Stump does PDX

The last time I took days off was in April so it was definitely time to take a few days off and get out of town. I decided it was time to finally fully explore the wonders of Seattle’s little brother, Portland. I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed.

I met a bunch of new people, hung out with some current friends, and, oddly enough, re-connected with an old friend from college. Kate and I actually went to our dorm’s semi-formal together at the ripe old age of 19. The pictures are terrifying.

Looks like Garren and I will be making it down for the beer festival on the water this weekend as well. Now, rounding out the post is Kate singing karaoke.

Stem Cell Research

Today came the news that President Bush, for the first time in five years, has actually vetoed a bill presented to him. He finally broke down and used his veto power to veto a bill that would allow people to donate unused embryos to science.

“This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others,” Bush said Wednesday afternoon. “It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect. So I vetoed it.”

Currently, people can either donate their unused embryos to barren women (so called “snowflake” babies) or have them destroyed. How is that any different than the supposed taking of an innocent human life he talks about with regards to science?

Best. Obit. Evar.

Frederic Arthur (Fred) Clark, who had tired of reading obituaries noting other’s courageous battles with this or that disease, wanted it known that he lost his battle as a result of an automobile accident on June 18, 2006. True to Fred’s personal style, his final hours were spent joking with medical personnel while he whimpered, cussed, begged for narcotics and bargained with God to look over his wife and kids. He loved his family. His heart beat faster when his wife of 37 years Alice Rennie Clark entered the room and saddened a little when she left. His legacy was the good works performed by his sons, Frederic Arthur Clark III and Andrew Douglas Clark MD, PhD., along with Andy’s wife, Sara Morgan Clark. Fred’s back straightened and chest puffed out when he heard the Star Spangled Banner and his eyes teared when he heard Amazing Grace. He wouldn’t abide self important tight *censored*. Always an interested observer of politics, particularly what the process does to its participants, he was amused by politician’s outrage when we lie to them and amazed at what the voters would tolerate. His final wishes were “throw the bums out and don’t elect lawyers” (though it seems to make little difference). During his life he excelled at mediocrity. He loved to hear and tell jokes, especially short ones due to his limited attention span. He had a life long love affair with bacon, butter, cigars and bourbon. You always knew what Fred was thinking much to the dismay of his friend and family. His sons said of Fred, “he was often wrong, but never in doubt”. When his family was asked what they remembered about Fred, they fondly recalled how Fred never peed in the shower – on purpose. He died at MCV Hospital and sadly was deprived of his final wish which was to be run over by a beer truck on the way to the liquor store to buy booze for a double date to include his wife, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter to crash an ACLU cocktail party. In lieu of flowers, Fred asks that you make a sizable purchase at your local ABC store or Virginia winery (please, nothing French – the *censored*) and get rip roaring drunk at home with someone you love or hope to make love to. Word of caution though, don’t go out in public to drink because of the alcohol related laws our elected officials have passed due to their inexplicable terror at the sight of a MADD lobbyist and overwhelming compulsion to meddle in our lives. No funeral or service is planned. However, a party will be held to celebrate Fred’s life. It will be held in Midlothian, Va. Email fredsmemory@yahoo.com for more information. Fred’s ashes will be fired from his favorite cannon at a private party on the Great Wicomico River where he had a home for 25 years. Additionally, all of Fred’s friend (sic) will be asked to gather in a phone booth, to be designated in the future, to have a drink and wonder, “Fred who?”

Via Richmond Times-Dispatch. Despite the Limbaugh/Coulter remark I give this obituary high marks. I’d like my friends to take note.

Operation Fat Ass Nearly Complete

fat_to_phat

It started about three years ago. My weight was out of control and it was time to do something about it. I dieted, exercised and, most importantly, changed my habits. I didn’t eat fast food nearly as much. I ate smaller portions. I exercised a few times a week as opposed to not exercising at all. What you see above is the current status of the infamous Operation Fat Ass. I’m down just under 45 pounds, just completed my first 5k and am currently training for my first triathlon.