Ryan Thomas Goodenough

Out of curiosity, what do you think are the 3 most important issues that face our country. No, I’m not talking about flag burning (unless you really do think that’s important)–I’m talking about what you feel are the most important and crucial issues that we must face. For me, it has to be:

• Healthcare (universal)
• Education (revamp system, increase funding)
• International Relations (assist the UN, not act alone)

Post what you think are the three top issues by selecting the “no comments” link at the top of this entry. If it has comments, it should say something like “comments(4)”–hit that and post.

Alright, this is pretty cool. eBay has its own seller and its username is “globalgiving.” As you can see, globalgiving lists various items for sale (actually, they all seem to be pens) that benefit various global causes. In addition, eBay sellers (like me) can donate a certain percentage of their profits to globalgiving. Once the sellers reach certain targets, the globalgiving community will match the dollar amounts. This seems like a very good idea–I think I will try to give a little bit of each of my auctions from now on.

Another reason I like to be at home by the ocean is that when I go golfing, I’m treated to some incredible views. Maybe I’m too distracted by the sea to concentrate on my shots…YES, that’s it!

(That’s Bar Harbor in the distance, by the way.)

I love America. I love the freedom that it gives me, the opportunities that are available, and the people who live here. However, I don’t like to say that I’m a “Patriot” or a true “Nationalist.” I believe, 100%, that our values should be protected and our way of live maintained. That being said, I don’t want to jump on the American bandwagon and say that “America is the best way of life.” Nothing is perfect. Not that nationalists or patriots claim to be perfect, but they sure as heck act as if their way of life is the best. The problem with this attitude is that French nationalists clash with American patriots who clash with German sovereigntists, etc, etc. No way of life is the best or the only way. Cultures should retain their uniqueness. I would call myself a Nationalist as far as this country’s borders–that is to say, nationalism becomes a problem when one’s way of life or beliefs are forced upon another. Nationalism should be pride in one’s country, not the belief that one’s country is the best. That line seems to be crossed a lot in this era of hyper-sovereignty and Bush’s pro-America global push.

Did I say “push”? It’s really more like a shove with a strong punch.

Now, where can I get myself some Freedom Fries at this time of night…?

Just wanted to let you know that I’m selling a phone we received from Cingular by mistake, so if you need a new cell phone and you are a Cingular customer, this Samsung should do nicely.

After much work, I completed the stairs last week. Don’t they rock? (no pun intended).

We had quite the storm today! It only lasted about 20 to 30 minutes, but we had a lot of rain, lightning, hail(!?), and thunder. I snapped some pictures, hope you enjoy them!

I don’t know what they did to the Emmy voting system this year, but none of the survivors on “Lost” got nominations, Brie and the rest of the “Desperate Housewives” got snubbed, and, somehow, “House” got nominated, but not Hugh Laurie (House). They better fix the voting system next year.

By the way, if you haven’t gotten my last thousand recommendations, watch these shows! For you “Lost” fans out there–how about that Season 2 finale?! Email me if you want to talk about it.

While the summer is typically a bad time for television, several cable networks have started the tradition of starting some of their new shows during the summer months (yes, I know the broadcast networks did this before, but those were…terrible, terrible shows.) Anyway, if you get the chance, check out Psych on Fridays at 10:00 ET on USA. It’s a funny, light detective show in the same vein as Monk. Highly recommended!

If you’re in the mood for a great new album this summer, I highly suggest Keane’s new one, “Under the Iron Sea.” If you don’t feel like buying the whole album, check out “Leaving So Soon?,” “Is it Any Wonder?,” and “Crystal Ball” on the iTunes Music Store.