Posts Made By: Darian Rachal

Came across this on RCP.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/05/25/palins_secret_weapon_new_film_to_premiere_in_june_109949.html

Stayed up and watched this 19 inning game. The Philies resorted to having a 2nd baseman pitch and he ended up being the eventual winner.

A friend of mine recently gave me an Astro-Tech 15mm wide angle ocular. I told him I'd see how it compares with a UO 16mm Konig that I've had for about 30 years.

Then it dawned on me that of all the oculars I've owned over the years, the Konig is one I've never considered selling. I think UO has been selling this ocular for quite a few years. There is just something about it's performance with different scopes I've had that appeals to me.

Anyway, just wondering if there are any of you holding on to old oculars that you just like for some reason, even though you've bought Naglers, Panoptics, Ethos, etc.?

Went with a friend to Six Flags in Arlington TX over the Memorial Day weekend. The 'Texas Giant'(rode it twice) has been reconditioned and is really a very enjoyable and exciting ride. When I last rode it back in '09(?) it jarred my head around so much I had a headache.

The 'Titan'(IMO) is the most intense ride there. It supposedly reaches 85 mph at the end of a very steep drop, which from the rider's vantage 'appears' to be straight down. 8O One really has hardly anytime to 'think' on this ride, things happen so fast. Only rode this once.

Of course, the 'Superman' ride(although not a coaster) is quite fun. You sit 3(side by side) in little chairs with your legs dangling and are propelled up 32 stories. You sit up there for a little while, enjoy the view, and then 'freefall' 30 stories down. It's quite a kick. Rode this one twice.

It's nice to inject a little "excitement" in one's life, every now and then. 8)

"Raising the ceiling without attempting to control spending is a depressing and wearying thought. It will avert crisis, yes, but there would be no gain in it beyond that. It would demonstrate to the world that we are not capable of taking necessary steps to dig our way out of the spending mess. It would mean things just continue as they are.

But cutting and reforming—showing we can make tough decisions in a crisis—will reassure the world, and our creditors. It will increase faith in the United States, and increase an American sense of well being: "We can do this, we can make it better." It would be very good to leave the world saying, "My God, the Americans are still competent." "

Came across this quote from an article I was reading on RCP this morning. I have long thought that it would be interesting to see some real reductions in the amount of money the federal government spends. This has not occurred under Democrats or Republicans. It will be interesting to see if it occurs now. If so, I think it will be the most significant, positive event pertaining to the Federal government in my lifetime.

If not, read the bolded part again in the quote.

I was not really familiar with David Barton but came across this interview on another political site. It's obvious that Stewart is "out of his league" with this fellow. Notice how often Stewart asks a question or makes a statement that he wants Barton to respond to; when Barton starts to reply, Stewart interupts his explanation. He does this again and again. "Typical liberal". When exposed to ideas that do not reinforce the acceptable "proper way to think" on some matters, he can not deal with reality.

I believe there are three parts to the interview but I've only looked at one so far. http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-may-4-2011/exclusive---david-barton-extended-interview-pt--1

Checked this out from the new book section at the library and am about 1/3 of the way through. I find Paul's ideas interesting. If you look at the link, check out some of the reviews to see how the subject matter of the book is put together.

One interesting point he made is regarding the fall of the Soviet Union. It seems that after that occurred it was necessary to find some "enemy" in order for the US to remain in a 'perpetual state of war'. :S

Anyway, I'm not one to worship personalities but I do think his ideas are worth giving some consideration to.

http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Defined-Essential-Issues-Freedom/dp/145550145X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1307373681&sr=1-1

I find this video of Weiner quite interesting. It's quite a contrast with his blubbering "confession". He definitely paints himself as a victim and is extremely self-righteous. It's difficult to have much sympathy for him. I suspect his only regret is getting caught.

Scroll down below the chest photo to see the video.

http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2011/06/06/weiners-hard-moment/

Anybody else interested in this besides me? There were some great games in the 'Super Regionals' and with the new bats the game is more like real baseball.

The thing I like about the format is that every game is extremely important, sort of like watching MLB playoffs.

Guess I'll "root" for the two SEC teams and the two Texas teams left, since LSU was not even invited.

http://news.yahoo.com/nasas-final-shuttle-end-error-080605249.html

As the shuttle program comes to an end, I thought this was an interesting article. I guess growing up during Apollo(I was 16 during Apollo 11), I just could never get extremely "excited" about the shuttle program. I do look forward to the planet exploration missions and the results from the various telescopes in orbit.

I recall feeling a bit of sadness when Apollo 17 ended. In regard to the shuttle, I'm just somewhat indifferent. :S