Senator Eddie Lucio from Brownsville is proposing a new tax. One cent per ounce on sweetened soft drinks. His argument for this tax is the obesity problem needs addressed. Again, they are calling this a "sin" tax. Reminiscent of the taxes levied against smokers, they stand to gain almost 2 billion dollars per year as proposed by the Democrat from Brownsville. His argument is based upon the idea that everyone has to pay for the health care of obese individuals.
What Lucio fails to realize is that soft drinks don't make people obese or I would probably weigh 700 lbs. True obesity is caused by overeating and lack of exercise. If you overeat, drink only water and sit on your fat ass all the time, you will still be fat. Facts are facts...if your children are fat, you aren't making them get enough exercise. How about taxing parents for each pound their child is overweight? Tax, tax, tax...that's the war cry these days and I'm sick of it.
One of the major problems here is who we call obese. Measuring a person by the BMI (Body Mass Index) is totally stupid. For example, I got into body building and gained 30 lbs. of muscle at one time. I was lean and fit yet according to my BMI, I was overweight. Had I gained another 10 lbs..I would have been considered obese. Realizing this, I discovered that everyone who is very muscular is also considered obese. They claim that 25% of Americans are obese, go anywhere and actually look and see how many obese people you can count walking around. It is nowhere near 25%! Sure, there are overweight people but you wouldn't exactly call everyone who is overweight...OBESE!
My other major problem with this proposal is the nanny state. Back in the good old days this was a free country. Busy bodies weren't taxing us to get us to do their bidding. Why are we allowing our government the control that they have on us now? I cannot believe that Americans are just sitting on their hands and not doing anything to stop the steamrolling politicians. Personally, I don't need a bunch of do-gooders making my decisions for me.
Lastly, they claim that obesity and smoking is driving up the cost of health care. Yes, I know the dangers of smoking. Everyone who claims that they pay for my health care though, I would sincerely appreciate a check each month since you are paying for my health care. When I get a doctor bill I have to pay it, not you! So it really isn't costing you a thing, so quit your bitching. I can't afford health insurance so I haven't cost you a dime. All the taxes levied on my tobacco use haven't went toward paying for your health care either. Smokers aren't the enemy..it's the damn politicians! Rather than buying all the hype you hear from the media..try thinking things through before you jump on the bandwagon.
It's vital that we stop taxing to regulate any certain group of people. It's simply discrimination. I now understand why people from around the world think Americans are dumb, because we as a group definitely fit the mold.
4/25/11
4/23/11
Belton High School
I went to school with a bunch of pretty fantastic people. Me, I was a schmuck..but I'll get to that later. Finding them all on facebook has been a neat experience for me. Trying to remember everyone is quite challenging.
Mari Kaye Taylor was the hottest girl in school and she married her boyfriend Mike Coppin..which turned out to be a match made in heaven. (still to this day..and that's awesome!) My friend Kevin Brown married his sweetheart Janie Walker too. Both are beautiful couples. I think a lifetime bond is pretty cool.
Wesley Farr was one of the most genuine persons you could meet, he always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. David Roach, Shawn Jackson, Aric Hooverson were all very good friends of mine as well. Damn good people and fun to be around. Tommy Vaughn, Jimmy Gangloff, Mike Cast, William "Jabo" Robinson, Adam Canava, Ray Garcia, Brandon Reece, Carmen Sanchez, actually too many to mention, but all absolutely great people.
Lots of the girls stick in my mind. I went to senior prom with Vickie Roberts. Betty Hale, Vanessa Aunspaugh, Lisa Stubblefield, Anita Cock, (yes, that's her real name) Mimi Kelly, Darla Dixon, Dana Stark, Pam and Paula Lisenbe, Betsy Darden...all wonderful women.
I took Art class from Mr. Smith all the way through high school. We had some truly great artists in class too. Charles Street, Billy Perkins, B.K. Blair, Jerry Pate, Wayne Johnson and numerous others but these guys were pretty amazing. I have respect for each and every one for their talents. Street, Perkins and Johnson were freaking amazingly talented. Billy Perkins even showed us all how to screen print which was pretty cool. I wasn't exactly buddies with any of them but they did command respect for their talents, and it was well deserved.
I was an arrogant little prick. I graduated in 1982 and I was a year younger than almost all of my classmates. When I graduated, I was 4'11" tall and weighed 96 lbs. I was a national champ in motocross at 16 and graduated at 17. I thought that I had to be loud and tough just to get by. I reflect back and regret how ignorant I was and how idiotic I had to seem to my friends.
I'm very proud of the people with whom I attended school. We had a small town budget and so many have excelled. It makes me glad to claim Belton as my hometown. BHS baby!
Mari Kaye Taylor was the hottest girl in school and she married her boyfriend Mike Coppin..which turned out to be a match made in heaven. (still to this day..and that's awesome!) My friend Kevin Brown married his sweetheart Janie Walker too. Both are beautiful couples. I think a lifetime bond is pretty cool.
Wesley Farr was one of the most genuine persons you could meet, he always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. David Roach, Shawn Jackson, Aric Hooverson were all very good friends of mine as well. Damn good people and fun to be around. Tommy Vaughn, Jimmy Gangloff, Mike Cast, William "Jabo" Robinson, Adam Canava, Ray Garcia, Brandon Reece, Carmen Sanchez, actually too many to mention, but all absolutely great people.
Lots of the girls stick in my mind. I went to senior prom with Vickie Roberts. Betty Hale, Vanessa Aunspaugh, Lisa Stubblefield, Anita Cock, (yes, that's her real name) Mimi Kelly, Darla Dixon, Dana Stark, Pam and Paula Lisenbe, Betsy Darden...all wonderful women.
I took Art class from Mr. Smith all the way through high school. We had some truly great artists in class too. Charles Street, Billy Perkins, B.K. Blair, Jerry Pate, Wayne Johnson and numerous others but these guys were pretty amazing. I have respect for each and every one for their talents. Street, Perkins and Johnson were freaking amazingly talented. Billy Perkins even showed us all how to screen print which was pretty cool. I wasn't exactly buddies with any of them but they did command respect for their talents, and it was well deserved.
I was an arrogant little prick. I graduated in 1982 and I was a year younger than almost all of my classmates. When I graduated, I was 4'11" tall and weighed 96 lbs. I was a national champ in motocross at 16 and graduated at 17. I thought that I had to be loud and tough just to get by. I reflect back and regret how ignorant I was and how idiotic I had to seem to my friends.
I'm very proud of the people with whom I attended school. We had a small town budget and so many have excelled. It makes me glad to claim Belton as my hometown. BHS baby!
4/18/11
Paul Harvey
When I was a kid, Paul Harvey was one of my heroes. He always told great stories. I would listen to his show religiously for more facts. He was a great radio personality that I will never forget.
His stories were always informing and also entertaining from his method of narration. His voice was instantly recognizable. I got a kick out of him finishing a story and moving on to "Page six!" It was like he could make anything he read interesting. I don't know if he researched every story or if he had a staff to do it for him, regardless...he could tell the story in an interesting way and it was fun to listen to him. He even had a knack for making it sound like he believed in every product that advertised on his show.
I wish that I was half the story teller as him, but that will never happen. This man had a talent that I haven't seen or heard anyone closely match for telling stories or emphasizing his point. I wondered each time he ended a story with "He would want us to mention his name" followed by silence...and then move on to the next story. It kept you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear his next words.
Paul Harvey is one of the great broadcasters of all time. Walter Cronkite is a distant second in my book. Don't forget his voice or his orator skills. It was truly a blessing to have experienced it.
His stories were always informing and also entertaining from his method of narration. His voice was instantly recognizable. I got a kick out of him finishing a story and moving on to "Page six!" It was like he could make anything he read interesting. I don't know if he researched every story or if he had a staff to do it for him, regardless...he could tell the story in an interesting way and it was fun to listen to him. He even had a knack for making it sound like he believed in every product that advertised on his show.
I wish that I was half the story teller as him, but that will never happen. This man had a talent that I haven't seen or heard anyone closely match for telling stories or emphasizing his point. I wondered each time he ended a story with "He would want us to mention his name" followed by silence...and then move on to the next story. It kept you sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to hear his next words.
Paul Harvey is one of the great broadcasters of all time. Walter Cronkite is a distant second in my book. Don't forget his voice or his orator skills. It was truly a blessing to have experienced it.
4/11/11
Dangers of Facebook
Facebook is a serious threat if you don't take the site seriously. When you "ALLOW" an application access to your information, you are leaving your door wide open for intruders. Applications are the biggest threat to your computer too. Too many are riddled with viruses.
Applications that promise to be able to let you know who is peering at your profile are all bogus. Links that sound titillating are usually bogus too. Examples include "See what this girl did to be expelled from school" "Miley Cyrus, caught in the act!" "Dad walks in on daughter...EMBARRASSING!" or stuff like that, It's ALWAYS BULLSHIT!
It's kinda comical to see some of my elderly friends or devout Christian friends fall for and post that stuff. It means they were fooled into clicking on something bad. It really isn't a hack but more like a script kiddie trying to harvest accounts.
Back to the point...realize exactly how much info you are putting on facebook. Every picture you post now belongs to facebook, and they can sell your images. You agreed to it. Think about how easy it is now to track someone down with a little time and patience. What if you helped convict someone and they had revenge on their mind...would you be easy to find? Some of your information should be guarded because you never know what situation may arise. Think about what you post online. Your conversations are no longer private over telephone, cell phone, facebook, twitter, etc. We live in a new age and people had better start realizing how easily their lives can be interrupted by someone with intent to ruin them.
Just be careful, I'm not trying to cause fear, uncertainty and doubt. Simply be wary before you do something and READ THE FINE PRINT!
Applications that promise to be able to let you know who is peering at your profile are all bogus. Links that sound titillating are usually bogus too. Examples include "See what this girl did to be expelled from school" "Miley Cyrus, caught in the act!" "Dad walks in on daughter...EMBARRASSING!" or stuff like that, It's ALWAYS BULLSHIT!
It's kinda comical to see some of my elderly friends or devout Christian friends fall for and post that stuff. It means they were fooled into clicking on something bad. It really isn't a hack but more like a script kiddie trying to harvest accounts.
Back to the point...realize exactly how much info you are putting on facebook. Every picture you post now belongs to facebook, and they can sell your images. You agreed to it. Think about how easy it is now to track someone down with a little time and patience. What if you helped convict someone and they had revenge on their mind...would you be easy to find? Some of your information should be guarded because you never know what situation may arise. Think about what you post online. Your conversations are no longer private over telephone, cell phone, facebook, twitter, etc. We live in a new age and people had better start realizing how easily their lives can be interrupted by someone with intent to ruin them.
Just be careful, I'm not trying to cause fear, uncertainty and doubt. Simply be wary before you do something and READ THE FINE PRINT!
4/8/11
Strikeforce picks for 4/9/11
Mousasi over Jardine
I think he has too many tools for Keith, although Jardine shines when he's the underdog.
X LOSER they called it a majority draw. They took a point from Mousasi in the first round and I scored it 10-8 because Jardine basically won that round. Next two rounds were 10-9 for Mousasi so I scored it the same as the two judges that rendered the decision. Sucks because Mousasi should have won that fight.
Aoki submitting Beerbohm
Aoki has such a good ground game, hard to pick against him.
√ WINNER Aoki submitted him with a neck crank 1st round.
Melendez taking it to Kawajiri
I've watched both guys for a bunch of years. Like them both, but Gilbert outworks everybody.
√ WINNER Melendez systematically destroyed Kawajiri. 1st round TKO.
Nick Diaz picking apart Paul Daley
Daley is gonna land a few bombs but I don't see him as a serious threat to Diaz. Nick has a great chin and keeps coming at you. This one should be a no-brainer.
√ WINNER Diaz knocked him out at the end of the 1st round. Both fighters looked hurt at times. This was the best round I've witnessed for awhile. Fun fight to watch!
I think he has too many tools for Keith, although Jardine shines when he's the underdog.
X LOSER they called it a majority draw. They took a point from Mousasi in the first round and I scored it 10-8 because Jardine basically won that round. Next two rounds were 10-9 for Mousasi so I scored it the same as the two judges that rendered the decision. Sucks because Mousasi should have won that fight.
Aoki submitting Beerbohm
Aoki has such a good ground game, hard to pick against him.
√ WINNER Aoki submitted him with a neck crank 1st round.
Melendez taking it to Kawajiri
I've watched both guys for a bunch of years. Like them both, but Gilbert outworks everybody.
√ WINNER Melendez systematically destroyed Kawajiri. 1st round TKO.
Nick Diaz picking apart Paul Daley
Daley is gonna land a few bombs but I don't see him as a serious threat to Diaz. Nick has a great chin and keeps coming at you. This one should be a no-brainer.
√ WINNER Diaz knocked him out at the end of the 1st round. Both fighters looked hurt at times. This was the best round I've witnessed for awhile. Fun fight to watch!
4/4/11
Interesting People
I have many interesting friends. Most are just normal folks, but a few are far from normal.
One of my most unique friends is Brandi Harline, she just joined a Roller Derby team....in 2011! Not only that but she also has a goose that is an online celebrity. Very cool person!
My best friend Rob Johnson is the right hand man for a billionaire. He got a police escort to go fix that guys generator during the height of hurricane Ike.(when several engineers couldn't figure it out) He's the hardest working "suit" I know. Too many amazing things about him to mention them all but he's an absolutely great person.
Abby Gatton is probably the most unusual of all. It's 2011 and she hasn't ever lived "on the grid." No electricity and farms almost everything she eats. She has ten kids and one of them is the best programmer I ever saw. 70 yrs old and still hauls her water from the creek!
Drew Brugal is another character that deserves mention. A former fighter pilot that has exceeded in everything he does. He's become one of my heroes over the years. A true gentleman that deserves respect from his peers.
Tom Tinner, yes my father is one of my favorite people of all time. In his heyday he's been the most interesting of all. At 77 he still is probably the best game player I've ever seen. He can kill you at dominoes, checkers, chess, craps, card games, cribbage and more. He is truly legendary! He actually was a one armed wall paper hanger. Nobody gets busier than that!
Joanne Tinner is probably the biggest influence on my life. I inherited her temper and passion for life. When I was a kid, she was the meanest son of a gun I knew. She never took crap off anybody. Mom has mellowed over the years but she's still fiery about her convictions. We are similar in so many respects that we have a hard time getting along. I'm sure she has no idea how much love and respect she's earned from me over the years...We're both too stubborn to admit anything. I love her dearly and she doesn't even realize it.
One of the other people that influenced me over the years is here! I miss them and would very much like to talk to them!
One of my most unique friends is Brandi Harline, she just joined a Roller Derby team....in 2011! Not only that but she also has a goose that is an online celebrity. Very cool person!
My best friend Rob Johnson is the right hand man for a billionaire. He got a police escort to go fix that guys generator during the height of hurricane Ike.(when several engineers couldn't figure it out) He's the hardest working "suit" I know. Too many amazing things about him to mention them all but he's an absolutely great person.
Abby Gatton is probably the most unusual of all. It's 2011 and she hasn't ever lived "on the grid." No electricity and farms almost everything she eats. She has ten kids and one of them is the best programmer I ever saw. 70 yrs old and still hauls her water from the creek!
Drew Brugal is another character that deserves mention. A former fighter pilot that has exceeded in everything he does. He's become one of my heroes over the years. A true gentleman that deserves respect from his peers.
Tom Tinner, yes my father is one of my favorite people of all time. In his heyday he's been the most interesting of all. At 77 he still is probably the best game player I've ever seen. He can kill you at dominoes, checkers, chess, craps, card games, cribbage and more. He is truly legendary! He actually was a one armed wall paper hanger. Nobody gets busier than that!
Joanne Tinner is probably the biggest influence on my life. I inherited her temper and passion for life. When I was a kid, she was the meanest son of a gun I knew. She never took crap off anybody. Mom has mellowed over the years but she's still fiery about her convictions. We are similar in so many respects that we have a hard time getting along. I'm sure she has no idea how much love and respect she's earned from me over the years...We're both too stubborn to admit anything. I love her dearly and she doesn't even realize it.
One of the other people that influenced me over the years is here! I miss them and would very much like to talk to them!
UFC buys Strikeforce
Dana White and Zuffa are on a mission to control all of MMA. First they bought Pride, then WEC, and now Strikeforce. I'm all for putting the best fighters together and see who really is the best. When they acquire an organization, take each champ and pit them together. Look how long they took to get Wanderlei Silva a fight in the UFC. He hasn't looked half as good as he did in Pride. Everybody wanted to see a match with him and Couture when they were each champions. Never happened.
The UFC is a great organization, but I've enjoyed seeing some of the up and coming fighters from other organizations. Jon Jones is proof that a fighter doesn't need to have 15 UFC fights before he's considered contender material. The UFC is very deep in talent for every weight class. If a fighter is injured there are plenty of guys who can step up. Chris Leben fought and won two fights in two weeks...proving that a fighter doesn't have to train for months to face a single opponent.
We are going to get to see some of the best from other organizations come in and test their mettle. Gilbert Melendez, Jacare Souza, and hopefully Shinya Aoki too. Fighters like Nick Diaz, Josh Barnett are quality fighters but they don't get along with Dana White so they both have moved to different organizations...only to be bought out by Dana and Company. It will be a shame if the UFC doesn't showcase their talents.
Hopefully with the new acquisition, television fans can finally get rid of Mauro Renallo as an announcer too. I would pay $50 to watch a pay per view of Joe Rogan vs Mauro Renallo!
The UFC is a great organization, but I've enjoyed seeing some of the up and coming fighters from other organizations. Jon Jones is proof that a fighter doesn't need to have 15 UFC fights before he's considered contender material. The UFC is very deep in talent for every weight class. If a fighter is injured there are plenty of guys who can step up. Chris Leben fought and won two fights in two weeks...proving that a fighter doesn't have to train for months to face a single opponent.
We are going to get to see some of the best from other organizations come in and test their mettle. Gilbert Melendez, Jacare Souza, and hopefully Shinya Aoki too. Fighters like Nick Diaz, Josh Barnett are quality fighters but they don't get along with Dana White so they both have moved to different organizations...only to be bought out by Dana and Company. It will be a shame if the UFC doesn't showcase their talents.
Hopefully with the new acquisition, television fans can finally get rid of Mauro Renallo as an announcer too. I would pay $50 to watch a pay per view of Joe Rogan vs Mauro Renallo!
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