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Wednesday, August 31, 2005
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Do you remember hearing of polls in the good ole days?
I ripped this from powerline
Haider Ajina sends us these poll results, which he has translated from today's edition of the Iraqi newspaper Alhayat:
A poll taken by The Iraqi center for national development & dialog, which is headed by former Planning minister Mahdi Alhafith. Reveals 88% of Iraqis polled said they will participate in the next vote (for the constitution) on the 15th of October. 5% said they will not vote 6% had not decided yet.
"Mr. Alhafith said to Alhayat newspaper: The poll included 3667 Iraqis, 53% men, the polls showed that 88% of those support holding the constitutional vote under current condition, while 10% were against for various reason. Some of the reasons were that Iraq is not a free country of its own sovereignty, the constitution will not meet their ambitions or that Iraq does not need democracy now and that the security situation will not allow the proper implementation of the constitution.
"As to how many polled support federalism, Alhafith said that 25% of those polled said they support federalism and consider it the preferred way to run the country. He added that 91% of those in favor of federalism were Kurds. While 58% prefer a central government with provincial administration. 17% refused to answer. Further, 45% want a central government, 23% prefer a union type government, 16% prefer a non central government and 13% refused to answer.
"As to the question of Islam being a main source of legislation. 42% support having Islam being the main source of legislation. 24% support having Islam be the only source of legislation. 13% support not having any law which conflicts with Islam. 14% support having Islam being only one of many sources of legislation, not the only one.
"As for womens rights and womens representation in the legislature. 84% support giving women full rights and benefits as men."
The most salient point, I think, is that the vast majority of Iraqis agree that the negotiating and drafting process has played itself out, and it is time to vote.
The fact that some Sunnis have declined to sign on to the current draft has been played by the mainstream media as a defeat for the Bush administration and, somehow, an indictment of its policy in Iraq. Which causes me to wonder: if the United States were now to commission a group with representatives from all ideological, political, religious and ethnic groups to write a new constitution, do you think that they would achieve unanimity? Do you think that they would come anywhere near as close to consensus as the Iraqi negotiators did?
While all this info is interesting, do you ever remember hearing of Iraqi's participating in a poll? These people are in a new world now.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
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 Funny Clip
My roommate got this in an email.
http://www.brutallyhonest.org/Video/Greatest_Movie_Line_Ever1.wmv
[I'm too lazy to go thru the code for an inset player]
Saturday, August 27, 2005
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An endless moment of silence for an old friend...
My wristwatch officially passed away at 8:27 P.M. on this past Thursday. Thus, ended the long struggle that started last summer when it became known that in my watch's final hours it was causing disruptions in the space-time continuum. While I never learned how to harness this particularly fascinating phenomenon, I realized it was merely a harbinger of this particularly troubling time for me. I'm waiting for my next paycheck to go buy another watch, but the period of mourning is not yet over. I tried wearing watch the next day just so I wouldn't feel naked, but I kept looking at it and either freaking out or getting really, really confused. Today, I tried going commando (regarding the watch) and I never did quite feel right. I'll just have to move up my watch acquisition, but replacing a friend or appliance of six years just doesn't come that easy. It is still stuck in an endless moment of silence and will remain that way in my desk drawer until I finally get tired and throw it out.
Jeff C.
P.S. Let's not hear any of this mess about replacing batteries... It was time for a new watch long ago...
Thursday, August 25, 2005
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Congratulations, Phynerk!
We have certainly benefited immeasurably from your wisdom and insight. I know personally, as what my own understanding of topics ranging from quantum mechanics to the source of that funny-looking Kilroy character in your avatar has prospered as a result of your posts. In recognition of such an achievement, and because Manteca seems too busy to handle the "Random Contest Trophy" business himself (he was complaining about silverbacks, or something like that), allow me the opportunity to present you with this piece of digital gratification. Print it out, and stick it on the mantle... but not too close to the fire!
Jeff C.P.S. Now I'm just waiting for Josh to make a better trophy and start some kind of photoshop war.
Still crazy after all these posts
This has been a week full of milestones. First, I understand this week contained our site's anniversary. Next, this past weekend was my 34th anniversary to Ms. Phynerk. Then, today is my first anniversary as a Convoginator and of all things, this is my 100th post. As many of the other team members thrilled us with facts on politics, and national policy, I was stuck ( since I don't know nothin' about politics and national policy ) with other interesting subjects.
Who will ever forget some of these earth changing subjects from my electronic ink:
Insta-Grat, the software package that gives a blogger instant gratification for the posts he or she writes.
Sugi-Shave, the six-bladed shaver for the world's closest shave.
A revealing look into my cooking abilities.
Worthless tips on anything ranging from engineering to poop.
So, all in all, I feel great for my contributions to mankind and our ever expanding ability towards greatness.
I look forward to many more posts to stimulate and conviginate the web at large.
Phyner k
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
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if I may ...
(this might could tag onto #3)
Course plans are the devil. Avoid at all costs the first semester, if not the entire first year. In the case of UA's Engineering course plan, it could not be avoided, but this isn't the case in most everything else. Avoid the insane the first semester such as Calculus and Chemistry. I recommend general education classes all around. I must admit, this advice was passed down to me from a strangely and scarily prophetic eRIc, though it was unavoidable in my case, but I saw the soundness in the claim nonetheless. As long as you have the courses completed when they become prerequisites to others, and ultimately before graduation, it should be fine (I obviously haven't graduated yet, so Jeff C. may refute this).
Advice for new college students...
Two things prompted this post. The first being that Raincheck is soliciting advice on college, and the second being that I just recently finished and therefore consider myself to be somewhat inexorably, an expert. Not only have I had the opportunity to see college from the eyes of a student, but I have had the somewhat rare priveledge of seeing this from a faculty standpoint as well. Enough of my rambling, I'll dispense what little advice I actually have in hopes that it aides somebody, somewhere, somehow.
1. The first year of college is very important as it sets the stage primarily for who you will be hanging out with for the next four or more years. You will probably meet more people your freshman year than all of the other years combined. Chances are you will determine who you wish to room with next year and possibly succeeding years, and you will probably find friends who can reccomend what teachers to take for a particular class. The first year also gives you the opportunity to live on your own for quite possibly the first time in your entire life. It's fantastic until you see bills pouring in. My advice is to have fun, but remember that it is a lot easier to maintain a high GPA than it is to bring one back up from the depths of scholarship loss. Write your paper first, then party.
2. When looking for mentors in college, you need to ask yourself one question first, "Am I a morning person, or not?" If you are a morning person, then find a senior who takes all of his or her classes before lunch. If you are not a morning person, then find a junior who doesn't routinely wake up before noon. A senior that doesn't wake up before noon is probably destined to be a senior for more than one year, and therefore is not worthy of your attention. A junior on the other hand has been there long enough to know what's going on, but isn't at the stage where he or she has reached loser status yet. (Disclaimer, I have known several seniors who did not get up before noon and graduated with honors... this type of individual is however, quite rare.
3. Don't sweat trying to figure out what you're going to do with your life. Just major in something seemingly useful and figure the rest out later. Studies have shown that people change careers on average three to five times in their life. You are not going to be trapped in a job you hate unless you refuse to do anything about it. I do advise staying away from highly specialized degrees unless you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is what you want to do. If, however, you find yourself in that situation... there's always graduate school.
4. Don't cram for tests, it just doesn't work.
5. You'll make a lot more friends as a designated driver than as just another underage drinker.
6. Participate in class. Nothing jades a professor more than asking open questions to the class and being treated like he just asked the most rhetorical question ever conceived. I've seen both sides of this, yes I know you are paying for the class and in theory you should be able to do whatever you damn well please, but if you show up to class and sit in the back talking to your friends the entire time I would certainly have no qualms asking you to leave. As a matter of fact, if you aren't in class to learn, you might as well not even be there. You're just wasting everyone's time. Ask questions, there are no stupid questions, just stupid people. Well... stupid people do occasionally ask stupid questions.
7. Don't have your personal beliefs swayed just because a know-it-all professor told you that you've been lied to your entire life by everyone including your parents. Many-a-student has left for college with their head proverbially screwed on straight and come back a bleeding heart liberal. Listen to them, but think about their arguments and decide for yourself what you actually believe. College is one of the most liberal places outside of the media that you can ever find, don't just accept what you're told because you refuse to stand up to a professor or because you want to get back at your parents. Make up your own mind.
8. Buy a convoginators T-shirt and wear it around campus... Lord knows we need the money. That cheese dip at the Semi-Annual Convogi-thon doesn't just pay for itself you know.
That's all I've got... it's late... and I'm tired.
Jeff C.
Monday, August 22, 2005
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No Sweat
It seems there are many things that seem to operate concurrently. For instance bread goes along with butter, milk goes with chocolate syrup, baseball goes along with steroids, a trip to the dentist goes with pain, driving a nail through your hand goes with pain and so forth. Speaking of pain, it seems like the following is also true: the ripening of watermelons goes along with the end of August which also goes along with extremely high temperatures which also goes with the Hope Watermelon Festival. This year was no exception. I went one day when the temperature was at least 137 degrees F ( 58.3 degrees Celsius, 331.5 degrees Kelvin, 596.6 degrees Rankine).
As the title of this post says...no sweat- to you.
You can now enjoy this years festival in the comfort of your own space as I bring to you the 2005 Hope Watermelon Festival as seen through the lens of the Crestwood video catering company.
A Slice of the "GOOD" life !
Phynerk
Sunday, August 21, 2005
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Quarter Life Crisis...
After much soul-searching and deliberation, I have finally concluded that I have been contemplating the wrong line of work for some time now. While I enjoy flying very much, I have a gut feeling that it would quickly become old hat and would leave me with spending 15 nights a month away from home in a job that requires little more intelligence than that of a chimpanzee. (Hey, they flew spaceships, the cockpit of a modern airliner is far easier to administrate than that of the apollo space capsule.) Jets aren't loud and smokey anymore, they don't have cool cockpits, and soaring fuel prices and mismanagement would lead one to believe that there is very little job security in the aviation industry. Acknowledging these facts, I set out to find something with which to occupy the time between my birth and subsequent death. Knowing that I will undoubtedly be a work-a-holic in whichever field I find, I should at least puruse something that will stand the chance of allowing a comfortable existence. I also needed something that I would enjoy at least somewhat, and aside from flying, I do enjoy a good argument. Alas, I believe that law school is most probably in my future. Don't worry, I refuse to be "the man in the white hat."
Although it's good to have direction in a seemingly directionless life again, my timing is particularly troubling as I cannot start law school until next fall... therefore... I need a job. At least that conundrum has not alleviated itself. Off to find employment...
Jeff C.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
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This would be worth your time
Christopher Walken for President 2008
"Our great country is in a terrible downward spiral. We're outsourcing jobs, bankrupting social security, and losing lives at war. We need to focus on what's important-- paying attention to our children, our citizens, our future. We need to think about improving our failing educational system, making better use of our resources, and helping to promote a stable, safe, and tolerant global society. It's time to be smart about our politics. It's time to get America back on track."
This can't be real, can it?
seashell
Monday, August 15, 2005
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I'm sorry...I must...
Cindy Sheehan has been garnering media time for her encampement outside President Bush's Crawford Texas ranch. I naturally feel for the families of our fallen heroes in Iraq. Unfortunately, this woman makes me sick to my stomach. I believe that the death of her son has been traumatic. I also believe that her liberal, hate filled views were present way before her son served his country heroically in Iraq. I find that comments like these show her true colors.
"George Bush and his neo-conservatives killed my son, she said tearing up a bit. "America has been killing people on this continent since it was started. This country is not worth dying for." **
"This country is not worth dying for?" Can you believe this trash. Wait, it gets better, let's see her attack President Bush, his daughters and throw in a little anti-semitism(directed at Israel)** just for the heck of it.
We have no Constitution. Were the only country with no checks and balances. We want our country back if we have to impeach George Bush down to the person who picks up the dog sh-t in Washington! Let George Bush send his two little party animals to die in Iraq. Its OK for Israel to have nuclear weapons but we are waging nuclear war in Iraq, we have contaminated the entire country. Its not OK for Syria to be in Lebanon. Hypocrites! But Israel can occupy Palestine? Stop the slaughter!
I know, many of you are tired of the politics on this site. Well, TOUGH! This parasite of liberalism, anti-semitism and hate are eating away at the underbelly of this country. These people have nothing better to do than sit around and bad mouth the US. I think it funny that they have no realization that if they were in pretty much any other country, the would not have these rights. "This country is not worth dying for?" I beg to differ, I especially disagree every day I drive MY vehicle to Amigo Juans and have lunch without the fear of being blown up. Wake up America...LIFE IS GOOD!
Thanks to these guys for the heads up!!
manteca
Happy Upcoming Birthday Convoginators
Time flies, Oh my, another year has went.
Some post, some don't, eRIc hasn't made a dent.
Videos, some pics, have all made the mix.
Manteca, the PooBah, now he knows all the tricks.
Articles, particles, we've even heard a song.
Matthew, we knew, his posts are still too long.
Funny, always witty, somewhere in the dell.
Wishing, hoping, for Ireland, our little Seashell.
Bored, snored, he's staring at the plaster.
Ha, Ha, now Jeff C. thinks he wants to Master.
UCA, what the hey, he's off in a few.
Raincheck, oh heck, wonder how he'll do?
Kyle, vile, ain't blogs a thrill.
Say, hey, he's learned to chill.
This group, our troop ain't cold like some Refrigerator.
My friends, I send, best wishes to the 'Convoginators'.
The end
Phynerk
Friday, August 12, 2005
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What's the big deal anyway?
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
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M$ and the troubles that follow...
SO in our infinite wisdom, we decided to upgrade the M$ firewall to 2004 this past weekend. Well, it is now Tuesday, it still doesn't work. We followed the instructions and finally broke down and called M$ on Sunday evening. They too are very confused. So, maybe we aren't so stupid. OK...well...
Anywho, we made a great diagram of the network so that they could get a better understanding of our network. I also emailed this to Kyle to see what he thought. I hope it isn't too professional!
manteca
Monday, August 08, 2005
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It's called a turn signal... use it!
Once again, I must point out that far too many people posses driver's licenses. The vast majority of this group fail to understand that other people use the same roads that these "Obliviouts" treat as their own. You've seen them, whether you realized it or not. Although I must point out that if you have not noticed, then chances are likely that you are an "obliviout" yourself, and should immediately seek help from the nearest sane person you can find. How can you find a sane person, you might be asking yourself. If you are asking yourself this question, then you do not need to solicit the services of a sane individual, since by asking yourself this very question you are indeed aware of problems you may cause while commanding a motor vehicle and are therefore not by definition, an obliviout. I digress, sane people can be identified by their use of turn signals and courteous driving. Allowing others to merge, being aware of people trying to pass you, and not driving too slow in the left hand lane are all examples of prudent, sane drivers. If you exhibit any or all of these qualities then you can consider yourself to be among the educated, and not a blithering "in-duh-vidual" that seem all too common these days. Obliviouts, on the other hand, can also be spotted as they flick lit cigarette butts out the window of their car. Oblivious that others might be around them and would not wish to have a burning cigarette deposited on or in their vehicle, these morons press on with their important cell phone conversations often while changing lanes without signaling. (that would be too much to ask, now wouldn't it?)
Ok, rant over. It's been a while since I've posted... not that the likes of most of you are beating down the doors to post anyway. I just took the GMAT last Friday, and with only six to eight hours of studying I earned a 640. Ironically, I studied the quantitative (that's math, for you in-duh-viduals out there) section almost exclusively, and scored only in the 55th percentile of all GMAT takers world wide, my verbal score, however, placed me in the 91st percentile. (How about that, a literate Arkansan!) My high verbal score brought my total socre into the 80th percentile, so yes, I have an inflated ego at the moment... it'll wear off soon enough... probably when I get my essay scores. I would have scored much higher on the math, but use of a calculator is strictly verboten. I haven't endured a math class in over two and a half years. I need some math classes... The only question now, is have I waited too late to register for graduate classes?
Finally, I must sing Apple's praises once again. As one of you may be aware, my iBook's hard drive took the honorable way out just about a week or so ago. I tried to reinstall Tiger, but I was thwarted at every turn. I called Applecare and two days later they delivered a box, and I dropped the laptop in the mail. Two days from leaving the box with DHL, I dropped by the FedEx shipping center and picked up my laptop complete with a brand new hard drive... all at no cost to me. Apple certainly knows how to treat their customers.
What's the latest on our party? I'm going to be in town this weekend, so somebody better get something planned, or I'm just going to invite myself to Manteca's pool. Don't shoot, it's just me!
Jeff C.
and the most requested book is...
This just in: The most requested book by detainees at Gitmo is ... Harry Potter. In second are Agatha Christie mysteries.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
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Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh Brother!
Today, the ACLU on behalf of a group of bobcats, panthers and bears, posted a grievance with the majority of state school athletic associations. These animals are offended that their names have been used to represent high school athletics in a "hostile and abusive" way. Several high school coaches were asked how they felt about this sudden indictment of animal discrimination. Ironically the majority responded the same, "It is unpossible that the great sport of football, in anyway, would want to disgrace these fine creatures, that is unless they were deer, then we would shoot them down and skin em!"stated the Perryton Fighting Panthers Coach/Principal.
Unfortunately, several other animals have found it necessary to entertain the idea of filing their own grievance. At a recent meeting of beaver, cardinals and mustangs, the idea of boycotting any future posing for hats, jerseys and banners was discussed. "Over the years, this has made my life harder. I lost a job on a damn build in Haterfield because of this." stated the Bakersfield Beaver.
We can only hope that this wont affect the NCAA!!! Oops...too late!
p.s. - maybe a bit silly...bit no sillier than the NCAA..
manteca
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