Some of my Origami

I folded Kawasaki's Rose today, and I did something that I've been wanting to try for a while: To take some descent photos of the origami that lives on my desk. I have quite a larger collection at home, so this gallery could grow in time. Until then, I uploaded the shots from today for you to see, and hopefully you enjoy them! Click the above panda to view the gallery. (Wordpress account is deleted and photo removed.)

Your parental rights

Did you know that many judges are now denying parental rights? That others are refusing to recognize them because they are not explicitly protected in the U.S. Constitution? Have you heard about the UNCRC? Read on my friend...

The UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,) is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children.Wikipedia entry: UNCRC Currently all countries of the United Nations, except the United States and Somalia have ratified it. This treaty, harmless as it may appear, is capable of attacking the very core of the child-parent relationship, removing parents from their central role in the growth and development of a child, and replacing them with the long arm of government supervision within the home.ParentalRights.org Here is what President Bush had to say about it as his administration opposed the treaty:

The Convention on the Rights of the Child may be a positive tool for promoting child welfare for those countries that have adopted it. But we believe the text goes too far when it asserts entitlements based on economic, social and cultural rights. ... The human rights-based approach ... poses significant problems as used in this text."Bush team signals new U.N. direction" - 2/2/01

All those who have been home-schooled might appreciate the voice of the HSLDAHSLDA.org about us page on this matter:

Such presumptions subvert the authority of parents to exercise important responsibilities toward their children. Under the UN Convention, parental responsibility exists only in so far as parents are willing to further the independent choices of the child."Oppose the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child" - 2/1/99

As far as the current rights of parents being underhanded by judges, read this tragic story about a 17 year old autistic child. If this has at all sparked some interest on your part, you should check out parentalrights.org and read all the issue, the threat, and their proposed solution. It's quite an informative site with a wealth of knowledge. Here is an excerpt from their proposed solution:

A constitutional amendment will ensure that judges who are currently denying parental rights will be obligated to recognize them. It will ensure that judges who are presently refusing to recognize parental rights because of their lack of explicit protection within the Constitution will instead safeguard parental rights... The judges on the Supreme Court will change over time, but the law will not. If the U.S. Constitution is amended to secure parental rights, the vital child-parent relationship will be effectively shielded from intrusion by the government.ParentalRights.org - "The Solution: A Constitutional Amendment"

I encourage you to sign their petition and join the cause. Tell your friends about the issues involving parental rights!

The best superbowl ads

So I may have been caught leaving the room during a play, and re-entering the room to catch the commercials more often than not. I may have also snickered when someone said, "Anyone who logs on to myspace to watch the ads has got to be a geek." Albeit I do enjoy watching a football game every now and again, I was mainly amused by what happened in between plays on this particular occasion. That being said, here is a selection of my favorite superbowl ads from last night:

Pixar Wall•E Spot

I'm a fan of anything Pixar puts its hands on. And I can't wait for Wall•E. This TV spot just heightens my anticipation.

Drug Deal Testimonial

Although there were a few snide remarks about this ad, I think this ad was worth every penny (which would be a lot.) Way to go to theantidrug.com for producing and funding an excellent spot for the superbowl.

I care. I don't smoke

Wow. Talk about a statement. I'm glad a message like this was able to reach so many fathers watching the game last night. Hopefully it hit them in the heart.

Queen of Hearts

There was also a remark at the party about this one being gory, but this ad is amazing. I have been impressed with Careerbuilders ads in general. This one is shocking, comical, and incredibly witty. In response to the gory comment: I disagree. There is hardly any noticeable blood at all, and it's done in a light-hearted (no pun intended) comical fashion that is neither disturbing or frightening.

Cars.com: Glondoor Stone Circle

Yes, cars.com impressed me as well. This was the better of the two ads that aired during the game, I didn't care too much for the second spot.

Pepsi: Magnetic Attraction

"I would love to do that to Justin." A funny comment after this add that I thought was funny. I have to say that I laughed when I saw this.

Bridgestone: Unexpected Obstacles

I would get annoyed seeing this over and over again, but the one time I saw it was pretty funny.

Favorite beer spot goes to Bud Light

*Not a reflection upon any liking towards Bud Light. Just a funny spot.

FedEx: Carrier Pigeons

LOL! Yes. You read that right, carrier pigeons.

Well, there were a few others that were pretty good, but those were the ones that really stick out in my mind right now. You can check out the spots in their entirety at YouTube. The game was pretty amazing as well, (spoken from a non-sports follower.) I would have preferred NE to take the win, and was disappointed with the ending, but life goes on.