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It’s not too often that I see a film, particularly a documentary, and my immediate reaction is that everyone should see it. “33 Minutes” from The Heritage Foundation is indeed one of those films.

33 Minutes (which actually refers to the average delivery time of a nuclear weapon via ballistic missile from launch to impact) discusses the state of our current missile defense system, covering our amazing technological progress since President Reagan first introduced the Strategic Defense Initiative in the early 1980’s, as well as the need for the system’s improvement and expansion.

I found 33 Minutes to be a truly enlightening experience. Not only was I provided with insights which explained the need for such a defense system from the likes of former Attorney General Edwin Meese and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the film also treated me to a fairly detailed, plainspoken description of how the system works, as well as counterarguments for opponents of the system by Lieutenant General Henry A. “Trey” Obering III (Ret.) plus an explanation of the dangers of EMP by Dr. William Graham and Dr. James Jay Carafano.

However, the most eye-opening moments of the film for me were the “man on the street“ interviews which were given by ordinary citizens. Even though it is obvious that the quality of the American education system has severely declined, I still feel shocked when I hear Americans say things along the lines of, “I don’t think anyone would allow some of these other counties to develop nuclear weapons” and “Wouldn’t it take a few days for a missile to reach its target?” to be absolutely frightening. In my opinion, the Heritage Foundation has already provided America with a wake-up call in the form, of those interviews alone. It is my personal contention that not only do we need technological advancements to defend America, but we also need to increase public awareness and engagement in order to fend off these ever-looming threats.

33 Minutes is definitely a step in the right direction. Not only did I find myself impressed with the historical, technical and philosophical insights the film provides, the presentation is smooth and easy to digest. This film is a perfect illustration of how documentaries should be produced, and in terms of message, 33 Minutes is a must for every history and civics classroom in America.

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I had hoped I would meet Tony Snow one day. In fact, I was certain I would, and soon.
Unfortunately, his cancer had other plans.
Have you ever felt that even though you’ve never met a person, you were absolutely certain that person was a cool guy? Well, take 10 minutes, watch this video, and get a glimpse of Tony Snow. For me, he was one of those cool guys. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 45% [?]

It’s been a weird couple of days.

On Friday, I got a package from Dell. I was thinking it was the free, cruddy software I never got when I ordered my notebook last November. So, I open the thing only to find that it wasn’t software at all. It was a 7.1 Megapixel camera…which I did not order.

This immediately set an alarm bell of in my head, because, My family’s credit line was stolen a couple weeks ago, and we had all of our cards canceled and replaced, and all fraudulent charges nullified. So, I immediately call my credit card companies to see if unauthorized charges have been made on my new cards. According to my creditors, none had occurred.

Following that, I call up Dell. (read: India). I ask them about it, and they tell me it was charged to a credit card that wasn’t mine. I should have asked for a name on the card, but I was so buy trying to understand what Abu was saying, I didn’t think about it. I agreed to send the camera back. I’m waiting for it to be picked up.

Then came Saturday. UPS delivered a 19″ LCD Monitor from Newegg.com, again, which I did not order. However, I do have an account with Newegg, and I order from them frequently. Luckily for me, Newegg’s service is top notch, and they keep every order I’ve ever placed on file. This goes all the way back to 2005. I log in and check my account, and again I see no order for the item has been placed.

Now I begin to worry, possibly thinking that another line of credit has been opened in my name. I notify the police and immediately acquire my credit reports. Everything seems to be in order. I’m perplexed.

I called Newegg today, (Monday) and they told me the order was placed in another state, and NOT in my name. So now, I’m not entirely sure what is going on. My house has either been chosen as a drop point for someone else’s stolen identity, (which is a horrible choice, considering the lay of the land here, as well as the delivery schedule, and the fact that I have an SKS assault rifle in my house. (Think about THAT, you hoods.) :)

Or, maybe I have some kind of strange stalker who likes to send gifts. This is indeed a possibility. While I am not an “A-Lister” per se, My presence on the web is solid, and I have gotten random gifts before. I’m keeping an open mind.

Now, if I do have a stalker, I would like to say the following things:

1. If you are a hot chick, please stop hiding. I am rather available. :)

2. You are sending me stuff I don’t need. I already have a digital camera, and a 27″ monitor. Thanks much, but no thanks on the 19″. Send me something I could really use, like a Blu-Ray drive for my PC. Everybody needs HD. Geez. What kind of gift-giving stalker are you? :)

Have pride in your work!

Popularity: 26% [?]

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Conservative anthem? Maybe. American? *Definitely*.

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The newly elected president of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

I’m just sayin’. ;)

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