on this blog. As mentioned in previous posts, we have been a busy lot, with myself working a ton of hours to brace for any unforseen costs due to snow, rain, poor health, or the tax man. Some of these

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1127922458499397632005-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:002005-09-28T11:47:38.526-04:00

Well, as you may (or may not) have noticed, we have been away for a while. A lot of things have happened that require a sound tounge-lashing, but I 'unplugged' myself over the summer. Work wasn't the usual culprit; I only worked one job versus the three I currently possess. I did forget my login information, but I reside with the blog master, so no excuse there.I did pursue life a little more

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1127846055810501352005-09-27T14:33:00.000-04:002005-09-27T14:34:15.816-04:00

Jeff over at Alphecca has his Weekly Report of Media Gun Bias up. Enjoy!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1127777506178962712005-09-26T19:15:00.000-04:002005-09-26T21:34:32.856-04:00

Well this was just outrageous enough for me to actually start blogging again:Women are increasingly seeking inappropriate IVF treatment because they do not have the time or inclination for a sex life...Wealthy career women in their 30s and early 40s, some of whom have given up regular sex altogether, are turning to "medicalised conception" - despite being fertile and long before they have

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1116905706868161982005-05-23T23:05:00.000-04:002005-05-23T23:35:06.873-04:00

I have been doing a great deal of reading lately....part of it connected to my substitute work at school. Fortunately, I find much of it very stimulating, such as the book The Giver by Lois Lowry. I found The Giver to be along the same track as other future-bending books like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Ayn Rand's Anthem, or George Orwell's 1984. Part of the notion is that jobs are

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1115085702519804042005-05-02T21:40:00.000-04:002005-05-02T22:01:42.520-04:00

Two weeks ago I was in our local video store renting a DVD, and my total was $2.11. I handed the kind, if somewhat slack-jawed, young cashier a 5 dollar bill, and the young man gave me $3.89 in change. I briefly thought about it, then said "I think you gave me an extra dollar," and tried to hand it back to him. He said, "No, I didn't." Since there was no one in line behind me I explained the

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1115083942338859372005-05-02T21:24:00.000-04:002005-05-02T21:32:22.340-04:00

Found at A Small Victory:"Guy" movies that I, a woman, love:The Dirty DozenKill Bill Vol. 1 Major League The Hunt For Red October HighlanderReservoir Dogs Big Trouble in Little China ZuluThe Terminator Pulp Fiction The Matrix"Chick flicks" that I, a chick, do not like:Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. For the most part, I don’t watch chick flicks, so I can’t come up with a whole list of

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1114693018903679752005-04-28T08:49:00.000-04:002005-04-28T08:56:58.906-04:00

Good God, I may have to actually start respecting Randi Rhodes. There was a whole kerfluffle the other day regarding a skit on Air America radio (is anyone still listening to it?) that portrayed the President being shot at several times, and rumor hs it that the Secret Service are investigating. So yesterday, Randi says:"This was just a stupid, stupid bit!" exclaimed Randi Rhodes on yesterday's

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113535835568843022005-04-20T19:57:00.000-04:002005-04-20T19:56:51.186-04:00

Another re-post from the old blog, from 4-9-04:I wanted to briefly blog about having cleaned my gun for the first time and the fact that our family got a membership to a sporting club, but came upon some comments from a reader. I'm not trying to make a spectacle of him, but I do want to address his points publicly for the purpose of education."I will never, for the life of me, understand the

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1114009632933378052005-04-20T10:50:00.000-04:002005-04-20T19:53:36.700-04:00

I found this image of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger clasping hands with Pope John Paul II, and I thought it fitting to highlight his recent election as Pope Benedict XVI. Much is being made of his name selection, with speculation that he will be a champion of peace and ecumenism, things his history as Cardinal do not necessarily point to. I'm not speaking from a position of knowledge here, I'm just

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113917913491500892005-04-19T09:37:00.000-04:002005-04-19T09:38:33.490-04:00

Jeff at Alphecca has his Weekly Check on the Bias up. Enjoy!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113839566538057462005-04-18T11:46:00.000-04:002005-04-18T12:09:03.680-04:00

...or anytime, really. The newest Carnival of Cordite is up. I was very happy to find a link to this book. I have a few girlfriends who are teetering on the verge of coming to the range with me, and this book looks like a great introduction to the idea of self defense and responsible gun ownership. This week's Carnival is chock-full of excellent reading. Enjoy!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113689657469371232005-04-16T18:11:00.000-04:002005-04-16T18:14:17.470-04:00

Head on over to the Countertop Chronicles for this week's Carnival of the Recipies, who kindly linked to our Friday Pie-Blogging. Looks dee-licious over there!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113595618467375362005-04-15T16:04:00.000-04:002005-04-15T16:06:58.466-04:00

You're Betty Grable! What Classic Pin-Up Are You? brought to you by QuizillaGood thing Rhodar likes the classics... ;)

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113535593170631222005-04-15T12:52:00.000-04:002005-04-15T13:29:16.800-04:00

Here is a re-post from 04/06/2004: For me, Buy A Gun Day was Saturday:Yes, it is quite small. It's rather remarkable, really -- no bigger than my hand. A friend had spotted this gem at a local gun shop and took me out there to see it over the weekend. Admittedly, for as much as I talk smack about exercising my Second Amendment rights, I was rather apprehensive. For one thing, I had never fired a

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113530835714543382005-04-15T07:39:00.000-04:002005-04-15T08:27:09.973-04:00

Since this blog is called Liberty and Pie, I figure it's about time we did some pie blogging. After all, we here are as 'Murkin as...Mom's Apple PieCombine:5 1/2 cups sliced apples1 T lemon juice1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup brown sugar3 T flour1/4 t salt1/2 t cinnamon1/4 t nutmegMix thoroughly, spoon into slightly baked egg-glazed pie crust. I prefer making my pie crusts from scratch using the recipe

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113535088628330662005-04-15T07:26:00.000-04:002005-04-15T08:18:24.600-04:00

Why, you ask? Why, it's April 15th! "Weren't you just wonking that it's tax day?" Yeeeesss, but Aaron so kindly reminded me that it is also Buy A Gun Day. We've been very remiss in promoting this great day for all law abiding citizens, and we will have a link to our new purchase shortly. As usual, we celebrated early. In honor of BAG Day, I'll be reposting some of my gun related stuff from my old

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113494846274238572005-04-14T07:46:00.000-04:002005-04-14T12:59:02.500-04:00

Another sad story of a kid snapping:A 13-year-old pitcher was accused of clubbing a teenage friend to death with a baseball bat, moments after the friend apparently teased him at a concession stand following his baseball team's first loss of the season. Now Drudge's headline for this was "Teen Accused of Killing Friend With Bat After Game Loss..." which immediately prompted me to think "Oh here

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113449221731682342005-04-13T23:26:00.000-04:002005-04-13T23:27:01.733-04:00

This is the ubiquitous orange daylily:Isn't it lovely? Two years ago when we bought our house, I was pleasantly surprised to find I had some growing alongside my garage. How pretty, I thought. The next year, to my annoyance, they had grown twice as large and were starting to intrude into the yard. Oh well, the weed whacker will get 'em. This year, as I cleaned out the flower beds, I found they

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113412441375861692005-04-13T13:11:00.000-04:002005-04-13T13:14:01.376-04:00

Tax time is rapidly approaching, and Frank J. has all you need to know about it -- Know Thy Enemy: Taxes.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113400403021607042005-04-13T09:31:00.000-04:002005-04-13T09:53:23.023-04:00

Jane Galt has a fabulous post on the gay marriage debate in the US, doing a much better job of summarizing my thoughts on the matter than I could:My only request is that people try to be a leeetle more humble about their ability to imagine the subtle results of big policy changes. The argument that gay marriage will not change the institution of marriage because you can't imagine it changing your

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113320422039754092005-04-12T11:34:00.000-04:002005-04-12T11:40:22.040-04:00

...but I really like this song.Just for Og.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113271198593700302005-04-11T21:58:00.000-04:002005-04-11T21:59:58.593-04:00

Holy shmoly, I just watched this trailer for the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy movie, and it was fabulous. It really captured the flavor of the Douglas Adams books too (of which Rhodar and I are huge fans). This movie better not suck.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113270123296709532005-04-11T21:36:00.000-04:002005-04-11T21:42:03.296-04:00

Jared over at Exultate Justi has an excellent post regarding what is, and is not, a theocracy. I particularly enjoyed his characterization of what "our more enlightened fellow citizens" think of Christianity, having come upon that mindset quite frequently in recent memory. Disturbingly, many of those folks represent themselves to me as Christians themselves. Just so long as it doesn't require

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113241022261577682005-04-11T13:06:00.000-04:002005-04-11T13:40:47.420-04:00

Via The Education Wonks and Number 2 Pencil, we are pointed to a Wall Street Journal article on the ineffectiveness of middle schools. Quoth the WSJ:Now, a growing body of evidence is showing that preteen students do better when they can remain in their familiar elementary schools for longer -- with better grades and fewer disciplinary problems than their middle-school peers. As a result, many

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1113225723816897832005-04-11T09:20:00.000-04:002005-04-11T09:22:03.830-04:00

...for this week's Carnival of Cordite. I really ought to submit something for that soon. Maybe I'll have some purty targets to post tomorrow, if I can get my image uploading to work, that is...

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112757262727793222005-04-05T22:57:00.000-04:002005-04-05T23:14:22.730-04:00

Range report: Just got back from my weekly jaunt to the Keystone Gun Club, and had the opportunity to try one of these:This is a great firearm, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a smaller size for concealability. Granted, I only had time to put about 25 rounds through it (it's a five-shot), but I feel better about the 640 after 25 rounds than I feel about my .32 Beretta

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112731147196800512005-04-05T15:58:00.000-04:002005-04-05T15:59:21.516-04:00

Jeff at Alphecca has posted his handy-dandy Weekly Check On The Bias. Enjoy!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112716017496454892005-04-05T11:43:00.000-04:002005-04-05T11:46:57.496-04:00

I did a search for "fire fighter dress up" while shopping for my youngest son's birthday, and it took until the fourth page of search results to get adult content. I thought I'd get much more pr0n than that. I am pleasently surprised.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112632569103765332005-04-04T12:31:00.000-04:002005-04-04T12:36:09.103-04:00

"Who needs another blog Carnival," you may ask? You do, especially if it's the Carnival of Cordite. Rich, bloggy goodness chock-full of firearm and Second Amendment info. Remember: everyone needs a t-shirt and a Boomstick.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112625013792825422005-04-04T10:22:00.000-04:002005-04-04T10:30:13.793-04:00

...outlaws have free rein. It amazes me how many stories we see like this one, and they seem to be getting more common in England, where it is illegal for a law-abiding citizen to own a gun to defend themselves. This poor woman had been targeted by burglars four times in 18 months. And this guy's fatal mistake was that he said hello to a man who was probably twice his size. Throughout all of

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112293868518045772005-03-31T13:29:00.000-05:002005-03-31T13:31:08.520-05:00

This sounds like it could have happened at my house.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112213020586239362005-03-30T14:52:00.000-05:002005-03-30T15:03:40.586-05:00

There. I said it.I've felt that way for a long time, but this article threw me over the edge. Oh boo-hoo, poor Annie was heckled, cry me a river. Do I think speakers should be shouted down and interrupted by ignoramuses? Of course not. But, when the speaker is saying things like "(Liberals are) kind of cute when they're cold, shivering and afraid," and that she would answer questions from

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112205031843679192005-03-30T12:47:00.000-05:002005-03-30T12:50:31.843-05:00

Just added the Trackback feature here, as well as Haloscan comments. We'll see how these do for a while.Nice day out today. Spring is in the air finally! And my bulbs are starting to sprout -- apparently the squirrells and moles didn't finish them off last year after all!

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112132076624042842005-03-29T16:22:00.000-05:002005-03-29T16:34:36.626-05:00

Jim at Zero Intelligence reports on a California elementary school that has given ID badges with radio tracking devices to all students. Some parents are outraged, and see this as an attack on basic civil liberties and privacy (ya think?!). The expensive badge system will help the teachers --get this -- take attendance, and the principal is dismissing parental concerns and saying pretty much that

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1112065812574534552005-03-28T21:20:00.000-05:002005-03-28T22:10:12.580-05:00

It seems that some folks have proclaimed writer, raconteur, and grouch extrordinaire Kim Du Toit as the worst blogger. It's the kind of thing you just shake your head at, I guess. Folks were pretty incensed at two essays of Kim's in particular, "Let Africa Sink" (hello, he lived much of his life there, I think that entitles him to a valid opinion on the matter) and my favorite essay of his, "The

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1111463207986743072005-03-21T22:45:00.000-05:002005-03-21T22:46:47.986-05:00

Well, we are doing it! Da' Mouse and I have finally got a blog together. Scary, isn't it? And I only have one week to go for class. Then, the serious blogging will begin!

Professor Rhodarnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1110378953349108652005-03-09T09:24:00.000-05:002005-03-09T09:35:53.420-05:00

Today's Erie Times News reports on the death of Rudy, the world's oldest gorilla in captivity. He resided at our very own Erie Zoo for the last 18 years. My kids loved to see the gorillas, and I'm sure Rhodar will miss him as well, since he worked at the zoo for years. Rudy will be sorely missed.

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11293731.post-1110376344230513682005-03-09T08:40:00.000-05:002005-03-09T09:37:10.733-05:00

Welcome to our little blog here. This is a joint venture between myself, formerly of "One Little Victory," and Rhodar, of "Professor Rhodar's Rants." You can expect to read about politics, entertainment, family life, marriage, games, crafts, current events, and yes, pie. Because we like pie. If anyone has any clue how to import entries from MT to Blogger, let me know.To get a sense of the various

Analog Mousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609217527974466712noreply@blogger.com1