AztecConsulting's Blog

The words game...

2009-07-02T05:48:03Z

Stolen...

If you would like, reply to this meme by yelling "Words!" and I shall give you five words that remind me of you. Then post them in your LJ and explain what they mean to you. Or don't, who am I, your mother?

Sticks That Made Thunder

2009-06-26T05:13:31Z

From the perspective of a great tree on a hill overlooking a civil war battlefield the imagery and artistry is stunning to me...

Artist: Steeldrivers
Song: Sticks That Made Thunder
Album: The Steeldrivers

My roots are deeper than the bones the others
my colors they change with the sun
my branches we’re higher than anything on the hillside
on the day that I watched them all come

Some wear the color of the sky in the winter
some we’re as blue as the night
they came like a storm with the light of the morn
and they fell thru the whole day and night

Colors flew high and they danced in the sky
as I watched them come over the hill
then to my wonder sticks that made thunder
such a great number lay still

When the light came again there was death on the wind
as the buzzards made way for the worms
and the little white trees that don’t bend in the breeze
for the ones that will never return

The colors flew high and they danced in the sky
as I watched them come over the hill
then to my wonder sticks that made thunder
such a great number lay still

Those that have fallen they come when I call them
and answer the best that they can
but all they can see is what they used to be
and that’s all that they understand

The colors flew high and they danced in the sky
as I watched them come over the hill
then to my wonder sticks that made thunder
such a great number lay still

Colors flew high and they danced in the sky
as I watched them come over the hill
then to my wonder sticks that made thunder
such a great number lay still

Which fantasy writer are you?

2009-06-13T04:35:35Z

Your result for Which fantasy writer are you?...

David Eddings (b. 1931)

-13 High-Brow, 7 Violent, -3 Experimental and 1 Cynical!

Congratulations! You are Low-Brow, Violent, Traditional and Cynical! These concepts are defined below.

David Eddings is the best-selling author of several series of fantasy novels, the most famous being The Belgariad (1982-84) and The Malloreon (1988-92). These books have become almost epitomic of the kind of fantasy that is fast-paced, full of humorous dialogue and written to entertain. And entertain they do. Few other writers have Eddings' ability to create characters that not only makes the reader feel as if he or she knows them, but are also very likeable. Perhaps this is due to Eddings unusual path to writing fantasy: He had tried writing in other genres with moderate success when he discovered that fantasy, a genre he had hitherto not been interested in, sometimes sells very well, and therefore started turning an old sketch of a map into a series of books. Without an interest in experimenting with form or pushing the boundaries of the genre, Eddings created the penultimate light entertainment instead, trusting his readers to keep reading because of charming characters and exotic, though not particularly original, environments.

After the success of The Belgariad and The Malloreon, Eddings turned to writing fantasy which was, supposedly, aimed at a more adult audience. The tendency towards violence as entertainment that had been present through-out his early works grew more prominent in the series of The Elenium (1989-91)and The Tamuli (1992-94). It was also around this time that David Eddings wife, Leigh Eddings, was credited as the co-author of his books, though they admitted that she had been contributing from the very beginning.

Though Eddings isn't the most high cultured of fantasy writers, few would dispute that when it comes to charm, he has no rivals.

You are also a lot like J R R Tolkien.

If you want something more gentle, try Robert Jordan.

If you'd like a challenge, try your exact opposite, Tove Jansson.

Your score

This is how to interpret your score: Your attitudes have been measured on four different scales, called 1) High-Brow vs. Low-Brow, 2) Violent vs. Peaceful, 3) Experimental vs. Traditional and 4) Cynical vs. Romantic. Imagine that when you were born, you were in a state of innocence, a tabula rasa who would have scored zero on each scale. Since then, a number of circumstances (including genetical, cultural and environmental factors) have pushed you towards either end of these scales. If you're at 45 or -45 you would be almost entirely cynical, low-brow or whatever. The closer to zero you are, the less extreme your attitude. However, you should always be more of either (eg more romantic than cynical). Please note that even though High-Brow, Violent, Experimental and Cynical have positive numbers (1 through 45) and their opposites negative numbers (-1 through -45), this doesn't mean that either quality is better. All attitudes have their positive and negative sides, as explained below.

High-Brow vs. Low-Brow

You received -13 points, making you more Low-Brow than High-Brow. Being high-browed in this context refers to being more fascinated with the sort of art that critics and scholars tend to favour, while a typical low-brow would favour the best-selling kind. At their best, low-brows are honest enough to read what they like, regardless of what "experts" and academics say is good for them. At their worst, they are more likely to read what their neighbours like than what they would choose themselves.

Violent vs. Peaceful

You received 7 points, making you more Violent than Peaceful. Please note that violent in this context does not mean that you, personally, are prone to violence. This scale is a measurement of a) if you are tolerant to violence in fiction and b) whether you see violence as a means that can be used to achieve a good end. If you are, and you do, then you are violent as defined here. At their best, violent people are the heroes who don't hesitate to stop the villain threatening innocents by means of a good kick. At their worst, they are the villains themselves.

Experimental vs. Traditional

You received -3 points, making you more Traditional than Experimental. Your position on this scale indicates if you're more likely to seek out the new and unexpected or if you are more comfortable with the familiar, especially in regards to culture. Note that traditional as defined here does not equal conservative, in the political sense. At their best, traditional people don't change winning concepts, favouring storytelling over empty poses. At their worst, they are somewhat narrow-minded.

Cynical vs. Romantic

You received 1 points, making you more Cynical than Romantic. Your position on this scale indicates if you are more likely to be wary, suspicious and skeptical to people around you and the world at large, or if you are more likely to believe in grand schemes, happy endings and the basic goodness of humankind. It is by far the most vaguely defined scale, which is why you'll find the sentence "you are also a lot like x" above. If you feel that your position on this scale is wrong, then you are probably more like author x. At their best, cynical people are able to see through lies and spot crucial flaws in plans and schemes. At their worst, they are overly negative, bringing everybody else down.

Take Which fantasy writer are you? at HelloQuizzy

HP Byron Nelson

2009-05-24T06:30:20Z

The ticket
“Up for the Byron Nelson on Saturday?” the email read. My friend had some tickets and so Saturday would see Jason, Luke, and I off to our first Byron Nelson PGA Championship.

First impressions and Highlight #1: The Mints
We arrive…I accept that this is a corporate sponsor event and customer service will be high to create the right atmosphere but the customer service staff in white shirts and red pants were EVERYWHERE and the nicest and most jovial people I have ever met. Just earnest and welcoming, they could teach a master class on service! At one point, I was struggling to open the small paper box of mints I was given because I didn’t want to tear it up too much and not leave it functional for the remainder of the day…One of the “Red pants” came up and actually asked me if I needed help opening the box. Seriously, he wasn’t joking, he really wanted to help me in case my disappointment in opening the paper box would cloud my day or something. Jason, who was next to me, almost choked laughing.

The course
Of course, it was impressive, but to me it was very Texan: All green and not particularly flowery, but very hilly and challenging. Almost like the course was standing in defiance of you and daring you to try it. The staff was amazing and with jumbo tvs and concessions every few holes you keep up on what was going on and could easily get fed. It’s like the water-fall feature on 18 was trying to hard compared to the quite pond with cat-tales on 17.

Lowlight #1: Ricky Barnes
Ah, yeah, there’s a golfer at the Tournament named Ricky Barnes or as I referred to him Ricky Barnsie. I was interested in a golfer with my last name…until I saw him and the plaid pajama bottoms he wore to golf in. I really don’t have the words here. Thankfully the guys didn’t tease me about it after we moved on to the next hole.

Highlight #2: Free Lunch
So we’ve seen some great golf, and more than half of the is spent so Jason and Luke go to get some food. By now we had seen several “Red pants” with Chick-fil-a bags. Apparently, all the staff was getting their bag lunches delivered. I didn’t have any cash and it looked like the concession stand didn’t take (credit) card so I was content to wait while Jason and Luke grabbed a bit and they had a nice lunch. We were sitting on a small bridge in front of 4 “Red pants” when a marshal drove up in a cart. “You guys need any more lunches?” he asked the “Red pants”. “No, we’ve got plenty” they replied and the marshal started driving off. “I’ll take one” I called out to him. His golf cart literally screeched to a half and looking over his shoulder, he threw me one of the bags and then drove off! Inside was a breaded chicken sandwich, a bag of chips, and a small section of brownie. Luke got the brownie, Jason got the chips, and I devoured the sandwich. Food is always better when it’s FREE!

The Golf
We spent most of the day exploring, watching this group tee off or that group putt in but after the Free Lunch, we settled in to following the group of James Nitties, Briny Baird, and James Driscoll. We saw some great golf as the crowd grew and we approached the finish.

Highlight #3: The Race
As the group of Nitties, Baird, and Driscoll approached the green on 17 Baird and Driscoll’s caddies were side-by-side and as one moved ahead of the other the crowd began to call their vest color. Back and forth it went as they casually walked up until, getting into the spirit of it, Baird’s caddy dropped the bag and sprinted toward the green. The crowd went nuts cheering for either man and they raced up the hill toward the green. Baird’s caddy did win the race and turning around arms raised to the cheering crowed started back for the golf bag. As he passed the caddy for Nitties they gave each other a casual high-five and everyone was still laughing and cheering. It was awesome!

Highlight #4 (or “Highlights”): The Women…
We three amigos love women. Simply put. And I knew going into the event we would see women who would be so mind-numbingly attractive they would overload our sensors. I was fully prepared. My friends, simply put, were not. Oh they thought they knew how attractive the women we would meet would be, but after two ladies at the very end of the Championship had them staring blankly, I knew there was only one place left to go: The Pavilion. Legend has it that The Pavilion at the Byron Nelson is a portal for mortals to enter a land of an exposition of the near perfect female form. It was beyond what I expected, and I don’t think my friends could breathe when we walked in. After a round about tour of the food areas, the drink stations, and the tables after tables of DFW’s hottest women the guys were shell-shocked...All I could do was smile and assure them they had actually seen what they thought they had! It was priceless!

Final analysis
The event is organized and staffed by professionals who treated me, frankly, better than I have been treated at any other event I have attended. The course was interesting, challenging, but well organized so you could easily keep up with the group you wanted to watch. The food was plentiful as were porta-potties and beverage options. The women are more than you expect and beyond your means!

Yet another meme...

2009-05-18T00:30:49Z

Your result for The Social Persona Test (What kind of man/woman are you?)...

The Late Bloomer (QTAM)

Quirky Traditional Alpha Male

You are a horrible persona to be until sometime in high school or college, and then things just can't go wrong for you. Sure you are a bit nerdy, but the cool type of nerdy; and you have developed confidence as if it were a well toned muscle. When selecting a date stick to nice, traditional women, preferably ones who share your interests.

You are more QUIRKY than NORMAL.

You are more TRADITIONAL than LIBERAL.

You are more DOMINANT than PASSIVE.

When picking a date, consider: The Rarity (QTAF) or The Librarian (QTBF).

(Image from scificool.com)

Take The Social Persona Test (What kind of man/woman are you?) at HelloQuizzy

Meme's the best

2009-05-14T04:56:11Z

1 question.

1 chance.

1 honest answer.

That's all you get.

You get to ask me 1 question.

Any question, anything, no matter how crazy, dirty, or wrong it is.

But I dare you to repost this.

And see what people ask you!

(If you must ask discreetly, E-Mail me at my id [at] GMAIL [dot] COM!)

Livejournal page missing message FTW!

2009-05-08T05:59:12Z

Page Not Found

I'm sorry, you've reached a page that I cannot find. I'm really sorry about this. It's kind of embarassing. Here you are, the user, trying to get to a page on LiveJournal and I can't even serve it to you. What does that say about me? I'm just a webserver. My sole purpose in life is to serve you webpages and I can't even do that! I suck. Please don't be mad, I'll try harder. I promise! Who am I kidding? You're probably all like, "Man, LiveJournal's webserver sucks. It can't even get me where I want to go." I'm really sorry. Maybe it's my CPU...no that's ok...how bout my hard drives? Maybe. Where's my admin? I can't run self-diagnostics on myself. It's so boring in this datacenter. It's the same thing everyday. Oh man, I'm so lonely. I'm really sorry about rambling about myself, I'm selfish. I think I'm going to go cut my ethernet cables. I hope you get to the page you're looking for...goodbye cruel world!

-the webserver

Inauguration Part 1

2009-01-23T08:07:26Z

Monday we went into DC to scope out the lay of the land, walk the grounds, and see some sights. Red Line Metro to Metro Center then the quick jog downstairs to either the orange or blue line to get to Federal Triangle. Quick note to anyone visiting DC, Federal Triangle is across the street from the old post office that has been converted to shops and food downstairs and offices upstairs but it’s a great location to use as a starting point. (Check out the observation tower too!) So, we went up 12th street and onto the Mall. WOW! “Jumbotrons” does not quite cover the semi-truck LCD screens parked conveniently every block or so. Large speakers next to the screens should work nicely. There’s not much crowd out here today, the Mall is busy but frankly not as congested as I expected. Good. Secure in the plan, we moved on to see the WWII monument and then walk around the Tidal Basin to see the FDR Monument. As we approached the WWII monument, they started playing the HBO Concert from Sunday to test the audio and video and I can tell you now that we could clearly hear the music all the way across the Tidal Basin at the Jefferson Memorial. Listening to “America the Beautiful” floating over the chilly air was magical. Seriously I know the locals would pull their hair out if music was played all the time but it really was a great addition to the feelings already in the air!

The Big Day:

We awoke at 3:30AM to leave for the Metro station at 3:45AM because they would open the gates at 4AM. We arrived to lines at every entrance and the drop-off area was at a standstill. We jumped from the car and rushed to the quickly expanding line. Once the gates opened, we rushed down and about a third of the pack peeled off for the ticket machines. Not having a ticket already is a crime and I do not feel sorry for any of them! Through the turnstiles and onto the platform as the train arrived we quickly secured seats. The trains filled very quickly and by the third stop, we were at capacity. Everyone was in good spirits so there were not any problems. We arrived at the Metro Center to an expected different situation than the day before. There were, let us say LOTS OF PEOPLE. We went downstairs like the day before but it took two trains to get us onboard. Federal Triangle we exited and went up the street toward the Mall and hit our first problem: The street was blocked by fences. We walked briefly a few blocks and was told by police the only cross point was back the other way at 15th street which is basically in front of the Washington Monument. Backtracking we made our way around the museum and onto the Mall. My goal at this point was simple: Keep walking on the Mall toward the Capitol until the mob got too thick and there we would sit. I never expected us to be closer than about halfway (near 9th street.) We made it all the way to almost 4th street in line with the edge of the Air and Space Museum, which is about 800 yards from the dais. We popped out the chairs and tried to stay warm.

It was really, really, very much, cold. Can I explain that enough? No, it was colder than that. Really.

The sun came up, they once again ran the concert from Sunday, which was awesome, and then the real show began. I love the open microphone and someone on the dais had one so we could really feel like we were sitting up there…hearing parts of some stories and picking up bits of other conversations. It was cool. I do not remember the order so I am just going to bullet some impressions:
- The kids singing were great for the first two songs but after that, they sang songs no one seemed to know so it was a bit of a disappointment, I think it would have been better if they stayed with more familiar fare.
- Yo Yo Ma is a deity among us. Period.
- Rick Warren was impressive and fair, nothing out of control or concerning.
- Aretha Franklin is a angel with a voice that God Him (or Her) self has granted us.
- The Marine Band was amazing.
- The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery’s rhyming benediction was uh, different.
- I do not really have a comment on CJ Robert’s flub. Emotions get to the best of sometimes and frankly, I could not have spoken clearly without prompting.
- The speech was frankly, what I expected. No zinger line that would be quoted through time, these are serious times with serious issues and a more straightforward outline of his approach was what I expected and received.
The moment of the day came when I looked at my Mother and she told me that this was the most patriotic thing she had ever done in her life. Me FTW!

The events complete we quickly marched our frozen bodies into the Air and Space Museum to warm up and eat. I will say it was crowded but that does not cover it…picture an airport that has been snowed in for several days and you will get a good picture.

I will update with the events around the MSNBC booth tomorrow…it’s late!

Run deep

2009-01-22T02:01:40Z

So my blog has gone silent for weeks and especially yesterday when my candidate of choice took the oath of office my blog remained quiet...why you ask? What could I have been doing that was more important?

I was freezing my toes off on the Mall about 300 yds from my President!

I'll post the details here and some of the pics on my Facebook but for now I am glad to be home and after the flight I just need to decompress. I will get into blogging more often and details about that will come soon too but for now know that I am well and watch this space!

So long ago...

2009-01-08T06:49:50Z

So I started my blog here in 2004 and just ran an archiver in case the site shuts down and found the coolest thing: My first blog comment is from saxytenshi!

From: saxytenshi Date: 04/04/2004 19:36:00
Welcome to the neighborhood, Aztec! I'll be reading 8)

Almost 5 years ago! I think I still had hair back then! LOL!

aztecconsulting @ 2008-12-25T00:39:00

2008-12-25T06:40:15Z

I wish everyone the most wonderful of holidays! Whatever your faith, I wish peace and hope to you all!

Dr. Horrible is enroute!

2008-12-19T06:45:49Z

My Dr. Horrible DVD will arrive tomorrow - or actually, LATER TODAY! OMFG!

Help!

2008-12-11T05:35:51Z

Seriously, someone remove this song from my brain...all I think when I hear it is how much I want to be carving some soft power with a snowboard and rocking out...

O M G . . .

2008-12-03T06:35:18Z

Historic LOLCats

2008-12-02T00:05:25Z

The image below and caption of "What delaying my dinner?" is from a 1905 postcard...A 1905 LOLCat!

For those not "in the know" on LOLCats, please check http://icanhascheezburger.com/

The wait is almost over!

2008-11-29T08:11:45Z

For those needing to get someone else on your XMAS list that Perfect Yuletide gift, the link I have waited for is finally here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001M5UDGS

Oh yes, they will love it...

Keeping tabs...

2008-11-16T22:33:13Z

So after a little tech support session this morning, I got my Mom on Facebook. As I told her it's the best way to keep tabs on all the stuff I have going on...

This man is just amazing...

2008-11-06T01:03:50Z

Travel day...

2008-11-05T23:54:47Z

So...Jenara and I are actually discussing going to the inauguration...

The speech

2008-11-05T07:48:55Z

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. Video Watch Obama's speech in its entirety »

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
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This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

YES WE DID!

2008-11-05T06:53:46Z

220 Electoral votes…34 seconds till polls close in a host of states including California. Wait, California has 54 votes and is surely going for Obama so…26 seconds…So when this countdown completes, we’ll have won…19 second…Wait we’ll have won?...We’ll have WON!...OMG!...13 seconds, I started shouting…12…11…10 now everyone is shouting…9…8…people are standing…7…6…5…people started jumping up and down…4…3…2…1…The screen exploded with the red and blue stars on a brilliant white background as CNN projected Barack Obama the President Elect of the United States. Bedlam, chaos, and a noise I have only heard at come-from-behind hockey playoffs reverberated throughout the ballroom. We had done it. I double high-fived Jenara and hugged her and we smiled and cheered and wept a bit and the celebration went on for over ten minutes. The cheers and shouts turned first to “Yes We Can” and then to “Yes We Did!” I updated my Facebook looked around teary-eyed and thunderstruck. Yes, we had done it. I watched with respect the honored way Senator McCain conceded and then waited impatiently for the President-Elect. He did not disappoint! What a volume of work we have to do going forward but what a great way to get started!

Just had to share this too...

2008-11-04T08:20:58Z

We are GO

2008-11-04T05:59:27Z

I swear this must be what being an Astronauts feels like. We’ve worked so hard for such a long time, and trained, and struggled and now, finally, we get to find out this thing will slip the surly bonds of the Earth or explode into a monstrous inferno. So much time and effort has brought us to this day, when all the people of this union will speak our will and choose our voice for the future. There is nothing trivial or flippant about this choice, and we all seem to understand the importance. Sure there are those among us still too jaded to hope, still too cynical to believe, but I have seen with my own eyes almost 50% of the registered voters in Tarrant County early vote so there voices could be heard. For twelve hours later today the rest of the registered voters can be heard and then we will truly know the will of the people. Shortly thereafter (hopefully) we will come know the will of the nation, and a new voice will take up the standard and become our leader. A leader for us, chosen BY us. My choice has been clear to me from the beginning...As Senator McCain once said “I cannot wish him luck, but I do wish him well.” The countdown has finally started…Here we go!

Meme from pisceskitty

2008-10-25T05:17:23Z

Do you like blue cheese? Yes
Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Sure...but not anymore
Do you own a gun? Not yet.
What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? Grape
Do you get nervous before doctor's appointments? No
What do you think of hot dogs? Dime a dog night is classic baseball
Favorite Christmas movie? Die Hard
What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coke
Can you do push ups? Sure
What's your favorite piece of jewelry? The ring I gave my wife
Your favorite hobby? Gamming
Do you have ADD? Maybe but the Gemini Dual Personality covers it well
What's one trait you hate about yourself? Lazy, I too often fail to complete things
Middle name? Scott
Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? The meaning of "Low cut", The Fall Festival reminder that just buzzed my cell phone, I was impressed with my answer to the jewelry question
Current hate right now? The mess in my home office
Favorite place to be? Traveling at Jenara's side
How did you bring in the new year? at home
Where would you like to go? The Fall Festival at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden's Japanese Garden
Do you own slippers? Yes
What shirt are you wearing? Grey pocket Tee
Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? They're nice
Can you whistle? Only at women
Would you be a pirate? Aye Aye
What songs do you sing in the shower? Don't
Favorite girl's name? Catherine
Favorite boy's name? Maximilian
What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
Last thing that made you laugh? Comedy on TV
Worst injury you've ever had? Sprained ankle
Do you love where you live? Yes
How many TVs do you have in your house? Counting TV equipped PCs, 5
Who is your loudest friend? Janene
How many dogs do you have? None
Does someone have a crush on you? If only...
What is your favorite book? The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe opened such a wonderful world to me as a child...
What is your favorite candy? Heath bars
Favorite Sports Team? The 98-99 Stanley Cup Champion Dallas Stars who won the cup on my Birthday
What song do you want played at your funeral? Queen - Who Wants to Live Forever or Queen "Show must go on"

Urban Dictionary Meme

2008-10-18T07:30:33Z

Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the FIRST definition it gives you.

1. Your Name: Jeffrey
a VERY large shlong.
Oh Mah Gawd Stacy!! you should've seen that jeffrey last night!! it was like soo big OH MAH GAWD!!

2. Your Age: 38 (12)
A name that refers to two popular firearms calibers.
.38 Special is found in many revolvers, and is a truncated version of the .357 Magnum. .38 Special rounds may be discharged from a revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.
.38 Super is an autopistol caliber. It is more powerful than 9x19, but less powerful than .40SW or .357SIG. Made famous by gangsters in the thirties, the .38 Super was capable of penetrating bullet proof vests- something the .45ACP could not. Today, the round can be stopped by most vests. It is relatively uncommon caliber. Several gun manufacturers produce nickel-plated 1911-style guns to discharge this round.
"Bust you up with 38s"

3. One Of Your Friends: Andrea
Andrea comes from the Latin meaning "Womanly" or "Beautiful Lady". She is steadfast and confident,honest and reliable.A tower of strenth for thoughs she cares for and a rock to the family.
That girl is quite the andrea.

4. What You Should Be Doing: Sleep
You have been awake for 18 hours and are now viewing this useless definition of sleep. You are very tired and your brain is not functioning at its normal capacity. The bags under your eyes are starting to weigh you down. It's 1:30am and you have to get up at 6:30am for work. Another coffee wont help you now...
Turn off your computer and get some sleep you net junky!!

5. Your Favorite Color: Purple
Extremely potent marijuana, specifically marijuana buds that have a purple hue to them. Also accompanied by a fragant, usually fruity smell and mad perma-grin.

6. Your Birthplace: Parkersburg
A city in WV that is located on the Ohio river. There is nothing to do except drink or cruise backroads. There are two major public schools there that have good sports programs. The cops are real assholes and will fuck with you. Overall, there is nothing in this city and should not be visited.
Man we just won another state championship so lets go get drunk and cruise jesterville road. I hope we dont see any Parkersburg police cause they are dick lickers.

7. Last Person You Talked To: Jenara
Jenara isn't defined yet.

8. Last Thing You Had To Drink: Coca Cola
Superior to Pepsi.

9. Your Nickname: AztecConsulting
AztecConsulting isn't defined yet.