President George W. Bush: Our head honcho and second term elect who managed to keep us in line for nearly seven years. Diligently, he led us through many hardships in his seven year reign, spanning from 9/11 to the War in Iraq, and from an unpredictable economy to Hurricane Katrina into the very future we have today. Alas, this man with an odd legacy will leave us this November and will move on to newer and hopefully, brighter things in his political career. Some in our country will surely mourn his leaving, while others will jump for joy, but all can agree on a single point: they will miss him. I, for one, will miss his gut-wrenching speeches on various topics…and by gut-wrenching, I mean hilariously funny. As a salute to our soon-to-be ex-president, I will give you some examples of my most favorite Bush quotes.

“He was a state sponsor of terror. In other words, the government had declared, you are a state sponsor of terror.”

“I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.”

"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions."

"Bin Laden says his own role is to tell Muslims, quote, 'what is good for them and what is not.'"

“Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream.”

"Wow! Brazil is big."

“You work three jobs?! Uniquely American, isn’t it? I mean, that’s fantastic that you’re doing that.”

"More than two decades later, it is hard to imagine the Revolutionary War coming out any other way."

“There are jobs Americans aren't doing. ... If you've got a chicken factory, a chicken-plucking factory, or whatever you call them, you know what I'm talking about."

"I'm the master of low expectations."

"You're free. And freedom is beautiful. And, you know, it'll take time to restore chaos and order — order out of chaos. But we will."

"I think the American people — I hope the American — I don't think, let me — I hope the American people trust me."

"When I take action, I'm not going to fire a $2 million missile at a $10 empty tent and hit a camel in the butt. It's going to be decisive."

"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the Secretary of Defense."

"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test." -Townsend, Tenn., Feb. 21, 2001

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If I don't see you sooner, see you later.

Love is not about the profits, nor the riches in your dreams. The arms of time are breaking off. Civilization is on trial. The clock's eliminating time. Do you believe in me?"
~Serj Tankian~

Out of the many candidates that are running for presidency this year, I have to sadly say that I'm not very impressed by this line-up for some odd reason. Sure, we have two highly qualified Democrats in the race. One speaks of a revolution in our government, country, and world. The other hides diligently behind her husband's experience, claiming that she has the ability to handle whatever the fading world has to throw at us.
The news has been obsessively following the paths of the Democratic hopefuls as if they are gods of an ancient time that we had long since forgotten. The Republican race has been virtually ignored (that's a good thing!), and all eyes have been watching history unfolding as the dramatis personae assume their roles. By November, we could either have one of three things: more sorrow for the world (McCain), a female president (Clinton), or an African American president (Obama). Since I am about to turn 18 in the upcoming months, I have been paying a lot of attention to the issues of each candidate. Since Ornery is part of my name, one can only assume that I am no friend of the Republican Party- I have distrusted them for as long as I can remember due to their treatment of the poor, their strict, conservative viewpoints(almost border lining on fascist...how scary a life that must be...), and blatant disregard for their actions, as exemplified by the Bush administration's disdain for accountability. For a notorious humanitarian, liberal, and social protester as myself, one can already assume that my choice of vote is already leaning toward the Democrats, namely Barrack Obama, whom I am a big supporter of.
In my sleepy little hometown in the hills of Tennessee , I choose to not voice my opinion of who I feel is best to run the country. Many people in my hometown have an inherited sense of thick-headed stupor, and therefore, cannot understand why Obama is even running. Irritatingly enough and even somewhat immaturely, the vote in this area is not swaying in his favor because his name rhymes with "Osama". Once it is heard that someone is voting in support of his wishes for change, people are bullied relentlessly for their choice. Tsk, tsk....
To continue, I must give a mature and reasonable explanation for my decision. One, Sen. Obama has said in previous debates that he wanted to do something about helping the environment. This means that he will definitely reconsider signing the Kyoto Treaty- a move that President Bush has refused to do out of a fear that "going green" will only damage the economy. Experts, however, disagree with his claims, saying that the turnover to the "green market" will successfully create more jobs in struggling communities and therefore, will usher more revenue into the city and county governments. This movement, in turn, will make everyone happy on both sides: the environment will be given some well-needed time to heal itself from our errors, and new jobs will be created.

Second, he wants a significant change in how America is ran by political powers. This issue isn't surprising, since the Bush Administration was a complete failure on more levels than one: security of our homeland, economy, the War in Iraq, the Patriot Act(Seriously, how can a girl shop at Cabela's anymore?), the treatment of Hurricane Katrina survivors, utter stupidity of our own leadership, as well as countless other misjudgments in his uh....career. Obama, unlike the other candidates, is more open about his past mistakes, and is willing to admit that underneath his political title, he is an average working man with individual strengths and weaknesses. This practice is rarely seen in politics, for this often causes a quick and painless death in the lifespan of a presidential candidate. I believe this is a rather promising effort on his part because as the old saying goes...."I'd rather be an open sinner than a false saint." At least Mr. Obama admitted to his past drug use, unlike a certain candidate who literally dumps his addiction(or even senility) on everyone like a ton of bricks, or even Bill Clinton, whose half-hearted attempt at covering up his tracks made a nation cringe in embarrassment-"I did not inhale!" The honesty he shows us all will reflect his duties if he were to be elected president-if there was something he was going to carry out, he would openly tell us. If he screws up, he'll admit it. If-God forbid it happens again-another terrorist attack was to occur, he would be there to hold our hands and lead us out. That's something we need right now.

Finally, I am impressed by his personality. To say the least, my first impressions of both Hillary Clinton and John McCain were very much the same: I fear them. Both are cold hearted, forceful, self-centered, and greedy, and they lack the warmth that our country needs in this time of healing. The Bush Administration has emotionally bruised our nation for nearly 8 years straight. Our economy is virtually destroyed, gas prices are still high, and optimism in its ability has long since vanished. For years, we were ruled by our fears of terrorism and our sadness felt by 9/11. We were cheated, exploited, and taken advantage of for those above reasons, and only electing one of the two individuals I mentioned earlier will only embrace the torch they've been given. They too will make the same mistakes. On the other hand, however, Obama is the foil of the other two candidates. He doesn't see the world in a clouded judgment like McCain or Clinton does. He sees it clearly with an open mind and heart. He loves us as if we were his own children, he cares for us unconditionally-something that other politicians have not done since the reigns of Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. We need someone who can help us heal our previous wounds-to help us learn how to trust again. In a sense, the U.S. is like...a mistreated dog. If someone were to try to pet it or even get close, the dog will simply flee. However, if someone with a loving, open heart tries to regain the dog's trust, eventually, it will learn how to once again, see humans as companions. And such is our case- I honestly feel that he could do this for us. Since many of you know that I have the strange ability to feel certain energies within life forms in nature, I have actually felt a certain energy radiating inside of him: His heart and mind radiate with a certain warmth. I also felt that he was a good, honest man who feels strongly for his cause for righting the wrongs of previous administrations. Say all you want, but that's my choice. Once an Ornery makes up their mind, it can never be swayed or resolved.

As a parting note, I would like to ask everyone in cyberspace to do something for me. On November 4, do the right thing and VOTE! I don't care what political party you are, but if you don't want another screw-up for a leader, it would be best to make the right decision.

For a final thought (anyone can answer my question, if they'd like): What if John Kerry was elected president 4 years ago? What would the world be like today?

If I don't see you sooner, see you later.

I am going to speak about a well-known nonconformist whom I respect and admire: Serj Tankian of System of A Down. Recently, I bought his first solo album, "Elect the Dead", as a means for an English project. (I'm supposed to make a soundtrack for Macbeth.....) However, I also bought this album because, well, I'm a HUGE System of A Down fan, and even more so a fan of Tankian's writings and other projects. I have always been impressed by every album they have churned out over the years, from my first SOAD experience, Toxicity, to my most recent one, Mesmerize.

"Elect the Dead", in my opinion, is a gorgeous work of art that can easily blow other solo artists clear out of the water(i.e. Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani from No Doubt, Justin Timberlake from N*Sync, Beyonce from Destiny's Child, Dave Matthews, that God-awful Scott Stapp from Creed, Phil Collins, Sting, and God forgive me for saying this: Dave Mustaine from Metallica.) I have never heard anyone with this sound before--not even Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix sounded this good in their careers. Backed with an orcastra that produces a beautiful melodic harmony, Serj Tankian delivers a powerhouse performance that would blow even the most compassionate of musicians off the face of the Earth. One part U2 and the other part Megadeth, blended to perfection with the SOAD sound, Elect the Dead literally beats the listener to death with songs about humanity, the Earth's future, and war's affect on everyone who is involved, soldier or no. However, this album doesn't follow by Bono's example of humanitarism, nor does it play by the rules of indirectly referring to a world problem-everything is spoken, clear and simple, in a liberal tone that would even have Barrack Obama seething with envy(Sorry, man! I swear, I won't forget to vote for you this time!). The album's first song, "Empty Walls", recalls the people's feelings about genocide; it is especially chilling yet empowering. Here is a verse, to give you an example:

"Your empty walls...
Your empty walls...
Pretentious attention
Dismissive apprehension
Don't waste your time on coffins today
When we decline, from the confines of our mind
Don't waste your time on coffins today

Don't you see their bodies burning?
Desolate and full of yearning
Dying of anticipation
Choking from intoxication...."
In the final minute of "Empty Walls", the meaning becomes clearer to the listener. By then, the song's true meaning is brought into the light:

"I loved you yesterday, before
you killed my family.
I want you to be
left behind those empty walls.
Taunt you to see
from behind those empty walls."

Throughout the album, various topics that Tankian feels should be addressed in our world is discussed, from greed ("Money"), the environment ("Honking Antelope"), the War in Iraq ("The Unthinking Majority"),to mislead governments as seen in ("Feed Us"). All are beautifully orcastrated and highly emotional masterpieces; some of which will even move people to the point of crying. ("Empty Walls" and "Feed Us", in my opinion, are the most emotional tracks. Both are haunting pieces that recall the effects of genocide and the tragic consequences of living under a misguided society ruled by even more misguided leaders.)

Before I close, I have a few complaints reguarding "Elect the Dead". Yes, I did say this album was a true masterpiece that was definately worth a listen, but....that doesn't mean that it doesn't have it's flaws. Although Serj Tankian's departure from System of A Down seems a little refreshing for their fanbase, many of the album's songs exhibit this, however....some of them sound exactly alike in their intros, making it difficult to identify. Secondly, if one who is new to the SOAD set-up may be confused by their style and the content within their songs. Only those who are truly deep thinkers will understand the riddle-laden lyrics that dominate the overall theme of the album. Finally, SOAD as a whole, is well-known for their extreme liberalism and outspoken nature, especially when it came to the subject of the War in Iraq, a war they were strongly against ever since its beginning many years ago. Republicans may need to steer clear of "Elect the Dead", for its message may anger conservative voters who unrealistrically think that their party will be in control of our country for another 4 years. (It's not going to happen, trust me!)

"Elect the Dead" is one of the best heavy metal albums I have listened to in a long, long time. (Well....besides Megadeth's "United Abominations".) Serj Tankian is an amazingly talented individual whose beautiful soul does not lie within his band, but the messages spoken in his songs. He is one of my many sources of inspiration when it comes to writing. (You will see many SOAD quotes in the Downfall of Boss saga-it's a "hat's off" to their ability to inspire me when I can't quite write down the words.) I also believe that this entire album should be played at Barrack Obama's political rallies. How American will that be?

As we have read in the good book over the course of our lives, we have learned of a certain tale in which a divine presence creates the entire universe in just 6 days. On the last day, the day known as the Sabbath, the big guy decided that it was time to take a rest from his duties. However, he found this to be a problem- he was bored on Sunday and therefore needed something to do. It was then that he declared in front of the newly created planet, “Let there be football” and all was good. The world rejoiced at his creation; this is why we have Sundays. Finally, out of the goodness of his heart, he made one of the best decisions in the history of mankind: the creation of the Super Bowl, a mighty battle of the brawn between two of the nation’s greatest teams in the NFL. To many, the Super Bowl is much more than just an event; it’s a way of life, and my family is no exception to this lifestyle. Be afraid, blog friends, be very afraid of how our clan celebrates the greatest sporting event in the history of the mankind.



Super Bowl receipt for the clan:

Item/Description: Our cost:

New York Giants or New England Patriots jersey $79.95

Face paint $9.95

HD Sony Plasma TV $1, 199.99
+entertainment system $359.99

Snacks $50.00

Bets placed on outcome ($50 per person) $200.00

Bottle of Febreeze (for obvious reasons) $5.97

New remote for TV $20.00

New couch…better make that 2 couches $599.10

Window repair $172.00

Number of times the “man of the house” Doghouse
was told to take out the trash

Watching Papaw doing the “chicken dance” $200.00 per therapy session
after a touchdown

Fine for being too loud during the game $100.00

Hospital bill- Uncle Festus did have a heart attack $20,000.00
when the Giants won….. +_____________
total: $22976.95


Well folks, it looks like our credit score just went down by -100 points! I better tell my future kids they could send themselves through college!

If I don't see you sooner, see you later!