Kevin's Word.

Goodbye and Come Along...

2008-06-08T23:02:00.001-05:00

Kevin's Word has relocated. If you've been brought here by Google or another website, please visit the new Kevin's Word at www.kevinsword.com.

If you subscribe to this blog, please reset your feed to the new Kevin's Word at www.kevinsword.com/feed

While You Wait...

2008-05-17T18:47:00.001-05:00

...while we work on the new Kevin's Word, I've got you something to occupy 12 minutes of your time.

GOPlease Stop Bothering Me, Republicans.

2008-04-04T19:59:00.006-05:00

One night late while trying desperately to come up with any content at all for this website I went to the website of the Republican Party. Why? You could ask me, but I haven't had any Coke in 36 hours so it wouldn't work. Anyway, I decided I'd take a look at some of the things the GOP thinks are true:

No, I can't but Bush does a pretty good job.

Funny, where's the Democrat group?

Oh, I'll make some phone calls alright.

I beg to differ.

"Bush" & "tremendous popularity". Ha!

Of all of those, this one takes the cake. So much so, I didn't bother typing my response. I wrote it instead.

Do you have your Real ID?

2008-03-08T13:04:00.003-06:00

A surveillence society. It's a government who has all the information about it's citizens and knows where they are at all times. It's something we've thankfully mostly avoided in the United States, but it could be coming faster than you think. Actually, May 11th, 2008.

What is Real ID?
The REAL ID Act of 2005 made a nationwide standard for national ID cards, in the form of state-issued driver licenses. After 2013, older non-REAL ID compliant ID cards would not be accepted to open bank accounts, enter federal buildings, board commercial airlines or trains, or or passports. Not having a government approved ID card so they have all your information would mean you would be an illegal citizen in your own country! It passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2005. The bill, however, faced no opposition in the Senate, passed 100-0! The reason? Look at the title of the bill:

An act making Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

REAL ID was in the text of the bill, along with money for Tsunami Relief, Military Life Insurance, and other things that are widely supported by the people. If a Senate member had voted against the bill, surely their opposition would have run ads saying they "hate the poor tsunami victims".

What about the Presidential candidates? What do they think?
Of the remaining Presidential candidates who were in Congress at the time this bill was voted on, only Rep. Ron Paul (Republican from Texas) voted against the bill. John McCain, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton all voted for the Senate's bill. That, however, may not be an accurate measure of their support, since their was much more good stuff in the bill besides the ID act. Let's see what they say now:
(source)

Sen. Barack Obama:

I do not support the Real ID program because it is an unfunded mandate, and not enough work has been done with the states to help them implement the program.

Here, however, Sen. Obama does not support the ID program not because of the violation of privacy rights, but instead because the states don't have enough help with it!

Sen. Hillary Clinton:

I believe we need to seriously re-examine Real ID and make changes that take into account legitimate concerns raised by states. I have long expressed concern with the Real ID Act, dating back to its initial consideration in the Senate in the spring of 2005.
Had there been an opportunity to properly consider this legislation, it would have been revealed that the Real ID Act imposes dramatic new burdens on our states and substantially changes our immigration and asylum laws in ways that deserve critical examination.

Among other things, Real ID's driver's license provisions impose a massive unfunded mandate on states, while ignoring our broken immigration system.

But there never was an opportunity to consider it properly. Senate Republicans brought this legislation up for a vote without holding hearings or engaging in serious debate, and by tacking it on to an emergency spending bill for our troops. By employing these tactics, Republicans revealed that they were determined to bulldoze this law through without serious discussion.

I support a comprehensive review of Real ID to determine whether its various ID provisions make sense in light of our very real security needs and the challenges facing our states."

Although Clinton leave it open for debate and further review, it doesn't specify whether she seriously supports or opposes the idea of a federal ID card. However, she is absolutely correct in saying that many Republicans tried to force it though by tacking it on a bill funding widely supported programs.

Sen. John McCain:

"The 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set standards for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. Consistent with these recommendations, the Real ID act established federal guidelines to prevent fraud in the issuance and acquisition of identity documents. I support full implementation of Real ID but understand that states need to be given enough time and funding to implement the requirements."

Sen. McCain is the only candidate to fully support REAL ID in it's current state. Which proves either ignorance or stupidity in the highest magnitude.

Rep. Ron Paul:

"I do not support any Real ID program, and I would seek the repeal of all federal laws mandating a Real ID program. The Real ID Act imposes tremendous costs on state governments, yet any state that opts out will automatically make nonpersons out of its citizens.
The citizens of that state will be unable to have any dealings with the federal government because their ID will not be accepted. They will not be able to fly or to take a train. In essence, in the eyes of the federal government, they will cease to exist.

However, the most objectionable feature of the Real ID Act is that it turns state driver's licenses into de facto national ID cards, thus facilitating the massive invasion of an American's privacy, facilitating the growth of the surveillance state, and turning America into the type of country where citizens must always have their 'papers in order.'"

Rep. Paul speaks the best on this subject. He notes that citizens who don't have a REAL ID will no longer be able to do dealings with the federal government.

Note we've also contacted Kat Swift's campaign about her opinion of the REAL ID program and we'll update the article when we get it back.

When is all this going to happen?
Depends by state. Some are already issuing REAL compliant cards. Some have banned the issuing of REAL ID for the exact reasons we've talked about above. Most states will have to begin issuing REAL compliant IDs by May 11th, 2008 unless they've filed an extension, in which case that date is December 31, 2009. In May 2013, all people with non-REAL ID cards will no longer be allowed to enter federal buildings, get a passport, travel on planes or trains.

You can help. Contact your state legislature and tell them you want them to block REAL ID cards in your state. Support politicians who don't support REAL ID. And inform your friends, neighbors, and family members about the horrors of REAL ID.

You have the right to not actually go to Vermont

2008-03-07T15:37:00.007-06:00

A Vermont town has voted to arrest Bush and Cheney if they show up in their town because of the two's "crimes against our Constitution".

Excuse me, Town of Addis? Perhaps this is a rather good idea?

Candidates and Their Issues (Mental and Otherwise)

2008-03-05T21:56:00.002-06:00

As the election gets a little closer with each passing second (I'm waiting for the first news channel to put a countdown 'till November on their screen), I figured now that you've outed several of the good candidates and only left one, you'd like to know their "issues". Well, no not those issues, the issues they will fight for.

Let's start with my friend Hillary...

Strengthening the Middle Class = Yeah, Hillary knows a lot about the Middle Class.
Affordable Health Care = Yeah, you'll do that in eight years.
Ending the War in Iraq = Hey, genius, you can't pull the troops out slowly.
Promoting Energy Independence and Fighting Global Warming = And, what model private jet do you ride in?
Improving Our Schools = Every Child Left Behind
Supporting Parents and Caring for Children = They'll be future voters.
Restoring America's Standing in the World = Then stop making us look like a bunch of bickering dumbasses.
A Champion for Women = See Kat Swift, below.
Comprehensive Government Reform = Oh theres the expert on "Government Reform".
Strengthening our Democracy = Vote.
Reforming Our Immigration System = After reading the explanation on your website, I still have no clue what the hell you want to do with this...
An Innovation Adgenda = Huh?
Creating Opportunity for Rural America = Opportunity? Giving them all Rubick's Cubes to play all day is not opportunity.

My buddy Barack...
OK, problem #1: Your "Blueprint for Change" is 59 pages long. That's great and all, and it does kind of put away the thing Hillary keeps yapping about, but I need to hurry up and get this article written and I'm tired, so I think I'll pass. Hey, I didn't read the John Georges 100-point "Georges Plan" either.

OK, great, problem #2: Unlike Hillary's website, your Issues page doesn't have your broad plans in the title. So you're making me read!

(If there's a third problem I'm moving on to McCain)

What the hell, Barack? I have to click "Continue Reading" to read your plan? I'll come back to you tomorrow.

My war-mongering neocon friend John...

McCain Foods Limited is a privately-owned, multinational leader in the frozen food industry.

McCain Foods is the world's largest producer
of frozen French fries and the manufacturer of other quality food products sold in more than 110 countries.

Either the wrong McCain or a new campaign initiative...

OK, found it. So now live from the Bullshit Express, here's John McCain's issues.

Bold solutions to stimulate the American Economy: Read More = No.
Taxes should be low, simple, and fair = And yet you want to have big government and fight a war? Money don't grow on trees.
Restrict Government Spending = End the war. Ah, I just solved that one for you, John.
Reform Health Care = How? Telling these companies to "change"?
Hates Judges Who Make Up Rules and Violate Constitution = Oh my goodness. John and I agree on something. I, however, hate presidents that do the same thing.
Human Dignity = And yet you will keep our secret prisons open?
Victory in Iraq = Perhaps we can win. Win by refusing to fight.
Excellence, Choice, and Competition in American Education = The same choice the Republicans have brought us in the telephone and oil business: A bunch of companies that all suck.
Support Second Amendment = Well, look at that: Another thing we agree on.

OK, now the presidential candidate who won't suck. I think. Here's Kat's ideas:
(Please note: Non-biased information here. Ignore the Kat for President Donation Button on the left. Until you're done reading, that is, then help out the Kat for President campaign by donating some money.)

Address abuses and violence against women and children, including trafficking, sexual, emotional and physical abuse = Hillary readers who looked down here: Here ya go. No, this isn't what Hillary was going to do, but now you know who to vote for.
Proportional representation in the electoral college as ratified in the US Constitution Article XIV Section 2; unbiased and independent media; Net Neutrality = Interesting. Also something no other candidate has the nerve to talk about.
Ending the war on drugs, corporate control of government and classism = I'm tired of my tax returns saying "Sponsored by the new AT&T. Your world. Delivered (to the IRS)."
Voting machines owned by the people not some company who refuses to give data to the public - computers are not infallible, let us have a paper receipt to recount and open source software! = Hey, if you readers want another 2000 election, feel free. But don't involve the rest of America.
Have the option of voting "None of the above" in every election. = See 2004: Bush vs. Kerry.
Affordable single payer healthcare with a drug plan that is easy to use = OK, whatever I said with Hillary's government healthcare still applies
Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage = Duh.
Personalized education = Hey, look, it's an education thing that will work.
Taxes: "if you make less than a living wage, you pay no tax, if you make $2 million a year, you pay a larger percentage of your income than someone making $50k/yr." = Yes. Although I'm a Ron Paulie on getting rid of the Income Tax altogether.
Stop the Iraq war = Only solution.

Take your pick. Oh, before the Obama fanboys & fangirls come yelling, he'll get added tomorrow.

Congratulations, Republicans. You just lost the 2008 election.

2008-03-04T20:38:00.003-06:00

Let's congratulate the Republicans. They just lost the 2008 election. John McCain is now the Republican nominee, gaining the number of delegates he needs to vote for him to be the nominee. And, Mike Huckabee has dropped out.

Screw it, I'm a Green (& Kat Swift) supporter anyway. But John McCain is an idiot of the highest kind. Also known as a Neoconservative. When it comes to November, the only chance McCain has of winning is Clinton being the nominee for the Democrats. Because, if it's Obama, he'll get the Democrats and most young voters.

Again, congratulations Republicans. You're screwed. And this is my feeling toward the issue:
Screw you neocons.

Kevin Investigates The Candidates

2008-02-18T18:31:00.009-06:00

Hillary "Stick-a-Rod-up-your-$@!." Clinton (D-IWBSFBSITW*)
Yeah. Me too. But she is running. Ah, screw it.

Kevin's Presidency Review: 1/10.

Barack "I'm not #@!$ing related to Saddam Hussein" Obama (D-IL)

My hair used to look like his. Nat's, not Barack's.
Some people have problems with my friend Barack. Many complaints are with his "inexperiance". Well, we could elect another former Governor and experianced politican. Look how well that worked over the past 8 years.

Some people also have trouble with his middle name. It's Hussien. So, if he isn't suitable for the President because his middle name is the same name as an "enemy" of the US, then I'm perfectly suitable for the Presidency since my middle name is the same name as Jesus's mother's husband. So elect Dupuy 2032.

Kevin's Presidency Review: 6/10.

John "McFricken Old" Mc(War)Cain. (R-AZ)

I've figured out the problem.
John McCain is caring about America. He is also most likely right outside your apartment or house or box with an AK-47, yelling "You support Ron fricken' Paul? You terrorist!". Yes, he would like to stay in Iraq for 100 years. We should ship him over there for 100 years. How fun.

Kevin's Presidential Review: -100,000/10

Ron "11 votes in West Baton Rouge Parish, LA" Paul (R-TX)

Or my personal favorite...

Ah, Ron Paul. The dark horse of the Republican race. The guy the media doesn't cover. The only politician to actually get my lazy ass out of bed and hand out fliers and stuff. I like Ron Paul.

Kevin's Presidency Review: 11/10

Alan "Who the hell is Alan Keyes?" Keyes (R-WTHK?**)

Alan Keyes. Also known as the guy who argues exactly like myself. And also they guy who looks a lot like my doctor.

Also known as the candidate no one's ever heard of.

Kevin's Presidential Review: 2/10
(One for arguing like me, one for realizing that not all of the Republicans are old white guys. Thank God.)

Katherine "How hard is it to win the Green party nomination?" Swift (G-TX)

Kat Swift is apparently throwing her hopes on Ralph "What the hell am I doing here?" Nader not joining in the Green party Presidential nomination. Personally, I like her opinions toward some things better than Ron Paul's, although I still don't agree with global warming. And she called us humans "pesky". Not all of us are pesky. Just the neocons (see John McCain, above).

Kevin's Presidential Review: 10/10.

Noticed you're favorite candidate was missing? Bite me.
Mike Huckabee fans: Send Chuck Norris my way. I'll take care of him.

*In whoever's bed she finds Bill sleeping in this week.
**Who the hell knows?

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T19:51:00.003-06:00

It's Valentine's Day 2008.
And in celebration, Republicans in Washington D.C. today marched out of the House of Representatives to protest the Democrats trying to protect the rights of American citizens by not passing a law that makes telephone's cooperation with NSA's illegal spying program legal, and make current lawsuits including one large suit against AT&T void.

I'm calling it the 2008 Republican March Against The Bill of Rights.

Legalize the Constitution: Ron Paul - Hope for America

2008-01-20T20:47:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the 2008 United States Presidential Elections. If you're from another country and don't really care, let me apologize for the next 11 months.

As you can tell by the title, I am not biased toward any particular candidate. And, I was not intending to post again on this blog until the relaunch on February 4th. And so this post means more work for me.

I am mainly writing to tell everyone in the area of Shreveport, New Orleans, or near me in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; that Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will be in those cities tomorrow. Visit RonPaul2008.com for more info.

What Else Can We Tax?

2007-12-20T15:51:00.001-06:00

How about we tax dumb people? That way we could get some money from the politicians finally. But, no, instead the mayor of San Francisco would like to tax sugary soft drinks. Yes, people, the Dumbasses of America want to tax my Coca-Cola. Well, not mine, since I don't live, and will never, at least until this idiot is gone, live in San Francisco.

Why? Well because the people are fat. And it would probably be against some law to tax people based on their weight. I mean, wouldn't you hate to go down to the IRS office to weigh yourself to determine how much you owe the Government to spy on you? I have a better idea: why don't we tax Vitamin Water, since that makes people healthy, thus making them go to the doctor less, and thus contributing less to the economy.

I hate dumb politicians.

Television's Crap, So Let's Pay the Writers More?

2007-12-10T00:03:00.001-06:00

I have a problem with idiots, but I have a big problem with greedy idiots. Meet the Writer's Guild of America. They are the union leading the American writer's strike. I want to say upfront that I strongly support unions, and I support strikes if they are the absolute last step in negotiations. Over on the sister blog Get it Straight, I always cover and praise when a First Student yard joins a union.

Here's the unfortunately under-covered part of the strike: the low-paid show staffers who are being laid off because the writer's aren't working. The news is semi-good in the late night comedy show area: All major shows are paying their show's staffers through this strike, making sure they can put food on the table, in fact, NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly had to return to the airwaves in order to insure that their staff wouldn't be fired.

Compare this with some of the writers (Note: SOME. I know not all writers are this well off), which have salaries nearing $100,000 a year, and are even getting residuals (or money for each time a show is aired) for reruns airing during the strike!

I know they are trying to get money from sales of shows online (e.g. in the iTunes Store) and DVDs; and I agree that they should get residuals from those sales. But should they have been so quick to strike, and put the people who make their writing come alive's jobs at risk?

It's that good ol' D.C. smartness...

2007-11-20T19:52:00.001-06:00

It's November and I don't usually get angry in November. November is a nice month. Never done me wrong. Who has done me wrong? The United Dumbasses of America*. Together we've got two stories come in over the past few weeks involving dumb idiots and gun laws. The first comes from Washington D.C. The second I'll talk about later. Way later.

The ultimate United Dumbasses (my bad, the Supreme Court) have got themselves a case to shred the Constitution with. They are going to decide on a suit against Washington D.C., in which the city has a law preventing it's citizens from having guns.

Maybe the law is there because the government is afraid of the non-voting citizens of D.C. revolting. Wait, this is America, so they never will. But, that law should be unconstitutional. Of course, so should the citizens not voting.

Either way, the arguments are that "the Supreme Court will confront whether the Second Amendment protects an individual's right of gun ownership or merely a collective right to keep and bear arms while serving in a state militia."

Well, let's play Supreme Court Justice: What does the Constitution of the United States of America say?

A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Now, let's play. "the right of the people" Notice something really cool: it doesn't specify 'those in the Armed Forces', 'the Soldiers of the United States', or 'Soulja Boy". It says "people". Got it? OK, so we can move on. Good.

"keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Let's go over that for a minute. "Keep and bear arms" means "Owning and carring guns".

OK, "shall not be infringed.", meaning "don't take away." Clear? Sure? Really? Fine.

Boy, wasn't that fun? If you understand what I just said, then why don't you go and sneak a robe on, run into the Supreme Court building, and look all dignified. Run.

Mindless Babble Regard Life, Coffee, and the Holiday Season.

2007-11-05T20:01:00.001-06:00

Actually, this discussion has absolutly nothing to do with the title. Isn't life fun? I am going to address several issues tonight regarding me. I know everybody loves me, because it's hard to resist. It must be the radiant glow, I really don't know.

For example, I, as you may be unaware of, make things seem like they are something differant from what they really are. (I have no idea what the hell that means, but if I didn't tell you I don't know what that means, you wouldn't have known, would you? See.)

Let's take this example from this photo of me, in my kitchen, October 7th, 2006:

OK. This photo appears to me a dapper, good-looking young man deep in thought. Actually, I bit my lip waiting for the popcorn to finish in the microwave. (DO NOT take out the part about good-looking. That part is correct.) Also, even though this photo was taken over a year ago, I do remember it being dark out when I took the photo, so why the window had light coming in I have no idea.

Here is another, more recent example:
Not so hard. An even better looking young man, sitting on a couch, staring uncomfortably at something far off in the distance.

In acuallity, it's an even-better looking young man, sitting on a couch, in need of a haircut, staring uncomfortably at the guy who just walked through the door with a 12-pack of Pepsi.

Shame.

One more:
Simple. A guy whose looks beat all of those before, sitting, enjoying a Coca-Cola Vanilla beverage, reading one of the finest pieces of depressing novels in world history.

OK, do you really think I'm reading? Give me a break.

When I get angry and bitter again, I promise I will come back and unleash my fury on my humble readers.
In other words, see ya tomorrow.

Oh How Things Change...

2007-10-22T21:16:00.001-05:00

Even I like to be fair. If I'm not, some idiot sends me an email complaining, so it's easier for me to just post corrections and updates. So I took the liberty of going back through several years of this blog and posted some corrections, or, more correctly, how my thinking changed. Think of it as a field trip, without the bagged lunches and First Student bus.

Let's start in 2005, the first year of the Kevin's Word (back when we were called kevin. word.):
March 23, 2005: Jack of all Trades.com

Thats what Google is becoming. An image sorter, an email service, and now a map service? Remember when it was just web searching? Me niether. There are rumers that they are working on a browser! What, Gbrowser::The searchable way to browse the web? I don't know, but their becoming a monopoly. Most people will probably disagree. Tell me in the comments. Before Google buys out Blogger. (Wait, they already did!)

Dang, I was angry at a young age. Anyway, this was obviously back during the early days, and when I was covering technology and stuff. And I still agree with myself, although now there might be a phone involved.

April 30, 2005: Bad News...

[Gas prices] The're still too high!

Suck it up, $1.60/gallon. Now it's $3/gallon. Dang, what happened to early 2005?

November 4, 2005: Hey, hey, wait no, come back here!

That is not fair. Hey, Coca-Cola, I happen to like Vanilla Coke. You are mean. :-( Anyway, I'm very upset about the discontinuation of Vanilla Coke, and I am stockpiling from the stores here in Baton Rouge. The're replacing it with some "Blak Cherry Vanilla Coke", Supposadly a mixture of Coke, vanilla and cherry soda, with coffee!

OK, this is a a case of bad reporting (and spelling. Firefox didn't have built in spellchecker back then). Vanilla Coke was really discontinued, and you would have loved to see my closet from the Vanilla Coke I bought after that announcement. But just as a warning to Coca-Cola: Don't introduce a product called BlaK and Black Cherry Vanilla at the same time! Clearly They both failed and Coca-Cola Vanilla is back on store shelves, but wasn't that interesting?

Alright. That was a wonderful trip to the past. Now, a little forward, let's go to 2006. Yes, because didn't we all love 2006.
(By the way, where was I when I wrote all of 2006's articles? I went through the list, and didn't remember any of them...)

First point:

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Real First Post:
March 31, 2006: Raise your hand if you like Coca-Cola with coffee...

...hey, I think I see one in the back...
oh, wait, that's the Coca-Cola product manager. Never mind.
Now maybe I'm speaking too soon, but that espresso I just finished was good. The Coke I had right before was great. Together... CALL 911! When CocaCola Blak reaches stores in Baton Rouge, I'll try it. Saying that, I just hope I'm in good enough mental condition to right about it here.

I was very critical of Coke BlaK before it came out. If you remember also, I ended up liking it, before it was discontinued.

May 7, 2006: SUSE Ten Point One: Do I have to spell it out of you?
You don't need to know the details, but I'll just quote one sentence:

Oh, and ZENworks for updates.
Cool!

No, Kevin, not cool.

Note about the next one: They say, before you write an article, don't be angry. I wasn't angry, just bitter.
August 16, 2006: Enough is Enough, the Gloves are coming off, and it's do or die, First Student!

This is First Student's second year of contracting bus services here! After the trainwreck that was last year, you would think that First Student would get through their heads that signing the contract and then shooting the parish and school administrators, parents, drivers, and students in the foot would not sit well when their contract is up. Well, they didn't. Over the past three days, every hope and every little percentage of optimism I had for this year was run over by a bus. Lack of communication, confusion, late or nonexistent service has become the new face of bus services.
On Monday, it started out better than last year. Buses came and got to school on time. But the afternoon was horrible. One kid was told that they would not stop at his house, even though they passed right in front of it, and instead was forced to get off at another street and WALK TO HIS HOUSE! What the heck is that?! This is not a game, as First Student seems to think.
Yesterday, the bus didn;t come at all, and instead another bus came around 15 inutes AFTER school started! The arrival at school was 30 MINUTES AFTER CLASS STARTED!! And even then, not many students were there. The majority came a few minutes later on other buses.Finally, our not last, but last I will talk about for today, turning around. How can First Student make students wait at the HIGHWAY! Sometimes, not even showing up, claiming they can't turn around, even though that's just another one of the FIrst Student Excuses. Ecspecially since there have been buses, both First Student and the previous public bus system buses (Oh, those were the days) have been turning down there for years. And the turnaround at the specific location has even been widened.
My recommendation to everyone who was affected by these non turnaround buses, if you have a turnaround, and buses have turned there successfully before, tell them that, and refuse to get off the bus.
I just hope, that when First Student's contract is up, Corona and the rest of the school board looks at what First Student has done, and makes their descision on what is best for the students.

Actually, looking back, and at what's going on now with First Student, I have nothing to correct.

Ah, 2006. Man it sucked. Oh, well, lets to to the current year, 2007. Dang, I'm still writing 2006 for the date...

January 1, 2007: Happy New Year

2006 sucked.
2007? If Vanilla Coke returns, it'll be the year.

Have a Yo New Year.

I am telling you, that was a coincidence.

February 8, 2007: The Krewe of Word

(no, that's not a real parade) Alright, so Mardi Gras is just around the corner. Or, to be more technical, two down and two to the left. And because it's been awhile since I've given advise in the form of a list (two years, actually), here's some advise to keep you safe at the parades:
1. Don't fight with me over beads. (For my Baton Rouge friends, of course.)
2. It's not nice to call someone fat on Mardi Gras. Even if their name is Tuesday.
3. Don't drink and drive. Don't drink and blog. Don't drink and set shows to record on the DVR.
4. If you're in the parade, don't throw your cell phone at someone, even if you don't like them.
5. Get there early. Not too early, though. You might make someone think the iPhone's being sold there.
6. Don't tell DIRECTV. They might lock you in to a 2 year contract.
7. If you see a float that states "Mardi Gras is joining the new AT&T. Your world. Delivered," you are at the wrong parade.
8. Indulge in what you're giving up for Lent. If you're not Catholic, indulge anyway and use that as an excuse.

In reality, I think AT&T, given the chance, would buy the entire holiday of Mardi Gras.

March 20, 2007: Blanco ain't coming back!

YES! Not that I'm biased, or anything...
The governor of Louisiana announced at 6:00 pm Central that she won't seek election in 2007. Not that it mattered anyway, who would vote for her, Michael Brown? Maybe if he was a Louisiana citizen. Unfortunately, this won't help the Katrina/Rita recovery effort, at least not by a noticeable margin. Why? Because, the stupidity wasn't just in the state government (although Pandora's Box had to have been somewhere...), it was in FEMA, in the local governments, as high up as Washington, D.C. Of course those brainwashed Americans, ahem, Democrats (and Kanye West),would have liked for Americans to believe that the Source of All Evil(TM) was directly in President Bush's administration, but, of course, they'll leech on any bad story or tradegy and spin it to blame everyone else. No shame, Repubs to it to, but for some reason (Iraq?) Americans are believing it this time. What was I talking about? Oh, yeah. Vote Jindal. Not that I'm biased, or anything.

See, things change a lot. By the way, congratulations, Mr. Arrogant.

April 8, 2007: From the people that killed the DIRECTV/Dish Network merger of 2003...

...The Carmel Group, the research firm whose analysis helped kill the 2003 merger of [DISH Network's parent company] EchoStar and DirecTV, will release a new report today that outlines the strongest arguments yet against merging satellite radio companies Sirius and XM. Read the full thing here.

Read the last line: With all due respect, this proposed merger [of XM and Sirius Radio] should not be approved - under any conditions - by the U.S. government."

With all due respect, the US government needs to realize that this is a free and open market... and companies should be able to merge and buy each other out as much as they want and any legislation against that is stifling freedom.

And if you're going to bring up the 1980's AT&T breakup, may I remind you how well that went?

Of course, considering how much I hate AT&T, I guess I still stick to what I originally said about the Federal Government keeping their hands out. Remember: Companies do learn.

June 29, 2007: The iPhone...

OK, I know that if I say that the iPhone sucks here, then the Apple fanboys will go "Oh, but Kevin, you haven't even played with the phone." So, I have refrained from criticizing the phone until I had one in my hands and played with it for myself. I did just that at the Mall of Louisiana's AT&T store today, so now that I've played with the phone for about 9 minutes, I would like to tell you what I like and hate about it.

I didn't copy the whole thing, because who cares, but anyway. One reader commented to me through email that "u didnt really twxt it cause u treid a demp phone". I"ll presume this guy was using the iPhone keyboard, so I'll excuse his horrible spelling, but if you wish for me to have an unbiased review of the phone, send me one.

September 1, 2007: Go to jail, Go directly to jail, Do not pass Go, do not pull up your pants...

I realize that there is a reason I get up in the morning. Why? Well, aside from the fact my iHome clock blaring Evanescence off my iPod at seven o'clock hampers my sleep, it the knowledge that there will always be stupid laws made somewhere in the world. Today's comes from our friends in Mansfield and Delcambre, Louisiana. (Somehow I knew the first stupid law of the month was going to be from here, I just figured it would be south Louisiana)
There shall be no sagging pants.
Yes, for those not familiar with the United States, we have nothing like education or drugs or a war to worry about, so we like to regulate pants. The International Herald-Tribune has this to say on the issue:
Behind the indecency laws may be the real issue — the hip-hop style itself, which critics say is worn as a badge of delinquency, with its distinctive walk conveying thuggish swagger and a disrespect for authority.
I really hate hip hop, but I like disrespect for authority. Escpecially when authority is taking advantage of power and money to help themselves.
Also at work is the larger issue of freedom of expression and the questions raised when fashion moves from being merely objectionable to illegal.
Sure, sagging pants could be construed as indecent exposure. But then, if that's true, then wouldn't current indecent exposure laws take care of this? I agree (remember that, I don't say it often) that there should be a line from where it goes to making you look stupid to making you look stupid, and indecent exposure; but then current laws should fix that right up.
I should mention, and I really hate saying this, because I say it so much, but this is America (make yourself a note, lawmakers). What does that mean? You have a right to look stupid! Is this fad harming our children? Well, think about it this way, now they think real hard as to whether to choose boxers or briefs (Because that just isn't right.)

I also want to make one other law: White guys can't have sagging pants. Seriously.

September 24, 2007: John Georges: You ARE a politician, Get over it!

The governor's race in Louisiana is heating up. It should cool down once Blanco figures out how to turn that crawfish boiler in her office off, but the election ain't over 'till the fat lady sings (not that anyone will hear her, since she won't get out of her recliner to go vote).
One of the not-so-front runners is an ant, but also John Georges. Unfortunatly, I do believe his campaign ads might be misleading. In these ads, he says to "save Louisiana" we need to not elect another politican. Well then Georges, who do you suspect we should elect? A shrimp? Fred Thompson? The Mac guy in those commericals? Because you ARE a politican. How do I know? Well, since my Yo Dictionary is gone from the top of the page until Get It Straight gets it legs, this is the definition of politician
One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public
office, or to the success of a political party; -- used in
a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics
as managed by parties (1913 Webster)
You are devoted to your own advancement in public office, right? That's what I thought. You, my friend are a politician.

Finally, let's look at it this way: If you stubbornly refuse to market yourself as a politician, are you sure businessman is the best way to go? I mean, people hate politicians, but boy do they hate businessmen too.

I just wanted to say: I'm surprised that picture of him in front of the Coca-Cola sign didn't at least get him into a runoff.

So, as you can see, I have a lot of corrections. Now, don't bring them up again.

Rolling Updates about that thing...

2007-10-20T22:18:00.001-05:00

Jindal winning over 50%. Somebody owes me $20.

WAFB now predicting Bobby Jindal winning.

Georges thanking his supporters, conceding to Jindal.

Campbell now conceding, leaving only Boasso.

OK, Campbell, stop talking.

Somebody tell Jindal his party isn't a debate, he can show up. His brother looks just like him, he might have well as said he was him.
Wait, Boasso is coming to conceed. I wonder if he has a cardboard cutout with him.
Look who decided to show up. Hello Jindal. Got a watch or something?

He asked to give Blanco a round of applause... and crickets...
"See folks, I have a heart after all" Against the attack ads claiming "Bobby Jindal: Big brain. No heart."
"Don't let anyone talk bad about Louisiana" Louisiana sucks.
OK, Jindal, we get it. You'll do stuff. You can talk tomorrow. I'm tired.
Jindal: I'm asking you to look straight: There IS nothing you can do about corruption.
What idiot is chanting in the background? This isn't a rock concert, it's a politician speaking!
That's right, chase the American dream. All the way to Mississippi.
I can change the channel, I must change the channel, I will change the channel.
21 Minutes of talking. Well, it's over.

You (Don't Really) Decide 2007 Elections

2007-10-20T22:02:00.001-05:00

It appears Jindal might avoid a runoff. Good. I don't know if he can run. Either way, there are several interesting things going on tonight:

Did you know NBC 33 could do live shots?

Georges: Forget the Plan. Most people don't read.

This isn't really going to be interesting. It's just more of the same crap from politicians. Now if my boxed edition of openSUSE would hurry up and show up. Yes, it's that exciting.

This is our informed public...

2007-10-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

Oh hell.

UPDATED: I Love AT&T. Now PLEASE don't kick me off...

2007-09-29T20:56:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: AT&T has changed their Terms of Service and now says it will not kick you off of their network for criticizing them. They did that just to screw with me I bet.

Everybody's favorite almost-monopoly AT&T (formerly BellSouth, Cingular, AT&T Wireless, SBC, the old AT&T, PacBell, SNET, etc.) knows that people absolutely love them, but just to make sure, you must love them or you're gone.

In an email to their customers, the new Old Pain has changed their Terms of Service and added a special line to the ways AT&T can kick your ass of their precious Internet Service:

5.1 Suspension/Termination. Your Service may be suspended or terminated if your payment is past due and such condition continues un-remedied for thirty (30) days. In addition, AT&T may immediately terminate or suspend all or a portion of your Service, any Member ID, electronic mail address, IP address, Universal Resource Locator or domain name used by you, without notice, for conduct that AT&T believes (a) violates the Acceptable Use Policy; (b) constitutes a violation of any law, regulation or tariff (including, without limitation, copyright and intellectual property laws) or a violation of these TOS, or any applicable policies or guidelines, or (c) tends to damage the name or reputation of AT&T, or its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries.

Yes. So that means making a joke about the globe's look, or criticizing their policies, or mention that their once again becoming the world's phone company on AT&T's Internet service will earn you a cancellation.
So, here's an open invitation to AT&T: Kick me off. I dare ya.

FirstGroup Won.

2007-09-27T21:33:00.001-05:00

For original post on Get it Straight, click here.
Over on Get it Straight, I have to act professional. Here I can say this:
What the hell is in the water at the US Dept. of Justice?

Just in case ya'll forgot, the purpose of the Anti-Trust division is to keep the market free and open for competition, not from it.

FirstGroup PLC, the UK's largest provider of transit services, also owner of First Student, the nation's largest provider of clowns who don't know what the hell they're doing, announced a merger with Laidlaw back in February. They are the largest school bus company in the US, and owners of Greyhound.

In order to protect competition in the school bus arena, First Student agreed to give up contracts to some school districts and sell them off to other companies (presumably others beside Laidlaw). So, what happened? They sold of one contract. One. In Anchorage, Alaska.

One.

So, what do they get in return? The investigation into their merger has been closed. Meaning: Break out the beer and chips, First: You won.

Yes. You've almost certainly got your merger. You've got the United States' largest school bus contractor. You've got the US's largest bus line. And you've got millions of children in your buses each morning (provided you show up) and in the afternoon (unless you're late everyday for over six weeks). And who do you have driving? Well, if the amount of jobs you advertise is any indication, not many people. You know, some people actually train their drivers. "Dry runs" I've heard First Student claim they do. Except then you change the routes and the drivers once again have no clue where to go. Oh, and skipping stops, not going down streets, driving unsafe, wow.

You've got a lot to be proud of, First.

openSUSE 10.3 now available for pre-order...

2007-09-26T23:34:00.001-05:00

On a serious note... openSUSE 10.3 from Novell is coming October 4th and is now accepting pre-orders in Germany and North America. Pre-order now and get free shipping!

It's time again!

John Georges: You ARE a politician, get over it!

2007-09-24T21:29:00.002-05:00

The governor's race in Louisiana is heating up. It should cool down once Blanco figures out how to turn that crawfish boiler in her office off, but the election ain't over 'till the fat lady sings (not that anyone will hear her, since she won't get out of her recliner to go vote).
One of the not-so-front runners is an ant, but also John Georges. Unfortunatly, I do believe his campaign ads might be misleading. In these ads, he says to "save Louisiana" we need to not elect another politican. Well then Georges, who do you suspect we should elect? A shrimp? Fred Thompson? The Mac guy in those commericals? Because you ARE a politican. How do I know? Well, since my Yo Dictionary is gone from the top of the page until Get It Straight gets it legs, this is the definition of politician

One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public
office, or to the success of a political party; -- used in
a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics
as managed by parties (1913 Webster)

You are devoted to your own advancement in public office, right? That's what I thought. You, my friend are a politician.

Finally, let's look at it this way: If you stubbornly refuse to market yourself as a politician, are you sure businessman is the best way to go? I mean, people hate politicians, but boy do they hate businessmen too.

Flickr

2007-09-23T02:19:00.002-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

First Student drives right over our questions...

2007-09-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNPGyoh96ig
First Student answers our questions. Or reads them out of a book.

Stop touching your iPod!

2007-09-05T17:39:00.001-05:00

The Steve Jobs dillusion field was in full force this morning, as Stephen Jobs introduced new everything.
I don't want to get to specific, but if you want to know everything that happened, walk outside and scream "What happened at Apple this morning?" It'll work.
But quickly:
Shuffles got new colors.
Nano's got fatter and video.
Apple copied from Coca-Cola and now have a Classic- 80-160 GB Video iPod starting at $249
The iPod Touch, a rip off, also known as the iPhone - Phone. 8-16 GB starting at $300
The only good news for cheap fanboys: iPhone 4 GB Discontinued, but if you hurry you can get it for $300, previously $600 iPhone now at $400.

Apple: Seriously?

The Nano just looks ugly. I respect it for playing video now, but what's the use? It's just as large now, so why?
Classic: Again, why? Instead of wasting time developing a strange new interface, make the iPod Touch the 80-160 GB hard drive player.
Touch: Great idea. Except why would it be necessary to include WiFi? If people want web browsing, just buy iPhone. Jeez.

Before anyone says anything, I should mention I like Apple's hardware. But why they think everything they do is genius (Like Genius Bars.) is beyond me.

CORRECTION (yes, I occasionally do them): As pointed out to me, the purpose of the iPod Touch could be to have a PDA iPod without the phone. Yes, I do think the Touch will go the way of the Newton.)