Happy New Year

If you drink, don't drive.

Good to the last drop

Is there any thing better than the smell of coffee as you open a brand new can?

I wish I had written that

Go read GuyK's rant for today. He is right on the mark. I will add it makes me sick that the MSM cannot accurately report it was HAMAS who was bombing Israel -- these attacks are retaliation.

To what key do you tune a ukulele?

It was a good Sunday. The Patriots and the Cowboys will both be sitting home watching the playoffs. Life is good. The Bears choked away their slim chance, but the Colts won, so the happiness/disappointment see-saw is leveled somewhat.

It occurred to me yesterday I sound like a total hick sometimes when I talk. At 46 it is probably too late to fix that.

Today is ostensibly a work day. I am not sure what I am to do -- every single one of my customers is closed. I am caught up on expenses and paperwork. I guess I will peruse the Internet and look for leads. BTW, do you have the need to buy several thousand bearings or know someone who does? I just thought I would ask...

We had a gift exchange at my wife's family Christmas Eve. It was one of those deals where the gifts are not for a specific person, but where the people are given numbers and you chose a gift in order. When your turn comes you may chose a gift or take one someone else has chosen. It is kind of fun. Anyway, my wife got a scrapbook of her mother's old pictures. It includes a picture of her Mom and Dad together, she has never had a picture of them together before, so she was pleased. Inside are all kinds of old family pictures. Boy my wife has had some funky hairdos over the years. The big hair and glasses in the 1980's are a riot. Of course I look the same as ever; suave skinny and dashing....hah!

Happy Monday to you.

The boring aspect of life

Crazy times. We had January-like weather last week with single digit temps and sub-zero wind chills. This weekend we had late March weather. The temperature hit 67 yesterday! Last night we had tornado watches as a cold front came through to bring us back to near normal weather. It was nice going to the grocery in a t-shirt though.

I scored some tickets to the Colts final home game this season. We will be off in a bit. I got the seats for half of face value. That is OK since the starters will likely only play half the game at best. I know they are not great seats, but my wife and youngest will get to see their first NFL game live.

Some friends came over last night. We went to eat some Mexican food. When we returned, the other guy and I retired to the garage to smoke a cigar and drink a few beers while the women gossiped. Then we played some Euchre. My buddy and I handily won every game. Lots of talking and joking so we played slowly. I made up a batch of cocktail weenies and some brownies. There was dip and snacks as well. I ate too much and had a great time.

As you can see I have nothing of interest or value to report. The seconds and hours tick by, the calender flips its pages and I am alive. That is plenty for me. It just does not make interesting reading for you. And so it goes.

Extreme Pigmy Sex

Good morning blogworld. I trust you had an enjoyable Holiday and a Merry Christmas? Everyone here seems pretty content. I did not get the one item I specifically asked for, I am now 0-20 at least in the Christmas sex category.

Last weekend it was two degrees outside. The weather quack is forecasting a high in the mid-sixties today! The high tomorrow will be back into the mid-thirties. Crazy, I tell you.

Some friends are coming over tonight, so we will have to straiten up the Christmas booty and do some cleaning in a bit. If this warm weather sticks there will be some beer drinking and cigar smoking going on in the old garage.

I had the weirdest dream last night. You all were at my house (it was not my house really, but it was in the dream)for a blog meet. The regulars were all there and some people I did not know. What was weird was that you all knew me by sight, but I did not know most of you. I also had on this most hideous shirt, one I would never wear, so I know it was just my tortured mind. It was weird stuff, I tell you. I guess my mind was telling me I need to post something.

Merry Christmas

Best wishes to you and your family.

This is how you write a post

Fresh coffee warms the mug. My knuckles are cracked and poised above the keyboard. I scratch at my hair and the dry skin on my back. Nothing. I read my blogroll, looking for inspiration, something to steal. They all said it better. I jump to the on-line newspaper. No inspiration there. The furnace and fireplace are working, there is that...yawn...It is cold. Well it is winter fer cripes sakes...I stare at the screen. Blink, blink, blink -- damn you cursor. I hit return to start a new paragraph. Back space a few times. Maybe I will do a quick spellcheck. Only two words wrong so far, a very good day, indeed.

I could post an old picture of my kids. No one wants to see that. Politics, ho hum. I am not in the mood to research and crank out a piece on the bailouts. History?, I can see your eyes glazing over with boredom already. A quick Google search informs me today is Festivus -- I do not need to elaborate for Seinfeld fans. Can we be honest? Festivus makes as much sense as Kwanzaa. Although I suppose every religion seems a little silly to non-believers.

I jump over and check my work emails. I am supposed to be on vacation.

I have a snippet of music running through my head. I cannot identify it. The words are just da da dit dit di-ditdit da da. It is just that same short line looping endlessly. Some times I find my self singing along: da da dit dit di-ditdit da da. Do you know that tune? Maybe it is a sea chanty. I have been deep into P O'B again.

Walker, one of my long-time readers has had a terrible Christmas. Go offer support. She has lost her house to a fire. She is safe, her pets are safe.

My coffee is gone. There are words on the screen. I guess you have to be satisfied with quantity over quality -- nothing new around here. What you see is a morning's work. I guess I will not quit my day job for a columnist gig. Have a good day.

poijuewrty

Damn its cold. The home page says it is a blistering 1 (one) degree outside. That is -17 C for you Canuks and Euro types. That does not even include the windchill! Now the good news -- my furnace is broken again. It is a whopping 60 in the house right now. The wife is really pissed because the gas fireplace will not work. I had the gas turned off last summer because I thought it was ridiculous to pay $12.75 a month for a product I did not even use (the furnace is forced air electric only the fireplace is gas). I never got around to having it turned back on. I told her C'est la vie, baby. She was not amused.

Some of you have read the mushy story of my first date with my now-wife. Well that fated night was thirty years ago today. I told her last night that one of us sure looks a lot older now. When I tried to fool around she rebuffed me. Can you believe that? Maybe she was just cold (see above)?

I have to see about lighting a fire in the wastebasket, my fingers are too cold to type any more...

A new MeMe, play along

You always see those big list Memes on what have you done, where have you been. Here is a different list. I have compiled a list of things I have never done. I make no promises about the future though:

I have never been ice skating.

I have never been snow skiing ( have you seen the pictures of the mountains of central Indiana?).

I have never visited a Bangkok whorehouse.

I was never successful at learning to ride a unicycle.

I gave never read any of the Ayn Rand books.

I have never bowled a perfect game or shot a hole-in-one.

I have never visited New York City. I have been around it a lot, driven across Manhattan, but never spent time "in the city".

I have not eaten the liver or still beating heart of my just vanquished mortal enemy.

I have not been to Australia (but I might go later this year!)

I have never attended a blog meet, and likely never will. I have met three bloggers and talked to one or two others on the phone.

I have never had a STD, but I caught the crabs once when my college roommate let a skank sleep in my bed one weekend while I was home. I have tried to block it out, but I am reasonably certain he screwed her on my bed. No one bothered to tell me I should probably change the sheets. I do not mind he got lucky on my bed, but courtesy says I should have gotten a heads up.

I have never seen the Grand Canyon.

I have never admitted publicly to snorting coke in my youth. I am still not saying either way. Apropos of nothing, LSD is scary shit.

I never shot a man in Reno, just for snoring. I have also never been arrested.

I have never pissed on the Jefferson Davis Memorial at his birthplace in Kentucky.

I have never been deep sea fishing.

I have never been to Vegas.

I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky.

What haven't you done?

LHJGsgoranma

Good morning Blog World. I sure spent a lazy day yesterday. I watched several movies, including Jeremiah Johnson. This movie is on the approved HB list of "movies you outta see". I think I am going to pop in The Great Escape to view later this morning. I might even get to The Blue Max later today, unless the wife comes up with some projects (she will). I did not sit on my ass all day, I did make a pit of chili for supper.

My wife and daughter made a ton of various Christmas candies and are going to make Christmas sugar cookies later today. I promised to make a batch of Pecan Tassies, so I will have to get on that this morning some time as well.I also have to finish my Christmas shopping at some point. I guess my movie watching might be limited after all.

Have a great Sunday.

Ghost of Christmas Past volume II

My oldest son, he was around three here. Santa ticked him off by not knowing the names of particular Ninja Turtles and bad guys. I know this because we have it on video as well.

Urgent Update

Listening to classic rock, surfing the web and smoking a fine cigar (Rocky Patel vintage 1992) is not a bad way to spend a Friday vacation day.

I did answer one work phone call I wish I hadn't, and I have made a few work phone calls as a result, but still all in all a fine day in the heart of Indiana.

Return of the Friday Five

It is probably too late for that last minute Christmas gift, but here are five good reads for the history buff in your life. I consider these to be some of the best works of history because they are well researched, factually correct, and most importantly, very entertaining. You cannot go wrong searching for these at your favorite bookstore, on-line seller or the local Library. I am such a pal I have even provided the amazon link for you.

1. The Washing of the Spears by Donald Morris.

You saw the movie Zulu, now read the definitive history of the Zulu Nation. Shaka, Chelmsford and Rorke's Drift -- they are all in there, and as is often the case, the truth is better than fiction.

2. At Dawn We Slept by Gordon Prange.

The story of Pearl Harbor as seen from both sides.

3.The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses Grant by U.S. Grant

Simply one of the best autobiographies ever written. I would also recommend the Memoirs of Wm T. Sherman, it is harder to find but offers unique perspective from Grant's.

4. D-Day by Stephen Ambrose.

I think this was better than Band of Brothers.

5. The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman.
In my opinion Tuchman was one of the greatest historians of all time. She was able to couple history and storytelling in a way few have been able to duplicate. This book details the events leading up to and the opening month of WWI. This is one of the finest history books ever written.

I would also recommend The Frontiersman by Alan Eckert. This book is a highly researched work of fiction, but the narrative sticks with painstaking accuracy to historical fact. This novel is the story of the opening of Kentucky and the Northwest Territory. If you think a dry historical narrative is not your cup of tea, I suggest you start with this book. Then try the others listed above and I bet you will find them just as fascinating.

Ramping Down

Today is the last day of work, I am on vacation until January (use it or lose it). I got most major stuff out of the way this week. Expenses are caught up. Emails are answered.

The wife and I did a boatload of Christmas shopping last night. We blew through a serious wad of cash, let me tell you. Since she had purchased exactly two gifts prior to last night, and we got almost everything bought, it was a pretty good night.

Let me pause here to explain to Sammy The Dude that the previous two paragraphs are not related. I am aware of it. When I want your remarks and opinion on English Composition I will email you.

I fixed a dish for my wife to take to work for a pitch-in. Now my hands smell of green onions.

As I will be coasting the next few days, I may or may not have posts worth reading. My best advice is to check back often.

Maybe more later.

A very long way to make a point

There is a low long black wall on the Mall in our nation's Capitol that lists the names of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Southeast Asia. Over 50,000 names are inscribed on that Wall. The war in Vietnam raged while I was young boy. I was 13 when Saigon fell. I know people that served in this time, but none of my relatives died for their country in the jungles or mountains fighting the spread of insidious Communism.

For most families of the 1960's, our daily lives were not changed by the war. It was five minutes on the evening news. Contrary to popular belief, only a minority of college students were actively marching on Chicago or planning to bomb the Pentagon in cahoots with William Ayres. The only time the War really intruded into the lives of ordinary Americans was when a neighbor lost a son, or when Cronkite lied about Tet. If we look at our families in the time of the Civil War we would see a much different effect on everyday life.

There was hardly a family that did not have at least a son, a brother, a father or uncle serving in one of the Armies. There was real hardship and suffering on the home front. Foodstuffs were scarce, especially in the South. The toll on the young men who fought in the four years of war was huge. Over 500,000 men died. An estimated 1/4 of the youth of the Southern States died. A generation destroyed. The carnage was exceptional. 53,000 at Gettysburg. 27,000 at Antietam. 6,000 Federal soldiers were casualties in just hours at Marye's Heights in the assault on Fredricksburg. The Battles of the Civil War are now legend. Bull Run, The Seven Days, Shiloh, Perryville, Vicksburg, Antietam, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Chicamauga, Missionary Ridge, Cold Harbor, The Wilderness, Atlanta, Nashville, Petersburg and Appomattox recall death and destruction the likes our country has not seen since.

To put it into perspective, if the casualty rates for the Civil War had been duplicated in WWII, the US would have lost 6.2 MILLION soldiers! Think on that.

Now ponder this. In the effort to distribute wealth, to elevate the working class, to make sure every citizen was guaranteed equal success (as opposed to opportunity), Lenin and Stalin killed an estimated 20 million Russians. It is estimated Mao murdered an even greater number. When Hillary Clinton and Obama describe themselves as Early Twentieth Century Progressives, these are the people they are trying to emulate.

You should sit down and seriously think about your freedoms. Is the America where the Government tries to force you to drink a certain kind of soda a country of Freedom? Is this what our families suffered and died for in the hills of Tennessee or the jungles of the Mekong Delta? Did your grandfather live through the trenches of Petersburg or France to see a nanny state usurp your rights without a fight? The next time you drop your vote into the ballot box you should see just what your candidate means when he boasts a progressive platform. Hope and Change just might not be the future you thought it was.

Maybe I should make this more simple. The Sons of Liberty threw tea into Boston Harbor over a 5% tax. Where are the howls of outrage in New York as the Governor tries to impose a 15% tax on a soft drink? Is this what we have become in America? Why isn't there an immediate call for impeachment?

Are we going to stand by as the President Elect proclaims he will destroy the one source of abundant energy in the country, promising your heating bills will skyrocket? I can only pray our ancestors who died for the freedoms of all Americans are not in the jury when we come before judgment.

Heroes

General George H. Thomas defeated and routed the Confederate Army of Tennessee under the command of John Hood at the Battle of Nashville on December 15 and 16, 1864. Thomas effectively destroyed organized Confederate resistance in the Western Theater.

Most of you have probably never heard of General George Thomas. Sherman said Thomas was the best General on either side of the War. Known as the Rock of Chicamauga for saving the Union Army at Chicamauga, Thomas was an able general. He took command of the artillery at the center of the Union lines at Stones River and was commander of Union Forces at the Battle of Mill Springs -- the first significant Northern victory of the Civil War. Thomas was beloved by his soldiers.

General George Henry Thomas was a graduate of West Point and served in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. A native of Virginia, he sided with the Union when Virginia succeeded. As a result, Thomas was disowned by his family and it has been reported that his sisters turned his picture to the wall, never to see him again. After the war his family refused money from Thomas.

George Henry Thomas is one of my heroes. My oldest son bears Thomas as a middle name in honor of this magnificent American.

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Someone is sure not happy about having to share the rocker, or the picture, or something. The particular pursing of the mouth is famous on my Mother's side of the family. Otter does the same thing when he is vexed.

click to largerize.

Hope and Change: A New Dynamic

I am no Luddite. I embrace change when it brings good to the world or more importantly to me. I am not in favor of change for change sake. I guess that is why I never fell under the swoon of The Obama. Hope and change needs to be a bit more defined before I jump on that bandwagon.

I recently picked up an important purchase at the local WalMart. Emblazoned on the package was a flashy banner promoting the most recent changes to the product. Why do marketing people feel the need to tinker with a perfectly good foodstuffs? I ask you, dear reader, do we really need hourglass shaped marshmallow bits in our Lucky Charms? Back in the day we had the obvious depictions of luck-inducing items: hearts, moons and clovers. The fine folks at General Mills added rainbows. Then they decided we needed horseshoes. I thought that was going a tad far, but at least they were symbols of luck. But an hourglass? What are you thinking, Lucky Charms guy?

I challenge you to name one culture that looks upon the hourglass as lucky. Was Dorothy pleased when the Witch dropped off that big-assed hourglass high in the tower? That red sand and evil portal to a grieving Auntie Em back in Kansas is the stuff of little kid nightmares. When playing Boggle do you view the hourglass as anything but an enemy as you frantically search the random letters for a word that no one else knows? As a child I was struck by the ominous voice of McDonald Carey intoning the mysterious "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of our Lives". Time is not our friend. Tick tick we grow older every minute. The seconds and minutes turn to hours and days, a never-ending reminder of our mortality. Every grain of sand in life's hourglass is a kiss you missed, a hug, a laugh, a tear gone by. Nothing good or lucky comes from the idea of an hourglass.

I look at a handful of Lucky Charms -- the weird-shaped Cheerios rejects interspersed with the hearts, the moons, the clovers and the rainbows. I see the hourglass marshmallows and the questions nag my active mind. Why? Why? Why?

Things I wished I had written, volume 103

Due to the current economic conditions I won’t be celebrating Kwanzaa this year.

--James Old Guy

Putting tips for beginners

Have you ever behaved in a complete boorish manner? Have you embarrassed your kids or your wife with your lack of patience? Do you know you are being a jerk, but just cannot help yourself?

Me neither.

Weekend Funny

Quote of the day:

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her

Sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you

A home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give

Her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what

Is given to her.

So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

I need answers now.

What is it with you people on the west coast? Those who live in the Central time zone spurn me as well. I am one of you. Look at this, 65% of my hits come from the Eastern Time zone:

Some one has some explaining to do.

Thought for the day

It occurs to me that every time I think I have the world by the tail, it is just an opportunity for it to circle around and bite me in the ass.

In other news, the wife still cannot talk. It was fun at first, but now I find having one-sided conversations is a little boring.

A solution

We were at dinner yesterday. I took the family to rare meal out. There was a large group next to us, and is often the case, the discussions were rather loud as a person at one end of the table talked to one at the other end. The discussions were centering on the auto bailout. "What we outta do", says one guy, "is just give Michigan to Canada. Detroit is just a hellhole, criminal drain. The Canadians love that socialist health care and government industry concept". He added "Shit, most of Michigan is north of Ontario anyway, it just makes sense". The man opined we would still get the cars, as a lot of assembly is already done in Canada. He regaled his table with the story of his one and only trip to Michigan, including the decrepit Holiday Inn,witnessing a robbery on the 'mugger mover' while heading for dinner in Greektown.

I thought about some of my trips to Michigan and Detroit. Maybe the guy had a point.

The greatest invention ever

Keesie has a picture of the most perfect invention. My two mostest favorite "B"s together. The stuff of fantasies I tell you...

Here is a thought

Here is an idea, if the American Taxpayer is providing the cash to keep the Big Three pumping out cars, part of the provisions should be that all of the big three-owned component and assembly plants for cars and trucks must be located in the USA. All plants in Canada and Mexico must be shuttered and the half idled plants in the US retooled to build American Cars in America. If the Canadian Government wants to keep the Windsor Assembly plant open they can contribute to the bailout loans.


Here is another point of view. CLick this link.

Two ways to improve your short game

The wife has been fighting a nasty cold for several days. This morning it has settled in her chest and throat. I offered to give her a deep chest massage last night, but she turned me down flat.

Anyway, this morning she can barely talk. All she can muster is a husky whisper. As she left for work, I advised her to try to talk as little as possible. I also pointed out that a wife that cannot talk is a man's dream.

I am pretty sure she flipped me off.

Surely not?

Conundrum

I spent the day at a big three automotive plant yesterday. The talk of a bailout was a hot topic of conversation from the management to the engineers to the UAW guys on the line. Most of them felt just as we do, pissed off it is necessary. Further, they do not understand why there is so much anger when all they are asking is for loans. The Government gave, and continues to give money to banks and insurance giants, with no strings attached. No banking Czar has been appointed, no one is telling them to manage their business in a certain way. The large Wall Street firms have reported they will be paying bonuses to mid and high level executives this year. The Big Three are asking for loans and they will only get them if we allow the government to tell them how to run their business.

Should we be bailing out the big three? I do not know. Bankruptcy will kill little vendors like my company if the automakers only pay cents on the dollar for the widgets we provide. Do they need to change the way they do business? Sure, but we need to face reality. One, Americans do not like to drive small cars, no matter what the press tells you. Statistics show that Truck, SUV and van sales are UP since the price of gas has fallen. Environweenies can suck it, that is the way it is. Two, does anyone really believe a government official is the person to tell the automakers how to run a business? The people who brings the BMV, the Social Security Admin, the IRS? The same Congresspeople who have created the foreclosure/lending mess that poked the holes in hull of this foundering ship of economics? The same Government that brings us $20 hammers and $50 toilet seats? The same Congresspeople who approved the Bridge to Nowhere? The same geniuses who think it is good business to pay farmers not to plant and refuse to drill for our own oil?

At this point we have to look at it as a loan, it worked pretty well for Chrysler thirty years ago, why not try it again. What is a few billion among friends?

A day that will live in infamy

A day that shall live in infamy
On December 7, 1941 the United States was attacked by an unprovoked antagonist against military and civilian targets in the territory of Hawaii. The death and destruction was even greater than that at the WTC and Pentagon attacks of 9/11.

Killed and Missing

Navy 2,008
Marine Corps 109
Army 218
Civilian 68
total 2,403

Wounded
Navy 710
Marine 69
Army 364
Civi;ian 68
Total 1,178

Grand total of casualties = 3,581

This attack brought the United States into WW II, where the greatest generation saved the world for Democracy. Our thanks: hatred by the French and Germans, desecration of American graves in Normandy and displays in our own country that blame the US for Japan's attack. I have not forgotten the lives and sacrifices made by my forbears. Thank you.

I will not forget Pearl Harbor.

Three tips to improve your golf swing

I am up early this Sunday morning. I was having some strange dreams again. There were no wolves this time, it was far worse; I was dreaming about work. Nothing ruins a night of slumber like dreams about work. It makes me one pissed off boy when I get up. I blame the horseradish I had on my prime rib for dinner.

I have been travelling virtually non-stop the last three weeks, I got home late on Friday, I have to leave tonight on another trip and I spend my Saturday night dreaming about work! No wonder I am depressed and angry.

So how is your weekend going so far? Is your shopping done yet? I have the trees up and decorated, the wife has most of the house decorated inside. I still have to do the outside. At this point I think I am going to just string some lights in the bushes and be done with it.

I went and put on some pants. I was cold. You did not know I was blogging in my pajamas did you? Don't get yourselves all hot and bothered ladies (and guys who lean that way). I sleep in an old T-shirt and cotton gym shorts. The shorts do have small holes in the back where they are falling apart from age. You can see my tighty-whities if I bend over. You are panting with desire now aren't you?

As I look out of the living room window I see a pink tinge to the sky. I guess we might see the sun today. It is supposed to be anti-Gore cold again today. I am rambling, so that is a sure sign to quit typing. Enjoy your Sunday.

A post for you

It has long been my policy to let people spout off here. Sometimes what they say is offensive. I have ridiculed idiotic commenters by changing their comments from time to time.

Recently a comment was posted that went beyond good taste. Individuals were attacked that were not even part of the discussion. As such that comment has been removed. I was delayed in this action for various reasons.

I appologize to you for leaving the said comments for too long.

whooah

Here I sit on a dark and gloomy Saturday with nothing to write about. I had three scrambled eggs for supper and there is no bacon to make me happy this morning. I even skipped the coffee. I watched a couple of old ski comedies from the 1980s on TV last night. I think I am going to pop an Esther Williams flick into the DVD player in a bit. Some of you may know Ms. Williams was my first lust.

I was looking through my archives earlier this morning. You can find much better stuff there than the crap I have published lately.

Here is an Idea. I will tell you something about me, and you tell me an intimate detail about you in the comments. It will be a crazy way to start a dialogue.

I am completely hopelessly addicted to Chapstick. I carry one with me at all times. I especially like the one with the blue label.

What quirks do you have?

Lucy, I'm hoooome

I am back form my business trip this week and getting ready to leave in an hour or two to see another customer. When things are slow I get really busy. I guess customers have more time to to pester me. This week's trip reminded me of everything I hate about airports and flying. At least after all the delays and flight cancellations I flew home late enough that the flight was not full so I had all three seats in my row to myself. The plane was only a little more than half full, I am surprised it was not cancelled to to "mechanical issues".

Anyway, I hope to get a real post up this weekend. Not that I have anything to say, but I bet you are all tired of looking at the juggler picture,

Self portrait

I have so many things in the air something has to drop. Posting will be light the next few days as life and work use up my creative juices.

Of course long-time readers should know by now such a statement usually results in a flurry of posts. Life is sure funny sometimes.

So there

I kicked myself in the ass and slapped the shit outta my face. No more bellyaching. Life is good. As Jim sings in Holiday Inn (the greatest Christmas movie ever), I've got plenty to be thankful for...

It snowed on and off all day, but there wasn't much accumulation. Now it finally feels like winter and the Christmas season. The wife got a lot of the house decorated. She has a ton of Christmas stuff and replaces every trinket and wall hanging with a Christmas-themed item. The house is very country and filled with primitives and "stuff" so that is a lot of work. The place foes look good when she is finished though. Maybe I will take some pictures when it is finally complete. She has so much stuff that she takes pictures of the arrangements so she remembers how it all goes the next year.

the balance was edited. I should not post late at night when I am tired...

questions

What is the deal with the whole "office of the President Elect" thing? He even has a special placard for his lectern. The Obama sure loves the trappings of office. Since he will be Commander in Chief, will he take to wearing a fancy uniform after he takes control? Why not, all of his socialist buddies do it -- Fidel, Chavez, Mao...

Monday

I fried up some chicken last night. I added some mashed spuds, some excellent gravy, green beans and biscuits. No one can be down and depressed when facing a platter of fried chicken and a bowl of white gravy.

The Colts pulled out an ugly win over the hapless Browns, and the Bears blew it in Minnesota. I guess the East Coast pundits have to eat it a little, maybe they crowned the Jets a little early?

I have always been a superstitious cuss. It occurred to me yesterday that the worst events in my life all happened after I started this worthless excuse of a website. Are the two related? My brain says heck no. My superstitious voodoo fearing insides say quit now before things get really ugly. I know what you are saying, is he really that crazy? Let me put it this way, I used to make decisions by flipping a series of wooden nickles I kept in a cotton bag. Should I ask that girl on a date? Flip, flip, flip. I got my wife that way.

Of course I could be making it all up. I could be a 350 pound transvestite typing away in the library before heading off to work as sous chef at the local Dennys. It is the Internet people.

Sunday

I m searching in vain among my DVD collection for a movie that will offer some comic relief for the mess that is my current life. There is no need to go into details, let us just say Murphy has taken up full time residence at my abode. That isn't a monkey on my back but a stinky hairy silverback Fosse-humpin gorilla right out of the mist. I know, my problems are small compared to others, but it is my party and I'll cry all I friggin' want.

It is pouring rain right now, with a promise of snow by this afternoon. The oldest kids returned to their respective institutions of higher learning last evening, so I need not worry about them driving in slick conditions. It was nice having everyone at home, even for a few days.

The tree is up and the wife is working on getting her various decorations in place. I pulled out the outside lights and found that 11 of the 12 strings needed are out. Not completely out, each has a section that will not come on. Past experience taught me there is little use in finding the cause, they will only go out again after you get them on the roof -- usually at the highest point. I did a quick check on each for missing or broken bulbs to no avail. I am always prepared to replace one or two strings, but I am not sure I am in a position to drop $80 bucks at WalMart for a complete replacement.

I am sick of trying to come up with interesting, attention grabbing titles for these crappy posts. I think I will start calling them bu the day of the week, or just the number. Perhaps I will call all of them "untitled".

Have a good Sunday, watch some football and remember to thank God for another day of life.

Weekend Funny

Men, here are the keys to happy life:

1. It's important to have a woman, who helps at home,
who cooks from time to time, cleans up and has a job.

2. It's important to have a woman, who can make you
laugh.

3. It's important to have a woman, who you can trust
and who doesn't lie to you.

4. It's important to have a woman, who is good in bed
and who likes to be with you.

5. It's very, very important that these four women
do not know each other.

Happy Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving.

Why are you here. Go eat.

I am sorry if you are a Lions Fan. I bet your day will suck...

I do not have the energy

Over the past few years we have seen numerous reports that the power grid in this country is antiquated. We are just waiting for the next major power outage. Every summer we see reports of brown-outs. As far as I know nothing has changed. No major nuclear plants have been built. I cannot remember the last time I read about a new hydroelectric power station. Obama says there will be no new coal plants built and that if the power companies try he will bankrupt them with regulations and law suits. Bidden says we should get rid of all coal powered power plants. Since coal provides roughly fifty percent of our electricity, that will be a tough road. I would guess our energy and electrical issues are only going to increase in the next four to eight years.

As I understand it, moving the US to energy-efficient electric cars is a major initiative of the new administration. If we already have energy issues, how will adding millions of electric cars help?

Has anyone thought this through?

I don't have a title, get over it

I just got back from the gas station. Can you believe $1.55/gallon the day before Thanksgiving? I can live with that.

I put up the Christmas Tree last night. The effing thing is 8-1/2 feet tall and of course half the lights did not work, so I had to make a trip to WalMart. I will probably do the outside lights Friday, if it is not too friggin cold. I love Christmas, but the decorating is becoming a royal pain. The things we do for our family.

The entire family ate supper together last night -- all five of us -- as the two oldest are home from college for Thanksgiving break. I cannot remember the last time that happened, maybe in June for the wife's birthday. There were no fights or arguments.

The wife just called while I was typing this. The ^#$@(* check engine light just came on again in the Durango. Yep, the one they supposedly fixed on Monday. I guess it is back to the shop later today.

There is plenty more pissing me off already this morning, but I am trying to be positive. I am positive this has the makings of a crappy day.

Stay tuned.

I be stoopid

I may have a less-than-intelligent looking face. At times I may sound a bit hickish when I talk. My spelling is not perfect. Yet, in all, I consider myself reasonably intelligent.

One of my larger customers must not agree. They have presented me with a proposed long-term agreement that only an idiot would sign. At least 50% of the provisions are so one-sided I can imagine no one would agree to them. The customer wants long-term sourcing and pricing, including me holding large amounts of inventory. He will give us his business unless he finds the parts cheaper somewhere else, then all bets are off. I must give guaranteed price reductions, but if any end user has a warranty claim, justified or not, I am expected to pay for all parts, labor, shipping, travel, etc. And he wants longer payment terms. In addition I must promise to give him the lowest price I sell my product, even if another customer buys ten times more of the same widget.

In summary, I give the customer the best price, assume all risk, promise to reduce prices, and he can leave at any time. Does that sound like a good deal?

I have not even given it to our company lawyers yet who will rip it further I am sure. Win-win my ass. I say jack the price and tell them to take it or leave it.

Just a little pain

I just returned from the car repair place. The check engine light was on. It looks like a couple of worn hoses were causing vacuum issues. Adding in a needed oil change I should get off pretty cheaply. I expected something worse given the number of miles on the vehicle. Of course they had to order one of the hoses, so it will not be ready until this afternoon.

A nice old guy who works part time doing such things for the dealership brought me home.

Mundane Monday

Wow what a weekend for football! I was up late watching the Colts defeat the evil Chargers, so I am tired but happy. The bears win, the Colts win and all is right in my world. Too bad the Patriots won, but one cannot get everything in life.

It looks like we are picking up speed as we hurtle down the slide of socialism. The seat of my pants is starting to get warm as we toss more money at CitGroup this time. I am sure the Big Three are next. Just think, Obama is not even in office yet.

I am off to work. There may be updates later, you should check back every fifteen minutes or so, just to be sure.

Catching Up

Sorry if it has been a while since I perused your blog. This has been a hectic week. I hope to read about your thoughts and life in the coming days. It is not that I do not love you anymore, my need to keep earning a paycheck overrides my desire to read your blog.

Warning

Some old buddies showed up between 3:30 and 4:00 this morning -- Insomnia and his cousin indigestion. Irritability came knocking not long after.

I suggest you do not screw with me today.

Who am I?

I am the daughter of a famous American Actor. I was raised in wealth and privilege. I decided the country that provided me the opportunity to also grow wealthy was a poor comparison to a totalitarian Government hell-bent on destroying freedom.

I decided to become a traitorous bitch, and went so far as to actually give aid and comfort to my country's enemies, in a time if war. I turned in POWs who tried to get me messages, resulting in punishment for my countrymen. I am lucky I was not charged with treason. I should have been.

I am Jane Fonda and I am anathema and hated by all Americans (or I should be). What I did went beyond free speech and protest to actual treason.



For Jim and GuyK and James and every other Vietnam-era Vet.

Hoosierboy Jeopardy

The answer is;

Ouga Chaka ouga! Ouga Chaka ouga! ....

Discuss among yourselves.

Travelling all week. More today. It sucks to be me (but at least it is not snowing, eh Freddie?).

I would like to say I had more to offer, but I have to get going.

I sure need the Holidays next week to rest up. I bet the wife has other plans in mind.

Who am I?

I was born in Glasgow on October 20, 1792. My uncle, a colonel, convinced the Duke of York to commission me an ensign in the 9th Foot in 1808. I served with distinction in the Peninsular War. I was twice wounded. For my efforts I was promoted to Captain and sent to the 60th Rifles. I spent the next thirty years in various posts finally becoming a colonel. I served in various regiments including the 9th and the 98th. It was with the 98th that I again proved an able commander during the Opium War of 1841-1843.

I waas finally promoted Brigadier General and posted to Calcutta. I led successful campaigns during the Second Sikh War. I was knighted in 1849 for my services. I was given command of the volatile Northwest Frontier until 1852.

I was given command of the Highland Brigade for the Crimean War, I led the victorious Highlanders at Varna and Alma. I commanded Balaclava during the siege in winter of 1854-1855. I commanded the reserve at the storming of the Redan in 1855. I was promoted to Lt. General and returned to England as Inspector General.

In 1857 the Sepoy Rebellion broke out and I was offered the post of Commander-in-chief of India. I relieved Cawnpore and the siege of Lucknow. By May of 1858 I had returned peace to Northern India. I was raised to peerage as Lord Clyde.

I returned in retirement to England in 1860, promoted to Field-Marshall. I died in 1863 and I am buried in Westminster Abbey.

I am Colin Campbell, Baron Clyde of Clydesdale.

Facts derived from The Wordsworth Dictionary of Military Biography.

Who am I?

I was born in Norwich Connecticut on January 14, 1741. I served with a militia unit in the French and Indian War at the age of 16. I ran a successful trading company and owned several ships, trading with Canada and the West Indies. Upon the outbreak of hostilities with England in 1775 I formed a militia company and marched to war. I joined with Ethan Allen in the successful attack on Fort Ticonderoga. I led an unsuccessful attack on Quebec City. In the retreat I formed a flotilla on Lake Champlain and beat back the pursing British. I returned a hero, but found myself passed over for promotion. Congress and jealous brother officers engineered this snub.

I was finally promoted to Major General after defeating the British at Danbury. I lifted the siege at Fort Stanwix and defeated the British again at the Battle of Freeman's Farm. I saved the day at Saratoga, receiving crippling wounds. I was finally promoted with backdated seniority. It was too little, too late.

As Commander of Philadelphia, I was accused of using my position to gain wealth and was put on charges. My hot young wife helped convince me Congress and brother officers were out to destroy me. I contacted the British to see if they needed someone with my obvious superior skills. I devised a plan to give the valuable stronghold of West Point to the British. I was nearly caught and barely escaped to the British lines. My British contact, John Andre was found with my plans of the fort and was executed as a spy.

The British would not trust me, British society shunned my wife and I. After the war I tried to regain my trading company, but none of my business partners would trust me, not even those in Canada or the West Indies. I died in June of 1801, misunderstood and a victim of jealousies everywhere. My name has become synonymous with Traitor.

My name is Benedict Arnold.

Brought to you through the Wordsworth Dictionary of Military Biography 1997 paperback edition. Purchased at the bargain Price of $2.99 several years ago.

Jumping on the bandwagon here, Boss

Bowing to the pressure from the Today Show, Fat in Indiana is now a green blog.

Depauw beats Wabash -- again

I have a long memory and I am known to hold grudges for years. It is a character flaw, but that is how things are. Forgiveness is not high on my list of traits.

Depauw University ended NCAA Div III number 2 ranked Wabash College's perfect season yesterday for the second year in a row at the annual Monon Bell game. In one of the oldest college football rivalries in the nation, these tiny schools bear a fierce hatred, especially in football. I learned to hate Depauw and all things related to the "Dannies". Today that I laugh and spit in Wabash's direction.

Like the goat curses the Cubs, I wish a curse upon the Little Giants of Wabash. May the Monon Bell never ring for Wabash until Beta Psi is returned. Call it the Delt curse if you will.

I won't be buying a Depauw sweatshirt, but I will root for them every November.

Karma is a cruel Bitch, eh President White?

On a completely unrelated note watch for me at the Colts football game today. I will be the one in the stands wearing a Colt's Jersey. Yep, a buddy scored some seats at unbelievable price.

Nostalgia

I miss Bugs Bunny cartoons on Saturday mornings.

My Favorites were Bugs, Speedy, Pepe and the Roadrunner. The ones with the Coyote and the sheep dog always cracked me up. I really never cared much for Foghorn Leghorn.

Friday Five

Here it is a dark and gloomy Friday and I have nothing of import to share with you. This is not a new phenomenon as long-time participants in this experiment can attest. Sometimes one can spend hours in esoteric navel-gazing and still find nothing more interesting than a piece of sweater lint. I am bored with politics. The proverbial bed has been made and we are about to slumber with the bedbugs and lice and assorted other creepy-crawlies the electorate threw on the soiled sheets. So much for hope and change, the only change being the new administration will be made up of Clinton attack dogs and hard-core Democrats.

The economic issues we face are so far above my paygrade and understanding we might as well discuss quantum physics and the intricacies of subatomic theory. All I know is the gears of our industrial might are grinding together and the metal shards ground off will affect the chugging engine of commerce in bad, bad ways. It is a sad day when our choices are to watch the banking and industrial sectors of our economy fail or have them propped up through Government ownership and communistic tactics. Both choices are akin to dying by either a thousand knife cuts or a quick bullet. In the end you are just as screwed.

All of this gloom and doom sure sets the stage for a happy Friday, eh?

I am off next week to Sodom-on-the-Hudson for the semi-annual sales beat-down. I would rather have chop-sticks thrust in my ears than go this time. The prognosis for business in 2009 is poor at best and the message will be a resounding "do something about it". Does anyone really believe I sat around until my sales were cut by half, heard the bossman say "Hey, go get more business" before I gave any effort at all? WTF have I been doing for the last year as my quarterly bonus/commission disappeared like Obama's promises of Hope and Change and tax cuts?

So here I sit, nothing to say, yet filling a whole post with negativity. Life is like a bag of barbies, man: a real downer. Finance, politics, business, work, lack o' nooky, the gray cold weather, the Cubs, all have me low. I feel the onset of the mean reds, Holly Golightly's description of life beyond even feeling blue. The past year has been a struggle on multiple fronts. I know I am not alone. As the Holidays approach I hope to find my equilibrium, set my controls for the heart of the sun and look at a bright future.

Maybe I just need some bacon and a kick in the ass.

busy

Wednesday Wanderings

I've nothing today, and very little time to tell you that information.

I'm off to drum up some new business this afternoon. You all know me as a positive, the-glass-is-half-full kind of guy, but this one is an uphill battle.

I made out my task list yesterday. Wow, I have a lot of work to do.

No matter what the Otter says, smart people know bacon rules. In fact, I am working on a recipe that involves either bacon wrapped pork chops or bacon wrapped sausage...I think I need to work a little ham in there and some gravy....How about a bacon wrapped sausage link deep fried on a stick like a corndog...mmmm corndog...

I made some blueberry muffins for the boy last night.

For those of you in the Muncie area the oldest boy and his band will be on the Ball State public access channel Thursday night as the musical guest on the evening talk show. I am not sure the name of the program -- Muncie Live or Ball State live?

I cannot think of even one song by the Steve Miller Band I can stand to listen to for more than five seconds.

Have you ever reached for your toothbrush in the morning and suddenly you are not sure if yours is the blue one or the yellow one? After you decide to use the blue one, you think maybe you used the yellow one yesterday? After nearly 25 years of marriage I still do not want to share my wife's toothbrush. Maybe I need to put a sticky note on the mirror that just simply states "Blue".

Veteran's Day

Eleven minutes after the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month...

I would like to offer a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to each and every one of my readers, your family or friends who donned the uniform of our country to defend our freedoms. I do not possess the vocabulary to express my gratitude.

On Being and Nothingness

Gas is $1.82/gallon in my little town. I can live with that.

Representatives from the Obama administration say one of the first acts when The Obama takes over is they will overturn the Presidential Directive that allows drilling for oil in Utah.

Get ready for $4.00/gallon or more gas again next summer, people. I guess somehow by magic, alternative fuels will be available to put in my car by then, or is the government going to just buy me a new "runs on magical fuel" car? That should not be too hard since the Obamaites are set on buying up the Big Three (or should we call them the Big 2,4,5?) We have to continue to support the UAW.

Along with higher prices on everything you want to buy (since businesses will pass the higher taxes to the end user), refusal to drill for our own domestic oil will push inflation to levels not seen in recent times.

Let us see, gas lines, runaway inflation and high unemployment. Welcome back in charge Jimmah Carter to the Presidency B. Obama. The only bright side is I can gloat and say "I told you so" to all of you economically ignorant mofos voting for hope and change.

Put that in your gas tank and see how far you get.

Sartre was an ass

Peter Sellers was one funny guy.

Two truths for a Monday

La Jeux Sont Fait

The boy went to his first real "dance" last night. He had to wear a tie and shoes that weren't made for a tennis court or basketball floor -- real dress up black oxfords. He was not thrilled when I told him he had to button the top button on his dress shirt. I think he had a good time. His date straightened his thick wavy hair. He was not thrilled by that, but told his Mom "it was her dance". I told him to get used to it, that is a woman's goal in life -- to change her man. The wife told me to shut up and go change my shirt.

The wife and I went to Indy to see a movie last night. On the way home I saw a house with a Christmas tree in the window. Too early I think, and I love Christmas.

I had some strange ass dreams last night. In one portion, I was driving a long trip and pulled into the parking lot of a gas station/convenience store to get a little rest, refreshment, and gas. I was dozing in the passenger seat when an old lady emplyee asked me to move the car to another parking space so she could clean up some trash that was under my car. This angered me to no end and I drove off screaming that she just cost her store fifty dollars in sales. I guess the part of my brain that controls dreams has some anger issues.

When the boy wakes up I am going to make some biscuit donuts.

Saturday nights' for fightin'

Usually I lighten things up on a Saturday, but what the heck. Here is a quick poll for you. In the election did you vote for your candidate or against the other guy? I will fess up, I was no fan of McCain (you can read it many times in the archives). I voted for what I thought was the lesser of two evils. Until McCain chose a VP running mate with conservative credentials I might mot have voted at all.

I heard a great quip by a comedian on the radio the other day. I wish I could give proper attribution, but I do not remember. Anyway consider this, Obama just spent $650,000,000 to get a job that pays $400,000. And this is the guy who is going to fix our economy?

Finally for my lefty-leaning friends please keep in mind a few percentage points is not a mandate. Close to 50% of the country is against your platform.

To the Republicans, the great experiment of sliding to the left is destroying your party. Come back to the small government, low taxes, leave us all alone vision of Ronald Reagan and you will be surprised at the success you have.

Friday Five

The feature that just will not die. This week it requires nothing from you, Dear Reader. Add to the list as you wish. Five Hippy Songs:

1. I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After

2. San Fransico (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)by Scott McKenzie (written by John Phillips)

3. Chicago by CSNY or Woodstock by CSNY (weitten by Joni Mitchell)

4. Share the Land by the Guess Who

Maybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there to share the land
That they'll be giving away
When we all live together.

5. Vietnam Song by Country Joe and the Fish

Just a thought

So Sammy, given the stock market has plummeted in the two days since the election, and that was a key reason to vote against McCain and every Republican, are you blaming Obama for the declining value of your 401K? Or is the BushCheneyHaliburtonevilcapitalistJewishMilitaryindistrialcomplexoldwhiteguys cabal still responsible?Rise, Stock Market, Rise

Oh, and sorry I did not jump to the library to research your query about the origins of name of the band Ten Years After. Some of us have to work so we can be in position to pay the higher taxes coming down the pike.

After listening to President-elect Obama, I keep having this gnawing sense I have heard his words before. Today, listening to 1970's hippy music, It came to me in a flash of inspiration.

Behold Alvin Lee and Ten Years After:

Everywhere is freaks and hairies
Dykes and fairies, tell me where is sanity
Tax the rich, feed the poor
Till there are no rich no more

I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you


Population keeps on breeding
Nation bleeding, still more feeding economy
Life is funny, skies are sunny
Bees make honey, who needs money, No more for me

I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you

o yah

World pollution, there's no solution
Institution, electrocution
Just black and white, rich or poor
Senators stop the war


I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you

Chilling isn't it?

Parting thoughts on the election

Here are a few final thoughts on the election.

The way to win an election has been defined for years to come. Obama outspent McCain by an estimated margin of anywhere from 5-1 to 7-1. As soon as that kind of spending causes the Democrats to lose, more reform will be on the way.

The media has done itself a huge disservice. Their clear bias got them the President they wanted, but at what cost? I predict declining circulation and ratings will continue as people lose what little trust they have in the media. Now, after the election, I predict stories about Obama will begin to surface, in a too-little-too-late effort to salvage reputations. Even my wife, who is completely non-political, has commented on the bias in reporting. Studies even show that Leno and Letterman did 4 times more critical jokes of McCain/Palin.

It is my belief this election was more a repudiation of Bush than a philosophical move leftwards by the country. The truth will show in two or four years. I believe that should the extreme liberal members of Congress try to push a socialist agenda they will usher another conservative revolution. There is a general sense that the country is splashing around in the deep end of the pool with no clear direction. President-elect Obama offered change, and that resonated with people. Too many of the electorate voted through white guilt or just because he was black. They voted for anyone who was not Bush. They blamed the current economic situation on the Republicans. A significant number voted for a tax cut.

Time will tell. Maybe what we need is a President that is not steeped in politics. Maybe inexperience is the medicine for what ails us. Maybe we just elected the next Teddy Roosevelt. Maybe we just elected another Jimmy Carter. One thing is for sure, we just voted for more government in our lives. We voted for 55 mph speed limits and mandated smaller cars. We decided we want the same people who provide such a positive experience at the DMV to provide your health care. We voted to weaken our military. We voted for more taxes on businesses. That means you will pay higher prices. More unemployment and jobs moving offshore is the result of higher business costs.

America spoke and we all have to live with it. Eight or ten years ago pundits proclaimed the liberal wing of the Democratic Party was dead. Now they are in control. Such things go in cycles. A lurch to the left aways brings a lurch to the right.

On an interesting note, I do not think the difference in urban and rural voters has ever been greater. A county map of the election shows a clear delineation. The trend over the past several years shows those who live in the larger cities tend to vote overwhelmingly Democrat, while the rest of us vote Republican. Political Scientists can analyze this and tell us why, but I am confident such polarization is not a good thing.

I am sitting here munching on some cold mini-meatloaf. The daughter came home last night so she could vote this morning and she requested said meatloaves[?] for dinner. You make a meatloaf mixture and line the bottom of a muffin tin. Put in some diced onion, diced green pepper and some shredded cheddar. Cover with more meat mixture and bake as directed in your favorite recipe. I hate meatloaf, but these are a nice change. You can cover with ketchup if you like. I hate ketchup, so I don't. It is just one more indication of my superior taste and breeding.

I just got back from voting. In a shocking twist I voted for Obama.

Big Dick says he will start blogging again if Obama wins, so I did my part for entertainment.

OK, I was just fucking with you. I voted for the lesser of the Evils, and Palin. I did wear my Cubs hat. I am hoping some of that negative Chicago Cubs Karma will affect The Obama.

Just a few more hours and the commercials will be over. I am glad I live in a small town. I have little fear the riots and looting and car burnings will impact my community. There is a positive side to this election. If by some crazy miracle McCain pulls this one off, the irate Dims will go wild. Maybe they can burn Detroit to the ground, speed up the process, if you will. It will be like euthanasia for a dying city, a prime example of the positive influence of generations of Democratic Rule. Maybe they will get Gary, IN as well; a cosmic two for Tuesday. That, my friends, would be sweet.

Oh yeah, Baby, I like that...

Supergurl gave me a massive dose of Internet VD yesterday. A most virulent strain of virus mutated through my system. This was no ordinary disease. After more than 13 hours of scanners and other virtual forms of penicillin I walked away a cured patient. For a while I thought my trusty HP was going to end its days lounging by the pool, drooling, like Capone. I love you, Supergurl, but next time at least let me get my happy ending and post-coital smoke.

In other news, there is an election today. Go vote.

Massive layoffs and workforce reductions at work last week. I survived. There is a little more travel in the works, but that is OK, I like the Southeast. I feel badly for those who lost their jobs, it really sucks. I know, as I have been there myself. But in the cold-hearted light of day -- better them than me. Yes, I am selfish when it comes to my money and getting as much of it as possible.

Things that make you go WTF?

Well Sammy, here is a piece of news that should get you a little relief from your severe case of BDS: read this. I guess Bush (and Albright, and Clinton, and Kerry, and hundreds of others)did not lie to you about Hussein trying to build WMDs after all.

Did you see this?

I have been over the top on occasion when it comes to politics. But this idea should frighten even the most partisan Obamaites. If GW Bush had made this statement it would terrify the millions, and it should. I see visions of brown shirts, of neighbors informing on neighbors, kids reporting parents to the government. Who does Obama fear? What could happen that the military could not handle, or does he expect to order the military to actions it will not obey?

Please someone who understands the nuances of the Obama's campaign better than I explain this idea of a private army in more detail. What will be the command structure of this modern Praetorian Guard and what will be its mission? Why is it needed?

More answers

Guy, I have never been able to get completely through Atlas Shrugged. I can already hear the universal cries of "heretic". Perhaps I should try again.

Cappy, my first car was a 1966 Chevy truck, with a three-speed transmission on the column. I think I paid $400 for it. There is a post about that truck somewhere in the archives. It was black, with significant highlights of rust.

James, I stay in Indiana primarily because that is where my job is. That is not completely true, I have had opportunities to move before -- Kansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York. I like the change of seasons. I like the endless look of the flat prairies in the early morning light. The never changing but always different vistas of corn, bean, corn, bean, creek, woods, corn, bean. I like how the rows of corn come right to the edge of a country road like a green wall. I love travelling through the small farm towns, imagining the vibrant life that once supported the 100 year old buildings. I have travelled the country and I love the mountains, the beaches, and even a little the cities. Mostly I live here because it is home.

Now I have a question for you, readers and knowers of all knowledge. Why is it that early morning joggers feel the need to run in the street when there is a perfectly good sidewalk mere feet away? I would rather twist my ankle on a piece of uneven sidewalk than twist my body on the fender of a 3 ton vehicle.

Answers to Ask Hoosierboy Questions

Otter asks about my most embarrassing moment. Sadly, like Otter, I think I am missing the "embarrasses easily gene". I have done some things I regret, but nothing embarrassing comes to mind, like calling my date the wrong name in the throes of passion. I am sure those incidents are there, but none come to mind. I regret puking in my wife's lap after a night of tequila (that story is somewhere in the archives) or letting the air out of the tires on a buddy's car while he was on a date. I probably shouldn't have run around the block naked back during the streaking craze (I was like 10).

I once was late to a job interview back in college because I had to stop and vomit on the way. Some people might have blamed it on the copious amounts of Gin I drank the night before. I think it was just nerves. I did not get the job, the interviewer seemed a little concerned about my DTs. He asked me several times if I felt all right. The chunks of vomit on my tie were likely an issue as well. I never wanted to be a banker anyway.

Jean asks about reading recommendations. Currently I am reading In Harm's Way by James Bassett. This is probably my fifteenth or twentieth time to read this book.

For some fun and general reading I recommend anything by Tim Dorsey. The books can be read in any order, but it is better to read them in chronological order (see here). The books are set in Florida, so you probably know the kind of characters he portrays.

It is not to late, go ahead and ask your question of the old Hoosierboy.

I am changing my support to Obama

These people are geniuses.

Things I remember from the far distant past

A haiku of memories:

naked back massage
wet girl parts ride on my hips
hard nipples on skin


You shouldn't be surfing the 'net at work anyway.

Yours for the asking

I am travelling this week. I love the scheduled post feature, is he live or Memorex? There sure have been a lot of heavy posts around here lately. It is time to step away from politics for a bit.

Some of you may be new to the site and others of you just might be the curious sort. So it is time for another Ask Hoosierboy segment. What color are my eyes? What is my favorite movie? What book am I currently reading? All of the MeMe questions I never answer are yours for the asking. Query me in the comments and I will respond. One question per reader. Null and void in Rhode Island. Contents filled by weight, not volume. Answers are not redeemable for cash.

Go ahead, play along, it might be fun.

I have low expectations

Chirp....chirp....chirp....

Just as I thought, not one liberal, I love The Obama type, will jump into the fray and offer a substantive reason to vote for the Chosen One. The real reason goes beyond fear of name calling, but more to the fact there is no substance there. I am not calling out the loverly Mrs. O'Brien here, she is under no obligation to amuse me. There are plenty of Obama supporters who showed up to attack me previously, but where are they now? You cannot defend Obama's record because he does not have one. You cannot defend his plan, because he does not have one. The Obama is an empty suit.

This is America, and if you want to place your trust in empty promises of Hope and Change, that is your right. I would prefer there was a little thought behind your vote, but who am I to demand it? This election, my friends, is perfect proof of the genius of our founders. They were adamant the People not elect the President. They knew the office was too important to be treated like a popularity contest or voting for student body President. The put in the Electoral College to filter popular nonsense. That system saved us from disaster in 2000 and just might save us again.

I am not holding my breath, but the invitation for reasoned debate stands. Email me and I will give you access to the old blog so you can make your fact-filled policy statement as a post instead of in the comments.

And now for something really different

learn Something, think today

OK, go read the last several posts at Walker's place. She makes far more sense than I, and she is a much better writer. I may be jealous, but I know common sense when I read it.

Read it here.

A final plea

The remote email system for work is down, so I have a bit of time to think. I am sitting here nibbling on some Armour Dried Beef slices and sipping a Dr Pepper. I look at my comments widget and jump over to Holoscan to read my comments from the past several weeks.

I see an amazing trend. My critics are quick to attack me and the commenters when they are offended. Political correctness run amok, as it were. That is OK, I welcome any input, and this is a 100% free speech blog. Some of the comments are offensive, some of my posts may be. With some comments I agree, others I do not.

The one thing I never see from those with a differing viewpoint is a rational discussion of the issues. I present a case for limited government and I get no discourse. I ask policy questions and challenge the followers of The Obama to give me reasons to vote for him and get platitudes and "he isn't Bush". With all respect, the fact that Obama had a tough life is no reason to vote for him. It sucks he was discriminated against. At least he wasn't put in a 6 x 6 cage and beaten regularly. That is a tough few years. Of course, that is no reason to vote for a candidate either. What are Obama's qualifications, what has he done, what will he do? Hope and Change is a slogan, not a policy stance. How is he going to pay for his promised tax cuts and the trillion plus in new spending he proposes? How do you account for the incredible history of poor choices in friends, advisers and mentors? Would you let your kids hang out with the likes of Rezko, Wright and Ayres?

Where are my critics regarding ACORN and voter fraud? Why do you think it is OK to tear down political signs of those who oppose you? Are you worried about our future when the press is more concerned with investigating an Ohio plumber than Obama's ties to a convicted felon? The press is supposed to safeguard our future, yet they cannot get past their bias to actually report the facts or ask the hard questions. As thinkers and journalists and Americans who believe in the Constitution how can you support a candidate that vows to bring back the so-called 'Fairness Doctrine'? Why is it that policy is only aimed at right-wing radio? I turn off the TV when Dan Rather comes on because I believe he is a fraud and a liar. You can do the same with Rush.

Does Obama support reparations? Is there anyone denied emergency care or basic health care? Do we need universal coverage? Some studies indicate 40-60% of those who do not have insurance are young workers who do not think the benefit is worth the cost. Can the Government provide health care more efficiently? What will be the ramifications of pulling out of Iraq before the war is done? Has dialogue worked in North Korea or Iran? Why shouldn't we drill our own oil reserves in addition to exploring alternate fuels (which will also take at least a decade to come to market)? How is a plan to redistribute wealth NOT socialism by another name? How will taxing business not result in inflation?

What do you think of this? What if it was Obama instead? (h/t onemansvote)

When it comes to actual political discourse I need a recording of crickets chirping. How about substantive dialog as opposed to platitudes?

chirp......chirp.......chirp......

The ACORN weakens the mighty oak

It looks like ACORN is doing their thing here in Indiana, submitting false registrations. This left-leaning organization is under investigation in more than 20 states.

If you read the comments from the article you get the typical "The Repubs are just crying because they are losing" response. The potential for voter fraud should bother Americans of every stripe. There are some who believe their candidate was cheated in the past elections via voter fraud. I would think they would be shouting down ACORN's methods from every corner rather than taking the position "we are just getting some back".

Some of you will point out that Indiana requires a photo ID to vote. The State's tough law was upheld earlier this year in the Supreme Court. Democrats (and ACORN) vigorously fought the photo ID requirement. Some of the commenters on the article linked above felt that the photo ID law would prevent fraud from the many phony and multiple registrations.

Lets take a look at one Indiana citizen. I will call him Hoosierboy. From his home in Central Indiana, he can jump in the car and be in any of SEVEN counties in less than 20 minutes (including the one of his residence). The law says one must show a picture ID to vote. A passport will work. There is no address listed on a passport. Poll workers are to verify the identity of the voter, not the address. So, with little effort our intrepid voter can vote seven times for The Great and Powerful Obama! A quick consultation of the atlas indicates our fraudulent voter could hit a cool baker's dozen of counties with ease in the 12 hours the polls are open in Indiana. Vote early, and our fictional voter could cast a ballot in all 92 counties. Put five or six of his buddies in a van and we are casting some real votes for our Democratic ticket.

I am an upright, honest citizen. I take my right and responsibility to cast my ballot very seriously. If I can think of this, you bet those with nefarious intent have been doing it for years. Tell me again how ACORN is doing a good thing? Explain to me why the people of both parties are not indignant? Indiana is a little state. Take a gander at the hundreds of thousands of suspect registrations the Democratic Secretary of State in Ohio is ignoring and we have a serious problem.

Where is the outrage?

Carbon offsets

I am waiting on my liberal friends to begin the screaming and crying about the need to eliminate global warming. I would think one person flying in a private jet to Hawaii would be a prime incident. There are, after all, commercial flights available that are a green alternative.

I guess as long as a Dimocrit is doing the warming it is OK?

In addition, I would appreciate a comment on this from my Liberal readers, especially those of you who think I was overreaching when I called The Obama a socialist.

Alert

Monday. Lots of work on tap so I have nothing for you. Sorry, sometimes work and life intrudes on my efforts to entertain you.

Am I the only one who could care less about the World Series?

Does anyone know why there was no Sunday Night Football?

Hoosierboy Jeopardy

The answer is

dark chewy chocolate brownie and a tall glass of cold milk

Voter Education for Liberals Volume Vc

When we last discussed the political views held by our Founders we saw that they believed that men created a government to preserve their common interest. That government had to be virtuous and it existed only as long as it met the common goals and interests. The Government of England failed in all three aspects, so the People of the American Colonies declared themselves free of that said Government.

It is important to understand that the various colonies did not view themselves as a collective. Because of the way they were chartered and established, each colony looked at itself as a separate state that shared a common geography with other colonies. This is an essential point. A person who lived in Albany viewed himself as a New Yorker. A man from Williamsburg was a Virginian. The thirteen colonies might have been in revolt, but as thirteen separate states all battling a common enemy. The Continental Congress realized it was in their best interest to present a common front, to maintain a Continental Army etc., but only as a convenience.

During and after the Revolution the States operated in a loose confederacy under The Articles of Confederation. This form of government gave us a very weak Federal power. The States had an equal say in all matters and the President's role was akin to the modern Speaker of the House. The government had mo authority to regulate commerce between the States or to collect taxes. It was an administrative forum for the collective whole, at best. It did not work and finally the Constitutional Convention met to create what we now call The Constitution.

In the interest of time and space we will skip the details. The Constitution creates a government of Jefferson's principles. Look at the Preamble:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Does that not fit the ideal of government as we discussed previously? Governments are established by men to achieve a common goal? Read the whole Constitution and you will find it meets the other two criteria as well.

Now Jefferson did not like the opening words "we the People". He felt that ultimately the citizens of the United States would began to feel as if the Federal Government was the primary governing body. Jefferson believed "we the States" was a better fit. How would the dialogue before the Civil War and since changed if Jefferson got his way?

Anyway, the Constitution is unique in that it is a limiting document. It spells out specifically the powers of each branch. Moreover the founders were geniuses. The added a means to change the Constitution to fit the exigencies of the times. We have done that 27 times. There is no need for a 'living" document, the Constitution is plain in its language. In addition, the Founders added further safeguards of our liberties. The first Ten Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights and they were added as a condition of ratification. Many of our founders remained convinced a strong government tended to tyranny and wanted safeguards of individual liberty.

Most of the Bill of Rights were put into place to keep the events leading to the Revolution from repeating. The right to free speech and Press and assembly were included. These were taken away by the king after the Boston Tea Party. The Federal Government could not establish a State Church. Many of the colonies were formed by individuals who left England to escape the Church Of England. As it was armed private citizens that fomented the resistance and helped win the victory, the Constitution included the Second Amendment -- the Right to bear arms. Madison wanted to make sure the People could overthrow the Government if it too became tyrannical.

Protections to keep the Government from quartering troops and from forcing you to testify against yourself were included. You had a right to face your accusers in court.

Finally, the founders included the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. These are the most important of the Bill of Rights and the most abused and ignored by our current Federal Government:

Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

If you have followed along this far, you have to agree the Founders only intended a small Federal Government. The ensured its powers in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

So where do the "Heartless Conservatives" get their position? Right there, in the black and white English words of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Later Courts and Presidents and Congress have added to their powers. But how can you say Welfare and No Child Left Behind and Social Security are a result of 'legislating commerce between the States'?

Look at your candidates position and promises and tell me how he fits the role of President and Government as outlined by the men who created this Nation. Explain to me how taxing businesses and individuals and giving that money to other citizens fits with the Constitution. If you cannot, then you have no reason to condemn or criticise me when I say the candidate who wants to do those things is a socialist and wants to destroy our nation.

Finally, do not take my word for what the Founders intended. They summed up their position nicely in a series of letters to the editor and pamphlets promoting the Constitution. They outline the entire document and how it was supposed to work in clear simple English. Take the advise of commenter Sammy. Go to the library. Check out a copy of the Federalist Papers. Go ahead, learn something. You might be surprised your political outlook changes as well.

Voter Education for Liberals Volume Vb

When we last left off on the discussions on the role of Government the American Colonies and Britain had just defeated France in the Seven Years War. From this point on when I use the term American Colonies I am referring to the colonies that would make up the United States, not those of Canada.

As we saw in the previous post, the war had depleted the Treasury of Britain. Without getting bogged down into details, Parliament passed a series of Acts that passed the cost of the War onto the colonies. These are the famous Intolerable Acts, the Stamp Act, The Tea Act etc. The colonists considered themselves citizens of Great Britain. British citizens living in England or Scotland were represented in Parliament and the House of Lords. The boroughs voted the Representative for the House of Commons. Englishmen living in America id not vote for a representative to Parliament. Their local taxing laws were passed by their own representative Colonial Governments.

These new taxes and fees were a huge issue for the Colonists. Parliament was surprised at the outrage. Britain had sent troops to defend the Colonies from the French and it was only right they should pay for this protection. The colonists took a different view, either they were full citizens with the right to representation or they were not. The question was two-fold. Should they pay the taxes and did Parliament have the right to tax them? Tax protests ensued. The tax collectors found their houses burnt and their property destroyed. The Governors clamped down and ultimately the King sent in the army to quell the protest and keep the peace.

This only made things worse, particularly in Boston and New England. Troops were quartered in private citizen's houses. The local legislature was shut down, martial law was instituted. Riots ensued and the citizens began to arm themselves for protection against an increasingly tyrannical government. The Army moved to capture some of the most outspoken protesters and to capture a reported cache of arms at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. They were met by the local militia and the Revolution was on.

Now this did not all happen in a political vacuum. Representatives from the various states (colonies) had been meeting to plead their case to the King and Parliament begining with the Stamp Act. Letters, petitions and writs were sent with frequency from the political representatives of the Colonies. Ben Franklin was hired as a Representative of the Colonies (our first lobbyist). The First and Second Continental Congress' did all the could to stave off the Rebellion. After the events in Boston and the Battle of Breed's Hill(Bunker Hill) it was clear the nation was at war with Britain. Henry Lee motioned that the Colonies should declare themselves in a state of Rebellion and John Adams seconded the motion (a Declaration of War). A committee was established to write the motion formally.

The task fell to Adams, Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. The work was mostly done by Jefferson. Jefferson was a classically educated man of his times. he was well steeped in the philosophies of John Locke.

Jefferson and most of his contemporaries believed that men formed governments only to preserve a common self-interest. This was in direct opposition to the Divine Right of Kings espoused by, well Kings and Monarchs. He believed Government should only govern those issues commonly agreed upon such as defense and regulation of trade. The Founders believed a government derived its power from virtue; either religious or moral virtue to be specific. And finally, Jefferson believed that a government only gained its power through the consent of the governed. In other words, men formed a government because it was in their best interest. That government had to be righteous and Good (in a moral sense) and was only effective as long as it served the purpose of the governed (the reason it was created in the first place). Further, the founders believed that their Rights came not from Government or a King, but were natural. They believed all men were born free and that was their natural state.

So when Jefferson drafted his Declaration of Independence he thought it necessary to tell the world why the Colonies and various States were in a war for freedom. The Declaration begins with the idea that men have a natural right to dissolve their Government:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

The Declaration then outlines Man's specific Rights:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Thus the seeds were sown. The Founders were in a State of Rebellion and they told the world why. The next step after gaining Independence was to establish their own form of Government that met the criteria outlined in the Declaration.