Thursday, November 30, 2006
A History Lesson
A freshman representative would challenge Polk to prove the first shot had indeed been fired by Mexicans on American soil (a hotly contested issue at the time). President Polk ignored him. The local newspapers would compare him to Benedict Arnold for going against the obvious right of the United States of America to defend herself. The young representative claimed that to 'accept Polk's position without question was 'to allow the President to invade a neighboring nation...whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary.' The Whig party (later to reorganize as the Republican party) he represented voted on a measure which called the war 'unecessarily and unconstitutionaly' initiated by the president.
Today, President Polk is considered a top ten president for his annexation of Texas (prior to the war) and his stern negotiations in victory, receiving reparations which would incude all of modern-day California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, and a small portion of Wyoming (the Mexican Cession). The young representative is viewed by most as the Nation's greatest president, Abraham Lincoln.
It takes about 10 seconds to leave a comment
The same for Hannibal Jim.
D.U.G.?
Gentleman Chris? Still there?
Hey, Thailand! Do we know you? Surely you can't just be a casual reader. Say hi to the boys.
Flags at Half Mast


I was amazed, shocked and, well I wont lie , filled with tears when I witnessed the flags across America were at half mast in honour of not many soldiers , but one mere soldier, one who has touched the nation beyond the realm of possibility .. A saddened nation doesnt mourn , but celebrates its dear fallen soldier ....
Donovan Mcnabb may lye idle on his couch and watch his Eagles fall for the season , but as legions and legions of fans around the nation hold him true in thier hearts , do the Eagles really lose???
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Quoi? Quebec declared a "nation"
Where is Harper's strategy?
1980 referendum 1995 referendum 2001 push for the "Quebec Nation".
Is this some kind of "Get cake and eat it to plan?"
One minister resigns. The rest sign up. Bend over, and get on board.
Quebec gets a seat in the UN? Taiwan politicians flock to study French to get Quebec's support for joining th UN.
Quebec had plenty of prime ministers, is there more influence,power to be had. Ok, so a prime minister has to duke it out with political parties. The Bloc is growing in strength. Soothe old wounds and start a new. A progressive conservative idea ( "Quebec Nation "The Bloc's idea). All parties are lining up to support.
My ramblings are getting off track here.
How does recognizing Quebec as a nation within Canada benefit the other provinces?
Is granting the "Quebec Nation" status, like giving a huge lollipop to crying baby?
The Fighting Prairie Y'all
IU may be getting a pass, but Wikipedia lists 40 some-odd schools who were coerced or just decided to change their names from anything Indian related. Sometimes the change required only a space - Blackhawks to Black Hawks - or the change of one word - Redskins to RedHawks. Hawk was a popular fallback, showing up 11 times. But then, then, I saw Nebraska Wesleyan Plainsmen changed their name to the Prairie Wolves. What? Why?
Administrators at the university, formerly called the Plainsmen, thought the new name was more sensitive in regards to both gender and ethnicity.
Admittedly, it is more sensitive and inclusive, representing both sexes of wolves and I don't think that wolves have different ethnic groups, but what about species sensitivity? Shouldn't humans be upset for being deemed not good enough to act as a mascot? Don't think that the Lupine-American bloc won't be up in arms, howling about perpetuating the stereotype of wolves as big-fanged, aggressive, drooling sex fiends, either.
The solution to this (and everything else, just ask them) lies with the Chinese. When choosing the 2008 Olympic mascot and pondering "Human or animal? Human or animal?" they came up with the only truly egalitarian choice - both. (The) five little children...also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals and the Olympic Flame (don't want to offend the elements). Sorta like a cuddly X-Kids.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Is this the Wang picture?
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Two Who Get It and One Who's Getting All Of It
The thing I think people sometimes misunderstand about athletes or actors
or singers is that because we're famous they think we're special," he says. "But
we're really not. We're just people trying to do the best we can, just like
them.
From Katherine Kersten's article in the StarTribune - The University of North Dakota has been granted an injunction so that they can continue to participate in, and host athletic events while using their mascot, the Fighting Sioux. Before you read the complete article, make a bet with yourself as to who the truly indignant are. Read Joe White Mountain's quote (Standing Rock Tribal Council committee member) for a hint.
"I asked them, 'What tribe do you belong to?' " he says. "Not one was a Sioux
Indian."
Our buddy, PJ, continues his encirclement of Soho Street with the opening of his newest place, Soho Street Wine & Jazz Cafe ( or Soho Cafe Street according to another mag as well as his own awning). Look for encirclement to be complete in early 2008 when D-Wayne retreats back to the land of The First Smokers. While PJ has not yet decided the theme of his next place, I've heard him mention a Jersey-style kimchi place as well as a family-style jello shot bar.
A belated Thanksgiving video. Classic WKRP. Thanks to The Fat Guy.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgivin' Football
On another note, I see the morons in charge of Fox have decided against the OJ book and TV interview, calling the idea "ill-conceived". Well, no shit, Sherlock. Did it really take Fox affiliates refusing to air the interview and general moral outrage to make them realize that? But I can see their point of view from a purely business aspect. The book would have sold like hotcakes and all kinds of idiots in North America would have been glued to their tv screens to see how the Juice did it. Excuse me, WOULD have done it, if it had been him. Which, of course, it wasn't.
On yet another note, check out the tv show The Boondocks. The comic strip in the Taipei Times is a series. Makes me laugh.
And couldn't let the post go by without sending my condolences to Gutted and Howie. Hope you didn't hurt anyone when you chucked your tv out the balcony window. Chin up, my makakas. They didn't have the groceries this year anyway.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thanksgiving at the Mannings
Dad will probably make Eli run some passing drills after dinner though. Who could blame him?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
IBAF-Taiwan




In an attempt to get out readership up 200% I have entitled this the IBAF. I hope it works. Sorry readers if you have been mislead.
I attended the final game, saw some friends and ate my final Oldies Frank for the month. It wasn't a bad game, but the excitement came in the 11th and 12th innings. In the 11th, the Cubans hit a solo homerun. The photo with the blue hats shows the Cuban team clearing the bench to congratulate the batter. However, this celebration was a little bit like Lance in bed (not that I know, but I've heard rumours) premature. The Helan team sucked back a few bowls, re-focused their attention on the ball and tied the game.
Unfortunately, they may have smoked a few too many. The Cubans roared back with their blunted bats and rallied to get the bases loaded. Like one quick hit of the bong, a liner triple was drilled to the right field corner clearing the bases and ashing out the Nederlands team. The roach was savoured as was the moment and victory.
At 4:20 the following day, the Cuban team was set to depart from Taiwan's newly named airport. Although many of the team members were elsewhere, some could be seen selling their ball caps, jerseys and belts for small amounts of cash to the airport staff and some fans. The news reported you could get you a jersey with the authentic smell of Cuba for about $2000nt.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Baseball





A wonderful week of baseball! A look at the other games which haven't been posted.
A bit out of order but to the top left, you Chang Tai Shan is up to bat. Not much luck in this game. But a wonderful game it was. Sunday afternoon, TPE vs. KOR with the Chinese team down four runs, a grand slam is cracked out of the park. This game would end in the 12th with a two run shot by TPE.
The evening before saw JPN and TPE play. A bit of a heartbreak loss for the TPE team as a two run shot was hit in the bottom of the 8th by JPN to take the win.
Tuesday afternoon saw the oversized Cubans match up against Japan. This would be my third game. The cubans are big.
Finally the game of the year for Taichungers as Wang Jian Ming would toss out the first pitch. Unfortunately this was the only good photo I was able to get. There was a lot of stir and his pitch happened faster than the blink of an eye. He came out, tossed and went back in with a hat tip to the crowd. But the game made up for that. An exciting game played by both sides. In this game I actually saw a stolen base, a balk, shaky double plays and a two run shot by Chang Tai Shan to win the game. In the forth inning a foul ball was hit in our direction and bounced off my seat. Unfortunately, I had an urge for an Oldies Frank. Peaky got the ball and Justin was on ESPN.
Stay tuned as the Cubans will face Chinese Taipei tonight in round 1 of the playoffs. More photos to come.
Commies Invade Muleshoe
Cold Marinated Bean Sprouts
Looking Back on the Oracle of Montana
It looks like the Americans have given up on supporting the Khartoum government, at least superficially (as I predicted wouldn't happen). I'm not sure if that's good or bad for regional stability, but I find it intresting to note Ethiopian involvement in Somalia and the ramifications on Eritrean 'interests.' Long story short, the newfound friendship between Eritrea and the Sudan can mean nothing but trouble for Ethiopia, especially with an Islamicist regime installing itself in neighboring Somalia despite an Ethiopian military presence within Somalia's borders. This region is going to blow, and blow soon. What's left afterwards will be trouble for Europe, North America, and possibly East Asia.
The wild card will be Chinese pragmatism in regards to foreign policy. The Chinese have invested heavily within the Sudan in hopes of gaining access to the southern oil fields; regime change as the Americans want will not be acceptable. However, if the situation worsens (or when the situation worsens), nobody knows how strongly China is willing push to protect her own interests.
As a sidenote, I discount the Middle East getting too heavily involved, other than through jihadists. The governments will watch from the side (with the occasional inflamatory news report) and let Khartoum and Mogadishu sort things out.
Could this be the opportunity for Khadafi to insert himself into the African leadership role he has coveted? It's a scary world when we must turn our eyes to Khadafi for peace and hope.
P.S. Canadians be warned: Your beloved peacekeepers will be in the region to clean up the mess in ten years. Of course, it looks as if peacekeepers may already be heading there to join the African Union troops. Pragmatism by Khartoum?
Friday, November 17, 2006
SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!
HOWIGATI

Fashion Hex Relief

下 一 項
Really. Why buy any other paper? Exact wording and punctuation courtesy of Taiwan's Leading English-Language Newspaper since 1952
Don't relieve one's nature in the sea
Don't relieve your nature in the sea. Tsai Wen-hsing was arrested for defecating into the sea from aboard the Chuanlienhsing off the Pescadores. Article 18 of the Maritime Pollution Act stipulates anybody found to have " released waste into the sea" may be fined between NT$200,000 and NT$1million." Of course, the stool is waste.
But it doesn't pollute the sea. In fact, fish may like it. They feed on it. Coastguardsmen on their cutter sighted Tsai, but his ship was chugging farther away. They boarded the Chuanlienhsing and required Tsai to enact his crime, because pictures they took when they sighted him were all blurred to be of use as incriminating evidence. The poor Chinese was compelled to obey.
下 一 項
Foreigners cause of slump in local Indonesian hex market.
When I think of disasters that Satan could bring, I don't think I've ever considered bloating like broccoli to be one of them.
Every Vote Counts
round robin complete
netherlands, the top 4 teams are: cuba and japan both at 6-1, netherlands at 5-2, and
taipei at 4-3. this earns the hosts the right to play cuba again on saturday night
in the
semis. japan will play the netherlands at 1pm... these games will be at the new
stadium.
losers' round will be played at the old one...
here's a link to the final round robin standings...
The baseball/ a post

The phone on the left can't handle a grounder from a one year old. The phone on the right takes a lickin' and keeps on getting weird Chinese messages. The messages are on the spicy side. I attempted to contact the sender... looks like there is a bit of a mix up. I would get the black phone fixed, but unfortunately for me it works fine whenever I am in a phone shop.
Cuba will play this weekend and I will make an effort to see them play. Ry can watch 26 innings a day. I will have to step up and paint my face for the Cuba game. I wonder if any of the nine bloggers on this blog will make it out to a game? Rye needs some support, he is getting tired of cursing at umpires by himself.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
taichung baseball updates
last night the aussies blew a 7-1 lead to the koreans who notched it a 8 in the late innings. they held on to win 10-9 in the end... entertaining game...
cuba beat japan 6-3...
chinese-taipei lost 4-2 in 10 to the netherlands last night... they play the philippines today, cuba tomorrow... so they'll probably end the round robin 3-4... assuming they beat the filipinos and lose to the cubans...
playoffs start saturday...
Monday, November 13, 2006
sunday extras




i hit both games at the new stadium yesterday
game 1 was the taiwan - korea game ... taiwan overcame a 6-2 deficit in the 7th with 5
runs via a solo shot and then a grand slam to go up 7-6... they blew it in the 9th when the korean leadoff man tripled and eventually scored to send it into extras... they went to the 12th when -i dont know these guys' names, sorry- with one on taiwan hit yet another homer to make it 9-7...all taiwan's runs came on the long ball... the korean manager was ejected in the 12th after the go ahead homer, during which they played the replay of the homer over and over and over... they place was nuts and everyone went home happy as the taiwan boys held on this time to win it... a very memorable game... thanks again to john and petra for getting there early enough to get tickets!
i met up with kevlar and dean-o for the australia-italy match up later... the aussies blew a 5-0 lead to go down 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th only to rally for 2 runs to tie it 7-7... extras again...to the same score as the earlier game...kevlar had to go out for smokes...we went to the 13th when the aussie shortstop hit his second solo shot of the game to win it 8-7...dean-o was happy to go home and kevlar was happy to have a full pack of smokes... we ate peanuts and drank beer...no concessions were open whatsoever... fun game!
today's the off day with everyone having played 4 games...
japan and cuba are undefeated but face off tomorrow at 1 pm at the new field...
i gotta work but if you've got time you should check it out...
i'll go to the australia-korea game tomorrow at 6:30 and the australia-cuba game on wed.
taiwan, australia and the netherlands are all 2-2... korea & italy 1-3 and the philippines are winless...
everyone's got 3 games left til the semis on saturday...
cuba has outscored opponents 44-3, japan 13-7...
taiwan's been outscored 26-19...
the philippines 68-2... poor bastards...
the next 3 games see taiwan playing the netherlands, philippines and cuba...
see yall at the ballpark!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
cubans wax italians

we spent a beautiful afternoon at the new ballpark yesterday...
the cubans handed it to the italians 9-0... italy got 2 of their 3 hits in the first inning, and they were infield ones to boot...the cubans pounded out 16...
Ivo ran around to all corners of the ballpark and had a fantastic time...
J-hole wore his camouflage in order to better blend in, after all there were 'commies' everywhere...
Pey-tra wore gingham and a bonnet, carted in a mess of noodles and I reckon left the keys to the chuckwagon with Cookie who was a-stirrin' the chili...
Dean-o fed the lion, the Singha Lion, and cursed out everyone, including the italian 2nd baseman who was reduced to tears in the 5th beneath an unrelenting verbal onslaught...
Nothing like a day at the ballpark...
the evening game saw the koreans take a 1-0 lead over japan into the bottom of the 9th only to blow it, losing 2-1... the korean ss booted an easy grounder from the lead off hitter to start things rolling...
the stadium remained ghostly empty... and the opening ceremonies last week had quotes like "...baseball is taiwan's national sport..." and "taichung is proud to host such an event..." yeah, well, other than games played by the home squad, the people of taichung have yet to step up and show any support or interest whatsoever...
today at 1:00 expect a large crowd for the taiwan - korea game...
tonight at 6:30 italy - australia! me and the j-hole are going up there on the chuckwagon with a keg and a still if anyone would like to join us...
Friday, November 10, 2006
italians smoke hosts
i've been planning to try my luck at getting tickets for the japan-taiwan game tonight at 6:30. anyone interested? kevlar? j-hole?
tickets go on sale at 4:30. i can't get there until 5:30.
if you haven't been out to the site, be forewarned that there doesn't seem to be any beer vendors within a reasonable distance of the stadium... BYOB...
i got to see the inside on wednesday...there are concession stands but they didn't appear to be operational yet...and i can't see them selling anything other than taiwan beer...
let's hope the home squad does a little better tonight. you gotta wonder since they got pecker slapped by the italians, how are they gonna fare against mighty japan?
oh and the cuba-italy game on saturday afternoon should be a good one too. i'll be carting the family up there for that one. see yall there... japan vs. korea tomorrow night too....
Thursday, November 09, 2006
This day...

Glory Be, Hallejueah! Finally, that dumbass of a secretary of defense finally took the fall for an inept government. After the Republicans got their butts handed to them by the American people, somebody is paying the price. Let's hope they fix the mess.
The Giants are rocking, bring on Da Bears. Nice to see a good team on top of the NFC East and equally nice to see the Eagles and the stinkin' Cowboys trailing. (sorry, usahole, but i do love my New York Football Giants. all is good. If i ever get to Lubbock, god help me, I will stop in and have a beer.)
Frenchie and Pimp Daddy, sorry to tell you, but the Eagles just ain't that good. I know you will defend them to the bitter end, but they SUCK!! And i must say, i feel really bad about that, really i do. No, really, it's true. I wish they could have at least put up a fight for the division title.
The Hole is finally over the bitter loss to the usurpers from U of Texas, well, sorta. He still blames the officials. That's ok. When you lose, you bitch.
For anyone interested, there may be a group heading out to the new stadium to see Cooba play Italy on Saturday afternoon, get to the ball park around noon. It's at Chung De a few minutes past Sung Ju. Just drive down Chung De. You will see it on your left.
Here's a HOWIGATI. And luckily, it's not a pic of J-Hole. Don't think I can take another one of those.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Don't Quit Your Day Job
"I've always wanted clothing that was casual and comfortable, but had a more refined look and feel," McNabb said.Good to know that he could work that into his bye week.
"This is very near and dear to me," McNabb said. "I took a lot of pride in the design, the comfort level and the look."
While models strutted down a makeshift runway inside the RBK Concept Store on South Street, McNabb described the clothes they wore with intimate detail. He seemed to know as much about materials and textures as he does cover-2 defenses.
"Every game, there were opportunities to make plays as a team and I ask myself, `What could I have done better?"' McNabb said. "For example, should I have used fleece instead of knit for the inner linings of my vests, or did the lines on the hoodie push the urban look too far?"
I assume PJ and the Pimp have already pre-ordered their shipments.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
USA Election Predictions
2. Whoever wins, I will drink multiple beers.
3. You know, as long as there is beer, who really cares?
4. Besides, there are always new videos to check out. WARNING N.S.F.W.
Monday, November 06, 2006
WEEK 9
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Roman on TV
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Fiona Sighting
What a charming little girl! And tall! Man, she's tall!

Friday, November 03, 2006
New Brunswick Blogger Trial
His blog.
The story :"I'm a blogger! I'm an internet blogger!"
The arrest.