Express-Way Podcast & Radio Program

Where Do I Start?

How much has happened since we last posted?  Elections, war, Wall Street, this is just the start...  I'll post some good stuff soon!

Spin: McClellan's No Rookie

 

Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan wrote a scathing memoir about his years serving the Bush Presidency.  He claims that he was told to create propaganda that did not reflect the truth about Iraq and the war.  Is this stuff even true?  Assuming the validity of his claims, why now?  Does it have anything to do with the upcoming elections?  Is he just hitching on the anti-Bush bandwagon (it's an easy on to get on)?  What will this mean for the candidates?  Why didn't he do anything about it during his term?  How do we know he's not spinning this?

Click for article:

Huge Earthquake Kills Around 9,000 in China

BEIJING — A powerful earthquake struck a mountainous region of western China on Monday, reportedly killing more than 8,500 people, including as many as 5,000 people in a single county, and trapping more than 900 students beneath a collapsed high school as tremors shook buildings throughout China and were felt as far away as Thailand and Vietnam, according to interviews and reports in China’s state media.  Let us pray for the people of China.
News Link:

Tropical Cyclone Slams Myanmar

More than 41,000 people are missing and 22,000 dead after Cyclone Nargis pummels Myanmar.  Let's pray for Myanmar.

More Misstatements About Misspeaking About Mishaps. Mess.

Ha ha ha... Couldn't pass it up; you've got to read them.

Link to article

Link to Politico Article

Traveling? Try JetBlue.

After some pretty serious whistle-blowing by former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, it seems the organization is on the rebound. American Airlines is grounding some of its flights for a second day due to risky wiring in Boeing MD-80’s wheel wells. The airline had failed to comply with the FAA’s directive on this issue. In the past two days 1,550 flights have been scrapped, stranding over 170,000 passengers. Are these extreme measures merely to demonstrate the safety consciousness of the FAA and the airline companies themselves? I’m sure they want what’s best for their patrons, but I can’t help but heap a little cynicism on the situation. Maybe political methodology is really getting to me.

Iran Installs 6,000 New Centrifuges on ‘National Nuclear Day’

This article should be read by the international community.  Anyone who actually believes that Iran is innocent of developing weapons of mass destruction must concede.  The technology's there, the scientists are there, the motive is there, the funding is there (thanks to oil and gas prices), it's all there.  Wake up world!!

Poll: Americans Prefer Energy Fix to Disease Fix

Now, three things immediately came to mind when I read this article.  Number one, how money hungry can we be?  We seriously would rather sacrifice potential cures for cancer and other infectious diseases for better energy prices?  I think we should put some pressure on energy companies to provide these viable alternatives rather than look to the government for research.  Secondly, I wonder if this will have any bearing on Hillary's plan to focus on national health care.  It seems the American people may not be so interested in their health as how much it costs to fill up their Hummer.  And last, why hasn't Obama picked up on this?  I'm sure his pastor has already picked out a dandy conspiracy theory for this one.

Misogyny? Seriously?

"Clinton's women supporters fear her bid has unleashed a sexist backlash"
I ran across this article today and I can't figure it out.  Granted, I have not heard or seen everything that has gone on in the media and that's why I, and maybe the rest of the listening and reading audience, need your help.  In the Wall Street Journal article At the Barricades In the Gender Wars, authors Jonathan Kaufman and Carol Hymowitz claim that Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton has been the target of a barrage of "slurs", "inflammatory language", and "misogynists", all in specific reference to her gender.  For example, "because she's a woman..."  The article doesn't support these assertions, so I'd like to see if anyone can help me find what they're talking about.  At this point it seems that this is more of the same; the liberal media trying to paint anyone not supporting their agenda as intolerant, insensitive, and essentially morally wrong.  What they should be doing is looking for the best candidate to govern this country and not spend so much of their efforts in appealing to emotion and portraying each of "their" candidates as victims.  Just my musings.  Let me hear what you think.

Pants On Fire!

My house is bigger than your house.  My car is better than your car. My foreign policy experience is more than your foreign policy experience.  In the spirit of one-upism, the illustrious Hillary Rodham Clinton recently made some misguided remarks.  While trying to assure the American people that her foreign policy experience far superseded that of Barak Obama, she said some things that were absolutely false. She literally flat-out lied about her experience in Bosnia in 1996, claiming that she came in under gun fire and was fearful for her life. You can see the exposé on YouTube. This is not what Presidents do.. oh wait, there was that Bill guy.  I think he even said something under oath.  But hey, I'm sure we've all learned our lesson right?

P.S. Lol! Check this out, maybe I was wrong

Who Needs A Movie?!

Or maybe they could be your spokesmen.  Just click, and feel free to laugh.

Fred and Sharon Movies

Client #9, Tragic...

Governor Eliot Spitzer resigns today amid allegation of involvement in a call-girl scandal.  The dignity of those in the public eye is again tarnished by the failings of a moral leader.  There is a baffling, yet simple explanation as to why a man of his stature would do something like this.  To us, this seems - well frankly, stupid.  To men like this it usually comes back to this uncomplicated statement, "because I can."  It is a demon of powerful people.  The disillusionment that they have somehow aspired to godship.  They are above the law, above the rules, beyond considerations of "good and evil."  They are outside the limitations of the majority of people who must live lives of discipline, self-control, and in recognition that we must be subject to a higher law.  It is the pursuit and exercise of power through selfish ambition that creates echoes of the divination of human beings.  The truth is, we are all fallible.  We are all weak.  We must rely on the grace and empowerment of Jesus Christ to live a pure life.  Anything less than that and men fall and are destroyed. 

$108!!

Oil prices are still on the rise.  Jumping up to over 108 dollars per barrel, this is something that hurts the everyday consumer.  Opec has opted to keep its output unchanged, driving prices higher than they've ever been.  As go the principles of scarcity or resources and monopolization, oil producers are making more money than ever.  Boycotts, protests, congressional investigations, wars, etc have failed to see the little guy find a reprieve.  What should we do?

Israel Criticized Over Conditions in Gaza

A conglomeration of human rights groups have recently spoken out against Israel's blockade of supplies to the strip.  From their reports it seems that those in Gaza are in really terrible shape and conditions are continuing to worsen.  Innocent people are suffering and there is an outcry from UK human rights groups.  So why does Israel continue to hold this blockade and why isn't there more being done by the international community to stop it?  I'd like to hear your opinion.

"Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future"  -Daleep Mukarji, Christian Aid

Click Here for BBC's Article

 

Ecuador-Colombia Conflict

This conflict is ugly.  Below I have created a link to some photographs of the fallout.

Warning: Graphic!!

Click Here

Turkey: Mission Accomplished

In an article by the BBC, it is reported that Turkey has pulled out of Iraq.  Now, they weren't fighting in Baghdad, but they were culling out PKK members in northern Iraq.  Both the Iraqi and U.S. governments had urged Turkey to stay out of Iraq from the beginning.  However, Turkey was repeatedly being attacked by PKK rebels who would run across the border into Turkey kill people and run back across.  It's kinda like that that little kid who stands behind his big brother, runs out and punches you in the nose, and then runs back again.  The whole time, big brother is expecting you to do nothing about it.  Turkey said enough is enough.  They marched across the Iraqi border, not to confront the Iraqi government or their sovereignty, but to quell the efforts of the PKK insurgents.  I say, Iraq and the U.S. were wrong on this one.  Turkey has the right and responsibility to defend its sovereignty and its citizens.  They came in, took care of business, and now they're marching home.  That's how it should be done - mission accomplished.

Marlins or Manatees?

This is kind of a response to a portion of our discussion on our latest podcast/broadcast about the Florida Marlins.  I was, and still am, at a loss for why you would want your cheerleaders (in this case, fat men) to be called manatees.  Now there's an obvious correlation between the name and the size of the actual cheerleaders, but how in the world does this represent the team?  I mentioned on the program that marlins, considered the ultimate game fish, are incredibly athletic and extremely fast swimmers.  They are some of the most feared predators of their domain.  This seems like the perfect image to portray to the other teams in your sport.  But manatees?!  Come on.  Well, I guess it's working, because now they've even got me talking about them.

Watch Out for Condi

Condoleezza Rice scares me.  Today, Miss Rice berated Israel for killing some Palestinians.  Their deaths are regrettable, unfortunate, and very sad.  However, she takes things a little further in her accusations and sentiment.  Now, I understand her humanitarian concern, it is at least obligatory, but she is consistently outspoken against Israel.  This nation, the United States, has a long track record of siding with and supporting Israel.  They haven't been angels, but let's face a couple of facts.  First, I believe the Abrahamic Covenant and its implications, which declare "blessings on those that bless you, and curses on those that curse you."  Secondly, they definitely have done their part in helping the U.S., do your research, it's there.  And lastly, the world has been wanting this small nation's obliteration since as far back as history records.  Condi, let us both take a step back and consider the whole matter: your precious Palestinians may need a little reprimand too.

This Thing Is Way Cool!

First, it's the tallest building in history.

   

Then, it's some incredible man made islands and buildings. 

Now, one of the most ingenious bridges ever built.
Where, you ask?  The U.S.? 

The U.K.?  Europe?  Nope.  Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  This Middle Eastern country is emerging as one of the most exciting and wealthy places to live on the planet.  Thanks to a super hot oil market and smart investors, this place represents the peak of human ingenuity.  Bringing it down to a thought though - this is a little scary for me.  To me, this screams of the pride of man. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for progress and creating highly inhabitable places, but some of this stuff just sets off warning bells.  Remember the Tower of Babel? I'm sure some 125 year old guy is reading this saying, "that's what the said about the Empire State Building when it was being built in the early 20th century."  However, I do know that pride cometh before a fall.  BTW,

Michael Jackson lives there.

-bud

Castro Stepping Down

In a middle-of-the-night letter, Fidel Castro has announced his retirement from President of Cuba.  This move comes after an intestinal surgery in 2006 when he temporarily handed over power to his younger brother, Raul Castro (a spry 76).  He decided to reclaim his post shortly after the surgery and has continued to rule until now because, "he had had a duty to the Cuban people to prepare them for his absence."  Aww, how sweet.  He will be missed... by some.  Others, including those in Miami are overjoyed at this change in leadership.  At this point, it looks like Cuba's new parliament will appoint Raul Castro as the new president, but it's not a done deal yet.  If you are hoping for a turnaround in policy and political and social practices, don't get your hopes up.  President Fidel Castro has ensured that his posterity will configure to his mold.  He plans to be vigilant and committed to the lost cause of communism.  Good luck with that.

-bud

Snow Day!!

One of my biggest complaints about living here in the valley is - no snow!  This is especially frustrating because it gets cold enough, so we're already suffering with the low temperatures.  Yet, in all my years living in the valley, I can count on one hand the times I've seen it snow here.  Alright, I'm done complaining.  So, this weekend our church took a little jaunt up to Long Barn and the surrounding areas.  We had so much fun!  The snow was perfect, the weather was perfect, and the company was perfect.  Snowball fights, wrestling, sledding, and getting hurt all happened to create an unforgettable weekend.  No big deal, you think.  Well, to me it was.  There is no amount of money that could buy the happiness and fulfillment of being surrounded by family and people you love, AND who love you.  You ought to try it.

-bud

This is me and my amazing girlfriend, Sophie.

Superman!!

Dwight Howard: He throws it down in style.

Love is in the air...

  Well, it is that time of the year.  Whether you're the kind of person that goes all out or you're the kind that thinks it's all a conspiracy for retailers to rake in more cash, Valentine's Day is here - and you might as well enjoy it.  I've done my thing for Valentine's Day and made my plans.  I won't reveal everything at this time because some things need to be a surprise for my girlfriend, but it should be quite memorable.  I would love to hear some ideas or unforgettable things that you've experienced surrounding this day.  Give us some ingenious ideas because love doesn't just show up, you've got to do something to get some love in the air.

-bud

Kenya in turmoil...

Fighting, fighting, and more fighting.  Unfortunately, this may be a worthy cause.  There does seem to be evidence that suggests some malevolence and general wrongdoing.  It is quite difficult to assess from 9,500 miles away and no experience of ever having been there, but I try.  There has been poll violence and many accustions regarding rigged and tainted ellections, both are unacceptable in a burgeoning democracy.  The first response, however, shouldn't be violence.  This needs to be last resort, or some would suggest it never be used.  I think the two major players here, President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odingo, need to sit down for some honest talks, put personal vendettas aside, and get to the bottom of the issue: let's quit playing selfish politics and promoting our personal agendas and let's finally do something good for the people.  Good luck with that one.  In our 230 years of an idealistic representative democracy, we still haven't got it right.  Ah, the beautiful nature of man.

-bud

What's going on?!

Alright, I don't know what's going on these days, but this is insane. First, we have the guy who kills his neighbor for the height of the guy's lawn. Next, there's the guy who kills six people at a city council meeting.  Then, there's the 23 year old woman who kills two students at her college in Louisiana. Last, there's the guy who wanted to massacre a bunch of people at the Superbowl.  This is only a fraction of the reported atrocities happening on our own soil here in the United States.  What is going on?!  Do we seriously lack the capacity to empathize with the pain of others?  This, I believe, is one of the core elements of true evil.  Do we not value human life?  Why not?  Is it society, is it Satan, or is it just depraved man?

-bud

Hello World!

Greetings from here to where you are.  Whether you're warmly nestled high in the Andes or coolly sprawling in the French Polynesia, I humbly welcome you to my blog.  Here you will enjoy times of refreshment, amazement, empowerment, confusion, and nausea.  Hopefully more of the former than the latter.  I heretofore embark upon a quest to faithfully chronicle my deeds, my thoughts, all in my words.  Hope you like!

-bud

Professor Bud is MIA

In his place until Mr Bud returns to his blog, is the wonderful, world renown, "Professor Plum!"

Please welcome him as our newest addition to Express-Way Podcast Blog!

On a side note, I don't think Bud or Nicole are even aware that this page even exists! But rest assured that they "darn well" are expecting it! :)

Tim T.