Can someone tell me the significance of the below statement

"Esse Quam Videri" I will tell you Machiavelli would rather have the opposite saying for a leader.

A Choice or Biological.

Yesterday, I had dinner with a friend when the conversation became serious. He leans over and say JR I hate to be serious, but I need to talk to you. I responded does this have to deal with your recent trip to Dallas. He says yes that he thought he wanted to move back, but now he does not.

I realized that things did not go well with the Doc. He was dating a resident, before he moved to DC and has strong feeling for him. Before he moved on to explain what happen on his trip, he said I want you to listen and not give your opinion. Now, people that know me that I will always give my opinion even when unsolicited. [(side story) Take tonight at dinner, I had to listen to this woman talk about England this, Europe that and America was far behind. Her voice was so annoying just like the Seinfield Episode in which Kramer goes into an epileptic seizure everytime he hears Mary Hart from Entertainment Tonight and that is how I felt. Anyways, I had to refute or point out that not everything is clearly better in Europe.]

Well, he tells me that the Doc is done being gay and that he will try to be straight. I said so through his pure determination he will try to be straight. My friend said yes, even though he admits he is attracted to men and likes men sexually he will try to be straight. I said as a Doctor does he believe that being gay is a choice or biological. My friend says the Doc believes it is biological, but his will can over come that.

I told my friend that I will not give my opinion about it now, but he needs to do makes him happy, just as the Doc believes he is doing what makes him happy. Then I imposed my personal experience and said I believed I knew that I was attracted to men at a young age, yet, because of social mores, pressure, and my up bringing I kept thinking it would pass. Well, it did not pass and I refused to fight it any more. However, that does not mean I want everyone to know. I just hope my friend will come to terms with something he can not control and will move on because it appears the Doc is trying to move on. I know adventually the Doc will learn that trying to change your nature will be hard and ultimately lead to depression. I just hope once he realizes this he will embrace who he is.

NET NEUTRALITY

Can someone point me to a website that has the pros and cons of Net Neutrality. For some reason I don't think I can side with the Net Neutrality crowd for the below reasons:

1. When Moveon.org is involved, it raises my suspicions.
2. Google and Moveon.org are saying if this legislation does not past the ISPs can determine what content will be delivered to the masses. However, Google is already guilty of manipulating content by eliminating conservative blogs, news, and columunists.
3. It appears that the Neutrality movement is a socialistic program to control costs or at least prevent ISPs from charging those that use their infrastructure.
4. I'm usually opposed to any legislation that will limit the freedom of the internet. The information highway is one advancement that has largely developed without government interference. It appears that when a company such the content providers or search engines want to lock in the risk of cost they need the assistance of government to curb what ISPs will charge. It seems to me like rent control, instead of allowing the free market to determine the cost and price.

However, despite my reservations I would like to hear the other side of why this legislation is need.

Observations

My gym has this guy that loves to dance around listening to his walkman. I don't know, but he might not be that stable and he might poke someones eye out.

After running 7 miles and playing softball, I stopped over my friends house to take shower and to head out to Adams Morgan to listen to a band. So, I get out of the cab and see drunking people stammering all over the place, most are underage interns that run around the city like a stampede every summer. After navigating the listless drunks, I arrive at the enterance to the bar where the bouncer is collecting a cover charge. A gentleman in his later 40's is ahead of me with a bag of change counting the 5 dollar cover charge. I said are you kidding me, next time bring a bag of pennies. The bouncer said you be surprise some people have done that. I finally make it into the bar and begin to listen to this ska band. The real reason I was there was because I promised a former co-worker that I would listen to her band. The band and her signing was great and the drinks and conversation flowed after that were good as well.

Way do people want a time table in Iraq? Is it to provide a blue print for the terrorist to follow? While we are at it, why don't we give them all of plans and troop movements.

If people have not watched it, you should watch Rescue Me. Dennis Leary, created the show and it is highly entertaining, plus he is a Worcester boy.

Thanks Mom

For 9 months you carried me and protected me in you womb, well somewhat. I still wonder how I would have turned out if you did not smoke while you were pregnant, but I guess that is why I was three weeks overdue. The Docs will never allow that to happen again, three weeks is too much. It is also interesting that the first person to see me was my grandmother who was a nurse in the maternity ward and on duty at the time I was born. No wonder why I was her favorite. God Rest her soul.

Again thanks Mom, you sacrificed so much to provide for me.

In Vino Veritas

This past weekend was great. Friday I witness the come back of the evil empire with Yankee loyalists and decided I would not attend the Sunday game. I would not be witness to maybe another Yankee come back (actually the opposite happen with the Nats taken two in the late innings from the Stanks.) Saturday was awesome, I decided that a friend an I would head out west to Virginia Wine/Horse Country. Honestly, Virginia has some very good wineries and excellent wines. I know what you are saying it is not sunny California, but trust me Virginia’s wineries have some excellent vintages, especially with the American varietal of the Norton Grape.

My companion and I traveled out west after giving him a tour of Old Town Alexandria and showing him the childhood home of Robert E. Lee. The ride out west was beautiful with the rolling hills, green trees, and the smell of freshly cut hay. Seeing the horses frolic on the hill sides and bucolic setting brought an easy and comfort to my friend and myself. We finally reached the winery where we began to taste some excellent wine. We started with white, which I really don’t care for, and finally moved to the reds which I prefer. I guess it is because it has more phosphates and a taste the I prefer.
They finally got to what they are known for which is their Norton production. The Norton is an American Varietal which has a rich and full taste. I fell in love with the Norton when I visited a winery on the Mizzo River in Missouri. For those that love BBQ, I think a Norton wine is the best compliment for it. Some will say who the hell drinks wine with BBQ and I say if you do a Norton Wine is the best.

Because both of us were starving and had to have some Italian Food, I missed a winery, well more like missed meeting the proprietor of the winery. I wanted to meet this woman because she was the main plaintiff in a case that the Supreme Court ruled in her favor holding that states can not pass laws prohibiting importation of wine into their states. Honestly, meeting the woman who challenged the Constitutionality of law and win is very rare occurrence, but not really since three of the justices live in Virginia and love wine. I’m not saying they compromised their position just an observation.

Hey Let's Blame The US for the Problems on the Horn of Africa

In the same June 5, 2006 Newsweek, there was an article about the fall of Mogadishu to the Islamic. I've been meaning to write about this sense I've seen the media attempt to portray the Administration's policy against terrorism as the reason for Somalia's traditional capital falling into the hands of a Taliban like organization. All media have been touting America backing four warlords to halt the tide of the extremist taking over the anarchistic and chaotic country and stating it has failed.

The media states the America's Policy of aiding the warlords weakened the support of the people for the warlords because they see them as puppets for America. The also insinuate that the support of the warlords will cause America to lose the hearts and minds of the people of Somalia. My question is why do we focus on the reasons who and why America supports and focus on who supports these Islamic Fascists that are bent on instituting Sharia law across the land. The problem is that if the media does focus on who supports these people they will have to make a choice and analyze which way of life is better destroying their relativistic view of the world.

Let me say this there is a Fifth Column within the United States and it is called the media. The media is bent on bring down Bush at the cost of destroying the moral and support of soldiers in the field. They have constantly sided with those that are bent on destroying Western Civilization. You want to know why we don't have a written blue print regarding Iraq or why we take the measures we do regarding terrorist or those caught on the battle field is because the terrorist will use our open society against. They learned our intelligence gathering in the trial of those that first attempted to bomb the World Trade Center The changed their tactics making hard for America to detect their plans. Another interesting fact is their training books know the America media too well, that they trained the terrorist on how to manipulate the media to produce stories that would weaken the resolve of the American. From what the polls state and what I read, I believe the handbook is working well. Thanks Media, remember you will be the first to go under Sharia.

Hey Vincent Practice What You Preach. Comprende!

Again I was on the treadmill cooling down and I read a Newsweek article about illegal immigration in Mexico. That is right folks Mexico has an illegal immigration problem, however Mexico is mostly a conduit between its Central American neighbors and the United States. The interesting part was President Fox of Mexico ordered Mexican Soldiers to the border to prevent the illegal immigrants from entering Mexico. I guess he did not want any competition with illegal Mexican workers in the United States.

While Fox calls for amnesty for illegals in the United States, Mexico has some of the toughest anti-immigration laws. An illegal immigrant can spend up to two years in prison. This does not take into consideration Mexico's less than stellar enforcement of civil rights. Remember that in Mexico you are guilty till proven innocent and prisoners do not have the plush life style and amenities as they do in America. As for amnesty, according to the Newsweek Article Mexico has only granted 15,000 visas.

It is interesting that the United States is getting advice from a good neighbor that is not reciprocating the same courtesy to its neighbors. The United States as a sovereign nation has the right to protect its borders and that is what it should do. It also has to balance the protection of its border with a program that will allow migrant workers seek jobs in America legally and also promote economic interests in Mexico. The other way to stem the tide of illegal immigration is provide economic assistance to Mexico and to encourage it to reform its laws to make it easier to do business.

On a side note, I don't see the United States saying anything about Mexico's tough stance on immigration, nor do you hear about it in the media. I must say that I'm glad Newsweek did that article, but look at the picture I posted with the article which was reprinted in American newspapers at the apex of the illegal immigrant protests. Don't you find it interesting that the Mexican newspaper did not even mention the hypocrisy of their own President calling for President Bush to do what he has refused to do himself. Don't you find it disturbing the our own press will just put what others say as fact without even checking, giving an explanation, or even an alternative view. I find it very disturbing that the press did not even address the steps Mexico took to curb illegal immigration entering their country until polls showed the American people's view had solidified and it appears there is now way the press can sway it from supporting tougher immigration.

Tomorrow I will post about Somalia.

Exhausting Weekend

Well, after wine tasting, a run, viewing a parade, going out to eat, going to the clubs, staying up all night in DC, and then playing 3 hours of softball I'm exhausted. I think the last two was too much exercise. After a couple of beers at my friends BBQ, I passed out on the couch watching Happy Gilmore. Now, it is time for bed.

Quick Observations and Comments

1. If you have a SUV there is no need to slow down over a road under construction because you don't want your precious vehicle to be treated rough even though your vehicle is designed for off roading. So, next time either get of the road or use your vehicle properly
2. I've read to great post, one at Incognito's blog and Who Threw That Ham at me. Although, I disagree with some of Incognito's post, I agree with a lot of it and both Incognito and Who Threw That Ham at me have it right that gays should not be ostracize in American society as political pawns and should be proud of who they are.
3. It is always difficult when you have women wanting to sleep with you, but you don't want to tell them you are not interested because you like the attention and the game. Plus, it is fun to flirt for awhile.
4. Oh, after flirting with the two Texas girls in which one thought I was going home with her friend, sorry, I was tired, but instead went to the bars after getting her a cab. Well, since it is pride week here in DC the drama was flowing. I find it interesting when someone is CBing another friend and then the friend get so frustrated that he calls his friend a fucking faggit. Really, is that the pot calling the kettle black. It was too much drama for me so I decided to walk to my friend's house and on the way there kept getting cat calls and hey good looking from men driving by. I really don't think they could see me in the dark, I think it was just a natural reaction to yell things out while driving by. I could have been Rusty from Mask for all they know.
5. I also reaffirmed I do not like white wine after have several samples of the stuff at a wine tasting. I'm a red person and in particular Chilean Wine I find is the best.

It Is The Small Things That Count

About a month ago I meet a friend, D, back in our home state of Massachusetts. I asked him if he wanted to come out for drinks where another one of my friends was a bartender. He showed up about an hour later which was plenty of time to talk to the bartender. D and I caught up on things and he said he had a present for me.

I opened it up and it was a crucifix that D bought at an abbey near his childhood home. He tried to qualify it as a joke that he bought because the inscription on the back said "I'm Catholic Call A Priest." However, I actually took to be more sentimental gift because it came from D a friend I truly respect and admire. I also normally do not wear jewelry, but I was about to get a cross to go around my neck, but a good friend provide one to me that meant much more.

Since getting the cross, I have not taken it off. It is a reminder of my friend and more importantly my God. It reminds to pray for the health and safety of my family and friends. The cross is a gift that I will cherish until I die.

Now that my friend has gone the way of Captain Cook his body may be far, but his spirit will be close to my heart in the form of his gift. Unfortunately, just like the many explorers, as Captain Cook, the natives got restless and took his modern day communication to the outside world his computer. I just hope that when he gets back he will be able to have interesting stories to post and hopefully a new computer.

Oh, and the Bartender, I can not thank enough for meeting him. He is truly a magnanimous individual that has sacrificed a life in pursuit of material wealth for one devote to helping humanity. I was fortunate to meet him and now call him a friend. It was his advice the initial allowed me to open up more to who I am. The Bartender and D are truly good individuals and friends that you should have on your side. CHEERS MATES.

I'm Evil

I just took the evil test that I saw on Chad Fox's website and I'm 90% evil. Some of the questions on the test reminds of the time when the Scientologist tried to interview me and do a profile. When I heard the question would you commit genocide against a creature, I almost lost it. It was not my fault my father bought another rabbit when I only wanted one for a pet. What they say about rabbits are true. I was a kid and my father bought me one rabbit then he bought another and I said I hope they are both the same sex. In a few weeks I realized I was wrong. Then a few more weeks there wer more rabbits and more, well you get the point.

I was a kid and I could only take care of one rabbit, but no my father wanted to raise rabbits and have me take care of them. Well, after awhile I got sick of caring for them and decided to let them all go. We lived near the woods so I would one by one free them into the wilderness until there were none. When my father realize what I was doing he said that I may have set them free, but they would not live for long in the wild. He tried to blame me for the deaths of all the rabbits I set free. When I heard that question from the Scientologist I answered yes and they did not even react. What I answered I committed genocide against a creature and not one reaction. As long as their Xanuth or whatever the evil overlord buried under a volcano as a prison, I guess they don't fear or react to much.

Rummy - The Need For America In South East Asia

Secretary of Defense had a very good OPED piece in the Wall Street Journal about military alliances in Southeast Asia area. He specifically stated that there should be more participation from all area countries not to just counter balance the traditional threat from China, but to act swiftly in humanitarian ways as was demonstrated with America's quick response to the Tsunami that hit Indonesia.

Rummy is correct, but it was interesting how in the 80's most of these countries were asking for America to leave the area and we did. We left Clark Air Force Base and Subic Naval Base in the Philippines (good thing a volcano destroyed them anyways) only to be asked to return with the rising dragon to the north. Not only did our long traditional allies asked us to partol the water of South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, but our former enemy Vietnam indirectly encouraged the US to patrol the seas. America should and can protect the water ways in this vital area of the world. Over 60% tonnage passes through bottle neck straits in Indonesia. An America partnered with our traditional and newly developing allies will be in a stronger position not only counter an military or police actions, but also humanitarian actions.

Observations

For the past two days, I have been observing the people at my gym. There are some very interesting people some I recognize and others that are new to me. Yesterday, while I was on the treadmill watching my Red Sox get trounced by the Yankees I noticed this guy. The reason why I noticed him was because he was balding up top, yet had a long beard. He also had tons of metal on his face that probably would have set off a metal detector. I was wondering why would you attract more attention to yourself when you are a balding like that, but obviously this guy is secure and proud of himself as he should be. We all can not conform to the social norm.

Today, we had our normal dancer. I've avoided dancer because I was able to go to the gym early avoiding this guy who likes to dance around the gym and pretend to shot baskets. He really disturbed me because I will be on the treadmill minding my own business when I hear him yelling out stuff. No, he does not have that disease, but he just loves laughing out loud and just yelling. I'm not the only one disturbed by this.


And finally we have the really life troll. You know those little creatures you put on the end of your pencil with the fuzzy hair. Well, my gym has a real one. She loves wearing her Daisy Dukes and using the high kick machine for hours. She also loves showing her navel which is a good thing to distract from looking at her Medusa like head. The one thing I have to say at least she smells nice and most times like cotton candy.

I will not mention all the hotties that have come and gone through my gym, but I'm glad to share just some of the eclectic bunch the lighten up my day.

Nothing Much

Well, I'm glad my crazy week is done. I really don't know how people can travel all over the place, what are you running from or to. LOL. Well, after having dinner with a friend and telling him urinating on the room deck could lead to an arrest and him being put on sexual predators list thus denying him a feature legal job, I proceeded to a country bar.

After paying the cover charge, I first noticed the place was dead. I moved to the bar and got myself a Sapphire and Tonic and just people watched for awhile. I texted a couple of people and then a person sat next to me and we began to talk. He was very interesting and then his buddies showed up. The place began to get packed, but this is when I became perplexed. After line and two stepping, the techno came on. So, I was expecting artistic dancing, but no lining dancing. However, there are always those to strive to be none conformists and destroying the unity of the Lords of the Dance. I called it early with no one in tow.

Nothing interesting just an average day, except I got burned doing a 10 mile run around DC. I was glad when I arrived at my friends house ribs were waiting.