I recently came across an interesting blog, the PatriotÂ’s Den over at ForMyKountry, a start-up firearms manufacturer. The founder, Jim Pontillo, seems to be my sort of guy in terms of his philosophy. Indeed, IÂ’ve bee quite pleased by much of what IÂ’ve read at the site.

Take, for instance, his current opinion piece. He makes this assessment of the definitional problem in discussions of liberalism and conservatism, one that I cannot disagree with in the least.

It is virtually impossible to debate this philosophy with its adherents because it is such a dark and negative ideology no one will ever admit it to be their belief. A Wikipedia search will tell you liberalism emphasizes individual rights, equality of opportunity, and guarantees freedom of thought and speech, all venerated attributes of our Constitution, and all attributes that adherents who lean politically to the right want to conserve.

Further investigation of Wikipedia and the term Conservatism will reveal a liberalÂ’s view of conservatism; that it has no ideology, but that it is only tied inflexibly to outmoded ideologies of the past. I suppose that is accurate if you believe Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, Adams, Franklin, and others, gave us the outmoded ideologies of freedom of speech, religion, and the tumultuous inalienable rights that no man or government can claim authority over.

Exactly.

Those who read me here will note that I frequently argue in favor of individual rights, especially when they are violated in the name of the “group right” not to be offended. Similarly, I’ve argued rather stridently in favor of speech which liberals seek to shut down in the name of political correctness. I support the equal opportunity for every individual, which means that preferences based upon race, sex, or other attributes should be rejected as contrary to the American value of treating each individual as an individual. Indeed, according to the definition of liberalism cited by Pontillo, I would undeniably be a liberal – but no liberal would ever confuse my positions with their collectivist claptrap. Neither would they think of Jim as a liberal, despite his defense of those same values.

Jim doesn’t hold his fire when he sees a moving target. And I don’t agree with him on everything. But I find his writing to be stirring and logical, with a principled outlook on the world. I’ll be looking in on him from time to time – and I encourage you to do so as well.

Posted by: Greg at 03:35 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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Well it's bulls and blood
It's dust and mud
It's the roar of a Sunday crowd
It's the white in his knuckles
The gold in the buckle
He'll win the next go 'round
It's boots and chaps
It's cowboy hats
It's spurs and latigo
It's the ropes and the reins
And the joy and the pain
And they call the thing rodeo

Can you tell I am getting really excited that rodeo is approaching here in Houston? But as much as I love the hometown show, There is one I want to see even more -- the National Finals Rodeo, which comes around every December. After all, the NFR features the best of the best in every event.

The National Finals Rodeo is that is held in Las Vegas Nevada every year over a ten-day stretch. The top money earners every year from each rodeo event are invited to compete for the title of world champion. These events are bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. The competition is always intense, and the animal athletes are also tops in their class, not just the cowboys and cowgirls.

I really enjoy watching the National Finals Rodeo on television, however, would really like to go some December. National Finals Rodeo tickets can be a challenge to get on short notice, however. IÂ’m told you need to reserve them long before the rodeo actually starts. IÂ’m also told, though, that tickets can be found through different ticket agencies if you canÂ’t make plans to attend early enough to order tickets for yourself.

Posted by: Greg at 02:54 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Over the years, I’ve developed a lot of contacts with folks who either live or study abroad. Keeping in touch with them can really be a challenge. Often we stay connected via instant messaging services like MSN or Yahoo or Google, but sometimes that is a hit-or-miss proposition due to the need to be on the computer at the same time. That is why phone cards are sometimes the best option, because calling each other may be more convenient and it is often a cost effective and efficient tool. I really like the idea of international phone cards that help connect us to friends and families at prices that are sometimes cheaper than regular phones. I think back to my buddy Les from college, whose phone bill talking to his girlfriend Sara in the UK could have probably paid to fly him to London for bit of “afternoon delight”.

There are lots of websites which offer these prepaid phone cards online. One of such website is TheRichCom.com. They have some great values. If you really need of a phone card, I would recommend that you check out the fantastic deals that they offer on their page. They carry over 800+ phone cards offering low rates. Just purchase the card online and and begin using it immediately!

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I’ll admit it – from time to time I enjoy gambling. Therefore I've made an occasional trip to USA casinos. I’ve discovered that in that I’m like most people – gambling is a recreational activity.

But the internet has opened up a whole new world of gaming for those interested in that activity. Online casinos are springing up all over, and are a big business. For example, you can find a great many USA online casinos at USAPlayersWelcome.com, which is a giant directory of online casino sites.

Of course, it is important that one gamble responsibly, and that one seek help if that urge to gamble is out of control. But for most folks, a trip to the casino – real or online – is a harmless pleasure.

Posted by: Greg at 06:39 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Do you need to have some sort of fundraising program, but donÂ’t know what product or products to use for that purpose? Maybe you should visit Shoutack.com. This a new and different form of fundraising, because Shoutback is an online community that aggregates online and local deals, coupons and promotions, allowing shoppers to make their own deals.

Best of all, this isn’t the same old thing – no fundraising by selling candy bars, popcorn, or magazines. From long experience I know that such fundraisers are a real hassle one to do. I mean, don’t you hate being hit up by your co-workers because their child’s third grade class, church youth group, Little League team or Scout troop is trying to make some money? You sort of feel obliged to buy something, even if it isn’t something you want.

But at Shoutback, youÂ’ve got a really great way to do fundraising, because all you have to do is you go to Shoutback.com. Once you are there, you will create your account and start putting the word out in the online community. Then you can raise fund for local groups within community.

Shoutback also has an auction system that makes that form of fundraising easy for everyone, too.

Posted by: Greg at 10:49 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Sorry about the title -- I just couldn't resist the bad joke.

However, varicose veins are not at all funny -- in fact, they can be painful. While usually not something that has serious medical consequences, they are unsightly and can lead to other issues as well.

So what sort of varicose vein treatments are available? Non-surgical treatments include sclerotherapy. The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping, and newer techniques include radiofrequency ablation.

Want to learn more? Well, at VeinDirectory.org, you can find out all about varicose veins, treatment options, and a directory of reputable physicians who can help with treatment of the condition. If you are looking for help with varicose veins, you should really check out the site.

Posted by: Greg at 06:00 PM | Comments (17) | Add Comment
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Are you looking for a place to sell your old car or buy a vintage vehicle to restore? The you need to check out Wheels-Near-U.co.uk! They have an incredible listing of used cars, trucks and SUV's in all parts of Great Britain. When you shop for able used vehicle you'll be amazed at what youÂ’ll find. TheyÂ’ve even got a great blog and an extensive gallery of cars. Say you want a car in Ceredigion or Surrey -- you'll be able to find what you want near you. They're listed Wheels-Near-U.co.uk right now!

Posted by: Greg at 01:13 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment
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If you arenÂ’t a pilot, whether of fixed wing aircraft or helicopters, you would be amazed at how how important it is to have an aviation attorney to help. Helicopter Accident Attorney.com is a legal website dedicated to helping the legal layman understand the ins and outs of helicopter laws. They also can help you to find legal representation in your community if you need it.

Helicopter Accident Attorneys provides many informative news articles from around the nation and a resource center geared toward those looking for in-depth information on helicopter accidents. The resource center is user-friendly with an easy-to-use interface. The site also provides statistical data and a 24-hour resource line to assist you with any questions. So if you need a helicopter accident attorney, check out HelicopterAccidentAttorney.com.

Posted by: Greg at 11:57 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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GreenIQ is helping consumers live a more environmentally responsible life using a fun, fast, and scientifically created calculator that measures your GreenIQ. GreenIQ is a quick quiz that helps define how green your lifestyle is and helps you to reduce your environmental impact!

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Can one person really make that much of a difference? Does turning off the faucet while shaving really have much impact? Hoe important is driving a hybrid to improving the environment? How about running the sprinkler for the kids to play in? HereÂ’s how to find out how green you really are!

The site also has a great deal of information and resources about reducing waste and becoming more environmentally conscious. There are ideas for green gifts, tips on what to look for when buying produce, and even suggestions about how to green up your beauty routine. The quiz is fun and provides very useful information. That is true even if you are like me, not a believer in global warming but still concerned about ensuring a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

Posted by: Greg at 10:43 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Given that two of my grandparents lived past 85, the fact that siblings of the two who died young (both heavy smokers) lived past 85, and the fact that my parents are in the best of health in their early 70s, I've always expected a reasonably long life. Well, here is a quiz that shows me that my expectation is probably right!

Drop by and see their other great blog quizzes -- and check out the blog as well.

Posted by: Greg at 06:29 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Everyone knows that the television screen is among the most powerful marketing tools in the world today. Social scientists estimate that the average child spends over 100 hours in front of that glowing screen each week. And letÂ’s be honest -- most people consider the television to be a fine way to relax after a hard day at work. WouldnÂ’t it be great to harness the beast as an advertising tool? Of course it would be!

If you are considering advertising on television, Hawthorne Direct can help you out. They do informercials for television and other forms of mass media advertising such as direct mail, emails, and creative production of your companyÂ’s services and products.

Posted by: Greg at 03:40 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Growing up, finding a moving company wasn't difficult. My uncle worked as a driver for the top Moving Company on the West Coast, and so we always knew that our furniture and possessions would get the best of care.

But if you don't have a relative in the business, you would do well to check out HomeBulletin.net to help you find reputable, reliable Moving Services to get your stuff from point A to point B in good condition.

Posted by: Greg at 02:32 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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If you are in to skateboarding, donÂ’t hesitate to check out WarehouseSkateboards.com because they offer all the top skateboard brands, including products from Enjoi, Element, Blind, Zero, Flip and many, many more. It would certainly appear that theirs is one of the largest selections of any skate inventory, and they also have what you need at the lowest prices. And they make it easy to find the equipment which exactly match your demands using the easy navigation functions by brand, type and size.

WarehouseSkateboards.com offers skateboard decks, tucks, wheels, risers, and much more. You can even design your own skateboard online in minutes, by drawing from their huge selection of decks, trucks, and other parts available from the best different manufacturers. It is the cheapest possible way to purchase a complete skateboard, while getting professional grade skate gear.

They also have a great line of skate clothing available, including jeans, sweatshirts, shoes, beanies, and jackets in the latest skateboarding fashion.

If you are looking to purchase a skateboard complete as a gift for someone, WarehouseSkateboards.com offers an amazing selection of pre-assembled skateboards. There are dozens to choose from, and many are on sale now!

You'll find lots of great skateboarding gear and accessories, not to mention cool surfing items, available at great prices. Visit the website at www.warehouseskateboards.com to see their full line of products.

Posted by: Greg at 06:06 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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Is there a real difference between web conferencing, video conferencing and a regular old conference call? Not really, if your a customer of http://www.accuconference.com. They provide, all of those features, allowing users to get in and work on several files and folders on the same system, and providing users with an interactive web page displaying the content currently in use! Accuconference allows users to have face-to-face video/audio chat, too.

Video Conferencing becomes incredibly easy because of the website they provide for user tutorials about how to make the most out of their Accuconference subscription to make the best use of their time in the most cost effective manner possible! But to be honest, the service is so easy to use that many subscribers will find its functions to be almost intuitive in nature. And just as important, the amount of data that can be transmitted using Accuconference is really impressive compared with many other services that have lower limits on the speed at which data is sent.

Oh, one other great thing about Accuconference is that you donÂ’t need to have a reservation for your web conference, video conference, or conference call. Theirs is an on-demand service, which means that you can use it at YOUR convenience, not theirs. After all, not every conference can be planned in advance. So check them out at http://www.accuconference.com to begin communicating more effectively and conveniently.

Posted by: Greg at 04:20 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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