New Album Update #1

As you can see in the news section of the website, I've decided to embark on the path to create a new album. Nothing is official as of yet, except that it will be released in 2009 and that it will be an EP.

Big ideas, big hopes, and big dreams come to mind with this release.  In my opinion, these are some of the best songs I've done to date - hands down.  I have built a good network of very competent musicians that can add great depth to the songs, if need be.  I'm predicting that the new release will have more of a "raw" feeling to it...thats all I can say for now.  Stay tuned for updates.

- Josiah

A House Divided

Here is another story about succession, or rather, about redefining our sovereignty as we know it.

A former KGB analyst, Igor Panarin, has predicted the end of the United States.  The schmuck thinks that by 2010 we'll be sliced and diced up as a nation.  Lets look at what he is saying:

REGION 1: "The Californian Republic"

California will be the center of this new republic, under heavy Chinese influence.  Hmmm, the Chinese do have some operating contracts in a few Californian ports, but saying that they could extend their influence a few miles inland (much less into Utah and Idaho) is asinine.

REGION 2: "The Texas Republic"

Due to the influx of illegal immigration, all southern states will follow subject to Mexican control.  This could be Texas's opportunity to be the lone republic they've always wanted to be, well, kind of.

REGION 3: "The Central North American Republic"

Why bother with this one?  There is no Canadian influence in America AT ALL.  If anything, its the other way around.  Some exceptions might be universal "hellthcare" and slap shots...

REGION 4: "Atlantic America"

The eastern seaboard will become a part of the European Union.  We're a different continent after all, but whatever, its one world right?  

REGION 5: "Hawaii"

Hawaii will go to Japan, due to the influence of cheaper auto imports and flat screen TVs.  Thats right, the country with no military what so ever.

REGION 6: "Alaska"

Guess where Alaska goes?  Thats right!  Right back into Mother Russia's "warm" embrace.  I guess this region is the only logical conclusion Igor came up with, being that it was purchased from Russia in the first place.  Good luck Russia reclaiming your land from the pit bull with lipstick.

The State of Jefferson?

Here is an interesting story, something most people wouldn't expect to read in modern times:

"A move to secede on California-Oregon border", San Francisco Chronicle

To paraphrase, a handful of counties in northern California and southern Oregon have been pushing for succession from southern Californian Hollywood nymphomaniacs and Portland-Salem eco-psychos for the past 67 years.  They are pushing for their own statehood, and want to call themselves "Jefferson"...check it out at www.jeffersonstate.com.  Can you blame them?  Not really.  I'm sure that there are tons of conservative counties in blue states across the country that want to secede, and probably, rightfully so.  California's state tax is astronomically high, which kills small towns outside of metropolitan areas, which are dependent on their local economies.

These days, it doesn't seem like a realistic concept, does it?  Heck, Puerto Rico can't even do it, its still a commonwealth.  Alaska's Independence Party didn't get it done when they elected a pro-succession Alaskan governor back in the 1990s.  I'm sure there have been countless efforts that didn't garner any steam, mostly from red-state rubes, right?

PORK, PORK, PORK, PORK...PORK!

Ladies and gents, here are the "Top 10 Sweetest Items" included in the Senate's latest version of the bailout bill. Lets do this David Letterman style...

10) Extension of economic development credit for American Samoa = $33 million

9) Extension and modification of duty suspension on wool products; wool research fund; wool duty refunds = $148 million

8) Provisions related to film and television productions = $478 million

7) Deduction for state and local sales taxes = $3.3 billion

6) Secure rural schools and community self-determination program = $3.3 billion

5) Income averaging for amounts received in connection with the Exxon Valdez litigation = $49 million

4) Extension and modification of research credit = $19 billion

3) Increase in limit on cover over of rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands = $192 million

2) Seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports racing track
facility = $100 million

Drum roll please...this one takes the cake...

1) Exemption from excise tax for certain wooden arrows designed for use by children = $2 million

In the debate, McCain says he is against pork barrel spending...and he voted for it.

Source: Taxpayers for Common Sense