Not a Fascist

Partamian here... I scored a 3.3 which means I am "disciplined but tolerant; a true American." What about you? Fifty years ago, the Authoritarian Personality studies attempted to "construct an instrument that would yield an estimate of fascist receptivity at the personality level." This online, interactive F Scale presents that instrument in its final form. Additional infomation, including an explanation of the personality variables the F Scale tries to measure, is given below after the questionnaire. So take the F Scale now --- or else! Take it here .

Something interesting in my walls...

Partamian here... I was doing some demo work at the house yesterday to see how things are built so that I can do the "existing conditions" drawings for my home renovation. I'm taking this horrible fake wood paneling off of the entry wall and I find a diet Pepsi cup, and candy box, and a page form a the local paper from January 1978. I thought it was pretty funny. I've done demo work in other buildings and found coke cans and cigarette butts, but this find takes the cake. Why? Well, because there was something else in the wall with the cup, box and newspaper... someone's stash... that's right... straight out of the 70's. There was a new package of rolling papers, camouflage brand, made to look like a cigarette with a filter printed on the paper. There were two roach clips and two little pipes. There was just a little bit of residue in the bag. So, all the weed was smoked up back in 1978. Nothing in the bag smelled like marijuana. It was so old that it just didn't have an odor. I don't know why it got sealed up in the wall, maybe someone on the construction crew was so high, that they set it on the bottom plate and forgot about it as they put the paneling on. Anyway, I laughed pretty hard and now I'm going to throw it all in the trash.

I am not the only on who posts to this blog...

Partamian here... I have received some e-mails and some comments on the blog that have given me the impression that many of you have the wrong impression about who's posting what. Many of the posts (especially lately) have been posted by "M". Snaus X hasn't posted a damn thing and is going to get the boot soon if he doesn't step up. Anyway, "M" is a smart guy and a good writer. I want credit to go to "M" for a lot of the good stuff on this blog and please pay attention to who has posted to the blog when you make a comment because it's not always Partamian posting to the Partamian Report. Perhaps we should put "Partamian here..." or "M here..." at the top. It says who posted at the bottom, but I guess this gets overlooked.

US Port Security and why we are safer if Dubai Ports World takes over the operation of US Ports

Guilt by association. It is one of the oldest of human emotions. Terrorists killed Americans on 9-11. Two of those evil people came from Dubai. A bank there is likely the funneling source of some of the funding for the attacks. Therefore, a totally different company owned by totally different people that happens to be located in that same country, shouldn't be allowed invest in the US. Not only is this wrong, it's dangerous. Let me explain. Dubai is not Iraq. It is like comparing Detroit with Beverly Hills. Both are cities in the US, but very, very different. Dubai is one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita, and much more conducive to successful business investments than what the typical American thinks of when they think of the middle east. To be frank, most businessmen from Dubai are probably more honest and better at business than most American companies. This particular company specializes in this kind of operation and also has the capital necessary to pump in to this operation and make it more efficient and safer. Don't forget, this is still the US. The ports will be subject to US law, US law enforcement and oversight, taxes, jobs, etc. We need the foreign capital and the industry expertise. If we start disallowing foreign investments, especially from wealthy countries such as UAE, we will suffer in a painful economic way. We need to get over our uneducated, uninformed opinion that everyone and everything from the middle east is trying to destroy us. They're not. Many want to invest here, enjoy the benefits of free market economies. The US is an attractive place to put those investments because of our stability. We must stay true to our principles here. The more the world has invested in us, the less they have an incentive to hurt us, and the more they are likely to adopt free market policies. This gives hope and opportunity. Don't be ignorant. How would you feel if you weren't allowed to do what you wanted to do with your money because of your crazy uncle. It's not fair and it's not in the best interest of the economy, both our's and the world's. M

The Ultimate Sex Muffin

So apparently there are five main aphrodisiac foods... (chocolate, honey, cinnamon, ginger, and ginseng) This is a recipe that combines all five and is supposedly the ultimate aphrodisiac. They are supposed to work on both men and women, and they are inexpensive, easy to make, and contain ingredients available everywhere. I haven't had these yet, but I am just going to put them out there... Sex Muffin Recipe INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour 2 Tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon Contents of 15 ginseng powder capsules 2 ounces semisweet chocolate or 1/3 cup chocolate chips 1/2 stick butter 1/3 cup honey 1 cup milk 2 egg whites slightly beaten Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together flour, baking powder, spices, and ginseng powder in a big bowl. Slowly melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave or on the stove top. Mix until smooth.Add melted chocolate and butter to the dry ingredients. Stir in the honey, milk, and egg whites. Stir just enough to blend, and pour into greased or non stick muffin tins. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until muffins are brown. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. If anyone tries these out, please let me know how it goes. M

Arranging a "Most Wanted" Meeting

My wife was recently at Homestead Air Reserve Base, FL and saw this sign posted up in the Security Forces building: "It's God's responsibility to forgive Bin Laden, It's our responsibility to arrange the meeting." I thought it was a good indication that our soldiers believe in their mission. Here is the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list posting for Osama. M

National Sex Offendor Registry

I have heard about this for a long time but have never looked at it. Go here http://www12.familywatchdog.us/ and type your address to see addresses, pictures, and convictions of registered sex offendors in your area. I am not sure how I feel about this. First of all, I was shocked with how many people were living near my work and home that have criminal convictions for sex crimes. I would have thought it was a really, really rare thing. Apparently not. Although there were people on there with convictions for statuatory rape, and in all likelihood that was an 18 year old high school senior who was caught by his 17 year old girlfriend's parents. Maybe not, but isn't it a little like the Scarlett Letter? M

Koster 5K Classic

Please go here The Walker Koster 5K Classic April 29, 2006 to register for this race. Brad Koster was a friend of mine and classmate for 7 years before he died tragically from brain cancer. If you live in the Atlanta area, your participation would be much appreciated. Official promo below: You will receive an offical Koster 5K Classic race shirt. Register on-line for the 5th Annual Running of the Koster 5K Classic. Inspired by Brad Koster's courageous battle against a rare form of cancer, the Board of Trustees, classmates, and friends initiated the Koster Memorial Scholarship Fund. The race is held annually to bring awareness to the fund and cancer awareness. Help us keep Brad's spirit alive and honor his memory and, "to appreciate life and live each day to the fullest because you never know when something like this may strike"--Brad Koster M

Snausasaurus X

Long ago, in a land far away, there lived a mythical creature, known only to you and me as the legendary Snausasaurus X. This being, namesake of the legendary Waldorf Hysteria, was rumored to be the earthly lovechild of the almighty Zeus and a liger named Parthon. Snausasaurus, nephew of Achilles, son of Apollo, was half human, half beast, with the wit of a fox, the speed of a cheetah, and the intellect of a dolphin. This mild mannered and personable creature was not to be mistaken for he possessed the heart of the lion and dedication of the warrior spirit. SNX was doomed though; doomed to suffer the fate of his uncle Achilles, to be struck down in battle by the arrow of the jealous Apollo, splitting the tendon between calf and heel. Since that fateful day, not a sound has been heard of that legendary man-beast. Rumors and legends have been passed from generation to generation, heralding the bravery and heart of the Snausasaurus. Only a privileged few have ever truly known what became him, but some have rumored that he may rise up again one day to bless his followers once more with his wit and courage. So I say to every faithful follower of the Partamian Report, prepare (!) for the Snausasaurus, who we pray will once again grace us with his presence... M

Possible Mohammed Sitcoms at FARK

Funny stuff... if you're an Infidel. Go to FARK to see the more and H/T to Chas' Compilation

Atlas Shrugs

Check out Atlas Shrugs for more great cartoons and other blogging goodness. M

Return of the Orange Crayon... Sort Of

When I was a little kid, maybe 8 years old, there was an unfortunate incident involving an orange crayon. Essentially, there was an orange crayon in the pocket of one of my pairs of pants. This orange crayon somehow slipped through my mother’s pre-laundry pocket inspection program. So, into the wash went the pants with the orange crayon. This orange crayon then made its way to the dryer. So… You can imagine what a melted orange crayon can do to a load of laundry. My mother was just a little upset. Well, a few days ago our washer went on the fritz. A repair guy came out. He found a pen. This pen had gotten wedged in some mechanism in the washer. This renegade pen was expensive. It ended up being close to $200 for this guy to come out, dismantle the washer, say “here’s your problem”, and put it all back together. Check your pockets people!

Best in Show

This year's Westminster Dog Show winner, Rufus, comes from what is known as a bully breed. Rufus is a colored bull terrier, the same breed that spawned Spuds McKenzie and the Target store mascot. But dogs like Rufus are destroyed in some parts of the country. Cities around the country are banning pit bulls and other derivations of bully breeds including Staffordshire terriors, bull terriors, and any dog deemed to "look like" a pit bull. California just passed a law allowing cities to pass "Breed Specific Legislation," which will no doubt result in more discrimination against these breeds. I am the proud owner of two of these dogs. I can't imagine life without them, and I hate that they are so often so misunderstood. Don't get me wrong, there is a higher level of responsibility that comes with owning a dog that is strong enough to pull a truck. Proper training, care, and socialization are very important. But they are also extremely loving and affectionate, smart, and extremely loyal companions. Here's some pictures of these "devil dogs" (Harley on the left and Bodhi with me on the right). Yes, it is similar to owning a gun. In the wrong hands, used for the wrong purposes, bad things can happen, and I hate those that use these dogs for violence. But in the right circumstances, with training and education, they could very easily be your best friend. M

Freakin Hysterical

You have probably seen this already. I know I actually saw it live, and then I downloaded about week later because it's absolutely great. This is the angry, white rap from SNL by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg "Chronic-what-cles of Narnia" about tasty snacks, their favorite mapping software (talk about true street credit), and of course, these two buddies going out to see a movie together (angry!). http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=IggTu7kV7No What's worth bringing this back up to post, besides still being funny, even if it is old, is that it has now been downloaded by millions of people throughout the country and has sparked a kind of new East Coast - West Coast rap rivalry. Now angry white guys from all over are posting their own versions of angry cracker rap about such thuggish topics as the Color me Mine store (a paint your own pottery venue in California). I have even seen one about Myspace.com. This page has links to other videos entering the competition, such as this low quality attempt Lazy Holy Day -- Chronicles of Jihadia. (some people just have too much time on their hands.) M

Why is this news?

Ok, the Vice President accidentally shot his friend while hunting. He says he didn't mean to, his friend says it was an accident. Everyone is going to be alright. What is the deal? Cheney made a mistake, and yes, he is lucky that his buddy is alright. But let's be honest, it was accident and accidents happen. I don't see why that is anybody else's business. What I really don't understand is why the press is so upset about not being told until the next day. I don't think there was any obligation to tell the press at all. It's not public business. <---- (that's a period). There is no subsection to the Bill of Rights that declares the American media must be given all image-tarnishing news about public officials within a certain timeframe and through the major media's preferred methods. Cheney obviously feels bad about what happened. It wasn't intentional, and he should be left alone. M

Free Muslims Coalition

Ok... I keep hearing about this Muslim outrage regarding the cartoons published by the Danish (and then other European) press. It all seems very silly to me, and I'm sure it seems that way to you. Well, maybe not you, or you, or... those two guys, or him, or that one guy... Anyway, I have heard, on many occasions, on the TV and radio talk shows "Where's the outrage about blowing up innocent people?" and "Where is the Muslim outrage about the beheadings?"... and the horrible treatment of women and children, etc, etc. So, I started thinking, surely there's a Muslim group that is taking a stand. It didn't take me very long to find them. A quick Google search and tada... The Free Muslims Coalition This group seems like a legitimate reasonable group of Muslims (and others) who would like the Islamic world to come out of the dark ages and they want Muslims (and I assume anyone else) to report instances of extremism or support for terrorism. Join the Fight Against Terrorism Tell us about individuals, organizations, student associations, religious leaders, mosques or any other group or individual of influence that advocates Muslim extremist ideology, engage in apologetic support for terrorist organizations or advocates "Jihad." Hey...Don't forget to buy Danish stuff! I'm going to buy some LEGO blocks. Oh... and H/T to... um... well... me.

Buy Some Danish Stuff

Muslims Offended by Danish Cartoons... Do you give a rat's ass?

I just don't care. I mean... a bunch of pissed off Muslims? That's so strange... Normally, they are so thick skinned and easy going. Nope... I don't give a crap. Still not giving a crap. Nope... sorry... I can't read that. Oh... and I don't really give a crap. The guys at Cox and Forkum have it right. Click here to see what all the fuss is about.

Eat your dinner Tina, you fat lard...

Some offbeat news from CNN.com Israel drafts llamas after mule mutiny JERUSALEM (AP) -- It can't shoot and it can barely follow orders, but it's the newest recruit to the Israeli military: The llama. According to the Yediot Ahronot newspaper on Friday, two elite units recently began using the llamas in exercises and operations on Israel's northern border to navigate heavy loads of 60 kilograms (132 pounds) or more through difficult terrain. The military tried using mules for similar tasks, but although they could carry heavier loads than the llamas, they behaved badly -- at one point, staging a "mutiny" and fleeing, the newspaper said. According to Brig. Gen. Itzik Ben-Tov, llamas are well-disciplined and move quickly. They also have highly developed senses of smell and hearing, are nimble, and only eat once every two days. Plus they really like steak (or even a nice bass). M

It's a Girl: Part II

Ok... I'm home, Anne and Penny are at the hospital. They are doing great, and I will be bringing them home today. I have lots to do to prepare so I'm just going to post a photo up here for now. I'll put up some more later. I took more video than photos. I may put some mpg's up as well, later. Oh.. yeah. Penny weighed in at 6 pounds 10 ounces and she was 19.25 inches long. She was born at 12:48 PM on January 30th, 2006. I am the happiest man in the world right now!