A week or so ago I posted on one of my favorite male artists, David Byrne. Well, this week I present you with another favorite of mine, Joe Henry.

Better known as Madonna’s brother-in-law, Henry has avoided the limelight by crafting an extremely eclectic catalog of albums dating back to 1986. 1999’s Fuse is my favorite, though 2003’s Tiny Voices (the album from which this selection is featured) is a close second. Unfortunately, all of his late-80s and early-90s albums are out-of-print. As I’m currently not able to pay some of the ridiculously high-prices demanded on eBay for those items, I’ve had to deal with downloading them from other sources. Some day…

Here’s one good review of the album.

This Afternoon, Joe Henry

Some lyrical musings from Tiny Voices, these are from the song This Afternoon, a character-driven piece taking on the point-of-view of a hotel maid:

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Mike Matthews in Music at 10:11 PM PST

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I have been pummeled in recent weeks by liberals who feel I’ve “jumped to the other side” by aligning myself with conservative bloggers like La Shawn Barber on the Terri Schiavo issue.

And my opinions were only firmed up even more after a brief, but thoughtful, discussion with my part-time co-worker Naomi. We’re both of the liberal persuasion, but fail to see how allowing Ms. Schiavo to die is humane in any way. Naomi made a comment to the effect of “We treat animals and criminals better than we’re treating her.” And I agreed.

This is a case of life. Funny coming from a staunch, pro-choice liberal, heh? Yes, Terri may have confided with her husband Michael that should such events occur she would wish to “have the plug pulled.” But this isn’t a plug. This is a physically-alive woman who is aching for food and water. She may not physically or mentally be aching, but I believe her soul is aching. Why do I use such a term as “aching?” Because I want to.

Don’t think I haven’t felt the other way, as well. My fellow Delawarean-blogger Dave Huber more-than thoroughly explained his opinion, after reluctantly jumping into the fray. And I will honestly say there isn’t one thing in his post with which I disagree.

But I have this feeling in my body that just won’t let go. This woman is being deprived of food and water! Simple food and water! Not a respirator. Not life support. Patients with such ailments that require those treatment methods are never expected to come “back.” Terri is an “alive” woman in many definitions of the word.

For further reading, check out La Shawn Barber’s entire category devoted to Schiavo. Her posts may be slanted, but they’re extremely informational and written with much care and consideration.

Hell, even liberal Jesse Jackson is standing with the Schindler family.

So, I leave this issue again. Not knowing where I stand but almost content to stay stuck in the middle. I pray Terri will get through this period of starvation quickly and painlessly.

Also check out the opinion of the guys from Blogolution, another Delaware blog. I hardly agree with most of their arguments presented, but they’ve always got something interesting to say.

Update I: Judging by this week’s previous comments, I’m already going to hell, so I suppose one more infraction won’t make much of a difference. Though I am totally erring on the side of life for Terri, I still must maintain some sense of humor to get me through it. Via The Wilmington News Journal’s blogger Ryan Cormier, I came across this link to “Terri Schiavo’s Blog”. Offensive? That’s subjective. Off-the-wall? I think so. Hilarious? Well, I laughed for at least five minutes.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Political Landscape at 7:11 PM PST

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Let me say for those of you who don’t know my family: This will probably be the biggest test our family has faced in a very long time. Sounds dramatic, huh?

Another post was made today by another cousin of mine. After posting it she called my sister and asked me to remove it. And I did so as I didn’t want anyone else to have to read the extremely harsh vitriol that could have only been spewed in an intensely firey moment of passion. I will paraphrase some of the post, though it will remain anonymous.

You shouldn’t bash our beliefs especially when you know how (Anonymous) feels about my family’s faith. (Anonymous) was so excited when (Anonymous) found out you were going to come with us. This would really upset (Anonymous).

Cousin, why do you interpret my sarcasm, cynicism, and humor (which is subjective as to whether or not you find me funny) as “bash[ing] [y]our beliefs”? You’re wrongly interpreting the situation. My comments made in regards to the suggestions were humorous. I meant no harm in making them. I was not bashing the Catholic Church in making them.

Bashing would look like this:

All Christians are stupid because they are Christian.
I hate you because you’re Catholic!

Get it? Did I ever allude to statements such as those above? Be honest. If I did, I’ll call myself out.

As you may already know, nothing is sacred or off limits with me. If I have a problem or notice an ounce of hypocrisy in anything I will usually call it like it is. I have frequented liberal and conservatives blogs and have been slammed and criticized by both groups. I have defended and criticized religious people of all faiths. Funny you don’t get offended when I make some off-color remark about “Muslim terrorists” or tell some naughty Jewish joke that you find to be hilarious. Or when you casually remark about those “dothead” Hindus who own all the 7-11’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. I don’t get offended. I take it as a politically incorrect joke from a person I know isn’t truly racist or anti-Hindu.

You like jokes about other religions but don’t like when your own is made fun of. You like when hypocrisy is exposed in other religions but hate when your own Church is found to be in contempt of moral sanity. Do you see where I’m going? You simply find NO HUMOR in your religion. Perhaps this is a good thing? I disagree. The ability for one to laugh at one’s own associations in life is a sign of strong character and true resilience.

Don’t think I mean to say religion isn’t a serious matter. It certainly is. Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the lives of all is terribly serious. But should one practice acts of persecution against those who seek to merely expose the irrationalities found in many religions? Believing is what religion is about. But the knowledge used to dissect and discuss certain tenets in any religion is the sign of true enlightment and open-mindedness, in my opinion.

I’ve never asked for anyone to concede his or her religious beliefs to conform with my always-questioning attitude. This is wrong and totally antithetical to all I believe.

All I’m asking is for a bit of leniency in the future. To those in my family who were offended, I will not offer an apology, but a sincere “I Love You.” I meant no harm in the contents of the post and feel no apology is necessary. I have apologized for the insensitive comment made in regards to my attending last Friday’s presentation. I will not apologize for the comments and “jokes” made after that point.

Yes, nothing is sacred ground to me, including religion. Though it may be sacred to you, offense shouldn’t be taken at every sardonic comment meant simply to get a rise out of you. I wasn’t bashing your faith or religion and I don’t think you should ever take it that way. Please don’t take it that way. Life is too short to bear grudges and animosity towards those we love.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Religion at 4:49 PM PST

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I think May 3 is going to be a great day. On that day, singer-songwriter Aimee Mann will release her long-awaited new album, The Forgotten Arm.

Here’s a description, pulled from Amazon:

The Forgotten Arm is the new studio album from the Grammy and Oscar nominated singer/songwriter Aimee Mann. Aimee’s songs have a literary quality to them — sharp, spare short stories set to music — so it was probably inevitable that she would one day make a concept album, the musical equivalent of a novella. The Forgotten Arm , her fifth solo release, is exactly that: a dozen songs that tell, rather loosely, the story of John and Caroline as they meet, fall in love and road trip across America.

On the Amazon site I read the amazingly versatile and talented Joe Henry has produced the album. Though I hate to prejudge the album I feel this one may be hard to beat should I decide to do a “best of” for 2005.

For those who don’t know Henry, I think I may have to put up a song clip within the next day or so. In short, he’s famous for writing Madonna’s 2001 hit Don’t Tell Me. He’s also her brother-in-law via her sister. But Henry’s work is totally opposite Madonna’s. Well, I’ll let it speak for itself when I post a song tomorrow.

Mann and Henry should be a fantastic listen. Any other Aimee Mann fans out there?

Posted by Mike Matthews in Music at 10:24 PM PST

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With all the drama from my “Religion” post, I don’t think I’m interested in doing anything too heavy on here tonight. It’s dark and dreary in Wilmington, so I’ll try to lighten it up.

So, some music notes will have to do.

Anyone excited about the new Beck album, to be released tomorrow? His last album, Sea Change, was pretty mellow. Critics are saying this one, Guero, should be a mix of that album and 1999’s supremely-fun and funky Midnite Vultures. I can’t wait.

Likewise, though I find some of her behavior tacky, Sinead O’Connor has announced her return to music.

Now, I do have a problem with this. Not so much with her as much as musicians in general. Nearly two years ago O’Connor announced her intentions to retire from the music industry. This really peeves me. Clearly, at the time, the statement was made to rile up some attention for her album She Who Dwells… Making a statement like that may bring on the press to show some interest in her, but that obviously failed. So, by making such a stupid absolute statement, she looks like the ass.

Also, artists who continually announce that this “will be my final album” or this “will be my last tour” drive me up a wall. No matter her politics or other muckraking, I feel Sinead has made some powerful, consistently fine music in the past two decades. So, though I cringe at her attempt to gain exposure, I do welcome her back and hope for some more good music.

And, finally, AOL’s First Listen is now streaming Bruce Springsteen’s newest single Devils & Dust. Just got my “first listen” and I’ve gotta say it’s sounding pretty good. The E. Street Band isn’t backing him on this one, which is a welcome change from the overly expansive–and overly long–2002 comeback The Rising.

Other than that, I think that’s it for tonight. I may put some other stuff up occasionally, but it’s been a busy day for me. I’ll make this an open thread, so feel free to talk to me about anything on your mind. I’m up for a little discussion tonight.

Update I: Just got a call from some marketing research firm (didn’t get its name) asking me if I would listen to a radio station that played music like the songs listed below. They actually played me 10-second clips of the songs, so it was quite a scramble to see if I could remember the song names in time to write them down.

Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson
Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Green Day
Torn, Natalie Imbruglia
Complicated, Avril Lavigne
Summer of ‘69, Bryan Adams

I said “no,” I wouldn’t listen to this type of station. The representative said thank you and, with that, hung up. Coincidentally, I posted an excerpt from George Carlin’s latest book, When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops, in which he hilariously excoriates these marketing firms for trying to homogenize the airwaves.

Check out my original post here.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Music at 6:34 PM PST

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One of Michael Moore’s major theses in Fahrenheit 9/11 was the quick evacuation of several select Saudi Arabian nationals.

I don’t feel like going into this too much, as I spent some time on my other blog doing that. But, here’s the article.

That liberal media is at it again.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Political Landscape at 4:05 PM PST

Talk dirty to me »

Update: Wow…I wasn’t expecting so much of my family to get involved in this act. For some background let me first say I have a rather large family of the Roman Catholic persuasion. My sister and I were raised in a very liberal atmosphere with a light emphasis on religion, whereas some of my aunts and uncles raised their children in environments with a greater emphasis on the Catholic faith. Most of my cousins attended Catholic schools throughout their childhood and, as such, their faith and everyday reflects this. However, I have always taken a divergent path. Public schools educated my sister and I. And quite adequately, I believe.

So that explains some of the division amongst my cousin, Aunt and myself (the ones involved in the comments section). But, what this update is for is to apologize for my insensitivity afforded my awesome aunt and uncle, who innocently invited me to the Stations of the Cross last Friday. My aunt called me out on my “throw [them] a bone” comment, and rightfully so. I certainly don’t want my family to feel that I attended to “make them happy.” Though I don’t practice much of anything in the Catholic Church, I still wanted to go. There were no ulterior motives. All of the sarcastic BS in this post is just that. Sarcastic BS. My intentions in going to the Stations were not to “report” back to my blog. The comments and observations made were simply incidental. I didn’t lie to my family when I said I had a good time. Does one have to be fully taken by the religion to enjoy a presentation? I don’t think so.

I cringe while reading some of my favorite conservative/evengelical bloggers who mock liberals and “non-believers” for attempting to place religion into an “academic” context. Why not? My night out on Friday wasn’t just fun, but it was an informative look inside of a culture in which I do not currently participate. Should this not be part of the human experience? I have Jewish, Muslim, Hindi, Agnostic, Wiccan and atheist friends. Because I show interest towards their respective beliefs (or non-beliefs) or religions, does that mean I should adapt to them? Likewise, simply because I criticize a religion, does that mean I hate it? No to both questions. I am a citizen of this world. Diversity is required in my life (though I feel it should never be forced on any audience). Conservatives will hate that statement, but I feel better people are made when diversity of thought is present in their lives. Simple as that.

So, to my family, I apologize for the insensitive comment. I am not going to edit it out, as I feel a record of my insensitivity should be made for all to see. To erase it would be to sneak under the covers and act like it didn’t happen. I have no problem swallowing my pride.

Warning! I think I may lose my conservative readers with this post.

Every now and then I throw my family a bone and attend a mass at one of a few Roman Catholic churches in Wilmington, Del. I stopped actively attending church services in 1998 after being confirmed in 10th grade. Severe questioning of my religious convictions followed, usually with cynicism and complete lack of trust in a Church I feel is rife with corruption and hypocrisy. My family has always held out hope of my return to the Church, though I don’t see that coming anytime soon. So, every so often I will attend a mass to keep them thinking I still have some loyalty to the Catholic Church.

Tonight I attended a reenactment of The Stations of the Cross at the St. Anthony of Padua parish in Wilmington. It was fun and entertaining. “Fun” and “entertaining?” Two adjectives probably not appropriate for describing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but I did have a good time, though I do prefer the blood and guts version.

I was a good student during the presentation and took ample notes of the aspects I thought were good as well as those I felt could use some improvement. Here are a few of my suggestions for improving the show in particular and the Catholic Church in general:

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Posted by Mike Matthews in Religion at 11:14 PM PST

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While perusing through “new release Tuesday” at Best Buy this week, I happened on over to the Special Interest section of DVDs and came upon the new Ann Coulter documentary Is It True What They Say About Ann? The price tag read $16.99 and the running time was 145 minutes, so this was a no-brainer. A 145-minute documentary on conservative-loon Ann Coulter? I’ve got to get this. I knew it would be totally entertaining and riveting. Well, it was. But the documentary was only 40 minutes! The extras accounted for the additional 105 minutes. And, no matter how much you like Ann Coulter, watching her stand on a New York City street for 10 minutes while “eviscerating” The New York Times is no fun. It was monotonous and amateurish.

The documentary was great because it bounced from subject to subject with effortless ease. Ann confronted on a college campus by hordes of liberals. Ann being prepped by make-up for an on-air discussion. Ann discussing her Sikh friends with a Hindu girl. Ann writing “have fun at Guantanamo” on a liberal’s t-shirt. Ann in a limo discussing her conservative family’s roots.

This is the Ann Coulter I like. When placed in a series of vignettes that progress through a movie, she is most entertaining. If Michael Moore stood on a New York City street dissecting an article in the paper he’d be just as boring.

So the way too short documentary was great. The extras were boring. There is a bigger point to this post, though. I offer a challenge to Ann Coulter and other conservatives.

Ms. Coulter, because I, a liberal, purchased your film, I implore you to purchase Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. Just as a matter of fairness. I’m tired of hearing conservatives bitch about Moore’s film only to have them admit they haven’t seen it. I watched your documentary as well as Dick Morris’ “shockingly” dull Fahrenhype 9/11 (which is already out of print over at Amazon). So, I’ve bought two conservative documentaries in the past three months. Will conservatives step up and AT LEAST RENT Moore’s film? I don’t want excuses, Ms. Coulter. Just rent it and watch it.

Ok, enough bloviating (as Bill O’Reilly would say). The documentary portion of the DVD was totally enjoyable, though the $16.99 price tag was too hefty.

Anyone else seen this one?

Posted by Mike Matthews in Movies at 10:14 PM PST

Talk dirty to me »

Via La Shawn Barber.

I’m not going to go into it. All I’ll say is this is the kind of subversive behavior I like. Who knew conservatives could take a page from the liberal protest book and do something so, um, COOL?

Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 1:26 PM PST

Talk dirty to me »

I think I may have done something extremely stupid. I’m not going to go into to much detail as it may affect a personal friendship of mine, but I want some opinions.

About a month ago, a friend I seldomly talk to (and, consequently, haven’t seen in over a year) called. She said we should get together. I totally agreed and we set a date. Our history is shaky and a recent living arrangement nearly ended our friendship. So we meet for dinner and she brings up how she met a customer at work who is a lawyer and yearly arranges some banquet dinner attended by the likes of Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Sens. Carper and Biden as well as other Delaware “dignitaries.” My friend has a singing and acting background and this customer, a lawyer, asked her to sign on to “consult” with some of the entertainment pieces of the show. In short, the show is kind of like a political roast of Delaware political figures. My friend knows nothing about politics.

So, I feel I was hoodwinked into going to dinner with her so she could get me to do some of her work. She was innocently questioning me about various Delaware politicians and political issues and finally told me what it was about, after my pestering her, asking her when she became interested in politics.

For this event I’ve ghostwritten an opening monologue and written two song parodies. I’m not naming the name of the event because I don’t think it would be fair to any party involved. Who knows? Perhaps my friend will give me credit, but our history may prove otherwise. I spent quite a bit of time coming up with these jokes and song parodies; all the time wondering whether I’ll be given some sort of credit or, perhaps a complimentary ticket.

Anyone else out there have interesting ghostwriting experiences?

Please excuse any typos or choppiness. This post was made in the heat of the moment, as I just got back from handing over “the goods” to my friend.

And, if my friend is reading this, please be assured I don’t mean to harm you. I love you and I hope you’ll be a bit more open about your intentions regarding all the hard work I’ve put into the project.

And for all you out there reading this, I’ll mention more about the event as it gets closer. It sounds pretty cool.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Personal at 9:30 PM PST

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Enough politics for a while. Let’s delve into the world of entertainment. I’ve been a music and movie junkie for years. Though my moviegoing and TV-watching have seriously decreased, my extreme music habit has refused to wane. An underemployed fool like me shouldn’t be so consumed with buying the new Moby album or the new Soundtrack of Our Lives disc. But, CDs are really the only luxury in my life, besides the occasional night out to a great restaurant.

So, here’s a brief skim of some of the things in the entertainment world that have piqued my interest:

• John Cleese may not return as Q in the next James Bond. One of the more pleasant attractions in the past two Bonds has been the inclusion of John Cleese’s dry-humoured Q, replacing longtime-Q Desmond Llewelyn. I’m excited at the prospect of a harder-edged Bond film, as some of the Brosnan entries were nearly headed in the same direction as Roger Moore’s goofy turns. But, Cleese provided some awesome comic relief. Let’s hope they change their minds about this one. It’s bad enough I’m having to wait four years for another film. No need to screw it up further.

• Good Choice. Spiderman 2 was awesome. Ten times better than the first, which lacked overall excitement and energy. It looks like the third one is headed in the right direction, as well, as it was just announced today that producers have decided on casting Thomas Haden Church as the villian. Church, mostly known for his role as dopey mechanic Lowell on the unbearable 90s sitcom Wings, got a career boost with last year’s awesome Sideways as the ultimate narcissist from hell. Church as Spidey’s villian seems to be an inspired choice.

• Lil Kim could see the inside of a jail cell. I’m no huge fan of rap music, but Kim is one of my guilty pleasures. Her dirty rhymes are damn infectious and her “eff-it” attitude is often hilarious. My first Lil Kim album was 2000’s awesome Notorious K.I.M. Check out the title to song number four. Totally cheeky lyrics, all with the throaty, gutteral voice that is her own. But, she lied. So, she’s gotta do the time. Here’s to some inspiration for more great rhymes once she gets out of jail (that is if sentencing goes that way).

This is just a small sampling of everything I wanted to talk about tonight. But, I was fooling too long with the HTML setup of this stuff, so I didn’t get around to as much as I would’ve liked. Any opinions on these three topics? I’ll try and come back tomorrow with a bit more substantial post. Something with more substance.

Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 8:58 PM PST

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Maybe Michelle Malkin doesn’t like me. My trackbacks used to appear on her lists, but since last week they haven’t been accepted.

Sorry, Michelle, if I offended you, but I think I’ve been rather nice.

Or perhaps this is just some technical glitch on my end? My trackbacks have appeared on other sites, including The Nyominx and La Shawn Barber’s blog. Who knows?

Also, I’d like to thank La Shawn for adding me to her blogroll. It’s definitely a “coup” for me, as she receives THOUSANDS of hits a day and is ranked in the heavens on The Truth Laid Bear’s blogosphere ecosystem. She’s a “Mortal Human” while I’m a “Flippery Fish”. My goal is to make it to “Flappy Bird” by May 1! I’ve already noticed a nice uptick in visitors since La Shawn added me.

Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 9:25 PM PST

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First things first, before I require you to click the “more” button below.

I will probably be switching over to a NEW commenting system in the near future. Unfortunately, this may DELETE all previous postings. I’ve received complaints from some family members about the current comments configuration, so I figured a change is in order.

So, if I lose your previous comments, I’m sorry…and please know it wasn’t me “censoring” you.

Now, on to more gun control. I’d like to thank commenter “grump” for providing me with some interesting quotes by democrats and other gun-control advocates. Read the comments below. I, as a liberal, do not condone MOST of what is said. I’m a staunch supporter of an active Second Amendment. I do feel certain types of weaponry must be more widely-regulated, but that the right to bear arms should never be diluted. Thanks, grump! (What’s with the name?)

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by Mike Matthews in General at 8:43 PM PST

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Via Michelle Malkin, I’ve discovered a website, Liberals for Terri, for those liberals like myself who are no longer interested in paying Michael Schiavo’s shenanigans any further attention.

Though I don’t wholly agree this case should’ve risen as high as the federal legislative and executive branches, I totally agree with the right-wingers who believe the ulterior motives of this Michael Schiavo are questionable. Terri is not in a vegetative state and has responded to family members’ actions. While she may never “rejoin” us 100%, allowing slime like Michael Schiavo to end her life under questionable pretenses would be tragic.

A link to an audio file of Schiavo and her father after the feeding tube was removed on Friday can be found, again via Michelle Malkin.

So, for all things Terri Schiavo, check out conservative divas Michelle Malkin and La Shawn Barber, who even has a handy-dandy Schiavo category on her site. Unfortunately, the Liberals for Terri site doesn’t seem to have a trackback feature, but keep checking that one as well.

Update I: Just to clarify my position, I am not at all endorsing what some on Capitol Hill have done to politicize Terri Schiavo. Via the University of Delaware’s College Democrats blog I happened upon their reprinting of an article by the Center for American Progress. Check out the UDel Dems’ site. They’ve done some awesome linking throughout the article.

Terri Schiavo’s case is hardly cut-and-dry for me. I feel she SHOULD be kept alive, however, I don’t feel the woman should be a victim of political grandstanding by the likes of the disgusting Rep. Tom Delay (R-Texas) and Rep. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).

Posted by Mike Matthews in Political Landscape at 8:56 AM PST

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I suppose I only have one person to blame for my extreme amount of non-productivity these past few days. And her name is Ambra Nykol, from Nykola.com.

Her post, entitled My ADD, contains a link to a game called Snood. For the past week I’ve been frying my brain with this extremely addictive game. I will warn you: DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT. You will be up most nights until midnight playing it. Your eyes will begin to ache.

Ugh…no more typing. I’ve got to go beat my high score. Thanks, Ambra!

Update I: Ohh…I just beat my high score. I’m now at 6400 points! What do you all have? (That is, if you gave into temptation and downloaded it!)

Posted by Mike Matthews in Craziness at 8:29 PM PST

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While reading today’s edition of The News Journal (Wilmington, Del.), my mother came across a laughable quote by Wilmington City Councilwoman Loretta Walsh regarding the 14-month jail term assessed to Michael Harkins for extreme misuse and neglect of the Delaware River and Bay Authority’s funds.

Celia Cohen from Delaware Grapevine has a nice history of the case.

But, it’s Loretta Walsh’s statement, quoted in this article that has me miffed:

Unbelievable. I just find the whole situation incredibly sad. It’s a shame that the judge probably had to make an example out of him and I almost feel the same way I did when Martha Stewart and Leona Helmsley went to jail.

How dumb is this broad to make such an, ahem, dumb comment? While Martha Stewart clearly did something dumb to save her OWN money, Mike Harkins was pilfering through state funds. While Leona Helmsley’s tax evasion during the 80s certainly wasn’t commendable, it doesn’t rank as highly disgusting as some fool siphoning off funds (funds collected in major part by outrageous $3 toll fees for crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge) from the government. So, Councilwoman Walsh, how dumb can you be? To Walsh’s credit, though, Harkins is her longtime neighbor. So a somewhat personal point of view has obviously tainted her opinion of this fool.

Oddly enough, this Republican Harkins has received a wide amount of support from some of the highest-ranking democrats, both local and national figures, including both Sens. Joe Biden and Tom Carper.

And then there’s Precious Priscilla Rakestraw of the Delaware GOP, who simply can’t wait for Harkins to return to public life, “back and working for Wilmington.”

On top of the 14-month jail term, Harkins will have to pay back $67,000 in either fines or restitution. Maybe they should have him working for free as a tollbooth operator when he gets out of jail. Or walking the Bridge to pick up garbage.

I hope he eats a lot of chopped steak in jail during those 14 months. It’s what he deserves after feeding himself filet on the public dime for so long.

Posted by Mike Matthews in First State Filth, Craziness at 4:33 PM PST

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Those precious, little, innocent children who pledge to remain abstinent may not be the cleanest folk after all.

I’ve always maintained the importance of abstinence education as a first “resort,” but have continually criticized its impracticality in a world obsessed with sex. Yes, students should be told to “wait” and to be careful, but they should also be taught the consequences of their behavior as well as adequate birth-control methods.

I would like to know the percentage of those signing these pledges who are devout members of a sect of Christianity that preaches this “abstinence only education” BS. Hypocrisy amuses me, so I always try to call it like I see it.

Most amusing was this qu0te, by Leslee Unruh, president of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse (gee, I wonder if they award huge, cardboard checks with balloons attached to those who maintain their abstinence the longest!):

Leslee Unruh, president of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse in Sioux Falls, S.D., called the study “bogus,” disputing that those involved had pledged true “abstinence.”

“Kids who pledge abstinence are taught that any word that has ’sex’ in it is considered a sexual activity,” Unruh said. “Therefore oral sex is sex, and they are staying away.”

Yeah, Leslee…I’ve NEVER taken back anything I may have signed years ago. This woman is an idiot and one of those in denial, afraid to see the stupidity and sheer arrogance of such a myopic worldview. She’s so annoying I’d like to join her club and then screw on the lawn of her pitiful organization just to spite her!

Of course, the liberal media shouldn’t be publishing such stories that possibly shine a light on the hypocrisy of Christian fundamentalism.

And, lest my conservative readers thing I’m bashing Christians…I’m not. I only have problems with the Christians who pervert their “Word of God” to spoon-feed society said “abstinence only education.” From a scientific and health point-of-view, these students should be learning about the consequences regardless. Simply telling kids not to screw isn’t adequate enough. Because doing so will only heighten the allure of something they’ve been told not to do.

Posted by Mike Matthews in Common Sense at 10:09 PM PST

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