This morning I had my normal two cups of Carriboo coffee from the machine that brews K-cups. I don't care for breakfast but the quack says I have to eat it, I suspect he would not approve of my repast this morning. I had a couple of microwave sausage patties and a sliced yellow tomato straight from the vine in my tiny garden. Dang it was good . In an hour or so I will look to lunch. I'm not sure if I will go for a hot dog or a frozen burrito.
I can see why you read this piece o'crap. It is truly mesmerizing in its insight, content, and prose.
July 30, 2014
History does not repeat, history does not repeat, history does not repeat
While the missiles fell almost daily on the population, Britain rallied the troops and fought on against the enemy. Often the battles raged in enemy cities and towns. Civilians were killed, schools, churches and houses were destroyed. Still, the missiles rained down. Britain started bombing the enemy from the air. The enemies ability to wage war was damaged.. Munition dumps and the factories that made the weapons of war were the main targets. The enemy responded by moving the missile launchers and munitions storage areas to civilian population centers. Britain tried to lessen civilian casualties, but the nation must be protected.
If you have studied history, you know the story of Britain's heroic defense in the face of constant rocket attacks. We admire the pluck and heroism of the British people in the face of terrifying, indiscriminate death from above. Their resolve to protect democracy against a totalitarian regime is the stuff of historical fact and legend. Few would disagree.
Now, go back to the paragraphs above and Substitute "Israel" for "Britain" and "Hamas" for "enemy".
If you have studied history, you know the story of Britain's heroic defense in the face of constant rocket attacks. We admire the pluck and heroism of the British people in the face of terrifying, indiscriminate death from above. Their resolve to protect democracy against a totalitarian regime is the stuff of historical fact and legend. Few would disagree.
Now, go back to the paragraphs above and Substitute "Israel" for "Britain" and "Hamas" for "enemy".
July 29, 2014
The Border is finally being secured
Thank goodness the Border Patrol is on the case. Dangerous criminals are finally being stopped at the border.*
Read all about it.
*This post is written in sarcasm font, in case your browser does not recognize it.
Read all about it.
*This post is written in sarcasm font, in case your browser does not recognize it.
Remember when the Democrats claimed Bush was an out of control despot?
I was listening to local talk radio this morning. The national news at the news break described a story about the Obama Administration dumping illegals in various states, including Tennessee. The Governor of the Volunteer State was outraged that the Feds would bring a significant group of people to the State without notifying anyone. According to the news reader, the Administration said they did not notify the State government because of the illegals "privacy rights".
What? Want documentation? How about this?
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that the illegal immigrant children have a right to privacy. He said privacy rights of the illegals are more important than the public’s right to know what’s happening.
What? Want documentation? How about this?
"I still have not been contacted and have no information about these individuals or their sponsors other than what was posted on the HHS website.”
July 28, 2014
Head scratcher
Why a single Jew votes, funds, or supports the Democratic Party will forever remain a mystery to me. No political party in the USA has done more harm to Israel and Jews than the Democrats. Not even the American Nazi party.
Quote of the day
“So, yeah, there’s too much money in politics...There are special interests that have too much influence...There is something you can do right now today to make a difference and that is to write a big, fat check. I kid you not, ...I’m going to be honest with you. That’s what we need you to do right now. We need you to write the biggest, fattest check that you can possibly write.” -- First lady Michelle ObamaThese people have even less shame than the Clintons, and that, my friends, is saying something.
Sheer profundidty
Hello Monday blog readers. Allergies are kicking my ass. I guess the plants think it is fall due to all of the global warming we have had this summer. My nose is dripping and my sinuses feel like Bruce Lee is practicing spin kicks against the inside of my skull.
We had a pretty uneventful weekend. Last night I threw some hot dogs on the grill. I made some potato salad and baked beans. A couple of tomatoes fresh from the garden and some deviled eggs made for a simple feast.
Yes, it is indicative of the excitement level around here when grilling hot dogs is the highlight.
We had a pretty uneventful weekend. Last night I threw some hot dogs on the grill. I made some potato salad and baked beans. A couple of tomatoes fresh from the garden and some deviled eggs made for a simple feast.
Yes, it is indicative of the excitement level around here when grilling hot dogs is the highlight.
July 26, 2014
Simple things
A cardinal is singing with frantic effort in the willow. The wind rises and falls from the southwest as it is wont to do in mid-summer. The sun is cutting pale yellow slices through the dark clouds as thunder rumbles in the distance. The coffee in my cup is dark and lukewarm and nearly gone. An Ian Fleming Bond novel and the TV remote perch side by side on the table beside my recliner vying for my attention. I can hear the neighbor's air conditioner running while in my den the ceiling fan wraps spiral shadows on the textured ceiling. In the corner the treadmill smirks a reminder of exercise undone while my right ankle throbs a mute response. Life continues apace and I am truly blessed.
July 25, 2014
July 24, 2014
Humorous, exciting, pithy, and attention grabbing
It occurs to me that the title of this post likely was nonsensical to you. Of course my titles are often ridiculous. very often they have nothing to do with the post content. I long ago embraced the notion that headline writing was not in my wheelhouse. And yes, I see you in the back waving your hand aggressively in the air. I know that writing in general is not among my strengths. So just shut up already.
Anyway, back to the point. It was the early or mid 1970's and I was at Boy Scout camp.* The powers that be in the troop made the decision to attend the camp in the last week of the season. Big mistake. The kitchen staff was doing their best to use up the stock of goods on hand. We were given a steady diet of rice and beans cooked in every conceivable way. In those days the young me was a picky eater. High on the list of foods that I would not eat was any kind of bean and rice in all of its forms. We had bean soup for lunch, chicken with rice for dinner. Rice and raisins for breakfast. Chili for lunch. By mid week I was starving. Beef jerky and soft drink "suicides" from the Trading Post will only sustain a growing boy so long. Besides, I did not have unlimited funds at hand.
Finely, I sat down at the table and heaped on platters was a nirvana breakfast -- scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes. The dishes were passed and we all filled our plates. I grabbed the salt and some asshole had loosened the lid. Most of the shaker ended up square on my plate. Everyone laughed. I thought I would cry. I didn't. There was no better way to be ostracized in those neanderthal pre-women's lib days of macho men than by crying for anything less than amputation, stabbing, or watching Brian's Song. I am fairly certain they served red beans and rice for lunch.
I am still not too fond of beans. I do like rice though.
*Camp Ransburg if you must know
Anyway, back to the point. It was the early or mid 1970's and I was at Boy Scout camp.* The powers that be in the troop made the decision to attend the camp in the last week of the season. Big mistake. The kitchen staff was doing their best to use up the stock of goods on hand. We were given a steady diet of rice and beans cooked in every conceivable way. In those days the young me was a picky eater. High on the list of foods that I would not eat was any kind of bean and rice in all of its forms. We had bean soup for lunch, chicken with rice for dinner. Rice and raisins for breakfast. Chili for lunch. By mid week I was starving. Beef jerky and soft drink "suicides" from the Trading Post will only sustain a growing boy so long. Besides, I did not have unlimited funds at hand.
Finely, I sat down at the table and heaped on platters was a nirvana breakfast -- scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes. The dishes were passed and we all filled our plates. I grabbed the salt and some asshole had loosened the lid. Most of the shaker ended up square on my plate. Everyone laughed. I thought I would cry. I didn't. There was no better way to be ostracized in those neanderthal pre-women's lib days of macho men than by crying for anything less than amputation, stabbing, or watching Brian's Song. I am fairly certain they served red beans and rice for lunch.
I am still not too fond of beans. I do like rice though.
*Camp Ransburg if you must know
July 23, 2014
The very best beet recipes
My daughter was at the house when I came home from a meeting yesterday afternoon. She brought me a Dilly Bar. Life is good.
I was very glad to see her. She got home late Sunday night from a two week educational sojourn to Europe as part of her advance degree program. I think she had a good time, but to her chagrin, she learned what those of us who have traveled to Europe in the summer have discovered -- namely air conditioning is non-existent, or poor at best, at many hotels and restaurants. She also complained about the European tendency to treat an ice cube like a nugget of pure gold. Somehow the knowledge that you can actually make large quantities of frozen water cheaply is not common knowledge at European eateries. All of these discomfits were exacerbated by the fact that western Europe is in the midst of a near record heat wave.
I was very glad to see her. She got home late Sunday night from a two week educational sojourn to Europe as part of her advance degree program. I think she had a good time, but to her chagrin, she learned what those of us who have traveled to Europe in the summer have discovered -- namely air conditioning is non-existent, or poor at best, at many hotels and restaurants. She also complained about the European tendency to treat an ice cube like a nugget of pure gold. Somehow the knowledge that you can actually make large quantities of frozen water cheaply is not common knowledge at European eateries. All of these discomfits were exacerbated by the fact that western Europe is in the midst of a near record heat wave.
July 22, 2014
Things I know Number 1,412
If you do not want your boss involved in your contraceptive choices, you should not ask him to pay for it.
July 21, 2014
Things I know, number 4
No matter how depressed you may get, a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie always makes you feel better.
Can't Decide?
If you are looking to criticize someone for the continuing violence in the Israel/Palestinian conflict I can help with just one simple question.
If Hamas had not launched missiles into Israel, how many Palestinians would have been killed by Israeli attacks?
Logic. Facts. They are sure stubborn things.
If Hamas had not launched missiles into Israel, how many Palestinians would have been killed by Israeli attacks?
Logic. Facts. They are sure stubborn things.
July 20, 2014
July 19, 2014
Old Julys
I lived in a large subdivision in a small town. The houses were made cheap, built fast and designed for new families, first-time homeowners and down-sizing older folks. The streets were curvy and wide and the blocks sported cul-de-sacs and sidewalks. The houses were close together but the back yards were large. As such, the entire neighborhood was filled with kids. Lots of kids. If you counted the kids on both sides of the street of my one little block there were close to 50. Not the whole block square, just one stretch of street. All of about the same age.
By day we were out playing and sweating in the July sun. There was no air conditioning. There was certainly nothing of interest to a nine year-old on the three channels we got on the TV. We raced through sodden bowls of cereal from boxes that boasted of their sugar content.
We headed out to play or ride our bikes. Coming home to have a fried bologna sandwich or peanut butter on Wonder bread for lunch. Kool-aid or lemonade washed it down. The afternoon was spent on adventures. We headed to the little park and the ditch along the tracks to catch crawdads or minnows. We rode the town on our bikes, sweaty urchins on stingray bikes with tall handlebars and banana seats with sissy bars.
Around five o'clock the dads started coming home from work. Smells and sounds of supper cooking seeped through the open kitchen windows. Some kids ate as soon as Dad came home, others later. Calls to supper echoed off the aluminum siding and rooftops all around the neighborhood. The neighbor to our west bellowed an undecipherable "Ruhhggg" for "Rich" when it was time for his son to belly up to the dinner table. My Mom usually paged my brother, knowing i would tag along, Dad hollered a short, clipped "Boys".
The boy who lived at the entrance to our cul-de-sac was called each evening by his mother. She had a screeching warble that could function as a high-pitch foghorn. She had amazing breath control and the way she stretched out the vowels in "Tracy" would have made an opera singer jealous. You could hear her blocks away as she launched her call into the evening air. Traaaaaaaaaacceeeeeeeeeeee" Tarzan blushed in shame for his comparatively weak-assed nature call. Train whistles on the Nickle Plate hushed in respect. "Traaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeee". Everyone in the eastern half of the county could hear her. Everyone except Tracy, that is.
"Hey man, I think your Mom is calling" we would say.
"I don't hear nothing". Every subsequent call was louder and longer than the one preceding. Rumor had it the brass works on the other side of town wanted to hire Tracy's mom to replace their broken factory whistle.
"Traaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Birds took flight in fear. The Civil Defense started their phone tree in fear of a Russian attack with a new weapon. Muezzin from the mysterious Middle East begged her to teach them her long-distance voice projection secrets to use in their call to prayer. "Traaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee".
She would launch into the "Tracy" wail, even if the kid was standing right in the front yard of his house. The sound of that ear-piercing call still echoes in my memories.
By day we were out playing and sweating in the July sun. There was no air conditioning. There was certainly nothing of interest to a nine year-old on the three channels we got on the TV. We raced through sodden bowls of cereal from boxes that boasted of their sugar content.
We headed out to play or ride our bikes. Coming home to have a fried bologna sandwich or peanut butter on Wonder bread for lunch. Kool-aid or lemonade washed it down. The afternoon was spent on adventures. We headed to the little park and the ditch along the tracks to catch crawdads or minnows. We rode the town on our bikes, sweaty urchins on stingray bikes with tall handlebars and banana seats with sissy bars.
Around five o'clock the dads started coming home from work. Smells and sounds of supper cooking seeped through the open kitchen windows. Some kids ate as soon as Dad came home, others later. Calls to supper echoed off the aluminum siding and rooftops all around the neighborhood. The neighbor to our west bellowed an undecipherable "Ruhhggg" for "Rich" when it was time for his son to belly up to the dinner table. My Mom usually paged my brother, knowing i would tag along, Dad hollered a short, clipped "Boys".
The boy who lived at the entrance to our cul-de-sac was called each evening by his mother. She had a screeching warble that could function as a high-pitch foghorn. She had amazing breath control and the way she stretched out the vowels in "Tracy" would have made an opera singer jealous. You could hear her blocks away as she launched her call into the evening air. Traaaaaaaaaacceeeeeeeeeeee" Tarzan blushed in shame for his comparatively weak-assed nature call. Train whistles on the Nickle Plate hushed in respect. "Traaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeee". Everyone in the eastern half of the county could hear her. Everyone except Tracy, that is.
"Hey man, I think your Mom is calling" we would say.
"I don't hear nothing". Every subsequent call was louder and longer than the one preceding. Rumor had it the brass works on the other side of town wanted to hire Tracy's mom to replace their broken factory whistle.
"Traaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Birds took flight in fear. The Civil Defense started their phone tree in fear of a Russian attack with a new weapon. Muezzin from the mysterious Middle East begged her to teach them her long-distance voice projection secrets to use in their call to prayer. "Traaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee".
She would launch into the "Tracy" wail, even if the kid was standing right in the front yard of his house. The sound of that ear-piercing call still echoes in my memories.
July 18, 2014
He's at it again
I am not sure how, but the biggest buffoon to ever hold office* has managed to be responsible for the economy 6 years after he left office. According to Democrats, Bush is responsible for the mess at the VA. W is to blame for the mess in Afghanistan, the violence in Iraq**. In true Urkel-like manner, I am sure George W watches the news of the day and whines "Did I do that?"
I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the Obama to take a break from golf and fundraising to describe in detail how the Bungling Bush managed to cause the flood if illegals on the border, the escalating violence in the Mideast***, and the downing of the Malaysian Airlines jet over Ukraine.
Obama will probably get around to properly laying the blame at Bush's feet just as soon as he winds up yet another vacation.
*according to Democrats
** did you notice that the rebels found a bunch of Weapons of Mass Destruction? The press kind of glossed right over that news.
*** how is it that Hamas is not condemned for launching missiles at Israeli civilians? Especially when the Hamas launchers are located in civilian areas -- mosques, schools, neighborhoods?
I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the Obama to take a break from golf and fundraising to describe in detail how the Bungling Bush managed to cause the flood if illegals on the border, the escalating violence in the Mideast***, and the downing of the Malaysian Airlines jet over Ukraine.
Obama will probably get around to properly laying the blame at Bush's feet just as soon as he winds up yet another vacation.
*according to Democrats
** did you notice that the rebels found a bunch of Weapons of Mass Destruction? The press kind of glossed right over that news.
*** how is it that Hamas is not condemned for launching missiles at Israeli civilians? Especially when the Hamas launchers are located in civilian areas -- mosques, schools, neighborhoods?
July 17, 2014
It was just like being back at Boy Scout Camp
It has been a while since the wife and I ate out a a restaurant. It has been even longer since we had BBQ, one of my mostest favorite foods. So last night we found ourselves at my favorite BBQ chain location. When the food came I breathed in the sweet, smokey goodness, took a small bite and reached for the salt to add just a smidgen of seasoning to that delicious pulled pork. And doom descended on me and my pork. Some jerk had loosened the lid on the shaler and about a tablespoon of salt poured on my food before I could stop the flow.
Seriously, we were in the bar, so I know a purported adult pulled the juvenile prank. Some people never move beyond junior high.
I scraped off the salt and top layer of pork and the food was still good, but not as good as it could have been.
Seriously, we were in the bar, so I know a purported adult pulled the juvenile prank. Some people never move beyond junior high.
I scraped off the salt and top layer of pork and the food was still good, but not as good as it could have been.
July 16, 2014
Wild wild west
Indianapolis has been rocked by a plethora of shootings and killings this year. The murder rate is on a record setting pace. The shooting of a police officer last week has brought the situation to a head. The community has started discussions and neighborhood initiatives to try and quell the violence. Many in the city are also turning to worthless measures that accomplish nothing but make the participant feel good like taking worthless "blue pledges", rallies, and moments of silence. I am surprised there has not been sightings of blue ribbons in the lapels of leading do-gooders.
If you want to get to the root of the problem, take a look at this story. There is plenty going on under the surface. But the very culture that deems it OK to pull out a gun and shoot at a fleeing car exemplifies the issue.
A couple of weeks ago two guys bumped into each other and instead of apologizing, or resorting to a punch in the nose, they pulled their heaters and sprayed the area with chunks of lead, hitting and wounding everyone in the area except each other.
A routine family argument ended in gunfire just earlier this week. As the wife said, "whatever happened to the old fashioned fist fight?" We all have a flight or flee response to danger. As long as the "fight" instinct means you reach for your gat, then the violence will only get worse.
If you want to get to the root of the problem, take a look at this story. There is plenty going on under the surface. But the very culture that deems it OK to pull out a gun and shoot at a fleeing car exemplifies the issue.
The person who fired the shots also remains a mystery.No one was protecting anyone in this situation. An idiot was firing a gun at a fleeing car. Heck, that does not work in the movies, there is no way, beyond dumb luck, random holes made by a piece of metal less than a half inch in diameter will stop a moving car. Most people can't accurately hit a target beyond 20 yards with a handgun without using a proper stance and with lots of practice. I suspect holding the gun with one hand and sideways lessons the accuracy even more. We should be thankful no innocent bystanders were hit.
But, Lard thanks whoever they are for protecting her children.She believes things could have gotten a lot worse if the driver hadn't been scared away.
A couple of weeks ago two guys bumped into each other and instead of apologizing, or resorting to a punch in the nose, they pulled their heaters and sprayed the area with chunks of lead, hitting and wounding everyone in the area except each other.
A routine family argument ended in gunfire just earlier this week. As the wife said, "whatever happened to the old fashioned fist fight?" We all have a flight or flee response to danger. As long as the "fight" instinct means you reach for your gat, then the violence will only get worse.
A good way to get sand in places you don't really care to find sand
Do you recognize this beach?
 |
| Taken with my own camera |
July 15, 2014
The silence of the leftist lambs
Americans are always going to disagree over politics and policy. It is part and parcel of our national political fabric. Despite the hand-wringing of pundits, the political discourse has often been just as dysfunctional and often more so in the history of our country. I do not agree politically with several people I know. But I rarely doubt their sincerity, nor the notion we all want what is best for our Nation.
I am very disappointed and concerned over the lack of response, nay outrage, of those on the left regarding the political targeting of the IRS (notice NO ONE claims it did not happen) and the "dog at my email" cover-up. When the bureaucracy is turned on private American citizens we should all be very afraid. The hypocrisy of the Democrat Party in this matter is disappointing and disgusting. The party that deigns to label itself as the party of the common man is turning a blind eye to the abuse of the common man. All in the name of protecting its own.
Nixon tried to use the IRS to go after his political enemies, and the corruption of that period is an anathema to us all. Yet some of the very people who worked at the Justice Department preparing the case against Nixon and his cronies are silent on this matter (yes, I am talking about Hilary Clinton among others). I find the hypocrisy revolting. It is shameful. No matter your politics, the IRS scandal should be repulsive and people like Lois Lerner should be reviled.
If you are not outraged, if you are not angered, if you are not disgusted, then your silence speaks volumes about your character and your honor.
I am very disappointed and concerned over the lack of response, nay outrage, of those on the left regarding the political targeting of the IRS (notice NO ONE claims it did not happen) and the "dog at my email" cover-up. When the bureaucracy is turned on private American citizens we should all be very afraid. The hypocrisy of the Democrat Party in this matter is disappointing and disgusting. The party that deigns to label itself as the party of the common man is turning a blind eye to the abuse of the common man. All in the name of protecting its own.
Nixon tried to use the IRS to go after his political enemies, and the corruption of that period is an anathema to us all. Yet some of the very people who worked at the Justice Department preparing the case against Nixon and his cronies are silent on this matter (yes, I am talking about Hilary Clinton among others). I find the hypocrisy revolting. It is shameful. No matter your politics, the IRS scandal should be repulsive and people like Lois Lerner should be reviled.
If you are not outraged, if you are not angered, if you are not disgusted, then your silence speaks volumes about your character and your honor.
July 14, 2014
A tip
Most servers do not make the minimum wage. Wages and policies vary from State to State. In Indiana, most servers work for tips. They get a $2.13 minimum wage, but only if their tips are less than this minimum. In other words, if your server makes a $3 tip and only has one table that hour, she makes $3. He does not get the minimum wage on top. If the tip is $2, then they will get a check for thirteen cents. At most restaurants, if a server can not routinely make more than $2 per hour they are soon on the street.
That is right. In most cases the person serving you gets paid what you tip them. Period. So you skinflints who routinely leave a buck or a quarter or nothing just made that person work for free. By the way, your server is not responsible if your steak is cooked wrong or the food is slow from the kitchen. If he or she fails to keep your drink filled, or to check on you, or is rude, then dock the tip. Otherwise, tip on the service, not the food. Remember, sometimes you have a bad day at work, but you still get paid. Treat your server accordingly.
That is right. In most cases the person serving you gets paid what you tip them. Period. So you skinflints who routinely leave a buck or a quarter or nothing just made that person work for free. By the way, your server is not responsible if your steak is cooked wrong or the food is slow from the kitchen. If he or she fails to keep your drink filled, or to check on you, or is rude, then dock the tip. Otherwise, tip on the service, not the food. Remember, sometimes you have a bad day at work, but you still get paid. Treat your server accordingly.
July 12, 2014
July 11, 2014
Thank goodness...
LaBron has decided. Now I hope we won't have to hear his name for a few months.
It has been a big week for NE Ohio. First the Repubs gift their convention to one of the bluest of blue cities, then Lebron announces his homecoming. I am not sure what either was thinking when they chose Cleveland.
It has been a big week for NE Ohio. First the Repubs gift their convention to one of the bluest of blue cities, then Lebron announces his homecoming. I am not sure what either was thinking when they chose Cleveland.
I'm not dead
I just have been doing other stuff. What, I can't really say. It is not that it is a secret, I just don't know what I have been doing instead of blogging.
I have a question for you. A couple of weeks ago a Federal Judge tossed Indiana's gay marriage ban. Hundreds of couples went to the courthouse, paid for and received a marriage license. They then paid a magistrate or other official to perform the ceremony. I presume many had cakes and receptions and such. In each and every case throughout the State the marriage was legal and binding.
Several days after the judge ruled the State got a stay on the ruling. No more same-sex couples could be married. These things will have to play out in court. Earlier this week the Governor declared all of those same-sex marriages null and void. WTF? How can the government go back and declare something illegal retroactively? I call bullshit. I am not a big fan of lawsuits, but there needs to be a class action suit filed ASAP. Indiana owes those people their fees and costs, if nothing else. Governmental over-reach is wrong, no matter what political party letter follows the politicians name.
What do you think?
I have a question for you. A couple of weeks ago a Federal Judge tossed Indiana's gay marriage ban. Hundreds of couples went to the courthouse, paid for and received a marriage license. They then paid a magistrate or other official to perform the ceremony. I presume many had cakes and receptions and such. In each and every case throughout the State the marriage was legal and binding.
Several days after the judge ruled the State got a stay on the ruling. No more same-sex couples could be married. These things will have to play out in court. Earlier this week the Governor declared all of those same-sex marriages null and void. WTF? How can the government go back and declare something illegal retroactively? I call bullshit. I am not a big fan of lawsuits, but there needs to be a class action suit filed ASAP. Indiana owes those people their fees and costs, if nothing else. Governmental over-reach is wrong, no matter what political party letter follows the politicians name.
What do you think?
July 8, 2014
Enough already
Am I the only one is ready for the "Flo" advertising campaign by Progressive Insurance to come to an end. Seriously, this has gone on about two years too long.
Witty post titles are hard to come by
I hate to tell you this, but yesterday's posts are indicative of my creativity levels these days. Politics is just the same old, same old. Weather? You have it, I have it. There is no point in talking about it. My domestic life remains unchanged. There is yard work and food and cleaning and rinse repeat, rinse, repeat. My health is good, my attitude moves at warp speed from sarcastic to caustic, to humorous to morosity (is that even a word? What is the correct bon mot to describe the state of being morose?). I am reading through the Game of Thrones series again. I am in the middle of book two. The Cubs suck, and will get worse as the season moves into the second half. Meaningful football is still two months away. The boy says they have added all of Bruce Lee's movies to Netflix, so I have that to look forward to.
Now I have wasted about 45 seconds of your day with this drivel.
Now I have wasted about 45 seconds of your day with this drivel.
July 7, 2014
An apology to Global Warmists across the fruited plain
I need to offer an apology to all of the environmentalists out there. I have long scoffed at the notion of man-made global warming. After last night's feast at a local Mexican restaurant I have to admit I am wrong. I have released copious amounts of methane and carbon gases into the air this morning. The bathroom is noticeably warmer, or perhaps it is just my rear. It smells like the gates of Hell too.
To quote the famed comedy duo Cheech and Chong -- "Come on ice cream".
To quote the famed comedy duo Cheech and Chong -- "Come on ice cream".
July 6, 2014
It is not about the barbeque
As is my wont, I watched the first two episodes of the HBO miniseries John Adams Friday morning. This series, especially the first two episodes, should be required watching in every school in the country. If you have not seen it, you should find a copy somewhere. Heck, come over and I will loan you mine, as long as you promise to return it.
July 5, 2014
Friday Music -- Saturday Edition along with other stuff
I woke with this tune in my head. Tommy James rocks.
I hope you had a great Fourth. We did. The wife and I went over to a cookout and then off to see 'splody things in the sky. We had a great time. I cannot remember the last time I had to don a sweatshirt to watch fireworks. You can insert your own global warming joke.
It looks like another great day is on tap. I have the Sinatra channel playing softly on Pandora in the background. I think I will read a few blogs and then pick up book to read until it gets a bit later in the morning. I have to mow the yard today.
The Chicago Cubs sure make it hard to be a fan. Another 90+ loss season is on tap. It is great to get young prospects, but if you have NO pitching it does no good to get a bunch of hitters. Fighting to win 10-9 ballgames is not a recipe for success.
Happy Saturday.
July 4, 2014
We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
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.
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.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:
Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton
Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn
South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton
Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock
Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton
Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross
Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean
Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris
New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark
Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery
Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott
New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton
US Archives
July 3, 2014
The weather outside is ...wonderful
I spent a half an hour this morning writing about my painful ankle.
I deleted it.
You are welcome.
I deleted it.
You are welcome.
July 2, 2014
Lucky it was my head
My daughter is teaching at a new school in the fall. We have been helping her move her stuff to her new classroom. Yesterday, we loaded up the wife's Escape with boxes of stuff the daughter wanted to take home.
I was carrying a box into my daughter's garage when out of nowhere something struck me on the side of the head. Hard. It knocked my glasses from my face and me to my knees. After wallowing on the floor for a bit, I looked up to see one of the bikes had fallen from the ceiling, it hung now only by the hook on the rear wheel; the front swung in a lazy arc above my head. The dislodged hook was on the floor at my feet. The bike had swung down and hit me square on the side of the head with the front tire. The wife found my glasses, unbroken and unbent a few feet away.
The new, more optimistic me looked at the weird turn of events and was glad it was the tire, not the frame that struck me. The wheel nut could have opened my scalp like a tin can. The son-in-law's car could have been under the bike. It could have been my wife or daughter getting the head shot.My glasses were unharmed. So was I.
The old pessimistic side still whispers in my ear, "What the fuck? Why me"?
I was carrying a box into my daughter's garage when out of nowhere something struck me on the side of the head. Hard. It knocked my glasses from my face and me to my knees. After wallowing on the floor for a bit, I looked up to see one of the bikes had fallen from the ceiling, it hung now only by the hook on the rear wheel; the front swung in a lazy arc above my head. The dislodged hook was on the floor at my feet. The bike had swung down and hit me square on the side of the head with the front tire. The wife found my glasses, unbroken and unbent a few feet away.
The new, more optimistic me looked at the weird turn of events and was glad it was the tire, not the frame that struck me. The wheel nut could have opened my scalp like a tin can. The son-in-law's car could have been under the bike. It could have been my wife or daughter getting the head shot.My glasses were unharmed. So was I.
The old pessimistic side still whispers in my ear, "What the fuck? Why me"?
July 1, 2014
SCOTUS, the real death panel
For those of you who are in a frenzy over the Hobby Lobby decision, let me pose a question. If a woman should get free contraception because it is a "health" issue, shouldn't my dad's blood pressure medicine be free? Why aren't you in hysterics over me having to pay for my diabetes medication? After all, my health is at risk if I don't take it. I would posit my friend's heart medication if far more essential to his health than almost any woman's morning after pill.
I will entertain rebuttal in the comments. Before you argue, remember the ruling did not deny anyone access to anything, it merely made clear who would pay for it. And perhaps if you are really outraged, you should protest outside the Obama White House and at the HHS building. They unilaterally imposed a waiver saying exactly the same as the Hobby Lobby SCOTUS ruling for religious institutions. If denying free abortion aids are damaging women's health at Hobby Lobby, they must also be life-threatening down at St. Mary's..
Oh, in case your screen does not display it correctly, the title to the post is written in sarcasm font.
I will entertain rebuttal in the comments. Before you argue, remember the ruling did not deny anyone access to anything, it merely made clear who would pay for it. And perhaps if you are really outraged, you should protest outside the Obama White House and at the HHS building. They unilaterally imposed a waiver saying exactly the same as the Hobby Lobby SCOTUS ruling for religious institutions. If denying free abortion aids are damaging women's health at Hobby Lobby, they must also be life-threatening down at St. Mary's..
Oh, in case your screen does not display it correctly, the title to the post is written in sarcasm font.
It is mere cause and effect
Obama announces in true Emperor-like fashion he is no longer going to honor the laws and Constitution he swore to uphold and will no longer deport children and teens who are here illegally. The result is a flood of children and teens into the country. They are coming in numbers beyond control.
What will happen if we were to actually give amnesty to those who broke our laws? Gee, I wonder. After Reagan made the greatest mistake of his Presidency by signing an amnesty law we went from 6-8 million illegals to 20-30 million illegals.
Don't worry, Emperor Obama is not going to put up with the pesky law. He is going to fix immigration on his own. It is for the children after all.
Here is an idea. Put the National Guard on the border. Put the Army on the border. Turn away anyone coming across until we can get the fence built. Let Mexico deal with the problem. Let El Salvador deal with the problem. Let the UN deal with the problem. This is a refugee problem, not an immigration problem.
What will happen if we were to actually give amnesty to those who broke our laws? Gee, I wonder. After Reagan made the greatest mistake of his Presidency by signing an amnesty law we went from 6-8 million illegals to 20-30 million illegals.
Don't worry, Emperor Obama is not going to put up with the pesky law. He is going to fix immigration on his own. It is for the children after all.
Here is an idea. Put the National Guard on the border. Put the Army on the border. Turn away anyone coming across until we can get the fence built. Let Mexico deal with the problem. Let El Salvador deal with the problem. Let the UN deal with the problem. This is a refugee problem, not an immigration problem.