Manna-fest
I'm watching a TV show right now called "Manna-fest with Perry Stone" - he is instructing me on the future and the identity of the anti-Christ using a room full of props and maps. What I've learned so far is that the anti-Christ will be a Muslim that will rule over the Middle East, that the European Union is one head of a seven-headed dragon that will reject Christ, that the US took the Bible out of the public schools and that "people" are trying to outlaw Bible study groups from meeting in homes. Now he's telling me that America is the Roman Empire talked of in the Bible because, among other things, we tolerate multiple gods, sexual deviance and too much sports. Then he offers us a videotape that will show how the anti-Christ will rule from Baghdad and how the new version of the plague of locusts will be an invading army of Muslims.
Then he offers a bracelet for sale that has Christian and Jewish charms on it. It has an Israeli flag in the center. And it's just $30 + shipping.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Alanis Thumbs Her Nipples at US: Still Silent on Dalai Lama Visit
Last month Canadian singer Alanis Morissette used a performance before 17,000 in Canada to demonstrate against US reaction to Janet Jackson's bare breast at the Super Bowl by declaring "I am overjoyed to be back in my homeland, the true North ... strong and censor-free." Alanis make this declaration while dressed in a "nude suit" fitted out with fake nipples and pubic hair. New Zealand's Scoop has the best photos of her prank In excersing her right to protest Alanis went out of her way to thumb her nipples at the United States. OkiePundit is against censorship but does think it reasonable to keep cursing and nudity off the public airwaves where families should be able to expect family-friendly behavior. OkiePundit owns some Alanis CDs but won't be buying anymore - not because of her position on the issue but because of her disrespect for the American people.
Speaking of Canada, the current and previous Canadian Prime Ministers have gone out of their way NOT to address human rights abuses in China. While PM Martin will meet with the Dalai Lama while he is in Canada this week he will, at China's demand, discuss religious and not political or human rights issues with the Tibetan leader. There's and interesting story by Mike Blanchfield of the Ottawa Sun on the pocketbook reasons the Canadian Prime Ministers' refuse to confront China's dictators over human rights. So where is Alanis on this human rights issue affecting OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE? If she speaks up on the Canadian Administration's negligence in this matter I'll buy her CD after all.
Last month Canadian singer Alanis Morissette used a performance before 17,000 in Canada to demonstrate against US reaction to Janet Jackson's bare breast at the Super Bowl by declaring "I am overjoyed to be back in my homeland, the true North ... strong and censor-free." Alanis make this declaration while dressed in a "nude suit" fitted out with fake nipples and pubic hair. New Zealand's Scoop has the best photos of her prank In excersing her right to protest Alanis went out of her way to thumb her nipples at the United States. OkiePundit is against censorship but does think it reasonable to keep cursing and nudity off the public airwaves where families should be able to expect family-friendly behavior. OkiePundit owns some Alanis CDs but won't be buying anymore - not because of her position on the issue but because of her disrespect for the American people.
Speaking of Canada, the current and previous Canadian Prime Ministers have gone out of their way NOT to address human rights abuses in China. While PM Martin will meet with the Dalai Lama while he is in Canada this week he will, at China's demand, discuss religious and not political or human rights issues with the Tibetan leader. There's and interesting story by Mike Blanchfield of the Ottawa Sun on the pocketbook reasons the Canadian Prime Ministers' refuse to confront China's dictators over human rights. So where is Alanis on this human rights issue affecting OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE? If she speaks up on the Canadian Administration's negligence in this matter I'll buy her CD after all.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Nigeria's Best Short Stories of 2004
I just love the unsolicited "Nigerian Scam" e-mails and letters that come my way. I'm sure you've received many of these and hopefully you have not been foolish enough to respond to them believing they are for real. Most, but not all, of these scams originate among Nigerian corruption rings. While I deplore these dirty scams I admire their story-telling skills and am of the opinion that these are excellent plots for either Hollywood or Bollywood. I will reprint some of my favorites here in this blog - with the understanding that if they become screenplays OkiePundit will be cut in.
Here's a recent one:
Dear Friend,
Status: U
Permit me to inform you of my desire in going into business relationship with you. Kindly bear in mind that this is not a joke or hoax, its factual in reality.
I prayed over it and selected your name among other names due to its esteeming nature and the recommendations given to me as a reputable and trustworthy person I can do business with and by the recommendations, I must not hesitate to confide in you for this simple and sincere business. Although our intention was not revealed.
I am Peter Ntangu Bolumbu, the only child of late Mr. John Ntangu Bolumbu, my father was a black farmer based in Zimbabwe before he was brutally murdered in a land dispute in his country as a result of land act reform by Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe. The new land act reform which affected the white and black farmers, resulting to massive killings by war veterans and lunatics in the society and as a result, my father was killed.
But as my father foresaw the looming danger on the 21st Oct 1999 in Zimbabwe, he told me and my mother that he has deposited $5,000,000(Five million united states dollars) with a security company in West Africa, that the money was meant for the purchase of new machineries for mechanized agriculture for the Zimbabwean farmers movement and new farms in Swaziland.
My mother and I have since the death of my father on 29th June 2000 seeking political asylums in West Africa in a camp here in Nigeria. As an illiterate, my mother called me on her side and told me that my father has made me his next of kin in the certificate of deposit as his only son. He also explained to me that it was because of his wealth that I might be killed by his associates, that I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money and use it for investment purpose, (such as real estate management). I am honorably seeking your assistance in the following ways.
1) To assist me in retrieving these consignments from the security company.
2) To serve as the guardian of these funds.
3) To make arrangement for me and my mother to come over to your country so that i will be able to further my education and to secure a residential permit for my mother and i in your country.Moreover, i am willing to offer you 15% of the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after the successful transfer of these funds to your nominated account overseas.
As an asylum seeker, we are not permitted to have bank accounts throughout the territorial zones of Nigeria. Furthermore, you can indicate your option towards assisting me, as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within seven (7) days, Please signify interest to assist me. I shall be willing to communicate with you on phone in due course. You can also get intouch with me through my alternative e-mail : pete_ntangu@urafool.com
Thanks and God bless.
Mr. Peter Ntangu Bolumbu.
I just love the unsolicited "Nigerian Scam" e-mails and letters that come my way. I'm sure you've received many of these and hopefully you have not been foolish enough to respond to them believing they are for real. Most, but not all, of these scams originate among Nigerian corruption rings. While I deplore these dirty scams I admire their story-telling skills and am of the opinion that these are excellent plots for either Hollywood or Bollywood. I will reprint some of my favorites here in this blog - with the understanding that if they become screenplays OkiePundit will be cut in.
Here's a recent one:
Dear Friend,
Status: U
Permit me to inform you of my desire in going into business relationship with you. Kindly bear in mind that this is not a joke or hoax, its factual in reality.
I prayed over it and selected your name among other names due to its esteeming nature and the recommendations given to me as a reputable and trustworthy person I can do business with and by the recommendations, I must not hesitate to confide in you for this simple and sincere business. Although our intention was not revealed.
I am Peter Ntangu Bolumbu, the only child of late Mr. John Ntangu Bolumbu, my father was a black farmer based in Zimbabwe before he was brutally murdered in a land dispute in his country as a result of land act reform by Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe. The new land act reform which affected the white and black farmers, resulting to massive killings by war veterans and lunatics in the society and as a result, my father was killed.
But as my father foresaw the looming danger on the 21st Oct 1999 in Zimbabwe, he told me and my mother that he has deposited $5,000,000(Five million united states dollars) with a security company in West Africa, that the money was meant for the purchase of new machineries for mechanized agriculture for the Zimbabwean farmers movement and new farms in Swaziland.
My mother and I have since the death of my father on 29th June 2000 seeking political asylums in West Africa in a camp here in Nigeria. As an illiterate, my mother called me on her side and told me that my father has made me his next of kin in the certificate of deposit as his only son. He also explained to me that it was because of his wealth that I might be killed by his associates, that I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money and use it for investment purpose, (such as real estate management). I am honorably seeking your assistance in the following ways.
1) To assist me in retrieving these consignments from the security company.
2) To serve as the guardian of these funds.
3) To make arrangement for me and my mother to come over to your country so that i will be able to further my education and to secure a residential permit for my mother and i in your country.Moreover, i am willing to offer you 15% of the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after the successful transfer of these funds to your nominated account overseas.
As an asylum seeker, we are not permitted to have bank accounts throughout the territorial zones of Nigeria. Furthermore, you can indicate your option towards assisting me, as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within seven (7) days, Please signify interest to assist me. I shall be willing to communicate with you on phone in due course. You can also get intouch with me through my alternative e-mail : pete_ntangu@urafool.com
Thanks and God bless.
Mr. Peter Ntangu Bolumbu.
Friday, April 16, 2004
The Cost of Our Security
This past week President Bush signaled a major change in his Administration's Middle East policy by backing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral withdrawal plan which included keeping Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank. As the Christian Science Monitor points out the Arab world has reacted predictably harshly. The Palestinians ask why Bush thinks its within his right to give away land which was illegally taken from them by Israel. Virtually everyone agrees the move by Bush puts an end to his own "Roadmap to Peace". Throughout the Middle East the TV footage of Bush announcing his full support for Sharon's unilateral plan while standing in front of an Israeli flag no doubt further spurred terrorist recruitment efforts.
"No state, especially if it is a mediator, has the right to cancel the rights of one party," Hossam Zaki, the spokesman of the 22-member pan-Arab body, told the Arab News.
Why would Bush take this move at this time? Clearly it is to appeal to pro-Israel Jewish voters in Florida and other key states in the upcoming election. Why else would Bush again become Sharon's lapdog and unnecessarily further inflame the Islamic world? Why not just poke every Palestinian and Arab in the eye with a stick? That's about all the President could do to further prove to Arabs that we are not honest brokers in the Israel-Palestine conflict. This President will obviously do whatever it takes to get re-elected, even if it further endangers our security.
This past week President Bush signaled a major change in his Administration's Middle East policy by backing Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's unilateral withdrawal plan which included keeping Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank. As the Christian Science Monitor points out the Arab world has reacted predictably harshly. The Palestinians ask why Bush thinks its within his right to give away land which was illegally taken from them by Israel. Virtually everyone agrees the move by Bush puts an end to his own "Roadmap to Peace". Throughout the Middle East the TV footage of Bush announcing his full support for Sharon's unilateral plan while standing in front of an Israeli flag no doubt further spurred terrorist recruitment efforts.
"No state, especially if it is a mediator, has the right to cancel the rights of one party," Hossam Zaki, the spokesman of the 22-member pan-Arab body, told the Arab News.
Why would Bush take this move at this time? Clearly it is to appeal to pro-Israel Jewish voters in Florida and other key states in the upcoming election. Why else would Bush again become Sharon's lapdog and unnecessarily further inflame the Islamic world? Why not just poke every Palestinian and Arab in the eye with a stick? That's about all the President could do to further prove to Arabs that we are not honest brokers in the Israel-Palestine conflict. This President will obviously do whatever it takes to get re-elected, even if it further endangers our security.
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Cam Edwards Has Left the State for NRANews.com
As reported by Cam Edwards, until recently an Oklahoma blogger, he has taken the first host spot at the new NRA News.com. Unhappy with spending limits on political campaigning the NRA decided to launch its own Internet-based radio news network. They hired conservative talkshow host Cam away from Oklahoma to DC for this enterprise. With all the money the National Rifle Association has they better be paying Cam BIG bucks. While I'm happy for Cam and his family I'm not in the NRA's target audience. In fact the thought of listening to Radio NRA is, well, an effort in itself.
But congrats to Cam! I'm sure he'll do great.
As reported by Cam Edwards, until recently an Oklahoma blogger, he has taken the first host spot at the new NRA News.com. Unhappy with spending limits on political campaigning the NRA decided to launch its own Internet-based radio news network. They hired conservative talkshow host Cam away from Oklahoma to DC for this enterprise. With all the money the National Rifle Association has they better be paying Cam BIG bucks. While I'm happy for Cam and his family I'm not in the NRA's target audience. In fact the thought of listening to Radio NRA is, well, an effort in itself.
But congrats to Cam! I'm sure he'll do great.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Senator Suredum Calls Animal Rights Groups "Poopoo Heads"
04/13/2004 16:56:36
(Oklahoma City, OK) -- Senator Frank Suredum of Henryetta, champion of gambling interests and the cockfighting industry lost his usually urbane manner today, calling animal rights groups such as the Coalition to Ban Cockfighting and the Humane Society of the U.S. a "bunch of phonies." "He went further, calling them "poopoo heads, naughty nitwits and meanies". Following a case from last January where a poor family had 90 chickens worth over $50,000 confiscated, Suredum says he wants the people of Oklahoma to know the truth behind the animal rights group movements, citing that not one animal rights group has actually called him to ask about the welfare of the chickens. He says the groups are only interested in seeing the family prosecuted for a $10-thousand fine and ten years in the state penitentiary. Suredum was quoted as saying, "They really don't give a damn about animals or chickens" and "they are only interested in punishing people." Suredum says if the Oklahoma Legislature do (sic) not change the law on the procession (sic) and ownership of game fowl, er chickens, hundreds of law-abiding Oklahoma gamblers and chicken abusers will face felony charges for not slaughtering their birds.
04/13/2004 16:56:36
(Oklahoma City, OK) -- Senator Frank Suredum of Henryetta, champion of gambling interests and the cockfighting industry lost his usually urbane manner today, calling animal rights groups such as the Coalition to Ban Cockfighting and the Humane Society of the U.S. a "bunch of phonies." "He went further, calling them "poopoo heads, naughty nitwits and meanies". Following a case from last January where a poor family had 90 chickens worth over $50,000 confiscated, Suredum says he wants the people of Oklahoma to know the truth behind the animal rights group movements, citing that not one animal rights group has actually called him to ask about the welfare of the chickens. He says the groups are only interested in seeing the family prosecuted for a $10-thousand fine and ten years in the state penitentiary. Suredum was quoted as saying, "They really don't give a damn about animals or chickens" and "they are only interested in punishing people." Suredum says if the Oklahoma Legislature do (sic) not change the law on the procession (sic) and ownership of game fowl, er chickens, hundreds of law-abiding Oklahoma gamblers and chicken abusers will face felony charges for not slaughtering their birds.
Monday, April 12, 2004
Wacky and Troubled
I haven't seen any Kerry TV commercials yet but I've seen at least two versions of Bush/Cheney commercials ABOUT Kerry. Each one opens with President Bush walking down a colonnaded corridor toward the camera and a voice-over telling us he approved the commercial we are about to watch. The first commercial is called "Troubling" and covers Kerry's "troubling" record on trying to raise taxes. The second commercial I saw today for the first time is called "Wacky" and focuses again on Kerry's tax policy. You can view these commercials at the Bush/Cheney site. I don't find the contents and claims of either commercial believable. The commercial includes a claim that Kerry will raise taxes by some enormous amount within his first 100 days in office. How would the Bush campaign know what Kerry's timetable and agenda is? Such silly claims negate the credibility of the other claims in the commercials.
This weekend I received in the mail a nice computer-addressed photo of George W and Laura Bush. The nice couple were smiling in a familiar way - the way my Uncle Steve and Aunt Kathy do when you pay them a surprise visit. And right there below the autographed photo it was addressed to me! Only problem was Uncle George and Aunt Laura addressed me by my unused middle name.
I haven't seen any Kerry TV commercials yet but I've seen at least two versions of Bush/Cheney commercials ABOUT Kerry. Each one opens with President Bush walking down a colonnaded corridor toward the camera and a voice-over telling us he approved the commercial we are about to watch. The first commercial is called "Troubling" and covers Kerry's "troubling" record on trying to raise taxes. The second commercial I saw today for the first time is called "Wacky" and focuses again on Kerry's tax policy. You can view these commercials at the Bush/Cheney site. I don't find the contents and claims of either commercial believable. The commercial includes a claim that Kerry will raise taxes by some enormous amount within his first 100 days in office. How would the Bush campaign know what Kerry's timetable and agenda is? Such silly claims negate the credibility of the other claims in the commercials.
This weekend I received in the mail a nice computer-addressed photo of George W and Laura Bush. The nice couple were smiling in a familiar way - the way my Uncle Steve and Aunt Kathy do when you pay them a surprise visit. And right there below the autographed photo it was addressed to me! Only problem was Uncle George and Aunt Laura addressed me by my unused middle name.
Friday, April 09, 2004
The Troubles in Iraq
I get the feeling things have truly gone awry in Iraq this week. The Sunni and Shiite Muslims now seem to hate Americans and all our friends more than they hate each other. In an odd way we seem to be uniting Iraq - but not the way we hoped. Watching children participate in the barbaric mutilation of four murdered Americans seems to epitomize the deep hatred that exists. As many wise people tried to tell us going into Iraq just inflamed the religious lunatics in the Middle East and exacerbated the terrorist problem.
Our administration has gotten us into a horrible mess that will be extremely difficult to solve. And for a country that seems not to have been worth saving. Certainly not worth sacrificing our young people for.
I get the feeling things have truly gone awry in Iraq this week. The Sunni and Shiite Muslims now seem to hate Americans and all our friends more than they hate each other. In an odd way we seem to be uniting Iraq - but not the way we hoped. Watching children participate in the barbaric mutilation of four murdered Americans seems to epitomize the deep hatred that exists. As many wise people tried to tell us going into Iraq just inflamed the religious lunatics in the Middle East and exacerbated the terrorist problem.
Our administration has gotten us into a horrible mess that will be extremely difficult to solve. And for a country that seems not to have been worth saving. Certainly not worth sacrificing our young people for.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Preacher Whips Easter Bunny
On the oddball religious front we see that a preacher staged, for a crowd of children, a public whipping of the Easter Bunny to make the point that Easter is about Jesus, not a bunny. I wonder if they will hang Santa Claus?
On the oddball religious front we see that a preacher staged, for a crowd of children, a public whipping of the Easter Bunny to make the point that Easter is about Jesus, not a bunny. I wonder if they will hang Santa Claus?
Texas Woman Who Killed Sons Gets Acquitted
You've heard the story and I know the woman was crazy - but aren't most religious fanatics crazy to some degree? Why should we excuse this horrible crime? I wonder how many poor children have died at the hands of their parents because the parents took seriously the monstrous story of the Biblical Abraham's willingness to murder his son to prove his fear of God?
You've heard the story and I know the woman was crazy - but aren't most religious fanatics crazy to some degree? Why should we excuse this horrible crime? I wonder how many poor children have died at the hands of their parents because the parents took seriously the monstrous story of the Biblical Abraham's willingness to murder his son to prove his fear of God?
Mary Easley Wins Senate Seat
While the media virtually ignored the race to fill Kevin Easley's Senate seat it seems enough people heard about it to cast votes. Democrat Mary Easley helped the family hold on to her son's seat (that sounds odd) by defeating political newcomer Jeff Johnson. Johnson and Easley both made a number of outlandish claims in their campaign literature but the goofiest came the day before the election when an automated phone message from Johnson urging Republican voters to not let the Democrats embarrass Bush by letting the Dems hold on to this Senate seat. I think Bush has other things to worry about. Hooboy.
While the media virtually ignored the race to fill Kevin Easley's Senate seat it seems enough people heard about it to cast votes. Democrat Mary Easley helped the family hold on to her son's seat (that sounds odd) by defeating political newcomer Jeff Johnson. Johnson and Easley both made a number of outlandish claims in their campaign literature but the goofiest came the day before the election when an automated phone message from Johnson urging Republican voters to not let the Democrats embarrass Bush by letting the Dems hold on to this Senate seat. I think Bush has other things to worry about. Hooboy.
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Tom Coburn on Jeff Johnson
I don't even live in Senate District 18 but I received a mailer from the Jeff Johnson campaign that featured a letter from former Congressman Tom Coburn endorsing Jeff because he "is a life long resident of the district, has been a Sunday school teacher, a little league coach, and he supports the right to life, second amendment rights and traditional marriages." While I agree with the right to life part I find it and all of of the other "reasons" not crucial for the job of being a State Senator. By the way, the second amendment is the one that provides for the right of the old militias to bear arms but has been usurped by the gun industry and gun lovers who claim it relates to present day individuals who want to shoot things and people up.
What gets me are the code words these politicians use. "Second amendment Rights" means I'll make sure you get to buy as many lethal weapons as you want and shoot stuff. "Sunday school teacher" means I'm a Christian and I'll push the infidels to the margins of society and let them know this here is a CHRISTIAN nation by God. "Life long resident" means I ain't never gone nowhere and I'll fight to keep our district jus like it tiss. "Traditional marriage" means I hate gays as much as you do and we ain't lettin those perverts do their fornicatin round Oklahoma, by God.
I don't even live in Senate District 18 but I received a mailer from the Jeff Johnson campaign that featured a letter from former Congressman Tom Coburn endorsing Jeff because he "is a life long resident of the district, has been a Sunday school teacher, a little league coach, and he supports the right to life, second amendment rights and traditional marriages." While I agree with the right to life part I find it and all of of the other "reasons" not crucial for the job of being a State Senator. By the way, the second amendment is the one that provides for the right of the old militias to bear arms but has been usurped by the gun industry and gun lovers who claim it relates to present day individuals who want to shoot things and people up.
What gets me are the code words these politicians use. "Second amendment Rights" means I'll make sure you get to buy as many lethal weapons as you want and shoot stuff. "Sunday school teacher" means I'm a Christian and I'll push the infidels to the margins of society and let them know this here is a CHRISTIAN nation by God. "Life long resident" means I ain't never gone nowhere and I'll fight to keep our district jus like it tiss. "Traditional marriage" means I hate gays as much as you do and we ain't lettin those perverts do their fornicatin round Oklahoma, by God.
Friday, April 02, 2004
Tough Choices in Senate District in East Tulsa
A relative showed me the campaign literature he had received from Mary Easley (D) and Jeff Johnson (R) - the candidates for the Senate seat being vacated by Mary Easley's son, Kevin Easley. Residents in the area report a flood of direct mail and automated phone calls from the candidates. A scan of the campaign literature shows it's a tough call for moderates.
Mary Easley's brochures promise everything from lowering taxes to punishing companies that move jobs overseas. Johnson's mailings focus on proving he's a Christian conservative - he'll get prayer in our schools and ban gay marriage (which is already not allowed in Oklahoma). Mary Easley has been in the Legislature as a State Representative for several years. She is known to be a nice person but not one that has taken tough stands. She talks out of both sides of her mouth to try to please everyone. You never know exactly where she stands. And promising she will make sure companies that move jobs overseas is something she has little to do with. The state's investment incentives already provide for cancellation of incentives if the promised jobs don't happen.
But worse than having a milquetoast in the Senate would be having another far right religious extremist with a social agenda such as that espoused by Jeff Johnson. An agenda such as his accentuates divisions along cultural and social lines and does little but divert the Legislature from the mundane but important business they need to focus on - like economic development and education. I'd have to go with Mary Easley on this one and hope she gets a stronger backbone.
A relative showed me the campaign literature he had received from Mary Easley (D) and Jeff Johnson (R) - the candidates for the Senate seat being vacated by Mary Easley's son, Kevin Easley. Residents in the area report a flood of direct mail and automated phone calls from the candidates. A scan of the campaign literature shows it's a tough call for moderates.
Mary Easley's brochures promise everything from lowering taxes to punishing companies that move jobs overseas. Johnson's mailings focus on proving he's a Christian conservative - he'll get prayer in our schools and ban gay marriage (which is already not allowed in Oklahoma). Mary Easley has been in the Legislature as a State Representative for several years. She is known to be a nice person but not one that has taken tough stands. She talks out of both sides of her mouth to try to please everyone. You never know exactly where she stands. And promising she will make sure companies that move jobs overseas is something she has little to do with. The state's investment incentives already provide for cancellation of incentives if the promised jobs don't happen.
But worse than having a milquetoast in the Senate would be having another far right religious extremist with a social agenda such as that espoused by Jeff Johnson. An agenda such as his accentuates divisions along cultural and social lines and does little but divert the Legislature from the mundane but important business they need to focus on - like economic development and education. I'd have to go with Mary Easley on this one and hope she gets a stronger backbone.
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Eclectic Eats in Tulsa
Tulsa is welcoming more unique eateries to its dining scene every month. Two worth mentioning are "Nothing but Noodles" at 96th and Riverside and "Pei Wei Asian Diner" at 61st and Yale. Pei Wei is the newest of the two and is owned by P.F. Chang's. Pei Wei's is of the casual fast food variety and features fresh ingredients and contemporary dishes. "Nothing But Noodles" has every type of noodle from Japanese udon to Italian farfalle. It too is casual fast food. Both restaurants help bridge the gap between McDonalds and the Warren Duck Club.
Tulsa is welcoming more unique eateries to its dining scene every month. Two worth mentioning are "Nothing but Noodles" at 96th and Riverside and "Pei Wei Asian Diner" at 61st and Yale. Pei Wei is the newest of the two and is owned by P.F. Chang's. Pei Wei's is of the casual fast food variety and features fresh ingredients and contemporary dishes. "Nothing But Noodles" has every type of noodle from Japanese udon to Italian farfalle. It too is casual fast food. Both restaurants help bridge the gap between McDonalds and the Warren Duck Club.
Carroll Fisher in a China Shop
On Tuesday the State House of Representatives passed a measure that could lead to the impeachment of State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Fisher has, almost from the day of his election a few years ago, been in some sort of self-inflicted trouble with allegations of misconduct in office. We've heard about the charity, the gifts from insurance companies, etc - but no one has asked Fisher why he traveled to China in 2002 at state expense. What possible reason could our state insurance director have for travelling to the Great Wall at our expense?
On Tuesday the State House of Representatives passed a measure that could lead to the impeachment of State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Fisher has, almost from the day of his election a few years ago, been in some sort of self-inflicted trouble with allegations of misconduct in office. We've heard about the charity, the gifts from insurance companies, etc - but no one has asked Fisher why he traveled to China in 2002 at state expense. What possible reason could our state insurance director have for travelling to the Great Wall at our expense?
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
"OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ENCLOSED"
I received a thick envelope in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Over the glassine address window it alerted me that it was no ordinary junk mail, this was an "official document". The return address was a PO Box number in Oklahoma City. Could I be in trouble with the state tax commission? The Ethics Commission? I better open it. It was from the Humphreys for Senate campaign. I suppose Humphreys and Gaylord THINK their campaign is as good as "official" so why not try to fool people into thinking their junk mail is worthy of official status? After all, they (and Senator Inhofe) seem to expect their self-anointedness to cast a spell over the citizenry and for us to carry out those orders.
In real life I realize such mailings are handled by direct mail companies and Humphreys probably never even saw the mailing envelope. But don't you get tired of this direct mail falsehood? Telling us an "official document" is enclosed when all it is is an appeal for money. That's lying. Politicians should be held accountable for their campaign ethics.
I received a thick envelope in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Over the glassine address window it alerted me that it was no ordinary junk mail, this was an "official document". The return address was a PO Box number in Oklahoma City. Could I be in trouble with the state tax commission? The Ethics Commission? I better open it. It was from the Humphreys for Senate campaign. I suppose Humphreys and Gaylord THINK their campaign is as good as "official" so why not try to fool people into thinking their junk mail is worthy of official status? After all, they (and Senator Inhofe) seem to expect their self-anointedness to cast a spell over the citizenry and for us to carry out those orders.
In real life I realize such mailings are handled by direct mail companies and Humphreys probably never even saw the mailing envelope. But don't you get tired of this direct mail falsehood? Telling us an "official document" is enclosed when all it is is an appeal for money. That's lying. Politicians should be held accountable for their campaign ethics.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Friday, March 12, 2004
Mullets Oh No!
A family of mullets has moved in next door and I am both apprehensive and delighted. Apprehensive because of what I have seen of their behavior and delighted at the prospect of observing an exotic culture. The "family" is an assortment of at least three men, a boy of about 12, and a scrawny woman that looks like she's been rode hard and put up wet. My initial impressions are that they talk loud, cuss a lot, smoke, cough, and like to dress in dirty t-shirts that don't quite cover their bellies. This could be interesting.
A family of mullets has moved in next door and I am both apprehensive and delighted. Apprehensive because of what I have seen of their behavior and delighted at the prospect of observing an exotic culture. The "family" is an assortment of at least three men, a boy of about 12, and a scrawny woman that looks like she's been rode hard and put up wet. My initial impressions are that they talk loud, cuss a lot, smoke, cough, and like to dress in dirty t-shirts that don't quite cover their bellies. This could be interesting.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Just a Theory
I have a theory that 96 members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are either clueless on matters of science or spineless amphibians - I can't prove it yet but all the evidence seems to point in that direction. Juscuz elaborates on March 5th.
Disclaimer: the above statement regarding the clueless or spineless nature of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is just one of many possible explanations for the state of affairs that brought us to where we are today - not much further along than we were in the 19th century.
I have a theory that 96 members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are either clueless on matters of science or spineless amphibians - I can't prove it yet but all the evidence seems to point in that direction. Juscuz elaborates on March 5th.
Disclaimer: the above statement regarding the clueless or spineless nature of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is just one of many possible explanations for the state of affairs that brought us to where we are today - not much further along than we were in the 19th century.