Apple Juice Teriyaki Chicken

It's been a while since I have written a post, and I figured food is always get back in to the groove. This is a recipe that I started working on while I was in Texas get off active duty. I wanted teriyaki chicken, but did not have any sugar or some other thing need to make it. With work, I have come up with a pretty tasty marinade with no added sugar. It would be good for people trying to cut down on their sugar intake.

Pictured is a thigh marinaded in the sauce, wrapped around asparagus, and grilled. It is served with jasmine rice and pineapple, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

1/4 cup Apple Juice or Cider (Unsweetened)

2 Table Spoons Rice Wine Vinegar *

2 Table Spoons Soy Sauce

1/4 teaspoon Fresh Minced Garlic 

1/4 teaspoon Fresh Minced or Grated Ginger

Mix all ingredients it a one gallon ziplock freezer bag. Marinade chicken in the sauce for 4-24 hours in the fridge. Makes enough sauce to marinade 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs.

* Do not use white wine or distilled vinegars. Rice wine vinegar is slightly sweet and adds to the flavor.

I hope you enjoy the recipe. It is delicious and nutritious.

Literary Friends

Other than my usual pilgrimage to the gym, I have spent most of the day reading. If you knew me when I was younger, you would be rather surprised that I read novels (even more so to find out I do it for fun). I never really read much as a kid, with the exception of non-fiction books with pictures and diagrams. Honestly, I read so slow that I couldn't find any enjoyment in reading novels.

Over the years, things have changed. I still read slowly, but I can read much faster than I used to. (I guess practice really does help). I have also come to love certain books and series. Most notably, I love C.S. Lewis' Chonicles or Narnia. The allegorical nature of the books is a nice intellectual treat, and the action, adventure, and intrigue can make for a lively read. However, these are not the major reasons I love the books. It is because of the characters.

I read the entire series while I was in Iraq. (I know, 15 months, but it wasn't the only thing I read over there). I almost felt as if the characters were my friends. The books gave me a place were I could go and not worry about the world around me. In truth, I was rather sad upon finishing the last book, not so much because of the way it ended, but rather that I would no longer be able to go on new adventure with my friends.

As a youth, I wondered why one would read a book when there was the movie. But, books and movies are totally different forms of media. movies are able to go at a fast pace and they usually is little to no need to read or think. However, the viewer is unable to connect to the characters as deeply as the reader can. It takes little or no effort to watch a movie or a TV show (unless you find it boring or slow, or just plain bad. I think most of us have seen that one show that we wished we could get our time back). Reading takes effort. Reading requires us to create the scenes and characters in our minds. Many times we almost find ourselves in the situation with the characters. We relate empathize with the characters, and some times it seems that they become our friends.

More on Stop-loss Payments

For starters, no, I have not yet gotten the payment. Sorry if I got anyone overly excited.

As of October 30, 2009, 4200 Army Vets had applied for their retro-active stop-loss payments. (CLICK HERE to see the Stripes Central article). At first glance that seems pretty good for nine days (the application process was opened on October 20th), but it is a drop in the bucket when considering the estimated 136,000 Soldiers and their families that are eligible. That number is only for the Army. There are approximately 185,000 Veterans that may be eligible. For stop-loss payment links, CLICK HERE

We need to get the word to all OEF/OIF Veterans. If they they were not stop-lossed, they surely know someone who was. They only have until October 21, 2010 to apply for their compensation. Please use your e-mail, social networking sites, blogs, word-of-mouth, and whatever other means you can think of to let people know about this program. Thank you.

More on Country Crust Bread

I the past, I have used 5 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour to make a wheat country crust bread. A while back I tried using straight whole wheat, and the resulting dough was very sticky and hard to work with. The bread turned out ok (though it was quite tasty).

I discussed the results with my brother, John, and we came up with the idea of using oatmeal. Mind you, it can no longer be called whole wheat, but it is whole grain. So to modify the country crust bread recipe that was previously posted for whole grain goodness, use 5 cups whole wheat flour (I like stone ground) and 1 1/2 cups rolled oats in place of the 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups of all purpose flour. CLICK HERE to see the recipe. Also, brown sugar works real well in place of white sugar (just make sure it is a packed 1/2 cup and drop the honey).

        Now doesn't that look YUMMY?!

Finalized Paint for the Old Huffy

Well, I finally got the finalized paint scheme done. After letting the paint cure for a while, I wet sanded the bike using 320 grit to knock down the ridges left by the previous graphics. I then smoothed it up with 600 grit.

After the sanding, I laid down some pink and brown on the frame. I painted the chain guard with a blue and pink fade. I waited three days, to allow the paint to cure, before laying out the graphics. I used positive masking to lay out the graphics (I was going for a sort of beachy pseudo-tribal feel). I then laid down the blue on the frame and brown on the chain guard. I was pretty happy with how things looked after unmasking it. More importantly, Michelle really likes how it has turned out so far. I plan to clear coat it some time next week.

Now comes the more straight forward part of fixing up the bike, mechanical. I need to replace at least one spoke and put on a new chain. Everything needs cleaned up and lubed. The changes will be less visually dramatic, but more more important than the paint.

Stop-Loss Pay Application

Today is the first day to submit you on-line application for Army Stop-Loss Payments, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. I just finished my application. It doesn't take to long if you have everything ready to go. For Active Duty Enlisted, you will need your DD FORM 214 and DD FORM 4 before you start.

The documents can be uploaded, emailed, faxed or mailed. I chose to upload mine for easy and to keep everything together. If you mail or fax the documents, you will need to write your claim number on each page. Like I said, uploading is faster, easier and keeps everything together. Also, scan the document before you start. I think I spent more time looking for my documents and scanning them than I did actually filling out the application.

I would also recommend having your bank account number and bank routing number ready. You can choose to receive payment through direct deposit or check. I think most of us know that the Army, and the government in general, are slow to get a check to you.

Good luck to all. I have no idea when we will get our money, but I figure that uploading documents and receiving a direct deposit would make the process faster.

Stop-Loss Payments

The US Army is reported to be accepting applications for retroactive"Stop-Loss" payments starting October 21. A while back, Congress passed a bill that entitled all stop-lossed service members $500 per month of extension past the ETS date. To find out more CLICK HERE. There is a website posted to apply but so far, I have been unable to access it.

Well, here's another photo collage doodle. The face is a mask I bought in Korea, and the skulls are a dollar store Halloween decoration.

Why do I exercise?

Why do I exercise? I have to admit that health benefits and looking good are part of it. I also like feeling strong and pushing myself. Part of it is that physical fitness is an important aspect of Army life, and I guess it just becomes part of who you are. Also, the gym is the main place where I socialize. (Being unemployed, I don't have work friends and only socializing on Facebook would be pitiful).

Are those the main reasons? Is that what really motivates my near obsession with the gym? No. Quite frankly, I go for my mental health. The VA is treating my with medication for PTSD. I don't really know if that is my problem or not, but the meds have helped. I know that I was angry most of the time when I got back from Iraq. I couldn't stand being in crowded places, and felt generally depressed. After starting medication, I noticed that I was nice, more mellow and happier if I exercised for about an hour or so two to three times a week. I felt even better if I got five good work outs in. This summer, I found that if I went a week without working out I got very disagreeable (OK, more like down right pissy). So I work out for my family and possibly for my sanity.

So why do I hit the weights so hard? My parents think I lift too much. Well, what am I suposed to do? The doctors at the VA have told me not to run because of my knees. My patellas rub against my tibias causing pain. Thinking about it that way I really shouldn't run.

So, there you have it. I use weights like other people use drugs and booze.

Art? and Weight(s)

Just a little something for fun.
I’m getting ready to go to the gym. A couple of weeks ago, I found that my muscles weren’t fully recovering between workouts. So, now I am focusing more on aerobic exercises (mainly the elliptical machine and heavy bag) and doing light weight/high reps with the weight. I am also trying to not out-grow my pants. I know there comes a time when most of us have to fight against weight gain. That’s Life!

The Bike and More

Well, last Friday, I got the bike all taped up and laid down the brown paint. I really didn’t like the result at first. Now I’m not sure. I am still leaning towards going back to my original paint scheme.

This is how it looks now. I think I will paint the brown and blue area solid brown with the exception of the neck. I plan to paint the neck blue and scallop on the backbone and down tube. Please comment and let me know what you think.





Other Items
As you may know, the band O.A.R. has teamed up with the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) on a campaign to support returning Veterans. Please Click Here and check it out. You will be asked to pledge your support for the recent Veterans and Service Members. You could even win two concert tickets and backstage passes. Also check out the IAVA by CLICKING HERE.

Veterans’ Day is coming up. To me, it is time to really think about what we are doing to support the Troops and Veterans. How many of us have “Support the Troops” ribbons and bumper stickers? But what are we really doing? Think about it. Hopefully, I will be able to have some good ideas for you soon. Stay posted.

Bike Update

I know it has been a while since I last made a posting, and even longer since I made an update on the bike.

As you can see, I have started painting. Most of the old nasty black paint came off rather easily, but some was extra stubborn. I ended up using aircraft stripper to get the rest off.I laid three coats of primer, and then wet sanded it with 320 grit. Then, I laid an additional two coats of primer and hit it with the 320 again and followed it up with 600 grit. After cleaning off the sanding residue, I laid two coats of light blue Rustoleum.

You may notice that, in the first picture, only part of the frame was painted blue. Originally, I was going to paint most of the bike brown with blue arches and a blue and brown plaid pattern on the neck and forks. Well, it is my wife's bike and she had some different ideas. After some discussion, we decided to paint the thin tubing blue and give the thicker tubes the plaid graphics. Right now, the paint is curing in the basement (the temperature is in the mid 30's). I plan to tape up the frame tomorrow, and hopefully get the graphics painted as well.

My Birthday has Past!!! Huzah!!!

So, Tuesday was my birthday. I am now a whole 34 years-old. Yes, that means I will be old enough to run for President in 2012! But don't worry, I won't. Besides, pocket lint and a few pennies isn't much of a campaign fund. However, my birthday cake was great. Tres Leches, with Dulce de Leche filling. Yummy!!!

Seriously, I have been feeling a little bit old lately. It's not so much my birthday; it's looking at what other accomplished by my age. I'm pretty sure the German playwright, Buckner, had achieved famed and died by age 34 (don't quote me on that though). And there is the guy in the news who was arrested for lying to the FBI and suspected of being part of a terrorist plot. 24 and he's suspected of possibly being a mastermind. To top it off, He can grow a full beard. I still can't!!! (Note to the DHS: SARCASM!!!! I do not idolize, support, or romanticize terrorist, nor do I condone terrorism. I do however support water-boarding and punching terrorists in the head).

Well, enough wallowing in self pity. I need to bake some more bread.

Danish Country Crust Bread

Last week, I said I would post the recipe for Country Crust Bread. So, Here it is. Sorry about the delay.

Before I start, this is how I now make the bread using my KitchenAid. There will be notes on hand mixing. Hand mixed bread is much denser, .

Ingredients:
2 cups warm/hot water
1/2 cup sugar (I sometimes replace the sugar with honey)
1-2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
2 Tbsp or 2 packages of dry yeast
6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups flour (I usually use unbleached but a half and half blend of Hungarian Whole wheat and Unbleached flours works well).

The recipe makes two loaves of bread.

Mix water, sugar, honey, salt, oil, and eggs on speed 6 or so until eggs are well beaten (1). Add yeast and mix. And 3 cups of flour and mix at speed 2 with the dough hook until smooth. Slowly add the rest of the flour and continue to mix on speed 2 until dough pulls away from the bowl. Cover and let the dough rise (about 45 minutes, when the dough has doubled in size).

Knead the dough for 2 minutes at speed 2 with the dough hook (2). Divide the dough in half, and roll the ends of each half under. Then place each loaf in a greased bread pan. Bake at 375F for 35 minutes.

The Country Crust Bread is great for French Toast, ham and cheese sandwiches, or eating with butter and apricot preserves. The heels are the most delicious to with preserves or eat plain.

Hand Making Notes:
(1) Beat the eggs prior to mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
(2) Hand mixing and kneading requires a lot of effort and time. Expect to knead the dough by hand for at least 5 minutes and as noted earlier, the bread will be dense, not light and fluffy.

What Does Today Mean to You?

It's September 11, 2009. It is the eighth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I think that 9/11/01 will be remembered for some time, the same as December 6, 1941. The news media has been talking about the anniversary, and the History Channel has been showing documentaries. People will remember this year and I'm they will next year. So, what does it all mean to you? How did you change that day and those days that followed?

My mind set changed that day. As I arrived at school that day (I was teaching back then), braking news came over the radio that the first tower had been hit by an airplane. I turned off my car, and walked inside, thinking that it had been a terrible accident and not knowing about the second plane. My first hour class was oblivious to the attack, but my second hour class watch the replay in their first our class. For the rest of the day, the students were frightened and worried that they might be next. The freshman especially seemed immune to all logic that they were safe. Our town was in the middle of nowhere, and being the home of an international sheepdog trial never made it a target for terrorists. Even so, I started to realize that our security as a nation was something that I took for granted. I also started to think seriously about joining the military in the days and weeks that followed.

As far as security goes, my view was shattered. I knew we had enemies, but who would dare attack us on our own soil? I grew up in the time of Ronald Reagan; no one would mess with the USA, at least not at home. That all changed that day. I realized that my students no longer had the sense of security that I grew up with. I also started to see that I had taken my country for granted. Patriotism swelled in my heart and mind. I wanted to serve my country, and help make the world a better place. I joined the Army, in large part, because of those feelings.

So, what about today? What are we doing to serve our country today? Many of my buddies are still serving in the military; at least one of them is back in Iraq now with the National Guard. Do we truly honor and support these men and women? Do we vote? Voting is not just a right, I feel that it is an obligation. If we don't vote, we are not heard and the government does not need to answer to us (We, the People). Do we get involved in state and local politics? I really have not, but I need to and so do you. Do we provide service to our community? Help out at schools? Participate in services through religious or civic organizations? Pick up litter and throw it away? Whatever it is, do something to better your community, and don't do it just today or tomorrow. Do it on a regular basis.

And ask yourself, "What does today mean to me?" everyday.

-Phil

Moore Capitalism

Last night while watching TV, I saw a trailer for the new Michael Moore movie, "Capitalism: A Love Story." In the trailer, Mr. Moore is laughably trying to make a citizens arrest of AIG executive and retrieve 10 billion dollars of TARP money from Wall Street. The man obviously knows that his farcical behavior is over the top and uncalled for. So why does he do it? Making a point or making a buck? Both, maybe? I really don't know, but his films make a lot of money.

It seems interest that Mr. Moore states that, "Capitalism is Evil" right on his website (http://www.michaelmoore.com/), and yet he is obviously making money off of his films. Now, it has been said by some that Mr. Moore is trying to bring about a revolution. I don't know if this is true or not, but it seems funny that any one so contrarian would try to topple the government of the only country one is able to rail against the government as vocally as we can.

Now back to the movie. The title seems a little from the subject of the film. The TARP bailouts were not a capitalistic move. Such action falls more in line with the Socialist or Fascist way of doing business. So, why is Moore complaining? It seems that his theses is that Wall Street has bought Washington (the same Washington that is controlled by his Democrat friends?), and in turn Washington has paid Wall Street back with billions in TARP money. Yet, Washington has tried to buckle down on Wall Street. I still don't see the capitalism.

Finally, Mr. Moore, I would like you to make a film about fighting the number one health problem in America today, OBESITY! Call it "Sicko II: The Battle Against The Bulge." I think I would enjoy you twisted, satirical sense of humor as you hit the weights and the stair-stepper. You could also show how the donated money you save from cutting your portions help other people. You might motivate people to get healthy and donate their own time and money.

President's Address to School Children

This morning, I watch Pres. Obama's address to the American school children. With all of the hoopla surrounding the speech, I wanted to see what he would say. I have to say that I disagree with many, if not most, of the President's views and I am not a fan; however, he is the legally elected President of the United States. I may or may not like him, but I respect his position as President.

That being said, I liked the address. The message basically boiled down to do your best, work hard at school, focus and keep trying if you don't succeed the first time. Having taught school prior to enlisting, I know that there are a vast number of students that needed to hear the message. As a parent, I would recommend watching the address with your school-aged children (watch it on YouTube).

As far as the hoopla, I can understand it. I feel that the address itself was not the issue. The real issue that started the controversy was the teaching aides that the Department of Education (DoE)released to go along with the speech. I don't want my child pledging allegiance to any President nor anything other then God and the United States of America. When we were in Texas, my son's class recited a pledge of allegiance to the state of Texas. I refused to let my son participate. That is just the way I see it. Also, I don't want my son helping Mr. Obama further his agenda, at least not until he (my son) is an adult. Some one in the DoE did not think things through when preparing the packet. If the packet did not exist or had not originally contained such material, it would have been hard to take issue with the President's address. After all, I remember seeing Pres. Reagan's anti-drug address as a child. I also think that letting children see such events strengthens their civic-mindedness. Taking a thought from my former First Sergeant, some one should find the guy who put that stuff in and (figuratively) "PUNCH HIM IN THE HEAD!!!" (I don't condone actually punching any one in the head).

-Phil

Catching Up

I took a little time off from the blog, but this entry will catch things up.

Workout: I put up 280lbs on bench yesterday, but only got six reps. I'll probably try 285lbs next week. I'm getting there.

The Bike: I've got a lot of the paint and rust off of the frame. I still need to work on the forks and other painted parts.

Life: Well, I'm still unemployed (after about a year and a half it is no real surprise). We did get a KitchenAid last week. It make bread baking and other kitchen activities so much easier. For years, I have been making a slightly sweet Country Crust Bread (I'll post the recipe later). With hand kneading, the bread turns out rather dense with a wonderfully thick and tasty crust. Using the KitchenAid, I made two light, fluffy loaves with the same wonderful crust. The bread made amazing french toast, and good ham and cheese sandwiches (I do prefer the denser bread for ham and cheese). My pretzels also turned out so much better.

Final word on the KitchenAid: Hand kneading is a great forearm workout, but the baked goods produced using the KitchenAid turn out better. I'll have to find a different way to punish my forearms.

-Phil

Don't worry about it? My VA Disability

A short time ago, I mentioned that I am having difficult with the VA. Simple put, some one in the bureaucracy miss place the form that initiated my claim. After being told on several occasions not to worry about it, I received a letter informing me that was about to loose my disability of 0%.

0%? No big deal right? Wrong. 0% gets my foot in the door. The VA will take care of me at a discounted price with 0%. Also, if I do not have a disability of 0%, I can not make an appeal for greater compensation. And my knees are bad. The VA orthopedic specialist told me that I should not do any lifting from a squatting position and I should avoid running. (My leg workouts consist of leg curls and extensions and easy stuff like that. I highly doubt that I could squat 200lbs now and if I did try, my knees would be killing me for a week or so afterwords). Sounds like more than 0% to me, but what do I know.

Well, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is coming to my rescue. It seems that things should be cleared up soon. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed).

I want to say some things to every Military Service Member, especially those getting ready to ETS (separate from the Military). First, put in your VA claim, even if you are perfectly healthy and not broken. Second, make a copy of your claim form (VA Form 21-526) and keep it in your files. If I had made a copy, I would not be having this problem. And to all of the Vets out there, when the people at the VA 1-800 number say. "Don't worry about it," WORRY about it, and contact the DAV or your other Recognized Service Organization.

Working Out

I just got back from the gym. I started weight training some what seriously while I was in Korea, and got very serious in Iraq before the doctors said I could only lift 15lbs (slightly more than the weight of an M-16 and 30 round magazine) because of a hernia. Most of the time, I have done standard 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions or some work out out of Men's Health or some other magazine. Lately, however, I have been doing a low volume/progressive intensity regiment.

Basically, you divide you body into two workout groups (my first group is chest, shoulders and triceps, and my second group is back, biceps and legs), and you choose one exercise for each body part. Do a warm up set at half the weight you are going to do for the workout, and then one set of six to eight repetitions at the workout weight. Now comes the tough part; walk away (don't lift any more for that body part). I do group one on Mondays and group two on Tuesdays. I rest on Wednesdays, and then do two sets of ten to twelve repetitions for groups one and two on Thursdays and Fridays respectively. For more detailed information, check out the article on EXRX.net at http://www.exrx.net/WeightTraining/LowVolumeTraining.html Also check out http://www.exrx.net/ for all kinds of exercise and fitness information.

So, what did I do today? Well, I bench pressed 270lbs for eight repetitions. My goal is to bench 300lbs for eight repetitions, and I should be able to reach that goal in about six to eight weeks. I don't know if I have bulked up much from this workout regiment, but I have seen a huge increase in strength. (Well, my deltoids and traps have grown and my back is thicker, so I guess I have). I am not saying that this is the right way to doing things of everybody, but it is working for me at this time.

Really, you should look at your goals and find a workout program that will best help you reach those goals. Be honest with yourself too. If you are a long-distance runner or a rock climber, bulking up might not be a good idea. I think you get the point. Also, educate yourself. There are lots of book and information on the internet, and you can find people that know what they are doing at the gym (the person that runs the place, personal trainers, etc). I could ramble all day, but it is lunch time and I'm hungery.

-Phil

Life's little set backs

Yesterday afternoon, I received some irritating news. It is probably not prudent to go into details at this time (Remember, I am a menace to society), but the basically I continue to face set back with my VA claim. The news, as all bad news from the VA tends to, sent me into dark, empty doldrums (kind of like the tollbooth book I was supposed to read in sixth grade, but that is another story).

So why does it hit me so hard? Well first of all, the VA is treating me for PTSD. I can't say for sure that I have PTSD, but upon returning from Iraq I experienced anxiety (especially in crowded locations), bursts of anger, and some depression. The medication and vigorous exercise help manage these problems most of the time. However, stress (no surprise here) can cause the emotions to rear their ugly head. (Mind you I am not talking about average response to stimuli. It wasn't irritation; it was borderline rage. With medication I still get sad, and that is a good thing). For some reason VA letters cause me more stress then they should.Are these setbacks my fault? Not entirely, but I could have helped mitigate the problems I now face.

In the book Peaks and Valleys author Spencer Johnson MD explains how we all have high and low points in life, and that we can influence how long we experience these times in our lives. Instead of a long how to with steps and exact guidance, Dr. Johnson wisely teaches the lesson by means of a charming story. The reader can take what is said, and see how it applies the his/her own life.

So, what does this book have to do with my struggles? I think I have learned from it. Yesterday, I was not in a valley; I was in a sink hole that seemingly gave way under my feet. So what did I do? I would be lying if I said I didn't lie at the bottom of that hole, rubbing my sore head and complaining to myself about how badly my back ached. I even vented my frustration at the hole.

Last night, I took the maximum prescribed dose of my medication to help with the depression I was feeling (I know that that is not an option for most people, but a hot bath or other relaxation is an option), and this morning I contacted the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Things aren't fixed yet, but my outlook is. I recommend the book to anyone. The link to Dr. Johnson's website is: http://www.spencerjohnson.com/ Check the book out.

-Phil

The Bike

Last weekend, I bought an old bike to fix up for my wife. It appears to be a 60's or 70's Huffy. (It is definitely an old Huffy). I have completely taken the bike apart, and have started the process of removing the paint and rust. As you can see in the picture, cosmetically it is a little rough and it will need a small amount of mechanical work done, but it seems to be structural sound. I think it will turn out nicely.

My wife wants it chocolate brown with robins' egg blue accents. I figure I'll probably also add a few small light pink stripes and/or details. To really feminize the bike, I'd like to add an off-white or cream seat as well as handle grips. It might be a while before the project is complete, but I will make updates with the progress.

-Phil

Changing Directions

Changing directions seems to be a theme in my life. Prior to 9/11, I was a High School teacher (teaching on an alternative teacher education license). The next summer, I was in Army Basic training. I spent time in California, Korea, Iraq, and Texas. I separated from the Army about a year and a half ago, and joined my wife and son in Northeastern Colorado. My beautiful and intelligent wife finished her BA in Elementary Education and got a teaching job here while I was in Iraq. So, Here I am still looking for a job.

As you can see, I have changed direction in life, and am now looking for a new direction now. So too, I am changing the direction of this blog. I plan to right about my search as well as my attempts at self improvement. I hope not to bore you with my efforts at the gym, but I am sure that I will right some about that. There will also be some posts about cooking (I enjoy cooking and some baking), as well as posts about the old bike I bought yesterday, and plan to fix up. Plus, I will share my insights on my past experiences, current experiences, and any plans that may arise.

Enjoy,
Phil

I'm a menace to society?

NOTE: I originally posted this thought today on my family blog. Although it is not of much literary merit, I felt that it was more suited to this blog. Enjoy.

Well, I'm sure you have heard on the news that the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has put out a memo that says returning Vets, pro-life, anti-same-sex-marriage, and pro-gun people are a terrorist threat. Since I fall into all of these categories, DHS views my as a menace to society, right? No, not really. I doubt many people have actually read the whole ten page memo. The fact of the matter is that even fewer people should have read it. It is classified as Unclassified/For Official Use Only. It was not meant for the general population. Also, it reads as if it is a sanitized version of a document of a higher classification. If this is the case, it would explain the easy to misread first page or two.

I read the memo. Unless you are used to reading such government style writing, it is easy to read the first couple of pages and freak out. Right wingers are bad!!! I must interject at this point: conservatives, like I am, are not right wing extremists. Liberals like our President are not Left wingers. These two terms are thrown around far too much. Nazis are an example of Right wing extremists. Anarcho-communists are an example of Left wing extremists. The report is about extremists, not the average conservative. The point of the memo is that Neo-Nazi and similar minded groups may try to recruit people like that have the previously mentioned views. Read the whole memo if you do not believe me.

Apparently, there is also a similar Left Wing Extremist memo. Interestingly, there was no news report that people who drive Prius or sub-compact cars are likely Eco-terrorists. I'm glad that no such thing appeared in the news. I drive a CRX (and there is not much smaller on the American road), and I would be very confused as to whither I would be a Right or Left wing extremist. I guess I would be a double threat, or no threat at all. The fact is that I am not an extremist of any kind, and I doubt DHS really thinks I am one either.

-Phil

P.S DHS if you read this and feel I am a threat, feel free to do the 24 hour surveillance of me allowed by the Patriot Act. I must warn you though, it will be a very boring 24 hours.