Brendan2k5's Blog

Some folks complained about how "tame" the first debate was. I was pleased to see things really heat up in tonight's debate. It was a real pain having to sit through the Poltical Jargon but I found both of their responses enlightening and informative.

BUT!

Both men have something the other lacks. Obama lacks the years in Washington McCain has and McCain lacks the level of liberality needed to connect with the undecided voters.

You see people, this is the main problem I have with Presidental Candidates who make references to past presidents. what Worked for them or didn't work for that president does not equal the same success or failure for you. Both Bushes drew inspiration from Ronald Wilson Reagan. WIlliam Jefferson Clinton drew inspiration from John F. Kennedy. Take a look at the terms of all the people I just named and notice the similarities.

I said this in my post VC Debate Blog and I'll say it again here: Political Party should NOT be a major factor as in who you should/will vote for. Know the facts and know the person you're voting for. What they Stand for and their case history is important.

This morning my Macroeconomics professor introduced us to a string of websites that are a wealth of knowledge as to America's current cashflow or in this case...lack thereof.

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AND PASS IT ON!!!

For those who think that site is "biased against Republicans", here's one maintained by the White House.

Me personally, I like the former because it's in real time. Mind you, the "Rescue Package" isn't included in the figures so...yeah.

These are the viable options this country has in paying off the debt racked up over the last 8 years. I seriously doubt the latter will happen so let's go over the former, shall we?

The current Senators and Representatives are WELL AWARE that the debt created by the current presidental administration alone will take the next 5 Generations of Americans to pay off. The Wall Street Bailout simply adds 15 more Generations who are going to be taxed $3,000+ a year on top of what they're already paying for everything else. I'm studying Economy in college this semester and this very issue has my professor concerned, and with good reason.

I hope this doesn't come off as a direct insult to anyone in particular but if you haven't, you might want to take the time to tell your children that when they grow up, they're going to be paying off bills created without them in mind. Harsh and direct that may be but nothing could be more true than that.

In a sense, the current fiscal crisis can be compared to trying to operate on someone in a car accident who's suffered severel trauma. Upon bringing them in for Emergency Surgery, you want to ascertain two things:

1. The patient's life can be saved.

2. The patient will fully recover and hopefully enjoy the same quality of life they had before the accident.

Upon examining the patient you want to make sure that you operate quickly and with acute precision. The problem is the injuries are much more severe than you originally thought and for every wound you suture, two or three more open up. After working on it for several hours you finally get the bleeding under control and the vitals have stabilized. Based on how the patient's progressing you've ascertained that a followup operation needs to be performed. You get the go-ahead from the patient's family and prep for surgery.

Four days later you begin the operation. you set broken bones and treat internal bleeding to the best of your ability. Two days later, the patient complains of severe pain in their legs. An X-Ray reveals a nasty infection. The Medical Board is furious, wondering how in the world you could have missed something so obvious and have promised that you will loose your medical license for this.

After hours of deliberation, the Medical Board allows you to perform an emergency double amputation. Enraged at this apparent lack of responsibility and accountability, the patient's family sues the hospital for millions. They win and the Hospital is brought to the brink of closing it's doors. Just when it couldn't get any worse, several major business partners abruptly end their partnership, saying there's no way they're going to continue  funding the hospital as long as you work there. The Medical Board then sets to work finding a suitable replacement for you.


I'll admit I went a bit overboard with my little analogy. Hopefully it makes a lot of sense. If anyone was confused by the above, feel free to ask me what represents what. I originally wanted to be a doctor when I grew up so...yeah =D

Hands Down, and this is coming from a guy who is strongly considering writing his own name in come Election Day.


Getting straight to the point, Joe Biden answered every question and was very clear, concise and honest. He didn't wander off-topic and didn't allow himself to get drawn into a political tug of war. He even want so far as to point out multiple times that there were many occasions in the Senate which he both supported McCain and didn't support Obama. The way Biden did it showed that he had an enormous amount of respect for both Presidental Candidates.

My problem with Sarah Palin's performance has nothing to do with her "status as a Washington Outsider". Rather, it was the fact that she couldn't answer a direct question. It greatly troubled me and in my opinion is a sign of one of two things: A weak will or someone who just goes with someone else's ideas. This is immensely dangerous.

I'm gonna go a bit off-topic here for a bit. Before I do, I want to say  that I've had the opoortunity to talk to John McCain several times in recently years. I love the man and his principles. I simply do not agree with his plans as president.

See, this becomes an issue come Eleciton years. You can't say you're not gonna vote for this person and say you like them. Any other time and it's fine. If you're supporting McCain-Palin, I ask that you look at the facts and don't just vote for someone because of their party, race, or where they're from. It's dangerous, ignorant and just perverts your authority as an American Tax Paying Voter. Interestingly, this is precisely what all Politicians are hoping for.

I'll say the same for Obama-Biden. I'm not happy at all with the fact that Obama wants American taxpayers to bail out Wall street. In fact, I'm sure at this point that it cost him my vote. The current Senators and Representatives are WELL AWARE that the debt the current presidental administration alone will take the next 5 Generations of Americans to pay off. The Bailout simply adds 15 more Generations who are going to be taxed $3,000+ a year on top of what they're already paying for everything else. I'm studying Economy in college this semester and this very issue has my professor concerned, and with good reason.

I hope this doesn't come off as a direct insult to anyone in particular but if you haven't, you might want to take the time to tell your children that when they grow up, ther'e going to be paying bills created without them in mind. Harsh and direct that may be but it's also the truth.

I'm referring to the Gulf Coast. In recent years I've been noticing that hurricanes and tropical storms are now taking aim at Texas, Louisiana and Mississipi. Ten years ago it was Florida, prettymuch.

Does this mean that sometime in the near future Massachusetts will get its first major hurricane in decades? Only time will tell.

And I'm hoping whoever the next president it is pulls the plug on this rediculous idea. In all seriousness--if this is someone's idea of a joke that or those someones should be fired and imprisioned because this is anything but funny.

It's bad enough footing the bill for the Conflict in Iraq. One of my professors who is an economist did the math and it will take the next 2 and a half generations of Americans to pay off the debt. Those of you with kids can tell them that starting on their 18th birthday, they will be forced to help pay this off and they will have to tell their kids and grandkids the same as well.

It's times like this that makes me wonder why there isn't any public opposition to this. We already know our elected officials watch CNN and check the Popular Blog sites for public opinion or to invade privacy. It's times like this that makes me say let's just lay off Congress and replace them with random folks from around the country. One would think we'd be entitled to make such a request considering all the "Requests" our government makes of us.

Mostly because this isn't true.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and Vista, anyone?

I myself did an Americorps Program for 2 years and most Politicians and members of the Military (past and current) agree more National Service opportunities need to be made available. The demand is definitely there.

Listen. I consider someone helping a strangers with directions in Community Service. If someone decides to volinteer their time at a community center, food pantry or homeless shelter that's community service. If someone decides to pack up and move to and move to a City or Town where they don't know anyone to help people in need, that's National Service.

I strongly believe domestic National Service programs should be priority over International Service Programs. The reason is rather simple: You are literally serving America when you do. You are doing the literal version of the phrase "Putting your country first."

Now this is not to say the Military is bad. I was in a Navy ROTC program in High School and loved it. It's actually what got me interested in National Service. In 1988, two Harvard students named Michael Brown and Alan Khazei piloted a grassroots program in Boston called City Year. They didn't know it at the time but their vision to one day make the most asked question of an American young person "where are you going to do your year of service?" would forever change the way people view national service.

The current and previous two administrations (George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush) were so captivated by their selfless, patriotic Action Tank they wanted to see the question answered as well. They didn't just give them the funds to meet that end. City Year was made the model for serveral thousand programs as part of AmeriCorps (which City year is a part of) and the USA Freedom Corps.

I'm pleased both Presidental Candidates feel the same way but so far I have yet to hear either of them really talk about it. This is a surprise considering both of them have made it their personal mission (in their own ways) to make sure America knows and understands the value of National Service. If we as a country are to ensure a better tomorrow, we need to make sure everyone who wants to can have the opportunity to serve.

In more ways than one.

I went to College today but I got to the Boston School I work at in time to see the kids. It's pretty awesome doing college and working with Kids in the same week. It's a bitm ore stressful than doing one or the other but I think I can wing it.

Every year I've been working for BPS at my school at least, more and more students are taking ownership of their education. I don't know the reason for this is but I think it's a beautiful thing. When I run for Mayor in 6 years I'll be sure to make a point of saying that!

After watching her speech last night I couldn't help but notice how incompatible Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin are. 4 Years ago the media explored the possible scenario of Kerry-Cheaney (*Shudder*) and Bush-Edwards (No comment there).

In all seriousless, I'm sure the major topic of discussion will be how Obama responds to Palin and not Obama-McCain. From what I have seen so far McCain, like Bush 8 years ago is gonna have his V.P. take point in campaigning but something tells me the Democrats have a plan for that.

Palin may have proven she can use the same type of Political Rhetoric the 3 sentators have speak like their first language but she really shouldn't kid herself about having more experience than Obama. There's the unquestionable fact that she's still "a nobody" compared to Obama and McCain.

The way I see it--the reason Palin and Cheaney are V.P. Choices is because they are better at Public Speaking than their running mates. I've got the Political TV going in the background and the main topic of discussion right now is the possibility of Palin overshadowing McCain. Of course, I will blog about McCain's Speech after it airs.

Tell me what you think of that.

Mind you, this is in the aftermath fo the twin political firestorms that were Gustav and the disclosure of Palin's family's issues.

I looked at a few websites on the issues and fortunately most were focused more on "The New Hurricane Alley" (scray thought, isn't it?) than Palin's pregnant teenager.

Obama said it best in saying family issues especially those involving children are off-limits when it comes to Political Debates. Also despite the media saying it over and over again and contrary to belief, MCCAIN'S PR PEOPLE BROKE THE NEWS TO THE MEDIA. Obama went as far as saying he'd fire anyone working for him if it was discovered one of his employees or volinteers broke the news. We know this was not the case.

I have no idea why McCain's people decided to go public with this information but I can only see it backfiring. Now, if Palin's daughter will be 18 come election day then it would make sense. The fact that Palin gas a child with Down Syndrome is a plus but the disclosure of her daughter's teenage pregnancy--no--the fact that McCain chose her KNOWING THIS INFORMATION--will hurt him alot.

Those of us who remember the Jane Swift administration (she was pregnant when she became the state's first Female lt. Governor and again as Governor--late term both times) know how much of a hinderance her family life had with her obligations to the state. Now that I think of it, what exactly DID she do for Massachusetts?

I seriously believe the fact that MCCain chose Palin knowing this in advance was a bad move and will likely cost him the election. It was a good move choosing a woman (to parallel Obama, who is a minority) but a bad move for the campaign. I can't believe I'm saying this but his bet would've been to go with Mitt Romney as his VP. Romney's got experience and pull (he DID take care of the Big Dig--something his 3 predecessors didn't seem interested in) both in Washington and internationally.

Now listen close because I will only say this once. I haven't tested it yet but if my theory prooves true then it shouldn't really matter who the speaker of the house or Governor is. Of course, this is LEGAL and there shouldn't be any backlash.

Step 1: Type up what you want your state/town/city to make a law. DO NOT go public with it.

Step 2: Contact your state/district/city rep. Set up a meeting with them. Become good friends of them and then do whichever Step 3 you're most comfortable with or both. DO NOT mention the bill you want to have passed.

Step 3A: Repeat step 2 but with 6 to 12 people who probably won't vote in favor your bill. Again. DO NOT mention the bill you want to have passed.

Step 3B: Repeat step 2 but with 6 to 12 people who you're sure will vote in favor of your bill. Again, DO NOT mention the bill you want to have passed.

Step 4: Blog or Write an Article in the local paper about the contents of the bill. Just don't mention you actually want to have said bill filed.

Step 5: Get the opinions of the people mentioned in Steps 2 and 3. If positive go to step 6A. If Negative or split go to Step 6B.

Step 6A: Announce your bill and let your rep know that if they value your friendship and future endorsements they will push to have your bill passed. Remind those who wouldn't favor your bill that passing your bill = Good PR for them = better Chance at re-election.

Step 6B: Tell those who oppose your Bill that now that you've become such good friends you're going to run for their seat and they have support. The only way you won't is if they pass a bill for you in a very timely fashion. If they don't then you'll not only run but you'll reccommend those who would support your bill to make their job as hard as possible for the rest of their term.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 2-3 and 5-6 for the Senate. This way if the governor/mayor vetoes the bill the veto can be overridden.

Step 8: Your Bill is passed.

Step 9: Share what you learned with others.

Step 10: Repeat Steps 1 through 8 for any additional bills you want passed.


Again, I haven't tested it yet because I'm writing a few bills right now. When I have a successful trial I'll blog it here.

I watched Bill Clinton's speech tonight and unlike the speech he did in '04, I could almost see the Republican Party's High-Ups and Supporters sweating bullets. It's obvious Mr. Clinton purposely held back on talking too much about Obama and unlike his speech for Kerry he kept it where it mattered the most: The State of America and its future.

I also caught the shot he made at the Hillary Supporters who are now supporting McCain. A smart move and hopefully one that will produce results. For me the most pivotal moment was when he said America needs to vote him in to make it official. This is where it matters the most and hopefully Obama revisits this when he delivers his acceptance speech.

While we all have mixed feelings about the Clintons in general we'd be kidding ourselves in thinking Obama would have any kind of chance without their endorsements. It's true he got the nomination without them but he needs the support Bill and Hillary Clinton's endorsements will bring. This of course taking into account the fact that he isn't using Public Funding for his campaign (which again, I hope he talks about during his acceptance speech).

Does this mean Obama and the Clintons will be able to reconsile whatever issues they have? I don't know but hopefully this is a step in that direction.

For those of you who will be in Boston this Saturday (August 23), this is for you. Quite a few streets will be closed to traffic at different times of the morning and afternoon. I'll go through them in order. If things change between now and Friday at 9:59PM (The Festivities unofficially start at Midnight!) I'll post about it here. Before I start, unless you live off or on the parade route, the effected streets will be closed to traffic (except foot traffic, of course).

 

Oh, one more thing: Consult the MBTA website to find out where  buses on the effected streets will be going. Buses will run on a Sunday Schedule so plan accordingly.

 

-To begin, Blue Hill Avenue from Mattapan Square to the intersection of Warren Street and Washington Street (where across from Walgreens and the Dialysis Center) will be CLOSED starting at midnight on Friday.

 
-Seaver Street (from the intersection of Seaver and Blue Hill) to Humboldt will be closed as it is a secondary route in the event something happens with the originally planned route.

-Talbot Ave is an Access Route to Blue Hill for pedestrians and performers but it will be open, though you may be asked by Police to use Bowdoin Ave (which is also an Access Route to Blue Hill) to get away from the parade route.

-Washington Street (Codman Square to Grove Hall) is a Secondary/Access Route as well. Columbia Road will be closed past the intersection of Columbia Road and Washington Street, as (of course) Blue Hill will Ave. is the main parade route.

 

-Glenway Street (which I lived on three years ago) will be open but it, too is an access route for Foot traffic and performers. Police will direct you down side streets to avoid Blue Hill Avenue.

-Let's see...I think I covered them all...wait! I remembered one more. Humboldt Ave will be open though it has been set aside as a secondary route if need be.

 

Oh, and of course the organizers have all the necessary permits to do all this! For one day, the streets of Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan will be flooded with over 500,000 people of all backgrounds for a day of music and excitement. There will be Boston and State Police out in full force to keep the peace and direct traffic.

 

A friend I know on the force has informed me that officers from all precincts in Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury (even Headquarters) will be on location with officers in Jamaica Plain, South Boston and the South End of standby if need be. They'll not stand for any kind of foolishness, I tell you! I have no idea why I just added this paragraph. The idea is to lessen fears people may have of the atmosphere so I hope it isn't taken the wrong way.
 

It comes but once a year and it's coming this Weekend! Boston's is Saturday and Cambridge is Sunday. Those who are from the Carribbean Islands between the Americas (also known as the West Indies) come together for a weekend of music, food, culture, dance and all around fun. I live two streets down from one of the parade routes used in the Boston Carnival (Seaver Street, I live on Homestead) and my neighbor is going to be a part of it as a DJ. In fact, I was one of the performers in Cambridge Carnival last year.

 I'm from Trinidad and Boston Carnival is like a Family Reunion as I have family in New York, Toronto, Baltimore and all over who come to Boston for the weekend.In past years I went to New York Carnival (always the week after Boston's) so I can visit with family. I like it because as a first Generation West Indian (I was born here but my parents were born in Trinidad) I get to celebrate my heritage. It means alot to me as, unlike alot of people I know of African American descent, I at least know my heritage.

I'll make another blog detailing what parts of Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamica Plain and  Mattapan will be closed just like I did last year.

Hello. I'm Brendan2k5. I'm 24 years old and I've been playing video games since I was three years old. My first game was Super Mario Bros. on the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in 1987.

Since then I've owned (and still own actually) every Nintendo System released over the years: Super Nintendo (which along with the Sega Genesis--which I also own--was part of the now legendary Golden Age of Video Games), Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64 (Thus named not because it was Nintendo's first 3D based Console but because it processed at a rate of 64 Frames Per Second), Game Boy Advance/SP/Micro (Which I call the handheld equivelant of the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, all three versions of the Game Boy Advance do the same thing but the SP and Micro versions have a built-in backlight and have a rechargable battery built in. I have one of the original versions and 2 SP systems), Gamecube (During its heyday it was a popular system to have installed in your car if you had an entertainment system built in. I'm sure some of you with kids might be familiar with this Game System overall), Nintendo DS (Which actually selling more than its console counterpart, the WII. I have 2 myself) and of course, the Nintendo Wii (which I have of course. It's not only the cheapest of the three "must-own game systems"--the.other two being the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360--but it's the most stimulating as you get a physical workout).

I have other game systems as well including the Sega Genesis, Sega Game Gear, Playstation Portable (more known by its acronym, the PSP) and Playstation 2. I'm looking to add the Xbox 360 to that list this holiday season.

Let's see...on the systems I currently have, here's a list of some of my favorite games: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii), Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (DS), Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology (PSP), Final Fantasy VI Advance and Tales of Phantasia (both GBA), Tales of the Abyss (Playstation 2), Tales of Symphonia (Gamecube), Goldeneye 007 (Nintendo 64), Super Mario World (Super Nintendo) and Techmo Bowl (NES).

Oh, and I also play World of Warcraft on my Laptop Computer. I have two accounts and have the monthly subscription plan of $15 which times 2 is $30 a month. I've been playing since last December but remarkably, I actually play my other games more.

I consider Video Games to be a hobby of mine. Believe it or not I'm fit and active despite how much video games I play on a weekly basis. Since I got world of Warcraft I average one new game every 3 months but before that it used to be 2 new games a month. This year and last year I spent most of my Tax Return on Video Games and computer parts so...yeah.

Considering I work with kids, obviously that means I can relate to them in that aspect. Do the kids I work with know I play video games? For the most part no. Do my co-workers know? One of them regularly watches UMD (Universal Media Disc. That's the name of the type of CD PSP Games, Movies and Music are made on. And YES, I mean full-length movies) Movies on my PSP.

Now that THAT'S out of the way, I'll open it up for some questions, etc.

Seeing as the last 2 (the Florida one and the Lynn one) are suspected as being caused by a parent, why are we being informed? I find it a waste of broadcasting time to tell the entire country (and in some parts of Canada and Mexico) a child is missing but the authorities know one of the parents had something to do with it.

If they know that much then why do the rest of us need to know? Throw the parents in a jail cell with Parents who haven't seen their kids in years and WANT to see their kids for 3 days and you will see how fast they'll talk.

I don't care how cold-hearted you are--you'll break like glass in the presence of a cellmate who not only knows who you are but has promised bodily harm upon you if you don't spell your guts as to the wareabouts of the missing child.

I felt the same way with the Jean Benet Ramsey case as well, actually and although we never really found out how she really died/disappeared/whatever, I'm convinced similar "therapy" would've resulted in a prompt confession.