Last Rants

By Michael Patrick Okeefe In the past several years, I have had many friends endure divorce, all as a result of infidelity. Fortunately, the children of these marriages were generally older, if not adults, within a few years of reaching the age of majority. As such, these kids should have been better prepared to deal with their emotional response to the break-up of their parents’ marriage. Surprisingly, though, I found that in many instances these “young adults” seemed nonchalant about their...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe My wife and I moved to Taiwan in January 2008 so that she could take care of her elderly mother. [1] Unfortunately, Mrs. Yeng passed away quite sooner than expected, leaving us to ponder the difficult question of whether to stay in Taiwan or return to the U.S. On the positive side, the cost of living in Taiwan is much lower than in the U.S., and both my tai-tai and I could find work as English teachers, although at modest pay. Additionally, Taiwan has really good...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe At the outset, the reader should note that I am huge college football fan, and a lifelong true believer and follower of the University of Texas Longhorns. This year, the season kicked off in almost perfect fashion. The Horns won their opener, drubbing a credible Florida Atlantic University team, 52 – 10. On the day UT retired their beloved Vince Young’s number 10, Colt McCoy, UT’s quarterback, had a near flawless performance, completing 24 of 29 passes for 222 yards...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe On April 27, 1961, JFK gave a speech to the American Newspaper Publishers Association. In the speech, he made the following comments about the dangers of secret societies, which "we the sheeple" seem to have forgotten. In part, JFK said: "For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence--on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe In my previous life, I was a lawyer. [1] Approximately six months ago, I decided to switch gears and enter the real estate “bidness”, just in time for the financial shit storm of the century. As a result, I found myself back in the law business, because bad times are usually a lot better for lawyers than for real estate agents. [2] I started getting some legal work, and realized I needed a legal assistant. In an effort to save money, I decided to retain my sweet...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe As the 2008 elections approach, although it will be close, it appears that a democrat will be elected president and enjoy majorities in both houses of congress. As such, I wait with great anticipation to my share of the bounty flowing from the pendulous breasts of government largess. I demand and want everything that every yellow dog democrat has ever promised to win an election. GIVE ME THE FREEBIES AND I WANT THEM NOW! Out of Iraq! Health care! Education! (Can the...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe “God gave men both a penis and a brain, but unfortunately not enough blood supply to run both at the same time.” – Robin Williams I stopped in at a high end bar the other day to grab a scotch and a cigar while waiting for my wife to join me after she finished a real estate seminar. It was early afternoon, and the bar was vacant. I took a seat close to the bartender, selected my cigar, and began to enjoy my smoke and beverage. Shortly after I arrived, an older...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe My sweet wife, who is Taiwanese, is very fond of saying "it goes without saying". For example, she might say -- "We will always take care of each other -- it goes without saying." Now understand, English is her second language, yet she is remarkably articulate, with a sly, dry, wit. So, when my wife says "it goes without saying", one cannot simply attribute the statement to repetitive Chinglish filler. Thus, the question, if it goes without saying -- why say it? To...Read Full Story

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "Last Rants". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your own article...Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick Okeefe I have received several e-mails in the past couple of weeks complimenting me on my blog. I just wanted to say thanks! It is always good to hear from readers, and it is good to know that someone out there in cyberland appreciates my blog. I will try to start posting on a more regular basis, although life is full of distractions, and writing this blog is not my full time gig (unfortunately).Read Full Story