Wong & Owens

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 03:35 PM) I heart rhetoric. Fantastic. Politicians are awesome. I'm starting to wonder if that 7th grader isn't on to something here.....

QUOTE(Texsox @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 01:13 PM) What saddens me in all this is how careful honest, caring adults have to be to avoid any appearance of in appropriate behavior. I remember my High School Cross Country coach opening his home every Saturday to the guys, we'd head for a run then have french toast afterwards. We'd take showers at his house (BYOtowel), I remember another coach sitting with me in the stands after I finished second at our conference meet, (if JC Lang reads this :finger ) with his arm around me, and consoled me while I cried for 55 minutes. Neither situation would be repeated today. Teachers and coaches can't risk it. And for that, I think our world loses. I used to coach club volleyball for 7th and 8th grade girls. One day, at one of our weekly leagues, the dad of one of the girls that was the driver for the day had to leave early for some urgent work thing or something. He asked me if I could take his daughter and the other girl he was driving home after the games. I said sure no problem. The club director found out, and gave me a 10 minute tongue-lashing on why I can't do things like that. NOT doing it never crossed my mind, I thought I was just doing a favor. But all it would have taken is one phone call, or one false accusation, and my life could have been negatively altered forever. And that just sucks.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 11:02 AM) http://www.thestauntonnewsleader.com/index.php?itemid=13 Kerry might be full of crap, but I don't see how a census poll that says "85.whatever % of 20-24 year olds are high school graduates" backs up the opposite whatsoever. If Kerry means any people young enough to be his generation's children, that's alot more people that 20-24 year olds. Maybe he was looking at Ohio State Football's graduation rate?

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 11:01 AM) http://www.cleveland.com/politics/plaindea...9650.xml&coll=2 I think it's a good idea that EVERY person have some legit form of I.D. Poor people or old folks can get identification. The Ohio gov't should implement some programs that facilitate this for people who have trouble getting around, for example.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 08:49 AM) Yes, that body armor, the one that has advancements all the time and it doesn't roll out to the front lines quick enough. No matter how fast, it's too slow. (no sarcasm). But what I think is silly is no matter what happens, it's never, ever good enough. If there's a way to rip into this administration for anything, it sure will be found ASAP. Yea, this administration is hypocrtical screwoffs. So was every administration before this one. But one certain Democratic administration before this one gets a free pass on everything, including scaling down the military and said armor programs back in the 1990s. Why does it have to be a rip into "this administration," or "Republicans," or "conservatives?" Why can't it simply be taking to task individuals, regardless of affiliation, who simply are doing a piss-poor job of managing nearly every aspect of the war? I would like to think that Jim(or anyone else) would raise the same point no matter what stupid group or useless party held office.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 2, 2006 -> 02:17 AM) that will directly convert an mp3 file to sound like a NES song? I just want to hear how some popular song sound in 8-bit. Something like this?: http://www.download.com/Wave-Shredder/3000...tml?tag=lst-0-1

Is this the Rex Kickass Biographic?

Alex wants to know if it's OK if we vote for ourselves :headshake

QUOTE(sox4lifeinPA @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 11:27 PM) In conclusion... If the people who make millions, wait...billions, on the art they create can't fund the education and promotion of new art, why the hell should we ask the average middle class tax payer to foot the bill? and I heard Wong & Owens drowns puppies on the weekends. While I agree with Mr. Alex's point that those who have made more money via the arts than many small countries should contribute more to programs that expose people to, and educate people on, the arts, I do not think those contributions should come in the form of "Celebrity Funding of Art Appreciation Class." It would take many, many words to fully describe the slippery slope schools would be on if a plan like that were put in effect(You'll show every student Brokeback Mountain on Thursday in your conservative Utah public school?) There's a much simpler, shorter answer why we shouldn't require this-- and that's where I disagree with Mrs.Sox4LifeinPA's Personal Manwhore. Alex says we shouldn't ask Joe Taxpayer to foot the bill for arts programs, but I contest that this is exactly what the average citizen's taxes should be spent on, albeit it's surely not #1 on the priority scale. These programs better communities, they better young minds, and they make for a better quality of life for all they touch. As I stated in a previous post, arts programs have always been part of school curriculums, funded by tax money, and it's never been a problem before. Now, your selfish, useless local politicians are saying there isn't any money for these programs. Why not? Where'd all the money go? If you dug deep enough, you'd find the answer. And when you did, chances are it will make you sick.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 03:39 PM) Seems this post was broadbrushed with something of a blue tint to it. And since we are talking colors, pot meet kettle. You're grasping. There's NOTHING in that statement that is either blue or red, as you continue to over-simply put. That statement applies to people on either "team" who rally the flag and go to bat for them at every turn no matter what, simply because they're supposedly on the same side. Democrat senators, Republican Reps, whatever, they're all on their own side, and you're input counts for s*** unless you're donating millions to keep them in office. Broadbrushed? Maybe a bit, but not by much. Give me a list of politicians that have a track record of consistently working in the public's best interests, and back it up. The list won't be long.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 03:16 PM) I'm sorry... and this is going to make me sound like such an ass... but NO WHERE in the ENTIRE WORLD do people have more of an opportunity to better themselves then in this country. But, instead of crying "poverty" you would actually have to help yourself to get out of your situation. How many thousands of "rags to riches" stories do you hear about? In another country, money's given to the poor, they accept it, and they stay poor. It drives me INSANE how the left wants to hang on every little "poor me" story that's out there. It's called personal responsibility. No, not everyone makes it. I allow for that, but you have more opportunity here then anywhere else in the world. I know you're trying to paint the "great divide" with this post, but many of these CEO's who make that much didn't have that when growing up. They worked for it. I don't know, does a person realistically have that much better a chance here than in Britain, for example? Maybe it is true, I certainly believe we have the greatest country in the world. But it won't last, not given the current trends. The sooner people stop with the red/blue, left/right bulls***, and the more they wake up and realize that none of them(well, very few of them at least) are doing their jobs, the quicker we can change things. It's a "broadbrush" statement, for sure, but "a rising tide raises all boats?" Give me a f***ing break. An unpredictable break, for a change, would be even better.

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 01:13 PM) Im doing just fine. Nobody is stepping on me. A rising tide lifts all boats. As if someone in support of the current administration would say anything else? The US poverty rate of 12.7 percent is reported to be the highest in the developed world, while it is reportedly more than twice as high as in most other industrialized countries. This is because the majority of the other industrialized nations are reported to have a more generous programme for their poor citizens. The gap between the rich and the poor is also wider in the US than in most other developed countries. In the US, the poorest 10 per cent reportedly receive only 1.9 per cent of the country’s income, as against 4.8 per cent in Japan, 3.2 per cent in Germany, 2.8 percent in France, 2.3 per cent in Italy and 2.1 percent in the UK. With the passage of time, the rich-poor gap in the US has shown an alarming increase. In 1965, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) made 24 times as much as the average worker. The ratio was reported to have sharply gone up to 185 times by 2003. Yep, every last schooner and tugboat reaching new heights every day.....

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 12:40 PM) I'd put like this. Republicans are best because they're not Democrats. Keep looking at it that way(and this goes for people strictly on the other side too) and watch things continue to get worse. And those you so blindly and adamantly support are laughing all the way to the bank, and they're stepping on all of us to get there.

Tequila. No mas.

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 10:25 AM) We just had a good sweep...........1994 Yeah, we get it, republicans are the best, most often simply because they're republican. yawwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 10:13 AM) Take heart in . . . citizens care = impact on elections impact on elections = leaders care citizens care = leaders care It's the only way to remain confident and sane in our leadership. Well, what 50?% of eligible voters vote in a given election, right? That's a LOT of apathetic people out there.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 09:25 AM) citizens don't care = no impact on election no impact on election = no interest from officials Amazing how that works And SS, I agree with you, this will have more impact on the average American than a Supreme Court Justice. Summed up my thoughts exactly. Gracias! Here's what needs to be done with Congress --->

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 31, 2006 -> 08:48 AM) http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...1/1020/BUSINESS One thing I have found interesting is that no one has tried questioning Bernanke at all. We have heard nary a word about this guy, while the spotlight glared on Alito and Roberts. I wonder why there was really no campaign to get the guy to answer questions in a similar matter, as his opinion becomes nearly as important as the Supreme Court justices, if not more due to the fact that the Federal Reserve bank has a bigger concentration of power in the financial sector, affecting many more lives on a daily basis. Because the average citizen really has no idea what the Fed does, so therefore they don't care about him.

OK, I can't hear the name "Santorum" without giggling a little bit. Any fans of The Onion or Dan Savage's column will know what I'm talking about. Alex, STAY OUT OF MY STATE!!!!

QUOTE(Steve Bartman's my idol @ Jan 26, 2006 -> 04:27 PM) I'm thinking about buying a 2006 Impala SS. Anyone know anything about it? It's OK, from what I've read/heard. What Edmunds.com Says Significant changes for 2006 bring the Impala a few steps closer to class leaders in terms of power, features and refinement, but the car's aging platform is still a liability against competitors like the Chrysler 300 and Honda Accord. Pros Six-passenger seating availability, powerful and efficient engine choices, clean interior styling, standard side curtain airbags. Cons Soft suspension and vague steering detract from handling dynamics, SS has to put its 300 hp through the front wheels. What's New for 2006 The Impala receives significant updates for 2006. On the outside, Chevrolet has altered the car's styling with new headlights, taillights and wheels. The SS trim also gets a unique grille this year. Inside, the 2006 Impala features updated audio systems, a redesigned instrument panel, new seats, standard side curtain airbags and an available fold-flat rear seat. Mechanical changes include a stronger body structure, retuned suspension geometry for enhanced stability and improved braking systems. There are also new engines for the Impala: a base 3.5-liter V6, an upgraded 3.9-liter V6 and a new 5.3-liter V8 for the SS trim, which replaces last year's supercharged V6. Finally, the lineup of trim levels has been shuffled slightly to accommodate a new luxury-oriented LTZ trim. Get a free updated insurance quote for this vehicle What happens after the manufacturer warranty expires? Get a free extended warranty quote. Overview Introduction: The Impala was first introduced in 1958 as the top-of-the-line trim level of the Bel Air full-size coupe and convertible. A year later the Impala became a stand-alone model and its popularity skyrocketed with over 450,000 sold that year. For the '61 model year, the Impala ushered in an all-new design, and the 409 V8 and Super Sport package turned the Impala into GM's first true muscle car. Throughout the '60s, the Impala dominated the sales charts, culminating in 1965 when over 1 million were sold. The popularity of the smaller, midsize muscle cars slowly ate away at sales of the Impala, but it continued to sell in big numbers, registering as the best-selling car in America in 1973. The oil embargo of 1973 put a quick end to that for a while until a new, smaller and much lighter design debuted in 1977 that resurrected Impala sales to a respectable number once again. The Impala nameplate languished in the early '80s, eventually getting dropped in 1986 in favor of the Caprice designation. A revival of sorts occurred in 1994 when the Impala SS name was used again, this time for a high-performance version of the Caprice sedan. Sporting a monochrome paint scheme, an LT-1 V8 and bucket seats, the '94-'96 Impala SS recaptured the spirit of the original SS models and continues to be highly sought after today. The demise of the Caprice after the '96 model year meant no more Impalas once again until four years later when the current model arrived for the 2000 model year. With front-wheel drive, the current Impala isn't exactly a tribute to the past, but it does continue the tradition of large, affordable Chevrolet family sedans. The move to smaller, more efficient V6 power plants gives family sedan buyers enough power when they need it while still providing respectable mileage -- never one of the Impala's strong points in previous generations. The fact that the base Impala can seat six in a pinch places it in the thinly populated category of large sedans. Significant changes for 2006 bring the Impala closer to today's buyers needs. An enhanced structure and wider track promise improved driving dynamics, while fresh interior and exterior styling give it a more modern appearance. Changes under the hood include a new 3.5-liter V6 with 211 hp, and a 3.9-liter version that makes 240 hp (the same as last year's supercharged SS). And that supercharged V6 has been dropped in favor of a 303-hp V8 for the performance-oriented SS model. These changes are certainly welcome, as we haven't been overly impressed by the current-generation Impala in years past. Though still not as refined as the Honda Accord or Toyota Avalon, or as nimble and stylish as the rear Chrysler 300, the Impala is a popular seller and should be a decent choice for those in need of an affordable sedan with a big interior in 2006. We do, however, recommend that you test-drive some of its better qualified competitors before making a decision. For Pricing information, see our Pricing page. Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: Available as a sedan only, the Impala comes in four trim levels -- LS, LT, LTZ and SS. LS models include 16-inch wheels; a front bench seat; air conditioning; power locks, mirrors and windows; a tilt steering wheel; power driver seat; and keyless entry. Moving up to the LT model adds remote vehicle start. The LTZ includes heated leather bucket seats, a Bose audio system, 17-inch alloys and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SS comes with monochromatic exterior paint, a performance suspension, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler. For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page. Powertrains and Performance: The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. Available on the LT and standard on the LTZ is a 3.9-liter V6 with 240 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. All models employ a responsive four-speed automatic transmission that sends the power through the front wheels. The SS has a 5.3-liter V8 making an impressive 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. To handle the extra power, the SS uses a heavy-duty version of GM's four-speed automatic. For more Performance data, see our Specifications page. Safety: Occupant safety is a big selling point for the Impala. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the current-generation Impala earned five stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts, and four stars for side-impact protection. In frontal offset crash testing, the Impala earned a "Good" rating, the highest possible. Antilock brakes and traction control are standard on the LTZ and SS, and optional on other models. Side curtain airbags are standard on all Impalas. For more Safety information, see our Safety page. Interior Design and Special Features: As one of the few six-passenger sedans on the market, the Impala does have an edge on the competition when it comes to interior space. The SS model has metallic interior trim, while all other models feature wood grain trim. Despite its traditional personality, the Impala offers contemporary features like a Bose audio system and an input jack for portable music players. Trunk capacity is a generous 18.6 cubic feet. For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page. Driving Impressions: The V6 engines offer a likable blend of power and fuel-efficiency, while the V8 offers serious off-the-line thrust. Even with this year's stiffer structure, handling is not among the Impala's strengths due to its soft suspension and vague steering. However, plenty of people will appreciate the big sedan's compliant ride quality. While the SS model may be appealing to power-hungry buyers, installing a V8 of this size in a front-wheel-drive car invariably results in torque steer and a nose-heavy feel. Our recommendation? Stick with the better balanced LTZ and its plenty powerful 3.9-liter V6.

Re-read the original post carefully people. This is just another of this guy's little "experiments" he pulls out in hopes of dragging people into debates that, in his mind, he's won before the first word is typed. Don't waste your time folks.

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ Jan 26, 2006 -> 01:25 PM) Relying on government or corporations to provide for you in your old age is looking more and more like folly these days. Thats why Im saving as much as I possibly can without sacrificing too much of what I want. Absolutely agree. People are going to be largely on their own when it comes to building a nest egg for retirement. Pensions are already pretty much dinosaurs, and everyone knows about the soc sec problem.

QUOTE(Middle Buffalo @ Jan 26, 2006 -> 12:36 PM) People who put themselves in harms way for your freedom should ALWAYS be celebrated. Not agreeing with Stein's article, but my freedom was at no point at risk due to any Iraqi invasion.

My second question for you Mr. Wong...if that indeed is your real name. To clarify, I did not list these as Arts initiatives, but as examples of the projects the gov't wastes tax dollars on. Common sense. And keeping the needs/wants of your constituents first and foremost. If you are a political officeholder representing a community, it is your main function to be aware of what your community needs or what they want you to get for them. No, actually I don't. That one inspired person would be more than offset by the countless hundreds or thousands that would be missing the basic creative thinking skills that art initiatives instill, thanks to programs that could have potentially been funded by that $1 million. Although the media would grab a story like this and make it seem like the Please Touch Museum was better than a cure for cancer, for example, they again would miss the big picture. The big picture is the many many other people that would be better served by that money going to broader-based educational programs that use the arts to make better people, generally speaking. I expect, at least, for our government to supply the funds for projects that benefit the community as a whole, by listening to the members of said community and acting in their best interests. Always.

QUOTE(Soxy @ Jan 26, 2006 -> 10:16 AM) Anyone know what it's goign to be about? "Strategery."