January 12, 2013 at 07:01PM

Democratic Congressman Kurt Schrader of the 5th District of Oregon is talking on a show called Straight Talk. I'm impressed and actually agree with just about everything I think he said. He was talking about how this Gun Control stuff is not very smart, because there are plenty of laws for Guns on the books already, and what we need to do is Change the Culture of Violence, because that is the only way we are going to change things in this country. The fact is we have a right to guns in this country, but we need to be smart about it... he said what I believe. Oh he also mentioned a story. He said that with so many budget cuts, that police and military are being downsized and funds are being diverted so they just don't have the means to protect everyone all the time. He had a friend that actually called the police with an urgent matter, a 911 call, and the Police could do nothing to help him. They were not ever going to be able to arrive... so the point of the story was, people like his friend want to know they can protect themselves, their families, and their property. It's scary when you think about it. He also talked about the fiscal cliff and how that needs to change dramatically too. He actually voted against the last deal, because it didn't do anything to solve the actual problem which deals with spending cuts. He talked about several things, and he is actually what he considers himself to be... a Centrist. Justin Taylor

January 10, 2013 at 03:26PM

I watched the opening remarks by VP Biden today on Gun Control. OK, I watched most of it and paid attention to about 2/3 of it. Too be fair, despite many differences in our beliefs and a couple of small parts of what he said. I do have to say, the media is being much less fair to what he actually says. ON both sides of the coin. Extremists either way seem to be having their way. Both the BAN everything groups and the Let's not talk at all groups. Obviously conversation should ensue, but also conversation shouldn't be a distraction from the fiscal crises... nor should it be about what kills people, but in fact should be about prevention in general a change of culture. Most of what VP Biden said was more about asking questions of the religious groups, and talking about the moral aspects of the issue and finding common ground, that does not impede on the second amendment. I can appreciate that. I just hope, they don't go do crazy road and do stupid stuff with their recommendations and I hope they leave it up to Congress and don't even try to use executive privilege. Just down the street from my house here in Oregon, in the Sellwood area, yesterday two men walked around with the so-called 'assault rifles' fully loaded, the same type used in the recent elementary school shooting, on their backs. One of them has a concealed carry permit and had a handgun on his hip too. Very visible. The reason they did this was to raise awareness that just because someone has a gun, doesn't mean they are bad or irresponsible. In fact they are normal regular young guns, exercising their right to carry if they so choose. It sparked a lot of 911 calls, and the police did stop and talk to them, to tell them they had. Of course the police also said, no laws had been broken and there was nothing they could do. The one guy said, if laws are passed preventing owning or buying certain guns, then this would be their one day that they were able to exercise their Constitutional rights. Still watching... what do you think? Justin Taylor

January 07, 2013 at 11:29PM

Gangster Squad. I saw this movie tonight. For those that don't know, it is based on a true story. Actually based on a book about a very dangerous and violent time in 1949. In Essence, Mickey Cohen, one of the most dangerous and violent mafia bosses of all time, controlled the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and, if he had his way, it would have been every wire bet placed west of Chicago. In order to maintain control of LA Cohen was willing to commit any all all acts of extreme violence. Cohen was poised to make the likes of Al Capone look tame and he had even cut ties with Chicago, because as far as he was concerned, he was God and LA belonged to him, like manifest destiny. Cohen had politicians, judges, and many in the police in his pocket and EVERYONE including the media and the law were afraid of him. It was seen as a deathwish to go against him, because Cohen lived a life of violence, he was born in violence and of course destined to die from it. The movie is violent, but the story is based on violence and a violent time. Everything that happened was never meant to be been told, because of the extremes that the police chief had to allow this special squad to take, allowing them to step outside the law and go to war. It is also rather funny, lots of light moments to break up the action and tense moments. Very well acted, by all the actors, with believable characters. Although it is not 100% true to the story or the book, because of events that happened last year, it is still very down to earth and realistic. However, it's not just a bunch of unnecessary fantasy violence, the violence, is used to tell a violent story, which I thought was from a very poignant yet real point of view. After the World War, the action to clean up LA was seen as a Domestic War, I could even equate it to a domestic war on terror, where extreme actions are taken to remove a blight on society and save millions of lives. This is not a family movie, but it is based on historical events, so it is worth it for those that like action and adventure and a well told story. Justin Taylor

December 26, 2012 at 10:27PM

Soft kitty, warm kitty Little ball of fur. Justin Taylor

December 26, 2012 at 01:26AM

Every passing minute, is a chance to turn it all around. Justin Taylor

December 24, 2012 at 09:44PM

I may as well say Merry and Happy Christmas to all and then add a few extra ways for a few friends either visiting, living or stationed in other countries... First, NO list is complete without some Tagalog to my Friends in the Philippines ▬ Philippines: Maligayang Pasko ▬ I can't forget my Irish Friends: Nollaig Shona Dhuit ▬ To my Friends in Japan: Merii Kurisumasu ▬ To our Icelandic Friends: Gleðileg Jól ▬ To my Spanish Friends: Feliz Navidad ▬ French and French Canada: Joyeux Noël ▬ Middle East: Milad Mubarak ▬ Know anyone in Afghanistan, just say: De Christmas akhtar de bakhtawar au newai kal de mubarak sha ▬ How about Iraq: Idah Saidan Wasanah Jadidah ▬ Arabic: I'd Miilad Said Oua Sana Saida ▬ Israel: Mo'adim Lesimkha ▬ Korea: Sung Tan Chuk Ha ▬ Albania: Gézuar Krishlindjet ▬ Greece: Eftihismena Christougenna ▬ Croatia: Sretan Bozic ▬ South Africa: Geseënde Kersfees ▬ Dutch: Zalig Kerstfeest ▬ Of course my German Friends: Frohliche Weihnachten No matter how you say it or what words you use... Have a Wonderful Day... and Merry Christmas to all.... and to ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!! Justin Taylor

December 24, 2012 at 07:42PM

Have you ever quickly rented a movie, and since the movie you wanted wasn't there, just grabbed another one... only to remember AFTER you had already rented it, that you already saw the movie... in fact the very LAST time you rented a movie!! Yeah... feeling a little stupid at that wasted movie rental. Justin Taylor