Executive producer Ron Moore has created a sci fi series that grips your imagination and intelligence. The story deftly weaves an undercurrent of modern day political commentary into each episode, sometime subtly, sometimes blatently.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Moore doesn't hide the fact that BSG was "embracing the memories and feelings of 9/11" in order to create a sci fi show that is relevant to our time.

Interesting.

The bad guys in this series are the Cylons; machines created by man who rebelled and virtually anhiliated the twelve colonies of man. A defacto genocide of the human race. The authors of this, or any, genocidal ramapage should be despised and brought to justice. Parallels between the cylons and al-qaeda are frequently pointed out online in blogs and message boards . In this interview for Rolling Stone magazine, Moore warns that they're not intended to be directly allegorical: "They have aspects of Al Qaeda, and they have aspects of the Catholic Church, and they have aspects of America."

 Does this mean Ron Moore considers al-queda to be on the same moral field as that of the Catholic Church? Should the audience despise America as much as it hates the cylons?

Why don't liberals stop hiding behind their television series and just openly admit what it is they hate. I'll give you a hint: It's not al-queda they blindly hate...

NRO BuzzCharts

Critics of the war in Iraq often complain about the "escalating cost of the war." Listening to

 them, you'd never know that the war is one of the least expensive in American history.
Robert Whaples, professor of economics at Wake Forest University, has measured the cost of each major American war up through the first Gulf War. We took these costs and compared them to the cost of the Iraq war and found that the Iraq experience has consumed a smaller percentage of GDP (just 2 percent of one year's wealth creation) than every other American war except the first Gulf War (which measured just 1 percent of GDP).

This stands in stark contrast to the Vietnam experience, which opponents have often attempted to liken to the Iraq war. Vietnam comprised a much heartier 12 percent of GDP at the time. Other conflicts, such as World War II, took a remarkable 130 percent of a year's GDP to see through to success.

The work is not done in Iraq, and the financial costs will grow beyond the $251 billion we have spent so far. The real cost, of course, is in human lives, manifested in the debate about whether it is worth losing a few thousand American lives in order to liberate 23 million people. But the data are clear; any attempt to discredit this war based on its effect on the U.S. economy is an unnecessary distraction.

An often-used phrase by the left to criticize the War on Terror states that "Peace is Priceless" which is usually accompanied by a flier that contains a dubious body count figure. I counter this statement and figure by simply asking: "If peace is priceless, why count the cost?" Thanks to Robert Whaples of Wake Forest University, the true costs of peace are illuminated, much to the chagrin of those whose oppose the WOT.

I have a wild and crazy idea.

George W. Bush's delivery of the State of the Union address will take place on Tuesday, January 31, a little more than a week from now. It is my strong belief that every single Democrat present in the House chamber for the speech should, at a predetermined moment, stand up and walk out. No yelling. No heated words. Every Democrat should simply stand silently and leave.

Crazy, I know. Crazy, and possibly the best idea ever put before a body of Democrats since the New Deal.

Understand this, congressional Democrats, and understand it well: you are not dealing merely with a body of political opponents in the GOP. You are dealing with a group of people that want you exterminated politically. The days of walking the halls of the Rayburn Building, sharing a bourbon with a colleague from the other side of the aisle, and hammering out a compromise are as dead as Julius Caesar. Collegiality is out. Mutual respect is out. They want you gone for good. Erased. Destroyed.

Surprisingly, I'm in agreement with this proposal from TruthOut . It is one of the best ideas I've heard this year from our liberal democrat friends. At  the very least it is an idea, not a very good one, yet what have the democrats done for us lately?  I hope this walkout occurs during the State of the Union Address, as it will  be a dramatic reminder for the American Public as to why they are the party that is out of power. 

With ideas like this, I predict very good outcomes for the Republican candidates during the fall election cycle.

HAPPY 300TH BIRTHDAY, BEN!!

Can you believe Ben is 300?? He doesn't look a day over 75! I wonder what is his secret to looking so spry at his age?

Today marks the 300th birthday of one of the most extraordinary human beings to have graced this planet.  A scholar, statesman, inventor, writer, musician, international celebrity...genius. Centuries later his wisdom resounds, as seen in this quote from one of my favorite writings by Franklin.

'Friends', says he, 'the taxes are, indeed, very heavy; and, if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more eaily dischard them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us, by allowing an abatement. However, let us harken to good advice and something may be done for us; 'God helps them that helps themselves', as Poor Richard says. ~ The Way to Wealth

Oh, did I mention he was also an incorrigible flirt, I adore this side of Franklin that is not often revealed:

"If that Lady likes to pass he Days with him, he inturn would like to pass his Nights with her; & as he already given her many of his days, though he has so few left to give, she appears ungrateful never to have given him a single one of her nights.

Ben Franklin to Madame Helvetius, September 19th, 1779

Season 2.5 of Battlestar Galactica FINALLY resumed last Friday night for US viewers.  The series ended last year with the two battlestars (Galactica and Pegasus) preparing to smack down each other.  The season opened with a dramatic scene with viper squadrons from each battlestar in a face off, weaving meanacingly around each other waiting for clearance to fire.  This scene set the tone for the rest of the episode.  Admiral Cain and Commander Adam spent the episode dancing around one another like prizefighters, each plotting the demise of the other.  The suspense was almost tangible!

In typical Ron Moore fashion, there was a not-so-subtle political undertone to the story line..  In one scene, Commander Adama personally apologizes to the cylon prisoner (Sharon) for the brutal treatment she suffered while in the custody of the Pegasus crewmembers. Adama states to the Cylon Sharon "It occured on my watch, therefore I am ultimately responsible".  No mention is made regarding the punishment of those directly involved in this attack on the cylon. Hmmm, shades of Abu-Gharib?

Half the fun of this show is watching for these commentaries on real life political situations worked into the BSG storyline. I have to say; the storyline itself is fantastically well written and acted. Putting politics aside, this show frakking rocks; I can't help my addiction to this show!

How can you not like a show that allows you to say 'Frak' with impunity :)

Live8 - Philadelphia - July 2, 2005.

Philly put on quite a show on July 2nd, and the city should be rightly proud of how well the concert went down that day. It was a perfect day to spend listening to good music, enjoying delicious food. Too bad the whole point of it was to make the audience feel guilty over African poverty.

Bob Geldolf and friends have proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that people will gather in mass quantities to attend a free concert featuring the world's hottest musical acts. Uniting music lovers worldwide is not the answer, let alone, cure for third world poverty. The answer lies squarely in the hands of the citizens of these  nations.

In keeping with the Musical 4th theme, Elton John was presented with one of Pennsylvania's top accolades: the Philadelphia City of Brotherly Love Award for his work aimed towards a cure for HIV/AIDS.  Elton's award ceremony took the place of the annual Philadelphia Liberty Medal Award. The 2005 award recipient: Ukrainian President  Viktor Yushchenko was unable to leave the Ukraine to accept this award in Philadelphia on July 4th .The Liberty Medal presentation was pushed back till September 17th.  I had tickets to watch the presentation and was a bit disappointed that Viktor was a no show.  Outside the Constitution Center, directly across from the award ceremony,  the C.A.V.E. people (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) were staging an anti-war protest using shoes to represent civilian casualities in Iraq. As I walked around this display, I asked "If peace is priceless, why are you counting its cost?"  Not surprisingly, I received no coherent answer to my simple question. This display only represented civilians in Iraq, not Afghanistan. Why is that? Again, I received no answer to a relatively simple question.

The summer rolled along, Casey Sheehan's 'mother' decided to spend her summer vacation hanging out at the President's ranch in Crawford, TX.  The meeting with the President demanded by this deranged activist  did not occur. Oh wait a minute..yes it did! I even have a picture of that event.  Looking closely at this picture, is that President Bush kissing the cheek of Casey Sheehan's 'mother'?  She looks happy to be in the company of the President, and her description of the meeting was most complimentary to the President.  Apparently she supported the WOT before she decided not to support the WOT. Talk about flip-flopping! I'd say it is safe to say she voted for Kerry in November 2004.

As Hurricane Katrina was brewing in the Carribean and Casey Sheehan's 'mother' was blowing out of steam, I was getting set for an adventure/vacation to Costa Rica. As I was treking through rainforests, hiking around volcanoes, exploring the Sarapiqui River, and spending quality time soaking in the Arenal Hot Springs. 

At times I felt like Eve in her Garden, eating fruit directly from a tree.  I mean that literally, not figuratively.  However, even in paradise, I managed to find a political opponent in the form of a German business executive who managed to calmly put forth his opinions without resorting to the standard line of Bush=Hitler.  In the end, we diplomatically agreed to disagree and spent the rest of the night on the dance floor!

I come home from paradise to find New Orleans is underwater and with sadness I read of the death of Chief Justice Rehnquist.  Liberals, being liberal, blamed President Bush for the ineptitude of the Mayor of NO and Governor of Louisiana. Kayne West proclaimed that "George Bush doesn't care about black people" during a televised hurricane relief fundraiser.  I'm waiting for Kayne to shout out "George Bush doesn't care about Miners" during a televised mining relief fundraiser. Oh...hold on... there isn't one planned. My bad.

The fall brought the nomination of Judge Roberts to the Supreme Court, the retirement of Justice O'Connor and the withdrawl of Harriet Miers as a Supreme Court nominee.  I plan on taping these hearings, hopefully they will be as entertaining as Condi's confirmation hearing.  I wonder if these hearings be nominated for an Academy Award?

For two weeks in November, my friends and I had the opportunity to participate in an English Immersion class sponsored by Pueblo Ingles in the beautiful mountain region of Gredos, located a few hours outside of Madrid.  Contrary to the popular liberal myth that all of europe ( i.e.THE WORLD) hates Americans. I found the Spaniards to be quite enamored with America and Americans, bearing us no ill-will. The only ones spouting the tired Bush=Hitler mantra were my fellow anglos.  I returned home with the knowledge that the US is NOT universally hated and a newly acquired love of dancing the Sevillana.  These memories will linger in my heart.

Christmas celebrations started early this year. Beginning with a wedding on the 3rd of December. The Bride was beautiful and the bridesmaids were simply breathtaking.  Despite the sad fact that I now have another liberal in the family, it was a fantabulous day!

The month became even brighter with the stunning turnout in the Iraqi elections. HELLO Democrats! Wake up and smell the Democracy! The people of Iraq have spoken and they chose freedom over the 'cut and run' option touted by our Democratic Leadership.  I sported a purple finger, did you?

The Christmas bling arrived when I scored tickets to ABC network's daytime talkshow, 'The View', during their "Twelve Days of Christmas" promotion. The audience received the gift of beauty, including an assortment of Elizabeth Arden 'Provactive' perfumes, products and gift certificates. 

At the close of the year: One question still remains which I hope will be answered in 2006:

Where are good liberals dead?

In the heart or in the head?

"Ring out the old, Ring in the New"  so goes the line in Tennyson's  "A New Year's Poem".  I want to end this year by ushering in something new - a blog redesign and ring out the old with a 2005 retrospective.  This year-in-review tilts more to the personal with some political spice thrown in for good measure.  More so in 2005 than in any previous year, my personal life had become tighly woven with my political escapades in public and in the blogosphere. One has to pause and ask if this is a good thing? Looking back over the year's events, I would have to say:

Yeah..Baby..Yeah!

Before I start with my journey down memory lane, I have to give props to two bloggers who have excelled in rounding up the political news of 2005:

Mikes America

Guardian Watchblog

Both of these bloggers have enlightened, entertained or infuriated readers with their expertise, common sense and wit.

Okay, on with the story:

Thee chill of January 2005 was tempered with a flurry of activity.  Since the 3rd of November, 2004, I had been busily organizing a VirtualTourist meetup to coincide with the Inaugural celebrations in DC on January 20th. Adding more complexity to this meetup, my fellow VT'ers were located in states across the country; California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Another hurdle was obtaining enough passes to allow everyone to view the Inauguration at the Capitol building. The VT meetup award goes to my good friend,  Yubert,  for gleaning 8 tickets from none other than Senator Boxer! With help from a friend who works for State Senator Allison Schwartz, I managed to get 4 Inaugural passes.

On January, 20th 2005, the President of the United States renewed his oath of office. I, along with my friends, were present on the Capitol grounds to witness the swearing in and to take in the spectacle that is Inauguration Day.  The right to peacefully assemble is a bedrock right guaranteed to the American people by the US Constitiution. Unless  the Supreme Court deems it unconstitutional!  Those who were still suffering from Post Election Stress Disorder were out in droves in DC, even Jesus made an appearance on this day.  I missed the opportunity to have my picture taken with Christ, but laughed at the liberal ideology that eschews religion, yet is quick to claim Christ as a liberal who hates President Bush. Whatever your political affiliations are, do not miss out on an opportunity to witness the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of our democracy.  It affirms what makes this nation great, and is always a good time.  Speaking of good times, I was unable to get tickets for the Texas Society Black Tie and Boots Ball.  For the 2008 Allen/Rice Inauguration, I'll make sure to secure my Texas Society Ball tickets early! 

Reading the literature I receIved with my tickets, I discovered an interesting fact regarding the Inaugurations at the Capital. Reagan's Inauguration was the first to be held on the West front of the Capitol. President Reagan remarked in his 1981 inaugural speech "..standing here, one faces a magnificent vista, opening up on this city's special beauty and history. At one end of the Mall are those shrines on whose shoulders we stand." Regan also remarked "that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will NOT surrender for it - now or ever."  -  WOW!

Following on the heels of the Presidential Inauguration was the January 30 election in Iraq. A day that was much anticipated by both those who support the fledgling democracy and those who do not. The vote was held on schedule despite calls by Democratic legislators for it's postponement and threats of bloodshed from terrorists. In spite of, or perhaps because of the threats of violence by terrorists, the Iraqi people sent a resounding message to the world that day.  By their vote,  Iraqis chose life over death, hope over despair and freedom over tyranny.  A message the MSM to this day resists to acknowledge.

March 19 marked the two year anniversary of the begining of the end of saddam and terroristism worldwide.  I chose to mark the day in Central Park, NYC with fellow Protest Warriors counter-protesting the moonbat brigade.  The unwashed patchouli-smelling 60's throwbacks were out in droves pushing the same myths and lies that they hope to pass on to the unsuspecting public. Then they met us, the not-so-silent majority and wigged out. Something about truth is like holy water to these unwashed masses. The day turned out well, the liberal love-in was watched with much amusement by the members of Protest Warrior NYC. A majority of the Protest Warriors showed solidarity with the Iraqis by dying our index fingers purple. I enjoyed flipping the purple peace sign at the uninformed liberals. They all were puzzled by the two finger salute. Typical.  Some of them eventually got the message and decided to color their middle finger purple. Hmmm..what were they really saying about the democratic process in Iraq? 

April showers bring May flowers..or whatever.  The opportunity came about to particpate in a counter-protest at the Constitution Center with Philly's Protest Warrior on May 15th.  Before standing with my compatriots, I took time to wander around the anti-war crowd. Several of them were sporting  placards with a number that represented one of the "100,000" victims of the Iraq war.  This proved to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that the "anti's" have no clue of rudimentary statistics. However, none of them could answer my query: "If peace is priceless, then why count the cost?"  Perhaps my question was too nuanced for them.  It was at this small gathering of Protest Warriors that I met Grizzly Mama, The City Troll and their cubs.  Through Grizzly Mama's blog I discovered Mikes America, Blonde Sagacity and A Tangled Web or more precisely they discovered me :)

TBC....