You will have to entertain yourself today.
If you are at work I would suggest a non-sexual diversion.
If you choose, you may discuss my genius in the comments.
March 31, 2011
March 29, 2011
Today's earworm
Compare and contrast to Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga.
Thus endeth today's music lesson.
March 28, 2011
Sarah Palin is unelectable
There is little about Sarah Palin I do not like. Her conservative principles are firm. She is a real American. I am a little disturbed she quit as Alaska's Governor, and the reasons may be accurate, but it is still a tough spin.
The liberals hate Palin more than any political figure in history; more than Reagan, more than either Bush, more than Nixon. The liberal press has destroyed her. The women's libbers loathe her (I would think she should be the poster girl for the NOW chicks).
She terrifies the RINO's, she makes progressive crap their collective drawers.
She will never ever be elected President.
Discuss.
The liberals hate Palin more than any political figure in history; more than Reagan, more than either Bush, more than Nixon. The liberal press has destroyed her. The women's libbers loathe her (I would think she should be the poster girl for the NOW chicks).
She terrifies the RINO's, she makes progressive crap their collective drawers.
She will never ever be elected President.
Discuss.
March 27, 2011
A Priest, a Rabbi, an Iman, and a Baptist Preacher walk into a bar...
I had a long, well reasoned post all written in my head. Who wants to read about politics and Public Radio anyway?
It is Sunday. Spend some time with your family, or a good book, or an entertaining movie. Save your heavy thoughts for Monday.
Have a great day.
It is Sunday. Spend some time with your family, or a good book, or an entertaining movie. Save your heavy thoughts for Monday.
Have a great day.
March 26, 2011
A post where your author gets all artsy-fartsy
The coffee is hot
but the weather sure is not
a morning haiku
Rain makes flowers grow
spring snow and frost makes them dead
March in Hoosierland
Fruit Loops Lucky Charms
a spoon, bowl a little milk
wish I had bacon
Perhaps you should just go read what poetry Jean has to offer instead.
but the weather sure is not
a morning haiku
Rain makes flowers grow
spring snow and frost makes them dead
March in Hoosierland
Fruit Loops Lucky Charms
a spoon, bowl a little milk
wish I had bacon
Perhaps you should just go read what poetry Jean has to offer instead.
March 25, 2011
Brilliant Commentary and I Need Your Input
There is a reason for that. Hoosiers was filmed in Hinkle Fieldhouse.
If you have never seen the film, Hoosiers was the story of a small town basketball team that overcame the odds to win a State Championship. The story is based on the real-life story of Milan High in 1954. Bobby Plump hit the last second shot to win the game. He also went on to be a star at Butler. Weird coincidence? The real game also took place at Hinkle.
The "Milan Miracle" is the stuff of legend in the Hoosier State and kids were once weaned on the tale along side Mother Goose and the Grimm Brothers. Many a child of the 1960s and 1970s shot basket after basket in the drive or against a hoop on the barn reliving the last second game winning shot. Now days, kids just dream of being one of four State Champions. Why no, I am not bitter. Why do you ask?
Since it is Friday, I think we will do an impromptu Friday
Hoosiers
Rocky
Brian's Song
Major League
Breaking Away
Rudy
The Natural
Bull Durham
Raging Bull
Tin Cup
Your vote may differ. What are the best sports movies?
March 24, 2011
Manufacturing Dreams
I had the weirdest dreams this morning. They remained in my mind even after I woke up, slowly dissipating like fog in the morning sun until they are just a blurry memory as I write.
I was back in the widget factory. I was giving a tour, I guess, I was describing each department and machine. The whole thing was from a weird point of view, like a documentary shot from slightly above. We could look down at an angle at the machines, not a top view, but I was not at ground level either.
I described the screw machines, how they were set up, secondary, the CNCs, heat treat and the various grinding operations. I described in detail the complicated assembly process. The time was in the early days of my employment at the plant, when it ran in batch mode, lots of waste and useless movement of materials. Work-in-process inventories cluttered the floor space. In my dream I described in detail the antiquated semi-hand assembly process.
It was all very strange. It is very weird in that for a good while it was my job to transform that plant into a smooth, quick-reacting just-in-time factory. The tour was in the pre-changeover days, and I made special emphasis on the waste and poor manufacturing flow.
I could hear the machinery, smell the oils and coolants, feel the plant (this makes sense to anyone who has worked in heavy manufacturing). It is strange how memories from fifteen or twenty years ago can be so vibrant.
I am not sure what spurred these long buried memories. Perhaps it was a discussion with a customer earlier this week if manufacturing will ever come back on shore. We still make more "stuff" than any country on earth, but so many of the components we need to manufacture and assemble cars and machinery are all sourced overseas in this global economy. So much expertise is gone; the old guys who fabricated the tooling, who faced every problem and had the answer buried in their work experience.
This morning I pulled out a stack of business cards, encircled with a thick rubber band. It is several inches thick. Each card represents a customer, a contact, a company from my past. All no longer active. The name on the card represents a company closed, a contact retired, let go, outsourced.
i know the answer, most of those industries and plants are not ever coming back to power the employment of the rust belt. Too many operated like the plant in my dream. Too many were destroyed by the unions, by high taxes, by costly energy. For too many years the big corporations failed to reinvest in their manufacturing until it was cheaper to close than upgrade the plants. Cheap labor from Asia and Mexico were a more attractive offer. I guess I will have to be content to visit those plants in my dreams.
I was back in the widget factory. I was giving a tour, I guess, I was describing each department and machine. The whole thing was from a weird point of view, like a documentary shot from slightly above. We could look down at an angle at the machines, not a top view, but I was not at ground level either.
I described the screw machines, how they were set up, secondary, the CNCs, heat treat and the various grinding operations. I described in detail the complicated assembly process. The time was in the early days of my employment at the plant, when it ran in batch mode, lots of waste and useless movement of materials. Work-in-process inventories cluttered the floor space. In my dream I described in detail the antiquated semi-hand assembly process.
It was all very strange. It is very weird in that for a good while it was my job to transform that plant into a smooth, quick-reacting just-in-time factory. The tour was in the pre-changeover days, and I made special emphasis on the waste and poor manufacturing flow.
I could hear the machinery, smell the oils and coolants, feel the plant (this makes sense to anyone who has worked in heavy manufacturing). It is strange how memories from fifteen or twenty years ago can be so vibrant.
I am not sure what spurred these long buried memories. Perhaps it was a discussion with a customer earlier this week if manufacturing will ever come back on shore. We still make more "stuff" than any country on earth, but so many of the components we need to manufacture and assemble cars and machinery are all sourced overseas in this global economy. So much expertise is gone; the old guys who fabricated the tooling, who faced every problem and had the answer buried in their work experience.
This morning I pulled out a stack of business cards, encircled with a thick rubber band. It is several inches thick. Each card represents a customer, a contact, a company from my past. All no longer active. The name on the card represents a company closed, a contact retired, let go, outsourced.
i know the answer, most of those industries and plants are not ever coming back to power the employment of the rust belt. Too many operated like the plant in my dream. Too many were destroyed by the unions, by high taxes, by costly energy. For too many years the big corporations failed to reinvest in their manufacturing until it was cheaper to close than upgrade the plants. Cheap labor from Asia and Mexico were a more attractive offer. I guess I will have to be content to visit those plants in my dreams.
March 23, 2011
Indiana Democrats
You took the money, now do the work. You have cheated stolen from the taxpayers for 32 days now.
You fled the State, sore losers in the last election. You took your pay and ran away. If you ever come back the taxpayers will likely be on the hook for a special session. You will want to be paid for it too.
Fucking thieves.
I would not be surprised to see your crybaby brothers and sisters in Congress try the same act.
If you Indiana Repubs roll over and negotiate with these low-life scum, it will be the end for you too.
You fled the State, sore losers in the last election. You took your pay and ran away. If you ever come back the taxpayers will likely be on the hook for a special session. You will want to be paid for it too.
Fucking thieves.
I would not be surprised to see your crybaby brothers and sisters in Congress try the same act.
If you Indiana Repubs roll over and negotiate with these low-life scum, it will be the end for you too.
March 22, 2011
I was thinking...
In the past 50 years, have more people suffered radiation burns or sun burns?
Have more people suffered radiation poisoning or sun poisoning?
Nuclear power or solar power?
On this date in 2005 I published my first post. More than 3,000 posts and 6 years later, I am still presenting my unique perspective.
Have more people suffered radiation poisoning or sun poisoning?
Nuclear power or solar power?
On this date in 2005 I published my first post. More than 3,000 posts and 6 years later, I am still presenting my unique perspective.
March 21, 2011
Obama and why you are paying nearly $4 per gallon for gas
President Obama yesterday praised Brazil for its new offshore oil industry and said he wants to buy as much oil as possible in this new win-win partnership — although we have piled up $5 trillion in new debt, curtailed new petroleum exploration off shore and in the West, as well as kept Alaska off-limits. Our near-term energy future apparently lies in borrowing money to buy oil from those we praise for drilling where we never would ourselves. sourceYep.
And let the protest begin
I suspect Cindy Sheehan and Code Pink will be setting up shop in Lafayette Park near the White House today. Maybe they are camped down the street from the Obama house in Chicago.
Surely the Left is up in arms? We are attacking a legitimate regime in Libya. There is no American interest at stake. It is likely over oil. "Blood for oil", will the Progressives shout.
For goodness sake, the Colonel only violated one stinkin' UN Resolution. It was US warmongering when Saddam violated 12.
Let me understand. We have to interfere in Libya because a a crazy frickin' dictator attacks his own people in open rebellion? Is it not a problem if those people are Kurds? Qadaffi helped foment terrorism. Hussein only paid blood money to the families of suicide bombers in Israel.
The Libyan operation is a coalition, because Canada, Italy, Britain, France and others are involved. GW was a "Cowboy" in Iraq because he went in with Canada, Italy, Britain and others. I guess adding France makes all the difference. After all, their last military victory was under Napoleon, and he lost his last war. 1815 was not so long ago, I guess.
Clinton bombed Iraq and an aspirin factory in Somalia to cover up his diddling of Monica (cigar anyone?). What is The Obama up to?
What are the college kids to do? Should they protest the evil war in Libya or the evil Republicans in Wisconsin. Decisions, decisions.
EDIT: How about that -- not all Democrats are hypocrites
Surely the Left is up in arms? We are attacking a legitimate regime in Libya. There is no American interest at stake. It is likely over oil. "Blood for oil", will the Progressives shout.
For goodness sake, the Colonel only violated one stinkin' UN Resolution. It was US warmongering when Saddam violated 12.
Let me understand. We have to interfere in Libya because a a crazy frickin' dictator attacks his own people in open rebellion? Is it not a problem if those people are Kurds? Qadaffi helped foment terrorism. Hussein only paid blood money to the families of suicide bombers in Israel.
The Libyan operation is a coalition, because Canada, Italy, Britain, France and others are involved. GW was a "Cowboy" in Iraq because he went in with Canada, Italy, Britain and others. I guess adding France makes all the difference. After all, their last military victory was under Napoleon, and he lost his last war. 1815 was not so long ago, I guess.
Clinton bombed Iraq and an aspirin factory in Somalia to cover up his diddling of Monica (cigar anyone?). What is The Obama up to?
What are the college kids to do? Should they protest the evil war in Libya or the evil Republicans in Wisconsin. Decisions, decisions.
EDIT: How about that -- not all Democrats are hypocrites
March 20, 2011
I'll stare you down
This is one of my favorite pictures of your humble author, Here I am staring down the photographer as a smart-aleck 14 year-old. That would make me a freshman in high school. My Mom's perfect handwriting on the back tells us the year was 1976.
edit picture removed. You should check in more often!
At this age I was pretty confident I could kick anyone's ass, although I weighed maybe 100 pounds. Like most boys that age, I was terribly full of myself.
Not like now.
My hair was thick and wavy and unruly. I desperately wanted to be able to grow long hair, feathered at the sides like the cool kids. Instead I had waves and curls. I also wanted to be tall and good looking.
Alas, I was who I was.
I was not in any way as innocent as I looked back in our bicentennial year.
This flashback was brought to you by the numbers four and nine. Which combine to make my age as of today.
edit picture removed. You should check in more often!
At this age I was pretty confident I could kick anyone's ass, although I weighed maybe 100 pounds. Like most boys that age, I was terribly full of myself.
Not like now.
My hair was thick and wavy and unruly. I desperately wanted to be able to grow long hair, feathered at the sides like the cool kids. Instead I had waves and curls. I also wanted to be tall and good looking.
Alas, I was who I was.
I was not in any way as innocent as I looked back in our bicentennial year.
This flashback was brought to you by the numbers four and nine. Which combine to make my age as of today.
March 19, 2011
In a cold sweat
I used to never get cold. I wore T-shits all winter and never, ever zipped my coat. That was back in the days when my blood was literally maple syrup.
Now that my blood sugar is better and mostly under control, my healthier, thinner blood does not warm me so much. For the past year or so I get cold. In the core of my body. I get the shivering teeth chattering kind of cold. I don't like it, but it is a fact of life. These days I often wear a sweatshirt over my faded Nike tees. When I go outside I wear a hat and gloves and my coat is zipped to my neck. Winter walks find me in a stocking cap and a hoody under my winter coat. Friggin' wimp I am these days.
Last night I mosied off to bed around 11:30. That is my usual time. I am one to fall asleep instantly. But for some reason I was still awake after midnight. I got up and went to read a little. As I sat in the chair I began to get warm. I asked the Wife if she thought it was hot in the house, she thought not.
I fetched a diet root beer and sat at the table. I looked down and my shirt was dark with sweat. Damp patches showed in the pits and under my manboobs. My back looked like I had just spent the past 30 minutes working out, not reading sea stories. (want to give me hug?).
I showed my Wife, she asked me if I was OK, if I was having a heart attack or something? I told her I felt fine. I checked my pulse, it was normal. I told her I guess I was having sympathetic hot flashes. She was not amused.
After a bit, I returned to normal. By the time I went to bed (after falling asleep in the chair), I was actually a bit cold.
I feel fine this morning. Old age ain't for the faint of heart.
And yes, if it happens again I will call the doctor. Or at least my Mom.
Sorry, I know there is nothing worse than hearing old people talk about their health. I really had nothing else this morning.
Now that my blood sugar is better and mostly under control, my healthier, thinner blood does not warm me so much. For the past year or so I get cold. In the core of my body. I get the shivering teeth chattering kind of cold. I don't like it, but it is a fact of life. These days I often wear a sweatshirt over my faded Nike tees. When I go outside I wear a hat and gloves and my coat is zipped to my neck. Winter walks find me in a stocking cap and a hoody under my winter coat. Friggin' wimp I am these days.
Last night I mosied off to bed around 11:30. That is my usual time. I am one to fall asleep instantly. But for some reason I was still awake after midnight. I got up and went to read a little. As I sat in the chair I began to get warm. I asked the Wife if she thought it was hot in the house, she thought not.
I fetched a diet root beer and sat at the table. I looked down and my shirt was dark with sweat. Damp patches showed in the pits and under my manboobs. My back looked like I had just spent the past 30 minutes working out, not reading sea stories. (want to give me hug?).
I showed my Wife, she asked me if I was OK, if I was having a heart attack or something? I told her I felt fine. I checked my pulse, it was normal. I told her I guess I was having sympathetic hot flashes. She was not amused.
After a bit, I returned to normal. By the time I went to bed (after falling asleep in the chair), I was actually a bit cold.
I feel fine this morning. Old age ain't for the faint of heart.
And yes, if it happens again I will call the doctor. Or at least my Mom.
Sorry, I know there is nothing worse than hearing old people talk about their health. I really had nothing else this morning.
March 18, 2011
A post that starts out with nonsense and goes downhill from there
It is finally Friday. For some reason this week has been a long one. Temps hit above 70 yesterday. Woo wee, it was nice. The sun was shining. Too bad the wind was blowing strong, but I will take what I can get. I snuck (sneaked?) out at lunch and enjoyed a nice H. Uppman Chairman's Reserve Robusto. This was my first stogie since before the New Year.
How did you do on your basketball brackets? I missed three games yesterday. That is pretty good for me. Although I am by birth and residence a Hoosier, I do not really care too much for basketball.
I know, I may have to renounce my Indiana citizenship. Seriously, Basketball is not the king it once was in the Hoosier State. Class Basketball, cable TV, shopping malls, modern times, and football have all combined to weaken King Basketball. No longer can you count on massive gyms being filled on a Friday night.
The girls basketball programs have sued to make sure they play an equal number of Fridays. Now we see boys games all through the week. I get the fairness thing, but no matter how many lawsuits are filed, you cannot make a sport popular. All the change has done is lessen the popularity of the boys program. I hate to bring politics into it, but that is always the result of trying to legislate "fairness". The result is lowering the outcome for all.
Class Basketball destroyed the old local rivalries. It weakened the overall product. But it has been 15 years. The old way can never return. Those of you from other States cannot comprehend what it was like to sit in a high school gym filled with 5,000 screaming, rabid fans.
How did you do on your basketball brackets? I missed three games yesterday. That is pretty good for me. Although I am by birth and residence a Hoosier, I do not really care too much for basketball.
I know, I may have to renounce my Indiana citizenship. Seriously, Basketball is not the king it once was in the Hoosier State. Class Basketball, cable TV, shopping malls, modern times, and football have all combined to weaken King Basketball. No longer can you count on massive gyms being filled on a Friday night.
The girls basketball programs have sued to make sure they play an equal number of Fridays. Now we see boys games all through the week. I get the fairness thing, but no matter how many lawsuits are filed, you cannot make a sport popular. All the change has done is lessen the popularity of the boys program. I hate to bring politics into it, but that is always the result of trying to legislate "fairness". The result is lowering the outcome for all.
Class Basketball destroyed the old local rivalries. It weakened the overall product. But it has been 15 years. The old way can never return. Those of you from other States cannot comprehend what it was like to sit in a high school gym filled with 5,000 screaming, rabid fans.
March 17, 2011
Basketball thoughts
So far I am 2-0 in my NCAA Bracket. Past history shows my picks will be as accurate as a Washington Generals three pointer by Sunday.
I am pretty sure I am in good position to win my office pool though. I am the only entry.
Do you think there are a lot of teams looking around and thanking the basketball gods they are not in a bracket with Butler?
edit. Now 2-2, missed the Louisville upset. Since I had Louisville winning the next round too, that is already two losses. Like I said, by Sunday my paper will be fit for nothing but fire starter.
I am pretty sure I am in good position to win my office pool though. I am the only entry.
Do you think there are a lot of teams looking around and thanking the basketball gods they are not in a bracket with Butler?
edit. Now 2-2, missed the Louisville upset. Since I had Louisville winning the next round too, that is already two losses. Like I said, by Sunday my paper will be fit for nothing but fire starter.
Dear Progressive Readers -- an open challenge
Few, if any of my old progressive readers show up here any more. They never comment. I guess the drubbing they took in the last election made them scurry back to their holes, clutching their blankies and crying for Mommy. Or perhaps they came to the conclusion I was right all along?
I would like to open up the forum and sincerely I would like the Obama supporter from 2008's opinion. Just as I had no issue criticising GW, I wonder how you who voted for The Obama feel about him now?
Since Obama was elected gas prices at the pump are up almost 90%. Unemployment has increased from just over 5% to 9% and higher. The deficit has tripled. The value of the dollar has fallen. Wars and strife have erupted in Iran, Korea, and all across the Mideast. The Afghan War continues, with no end in sight. The threat of terrorism is increased, not diminished. Gitmo remains open for business. Americans overwhelmingly rejected the Democrat agenda in the last election. Ocean levels have not decreased. Food prices jumped last month the highest rate in 36 years. Housing starts are the lowest since the Government started keeping track in 1959.
Is this the Hope and Change you thought you were getting? Is the Absentee in Chief living up to your expectations? We know The Obama has improved his golf game. He is spending some quality time on his NCAA Brackets, but how is he doing on the domestic and international fronts?
In the interest of fairness, I will even give you the keys to do a guest post, if you believe the comment section is not adequate for your rejoinder.
I would like to open up the forum and sincerely I would like the Obama supporter from 2008's opinion. Just as I had no issue criticising GW, I wonder how you who voted for The Obama feel about him now?
Since Obama was elected gas prices at the pump are up almost 90%. Unemployment has increased from just over 5% to 9% and higher. The deficit has tripled. The value of the dollar has fallen. Wars and strife have erupted in Iran, Korea, and all across the Mideast. The Afghan War continues, with no end in sight. The threat of terrorism is increased, not diminished. Gitmo remains open for business. Americans overwhelmingly rejected the Democrat agenda in the last election. Ocean levels have not decreased. Food prices jumped last month the highest rate in 36 years. Housing starts are the lowest since the Government started keeping track in 1959.
Is this the Hope and Change you thought you were getting? Is the Absentee in Chief living up to your expectations? We know The Obama has improved his golf game. He is spending some quality time on his NCAA Brackets, but how is he doing on the domestic and international fronts?
In the interest of fairness, I will even give you the keys to do a guest post, if you believe the comment section is not adequate for your rejoinder.
March 16, 2011
Random Ramblings -- Midweek Edition
I woke this morning with that gosh-awful Steve Miller Band song Abracadabra echoing in my brainpan. I hate anything ever recorded by the Steve Miller Band. If a song by him comes on the radio, I instantly turn it off. I would rather listen to feminine hygiene commercials. I would rather listen to farm reports. I would rather listen to Tiny Tim. The sound of cats having sex with pygmy goats would give more auditory pleasure.T he only thing worse is Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. They only insulted our sense of taste and decency with one song. Steve Miller did it repeatedly. And yes, I mean to include Quicksilver Messenger too. He should have named his band Hoover. You know, 'cause they suck.
It does not help that I once had a complete asshat of a neighbor who happened to be named Steve Miller.
I saw on the news that health food stores around Indy are sold out of iodine tablets. People are panicking that they are going to get radiation poisoning from the nukes in Japan. So far the leaked radiation levels are similar to what you would get from a chest X-ray. But the scare-team news is all in a lather. Of course common sense would tell you that it would take world-ending release of radiation amounts to have any effect on ignorant Hoosiers, but sane reasoning does not get in the way for the no-nukes crowd. I am willing to bet that 99.999% of those in a panic also voted for The Obama. Anyone taking odds?
Never ones to let a good crisis go to waste, the lefties like Joe Can't Retire Soon Enough Lieberman are already claiming we should back away from nukes in this country. I am still not sure how the lefties think we are going to power our electric cars. We cannot generate power with nukes, with coal, with natural gas or hydroelectric dams. How many windmills and solar panels will it take to get enough power to charge your Government Motors Volt? After all, the 24 mile range does not get one very far. I know, we can harness the power of the oceanic tides to power our electric cars.
It does not help that I once had a complete asshat of a neighbor who happened to be named Steve Miller.
I saw on the news that health food stores around Indy are sold out of iodine tablets. People are panicking that they are going to get radiation poisoning from the nukes in Japan. So far the leaked radiation levels are similar to what you would get from a chest X-ray. But the scare-team news is all in a lather. Of course common sense would tell you that it would take world-ending release of radiation amounts to have any effect on ignorant Hoosiers, but sane reasoning does not get in the way for the no-nukes crowd. I am willing to bet that 99.999% of those in a panic also voted for The Obama. Anyone taking odds?
Never ones to let a good crisis go to waste, the lefties like Joe Can't Retire Soon Enough Lieberman are already claiming we should back away from nukes in this country. I am still not sure how the lefties think we are going to power our electric cars. We cannot generate power with nukes, with coal, with natural gas or hydroelectric dams. How many windmills and solar panels will it take to get enough power to charge your Government Motors Volt? After all, the 24 mile range does not get one very far. I know, we can harness the power of the oceanic tides to power our electric cars.
March 15, 2011
The Ides of March
Me and Julius were just talking, things seem quiet today. Caeser thinks he will take a walk in the Forum with our buddy Brutus.
March 14, 2011
Random Thoughts for a Monday Morning
Democrats are still AWOL from the Indiana House. Par for the political course, Democrats take the money and refuse to do the work. The welfare party in action.
Speaking of work, there is supposed to be another union protest at the State House today. When do these supposedly hard-working union chaps actually work, anyway? They seem to spend far more time in protest than actually doing whatever vital work they reportedly perform.*
Further on the subject of work -- the boss is watching. Maybe you should fill out those brackets on your own time. Unless the boss is the guy running the pool. Back in the days I worked in the cubical farm, the boss always ran the NCAA office pool.
I have a confession. Some days I miss working in the big office environment. I have worked basically alone for the past 12 years. I am way more productive, but I miss the jokes, the coffee breaks, the office pools, etc. You know, actually communicating with other human beings on a daily basis. I do not miss the office politics, the resident douchebags and the rigid working conditions. If I want to look out the window, I can in my home office. At the cubical farm I could see daylight if I stood and looked in the distance I could see a sliver of sky and the far horizon.
Trade-offs; life is full of 'em.
* Edit Now we know H/T Nathan at Rants of a Fuzzy Curmudgeon.
Speaking of work, there is supposed to be another union protest at the State House today. When do these supposedly hard-working union chaps actually work, anyway? They seem to spend far more time in protest than actually doing whatever vital work they reportedly perform.*
Further on the subject of work -- the boss is watching. Maybe you should fill out those brackets on your own time. Unless the boss is the guy running the pool. Back in the days I worked in the cubical farm, the boss always ran the NCAA office pool.
I have a confession. Some days I miss working in the big office environment. I have worked basically alone for the past 12 years. I am way more productive, but I miss the jokes, the coffee breaks, the office pools, etc. You know, actually communicating with other human beings on a daily basis. I do not miss the office politics, the resident douchebags and the rigid working conditions. If I want to look out the window, I can in my home office. At the cubical farm I could see daylight if I stood and looked in the distance I could see a sliver of sky and the far horizon.
Trade-offs; life is full of 'em.
* Edit Now we know H/T Nathan at Rants of a Fuzzy Curmudgeon.
March 13, 2011
Time for my semi-annual rant
The wife bought me a new mouse pad. I did not have one before and my desk top was showing signs of wear. It did not really bother me, but it drove her nuts. So now I have a cool mouse pad in the shape of a home plate, the big red "Cubs" surrounded by a blue circle that is the logo of my beloved Chicago Cubs emblazoned in the center.
Woo-eee, I can tell by that last sentence I have been reading far to many 19th Century novels.
I did the clock-change thing this morning, so my mood is not the greatest. I woke up at6:30 7:30 and it was dark outside If we have to go along with this pretend notion we are somehow "saving daylight", can we at least wait until the kids can go to the bus stop when it is light? I guess the Golf Lobby is more powerful than the 'Let's Not Hit My Kid Walking To School Because It Is Dark Out' lobby. Daylight Savings Time does not save daylight. The sun shines the same number of hours each day, regardless the time we set on our clocks.
The concept might have had some small credence when working people went to bed shortly after sunset, but in today's world of artificial light and late night TV, most of us get far less sleep than our grandfathers. One could only sit around in the parlor listening to Fannie play the pianoforte for so long in the evening.
For you environmental weenies out there -- no energy is saved if instead of turning your lamps on at night you must burn your curly pig-tail bulbs more in the morning. Thus endeth sermon until fall, when we go through the same idiocy once again.
I need to find something to get into a good mood again. I need a good light-hearted movie. Maybe me and Elvis will Follow that Dream. Better yet, maybe me and Elvis will go to a clambake. I better go check the DVD cabinet.
Have a good Sunday. *
*I ran a spell check after I typed that last sentence and I wrote Have a good Sinday instead of Sunday. Dr. Freud call you office...
Woo-eee, I can tell by that last sentence I have been reading far to many 19th Century novels.
I did the clock-change thing this morning, so my mood is not the greatest. I woke up at
The concept might have had some small credence when working people went to bed shortly after sunset, but in today's world of artificial light and late night TV, most of us get far less sleep than our grandfathers. One could only sit around in the parlor listening to Fannie play the pianoforte for so long in the evening.
For you environmental weenies out there -- no energy is saved if instead of turning your lamps on at night you must burn your curly pig-tail bulbs more in the morning. Thus endeth sermon until fall, when we go through the same idiocy once again.
I need to find something to get into a good mood again. I need a good light-hearted movie. Maybe me and Elvis will Follow that Dream. Better yet, maybe me and Elvis will go to a clambake. I better go check the DVD cabinet.
Have a good Sunday. *
*I ran a spell check after I typed that last sentence and I wrote Have a good Sinday instead of Sunday. Dr. Freud call you office...
March 12, 2011
Jerry Lee Lewis, Blue Oyster Cult and Earthquakes
Good morning blog world. It is finally the weekend. What a long week; it seemed to last at least five days.
Given my determination to post something everyday, I am typing these words as fast as my index fingers can go. I have a confession. I sometimes write my posts days or even weeks in advance. Sometimes I throw them up with nary a thought. You will not be surprised by that, I guess. This is one of those make-it-up-as-I-type offerings.
I had the idea of posting some Jerry Lee Lewis this morning. Then Prudence got a hold of me (Prudence is one hot chick) and I decided "a whole lot of shakin' goin' on" is probably in bad taste, given the earthquakes in Japan this week. But the tune is stuck in my skull.
I read where of of Japan's nuclear plants is in danger of a meltdown. I can only think this sounds familiar. Doesn't every Godzilla movie start with this plot?
first 1956 version of Godzilla a few times -- the one with Perry Mason -- but I thought it was stupid too.
I would apologize for the digression, but I am not sure what I digressed from or to. Perhaps I should just go read what you have to say this morning.
Oh -- and fuck you NFL -- both sides.
Given my determination to post something everyday, I am typing these words as fast as my index fingers can go. I have a confession. I sometimes write my posts days or even weeks in advance. Sometimes I throw them up with nary a thought. You will not be surprised by that, I guess. This is one of those make-it-up-as-I-type offerings.
I had the idea of posting some Jerry Lee Lewis this morning. Then Prudence got a hold of me (Prudence is one hot chick) and I decided "a whole lot of shakin' goin' on" is probably in bad taste, given the earthquakes in Japan this week. But the tune is stuck in my skull.
I read where of of Japan's nuclear plants is in danger of a meltdown. I can only think this sounds familiar. Doesn't every Godzilla movie start with this plot?
Oh no, they say he's got to goToo soon? I remember going to the theater to see Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster as a kid, but I really can not remember much about the movie, but that it was stupid. I am not a big monster movie kind of guy anyway. I have seen the
Go go Godzilla, yeah
Oh no, there goes Tokyo
Go go Godzilla, yeah
I would apologize for the digression, but I am not sure what I digressed from or to. Perhaps I should just go read what you have to say this morning.
Oh -- and fuck you NFL -- both sides.
March 11, 2011
Weekend Funny -- Friday Afternoon Edition
This remains one of the funniest scenes in any movie ever.
Bonus:
They call me mellow yellow
I flew in from Charlotte last night and boy are my arms tired. Well, I am tired anyway. After a delay in Charlotte of nearly an hour, I banged my luggage through my front door around 11:30 in the PM. My day started around 7:00, so it was long day. But then, that is why I get the big bucks. Hah!
I have two conference calls on tap this morning, so maybe you can get a real post later. Maybe not.
I cracked up last night at the airport. I must of still had my "be nice and charming" face on after visiting with customers earlier in the day. My normal "I hate people vibe" was not coming on strongly, I guess. As I was walking from the gates toward the terminal a middle aged lady asked me if I had just come from Charlotte. I replied in the affirmative. She said she was on that flight also. She asked me the way to baggage claim. After giving her the directions (keep walking and go down the escalator) she walked along with me. We were going the same direction, although I was heading straight for my car.
She told me they had just come from Jamaica. I guessed that already. She had on shorts and it was in the thirties. She had her hair done up Bo Derrick style. No white woman looks good in that look, but for some reason they all have their hair done that way while in Jamaica. It is hilarious to see the plane disgorge passengers from the Caribbean in Charlotte, half the middle-aged chicks are sporting cornrows and beads.
The nice lady proceeds to tell me her flight from Charlotte was delayed almost an hour.
Think about that a moment. We had just discussed we were on the same flight. I guess the braids were pulled just a little too tight.
You would have been proud. I did not even respond. I guess I am getting mellow in my old age.
I have two conference calls on tap this morning, so maybe you can get a real post later. Maybe not.
I cracked up last night at the airport. I must of still had my "be nice and charming" face on after visiting with customers earlier in the day. My normal "I hate people vibe" was not coming on strongly, I guess. As I was walking from the gates toward the terminal a middle aged lady asked me if I had just come from Charlotte. I replied in the affirmative. She said she was on that flight also. She asked me the way to baggage claim. After giving her the directions (keep walking and go down the escalator) she walked along with me. We were going the same direction, although I was heading straight for my car.
She told me they had just come from Jamaica. I guessed that already. She had on shorts and it was in the thirties. She had her hair done up Bo Derrick style. No white woman looks good in that look, but for some reason they all have their hair done that way while in Jamaica. It is hilarious to see the plane disgorge passengers from the Caribbean in Charlotte, half the middle-aged chicks are sporting cornrows and beads.
The nice lady proceeds to tell me her flight from Charlotte was delayed almost an hour.
Think about that a moment. We had just discussed we were on the same flight. I guess the braids were pulled just a little too tight.
You would have been proud. I did not even respond. I guess I am getting mellow in my old age.
March 10, 2011
Books, Books, Books
I received my new Kindle for Christmas. Since that time I have read 17 books. Most are old classics, some are new titles. I am greedy and have always hoarded books. I have 35 more volumes in my queue waiting to be read.
Here is the list of the read volumes:
Star Island by Carl Hiaason
The Fort By Bernard Cornwell
The Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
El Dorado by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
I Will Repay by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
The Elusive Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
The League of the Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
At this point I was a little tired of Sir Percy and his gang
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Trap Line by Carl Hiaason
Key Weird by Robert Tacoma
Fat, Forty and Fired by Nigel Marsh
Under Enemy Colors by S. Thomas Russell
A Battle Won by S. Thomas Russell
Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
and I am currently reading
Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Frederick Marryat
As you can see, once I get on an author I like, I stick with him or her for a while. I had read The Scarlett Pimpernell as a kid, so I was glad to reacquaint myself with that fine adventure story set during the French Revolution. The sequels I had not read before. The books by S. Thomas Russell are in the spirit of Patrick O'Brian, of course not as good, but well worth a read. It goes without saying the Bernard Cornwell book is excellent.
The Marryat books are new to me. Marryat was a British Naval officer in the time of the Napoleonic Wars. He writes in the wordy style of the 19th Century, but so far I find him an entertaining read. Midshipman Easy is hilarious, and clearly the British sense of humor has not changed in two hundred years.
Fat, Forty and Fired is a fun, quick read. It is the story of a down-sized executive and the year he spent trying to rearrange the priorities in his life. It is told with humor and honesty.
I have three more Marryat books waiting, but I think I am going to take up Eddie Rickenbacker's autobiography next. But I have to admit, The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey is a tempting choice. But to be honest with myself, I will probably stick to Marryat until he bores me.
What are you reading?
Here is the list of the read volumes:
Star Island by Carl Hiaason
The Fort By Bernard Cornwell
The Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
El Dorado by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
I Will Repay by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
The Elusive Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
The League of the Scarlett Pimpernell by Baroness EmmuskaOrczy
At this point I was a little tired of Sir Percy and his gang
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
Trap Line by Carl Hiaason
Key Weird by Robert Tacoma
Fat, Forty and Fired by Nigel Marsh
Under Enemy Colors by S. Thomas Russell
A Battle Won by S. Thomas Russell
Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
and I am currently reading
Frank Mildmay Or, The Naval Officer by Frederick Marryat
As you can see, once I get on an author I like, I stick with him or her for a while. I had read The Scarlett Pimpernell as a kid, so I was glad to reacquaint myself with that fine adventure story set during the French Revolution. The sequels I had not read before. The books by S. Thomas Russell are in the spirit of Patrick O'Brian, of course not as good, but well worth a read. It goes without saying the Bernard Cornwell book is excellent.
The Marryat books are new to me. Marryat was a British Naval officer in the time of the Napoleonic Wars. He writes in the wordy style of the 19th Century, but so far I find him an entertaining read. Midshipman Easy is hilarious, and clearly the British sense of humor has not changed in two hundred years.
Fat, Forty and Fired is a fun, quick read. It is the story of a down-sized executive and the year he spent trying to rearrange the priorities in his life. It is told with humor and honesty.
I have three more Marryat books waiting, but I think I am going to take up Eddie Rickenbacker's autobiography next. But I have to admit, The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson by Robert Southey is a tempting choice. But to be honest with myself, I will probably stick to Marryat until he bores me.
What are you reading?
March 9, 2011
Boo hoo
The news was filled this morning with the gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair in lament of the eeeeviiilllll Republicans cutting funding for Pell Grants. The future amount of grants will be reduced. Pell Grants are given to the poor to help defray college costs.
Some of the "poor" students were interviewed this morning on what losing free money from the taxpayers might mean. One complained she might now have to take out loans and "owe a bunch of money" when she graduates. Another said he may have to get a part time job to help pay for college.
Going back to my earliest posts this has been a sore subject for me. I have put two kids through college. My oldest has graduated, my middle child still attends. Both worked while attending classes. Both owe tens of thousands in student loans. My daughter's student loan payments are the equivalent of a luxury car payment. My son works thirty hours a week and goes to school full time and will have accrued over $40,000 in student loans when he finally graduates.
The "poor" students often do not work, get their college paid for, and enter the workforce debt free -- all on the back of the taxpayers. I have no issue helping the needy get an education. An educated society is a benefit to us all. I do think that all students should have to maximize the Stafford loans (those are the ones government backed) before we give away the free money.
Before the Democrats start wailing about cheating the "poor" out of a college education, perhaps they can ask why tuition for colleges and universities raises at about 200% the rate of inflation EVERY YEAR. I have been paying tuition for six years between two different colleges (one private and one public) and both have had a minimum increase of 5% every single year. Now that is something to investigate and cry over.
Don't even get me started on the whole scholarship scam.
Some of the "poor" students were interviewed this morning on what losing free money from the taxpayers might mean. One complained she might now have to take out loans and "owe a bunch of money" when she graduates. Another said he may have to get a part time job to help pay for college.
Going back to my earliest posts this has been a sore subject for me. I have put two kids through college. My oldest has graduated, my middle child still attends. Both worked while attending classes. Both owe tens of thousands in student loans. My daughter's student loan payments are the equivalent of a luxury car payment. My son works thirty hours a week and goes to school full time and will have accrued over $40,000 in student loans when he finally graduates.
The "poor" students often do not work, get their college paid for, and enter the workforce debt free -- all on the back of the taxpayers. I have no issue helping the needy get an education. An educated society is a benefit to us all. I do think that all students should have to maximize the Stafford loans (those are the ones government backed) before we give away the free money.
Before the Democrats start wailing about cheating the "poor" out of a college education, perhaps they can ask why tuition for colleges and universities raises at about 200% the rate of inflation EVERY YEAR. I have been paying tuition for six years between two different colleges (one private and one public) and both have had a minimum increase of 5% every single year. Now that is something to investigate and cry over.
Don't even get me started on the whole scholarship scam.
Weird stuff
A. Did you know that the word "race car" spelled backwards still spells "race car"?
B. Did you know that "eat" is the only word that if you take the 1st letter and move it to the last, it spells its past tense "ate"?
C. And have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in "illegal immigrants" and add just a few more letters, it spells out: "Go home you fucking free-loading, benefit-grabbing, kid-producing, violent, non-English speaking assholes and take those other fucking hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, bomb-making, goat-fucking, raggedy-ass bastards with you"?
How weird is that?
sent to me by Otter
B. Did you know that "eat" is the only word that if you take the 1st letter and move it to the last, it spells its past tense "ate"?
C. And have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in "illegal immigrants" and add just a few more letters, it spells out: "Go home you fucking free-loading, benefit-grabbing, kid-producing, violent, non-English speaking assholes and take those other fucking hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, bomb-making, goat-fucking, raggedy-ass bastards with you"?
How weird is that?
sent to me by Otter
March 8, 2011
Tax the Rich
Our favorite liberal ignoramus Michael Moore (does anyone else thing he resembles Ignatious J. Reilly, the hero of John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces?*) has offered some pontifications recently. He believes we are not broke as a country or as individual states, but that the rich are not paying their fair share. He made this appallingly stupid statement while aiding in the protests in Wisconsin. A few thoughts spring to mind.
A. Moore is a big supporter of unions, except when he refuses to use them himself, to keep costs down in his so-called documentaries.
B. If Moore feels so strongly he should lead by example. I suspect he will soon be showing his financial records and demonstratble proof he actually paid extra taxes to do his part. Perhaps I missed that press conference. It may have been a joint affair with Senator John Kerry making public his Military Records.
I am willing to venture if we took every cent earned by the filthy rich -- those who make more than $250,000 income, according to the Democrats -- we could not pay off the massive 1.6 TRILLION dollar deficit projected by the current administration. We have a spending problem in Washington (and in most states and municipalities), not a revenue problem.
In fact, I wonder if we confiscated 100% of every dollar earned by the rich (taxed 100% on dollar one) if we could even raise enough revenue to pay the current deficit?
Remember 1.6 trillion dollars looks like this:
$1,600,000,000,000.00
* Here is the description of Ignatious J. Reilly: "A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either side like turn signals indicating two directions at once. Full, pursed lips protruded beneath the bushy black moustache and, at their corners, sank into little folds filled with disapproval and potato chip crumbs." Compare and contrast:
A. Moore is a big supporter of unions, except when he refuses to use them himself, to keep costs down in his so-called documentaries.
B. If Moore feels so strongly he should lead by example. I suspect he will soon be showing his financial records and demonstratble proof he actually paid extra taxes to do his part. Perhaps I missed that press conference. It may have been a joint affair with Senator John Kerry making public his Military Records.
I am willing to venture if we took every cent earned by the filthy rich -- those who make more than $250,000 income, according to the Democrats -- we could not pay off the massive 1.6 TRILLION dollar deficit projected by the current administration. We have a spending problem in Washington (and in most states and municipalities), not a revenue problem.
In fact, I wonder if we confiscated 100% of every dollar earned by the rich (taxed 100% on dollar one) if we could even raise enough revenue to pay the current deficit?
Remember 1.6 trillion dollars looks like this:
$1,600,000,000,000.00
* Here is the description of Ignatious J. Reilly: "A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either side like turn signals indicating two directions at once. Full, pursed lips protruded beneath the bushy black moustache and, at their corners, sank into little folds filled with disapproval and potato chip crumbs." Compare and contrast:
March 7, 2011
Most irresponsible cuts ever -- Democrat Dick the Turbin Durbin
Let us say you worked hard and received $100.
You owe your kid an allowance. You take $1.75 from that $100 and give it to little Junior. Most would argue you are a cheap bastard. But more importantly, you would not really miss that $1.75.
You would not go hungry. You would not be forced to forgo any items you planned to purchase before you gave up that $1.75. After $98.25 is still a nice chunk of change.
Now lets look at similar scenario. The awful cuts implemented by the Evil republicans in the Continuing Budget Resolution amounted to 1.75% of the budget. That is right, our elected Representatives managed to find a whopping 1.75% of governmental spending we could do without.
Somehow cutting less than 2% of the budget is a massive, irresponsible cut according to the Democrats.
You owe your kid an allowance. You take $1.75 from that $100 and give it to little Junior. Most would argue you are a cheap bastard. But more importantly, you would not really miss that $1.75.
You would not go hungry. You would not be forced to forgo any items you planned to purchase before you gave up that $1.75. After $98.25 is still a nice chunk of change.
Now lets look at similar scenario. The awful cuts implemented by the Evil republicans in the Continuing Budget Resolution amounted to 1.75% of the budget. That is right, our elected Representatives managed to find a whopping 1.75% of governmental spending we could do without.
Somehow cutting less than 2% of the budget is a massive, irresponsible cut according to the Democrats.
Hope and Change, Indeed
President Obama cannot seem to make up his mind what to do in Libya. He was wishy-washy on the turmoil in Egypt. He is unable to decide whether to support the forces of democracy in Iran. Obama does not know what to do about North Korea, or Syria. or Lebanon. or the Palestinians. or the Chinese. or Tunisia, or Yemen, or the Russians, or Pakistan. When it comes to Iraq he just shuts his eyes and pretends the country does not exist.
It took the President months to make a policy decision regarding surging troops into Afghanistan. The President was AWOl, in the Obamacare negotiations, and has stood firmly on the sidelines as budget deals are brokered in Washington. He has no firm policy to jump start the economy. Obama did nothing as floods and ice storms ravaged the Midwest early in his Presidency. President Obama has no policy plans to handle the illegal immigration problem. The decision to get a dog tooks weeks and weeks.
So far, the only quick decisive decision Obama has been able to deliver is to call some policemen racists in the case of the Harvard Professor break-in.
I am not sure we should have expected any better from a person who had zero executive or management experience. He may have no idea how to take a decision, but the community organizer roots are strong.
It took the President months to make a policy decision regarding surging troops into Afghanistan. The President was AWOl, in the Obamacare negotiations, and has stood firmly on the sidelines as budget deals are brokered in Washington. He has no firm policy to jump start the economy. Obama did nothing as floods and ice storms ravaged the Midwest early in his Presidency. President Obama has no policy plans to handle the illegal immigration problem. The decision to get a dog tooks weeks and weeks.
So far, the only quick decisive decision Obama has been able to deliver is to call some policemen racists in the case of the Harvard Professor break-in.
I am not sure we should have expected any better from a person who had zero executive or management experience. He may have no idea how to take a decision, but the community organizer roots are strong.
March 6, 2011
I like this song
Here is another video of my boy's band. Listen or don't. It is my blog and I will post what I like.
They just won a battle of the bands in Muncie, Indiana. they will be touring all over the place this summer.
March 5, 2011
Something new for you to listen to
There are two songs on the video.
This is my son's band. They have gotten some very limited local airplay. You can hear more here.
Those of you who are long-time readers will admit he has come a long way. Listen to Restless, Thanks Barbara or any of the tunes from the "Casual Friday" release and I think you will agree.
Yes, my progeny is Bradley Thomas. Perhaps I am just that parent who proudly points out his kid is the ONLY kid in step in the whole marching band...
March 4, 2011
Why I may soon need blood pressure medicine.
I went to the drug store earlier this week to get my diabetes medicine refilled. They had to get an updated script from the doctor and they told me to come back the next day. I had a few days on hand so it was not a problem.
I went back yesterday and they told me I could not get a refill. According to their records, I filled my prescription last on February 12, and the insurance would not pay for more already. I will admit it seemed like I had just refilled the medicine. I pointed out to the clerk that if I was out then they shorted me last time.
Running some quick addition in my head I mentioned that if I refilled on February 12, that was 18 days ago. When I refilled I had a day or two of pills on hand. I told her I bet the druggist only gave me 30 pills, even though I take one pill twice a day. I said it had to be a mistake on their part. After pretty much calling me a liar and accusing me of hoarding drugs, taking too many, losing the medicine, abusing the pills, selling them, and trying to cheat CVS, the insurance company, and probably her personally, she agreed to talk to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist heard her out, looked at the screen and said "We probably counted wrong". He then told her to give me enough to last until the 9th, the earliest the insurance company would allow a refill. The ninth is six days away. She came back and gave me SIX pills, gratis. The only problem is I need TWO pills every day. I pointed out my medicine would be gone on Monday, and I could not get more until Thursday. The clerk told me the six was all the pharmacist could give me. I pointed out once again they are only providing enough for ONE F-ING PILL A DAY, and that is how we came to this position to start with.
I went home as pissed as I have been in a long time. I tried to call the doctor to no avail. I called the pharmacy to talk with the pharmacist. I got another clerk. I again pointed out that they must have shorted me last month, only giving me enough for one a day, not two, and explained the math to her. She asked me what they should do about it? I said I need more pills, you obviously shorted me. She said she would talk to the pharmacist.
After a while, the second clerk came back and asked how many pills I need to last until the ninth. I told her six. She asked six or twelve and told me I need to get my story straight. I said six and explained they had given me six earlier. She asked why I did not ask for twelve if that was what I needed.
I asked if I could come and get the extra pills. She said she did not know how I would get them if I did not come to the store. I swear to the Maker those were her exact words.
I went back to CVS and waited in line. Again. I explained I was there to pick up my medicine. Blank look. She checked the bins and there was no prescription. "Nothing for you.", she said. I explained the whole thing again. Blank look. She asked me what I wanted them to do? I grabbed the back of her neck and slammed her face-first into the counter.
Not really , but I wanted to.
She talked to the pharmacist and finally got me enough pills to last until the ninth. As I left, I pondered again the loss of customer service in this country. Boy, is the clerk at CVS going to be unhappy next week when I pour out my pills right there on the counter and count them. Then I am going to have my prescriptions transferred elsewhere. I am not sure where that will be in this one-horse town, but I will find someplace.
CVS will never miss me.
* I take complete blame here -- I should have noticed the qty was light when I refilled in February. But the drug store did nothing to make the issue easier to fix.
I went back yesterday and they told me I could not get a refill. According to their records, I filled my prescription last on February 12, and the insurance would not pay for more already. I will admit it seemed like I had just refilled the medicine. I pointed out to the clerk that if I was out then they shorted me last time.
Running some quick addition in my head I mentioned that if I refilled on February 12, that was 18 days ago. When I refilled I had a day or two of pills on hand. I told her I bet the druggist only gave me 30 pills, even though I take one pill twice a day. I said it had to be a mistake on their part. After pretty much calling me a liar and accusing me of hoarding drugs, taking too many, losing the medicine, abusing the pills, selling them, and trying to cheat CVS, the insurance company, and probably her personally, she agreed to talk to the pharmacist.
The pharmacist heard her out, looked at the screen and said "We probably counted wrong". He then told her to give me enough to last until the 9th, the earliest the insurance company would allow a refill. The ninth is six days away. She came back and gave me SIX pills, gratis. The only problem is I need TWO pills every day. I pointed out my medicine would be gone on Monday, and I could not get more until Thursday. The clerk told me the six was all the pharmacist could give me. I pointed out once again they are only providing enough for ONE F-ING PILL A DAY, and that is how we came to this position to start with.
I went home as pissed as I have been in a long time. I tried to call the doctor to no avail. I called the pharmacy to talk with the pharmacist. I got another clerk. I again pointed out that they must have shorted me last month, only giving me enough for one a day, not two, and explained the math to her. She asked me what they should do about it? I said I need more pills, you obviously shorted me. She said she would talk to the pharmacist.
After a while, the second clerk came back and asked how many pills I need to last until the ninth. I told her six. She asked six or twelve and told me I need to get my story straight. I said six and explained they had given me six earlier. She asked why I did not ask for twelve if that was what I needed.
I asked if I could come and get the extra pills. She said she did not know how I would get them if I did not come to the store. I swear to the Maker those were her exact words.
I went back to CVS and waited in line. Again. I explained I was there to pick up my medicine. Blank look. She checked the bins and there was no prescription. "Nothing for you.", she said. I explained the whole thing again. Blank look. She asked me what I wanted them to do? I grabbed the back of her neck and slammed her face-first into the counter.
Not really , but I wanted to.
She talked to the pharmacist and finally got me enough pills to last until the ninth. As I left, I pondered again the loss of customer service in this country. Boy, is the clerk at CVS going to be unhappy next week when I pour out my pills right there on the counter and count them. Then I am going to have my prescriptions transferred elsewhere. I am not sure where that will be in this one-horse town, but I will find someplace.
CVS will never miss me.
* I take complete blame here -- I should have noticed the qty was light when I refilled in February. But the drug store did nothing to make the issue easier to fix.
Today's Earworm
I was wandering around in The Cheese Aisle and Ellison mentioned the classic Kinks hit Lola. Now I dig the Kinks, but for my money I think Well Respected Man is one of their best efforts. But you really can't go wrong with anything they did.
March 3, 2011
Cubs in mid-season form already
It looks like it may be a long season.
PHOENIX -- Carlos Silva and Aramis Ramirez were involved in a dugout skirmish after a three-error first inning Wednesday, including one by the Cubs third baseman, and manager Mike Quade said he would address the team on Thursday.
Quade said he planned to talk to the players after Wednesday's game, a 12-5 loss to the Brewers, as his team made five more errors. The spring total now is a 1-3 record, 14 errors and one altercation. source102 years and counting.
A veritable cornucopia
I have the Beatles Let it Be swimming around in my head this morning. I am going to go out on a limb and guess you do not need me to post a video of that song to know what it is?
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Volume #134 of things overheard when travelling that cracked me up:
Location: In a truckstop men's room in northern Indiana.
Trucker #1 to Trucker #2 as they enter said men's room: I always use the kid's urinal 'cause I need the room.
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So I met with a couple of engineers yesterday. One of them I have known a long time, the other I had never met. As they entered the room I shook the hand of #1, and turned to #2, who I did not expect to be in the meeting. I extended my hand and said "Hi, Joe Average" and gave a business card. Engineer #2 said "Oh, I forgot to bring a card. Nice to meet you." Engineer #1 interrupted to tell me "He has been helping me with this project". The problem -- Engineer #2 never told me his name. In the course of the meeting and subsequent lunch, no one referred to Engineer #2 by name. As the conversation turned almost immediately to business, I did not have an opportunity early to ask him his name. As the day wore on, it seemed impossible to ask. How do you spend a couple of hours with a guy and then ask "What is your name, anyway?".
I have been doing this a long time, and rarely have I lost control of the situation this completely. I still have no clue who the guy was. I only hope he is copied on some return emails or something. I think I will call him Tony Pickett on my expense report for the luncheon. I went to elementary school with a Tony Pickett and the guy kind of look like old Tony.
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Yesterday on the radio I heard a comedian tell this joke (paraphrased):
"I just got back from entertaining the troops. Yeah, Cub Scout Troop 197 over on the west side."
Way back in the dark ages, when I was a young 13 year old Boy Scout, I had to prepare and lead a campfire for an obscure requirement (XXX for those of you in the know). We were at summer camp and I invited five or six nearby troops to the big event. I lit the fire and then introduced myself. I told them my name was Joe Average, but for the rest of the evening they could call me Bob Hope, because I was there to entertain the troops. I suppose the joke was not all that funny, but I think it was witty for an adolescent.
I do wonder if that comedian was a young Boy Scout attending summer camp at Ransburg Reservation back in 1975? It sure seems like the same joke to me.
The wife says neither joke is too funny. In fact, her response was something like, "Wow you were a dork way back then too?".
Ouch.
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Volume #134 of things overheard when travelling that cracked me up:
Location: In a truckstop men's room in northern Indiana.
Trucker #1 to Trucker #2 as they enter said men's room: I always use the kid's urinal 'cause I need the room.
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So I met with a couple of engineers yesterday. One of them I have known a long time, the other I had never met. As they entered the room I shook the hand of #1, and turned to #2, who I did not expect to be in the meeting. I extended my hand and said "Hi, Joe Average" and gave a business card. Engineer #2 said "Oh, I forgot to bring a card. Nice to meet you." Engineer #1 interrupted to tell me "He has been helping me with this project". The problem -- Engineer #2 never told me his name. In the course of the meeting and subsequent lunch, no one referred to Engineer #2 by name. As the conversation turned almost immediately to business, I did not have an opportunity early to ask him his name. As the day wore on, it seemed impossible to ask. How do you spend a couple of hours with a guy and then ask "What is your name, anyway?".
I have been doing this a long time, and rarely have I lost control of the situation this completely. I still have no clue who the guy was. I only hope he is copied on some return emails or something. I think I will call him Tony Pickett on my expense report for the luncheon. I went to elementary school with a Tony Pickett and the guy kind of look like old Tony.
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Yesterday on the radio I heard a comedian tell this joke (paraphrased):
"I just got back from entertaining the troops. Yeah, Cub Scout Troop 197 over on the west side."
Way back in the dark ages, when I was a young 13 year old Boy Scout, I had to prepare and lead a campfire for an obscure requirement (XXX for those of you in the know). We were at summer camp and I invited five or six nearby troops to the big event. I lit the fire and then introduced myself. I told them my name was Joe Average, but for the rest of the evening they could call me Bob Hope, because I was there to entertain the troops. I suppose the joke was not all that funny, but I think it was witty for an adolescent.
I do wonder if that comedian was a young Boy Scout attending summer camp at Ransburg Reservation back in 1975? It sure seems like the same joke to me.
The wife says neither joke is too funny. In fact, her response was something like, "Wow you were a dork way back then too?".
Ouch.
March 2, 2011
And you were there...
On this date in history, Wilt the Stilt knocked down 100 points in an NBA game.
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
on March 2, 1962 in Hershey,PA, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks (at is always good when the Knicks lose) in a defense struggle --169-147. Only 4,127 fans showed up to see the game, and it was not televised.
details
March 1, 2011
Urbana, not the the best choice for a hidey-hole
Indiana Democrats remain off the job at the Statehouse. They originally left in protest over a Right to Work Bill. The wussy Repubs have agreed to pull that legislation, but the crybaby Democrats are still AWOL. Pat Bauer's wig remains recalcitrant as well. So far your antics are not working, Indiana Democrats. Perhaps you should try stamping your feet, holding your breath and rolling on the floor until you get your way. It cannot make you look any sillier than running away.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.
As a fellow Hoosier, I am worried about the mental health of Indiana Democrats. In their hurry to escape the confines of Hoosierdom, in their haste to cross the icy Wabash River, I am afraid they have chosen their hideout poorly. If one has to spend a long time in hotel, the cheapest possible location or most convenient motel chain may not be the best choice. For goodness sake I hope you guys are at least getting frequent guest points. Here is a handy hint -- if you check out, then check back in, some hotel chains count that as separate stays. More points, Baby. Even Pat Bauer's wig likes more points.
I guess I have missed out on the Champaign-Urbana area's charm the many times I have passed through the cities. I would have thought the vacationing Democrats could have chosen a more scenic and urbane (urbane/Urbana get it?) area to hide in. Dillinger hid out in the scenic Little Bohemia Lodge in Wisconsin. Indiana Democrats have hot tubs in Urbana. Heck, at least I would stay in the Galena area, the Democrats could visit Grant's home. Then they could take a day trip to the Field of Dreams baseball field over in Dyersville, Iowa. Perhaps the absent Democrats could visit Springfield while they are in Illinois to see the Lincoln Home and Tomb. There is a Military Cemetery in nearby Danville. Oh, never mind, Democrats hate all things military.
Not only do Indiana Democrats have poor decision making skills when it comes to legislating, their choice of hidey-hole remains suspect. I Googled "Things to do in Illinois". The Things to Do website lists the areas in Illinois to find interesting stuff. The eastern part of the State is not even listed!
Fear not, Indiana Democrats. Your intrepid host has searched out a few scintillating activities in Urbana to occupy your time. You will not have spend every waking minute caucusing with your fellow Dems, or driving endless loops through the U of I campus ogling coeds. You can visit the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music:
Musical instruments and period band uniforms are among the holdings of this campus museum. In addition, it's home to the private letters of Herbert L. Clarke and former University of Illinois band directors A. Austin Harding, Mark Hindsley and Harry Begian. Of course, the museum's true gems are the letters, personal library, and original compositions donated by legendary composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. sourceOr perhaps our travelling Democrats may like to visit the Champaign County Historical Museum at Cattle Bank.
Housed in one of the region's oldest standing commercial buildings (the historic Cattle Bank), this museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of Champaign County. Special exhibits change seasonally, and permanent holdings include an outstanding collection of handmade quilts and a working 1919 Cretor popcorn wagon that often makes appearances at downtown events. source
A popcorn wagon! I imagine that will offer hours of endless fun for the Indiana Democrat. I bet Pat's rug would even enjoy a historical popcorn wagon. It beats working and doing the people's business, I am sure.
By now I bet some of you Indiana Democrats are getting a little tired of soaking in the hot tub and staring at the four walls of a motel by the Interstate. Trust me, I have been there. Well not really, I usually show up for work, but I have spent a lot of time in hotels and motels. It can be tiresome. I hope I have given you a couple of field trip ideas to help fill your days until such time you decide to come to work.