By Michael Patrick OkeefeMy 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 withou... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeIn 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, wond... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeIn 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 p... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeI 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

By Michael Patrick OkeefeSince my last post (“Conspiracy Theory”), I have received many e-mails questioning my mental stability. I have been characterized as “a complete wack job”, “wacko”, “a nut case”, “an idiot”, “a loose cannon”, “misinformed”, “stupid”, “a dodo”, “a booby”, and even a “fruitcake”, among other things.”[1] To these comments, I must simply say – NON![2]In order to reassure my readers and my family about my general mental health and sanity, I simply want to walk you through ... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeOn 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 ... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeFollowing four months in Taiwan with my tai-tai, I began writing about some of my adventures with the Taiwanese people, locale, and cuisine in a blog devoted to my experiences -- zaijianhualien.blogspot.com. Since I’ve been writing the “zai jian” blog, I’ve learned that many readers seem interested in descriptions of Taiwanese fare and recommendations for good restaurants on the “beautiful isle”. Accordingly, when my tai-tai suggested that we check out a free “worksho... Read Full Story

OK, America, it’s time to calm down and objectively analyze the Sarah Palin phenomenon. Yes, she’s a babe. Yes, she’s appears straightforward and down to earth. Yes, she appears to share and promote the values we tend to think of as coming from “middle America”. Yes, she appears articulate and capable. And, yes, she’s attractive. Did I mention she was good looking?Since “Governor Babe’s” speech to the 2008 GOP convention, the U.S. has been agog over John McCain’s surprise VP choice. Citizen U... Read Full Story

By Michael Patrick OkeefeAt 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 OkeefeAs 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 c... Read Full Story