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"Our nation, historically bursting with generosity toward strangers, remains remarkably unkind toward its own. Just under our gleaming patina of inclusiveness, we harbor corroding guts. America, I tell you that it doesn’t matter how many times you brush your teeth. If your insides are rotting your breath will stink. So, how do you people choose which hate to embrace, which to forgive with a wink and a week in rehab, and which to protest? Where’s my copy of that rule book?"

HARVEY FIERSTEIN, actor and playright, wrote the above article in response to the Don Imus episode.  I'm betting that it is hard for many people to read an opinion like that.  I'm also willing to be there are many people who read it and dismiss it.  I don't understand racism, sexism, homophomism or any other ism that separates us as a people from each other.  I know a few individuals who are bigots with a capital B.  Luckily I rarely have to see them and my kids don't have to be associated with them daily.  An article like the above they would either dismiss in whole or pay lip service.

I know it's a simplified view, but why can't people just accept each other for how they are?

NO!  She got voted off after my twenty texted votes?  I'm extremely disappointed. I'll survive, but AI is now a bit less entertaining.

Oh, and at least three people just couldn't wait to pour salt into the wound.  Camilla and Liza both IM'd me within seconds of her being voted off -- all the while my wife Laura was already laughing.

They'll all be very upset when Sanjaya is voted off.  Then I can laugh the hearty laugh of someone who has been vindicated.

Which leads to this:  American Idol 2007 is really not much fun. I could really care less who wins (as long is it isn't Phil or Sanjaya).  Pick anyone else of the remaining five and I'd have no problems. I'll feel exactly the same way -- disconnected and bored.  It's very hard to get excited about these singers.  I suppose I have preferences for the winner, but overall I truly could care less.

Sanjaya = Joke
Phil = Annoying and alien like
Chris = Chris = Chris. *yawn*
Melinda Dootlittle = All smiles and no personality.  I'm not even sure what her speaking voice sounds like!  Seriously, can she even speak when not singing?
Lakisha = I'd rather listen to Aretha or Christina, two other big voiced singers.
Haley = Well, I suppose I did vote for her.  And as Simon pointed out, she does have nice legs.  If this singing thing doesn't work out, she can audition for a Nair commercial.
Jordan = I do like her. Cute, Bubbly and a good singer.
Blake = Interesting.  Only one who could probably sell a few albums.

Maybe my mind will be changed at some point in a future show, but I don't see it.  The only ones I could even convince myself to try and care about are the last three in the list above -- all for different reasons. Anyway, I suppose I'm shallow for watching American Idol and actually writing a blog about it, but get over it.  Your probably are busily writing on your blog about how my blog just doesn't get it this year.

And your probably right.

Not a call, not an email.  Not a peep.

Shell Corp gasoline stinks and I can only assume they don't care about customers.

This is an email I sent to shell.  I'm about to mail it to them as well, as I have received no response:

I’ve also already called the 1-800 number, but I needed to get this into writing as well:

On Sunday, August 13, 2006 around 11:50am I stopped to get gas at the Shell Station at 7354 Charlotte PK Nashville TN 37209. There phone number is: 615-356-2432. The credit card machine at the pump would not read my card for whatever reason after many tries. So, I start to go inside, but the pump then authorizes. I proceed to pump gas, but it stops at $5.00. So, frustrated, I go inside to pay for the $5.00 in gas with my card. I should point out that the pump doesn’t say pre-pay anywhere. It may have at some point, it didn’t then.

When I get inside, there is an older man already at the counter trying to explain he doesn’t want gas, he just wants lottery tickets. The man behind the counter is having a hard time understanding, but finally catches on when he asks me if I got gas. I reply, yes, I did and I’d like to pay for it. He says hang on one second, and then proceeds to give the man 5 lottery tickets. That man leaves.

I am then next in line. He proceeds to tell me that I must pay in cash. I proceed to tell him I don’t have cash (as I never carry it anymore – that’s what check-cards are for). He tells me that is my problem, my mistake and he wants cash only. I tell him I don’t have cash, I will pay with a card. He then tells me my only options are to pay cash, or use the ATM that charges $2.50 for one transaction. I proceed to tell him “NO,” that I am paying with a card. He tells me I must pay with cash because he rang up the lottery tickets as gas and I must pay cash so he can ring up the lottery tickets as cash (in Tennessee Lottery tickets must be paid as cash).

He then goes out of his way to say it’s my fault. I was “stealing gas.” He belittles me asking if I knew how to drive, or had just begun pumping my own gas, and that it was entirely my fault. I ask how it’s my fault if he is the one of messed up! This goes on for awhile. Eventually, we both call the Nashville Metro Police. The dispatcher asks me if I am serious that the man WON’T LET ME PAY. In the meantime, the cashier continues to call me a thief (among other insults) LOUDLY in front of many customers (at one point at least 12 other people were in the store), he continues to tell customers I am trying to steal gas I am a thief, and an idiot. He also tells me its my fault, and a few other extremely unprofessional and mean things. This continues off and on until the police arrive.

I admit I said a few un-nice things once he really made me angry, such as “we don’t treat people like that in America” and “welcome to America.” And I did yell at him – heck I was beyond frustrated. Keep in mind I was there for a little over thirty minutes with my family in the car (including a 2 year old!). I also continually asked for the Shell Corporate Customer Line and for his Managers name and number. He refused to give both, but continued to call me a thief.

He couldn’t explain why, if I was trying to steal gas, I was still there.

I should mention no time did I ever attempt to drive away – this despite the fact I offered to go to a Bank of America ATM to get cash w/o a fee. In fact, I made the point of staying there until the police arrived.

The Police did arrive. The Policeman (I don’t have the badge number, but can get it) was A. Groves from Metro Police of Nashville/Davidson County. He listened to my story and asked the cashier why I couldn’t pay with my card. The cashier then began the story that a man was trying to buy gas and I stole his spot and refused to pay cash as the man did. All along not explaining why I couldn’t pay with my card. I had to explain to the officer he was making me pay cash because he rang the man’s lottery tickets as gas, and wanted to ring my gas as lottery tickets so it would balance and would show the lottery tickets sold as gas.

I tell the officer the man refuses to give me Corporate or the Managers name/number. The officer asks if the man could call give me the manager’s number. The officer even tells the cashier and me that he was staying until we had a resolution that didn’t require me to use the ATM that was going to charge me $2.50. The man calls the manager; the conversation is extremely short … and guess what. The manager tells him exactly how to fix it. In under 2 minutes. (So, I had been there thirty minutes for a 2 minute resolution?)

During the call, the policeman indicated to me he really couldn’t understand why I couldn’t pay for my gas with a card. That made at least two us, excluding the cashier.

I should mention, when he was told how to fix it, the Cashier rang my transaction as $7.00 and when I pointed that out, he had to credit me $7.00 and then recharge me $5.00. I don’t know if he was trying to rip me off, but it makes you wonder. I asked for his manager’s name he would only tell me Nancy.

As we left, I spoke to the officer who encouraged me to find the corporate managers/name and phone number and to contact Corporate to file a complaint.

I would like to point out if I was trying to steal gas I wouldn’t have stayed for over 30 minutes just to chit chat with a Grade A idiot.

I have all three receipts that pertained to this transaction ($7 charge, $7 credit, and the correct $5 charge).

So, in the end I wasted a little over 30 minutes, was embarrassed in front of many customers who came in, only to have the policeman solve the issue in 2 minutes by the same method I tried – by making the cashier call his manager. I also got only $5.00 in gas.

I don’t even want the guy to get fired, but I would have at least liked an apology – especially after I apologized for raising my voice at him. It would have been nice. Also, it should be noted, I would have filled up if the guy had just turned the pump back on and let me pay with my card. That would have been a $60.00 transaction. I also fill up there quiet often as it’s along a normal route for me. As it is, I’m not inclined to head back to a Shell anytime soon. I headed down the road to the BP and paid inside just to see if they were nice. I’m happy to report the BP cashier was friendly and served with a smile.

The cashier told me the Station was a corporate station. The hotline I called when I got home told me it was privately owned. I don’t care who owns it, it says Shell and I would hope that this kind of service isn’t indicative of the Shell corporate name. At the very least training in Customer Relations and how to properly operate a cash register should be included for all employees.

I’m not sure I expect anything to happen out of this, but someone really needs to know this. So, I will be making sure everyone I know learns of my experience, hopefully they also learn of any apology I can eventually add to my story.

With that said, I suppose that also means I could me more disappointed then most if the album weren't any good.  Luckily, that isn't a worry.  It's by far their most solid effort and it shows that they've really matured as song writers.  There major record debut, Fever to Tell, was a great album -- but was also very raw.  I happened to enjoy it quiet a bit, but it is understandable that not everyone did.

This album is more controlled, without a low point in any of the 11 songs.  In other words, I enjoy the WHOLE album (which is a rarity these days).  The highlights are Gold Lion (the first single released), Phenomena, and Warrior.  That isn't to say the rest of the album isn't good, its just I happen to enjoy those three songs.  If you were to ask my two year-old which song she likes, I'm pretty sure it would be Fancy.

The album is still definitely raw rock, but the songs are definitely more "musical" as well.  That is to say, it still sounds like a "garage" band, but perhaps a garage band that took a little more time writing their songs. Hopefully, with this album, they'll find wide-spread popularity, because it would be a shame for this album to be lost in the shuffle of horrible, insepid releases that pass for music at the local retailers.

I for one was expecting a good album, and instead was greeted with a great album.  Highly recommended.

On to LOST.  Tonights Episode was much better than last week. Locke's background story is probably one of the more interesting ones and I've enjoyed each episode that has shown us bits and pieces of his life. Also, !Henry Gale is an interesting character -- if he sticks around long enough. Hhe will be fun to watch, especially if he's allowed to play his mind games on the other survivors. However, tonights episode was really about Locke. He has 'daddy' issues and girl issues.  Unfortunately for him, the 'daddy' issues are a big problem for him (and the cause of his girl issues).  I was SURE we'd find out why he was paralyzed this week (mobster anyone?), but alas, it was not to be. They've teased us each episode where his character is the main beneficiary of the flashbacks, only for them to leave us wondering still why he wound up in that wheel chair.

Questions I have (and I know you probably do too) are: 1) Did he keep the money, or did the maid get the tip of a lifetime, 2) What the heck was all that writing on the door, 3) was lockdown simply to deliver the food from the parachute? 3) Did !Gale actually stop the timer or did it just reset itself? 4)How the heck did Locke get paralyzed?

Next week looks pretty good as well, and I can only hope last weeks Jin/Sun centric episode was a fluke.

Oh, and Vote for Katharine next week.  I know you want to.

Now, we're stuck with Lisa Tucker and Bucky.  My gut says Bucky will go, but it very well could be perennial bottom dweller Lisa.  Lisa's performance was painful to watch.  The song was too big for her and she couldn't quiet pull it off.  Bucky's wasn't so much bad as completely unintelligble.

Chris (the bald-headed dude) sang a creed song which happened to be my least favorite song Creed released.  If he really wanted to sing creed, he should have chosen a diffrent song, like Arms Wide Open.  At least that way, he would have shown a little range.

Katharine McPhee, whom I like, was praised up and down for her performance. I thought it really wasn't that good.  However, I think by that point in the show, the judges we're just tired of being negative.  If that's the case, she lucked out, because she didn't deserve the praise.

There were more singers than I've mentioned last night, the problem is they were all equally forgettable. Mandissa had a powerful vocal performance, but I think her song choice was odd. Paris?  A very sexual, asexual performance.  It was like an 11-year old trying to be sexy while dancing in front of a mirror. Ace? Bland as usual.  I know some people *LIKE* him.  I think he's bland, boring and not a great singer.  Only one performance of his have I liked (Father Figure, in the preliminarys). Taylor Hicks? He sang the song.  The only performance I didn't cringe through. Elliot did a passable version of the song, and may have been a bit stronger then I remember.  However, by that time, I was just ready for the show to end.

Really, there just isn't much to say about last night. Overall, it was a bland, painful show to watch. I really had to struggle to make it through and hope next week is better.

After browsing, I decided to go with:

I upgraded immediately to the most recent BIOS (01A) using http://www.xpcbios.com/. (It shipped with an extremely old BIOS that I don't think recognized the X2 fully).

So far I've been happy with the results.  It runs well and is fairly quiet.  The case itself is fairly small and looks nice to boot.  Made of brushed aluminium, it would look nice in most iny Home Theater or Home/Office setup. Installing and configuring it was a breeze, no issues whatsoever.  The only even minutely difficult thing was getting the eject mechanism on the case and DVD Writer to line up properly, which was all of a 5 minute process.

I only have a few complaints (and they are minor).  First, the Cool N' Quiet feature is extremely funky.  It either lets the chip heat up to 55c at idle (and 59 under load) or the fan is on full speed.  I found the best setting for me was to specify an exact fan speed of 118 (around 1950RPM).  So, it's fairly quiet and at idle stays around 48c. I think I may try some Artic Silver on the chip/heat sink instead of the thermal goo that shipped with the case.

Secondly, the rear firewire port install correctly, but I haven't successfully gotten any device to work on it.  Because the ST20G5 only has two USB cables in the back (and I can't get firewire to work properly) I'll end up buying an external USB hub,  This is because I have a UPS, Printer and the external drive to plug in.  Right now, the drive is routed to one of the front USB ports.

Other then those two minor complaints, I highly recommend this case to others that are looking for an SFF sized box.  The machine itself is lightning fast, works well, and is stable.

I've been busy, but I'll get back on track.  Everything you've missed inbetween then and now -- well you just missed it.

One thing to note: The site has been moved to a new server.  Old one was slow and was darn near kaput.  Its been ditched.

Other than that, the first real update will be later today!

That sure wasn't a truly fun response!  But, I'm amazed they called back.

http://hosted.ap.org/specials/neworleanssatellite/index.html

As of this writing, the image was last updated August 31, 2005.  However, the AP said it will be occassionally updated in the future.

Also, one other observation.  There is no doubt the federal response was sloppy, slow and a national disgrace.  Was this because of racism, as many (including Jesse Jackson and Kayne West) have stated?  My opinion is no.  However, I think it points directly to several important facts.  First, the federal government has been to concerened with terrorist activity and ignored the potential of a large scale natural disaster in this country. The evacuation plan for New Orleans ignored their own residents and *DID* place many poor, minority residents directly in harms way.  This was not racism, but rather ignoring a looming potential disaster.

Afterwards, the slow federal response -- despite the begging of Mayor Nagin -- only showed that the federal government was ill-prepared for this sort of disaster. It could also point to a class problem in the US.  If this happened in a "major" US city, such as New York, LA, Miame, Houston, etc. the response would have been far faster. However, many southern cities (with the exception of a few, such as Atlanta) don't seem to warrant the same type of attention on a national level as far as funds spent. This doesn't, however, mean the response would have been more effective.  In fact, I don't feel very good at all about our government being able to respond to a major national crisis anymore. Greatest country on earth? How about the largest beaucracy on earth? I think that's a shame, as the governments primary role should be to protect the people of this great country. Bush seems to think this means war in Iraq, not being prepared for helping and caring for our own people.

Also, New orleans is 70% black and one of the poorest cities in the nation on a per capita level. This despite gambling, tourism and a rich historical and cultural history.  Is this racism or classism?  I would argue it classism.  I live in an area of the country where my city and county are mostly white, but poor.  We live in a country where the gap between the rich and poor -- the have's and have nots -- grows.  Something should be done about this soon.  Tax cuts won't help.  Perhaps the billions of dollars that were spent in Iraq on a war that wasn't justified, would be better spent here trying to help the have-nots. And as a side note, perhaps someone should investigate where all of the gambling money in Mississippi and Louisiana is being used.

A final note: After hearing Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff speak several times now, my opinion of him is very low.  I learned nothing from any of his press conferences. He obviously was ill-prepared and didn't know much of what he was talking about, specifically in regards to (paraphrased) "no studies had been done that would have indicated how to handle this type of disaster."  Heck, he's been contradicted by almost everyone else who even knows a tiny a bit about this.  He (and the FEMA head) should be gone tomorrow and replaced with someone a bit more competent.

I think it's only appropriate that everyone donate to help in whatever way they can.

Also, if you're a bit braver, you can volunteer and empty home or room in your house to help hurricane victimes by clicking here.

 Anyway ... I just watched an Olay Daily Facial commercial.  At one point, they state: "One product that works like four." However, I heard "One product that works like a whore." I rewound the Tivo, listened again and realized my mistake. It still struck me as funny, so I decided to see if I could have a little fun.

I went to the Olay website and emailed the following message:

"I am VERY offended. I just saw an advertisement for Olay Daily Facials on VH1.  The commercial very clearly stated, "One product that works like a whore." That is incredibly offensive, and not appropriate to be played during the middle of the day!  What does "Work Like a Whore" mean anyway?  I will never consider buying a facial product from you again!"

I'm waiting to see what they say.  It better be fun, or I'll have to call in.