More Important Topics!!

LOL... So a band of severe weather came through Jacksonville yesterday and you would think that a damn hurricane was coming through our area. All of the local news channels broke to their weather centers around 12pm and stayed with the weather until the 5pm news started. 4 freakin hours reporting on nothing except that the streets were wet. Come on it was rain, this isn't a new concept here in Jacksonville, it rains just about every day from mid March until early June. Was it a slow news day or something?? I know that there are more important things going on in the world or even locally than stupid rain.

Did you know that Florida's Governor Rick Scott is trying to cut back on Florida's CyberCrimes unit? *Since the state agency was established six years ago, more than 250 online child predators have been arrested in Florida. I went to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and did a quick search for Florida within the last year. 110 missing children.. 110 lives crushed, 110 grieving mothers and fathers, 110 families not knowing where their little boy or girl is. Granted that some of these children are classified as runaways, but there is always a chance that they left due to a predator. I also did a search of registered sex offenders in several counties here in Florida and here are the results. In Clay county there are 335 registered sex offenders, In Duval there are 1691, and in Saint Johns county there are 191. Let me give you an idea of what this means.. the estimated population of these three counties is 1,185,290. This comes out to be 1 out of every 535 persons in these counties are registered as a sexual predator.

I guess that my point is why spend 4 hours on covering the rain, when other, more important shit is going on in this crazy screwed up world. True that people need to know when severe weather is in an area but remember the day when it was a little ticker at the bottom on the TV or an announcement on the radio.


* Source Link ◦

More Important Topics!!

SHHH!!! Don't Offend the Dragon!!

Homer has officially been banned.. or at least shows that are related to anything nuclear have been. According to Entertainment Weekly (EW) "Broadcasters in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have decided to ban or censor episodes of the popular cartoon series that make fun of nuclear meltdowns."* This isn't a new thing banning or censoring shows that are deemed offensive or not appropriate. My question is, Who is the one who decides for the rest of us what is offensive? Is it enough that one person is offended or does it have to be a majority? And who the HELL are you to push your morals and ethics on me???

I am reminded of several episodes of Southpark and Family Guy where Jesus is depicted as being anything other than holy. I don't remember those episodes being censored, I remember early Southpark and a character named Starvin Marvin... Do you all remember him? Would that have been considered offensive to the African American community? My point is that humor is just that..humor. If offends turn it off, change the channel, or simply walk away. There are several options available to those whose "BOX" is constantly irritated (also known as sand in the crack). Just because you might not think it approiate, don't speak for me or the whole world.

Just for the record, What has happened in Japan and is still happening is a terrible, terrible, tragedy. Me and my wife will be there in 2 months and I am looking forward to helping them with whatever resources I can give them. I don't believe that anyone making light of any tragedy detracts from the seriousness of the situation. Homer and his dumbass have been making nuclear mistakes for 22 seasons, and his mishaps started April 19, 1987 just 1 year after the Chernobyl accident on 26 April 1986.

Please people get a grip, and lighten up... It only humor... don't laugh if it's not funny to you...




*Source link to EW article ◦

SHHH!!! Don't Offend the Dragon!!

Disappointing Climax!!

Here's an eye catching title, but this post isn't about anything of a sexual nature. This is more about the dis-appointing nature of video games and their lack luster endings.

I have been an avid video gamer since pretty much the beginning. Over the years I have owned a Commadore 64, Atari, Caleco vision, Sega, Sega Saturn, Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Multiple Gameboy platforms, at least 30 different computers, PS1, PS2, PS3, XBOX 360 (twice), Sega Gamegear, Sega Dreamcast.... You pretty much get the point.

I have played pretty much every type of game out there from BBS door games to Japanese Role Playing games and everything in between, and I have seen a severely degraded satisfaction factor at the end of games lately. Take for instance the new game HomeFront.. The US is invaded by a unified Korea and you are part of a ragtag insurgency trying to defend your freedoms and liberate parts of America. The game play was great, and the idea was awesome, but the problems come from the short lived game play. I started on a Friday and finished it Sunday afternoon, about 10 hours. At the End I was expecting the game to continue on to other parts of the US but it pretty much just ended.. Sighh another 60 dollars down the drain.. this is just one example of how many of the games end.. Black Ops was the same way. I know these game makers try to hook you on the story line so they can sell subsequent titles, but for fucks sake have some kind of resolution. I am pretty much reserving my game play anymore for role playing games. I have been playing Fallout 3 since it came out and I still go through and play it over and over. I love to explore the Capital Wasteland over and over because everytime I find something new. The end of that game actually has an ending to it with an end to the story line, and the funny thing is, it didn't hurt any New Vegas sales. IMO all first person shooter games for me will be rentals from now on, due to the quick game play. ◦

Disappointing Climax!!

It's the Final Countdown!!!

Last full week here in my present command. Looking back at my accomplishments over the last 3 years here in Jacksonville, I'm feeling a little empty. I didn't meet all of my goals but I leaned alot about being a leader from a pretty awesome Chiefs mess while I was here in VP-45. Here are some of the goals I set for myself when I arrived in 2008.

LPO (Head Guy in Charge) - Check
Individual Augmentee (IA)- Nope
Bachelor's Degree- Nope
Sailor of the Year- Nope
Advance to E7- Nope missed board twice
First Class Mess President or Vice-President- Nope (Voted out)

What did I do with my 3 years here? I honestly can say that I didn't do much. I missed out on many opportunities to change those nopes to a yes, but for some reason I just didn't reach out far enough to do it. I did however work my ass off and took good care of my sailors, I made a name for myself here as a fair leader. Being a leader in a command is almost like being a parent, It is damn hard to try and separate Dan Shrum from being AT1 Shrum. I think it is everyone's basic desire to be liked by all and not to be labeled as an asshole or a shitbag, but when you do your job well those labels start flying. All I can say is that I did the best job that I could. As this chapter closes in my life and a new one opens I can say that this was rewarding tour, and I got to meet so great people that I will never forget, both good and bad.  Some of those people who have helped me better myself that I would like to mention are ADCS Froeber, ADC Riley, ATC Kendall, AMC O'Dell, ATCS Culverhouse, AZ1 Herff, AS1 Franklin, and AWFC Lay. You guys have helped me in ways that you'll never understand.. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. ◦

It's the Final Countdown!!!

Why the Japanese survive.

I was reading an article on how industrious the Japanese people are, and how even in their time of mourning they are recovering from the the event of 11MAR quickly. When I saw this I was just absolutely amazed. The Japanese people are very efficient and understand in order to make a quick recovery they must repair the countries infrastructure and re-open their internal supply lines. For them to ship food and medicine they need the ability to transport these item to the affected areas of Japan via trucks and other methods.


We are set to go to Japan at the end of May due to a military PCS move. I wish that my wife and I were there now so we could help with the recovery efforts. Sitting here at work concerned about what I'm having tonight for dinner seems a little insignificant compared to someone who just lost their family, home, and morale, and is wondering if their going to eat at all tonight. I know we have people here in the US with the same issues, but there are established services that are available for them to use. In Japan there are places that people can go to get help under normal circumstances, but what happens when these services are not available because they were lost in a tsunami? Yes my heart is heavy when I think about any American who is suffering, but what are we to do when people's pride gets in the way of their own well being. OK anyway.. back on topic.. Japan..


This isn't the first major disaster for Japan that they have bounced back from. On  January 17, 1995, at 05:46 a 7.2 earthquake hit the southern part of Hyogo, Prefecture causing major damage in the area and killing approximately 6500. Think about where we were in the 90's with construction and technology, now think about where we are today. Even though the damage this time was far worse, with the help of the global community a bigger, better, safer Japan will be back in no time at all. ◦

Why the Japanese survive.

BlackBerry removing DUI checkpoint apps.

I'm going to start this post off with this little tidbit of information.


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no Warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."-Constitution of the United States, Fourth Amendment.


I am not a constitutional lawyer, and I don't pretend to be an authoritative interpreter of the Constitution, but I believe that we are protected from these checkpoint legally under the Constitution. *In 1990 the United States Supreme Court found properly conducted sobriety checkpoints to be constitutional. While acknowledging that such checkpoints infringed on a constitutional right, Chief Justice William Rehnquist argued the state interest in reducing drunk driving outweighed this minor infringement. So let me understand this for a minute, the Supreme court acknowledges that these checkpoints are an infringement on our constitutional rights but it's ok because it's only a minor infringement. WTF!!!!


So this company developed an Application (APP) for smart phones that allows users to warn drivers that an "Unconstitutional, Illegal, highly Unethical" roadblock is ahead. Oh I forgot to tell you that this App has been available for some time now, it was being used to warn other drivers of speed trap locations as well as red light cameras. Apparently it was OK when it was used for these purposes. Senators Harry Reid of Nevada, Charles Schumer of New York, Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Tom Udall of New Mexico sent letters to company Research in Motion to remove the app, which they did. All I can say is that is right up the Dems alley to contradict the Constitution. Remember that Big Brother is always watching and slowly chipping away at your rights as a US citizen. Don't mis-understand me I love this country but my Oath say "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against ALL enemies foreign and DOMESTIC" That is why I feel the way I do.


Even though this app has been removed there are still many sites on the internet to help you avoid these illegal checkpoint. One site can be found HERE.


I leave you with one quote " Papers Please "- unknown random German Soldier- WWII


*source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_checkpoint* ◦

BlackBerry removing DUI checkpoint apps.

It begins

Ha-ha. Finally... After years of contemplating of starting a blog I finally did it. Hmmm what to talk about... I know, let’s talk about me. Hello, my name is Dan and I am in the NAVY. I have been proudly serving my country for about 12 years now. Being in the Navy has allowed me to see some very interesting places and meet some pretty cool people. I have been to Maine, Florida, Texas, California, Azores, Spain, Sicily, Africa, El Salvador, Iceland, and soon Japan. I know what you’re saying right now “JAPAN!! Isn't everyone leaving there?" well yes and no. They have enacted a voluntary departure for any dependents (Family) even though there is no immediate danger where we're going to. I guess they just want to try and conserve resources in the country, but by doing that they are straining US resources financially. Anyway back to me. :) I am married to a beautiful woman whom I love with all of my heart, and have been so for 10 years in June. You can stop by and say hi to her at The Social Frog she's a great lady. We have no children of the human variety, but have three dogs Bailey, Zoey, and Cecilia. I am currently stationed in Jacksonville, Florida but we're done here in about 2 months and it's time for us to move on to the next adventure... which as I mentioned before is Japan... Ok that enough about me... let me move on to someone else.

My wife. My wife is truly the kindest, most loving person I have ever had in my life (I'm not just saying this to score). She is pretty naive to a fault when it comes to people. As offensive as that may sound it really isn't, what I mean is that she always seems to see the good in people no matter their faults. Unless you personally hurt her deeply, she will be your friend for life. All of the bad things that I have done in my life she has never held them against me. Remember forgiven doesn't mean forgotten. I love my wife and even though I not the most romantically or passionate man in the world I miss her badly when we're apart. My wife really takes good care of me, and has done so even before we were married. I remember living in Maine in the barracks and she refusing to go home because I was so sick, but that’s not the only time. Even when we are both sick, she finds a way to hide ignore her sickness and take care of me... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love her more than anything or anyone else in the world. She is the greatest...

My Family. I am not an only child; I have an older brother, a younger sister, a mother, and a father. Ronald is my older brother and I miss him very much. I remember going to stay the night with him when I was just a little kid and playing Nintendo and listening to Too Short and NWA. My brother was there for me after I ran into a little bit of trouble as a young man in Texas. He allowed me to stay with him and even set me up with some contacts at Dallas Alley which helped me get a job as security/bar back there. Thanks Bro, that was for sure the funnest job I ever had. My younger sister Cristal is great. Over the years we have spread slowly apart, to just the occasional contact every now and again. We went through some rough times growing up but we stuck together and got through them just fine. She is married with 3 kids and still lives in Texas. I am proud of what she has achieved in her life, even though I feel as though I had a hand in blocking her from getting there earlier. I love you Cristal. My mother Linda or better known as MOM. I love her but unfortunately we have never been really close since I was about 12. I miss regret that I held on to grudges for so long that now we are so distant that it is hard to rebuild our relationship. I have been talking to her more often now then in the past, and it feels good to let her know what's going on in my life. I love you mom and will forever be your son, nothing will ever change that. My father Ron, Joe, or Ronald. I really miss that man. Even now as I write this I am getting emotional just thinking about how we haven't talked in about 2 years now. We just kind of lost touch with each other. Ever since I joined the Navy our relationship has slowly drifted apart all the way to this point. I miss you pops and am glad that you are doing well. I wish I could see you before we leave for Japan, but that's probably not going to happen seeing how crazy life is has been for all of us.

Isn't that the purpose of a blog? To get it all out in the open, to put a chink in that armor that we all wear to shield ourselves from being vulnerable. I think I will like writing a blog a day, it feels freeing to be able to express your feeling about anything you want. Thank for taking the time to read..... So long ◦

It begins