Rev. 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Greetings to all the readers of the experience that is “Bicyclemark’s Communique”! As Mark so eloquently introduced me, I’m Big Daddy J (James being my given name) and I am honored to be your guestblogger for the next few postings. I hope I can maintain the level of integrity and professionalism that this blog is known for. Enough butt smooching…
Who is Big Daddy? Mark’s introduction was pretty accurate but allow me to differentiate myself from my sibling. I am a Certified School Social Worker and the placement officer for the Newark NJ school district. Basically I find classes for special education students and do a variety of state and federal reporting. I am a registered Independent but I don’t stick to any particular line. When it comes to politics, I tend to look more locally then globally which I am sure you’ll notice in my postings. I get my news on-line mostly from Yahoo News which I’m sure I’ll get flack for. If you have any decent suggestions for other places to get news, I am open to it (first person to point me to NY Times gets the Captain Obvious award). My other favorite news source is The Daily Show, but that’s just sheer entertainment baby. I am a computer game addict (Everquest being my drug of choice) and I refuse to quit so back off man! Music and movies are my other obsessions, so you can expect some of that in my blog posts as well. Ok, Enough intro…
Someone explain to me the kidnappings and bombings currently occurring in Iraq. Yes its people reacting to a perceived puppet government established by an unlawful invading force. Yes its a method to achieve change and movement towards their goal. However, I cannot understand the bloodshed of their own people to achieve this means. Example, what did this car bombing accomplish? An insurgent attack against innocent families just trying to survive. Let’s not remove our focus from Afghanistan either. Groups just trying to provide aid and support are becoming targets for, what I can only assume, madmen blaming independent service organizations for what has happened in their countries. What becomes the answer then? A mass pullout of all armed forces, supplemental service personnel, and independent services groups and contractors? How do these countries, that have been devastated by our political leaders actions, rebuild without the support of outside agencies and governments? Do we believe that the daily violence will stop if a United Nations peacekeeping force was in place? Educate me…
Lighter note… I’ve become a big fan of the Independent Film Channel. I especially enjoy their short films. I was touched by a particular short on Monday titled Souvenir Views. If you can find this anywhere, please give it a good viewing. The courage and beauty of his trip just made me think of Mark.
I will be continuing the music recommendations (as seen below), but you can also expect some music ranting and raving as well from time to time.
Until tomorrow… Be well John Spartan.
Today’s Music: The Cure – The Cure (A glorious return to where they belong)